Funk and soul group The Motet announce their 2023 Fall tour, a 28-city journey, with three stops in New York, introducing the band’s new lead singer Sarah Clarke to fans and audiences nationwide.
With the tour spanning from Sept. 9 through Dec. 3, the Denver-based ensemble is excited to bring Clarke along with the rest of the crew: Dave Watts, Joey Porter, Garrett Sayers, Ryan Jalbert, and Drew Sayers.
Clarke is a vocalist and songwriter from Portland, Oregon, known for her powerful voice and widespread range of recognition through her talent and performances. Having toured in the past with bands such as Dirty Revival and San Francisco-based soul psych-rock band Con Brio, Clarke brings immense experience and ability to the veteran group.
As for The Motet, the band formed over two decades ago, blending funk, rock, soul, and jazz into their extensive discography.
Coming off the release of their tenth studio album All Day in January, the band continues to find new, innovative ways to expand their music horizon. Additionally, The Motet believes the upcoming tour and the incorporation of Clarke into the group will make for more excitement.
Musically, we [The Motet] are a great fit, I feel pushed to perform at the top of my game because I know they are going to bring it every night. Interpersonally, we gel wonderfully and it’s been a true pleasure to get to know them.”
– Sarah Clarke
Performing six headlining slots at Red Rocks, sets at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Bottlerock, Electric Forest, and countless sell-out shows, the group ensures that their upcoming Fall tour will be yet another amazing experience for fans and the ensemble.
Concert Schedule & Ticket Information
Shows in New York will be bold, as The Motet will perform at the Fire Lights Festival in Sherman, NY Sept. 8-10, Oct. 8 in Albany, and Oct. 12 in Pawling.
The Sept. 9 and Sept. 16 shows will be a part of the Fall tour while also being included in their respective festival schedules.
For tickets, visit the band’s website themotet.com.
9/8-10 – Sherman, NY | Fire Lights Festival 9/15-17 – Greenfield, MA | Wormtown Festival 9/20 – Virginia Beach, VA | Elevation 27 9/21 – Roanoke, VA | 5 Points Music Sanctuary 9/22 – High Point, NC | Cohab Space 9/23 – Pelham, TN | Subterranea Fest @ The Caverns 9/28-10/1 – Lake Perris, CA | Same Same But Different Fest 10/5 – Leesburg, VA | Tally Ho Theater 10/6 – Darlington, MD | Ramble Festival 10/7 – Asbury Park, NJ | The Stone Pony 10/8 – Albany, NY | Lark Hall 10/11 – Rutherford, NJ | The Williams Center 10/12 – Pawling, NY | Daryl’s House 10/13 – Hampton Beach, NH | Wally’s 10/14 – Portland, ME | Aura 10/27 – Fort Collins, CO | Washington’s 10/28 – Boulder, CO | Boulder Theater 10/31 – Frisco, CO | 10 Mile Music Hall 11/8 – Kansas City, MO | recordBar 11/9 – Peoria, IL | Kenny’s Westside 11/10 – Chicago, IL | Park West 11/11 – Minneapolis, MN | Amsterdam Bar and Hall 11/12 – Omaha, NE | Slowdown 11/29 – Fayetteville, AR | George’s Majestic Lounge 11/30 – Oklahoma City, OK | Tower Theatre 12/1 – Dallas, TX | Deep Ellum Art Co 12/2 – Austin, TX | The Mohawk 12/3 – Houston, TX | Last Concert Cafe
The show was opened by Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets. For over 30 years, Dr. Jah has been bringing peace, love, and positivity to the Capital Region. With the Love Prophets by his side, they performed for what may have been their second Alive at 5. The vibes were kept peaceful for the most part, but their set ended on a more political note. Guitarist Dave Geoghegan expressed his frustration with the recent decision to strike down Roe v. Wade. They finished the set with a song he said they hadn’t thought about being relevant again in over 30 years.
Dr. Jah was followed up by The Skatalites. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, the band has a history that dates back to 1964. They were founded on the popular Jamaican genre, “Ska,” and have since grown and incorporated Reggae, Rocksteady, Ska-Jazz, and a few other sub-genres into their sound. Doreen Schaffer is the only original member of the band that still plays with them today. Though she was not there for the performance in Albany, she may make an appearance for the band’s 60th anniversary next year.
Ska music tends to generate a lot of dancing because of its rhythms and horns. There were few lyrics, as the crowd mostly vibed out for an hour and a half. They did bring out a singer to perform a cover of “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley. A group of high schoolers raising funds for a sports trip formed a conga line that helped those who were moving to get up a go. This was probably one of the most mellow Alive at 5’s for the year before things turn up to close out the series.
The Skatalites perform at The Music Room in West Yarmouth, MA on Aug. 12.
Tickets are now available for Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade’s “Hunt For Green October” fall tour, with dates in Brooklyn and Albany. The rock band recently reformed after a 20-year hiatus, and has just completed their “Summer of Green” tour.
The band was originally formed by Les Claypool in 2000 during a break from his other band, Primus, with a debut appearance at the Mountain Aire Festival. They would go on to tour around the U.S., release two live albums, and release the studio album, Purple Onion.
Claypool himself has also been involved with Primus’s recent “A Tribute To Kings” tour, as well as Primus’s first new music in over five years. This 3-track EP, Conspiranoid, includes the 11-minute “Conspiranoia.”
Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade will have a new, two-set show for their fall tour, going more into their catalog. The “Hunt For Green October” tour will be the last opportunity to hear the Frog Brigade’s take on Pink Floyd‘s Animals. The song will be played at every show in its entirety.
Let’s put it this way… I think, with Primus and without, I’ve played every music festival in the last ten years, except Lilith Fair. You could say I’m the guy who doesn’t fit in anywhere, but a little bit everywhere.
Les Claypool
Upcoming Tour Dates
Oct. 11 – Fox Theater – Oakland, CA
Oct. 12 – Riverside Municipal Auditorium – Riverside, CA
The dynamic and high-energy band that is the Kitchen Dwellers will be heading out on tour for fall 2023. Their 20 date trek is set to kick off on October 11th in Burlington, Vermont with a special stop at the New York Cohoes Music Hall on October 12th, joined by the progressive folk band, Fireside Collective.
Throughout the fall tour, audiences will get the chance to experience the quartet – Shawn Swain [Mandolin], Torrin Daniels [banjo], Joe Funk [upright bass], and Max Davies [acoustic guitar]—twist bluegrass, folk, and rock through a kaleidoscope of homegrown stories, rich mythology, American west wanderlust, and psychedelic hues.
During select performances, the Kitchen Dwellers will be accompanied by the Fireside Collective, the American jam band Leftover Salmon, along with appearances by the Mountain Grass Unit, Arkansauce, and Chris Jacobs.
The tour will wrap with three November nights in Denver which will include a special VIP-only show at Cervantes’ Otherside followed by performances at the Ogden Theater. Tickets will be available on Friday, July 21 at 10:00 AM!
Sly Fox and the Hustlers opened classic rock night under I-787. They formed in Albany in 2010 after Sly’s long time friend decided to embark on a solo career. He enlisted the help of guitarist, Zak Young and drummer, Sean Ireland to form the band. They created a classic blues rock and roll sound which has so far produced two albums. Sly Fox and the Hustlers are working on releasing their third album sometime this year.
Sly Fox and the Hustlers played about an hour set with the addition of three members. Saxophonist, Luke McNamee, Brian Mangini on the keyboard and John Dievendorf on the bass took the stage to with Sly Fox to modest crowd of Albany’s most loyal rock and rollers. The mood was a bit more mellow as their music leaned more towards a classic blues sound than a typically head banging rock n’ roll beat. Many of the songs were centered more around love, which may have helped to audience understand Sly more. Most of crowd saved their energy by resting in their lawn chairs in anticipation for Sweet. They were left off with a warm farewell before the night was revved up.
Sweet was a band in the 70s who gained popularity in the UK with from their single “Blockbuster!” They had many songs reach the charts in both the UK and England before they disbanded in 1981. Most of the founding members died between 1997-2020, but they did not stop the legacy from continuing. Guitarist Andy Scott, has formed his own version of Sweet that continues to play shows today and even make music. His version of Sweet, however, was not the version that was in Albany.
Bassist Steve Priest came out of retirement in 2007 and formed his own version of Sweet. This version shares similarities with Scott’s version, but are not actively making new music. They still are keeping the legacy alive by playing some of Sweet’s best songs at their shows. Their show in Albany was no show for the week hearted as they really gave it their all with the short window they had.
The show was moved to Albany’s rain location under I-787, but a torrential storm was so strong the highway could not protect everyone. Nonetheless, the show still went on with a few changes to the set.
Coming out strong with hits like “Teenage Rampage” and “Set Me Free”, there was not one person still sitting in their seat for the show. Lead singer, Patrick Stone, really meshed with the crowd well by encouraging participation from all. Stone stuck his mic over the crowd, stood on the front speakers, and even ran through the crowd twice to keep everyone energized.
Patrick Stone singing with fan at Alive at 5 – Photo by Jarron Childs
Even though they could not complete their whole set, they were able to get off their two most notable songs before they departed early. “Fox on the Run”, which regained popularity after being on the The Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, still hit the same as it probably did back in 1974. Crowd members needed very little encouragement to sing it word-for-word with Sweet. The set ended early with “Ballroom Blitz,” which still left the energy on high just before the downpour.
Steve Priest’s Sweet continues to tour with their next stop being Louisville Kentucky on August 25th.
Sly Fox and The Hustlers Setlist: Back in Funk, Rough Patch of Road, Giving Dream, Revolution 2012, Look At You, Let Me Down Easy, Smooth, Home By Morning, Forever Young, Find Someone, S.U.N.Y. Girl, American Gypsy, Sympathy
Sweet Setlist: Action, Teenage Rampage, Set Me Free, Love Is Like Oxygen, Sweet F.A., No You Don’t, Done Me Wrong, Willie/Block/Wig, AC/DC, Fox on the Run, Ballroom Blitz
The Brunswick Summer Concert Series is back for its 23rd season. The performances are held on each Tuesday at the Brunswick Community Center from June 27 to September 5.
With concerts scheduled to run 6:30-8:00 PM, the community center’s vast lawn provides a perfect backdrop for summer evenings. In addition to live music there will also be food trucks and other refreshments available.
The Brunswick Summer Concert Series looks to provide guests with quality music from all different kinds of genres. This year’s lineup features acts from all over the region. Local standouts include New York’s favorite horn band The Refrigerators, Celtic-rock outfit Get Up Jack, as well as country-rock group Whiskey Highway.
Located northeast of Albany, Brunswick has a long and storied history. The town’s first inhabitants settled in the early 18th century and were originally considered to be part of Troy. Positioned near the Hudson River, Brunswick and its neighboring towns became stopping points during the Revolutionary War. Famed American writer Herman Melville was a school teacher in the town during the mid 1800s.
Concerts are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and/or blankets. Here for more details and information.
Summer Lineup
6/27 The Refrigerators- Funk/ R&B/Rock
7/11 The Tichy Boys- Country/Rokabilly
7/18 The Lustre Kings- Country/Rokabilly
7/25 Big Fez and The Surfmatics- Surf and Beach Music
8/1 Harmony Rocks- One Hit Wonders
8/8 Get Up Jack- Celtic / Americana
8/15 The Hammerhead Horns- Roots, Ragtime and Blues
2023 marks the 16th anniversary of the Schaghticoke Summers Eve Concert Series, presented by the Schaghticoke Entertainment Committee. Each summer, mid-June through August, Thursday evenings are dedicated to bringing relaxation, entertainment, food, and fun through free musical performances. Shows take place from 6:30-8:30 pm at 290 Northline Drive in Melrose, NY.
Super 400, from Troy, NY, opened rock night with a strong 1 hour set. Playing together for over 20 years, they are no stranger to the Capital Region spot light. The trio were inductees to the Class of 2022 Eddies Hall of Fame. Their psychedelic and class rock sound really drew in the very adult Albany crowd. Towards the end of their set, they brought up singer, writer, and producer Sean Whiteford for a song. They crowd gave them a strong exit as they really played straight through the summer heat.
Sean Whiteford and Kenny Hohman – Photo by Jarron Childs
Lead vocalist, Moriah Formica, got her start in music at a fairly young age. She was previously on The Voice at the age of 16 in 2017. She made it to the last playoff round before getting eliminated; but it was enough to jump start her professional music career. Plush was formed soon after during the COVID-19 pandemic mainly through ads on social media. The young, all female rock band has been capitalizing on the growing female rock scene. From debuting their first song “Hate,” it wasn’t long before they were supporting acts like Kiss.
Lead by Albany native Moriah Formica, they did not not let the heat stop them from playing a full hour and a half set. Plush braved the humidity with a burst of energy the radiated well into the crowd. With lots of bopping around stage, they really brought the excitement of rock to the stage with their classic and hard rock rock style. Bassist and New York native, Ashley Suppa, seemed to be a crowd favorite as she really took up the as much as the stage as she could. Her and guitarist, Bella Perron, kept switching places which helped really stimulate the audience to keep on moving with them. Perron also had some great solos where she really used her guitar to bring the energy from some of Plush’s newest fans.
Even though they may have had a weird start, they had a powerful exit with their latest single, “Left Behind.” They took a photo with the crowd before greeting them by the merch table for fans to greet their new favorite band. Their great sound coupled with young energy make them really hard not to like.
The closest show the band has to New York is in Atlantic City on September 8th. They play at Rock Fest in Cadott, WI on July 15th for anyone that can check them out soon.
Plush Setlist: Athena, Champion, Sober, Better Off Alone, Baracuda, Found A Way, Walk Away, Don’t Say That, Man in the Box, Hate, Will Not Win, I Don’t Care, Bring Me Down, Why Do I Even Try, Sorry, Heaven’s On Fire, Left Behind
It was a career-defining night for Connecticut’s indie-groove sensation Goose on Friday, July 7. Making their debut at the iconic Saratoga Performing Arts Center, it would ultimately prove to be their biggest headlining performance to date, drawing an estimated 11,000 fans from across the Northeast. Rising to the occasion, the high-flying band captivated attendees with their signature sound, all played with purpose, gusto, and pride. A milestone moment in time that was as satisfying for the fans as it was for the members of Team Goose, this show felt special and more like a homecoming celebration for our triumphant underdogs.
Goose made their Saratoga Performing Arts Center debut on 7/7/23
From the dimly lit club scene to lighting up amphitheaters across the country, the meteoric rise of Goose has been a phenomenon rarely seen in today’s music climate. Ever since accepting the proverbial “torch” from a guy named Trey at Radio City Music Hall last summer, the band has been running with it full speed ahead, no brakes and all gas. From making their national television debut to selling out Red Rocks and their residency at the Capitol Theatre, to earning praise from legendary Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Phil Lesh and even comedians like Jimmy Fallon and Bert Kreischer, the widespread appeal of this band seems to span across generations. Even people who don’t listen to “new” music are talking about Goose.
Goose guitarist/lead vocalist Rick Mitarotonda performing at SPAC on 7/7/23
Consisting of Rick Mitarotonda [vocals, guitar], Peter Anspach [vocals, keys, guitar], Trevor Weekz [bass], Ben Atkind [drums], and Jeff Arevalo [vocals, percussion, drums], the buzz surrounding Goose’s SPAC debut was palpable. Coming off major festivals like Peach and the final Resonance, then a pair of sold-out 4th of July shows at the Stone Pony and Portland, ME, the momentum coming into Saratoga had reached a level not seen since, well, Phish. Afternoon rain would make for a bit of a messy shakedown situation, but right around showtime, as if on cue, the clouds turned as fans started filling up the lawn and pavilion. The highly collectible posters commemorating the evening were long gone well before the first note was played.
Goose made a little Saratoga magic during their SPAC debut on 7/7/23
Walking out to a thunderous and sustained standing ovation, the members of Goose were grinning ear to ear upon taking their positions on the storied SPAC stage. Afterward, on social media, the band would reflect on it saying, “We will never forget the energy we felt right at the start of last night’s show, absolute chills.” Soaking it all in for a moment, the guys would suddenly drop into an inspired “Silver Rising,” with Mitarotonda emphatically singing out the opening lyrics:
Peter Anspach lead Goose through “Red Bird,” a touching tribute to his Mother on 7/7/23
Next came the emotional high point of the first set with a personal song near and dear to multi-instrumentalist Peter “Handini” Anspach. Leading the band through “Red Bird” in a fitting tribute to his mother who has supported his music every step of the way, hearing Peter sing it during the biggest show of his career was very touching. After dipping their toes into some gorgeous improvisational type-II territory, a rollicking rendition of “Same Old Shenanigans” (SOS) would send us to intermission and leave the excited crowd buzzing about what they’d just witnessed and what was still yet to come.
Red bird don’t get tired now
You can almost touch the light
Red bird don’t stop singing your song
Fly for tomorrow tonight
– Lyrics from “Red Bird”
The second set started off with the band paying homage to Goose’s precursor project Vasudo. Playing a heartfelt rendition of “The Empress of Organos,” a song that was also played at the final Vasudo show ten years ago, one couldn’t help but be inspired by just how far this band has come during that time. Now playing with a new custom-made guitar appropriately named “The Empress,” Mitarotonda’s tone sounded glorious all night long and the band looked completely comfortable and at home on the big stage. They are simply born for this. Following the 23-minute “Empress” came a beautiful blues-inspired cover of David Gray’s “Please Forgive Me” that saw some serious peak shredding from Snakes.
The Empress: Rick Mitarotonda’s new custom ax sounded glorious under the SPAC pavilion on 7/7/23
The SPAC show will be remembered for a lot of things, but for me, the real “get down” took place during the SPAC “Thatch.” One of the funkiest and crunchiest grooves this side of Phish’s “Moma Dance,” the band originally debuted the song just up the road in Glens Falls last November while opening for the Trey Anastasio Band. Nearly doubling its length with this version (while also managing to sneak a “Tequila” tease in), the song is destined to become a fan favorite and setlist staple for years to come. Check out pro-shot footage of “Thatch” here:
Easing us into the comedown was another beautifully executed version of “This Old Sea,” one of the most tender ballads in the band’s arsenal, it would also be the shortest song played all night. Seamlessly transitioning into the title track from the band’s latest studio album, 2022âs Dripfield, the mesmerizing climax and stunning light show courtesy of LD Andrew Goedde left Goose fans dripping for more.
On your way to kill the beast
You meet the child, the only one you know
And he sings to you, “Let go,
May the nighttime be your home
-Lyrics from “Factory Fiction”
After hanging backstage for a minute to bask in the ovation and savor the moment, there was only one song that made sense for an encore; a song reserved for only the most special and monumental occasions. As the opening notes of the rare “Factory Fiction” rang out (or ‘Spactory Fiction’ as some fans are already calling it), the excitement and jubilation could be felt by everyone who was there and collectively sent chills down your entire body. Bringing the band full circle on this surreal summer night, from beginning to end, their performance made an emphatic statement. The golden Goose has arrived, and buckle up because their time is now
Goose played their biggest headlining show to date on Friday, 7/7/23 at SPAC
Up next, the band will return to the Newport Folk Festival for their first appearance on the main stage. Later this fall, Goose will return to New York to headline the Borderland Music Festival in Buffalo, before heading across the pond to play their first European tour in November.
For more information, tickets, and tour dates, visit here.
Set 1: Silver Rising, California Magic, Animal, Red Bird, Same Old Shenanigans
Set II: The Empress of Organos, Please Forgive Me (David Gray cover), Thatch, This Old Sea, Dripfield
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, the show will not continue.” That was the announcement made just moments before Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds were about to perform on Saturday night, July 8, in Saratoga Springs. Confused fans weren’t sure if it was part of the act or if it was a public safety concern as speculation quickly ran rampant. Gallagher, the former principal songwriter of British blue-collar bad-boy band Oasis, is no stranger to making headlines. Familiar to millions, at one time he was the most outspoken member of the biggest (and most controversial) band in the world.
The stage was set for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds just moments before it was suddenly called off on 7/8/23
All things seemed ‘business as usual’ just prior to showtime Saturday night at SPAC. After opening sets from critically acclaimed rock bands Metric and Garbage went on without a hitch, everything was on schedule for the evening’s headliner. As smoke machines began to ramp up and hip, pre-show music by Little Sonny, Larry Coryell, and Funk Inc. piped over the PA system, by 9:45 pm fans were getting anxious over the delayed start. Suddenly the house lights came on and the announcement was made that “the show will not continue” and to “please move calmly and safely to the nearest exit.”
What’s the Story: A disappointed fan reacts to the news that Noel Gallagher will not be performing on 7/7/23
Security and Live Nation reps confirmed this was not “part of the show” and that everyone needed to leave the concert grounds immediately. Sent out into the night with more questions than answers, disappointed fans complied and exited the venue, seemingly without incident. Further information was hard to come by. There is currently no “official” word on what caused the sudden cancellation, refunds, or, rescheduling.
After the show, Garbage’s Twitter feed posted “Our love and concern to all the fans at our show in Saratoga Springs tonight. We pray you are all safe and sound. This is fucking insane.” An Instagram post from bassist Daniel Shulman shed a little more light on the situation, saying “We had to evacuate quickly due to a bomb threat …. Scary.”
