Category: The Northeast

  • Billy Strings Announces Summer Tour, Pair of Shows in Essex Junction

    Singer, songwriter, musician and bluegrass phenom Billy Strings has extended his 2023 headline tour through this summer, adding shows at Midway Lawn at Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction, VT on July 22 and 23.

    Billy Strings
    Photo credit Jesse Faatz.

    Billy Strings has become recognized as one of acoustic music’s most expressive vocalists. “My goal was just to master expressing myself through bluegrass music and so many of those players just sing how they talk. Then, when I grew up, I learned that I liked Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin, so that influenced me, too,” he says.

    Since his 2017 debut, he has been awarded Best Bluegrass Album at the 63rd GRAMMY Awards, Artist of the Year at the 2022 Americana Music Awards, Entertainer of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2022 International Bluegrass Music Awards, and more.

    Billy Strings in Broomfield, CO – photo by Zach Culver

    His latest record Renewal landed on several year-end “Best of” lists including The Bitter Southerner, No Depression, Glide, The Boot, Folk Alley, and was one of the Top 50 Most Played Albums at Americana Radio last year. The New York Times declared the record, “a premier bluegrass mind for this post-everything era…he has zigged and zagged between the form’s antediluvian traditions and rapid-fire improvisations that hit like hard bop..”

    Tickets for Billy Strings’ upcoming tour are on sale now, with several added shows including shows at Midway Lawn at Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction, VT on July 22 and 23. To purchase tickets, visit here.

    Billy Strings 2023 Tour

    February 21—Charlottesville, VA—John Paul Jones Arena
    February 22—Charlottesville, VA—John Paul Jones Arena
    February 24—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena (SOLD OUT)
    February 25—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena (SOLD OUT)
    February 26—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium (SOLD OUT)
    March 3—Winston-Salem, NC—Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Doc
    Watson’s 100th Birthday Show
    March 4—Winston-Salem, NC—Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
    March 7—Athens, GA—Georgia Theatre (SOLD OUT)
    March 10—Atlanta, GA—State Farm Arena (SOLD OUT)
    March 11—Charleston, SC—North Charleston Coliseum (SOLD OUT)
    March 12—Charleston, SC—North Charleston Coliseum
    March 16—Cincinnati, OH—The Andrew J Brady Music Center (SOLD OUT)
    March 17—Cincinnati, OH—The Andrew J Brady Music Center (SOLD OUT)
    March 18—Cincinnati, OH—The Andrew J Brady Music Center (SOLD OUT)
    April 13—Southaven, MS—Landers Center
    April 14—Mobile, AL—Mobile Civic Center Arena
    April 15—Mobile, AL—Mobile Civic Center Arena
    April 18—Tampa, FL—Yuengling Center (SOLD OUT)
    April 20—St. Augustine, FL—St. Augustine Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)
    April 21—St. Augustine, FL—St. Augustine Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)
    April 22—St. Augustine, FL—St. Augustine Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)
    April 29-30—Los Angeles, CA—Hollywood Bowl – Willie Nelson’s 90 th Birthday (SOLD OUT)
    May 11—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)
    May 12—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)
    May 13—Denver, CO—Mission Ballroom
    May 17—Phoenix, AZ—Arizona Financial Theatre (SOLD OUT)
    May 19—Los Angeles, CA—Greek Theatre (SOLD OUT)
    May 20—San Diego, CA—Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre (SOLD OUT)
    May 21—San Diego, CA—Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
    May 24—Las Vegas, NV—Brooklyn Bowl (SOLD OUT)
    May 26—Napa, CA—BottleRock Napa Valley
    June 2—Austin, TX—Moody Center
    June 3—Austin, TX—Moody Center
    June 7—Tulsa, OK—BOK Center
    June 9—St. Louis, MO—Chaifetz Arena
    June 10—Indianapolis, IN—TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park (SOLD OUT)
    June 11—Indianapolis, IN—TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park (SOLD OUT)
    June 13—Cleveland, OH—Jacobs Pavilion (SOLD OUT)
    June 14—Cleveland, OH—Jacobs Pavilion (SOLD OUT)
    June 16—Clarkston, MI—Pine Knob Music Theatre (SOLD OUT)
    June 17—Chicago, IL—Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island (SOLD OUT)
    July 13—Cary, NC—Koka Booth Amphitheatre
    July 14—Cary, NC—Koka Booth Amphitheatre
    July 15—Cary, NC—Koka Booth Amphitheatre
    July 19—Norfolk, VA—Chartway Arena
    July 21—Bridgeport, CT—Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
    July 22—Essex Junction, VT—Midway Lawn at Champlain Valley Expo
    July 23—Essex Junction, VT—Midway Lawn at Champlain Valley Expo

    July 25—Boston, MA—Leader Bank Pavilion
    July 26—Boston, MA—Leader Bank Pavilion
    July 28—Portland, ME—Thompson’s Point
    July 29—Portland, ME—Thompson’s Point
    July 30—Newport, RI—Newport Folk Festival (SOLD OUT)
    August 7—Frankfurt, Germany—Batschkapp
    August 8—Berlin, Germany—Huxleys
    August 9—Hamburg, Germany—Grobe Freiheit 36
    August 24—Knoxville, TN—Knoxville Civic Coliseum
    August 25—Huntsville, AL—The Orion Amphitheater
    August 26—Huntsville, AL—The Orion Amphitheater

  • Fever Dolls Release Indie Single “Hate Myself (For Loving You)” 

    Burlington‘s indie rock duo Fever Dolls have just released “Hate Myself (For Loving You)” on February 17th. The single is an infectious heartache anthem for fans of Kevin Morby and Lord Huron. 

    Fever Dolls Release Indie Rock Single “Hate Myself (For Loving You)”

    Active since 2018, Fever Dolls is comprised of songwriter Evan Allis and singer Renn Mulloy. Formed 2018, Fever Dolls was born out of a desire to forego the self-seriousness of modern rock in favor of big hooks, clever lyrics, and broad musical range. The duo have over 10 million streams on Spotify, over 150,000 views on YouTube, and have Best Music Video Award from Gorilla River Music Video Festival 2019 (Adeline). 

    Fever Dolls Release Indie Rock Single “Hate Myself (For Loving You)”

    “If you were to ask me to name the qualities that unite my favorite bands, I would say, “a great bar band that sounds like it would write an amazing Broadway musical.” Fever Dolls meets and far surpasses that standard” 

    – Vox 
    Fever Dolls Release Indie Rock Single “Hate Myself (For Loving You)”

     By blending indie rock and Americana influences, “Hate Myself” showcases the lyrical storytelling that Vox’s Emily St. James praised as sounding like “a great bar band that would write an amazing Broadway musical,” and features collaborators Willoughby Morse (Cavetown), Riley Geare (Caroline Rose), and Dan Rome (Noah Kahan). 

    Evan Allis says that, “Hate Myself” was one of those songs that I kept coming back to when I really struggled with questions about the “sound of the band,” because it seemed to capture what I thought was special about Fever Dolls: anthemic choruses, hypnotic guitar riffs, and close vocal harmonies that sound descended from both classic country and Motown.” 

    “Lyrically, “Hate Myself (for Loving You)” strikes a balance between self-deprecation and self-delusion. There’s plenty of confessional songwriting that captures the initial disorientation, but not much that speaks to the mixture of emotions that lingers after the hurt has worn off. The narrator of “Hate Myself” is saying “good riddance,” even while acknowledging their own contribution to a toxic relationship. There are a lot of “kiss-off” songs and “please take me back” songs, but “Hate Myself” lives in that murky middle-ground where most people I know reside after a split. It’s our anthem for the anger/acceptance stage of the break-up grief cycle.” 

    To listen to “Hate Myself (For Loving You),” click the link here

    For more information on Fever Dolls, click the link here

  • Levitate Music And Arts Festival Announces 10th Anniversary Line-Up, Dates

    Levitate Music and Arts Festival’s signature summertime celebration returns this year on July 7th, 8th and 9th at the Marshfield Fairgrounds in Marshfield, MA.

    This particularly special edition marks the 10th anniversary of an event that has grown to be New England’s premier music and arts festival, as well as celebrating 20 years of the Levitate community and brand. What started as a 10th Anniversary celebration of the beloved has grown to a nationally recognized festival with tens of thousands of tickets sold each day. “It’s humbling to be hitting the 20 and 10 year milestones of Levitate Brand and Levitate Music and Arts Festival,” says Levitate Co-Founder Daniel Hassett. “We set out to provide a different kind of festival for our town, and New England, back in 2013- championing our local musicians and artists and building a community who believe wholeheartedly in making the world a more creative and connected place. We’re excited to use this milestone to dig into our roots and expand our arts and mural programming, partner with more local vendors than ever, doubling our kids programs and expanding our greening efforts.” The eclectic, eco-driven and family friendly event will again present its recognized blend of world-class artists and emerging local acts, diverse food trucks, artisan vendors and wide ranging experiences from live art installations to kids activities.

    The illustrious Brandi Carlile will make her first appearance at the festival, and as an artist known for celebrating the value of community, her ethos is perfectly aligned with Levitate. Trey Anastasio, a New England stalwart and lead singer of Phish will return to the festival to perform with his solo band. After ten years of incredible growth and annual performances since the inaugural Levitate Festival in 2003, American-reggae artist Stick Figure will headline in its hometown and energize the mainstage again at this year’s festival. Other notable artists on this eclectic bill this year include Goose, Ziggy Marley, Rebelution, Peach Pit, The Heavy Heavy, Celisse and Lucius.

    Levitate was founded in 2003 as a community-focused surf and skate shop that steadily grew through local support and grassroots marketing. Over the past 20 years, these original core values of community, creativity and a connectedness to nature have been woven through all aspects of Levitate’s growth — from the development of its apparel line to their highly sought-after kids outdoors and creative summer camps; the expansion of its flagship store to an outdoor restaurant, music and events venue; the continued success of their signature festivals, Levitate Music & Arts Festival, and Levitate Flannel Jam, and most recently – the launch of the non profit Levitate Foundation 501(c)(3).

    “I couldn’t be prouder of what Levitate has become” says Co-Founder and Artist director of Levitate, Jess Hassett. “The line-up is full of amazing female artists including Brandi Carlile, Lucius, Celisse, and Melt. Pro-skater Nora Vasconcellos will be exhibiting her incredible skills and our arts and mural program will feature a bigger and more diverse group of brilliant artists than ever before. It was thrilling to design the poster this year knowing how far Levitate has come and how the community has been behind it and has made what Levitate is today.”

    In addition to the eclectic music lineup that has come to be expected at Levitate Festival, all three days will feature visual artists bringing large scale murals and live paintings to life, as well as 60+ local craft and artisan vendors offering hand-blown glass, locally thrown pottery and original artworks. 2023 will feature the largest gathering ever of these artisans

    More than 30 food trucks are welcomed to the event grounds the weekend of the festival. All are locally sourced, offering a plethora of options such as farm to table, barbeque, handmade pizza, delicious baked goods and smoothies.

    Additionally, Levitate Music & Arts Festival is a family friendly event and features many activities for kids to engage in. The kids zone operates each day of the festival and is run by Levitate Camp Counselors. Encouraging creativity and sharing their love of the outdoors with the next generation is at the core of Levitate’s mission and the largest kids program to date is planned for the festival’s 10th Anniversary.

    Levitate Music Festival’s dedication to an eco-friendly approach reached new records in 2022 with the elimination of single use plastic at all of their bars, along with the addition of wood recycling from the site build. Additionally, thanks to their dedicated green team, the team was able to exceed their marks on clean recycling and composting stats and is excited to expand that success in 2023.

    One percent of each ticket sold will be contributed to the Levitate Foundation, a non-profit whose mission is to cultivate vibrant communities by creating and conserving access to music, art and the outdoors

    Tickets are on sale now. Visit Levitate’s website for more information.

  • Path Announces New Album, Lead Single “All I Wanna Do” Out Now

    Indie-Rock band Path has released “All I Wanna Do”the first single from their upcoming third LP entitled You’re Gonna Be Alright. This release comes on the heels of the recent success of their 2018 single Eugene, which amassed more than a million streams on Spotify since 2020.

    Path single art
    All I Wanna Do single artwork

    “Music has always been my main outlet for bottled up emotions” says Path frontman Sam Keeler. “Writing and recording music is often a difficult experience. I tend to get stuck in dark places while I’m trying to put certain feelings into music. I don’t know what changed, but this time around everything came from a positive place and I found the entire process to be really constructive on a personal level. I guess you can say this is an album about personal growth and getting to know yourself better.”

    “For this most recent project, I made a point to shift my focus from looking inward to looking outward and forward. “All I Wanna Do” was one of the first songs I wrote for the album and I remember just wanting to make a simple love song. I was pulling myself out of a difficult period in my life around that time and I think that this track reflects that transitional period pretty clearly.”

    Path’s signature sound has been documented by WXPN Philadelphia, Indie Underground, and Divide and Conquer, among others. WXPN notes “The five-piece band has a pointedly emotional and dreamy soundscape, seen on their two self-produced LP’s. Their new release features warm looping guitars and airy vocals, creating a contrasting soundscape of dazzling clarity and fuzziness. Indie-rock, soft folk and the band’s self-described ‘love rock’ all feel like appropriate labels for the track, but an enchanting breath of fresh mountain air could also serve to describe the start of what listeners feel as they fill in the rest of the gaps.”

    Crediting Path’s rich, heartfelt sound, their 2018 sophomore album Still was embraced by critics and music fans alike as a hidden treasure of northeastern indie rock and folk music. Although still personal and poetic, You’re Gonna Be Alright features a fuller and more developed sound than their previous two records while maintaining the core characteristics that make their sound so alluring.

    Path will tour the Eastern US this summer in support of the new record.

    “All I Wanna Do” is available now on Spotify

  • The Killers and Foo Fighters to Headline Sea.Hear.Now 2023

    The fifth installment of the Sea.Hear.Now festival will be returning to its familiar grounds along the picturesque waterfront in Asbury Park, New Jersey on September 16-17, 2023. The annual two-day music festival will be headlined by alternative rockers The Killers on Saturday and 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Foo Fighters on Sunday.

    sea.hear.now

    Produced by Tim Sweetwood of C3 Presents (Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza), along with iconic rock photographer Danny Clinch, his good pal Tim Donnnelly (a music journalist turned promoter) and HM Wollman (an industry veteran), the festival is a celebration of live music, art and surf culture.

    sea.hear.now
    A packed beach audience enjoying live music on the Surf Stage (2022) | Photo by Michael Dinger

    The Killers, in support of their two most recent studio albums (2020’s Imploding The Mirage and 2021’s Pressure Machine), will be back on the road this spring with a March 16 kick-off in nearby Atlantic City, New Jersey. The 11-date tour for these Las Vegas natives formed in 2001 will include three shows in Mexico, as well as an appearance at Shaky Knees on May 5 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Foo Fighters, who are officially returning to the stage in 2023 after the tragic death of drummer Taylor Hawkins in March of last year, will also be making two festival appearances in May – Boston Calling and the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival in Columbus, Ohio – as well as Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee on June 18.

    Pearl Jam performing at the 2021 festival | Photo by Michael Dinger
    Patti Smith performing at the 2021 festival | Photo by Michael Dinger
    The Smashing Pumpkins performing at the 2021 festival | Photo by Michael Dinger
    sea.hear.now
    Billy Idol performing at the 2021 festival | Photo by Michael Dinger

    The festival’s lineup will feature 50+ artists across three stages (two in the sand and one in Bradley Park), including Greta Van Fleet, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and Sheryl Crow on Saturday and Weezer, Rebelution, Mt. Joy, The Beach Boys and The Breeders on Sunday.

    Cage the Elephant performing at the 2022 festival | Photo by Michael Dinger
    Boy George performing at the 2022 festival | Photo by Michael Dinger
    IDLES performing at the 2022 festival | Photo by Michael Dinger
    sea.hear.now
    The Backseat Lovers performing at the 2022 festival | Photo by Michael Dinger

    In addition to the music scene taking place on both of the beach stages, festivalgoers can also experience artwork created by the musicians performing over the weekend, including impromptu sets, at the Transparent Clinch pop-up gallery in Bradley Park. And if that weren’t enough, the weekend will also include a professional team surf contest known as the “North Beach Rumble.”

    A portion of the festival’s proceeds is also donated to grassroots, non-profit environmental organizations and community charities such as the Surfrider Foundation, Operation Beachhead, Clean Ocean Action, Garden State Equality and Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County, to name only a few.

    Gary Clark Jr. performing at the 2022 festival | Photo by Michael Dinger
    Courtney Barnett performing at the 2022 festival | Photo by Michael Dinger

    Ticket presale for Sea.Hear.Now 2023 begins this Thursday, February 9 at 10:00 am EST. Available options include 1-Day and 2-Day tickets (General Admission, GA+, VIP and Platinum), plus a 2-Day Ultimate Experience. Layaway Pans, starting at $20, will also be made available for all ticket types. For additional information, including presale code sign-up details, visit seahearnowfestival.com.

    sea.hear.now
    Excited fans during Wet Leg’s set at the Park Stage (2022) | Photo by Michael Dinger

    2023 Daily Lineups:

    Saturday (September 16)

    The Killers

    Greta Van Fleet

    Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

    Sheryl Crow

    Tash Sultana

    Royal Blood

    Bob Moses

    Cory Wong

    Oteil & Friends

    Living Colour

    Babe Rainbow

    Surfer Girl 

    Snacktime

    Quincy Mumford

    Yawn Mower

    Sunday (September 17)

    Foo Fighters

    Weezer

    Rebelution

    Mt. Joy

    The Beach Boys

    The Breeders

    Tegan & Sara

    Stephen Sanchez

    Joey Valence & Brae

    Adam Melchor

    Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country

    Easy Star All-Stars

    Sunflower Bean

    Waiting On Mongo

    Alexander Simone & Whodat?

  • Goose to Play SPAC and Stone Pony in July

    Adding to their quite packed 2023 tour schedule, Goose will perform two nights at The Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, NJ over July 4th weekend, on the heels of their headlining performance at Peach Festival a few days prior. Goose then head north to Saratoga Springs for a debut at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Friday, July 7.

    goose spac

    A Seated ticket request lottery for Goose at SPAC and The Stone Pony begins today, January 31, at 12 noon (ET) at www.goosetheband.com/tour and will continue through Wednesday, February 1, at 5 pm (ET). Lottery winners will be notified via email before the start of venue presales, set to run Thursday, February 2 from 10 am-10 pm (ET) – Password: TUMBLE. All remaining tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, February 3 at 10 am (ET).

    GOOSE TOUR 2023

    MARCH

    2-5 – Okeechobee, FL – Okeechobee Music x Arts Festival †

    8 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    9 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    10 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    11 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    12- Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    23 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner (SOLD OUT)

    24 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met (SOLD OUT)

    25 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met (SOLD OUT)

    26 – Cleveland, OH – Agora (SOLD OUT)

    31 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium (SOLD OUT)

    APRIL

    1 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium (SOLD OUT)

    2 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Co. (SOLD OUT)

    13 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee (SOLD OUT)

    14 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed (SOLD OUT)

    15 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed (SOLD OUT)

    16 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    18 – Bozeman, MT – The Elm (SOLD OUT)

    19 – Bozeman, MT – The Elm (SOLD OUT)

    21 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory (SOLD OUT)

    22 – Seattle, WA – The Paramount Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    23 – Seattle, WA – The Paramount Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    25 – Eugene, OR – The McDonald Theatre (SOLD OUT)

    27 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield (SOLD OUT)

    28 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield (SOLD OUT)

    29 – San Diego, CA – CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

    MAY

    2 – New Orleans, LA – Daze Between New Orleans †

    3 – New Orleans, LA – Daze Between New Orleans †

    26-28 – Chillicothe, IL – Summer Camp Music Festival †

    JUNE

    4 – Lexington, KY – Railbird Music Festival † (SOLD OUT)

    22-25 – Rothbury, MI – Electric Forest † (SOLD OUT)

    23 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!

    29-7/2 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival †

    29-7/1  – Garrettsville, OH – Resonance Music and Arts Festival †

    JULY

    3 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage

    4 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage

    7 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    26-30 – Floyd, VA – FloydFest † (SOLD OUT)

    † Festival Appearance

  • Spafford Brings “Dream” Jams to Fairfield at The Warehouse FTC

    Recharged and reborn, the “new look” Spafford have been on fire as of late. Have you been paying attention to their FREE live-streams? We have, and that’s why when the band rolled though Fairfield, Connecticut on January 26th and the FOMO became real, we knew we just had to send it across state lines.

    Rewarded for the effort, Spafford offered up an absolute whopper of a show at The Warehouse FTC. With jams that went long and strong and deep into the night, the band simultaneously put to bed any lingering fears that fans may have had after saying ‘goodbye’ to one their founding members.

    Spafford heats up the FTC Warehouse on a cold Winter night in Connecticut 1/26/23

    Opening the performance with the slow buildup of “Gold Glittered Hat,” each member of the band would slowly join in on the groove until forming one rock-solid beast that breathed together as one. Collectively known as Spafford, the band is comprised of guitarist Brian Moss, bassist Jordan Fairless, drummer Nick Thachyk and making his madden tour with the band this winter is keyboardist Corey Schechtman, who was handpicked to take over after Andrew “Red” Johnson left the group at the end of 2022.

    Keyboardist Corey Schechtman is playing his first tour with Spafford since joining at the the beginning of the year

    Taking the opening tune for a ride, it wasn’t long before Spafford showcased their immense improvisational prowess. As the song dipped deep into the funky end of the waters, the band would patiently and organically morph into even deeper spaces and come out swimming on the sublime side.  Going the distance on the opening jam and even teasing a bit of Pink Floyd’s “Young Lust,” the 28 minute ‘Hat’ would seamlessly segue into the much sought after “Dream Jam,” which hadn’t been played since November of last year.

    Spafford performs “Dream Jam” on 1/26/23

    Another treat came next for the hot Fairfield crowd as Jordan Fairless led the group through an up-tempo cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song “Soul to Squeeze,” you know, the one from the Coneheads soundtrack. Fairless would continue handling vocals and dropping major bass bombs all through parts I and II of “Doghouse,” which bought us to the shows half-way point.

    Brian Moss and Jordan Fairless lock in during “All My Friends” 1/26/23

    Long-time Spafford fans knew they were in for something special when the band came out with “All My Friends” to start the second set.  That’s because you can almost always count on a coveted “Bee Jam” following suite and this night was no exception. A near 17 minute Bee got the “A+” treatment and would eventually lead the band directly into “Fake the Fate” next.  After a brief pause in the action to allow the audience to catch their breath, one excited fan screamed out “You guys rip!” which got a nice little chuckle from the four guys on stage.  

    Broken wing, learn to fly.

    Just for a moment,

    Please take a ride.

    When all that’s left is the desire,

    How much higher can we go?

    Lyrics from Broken Wing

    Up next was “Broken Wing,” a song that originally made it’s live debut on April 20, 2018, but was only recently released on the bands latest studio recording Simple Mysteries that came out late last year. Quickly establishing itself as a major jam vehicle for the band, this rendition was the longest song of the second set, clocking in at just over 22 minutes and allowed to band to show off a bit of their ‘jam-tronica’ influences. The new guy, Schechtman, was right at home here, adding his unique touch with some other-worldly textures and soundscapes before things would end up going in the direction of a full-fledged “untz” dance party that had fans loving it.

    spafford fans we’re loving the second set on 1/26/23

    Taking a bit of a left turn, the band would surprise everyone next with their upbeat version of the Gary Jules/Tears for Fears classic “Mad World,” before bringing the second set to a close by uncorking a monster version of “Plans” that featured an extra stanky bass solo from Fairless, then a funked-out, shred-heavy peak to match up perfectly with Jason Goers mesmerizing light show.

    LD Jason Goers lit it up on 1/26/23 at the Warehouse

    Prior to the encore, front man Brian Moss would say how much fun this winter tour has been so far, while also giving a heartfelt shoutout to the road crew and formally introducing everyone to the newest member of the band, Corey. Storytime would continue as Moss reminisced about the bands earliest days when he was living in a 500 sq-ft studio apartment sitting around with friend, actor, and fellow musician Jaryd Smart when the two wrote the final song of the night together, “Levilan Shores.” Jaryd, who happened to be in the warehouse running the merch table, would take a quick break and hop up on stage to deliver the songs reggae verse and exchange hugs with his brothers to bring the evening to a close.

    Jaryd Smart sitting in on “Levilan Shores,” a song he helped write many years ago 1/26/23

    With the band currently firing on all cylinders and Schechtman already settling in and showing his worth, look for big things ahead for Spafford in 2023.  With one more New York date set for Buffalo’s Iron Works on January 31st, the band will then head west for the remainder of winter before returning to Ithaca’s Deep Dive in late March.  Be sure to check them out when they come to your city, but in the meantime, you can listen the entire Fairfield show (and all of the band’s recent live streams) by following their Youtube channel.

    Setlist via Spaffnerds

    Spafford | The Warehouse at FTC | Fairfield, CT | 1/26/23

    Set 1: Gold Glittered Hat > Dream Jam > Soul To Squeeze [1], Doghouse > Part II
    Set 2: All My Friends > Bee Jam > Fake The Fate, Broken Wing > Mad World [2], Plans
    Encore: Levilan Shores [3]

    [1]: Red Hot Chili Peppers
    [2]: Tears for Fears
    [3]: w/ Jaryd Smart

  • Peach Music Festival Announces Additions to 2023 Lineup

    The Peach Music Festival has announced additions to the lineup for the 2023 festival, running from June 29 through July 2 at Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA.

    Peach Music Festival 2023 Lineup

    The Peach Music Festival was created in 2012 as the first-ever Allman Brothers Band-inspired festival in the Northeast and has quickly evolved into one of the most highly-anticipated summer musical events loved by music enthusiasts from across the nation. It is a one-of-a-kind festival, as it features food and craft vendors on the grounds and access to the scenic Montage Mountain Ski Resort’s large water park.

    Featured at this year’s festival will be a performance of Allman Brothers Band record Brothers & Sisters, with founding member Jaimoe performing as Jaimoe and Friends and duo Brother and Sister. There will also be a special appearance by Trouble No More, featuring Brandon “Taz” Niederaurer (Guitar, Vocals), Daniel Donato (Guitar, Vocals), Dylan Niederaurer (Bass Guitar), Jack Ryan (Drums), Lamar Williams Jr. (Vocals), Nikki Glaspie (Drums), Peter Levin (Keys) and Roosevelt Collier (Pedal Steel Guitar).

    Goose, Tedeschi Trucks Band, My Morning Jacket, and Ween will headline The Peach Music Festival 2023. They will be joined by Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade, Mike Gordon, Lettuce, Twiddle, and Ripe. Last year’s lineup included Billy Strings, Trey Anastasio Band, Goose, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and many more.

    Ween will be headlining the 2023 Peach Music Festival.

    Newly added to the Peach Festival lineup include Ziggy Marley, Australian Pink Floyd performing a 50th anniversary tribute to Dark Side of the Moon, Jupiter & Okwess, Broadband featuring Kanika Moore, The National Reserve, J.D. Simo, Little Bird, and Mountain Grass Unit.

    Late-night sets at the Peach Music Festival will feature LP Giobbi presents Dead House and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Peach on Friday, June 30, The Australian Pink Floyd Show, and Magic City Hippies on Saturday, July 1. In addition to the headliners, Peach Music Festival also features Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade, Mike Gordon, Lettuce, Twiddle, and Ripe. 

    Peach Music Festival

    On sale now are VIP passes, reserved seating, glamping, travel packages, as well as a special four-day, general admission $99 lawn ticket. New this year will be a GA+ ticket allowing fans with a General Admission ticket access under the pavilion for headliner sets (in the 200-level seating area) for $149. To purchase tickets for the 2023 festival, go here.

    Full Lineup

    Thursday, June 29

    Headliner: Goose (two sets)

    Featuring: Twiddle, Thumpasaurus, and Friends of the Brothers

    Friday, June 30

    Headliner: Ween

    Featuring: Umphrey’s McGee, Ripe, Dogs In A Pile Trouble No More, Taper’s Choice, Tauk featuring Kanika Moore, Mo Lowda & The Humble, Kanika Moore presents The Broadband, Son Little Yam Yam, Ally Venable, Little Bird, The Psycodelics, Couch, Will Evans, Baked Shrimp, and Proper Tea

    Late Night Set: LP Giobbi and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Peach

    Saturday, July 1

    Headliner: My Morning Jacket

    Featuring: Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, Mike Gordon, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Jaimoe & Friends, Karina Rykman, Melt, Raq, Circles Around the Sun, Oh He Dead, Cris Jacobs Band, One Time Weekend, The Sweet Lillies, The National Reserve, Brother and Sister, Veronica Lewis, JB Strauss, Mountain Grass Unit, Wax Owls, and Brown Eyed Women

    Late Night Set: The Australian Pink Floyd Show performing Dark Side of the Moon and Magic City Hippies.

    Sunday, July 2

    Headliner: Tedeschi Trucks Band

    Featuring: Ziggy Marley, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Lettuce, Duane Betts, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Ghost Light, Taz Plays Hendrix, Mihali, Jupiter & Okwess, J.D. Simo, Quinn Sullivan, Hans Williams, Parrotfish, Kendall Street Company, and Roast John.

  • Foo Fighters, The Lumineers and Paramore to Headline Boston Calling 2023

    The 12th installment of Boston Calling will be returning to its familiar grounds at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston, Massachusetts on Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28, 2023. The annual three-day music festival will be headlined by 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Foo Fighters on Friday, indie folk rockers The Lumineers on Saturday and Paramore, pop-punk darlings hailing from Tennessee, on Sunday.

    boston calling 2023

    Foo Fighters were scheduled to appear at last year’s festival; however, were forced to cancel following the tragic death of drummer Taylor Hawkins. The Lumineers will be making a stop at the festival at the beginning of their upcoming Brightside World Tour, which commences at Shaky Knees in Atlanta, Georgia on May 7. Paramore, who are set to release their sixth studio album (This Is Why) next month, will be heading straight to New York City following Boston Calling for a pair of headlining shows at Madison Square Garden on May 30 and 31.

    boston calling 2023
    The festival mascot, a nattily-dressed Boston Terrier | Photo by Michael Dinger

    The festival’s extraordinary lineup will feature 50+ artists, including art-punk trio Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The National (Friday); 7-time GRAMMY award winner Alanis Morissette, The Flaming Lips and Mt. Joy (Saturday); and alternative metal rockers Queens Of The Stone Age, Bleachers and Maren Morris (Sunday). These renowned acts will also be joined by local artists with ties to New England, featuring the talents of Neemz, Q-Tip Bandits, GA-20, Juice, Alisa Amador, Mint Green, Blue Light Bandits, Ali McGuirk, Coral Moons, Actor Observer, Workman Song, Brandie Blaze, Couch, Little Fuss, Najee Janey, Summer Cult, Sorry Mom and Chrysalis. 

    Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails – Boston Calling 2022 | Photo by Michael Dinger

    New to the festival this year will be a GA+ experience, where General Admission ticketholders can add an upgrade for unlimited access to additional perks, including a VIP lounge and upgraded restrooms. Additionally, returning this year will be Boston Calling’s double-decker VIP experience with dramatic views of both the Red and Green Stages.

    James Hetfield of Metallica – Boston Calling 2022 | Photo by Michael Dinger

    Boston Calling tickets are on sale this Thursday, January 12 at 10:00 am EST. For additional information and to purchase specially-priced presale tickets (including Single-Day and 3-Day General Admission, GA+, VIP and Platinum tickets), visit www.bostoncalling.com.

    2023 Boston Calling Daily Lineup:

    Friday (May 26)

    Foo Fighters
    Yeah Yeah Yeahs  
    The National  
    Niall Horan  
    Chelsea Cutler  
    Teddy Swims  
    LÉON 
    TALK
    Celisse  
    The Beaches  
    Zolita  
    GA-20 
    Alisa Amador  
    Little Fuss  
    Blue Light Bandits  
    Summer Cult  
    Brandie Blaze 

    Saturday May 27

    The Lumineers  
    Alanis Morissette  
    Noah Kahan  
    The Flaming Lips 
    Mt. Joy  
    Fletcher  
    Declan McKenna  
    Joy Oladokun  
    The Aces  
    Loveless  
    Welshly Arms  
    Neemz  
    Q-Tip Bandits  
    Najee Janey  
    Actor Observer  
    Coral Moons  
    Chrysalis

    Sunday May 28

    Paramore  
    Queens of the Stone Age  
    Bleachers  
    King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard  
    Maren Morris  
    070 Shake  
    The Walkmen  
    The Linda Lindas
    Wunderhorse  
    Genesis Owusu  
    Brutus  
    Juice  
    Mint Green  
    Couch  
    Ali McGuirk  
    Sorry Mom  
    Workman Song

  • Dark Star Orchestra Winter Tour East swings through Albany in March

    Dark Star Orchestra’s Winter Tour East 2023 will be find the Grateful Dead tribute group playing eight shows in 6 cities, among them a pair of shows on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11 at the Palace Theatre in Albany.

    dark star winter tour

    Performing to critical acclaim for over 20 years and over 3000 shows, Dark Star Orchestra carries on the Grateful Dead live concert experience, building shows off the Dead’s extensive catalog and the talent of these seven fine musicians. On any given night, the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. This allows fans both young and old to share in the experience.

    By recreating set lists from the past, and by developing their own sets of Dead songs, Dark Star Orchestra offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out the unique style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations.

    dark star winter tour

    Dark Star Orchestra offers much more than the sound of the Grateful Dead, they truly encapsulate the energy and the experience. It’s about a sense of familiarity. It’s about a feeling that grabs listeners and takes over. It’s about that contagious energy…in short, it’s about the complete experience and consistent quality show that the fan receives when attending a Dark Star Orchestra show.

    For us it’s a chance to recreate some of the magic that was created for us over the years. We offer a sort of a historical perspective at what it might have been like to go to a show in 1985, 1978 or whenever. Even for Deadheads who can say they’ve been to a hundred shows in the 90s, we offer something they never got to see live.

    keyboardist and vocalist Rob Barraco

    Fans and critics haven’t been the only people caught up in the spirit of a Dark Star show. The band has featured guest performances from six original Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Vince Welnick, Tom Constanten and even toured with longtime Dead soundman, Dan Healy. Other notable guests have included Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman of Phish, Keller Williams, Warren Haynes, Steve Kimock, Peter Rowan, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot and many more.

    Tickets to all shows go on sale Friday, January 13 at 10 AM ET via ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Palace Theatre Box Office, located at 19 Clinton Ave. Box Office hours are Monday – Friday Noon to 5PM as well as select days and hours for events and on sales.

    Dark Star Orchestra Winter Tour East 2023

    March 9 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts

    March 10 & 11 – Albany, NY – The Palace Theatre

    March 13 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall Hartford

    March 15 & 16 – Rutland, VT – Paramount Theatre

    March 17 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center

    March 18 – Ellicottville, NY – The Rail Rider Jamboree