Rock The Bells, AfroFuture, AfroVerse and Sixthman festivals have announced the first-ever AfroCruise which will sail from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas. The cruise will depart on March 29, 2024 and will arrive on April 1. The multi-day event will feature performances from some of the biggest African artists and will also showcase African and diasporic culture through food and fashion.
Linking together travel, live music, and a cultural celebration, the AfroCruise is one of the first events of its kind. Hosted on the Norwegian Pearl, the celebration still possesses all of the amenities and elements normal to an extravagant cruise ship. Attendees will have access to the boat’s fully stocked bars, dining options, pools, casino, spa, fitness center, and more.
Amongst the hustle and bustle of a standard cruise, the event also boasts an impressive roster of performing artists. Headlined by Nigeria’s Adekunle Gold and Ayra Starr, AfroCruise gives guests the opportunity to experience some of the best music from all over the world. The aim is to fully immerse attendees into the sounds and sensibilities of Afrobeats and Amapiano music.
Ayra Starr
AfroCruise will also feature multiple different cultural events and workshops. In addition to traditional cruise ship tournaments and activities, there will also be an event focused on the African rice dish Jollof, a West African BBQ, and several different themed parties.
Rock The Bells was founded in 2018 by acclaimed rapper LL Cool J and Geoff Yang. The organization creates content and experiences within hip-hop culture. Together, with their partners Afrofuture, AfroVerse and Sixthman festivals, the collective looks to create an event that celebrates and encapsulates contemporary African and Disaporic culture. Click here for reservations and more details
The Waterfall Unity Festival presented by The Waterfall Unity Alliance has announced its lineup, taking place at a traditional Haudenosaunee teaching longhouse in West Fulton from July 28-30.
The Waterfall Unity Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering cultural understanding, promoting unity, and preserving the cultural heritage of the Haudenosaunee people. Through various initiatives, including the Waterfall Unity Festival and the acquisition of Iotsi’tsisons (Skywoman’s) Forever Farm, the Alliance strives to build alliances across movements and cultures and help create collaborative solutions to the challenges of our time. The Kanien’kehá:ka, known as the Mohawks, are celebrating the rematriation of their ancestral homelands in the Schoharie Valley with the 2023 Waterfall Unity Festival.
We are excited to extend an invitation to individuals from all walks of life to join us at this year’s festival where we will celebrate and honor our return to our homelands. The success of our inaugural festival last summer helped us raise the necessary funds to purchase Bohringer’s Fruit Farm. It has been renamed as Iotsi’tsisons (Skywoman’s) Forever Farm – a 60-acre berry farm in the heart of Skóhare, the ancestral lands of our people where my own great-great grandmothers came from. This isn’t just a berry farm to us. These lands hold a significant part in our journey to self-discovery. We are so grateful for this opportunity to return here while creating the space needed for our people to heal and grow.
Kawenniiosta Jock, Co-Executive Director of the Waterfall Unity Alliance.
During the day festival attendees can participate in a variety of workshops, teachings, traditional social dance, vendors, food, and crafts – all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Kanien’kehá:ka culture. All proceeds will go directly towards building a Kanien’kehá:ka language and culture immersion program. “As we continue to walk the path of healing and sovereignty, returning to our language is crucial. Our immersion programs will ensure that our language and life-ways will be carried forward to future generations,” says Kawenniiosta.
Performers at the Waterfall Unity Festival include Theresa Bear Fox, Peter Yarrow (Peter Paul & Mary), Keith Secola, Bethany Yarrow, Kyp Malone (TV On the Radio), Semiah Smith, Kahsenniyo Williams, Mercedes Terrance, Onondaga Women’s Singing Society, Kanerahtiio Roger Jock, Maria Esther Pallares, Tsering Lodoe, Sean Rowe, Whise, Stephanie Rooker & Ben Tyree, Rebecca Martin & Larry Grenadier, and more.
Peter and Bethany Yarrow.
There is a suggested donation of $40 per day. Overnight camping during the festival is available for an additional donation of $50 per night. For more information, tickets, and registration, please visit here.
The Grammy Award winning band Baha Men will perform on the waterfront at Caroga Lake Music Festival on Saturday, July 22.
In honor of their triple platinum track “Who Let the Dogs Out”, Caroga Arts will be directing $1 of every ticket sold to the Fulton County Regional SPCA to help animals in need.
Baha Men will be joined this evening by Balla Kouyaté and Mike Block Band.
Caroga Lake Music Festival began in 2012, when Kyle Price invited friends to his grandmother’s house on Caroga Lake, where they presented a week of free concerts, ambitiously calling themselves the Caroga Lake Music Festival (CLMF). During the first five seasons, CLMF grew from one to five weeks, presenting concerts at a variety of local venues. In 2016, to accommodate the growth, the organization gained 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status as Caroga Arts Collective.
Today, Caroga Arts presents over 50 performances and community events annually bringing world-class artists from various genres of music, visual art, poetry, and film to the Southern Adirondacks.
Premium Seats are $35 with General Admission $25, and free general admission for students. Caroga Arts offers free admission to concert goers age 17 and under for all Caroga Arts presented concerts at Sherman’s. Get Tickets here
Two of the biggest acts in Latin rap, Gera MX and Nanpa Básico, will stop at Palladium Times Square on November 3 as part of the Que Chimba La Raza Tour. The 11-city American tour gets underway on August 31 in Los Angeles.
Gera MX- Facebook
Born Gerardo Daniel Torres Montana, Gera MX has skyrocketed to global fame in large part because of his 2021 song “Botella Tras Botella”. The track made history, becoming the first regional Mexican song to ever debut on the Billboard Hot 100. With origins in Latin boom-bap, Gera MX has steadily added to his vivid, personal, and hard-hitting lyrics. His current sound is decidedly unique, infusing traditional latin rap songs with elements of ranchera and reggaeton. Once a mainstay in the Mexican rap scene, Gera MX has carved a lane for himself in the international Latin landscape.
Colombian artist Nanpa Básico started making music back in 2012. Since then, the Medellín native has racked up millions of fans from around the world. Básico’s music is intimate, vulnerable, and diverse in its sound. From melodic Latin love songs to hard hitting street raps, Básico is constantly looking to express different parts of his identity and life. His 2022 album HECHO M13RD4 made waves for its melancholic atmosphere and heartbreaking tracks. The album included features from Ryan Castro, Santa Fe Klan, and of course Gera MX.
Tickets will be available via an artist presale starting on Wednesday, July 12 at 10 AM. The general on-sale for the Que Chimba La Raza Tour will start on Friday, July 14 at 10 AM here.
TOUR DATES
Thu, Aug 31 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern
Fri, Sep 01 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues
Sat, Sep 02 — San Francisco, CA — The Fillmore
Thu, Sep 07 — Houston, TX — 713 Music Hall
Fri, Sep 08 — Dallas, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Sun, Sep 10 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren
Thu, Nov 02 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square
New York City’s soundscape was on full display at the second annual Bronx Summer Jam this past Saturday, July 15. Local Bronx artists encapsulated the Bronx’s vast musical environment, performing everything from rock and hip hop to reggae and soul.
Bronx Summer Jam participants and audience members ’23. Photo courtesy of Michael Nickerson.
This wide array of genres not only reflects the Bronx’s sound but the individuals that create it. Take Emelia Vero for example, who performed on the Kings Stage from 1:30-2:30 pm under her stage name Bombii. In between her silky-smooth songs, she explained why her lyrics switched from English to Spanish. She said by singing in both languages, her music was able to fully represent herself. As such, she loves when people call her by her stage name. If they know her music, they know her. The notes bind audience and singer together, creating a family.
Audience member Francesca echoes Bombii’s sentiments. “I remember being a teenager, and a lot of people from different high schools would all go to these concerts. These would be people whose real names I didn’t even know. But when we were there, we were best friends. We were family.”
For some, it truly is family. From 4:30-5:00 pm, DJ F1rst Class performed. His wife Alina and daughter were front and center to watch him. Alina said the reason they are together is because of their passion for music.
Alina was glad she was able to bring her daughter to relish in the music as well. Most of the time, it isn’t easy to bring children to concerts. But the Bronx Summer Jam was outside at a local park, making it easily accessible for everyone.
“Usually they have it at places where there’s alcohol or it’s indoors. I couldn’t always bring my daughter,” Alina said. “But the Bronx Summer Jam is for all ages.”
Wastewood performing for the crowd at Bronx Summer Jam ’23. Photo courtesy of Michael Nickerson.
Bronx Summer Jam was produced by Sirens & Kings, a co-production company made of two Bronx music collectives, Sounds & Sirens and The Fox & King. They hoped that by locating the festival at a park, it would allow everyone to be able to participate. It was a hope that was achieved.
“I live right across the street, and I came out for just a few minutes to sit on the park bench. Then I started hearing the music and walked right over here,” said Ivecte Lopez.
Despite the scorching heat, the crowd grew throughout the day. Those walking through the park stopped by to enjoy the music. Some set up hammocks or chairs under the trees’ shade and within hearing distance of the festival. Others took on the sun’s beating rays, standing within feet from the stage.
With a bigger crowd, the musicians began to engage with the crowd. Bombii did a call-and-answer. Everytime she said “Para,” the audience sang back “Siempre.” Later in the day, artists Ray Pearson, Ki Storii, WIN, Kony Brooks, and July Quinn left the confines of the stage. They moved across the park’s lawn to the beats of their rap and hip-hop songs.
Their performances were contrasted with the full rock sounds of Wastewood and Balcony Talk. The bands’ sounds were then further contrasted by the acoustic sounds of Drew Torres.
Drew Torres performs at Bronx Summer Jam ’23. Photo courtesy of Michael Nickerson.
During his set, Torres sang an original upbeat song titled “Minus 4,” named for his glasses prescription. He later ended his set with tapping, a technique that involves tapping one’s hands on the guitar’s body.
“This is not just a hobby for me,” Torres said. “This is my therapy. This is the way I personally express myself. I just want to inspire others.”
Audience member and devoted member of the Bronx music scene, Mocha said it was concerts like the Bronx Summer Jam that inspired him to play music. “I was inspired to pick up an instrument at a local show back in 2004. I saw bands and immediately was like, ‘This is what I’m going to do.’ I was sixteen then. Without that concert, I don’t have any clue who I would have been now.”
Perhaps this festival inspired someone in the audience to learn an instrument or to start singing. The festival’s music definitely reached a number of people ranging from those who knew about the festival to those in the park who happened upon it.
To see more of what Sirens & Kings will produce, click here and here.
The Great South Bay Music Festival 2023, one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer, is set to make a triumphant return this year after facing numerous challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival begins on Thursday, July 20 and runs through Sunday, July 23rd.
As Long Islanders emerge from quarantine and yearn for the joy of live music, this family-friendly festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts of all ages. I had the pleasure of speaking with James Faith, the festival’s producer, about the festival’s journey and what attendees can expect this time around on The Long Island Sound Podcast
The Great South Bay Music Festival, held in the picturesque Patchogue, Long Island, has always been a celebration of local talent alongside renowned artists from various genres. What sets this festival apart is its commitment to creating a family-friendly environment, where attendees of all ages can enjoy music from both local acts and big-name performers across multiple stages.
James Faith – Producer of the Great South Bay Music Festival
James Faith, the festival’s producer, emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive atmosphere, stating, “We want to make sure that families can come and enjoy the music together. It’s not just about the headliners; it’s about showcasing the incredible talent from our local community as well.” This unique blend of local and established acts allows for a diverse range of musical styles and ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Putting the Pandemic in the Past
Reflecting on the impact of the pandemic, Faith described the challenges faced by the festival and its organizers. Despite the uncertainties and setbacks, they remained committed to delivering a memorable experience for attendees. “We had to adapt and overcome numerous obstacles, but we never lost sight of our goal: to bring people together through the power of music,” Faith explained.
We want to provide a platform for emerging artists to shine alongside the big names. It’s about fostering a sense of community and giving these talented musicians the exposure they deserve.
James Faith
Now, as the festival gears up for its 2023 edition, attendees can look forward to an impressive lineup that embodies the festival’s spirit. A few of the local artists have been my guests on The Long Island Sound Podcast, including, Matt Marshak, Kerry Kearney, Lex Grey and Phil Firetog.
Among the artists set to grace the stages are Phil Lesh and Friends, Gov’t Mule, Dave Mason, Hot Tuna, Dirty Heads, Cassandra House, Kerry Kearney, Gold Finger, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Duane Betts, Bad Fish, Tauk, Neighbor, Miles to Dayton, Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers, oogee Wa Wa, Clifdiver, Harbour, The Joni Project, Phil Firetog Trio, Shecky and the Twangtones, Adam and the Metal Hawks, Jules Radino, Jack Licitra, and Matt Marshak.
The Great South Bay Music Festival goes beyond just the music, offering a range of activities and amenities to enhance the overall experience. Attendees can explore artisan craft vendors, indulge in delicious food from local vendors, and engage in interactive workshops and activities for all ages. From art installations to face painting, there’s something to captivate the entire family.
Faith encouraged attendees to immerse themselves in the vibrant Long Island music scene by exploring the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in Stony Brook. This esteemed institution showcases the island’s rich musical legacy and pays tribute to iconic musicians such as Billy Joel, Eddie Money, Joan Jett, and many more.
The Great South Bay Music Festival promises to be a thrilling experience for music lovers and a testament to the resilience of the Long Island community. With its four-day duration, family-friendly atmosphere, and a diverse lineup of local and renowned acts, this festival is set to reclaim its place as one of the region’s premier summer events.
I have my tickets to the Festival! So when you see a white haired guy, who looks like the picture below, make sure you say hello.
This Saturday, July 15, the second annual Bronx Summer Jam will be held at Bronx Park East – Oscar Comras Memorial Mall. Catch live music from local Bronx musicians for free from 12-6 pm.
July Quinn, WIN, and Kony Brooks return to the festival alongside a number of local artists. Drew Torres, The Phoenix Within, Wastewood, Balcony Talk, Richard Pigkaso, and Ki Storii will perform on the Kings Stage. Audience members can enjoy an array of genres, ranging from rap and indie rock to hip hop and reggae.
While artists from the Kings Stage take breaks after their thirty minute sets, the music continues on the Sirens Stage. Audiences will hear Jynn, DJ Mike, and F1rst Class perform.
The festival is produced by Sirens & Kings, a co-production company made of two Bronx music collectives, Sounds & Sirens and The Fox & King. Their goal is to showcase the often overshadowed music scene of the Bronx.
Performer at last year’s Bronx Summer Jam. Photo courtesy of Sirens & Kings.
“Everyone always focuses on Brooklyn, or Queens, or Manhattan for New York City’s music scene,” DJ Mike Nickerson, Founder of Sounds & Sirens, said. “There’s a thriving scene in the Bronx. We hope to be able to showcase it, have it grow, and support everybody in it.”
DJ Mike hopes the Bronx’s music scene will be heard by all, allowing a music community to grow, just like the one from his teenage years. During their teenage years, DJ Mike and Co-Owner and Founder of The Fox and King, Fernando Michael, were part of the Bronx’s The Underground community. The Underground was a prominent music scene in the late 2000s and early 2010s before its decline.
“Going to Bronx Underground shows when I was younger shaped the person I turned into,” DJ Mike said. “When you’re in high school or middle school, you may not like things that other people like. You’re not cool or popular, because you like rock, hip hop, or classical jazz. But coming together in a music community, like what we experienced growing up, helps foster a community that tells you that you’re not alone – that you have a group of people you can identify with and can party with.”
In 2018, The Fox & King started a reemergence of The Underground. They brought back live music shows to the First Lutheran Church in the Bronx. The pandemic, however, killed any efforts of a rejuvenation of this music community. After a lull in live shows, they hope the Bronx Summer Jam will reignite the drive to rebuild this music community.
At last year’s Bronx Summer Jam, sparks of their dream were seen. The first Bronx Summer Jam started off slow, but as the festival continued, its audience grew.
Performers and organizers from last year’s Bronx Summer Jam. Photo courtesy of Sirens & Kings.
“Slowly the public, the regular folks that go to the park, were showing up to the event, without knowing it was there,” said Christopher Vasquez, Co-Owner and Public Relations Manager of The Fox & King. “It became a natural audience.”
Fernando Michael referenced Field of Dreams. “If you build it, they will come.” Not only does this refer to the audience but to the musical artists as well. Fernando said, “We have musical artists reaching out to us in mass, because what we do is so prominent to the borough.”
They will come, even in the rain. The original date of the Bronx Summer Jam was this past June 24. It had to be rescheduled due to potential thunderstorms. Instead of doing nothing, some of the musicians got together and performed at Legendary Bar and Grill in the Bronx. They proved this musical community is back.
Christopher Vasquez notes how essential it is to have this musical community back. “Without someone to tell the story of the people in a community, it’s detrimental. You need the voice. You need the storytellers. The storytellers that are on a mic, the writers that write in a book or a journal – music does all these things. It brings people together.”
To be part of this music community and to check out the vast array of performers, head to the second annual Bronx Summer Jam this Saturday, July 15, from 12-6 pm at Bronx Park East – Oscar Comras Memorial Mall.
The Empire State Plaza’s Center for the Performing Arts, or The Egg, recently announced that Maria Muldaur, Taj Mahal and Sona Jobarteh would all be joining the Albany venue’s 2023-24 programming. Muldaur is scheduled to perform on Sept. 15 with Taj Mahal and Jobarteh stopping by on March 7, 2024.
The Egg is a state-owned entity created to bring quality artists and performances to New Yorkers. Besides music, the venue showcases several forms of art including dance, comedy, film, and theater. Originally constructed in 1978, The Egg features two theaters and can comfortably house over 1,400 visitors.
Since its inception, the venue has attracted some of the biggest names in arts and entertainment. Past performers include Roger McGuinn, Chaka Khan, Dave Chappelle, Eric Burdon, Margaret Cho, and Buddy Guy.
Maria Muldaur- September 15, 7:30 PM
Making music for over 55 years, American folk/roots artist Maria Muldaur became a household name thanks to her 1973 hit song “Midnight at the Oasis”. Released as a single, the track received a Grammy nomination and has since become one of the quintessential songs in the genre. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the bubbly and infectious tune, she will perform the song along with the help of the Red Hot Bluesiana Band. Together, the two will showcase some of Muldaur’s classic blues, country, folk, swing, and pop offerings. The performance will also include some of the artist’s collaborative work with the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Tuba Skinny, and Taj Mahal. Here for tickets and information about the performance at The Egg.
Taj Mahal & Sona Jobarteh- March 7, 7:30 PM
Taj Mahal has established himself as one of the world’s premier blues musicians throughout his extensive career. The Harlem-born artist is known for melding together the sounds of traditional American blues with elements from the Caribbean, Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Originally rising to prominence in the 1960s, Taj has earned three Grammy awards and ten nominations. In 2014 he was awarded the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sona Jobarteh is a Gambian singer, composer, and instrumentalist credited for being a master of the Kora stringed instrument. With her diverse and ethereal sound Jobarteh has been hailed as one of the biggest upcoming stars in world music. Blending traditional West African, blues, pop, and even afro beats, Jobarteh has amassed fans from all over the globe. Here for tickets and information about the performance.
To check out The Egg’s full schedule of performances click here.
The Peach Music Festival returned to Montage Mountain for its 11 year in a row showcasing headlining acts like My Morning Jacket, Ziggy Marley, Les Claypool, Umphrey’s McGee, JRAD, Goose, and many more. Along with music veterans were a large number of newer bands such as Dogs in a Pile, Thumpasaurus, Andy Frasco, Brown Eyed Women, & much more.
The festival takes place on a ski slope/water park. The trek up the mountain to camp or even between stages is physically demanding, but the leisurely vibe of the waterpark provides much needed relaxation.
Security was definitely beefed up this year, probably due to the recent shooting at an EDM festival on the west coast. There were dogs sniffing for explosives and some nonsensical rules enforced by security. The photo pit was entirely too small and quite dangerous. I scraped my legs on metal bars many times trying to maneuver in there around a slew of other photographers. We maintained civility in the pit, everyone was very kind and respectful.
The first day started off with Friends of Brothers followed by Thumpasaurus who played a very energetic set to get the crowd going. Next up was Twiddle, opening up with funky favorite “Jamflowman.” The band also performed the fantastic “Slipping in the Kitchen” and heart-touching “Out in The Cold.” The first night concluded with two monstrous sets of Goose. Their set started with “Feel it Now,” showcasing Rick Mitarotonda’s vocals. Their first set ended with “Butter Rum,” and the set was filled with clever improvisation and classic Goose jams. The second set featured “Fish in the Sea,” a Fat Freddy’s Drop cover, “Red Bird,” “Hollywood Nights,” a Bob Sager cover, and concluded with “Thatch.” “Hollywood Nights” had everyone in the house grooving and “Red Bird” featured some tasteful solos.
On Friday all three stages were open and the day was packed with music! Trouble No More brought out Daniel Donato to sit in with them, playing a full set of Allman Brothers tunes including an incredible “Blue Sky” and a shred-filled “Whipping Post” to close out the set. Dogs In a Pile are quickly getting popular and they packed the Mushroom Stage with dancing fans. They started and ended with “Wipeout” and played a masterful “Jack Straw.” Umphrey’s McGee played a heavy set that had the main stage raging, with songs like “Remind Me” and “Escape Goat.” Tauk played an incredibly energetic set with the help of the ever-talented Kanika Moore on vocals. Ween was up next with a great set filled with exceptional vocals and guitar solos, spanning 25 songs.
Fans were going crazy for favorites like “Roses Are Free” and “Piss Up a Rope.” LP Giobbi played a two-hour set of Grateful Dead house remixes which was very danceable but left fans with mixed reactions. Due to a food vendor’s propane tank exploding, the pathway to the Mushroom Stage was temporarily blocked off for about an hour. When security finally figured out a path around, I had made it for the last hour of Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Peach which was much more Lotus-like jamtronica rather than the country vibe I was expecting.
Day three was epic. Circles Around the Sun played an incredibly funky, spacey set with Mikaela Davis on the harp. Andy Frasco is quite the entertainer. This year they put him on the main stage, and that wasn’t going to stop him from stage surfing. There was a guy being held up by the crowd on a board while he was throwing jello shots into the crowd via slingshot. Then it was Andy’s turn, he crowd surfed from the stage all the way to the lawn! The set included sit-ins with Dogs in a Pile, Mike Dillon, & Mihali as well as raging covers of “Teenagers” by My Chemical Romance and “Ramble On.” The energy was high and Mike Gordon delivered with his band playing new songs off his album like “Guilty Pleasures,” “Mull,” and crowd favorites “Cities,” as well as a raging “Carini” to close out the set. The place was going wild.
Les Claypool played an epic set including Pink Floyd’s Animals album in its entirety with masterful solos by Sean Lennon. Les wore a pig mask for a song and a disco ball helmet on “Whamola” to close out his set. My Morning Jacket played an absolutely rocking set with incredible vocals by Jim James including a Beatles cover of “The Ballad of John & Yoko” and a Rolling Stones cover of “Happy”. The place was lit up like a giant disco ball and everyone was dancing hard. Australian Pink Floyd put on a spectacle, playing Dark Side in full with three incredible female vocalists doing the vocal parts in “Great Gig in The Sky.” They covered favorites like “Wish You Were Here” and “Comfortably Numb” as well as digging deep in the archives with “High Hopes” and “See Emily Play.” Their stage antics included a giant teacher monster the size of the stage during “Another Brick In The Wall” as well as a giant inflatable bouncing Kangaroo.
The final day had come but it wasn’t over yet. Ghost Light played a packed set at the Mushroom Stage including the very catchy “Keep Your Hands to Yourself.” Tom Hamilton would later return to the Main Stage to play an electric set that had every deadhead grooving on their feet. This featured crowd favorites like “Shakedown Street,” “Hell In a Bucket,” “I Need a Miracle” and a Jack Straw to close out the set that had Tom Hamilton shredding a solo like a madman! Rain delayed Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel since the Mushroom stage is uncovered, but they eventually got around to playing an incredible set featuring a cover of his father Dickey Bett’s “Blue Sky.”
Ziggy Marley was up at the main stage keeping the energy very…high. This included Bob Marley songs like “Jammin” and “War” as well as originals like “Look Who’s Dancing.” There were some rumors going around about Tedeschi Trucks Band not playing that night, but boy did they prove us wrong. The crowd was a bit tired at this last set but still going strong. The combination of Derek’s masterful shredding, Susan’s vocals, and their diversely talented big band proves to be a true powerhouse. Their set included covers like the opener “Woman to Woman” by Joe Cocker and “Dreams” by the Allman Brothers as well as many originals like the epic “Midnight in Harlem.” The band came back out for a massive encore ending with “Space Captain” a Matthew Moore cover that featured a dueling drum solo and a guitar solo by Derek that almost blew the roof off.
This festival is filled with incredible music and loving fans. Both old and young are happy to see music veterans they love and discover new younger bands. With a gathering so big on a ski slope is logistically difficult and there will always be some hiccups, but this year went off rather smoothly aside from maybe one small food vendor explosion and a very long shuttle line on the last day. Other than that everything was more than Peachy and filled with respectful people for the most part. In conclusion, I’ll leave you with a lyric from an Allman Brothers song I recently discovered I love called”Blue Sky.” “You’re my blue sky, you’re my sunny day. Lord, you know it makes me high when you turn your love my way.” Another Peach Fest is in the books, see you on the mountain next time!
Ziggy Marley is currently hitting 19 dates around the country with the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Reggae listeners know and love Ziggy, this listener included. His music was somewhat lost on the crowd at SPAC that evening. There were only sporadic dancers through the crowd grooving to Ziggy’s roots flavored reggae. Ziggy Marley and the Tedeschi Trucks Band continue their tour through August 13 with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue as their special guest.
Photos by Derek Java
Setlist: Rebellion Rises, Beach in Hawaii, Dragonfly, The Lucky One, Be Free, Personal Revolution, Wild and Free, Circle of Peace, See Dem Fake Leaders, Justice / Get Up, Stand Up, We Are the People, Love Is My Religion, Is This Love
