On Sunday July 23rd, Fallsview Casino’s OLG Stage in Niagara Falls marked an unforgettable night for the attendees. Shinedown delivered a powerful and electrifying performance to conclude their recent tour supporting their latest album, Planet Zero. Preceding the headlining act, the crowd was treated to an impressive opening set by Sleep Theory, hailing from Memphis TN, who energized the audience with their raw and captivating sound.
As the lights dimmed and the anticipation reached its peak, Shinedown took the stage, igniting the atmosphere with their opening track, “Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom).” Lead vocalist Brent Smith’s commanding presence held the audience in thrall from the very beginning, setting the tone for an evening filled with rock anthems and heartfelt ballads. Many fans were excited to see the use of pyro and flash bangs inside. It wasn’t as big as an outdoor show, but was still spectacular.
The band’s well-curated setlist of 19 songs showcased their musical versatility, incorporating both fan-favorite classics and fresh tracks from their latest album. Hits like “Second Chance” and “Sound of Madness” had the crowd singing along passionately, while newer releases like “Devil” and the album’s title track, “Planet Zero,” demonstrated the band’s continued evolution and growth.
A standout moment of the night was the acoustic rendition of Jimmy Eat World’s hit, “The Middle.” The stripped-down performance showcased Smith’s soulful vocals and resonated deeply with the audience, creating an intimate and emotional connection.
Throughout the concert, Shinedown engaged with their fans, with Smith delivering heartfelt speeches that emphasized themes of resilience, unity, and hope. This personal touch forged a strong bond between the band and their dedicated supporters, making the event feel like a shared and special experience.
As the night approached its climax, the band closed with an explosive performance of “Cut the Cord,” leaving the crowd in a state of euphoria. The overwhelming energy and passion on display demonstrated why Shinedown has remained a force to be reckoned with in the modern rock scene.
In the aftermath of the concert, attendees were left with lasting memories of an exceptional night of music and showmanship. Shinedown’s ability to connect with their audience, coupled with the stellar opening act by Sleep Theory, solidified the event as a remarkable and unforgettable experience. As the lights came up and the cheers subsided, it was evident that Shinedown’s music and live performances will continue to resonate with fans for years to come. They are not stopping anytime soon.
Sleep Theory
Shinedown
photos by Mike Millerphotos by Mike Millerphotos by Mike Millerphotos by Mike Millerphotos by Mike Miller
As Rolling Loud Miami came and went, fans got to enjoy a host of performances by over 100 of hip hop’s best acts. Likewise, there were those unable to take part for various reasons. Notably, Lil Durk did not perform due to his recent hospitalization for dehydration. Likewise, Sheff G did not take part but due to his recent legal troubles. The troubled-but-talented Brooklyn native was to make his much-awaited return at Rolling Loud Miami after serving nearly two years behind bars for gun possession. However, the “We Getting Money” rapper got himself in hot water after he and close friend Sleepy Hallow were part of a large-scale gang indictment.
Winners Circle Entertainment/ Sleepy Hallow – Rolling Loud Miami 2021 (Show Recap)/Youtube
As for Sheff G in particular, the indictment accuses him of offering up money and expensive jewelry in exchange for the commission of violent acts. In one alleged incident, Sheff G organized a crew of three shooters, drove them to a crime scene, and then acted as the getaway driver.
“Sheff G became a prominent member of this gang and became central to our investigation,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “Sheff G used a lot of the money that he earned to facilitate further gang activity. He encouraged gang members to participate in violent crimes.”
Sleepy Hallow Puts Sheff G on The Phone
While Sleepy Hallow was able to bail out and make his Rolling Loud dates, the latest charges were a major setback for Sheff G who was initially scheduled to be released sometime in June and had teased his return to the stage at Rolling Loud. In light of his close friend’s circumstances, Sleepy Hallow bridged the gap between Sheff G and the fans by putting the incarcerated rapper on the phone, to much fanfare from the crowd.
In the short clip, Sheff G gets the Rolling Loud crowd amped by telling them to “turn the f**ck up.” With the drill scene’s recent stagnation Sheff G’s presence woud’ve been a major boost for New York hip hop. The Brooklynite is one of the most talented young rappers from the new-age and is one of the key figures that helped spark the drill scene in New York.
Rothbury, MI’s iconic four-day music festival Electric Forest brought 50,000 people together in celebration of music, art, and life. From June 22 to June 25, 2023 individuals embraced the secrets of the forest and ran around the 400-acre secluded land. The marriage of all flavors of music from electronic music to jam and adjacent bands leaves a little something for everyone to enjoy.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Electric Forest is a music festival with its own demographic. Yes, there are stages to enjoy both your favorite artists and new alike, but there are also hidden gems found all around. For starters, most of the seven stages are located inside the forest, meaning oftentimes, these can be harder to locate. It is nearly impossible to experience everything this music festival has to offer. From beatbox battles to intention-setting workshops to art installations to games, to the dream emporium, it has it all. One central theme though found throughout this weekend getaway is the sense of community and love. People are eager to bond with one another and strike up conversations. No one is ever truly alone in the forest.
DAY 1 – ODESZA DAY
Gearing up for the first day of the festival had a lot of people up early and exploring the market vendors before entering the festival at 3 p.m. Early in the day, the Brainery Center held active workshops for various groups of people to come together and unite with their niche. Some people set intentions for their festival experience while others got together for the Reddit lover meet-up.
You could feel all the love and positive energy when entering the festival on the first day. People are eager to delve into the numerous events taking place throughout. This day was a chill more laid-back day for music. Artists like Dixon’s Violin and Eazybaked kicked off the first live shows inside the festival grounds. And for others who wanted to create art spent time “spirit painting.”
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Many people found themselves seeing the new features the 2023 forest had to offer. This included new entrance statues and the enclosed Dream Emporium which took influence from the immersive Meow Wolf museum.
As nighttime began to set in the forest house music dominated the scene. Satin Jackets, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, and Sofi Tukker all geared up the crowd for the first headliner of the festival who nobody planned on missing out on ODESZA.
ODESZA at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
The electronic duo ODESZA is known for their extravagant live shows, to say the least. Through their insane drum line, pyro, introspective visuals, and fireworks this electronic group creates a euphoric experience that can’t be compared. This show has been referred to as a cinematic experience. Regardless of your taste in music, this show the crew puts on can attract fans from all genres.
ODESZA at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
They pay homage to the human experience in terms of individuality and as a collective whole. Their latest analyzes the version of each person that gets to be expressed in this lifetime. One thing Electric Forest and ODESZA bring out of crowds is love. The hyper analyzation of self-expression and the rarity to experience this life at the same time as each other reminds everyone of the gratitude we need to constantly look towards. Their set left no one disappointed and as the next days of Electric Forest continued no one could stop talking about this performance.
ODESZA at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
DAY 2 – GET YOUR BASS FACE ON
One element that was consistent throughout Day 2 was the heat. The weather was hot and sticky but that just meant more water for more time to dance. Early wakers started their days with sound baths, guided meditation, and yoga. Those who are more competitive attended the beatbox competition, dance battle, or bingo at the Carousel Club.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Bass lovers though spent their entire day at the Tripolee stage because that lineup was stacked from dusk til dawn. Kicking us off early was Tape B who may have a smaller following but whose fans are more dedicated than most. He brought the heat to an already hot day and even dropped a new mix that he made on the drive over to Michigan.
Following the young DJ was rapidly growing artist Zingara who has really started gaining an immense amount of traction on TikTok. She blends her love of spirituality and astrology into her music. Popular songs like, “WWYB3” and “Mind & Body” were obvious fan favorites that do just that. Her music is able to deeply connect with fans while simultaneously keeping the high intensity that bass lovers enjoy.
Zingara at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
The night at Tripolee just kept getting better and better. Artists that left zero crumbs on that stage included Champagne Drip, Jantsen, Rusko b2b Dirt Monkey, PEEKABOO, and DIESEL. DIESEL (aka Shaq) brings not only intense energy to his set but also laughter. The number of times DIESEL says “mosh pit” into the mic can’t be counted. He constantly is looking to liven the crowd up. And when he’s not yelling at the pit to open up he is shooting basketballs into a plastic net a fan is holding.
Some people ventured deeper into the forest to watch EDM legend Illenium perform. This timeless Denver native wooed the crowd as easily as ever with his astounding production quality and catchy tunes.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
The bass stage was full of excitement that day all leading up to headliner Ganga White Night. Someone once described Ganja as the Taylor Swift of the EDM community and nothing has more accurately depicted their presence in the scene. The Belgian bass duo have created their own universe and developed characters that people even buy plush toys of. The Easter eggs they hide in music videos, posts, and more make fans so heavily invested. They change the way artists release their music and make being a part of their fandom an adventure that extends beyond any set one watches.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Each set that Ganja White Night performs can be viewed as scenes from a movie. Their visuals take influence from anime cartoons as they also warp in new characters from other EDM artists they collaborate with. This includes Boogie T, Subtronics, and plenty more. As they took over the stage screams were heard throughout as they asked everyone, “Who is ready to wobble?” Those that couldn’t get enough of Ganja headed over to afters in the campgrounds where PEEKABOO and Ganja had a b2b set.
DAY 3 – ALL GROOVES AND MOVES
The heat continued to strike down on the forest family all of Day 3. As people did their best to find shade or take it easy in their chillbos, others chose to utilize another one of the forest’s perks: the waterpark. With only a short bus ride to an indoor waterpark, it gave a nice break from the intense weather conditions.
As silly and fun as this music festival can get it also opens up a serious room for inclusion. There are sober groups that have meetups in order to maintain sobriety during an occasion that often includes a lot of partying. Other special events held include an area of remembrance where individuals can honor loved ones lost and there’s also a chapel where actual wedding ceremonies were held.
Kasbo at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Another element of the forest that makes it so special is the various genres that exist across all the stages. If you aren’t feeling a certain set it’s so easy to find yourself somewhere new that brings completely different vibes. Saturday was the perfect day to experience numerous genres of music.
House icon Dr. Fresh took over Tripolee while trance artist ford. had soothing melodies filling the castle-like stage The Observatory. Headbangers moved over to Sheerwood as Kai Wachi filled the air with heavy bass. For anyone trying to find new artists to groove to could attend the silent disco where DJs were constantly rotating. One set that no one wanted to miss was The String Cheese Incident who had their annual “Shebang” as the honor festival holders.
Kai Wachi at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Later into the night, popular DJs across an array of genres took over leaving many people running around the forest to catch a bit of each of their performances. A heavy-hitting production from VOYD stood out especially due to his often rare appearance as his SVDDEN DEATH’s side alias. The VOYD project is significantly darker and more metal-influenced. His stage presence is definitely not for the easily scared but those who can get past the uneasiness of him wearing a deer skull mask on stage are in for a treat. His set at Electric Forest showed just that with minimal words spoken to the audience, jarring visuals, and constant red lasers. A VOYD set may seem questionable to some but one thing stands true: his sets are an experience intended to evoke specific emotions out of people. He does this effortlessly and gives his audience a true show.
ford at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Finishing up Day 3 included deep house producers Zeds Dead and jam band group STS9. STS9 brought many new fans to their stage with their mix of heavy instrumental rock matched with colorful visuals. The real closer of the night was popular British DJ Chris Lake. He is most known for his range from progressive house to vocal-driven EDM making him the perfect artist for new EDM listeners to branch into. His set included many new ID tracks that fans are hungry for to be released. However, he of course played his popular hits including “I Want You,” and “In The Yuma.”
DAY 4 – NO MONSOON WILL RUIN THESE TUNES
Despite the intense heat from the first few days the last one proved to be an exception. Grey skies covered the campgrounds in the morning. And what most people had celebrated as a break from the hotness had others packing their cars early to leave.
In the afternoon Rothbury was under a severe thunderstorm watch that saw winds approaching 60 mph. Those that went into the festival early found themselves told to evacuate the venue and seek protective shelter as an intense rain storm took over. Canopies were seen flying across the fields, tents were flooded with water, and many had to wait it out in their cars.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
This unfortunately disrupted many artists’ set times as everyone wasn’t allowed to enter until hours later. Despite this slight disruption, it didn’t prevent anyone from turning the vibes back on once word was announced that people could re-enter the forest.
For the first time of the weekend, the line to get into the festival was the longest to date stretching down the entire row of vendors due to the anticipation. Now that stage times were slightly mixed up it caused many people to catch sets of artists they normally wouldn’t attend. A slight blessing to the rise of the storm. Many even found themselves at the Pride Party being celebrated inside the magical trees of Michigan.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Up and coming east coast jam band Dogs in a Pile helped kick off this last day with their captivating guitar riffs and lively tunes. Electro-soul and hip-hop producer Daily Bread also had a stellar performance with catchy new remixes and hilarious visuals from Futurama.
Additionally, alternative band flipturn gave an energetic performance at the Carousal Club. It’s nearly impossible for this group to give a bad show. Even their slower indie songs they rock out to by adding eccentric drum solos and knowing how to be one with the crowd.
flipturn at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Madeon also completely blew the crowd away. His visual performance is unmatched. He brought out a massive podium that he utilized to create trippy graphics that had jaws dropped. Lovers of everything jam got to the Ranch Arena stage early for Goose. This indie-groove band has brought something new to the jam band scene. They have perfectly balanced their love for numerous genres to create a sound unique to them and one people can’t seem to stray away from.
Goose at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
The final headliner for Electric Forest couldn’t have finished this festival in a more perfect way. Mid-tempo bass techno artist Rezz had a top performance for the weekend. This producer heavily focuses on her live shows as ways to take listeners on a trip through her discography. She wears hypnotic spinning goggles throughout the set and utilizes graphics to evoke emotion. She takes the extra steps to make her performance that much more impactful by use of fireworks and a spiderweb that got placed on top of everyone at the barricade as it got spread all the way to the back. What made Rezz’s set that much more unforgettable was the rain shower that occurred. The rain only added to the visual experience as it made her infinite number of lasers sparkly.
Goose at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
After, people filed inside the forest to take it in one last time for the year 2023. The only music that could be heard was from a smaller DJ Kloud Forest who was playing on the Honey Comb stage. He was throwing down heavy beats blended with popular rap artists. This 360 stage allowed everyone to gather on this brilliant artist and dance together one last time.
As all the music lovers walked out of the magical forest for another year it became eerily quiet. Some hugged each other, others were crying, and many were yelling,” Where’s Carl?” as an age-old tradition. One thing stands true though, this place in seemingly the middle of nowhere brings people together. For the love of music and love of genuine connection, Electric Forest is home to so many. A home that many already can’t wait to return to. And until then forest family, see you in 2024!
Making their way into to the Northeast, Phish made a two-night stop at The Pavilion at Star Lake, located in Burgettstown, PA, just outside of Pittsburgh. Two nights of exploratory jamming and a few debuts had fans eagerly anticipating tonight’s show in Syracuse at St. Joseph’s Amphitheater at Lakeview.
Friday night began with a pair of first set openers, “Party Time” and “AC/DC Bag” followed by a fiery “46 Days.” A few songs later, “Stash” was the jumping off point for the first major jam of the night, dark and introspective. Likewise, “Leaves” jammed out nicely, setting the stage for a “Maze” that had Page McConnell furiously hammering the organ, standing up so others could get down. “Scents and Subtle Sounds” would close the set, although tonight the crowd got the full version, unlike Wilmington, NC on Wednesday night where the band was forced to cut the song off due to torrential rain.
The second set featured some of the biggest jams of the run, with “Sigma Oasis” clocking in at more than 16 minutes, “The Final Hurrah” providing a segue to the wonderful debut of “Pillow Jets” – a light and fluffy song with a jam to match. “David Bowie” was the highlight of the set though, the band making the most of each space created following the composed portion. During “Bowie,” Page teased “Eleanor Rigby”, as well as in “Ruby Waves” that closed the show. And while “Fuego” did provide the awesome visual of the lighting rig descending to just above the band’s heads, although “Cities” could have had a chance to breathe ahead of the segue to “Fuego.” The encore of “Character Zero” and “Slave to the Traffic Light” would wrap things up and send the crowd out to the lots for a Cosmic burrito and slow crawl out of the venue parking lot.
Set 1: Party Time, AC/DC Bag > 46 Days, Birds of a Feather, Bouncing Around the Room, Stash, Leaves, Maze, Scents and Subtle Sounds
Set 2: Sigma Oasis -> The Final Hurrah > Pillow Jets > David Bowie, Cities -> Fuego > Ruby Waves
Encore: Character Zero > Slave to the Traffic Light
On first glance, Night 2 of Phish at Star Lake felt a little more pedestrian compared to Friday, but a cleansing Set 1, with three energetic numbers – “I Never Needed You Like This Before,” “Turtle in the Clouds,” and “Llama” – beginning the night. With the sunset glaring down on the band, a half dozen ‘take em or leave em” numbers were peppered in, with the valley rising to a peak with “Ass Handed” and “Sand” closing out the set on a high note. No complaints, no notes, this was an enjoyable Saturday evening first set.
What awaited in the second set were jams tucked inside jams – “Everything’s Right” had a distinct “Slave to the Traffic Light” jam within, so if you went to your car Friday night as “Slave” encored, you got a second chance to enjoy this one. “Soul Planet” and “Twist” each had their own solid jams, with McConnell’s Vida Blue composition “Most Events Aren’t Planned” appearing at the right moment, giving the second set from Friday a run for the money. Tonight’s second set debut tune “Monsters,” joining “Pillow Jets” and the previously played “Oblivion” as having strong potential for future Type II exploration. “2001” appeared out of thin air, held its own and gave way to Lou Reed and Velvet Underground’s “Rock and Roll,” a rarer treat these days.
A triple encore of “Grind,” and short but sweet versions of “Tube” and “Ghost” (first ever in an encore slot) would close the night and send the crowd off to hotels, with visions of Oranges dancing in their heads.
Phish plays tonight in Syracuse – never miss a Sunday show.
Set 1: I Never Needed You Like This Before, Turtle in the Clouds, Llama, Clear Your Mind > Sample in a Jar, Taste, Ocelot, Julius, Saw It Again > Sparkle, Ass Handed, Sand
Set 2: Everything’s Right > Soul Planet -> Twist > Most Events Aren’t Planned, Monsters, Also Sprach Zarathustra > Rock and Roll
After 80 years of hard work, the Blind Boys of Alabama continue to wow audiences and touch souls with the recent release of their praiseworthy single “Work Until My Days Are Done.” The doo-wop, gospel ditty is the second release from the group’s upcoming album Echoes Of The South, which will officially be released to the public on September 8th through Single Rock Records.
The Blind Boys of Alabama have faced more struggles and success in the music industry than most musicians will in their lifetimes. Their eight decades of experience and pure talent has led them from street performances in the Jim Crow South all the way to being the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement, giving them the chance to perform for three different United States Presidents and landing them as legends in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
This dedication and persistence to one another and to their love of music is epitomized in their newest single, as they will not only “work” but “sing” until their days are done. There is no stopping the powerhouse group as they rely on one another and the shared agreement that “as long as everybody gives all that they have to give and we sing songs that touch the heart, we’ll live on forever.”
Now, after losing their brothers in arms Paul Beasley and Benjamin Moore, the remaining members carry on, releasing their new album Echoes Of The South in their name and memory. Echoes Of The South not only marks the first album that the Blind Boys of Alabama have released in six years but also marks their first ever fully made in their home state, giving the tracks a deeper significance than can be imagined for the music vets.
The tracklist is similarly rooted in coming home, drawing from the music that’s most inspired them over their careers: long-lost gospel classics, traditional spirituals and timeless R&B/soul cuts made famous by artists like Pops Staples and Curtis Mayfield. These incredible personal touches establish Echoes Of The South as a “homecoming” in countless senses of the word.
With the two released singles from the album, “Friendship” along with “Work Until My Days Are Done,” it is evident that the Blind Boy’s newest music is some of their best. Their harmonies and messages touch hearts, while their bridges and power take listeners by surprise and never fail to get people on their feet with rafter-raising moments. This is something special that anyone with ears will not want to miss. Until September 8th, the Blind Boys of Alabama’s current members; McKinnie, Jimmy Carter, the Rev. Julius Love, Sterling Glass, and Joey Williams, will be touring the country from this July well into 2024.
Blind Boys of Alabama Tour
July 19 – Mendocino Music Festival 2023 – Mendocino, CA
August 19 – CHOMP – Redmond, CA
August 27 – Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival – Vancouver, WA
September 9 – Paramount Center for the Arts – Saint Cloud, MN
September 10 – Reif Performing Arts Center – Grand Rapids, MN
September 11 – Pablo Center at the Confluence – Eau Claire, WI
September 15 – City Winery Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
September 16 – City Winery Boston – Boston, MA
September 17 – City Winery New York – New York, NY
November 19 – Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall – Akron, OH
November 26 – Lone Tree Arts Center – Lone Tree, CO
January 13-20 – Sandy Beaches Cruise 2024 – Fort Lauderdale, FL
February 8 – Fred Kavli Theatre (with Bobby Rush) – Thousand Oaks, CA
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
This past Sunday evening, July 16, in the heart of New Haven’s downtown arts district, veteran singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis paid a visit to College Street Music Hall (CSMH), a historic concert hall constructed in the mid-1920s that was nearly sold-out to its holding capacity of 2,000 souls.
Jenny Lewis | Photo: Michael Dinger
Lewis is touring in support of her latest solo album Joy’All (Blue Note/Capitol) released last month, a good portion of which was written in early-2021 during a week-long virtual songwriting workshop hosted by Beck. For more than 90 minutes, the co-founder of the charting indie outfit Rilo Kiley in the late-1990s did not disappoint en route to a dazzling performance. But more on our treasured country-rock troubadour a bit later.
College Street Music Hall Marquee | Photo: Michael Dinger
The first of two opening acts was Hayden Pedigo, an eccentric 29-year old performance artist who also moonlights as a model and even a politician – he campaigned in 2018 to fill a City Council seat in his native Amarillo, TX. Pedigo mesmerized the growing audience on the general admission floor with four tranquil instrumental pieces featuring exquisite fingerpicking on an acoustic Yamaha 12-string and an electric Epiphone.
Hayden Pedigo | Photo: Michael Dinger
Following Pedigo was Cass McCombs who hails from Concord, CA, but calls NYC his home. Born in 1977, the alt-country musician who owns the reputation as one of the great songwriters of his generation was backed by a trio of touring musicians on bass, drums and keyboards. Like Pedigo, music is not McCombs’ only passion – in 2020, a book of his poetry was published titled Toy Fabels, with illustrations by none other than McCombs himself. For nearly 40 minutes, and without much pandering to the audience, the quartet presented a set filled with jaw-droppingly gorgeous, soulful rock delivered with a laid-back attitude, which was more than fine by me.
Cass McCombs | Photo: Michael Dinger
Smack in the middle of an 18-date tour that kicked off in early-June in Nashville, TN, including an appearance by Lewis at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, the Las Vegas native who first gained prominence in the 1980s as a child actress took to the CSMH stage at 9:15 pm. Bathed in a sea of red, purple and blue lights and accompanied by a foursome of all-female musicians, Lewis gracefully glided about the stage, frequenting an elevated circular platform adorned in red roses or taking a seat at her piano which was positioned front and center.
Lewis’ evocative lyricism was on full display from the jump with “Psychos,” the lead single from Joy’All and her first No. 1 song on a Billboard chart that she earned only two days prior to the CSMH show. Lewis would go on to gift her fans four more songs from Joy’All, but she was sure to spread the wealth around from her discography, including “Red Bull & Hennessy” (On the Line, 2019), “Head Underwater” (The Voyager, 2014) and the title track from 2008’s Acid Tongue.
Jenny Lewis | Photo: Michael Dinger
During the sugary-sweet “Cherry Baby” (Joy’All), red, white and silver balloons were released into the air, much to the delight of the audience, many of whom were in their late-teens and early-20s and sung along to the chorus on several songs. Several of the flailing balloons that were being batted around by the fans depicted the likeness of Bobby Rhubarb, Lewis’ beloved two-year old black Cockapoo who even has her own Instagram account with more than 5,600 followers! Two tunes later, during “Just One of the Guys” (The Voyager), one of the balloons mysteriously hovered between Lewis and her bassist at stage left. Static electricity? A demonic possession? Check out the video below and you decide what the strange occurrence may have been attributed to.
Speaking of Lewis’ dog, as the show turned for the home stretch, the rotary dial telephone sitting atop her piano suddenly rang. It was Bobby Rhubarb on the other end of the line, and she had a joke for all of us! Because most of us in attendance did not speak the “bark” language, Lewis translated, “Why is it so hot at the Grateful Dead show? Because their fans don’t work!” As part of the four song encore, Lewis offered up two wonderfully rendered covers – “Lust for Life” by Girls and the night’s finale, “With Arms Outstretched,” by none other than Rilo Kiley from 2002’s The Execution of All Things.
Following its New Haven stopover, The Joy’All Tour continues for three more weeks, including scheduled dates along the west coast in early-August. For the final three shows of the tour – Bend, OR (August 3), Concord, CA (August 5) and Inglewood, CA (August 7) – Lewis will be joined by the aforementioned Beck and Phoenix, who are embarking on a split bill of their own next month.
Jenny Lewis | Photo: Michael Dinger
No rest for the weary, Lewis and the indie pop supergroup The Postal Service, a trio that she has been a part of since 2002 with Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello, will be hitting the road on a co-headlining, 30-date U.S. tour (performing Give Up in its entirety to celebrate the album’s 20th Anniversary) with Death Cab for Cutie this fall. So, in case you missed Lewis this time around, or you just cannot get enough of the “redheaded indie wet dream,” as the rock critic Robert Christgau fittingly referred to her in a 2004 piece for The Village Voice piece, she’ll be back soon!
Jenny Lewis Setlist: Psychos > Do Si Do > She’s Not Me > Late Bloomer > Joy’all > Red Bull & Hennessy > Heads Gonna Roll > Head Underwater > Giddy Up > Cherry Baby > Little White Dove > Just One of the Guys > Puppy and a Truck > Acid Tongue > Encore: The Next Messiah > Lust for Life (Girls cover) > With Arms Outstretched (Rilo Kiley song)
Toronto’s Echo Beach was set ablaze on Wednesday July 12th as the Danish rockers Volbeat, accompanied by the powerhouse American rock band Halestorm, unleashed a sonic storm upon the fervent crowd. The air was electric with anticipation as fans eagerly awaited the musical extravaganza that awaited them. And boy, did these bands deliver!
Halestorm last play the area in Hamburg last year. Kicking off the night with an explosive energy, Halestorm took the stage by storm, leaving the audience breathless with their blistering performance. Frontwoman Lzzy Hale commanded the stage like a true rock goddess, her powerful vocals piercing through the night air. With her signature charisma and raw intensity, she effortlessly captured the hearts of every spectator in the venue.
Halestorm’s guitar-driven anthems reverberated through the amphitheater, igniting an uncontainable fervor among the crowd. Songs like “Love Bites (So Do I)” and “The Steeple” resonated with fans, who eagerly sang along to every word. The band’s seamless synergy and tight musicianship were evident, creating an undeniable chemistry that fueled the entire performance.
After a brief intermission, the stage transformed into a grandiose spectacle, signaling the arrival of Volbeat. The “Servant Of The Road” tour had kicked off in Toronto, and the band wasted no time in proving why they are considered one of the most dynamic acts in rock music today.
Frontman Michael Poulsen’s commanding stage presence and distinct baritone vocals took the audience on a wild ride. The band effortlessly transitioned from hard-hitting, foot-stomping rockers like “The Devil’s Bleeding Crown” to more melodic and introspective tunes like “Becoming.” Each song was executed flawlessly, fueling an intense euphoria that pulsed through the veins of every fan.
Volbeat’s performance was accompanied by a stunning visual display, with mesmerizing light shows and striking backdrops that added an extra layer of grandeur to the concert. The crowd’s collective energy reached its peak during the band’s iconic hit, “Still Counting,” with fans chanting the infectious chorus with unbridled enthusiasm.
The chemistry between the band members was palpable, as they effortlessly navigated their extensive catalog of rock anthems. From the blistering guitar solos to the thunderous drumming, every musician on that stage showcased their immense talent, leaving the audience in awe.
The Volbeat and Halestorm show at Echo Beach was an unforgettable experience, leaving no doubt that rock ‘n’ roll is very much alive and thriving. These two bands proved that they are the rightful torchbearers of the genre, infusing it with their unique sound and captivating performances. The Toronto crowd was treated to a night of pure rock ‘n’ roll magic, and everyone left Echo Beach with their hearts pounding and their souls rejuvenated.
The Jungle Shakedown Music Festival just announced its lineup featuring a wide variety of acts, relocating to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica.
Jungle Shakedown Festival has become synonymous with unforgettable musical experiences and enchanting destinations. This year, the festival is elevating the adventure by embracing the captivating beauty and raw energy of the Costa Rican jungle. Set against the backdrop of the Vajra Jahra Retreat Center, this immersive experience promises to be the ultimate all-inclusive VIP getaway.
It promises not to just be a transformative musical experience, but also an adventure in Costa Rica, including spotting wildlife, longing on beaches, surfing, and picturesque sites of the jungle. Not your average festival, the experience allows you to hang out with the musicians, uniting the power of music, the beauty of nature, and the magic of community.
The lineup for Jungle Shakedown features an impressive roster of renowned musicians from the jam band scene. Attendees can expect performances from music icons including Al Schnier and Vin Amico of moe., Jason Hann of The String Cheese Incident, Steve Molitz of Particle, Mark Joseph of The Big Wu, and Janis Wallin of Family Groove Company. These talented musicians form the supergroup The Dire Wolves! More acts are to be announced.
Villas for Jungle Shakedown are on sale now. At the time of release there are only ten villas remaining, each with space for two-four individuals.
Get your school of fish/phish together – Oregon State University will host the second ever Phish Studies Conference on May 17-19, 2024, in Corvallis, Oregon.
artwork by Ryan Kerrigan
First held in 2019, the #PhishStudies Conference is an in-depth look at the band, fans, culture, community, publications, and of course music, of Phish. The event was a huge success, with 100s attending daily to take part in panels, discussions, observe gallery displays and presentations of Ph.D dissertations and theses.
Jnan A. Blau said of the 2019 conference: “I’ve just come back from one of the coolest, most stimulating and invigorating, and definitely one of the most “far out” (to quote Mr. Bill Kreutzman, via Mr. Benjy Eisen) experiences of my life. Late last Monday night, I got back home to San Luis Obispo, California from Corvallis, Oregon. I had to rise and shine the next day, no time at all to transition from Phishiness to so-called real life—a direct, rather abrupt segue (a rip cord if there ever was one!) into a full day of teaching in university classrooms. I was, and still am, kind of exhausted. But, I’ve had a secret smile the size of Mt. Icculus plastered across my face and tattooed on my heart ever since. This because I am back from Phish Studies, the first-ever academic conference dedicated to our favorite topic/subject/phenomenon.”
Also featured at the conference was an exhibit from the Phishsonian Institute, “Beyond The Moss Forgotten exhibit at the Phish Studies conference” which celebrated the art and history of Phish’s performances in the Pacific Northwest since the 1990s.
Check out more photos from the 2019 Phish Studies Conference by Derek Finholt and visit Phish.net for an in depth recap of the conference by Jnan A. Blau.
The #PhishStudies Conference is also looking for sponsors to support the mission and event. For more information, contact Professor Stephanie Jenkins.
The only rule is it begins! More info, including sponsorship opportunities, at phishstudies.net.
