Following the unprecedented success of their recent tours, Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads and acclaimed touring member Adrian Belew have announced their 2024 Remain In Light Summer Tour, with stops in Huntington, NY, and Tarrytown, NY.
The tour will find Harrison and Belew performing songs from this monumental period of the band’s history alongside a powerhouse band, including former members of Turkuaz, Julie Slick on bass, and Yahuba Garcia-Torres on percussion.
The group has been touring on their widely popular ‘Remain In Light’ tour all this year in celebration of the band’s iconic 1980 record.
The 2024 ‘Remain In Light‘ Summer Tour with Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew promises a series of electrifying performances, kicking off on Friday, July 26, at Bogart’s in Cincinnati, OH. Each tour stop promises to be a vibrant showcase of the unique energy and passion that Harrison and Belew bring to their live performances.
Remain In Light – NYE Tour Dates* Thu, December 28 – San Diego, CA – Balboa Theater Fri, December 29 – Anaheim, CA – City National Grove Sat, December 30 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield Sun, December 31 – Napa, CA – JaM Cellars Ballroom *with special guests, X Remain In Light – Summer 2024 Tour Fri, July 26 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s Sat, July 27 – TBA Sun, July 28 – Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues Tue, July 30 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount Thu, August 1 – Portland, ME – State Theatre Fri, August 2 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall Sat, August 3 – Rahway, NJ – Union County Performing Arts Center Sun, August 4 – Tarrytown, NY – Tarrytown Music Hall
A VIP & Artist Presale went live on Wednesday, December 13 at 10am local time using pre-sale code REMAININLIGHT. General on-sale began on Friday, December 15 at 10am local time. All performances will feature special guests, Cool Cool Cool. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this site.
R&B powerhouse Charlie Wilson will be headlining UBS Arena this upcoming mother’s day as part of Jammins Events’ R&B Love Fest 2024. Featuring KEM and legendary r&b group, Dru Hill, this soul-watering experience is set for Sunday, May 12. Presented by concert promotion/production mainstays, Jammins Events, R&B Love Fest 2024 will feature performances from legendary and contemporary artists.
Charlie Wilson at the main stage during Stavernfestivalen in Stavern on 08. July 2016.
Lineup:
Charlie Wilson (vocal)
To be able to do this with Charlie Wilson, KEM and Dru Hill – the entire line-up of talented artists, we are truly excited.
– Jammins Management Team
After all, the one nicknamed “Uncle Charlie” is a musical force that has maintained relevancy in a career spanning six decades. Overall, the music icon has garnered 13 Grammy nominations, while topping the R&B charts 13 times with number one singles. Not to mention decades of sold-out concerts, a New York Times and Washington Post best-selling memoir, I Am Charlie Wilson, a BET Lifetime Achievement Award and a Soul Train Icon Award. As such, he has both a star on the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame and will be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024.
https://youtu.be/25VQZA7yL-c?si=knXVaRnlo2n0LkC-
Additionally, R&B veterans Dru Hill and KEM will be making guest appearance at R&B Love Fest. Of course, the former has cemented their place in R&B folklore through a series of No. 1 hits, while KEM has been a steadfast presence in the r&b landscape. Meanwhile, Dru Hill has received multiple awards and performed internationally and has topped the Billboard Music charts multiple times.
Tickets for R&B Love Fest go on sale to the general public on Friday, December 15 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster.
Beloved rock band Taking Back Sunday has announced dates for their spring/summer 2024 North American headline tour celebrating their latest record 152. The two-part run is set to take place next year with stops in Wantagh and New York City.
Taking Back Sunday is made up of John Nolan (lead guitar, piano, vocals), Adam Lazzara (lead vocals), Shaun Cooper (bass), and Mark O’Connell (drums). The group has been making music together as a band for more than 20 years, sold millions of albums, and along the way, amassed a devoted, international fan base. Even then, the members of Taking Back Sunday still hope to make a powerful impact and sense of connection between fans and the world: “When we’re writing songs, the one thing we ask ourselves is, ‘Will it make people feel something?’ You try to make people feel emotion. That’s the one goal we went in with, and I think we did it,” says drummer Mark O’Connell.
This unrelenting pursuit of greatness lies at the heart of 152, Taking Back Sunday’s long-awaited, thrilling eighth studio album (and Fantasy Records debut). Written and refined over the course of several years, the group’s first full-length offering since 2016’s Tidal Wave is a passionate, melody-infused confessional from a band forever known for its honesty and vulnerability.
“…We’ve been on a whirlwind on finishing the record, getting everything ready to put it out, making all the plans. Now comes our other favorite part, getting to visit so many cities in North America and playing live. The set will be a good mixture of albums and the reception for 152 has been so positive that we can’t wait to get out there and play some of those songs for the first time in these cities and make magic all summer. Citizen also put out a great new record so we’re going to have a good time together. Can’t wait.”
Taking Back Sunday
When Taking Back Sunday first sat down together in late 2019 to begin working in earnest on what became 152, the band laid out some ground rules from the outset. They weren’t out to simply add more songs to their already-storied catalog, but rather make a piece of art they could be proud of.
To that end, so many of the songs that comprise 152 were workshopped like never before. As the band members explain, over the years they’ve learned to love letting a piece of music develop from its initial idea all the way to its sometimes drastically-different finished form. It’s a journey they’ve undoubtedly been on many times before when making previous albums, but as they found out when making 152, it’s one that continues to thrill them and keep things fresh.
Lyricists Lazzara and Nolan are also experimenting like never before. From the heartfelt recollections of the album’s epic opener “Amphetamine Smiles,” to the expressive yearning in lead single “The One”, listeners are invited into the songwriters’ collective heart.
Taking Back Sunday is expanding and developing as musicians, and we get to see it in real time with every album that they produce. There’s a hint of their old stuff in “S’old,” which is off put by their new versatility as shown in “Amphetamine Smiles” and “I Am The Only One Who Knows You.” It’ll be a ride to see what else they can do down the line.
“Normally it’s like, this is working right now, let’s just go with it and see what happens…But the process of making this record has helped get me to a point where I’m looking ahead. I’m so excited about the possibilities. You’ve got to keep moving forward. We need to continue building onto this wonderful world.”
Adam Lazzara
Taking Back Sunday 2023-2024 Tour Dates
12.5 Woolloongabba, AUS The Princess Theatre
12.6 Marrickville, AUS Factory Theatre
12.13 Wantagh, NY Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall *SOLD OUT
12.14 Wantagh, NY Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall *SOLD OUT
5.27 Ft. Worth, TX Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall
5.29 Phoenix, AZ The Van Buren
6.4 Portland, OR The Crystal Ballroom
6.5 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo
6.6 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
6.8 Edmonton, AB Union Hall
6.9 Calgary, AB MacEwan Hall
6.11 Salt Lake City, UT The Union Event Center
6.12 Denver, CO Mission Ballroom
6.14 Council Bluffs, IA Harrah’s Stir Cove
6.15 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
6.18 Cleveland, OH House of Blues Cleveland
6.19 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
6.21 Minneapolis, MN The Fillmore Minneapolis
7.24 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
7.25 Columbus, OH KEMBA Live!
7.26 Detroit, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre
7.27 Buffalo, NY Buffalo RiverWorks
7.30 Newport, KY MegaCorp Pavilion
8.1 Orlando, FL House of Blues Orlando
8.2 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution Live at the Backyard
8.3 St. Petersburg, FL Jannus Live
8.4 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
8.6 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues Myrtle Beach
8.8 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore Charlotte
8.9 Raleigh, NC The Ritz
8.11 Dewey Beach, DE Bottle & Cork
8.13 Wallingford, CT The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theatre
8.14 Boston, MA MGM Music Hall at Fenway
8.16 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore Philadelphia
8.17 New York, NY The Rooftop at Pier 17
In addition to the headline tour, NY/NJ fans can look forward to the band’s annual holiday spectacular on December 13 and 14 at Mulcahy’s and December 15 and 16 at Starland Ballroom. On December 16, Taking Back Sunday will also be holding their annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop and fundraiser at Starland Ballroom in support of Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve in honor of the band’s longtime attorney Dave Stein.
UK fans can catch Taking Back Sunday this March in Manchester, London, and Cardiff. For a full list of upcoming shows, please visit here.
Pre-sale and VIP tickets opened Wednesday, December 6, with general on sale to follow this Friday, December 8 at 10am local time. For more information, please visit this website.
The Screaming Orphans transformed The Roslyn Cellar into their living room on Sunday, December 3, inviting audience members into their family’s Christmas celebrations during their Mini Christmas Tour.
The Diver sisters, from left to right, Angela, Joan, Gráinne, and Marie Thérèse, performing at The Roslyn Cellar at 3:00 pm on December 3 as part of their Mini Christmas Tour.
The Screaming Orphans consist of the Diver sisters, Angela (bass, violin and vocals), Joan (drums and vocals), Gráinne (guitarist and vocals), and Marie Thérèse (keys, accordion, and vocals). The four sisters from Donegal aim to have their familiar bond transpire within audience members during performances.
“For a lot of our shows, we want people to feel like they’re in our sitting room. Or we’re in the house or kitchen and just having a sing-song,” guitarist Gráinne stated.
Within minutes of their performance, The Roslyn Cellar was quickly transformed into the Diver sisters’ living room. After their first song, a cover of “Merry Christmas Everyone,” the sisters informed the audience that they bought their sparkly holiday / concert attire for a steal at just $14.99 from Marshalls! The Screaming Orphans transformed into your best friend letting you in on the latest holiday deals.
For a lot of our shows, we want people to feel like they’re in our sitting room.
Or we’re in the house or kitchen and just having a sing-song
Gráinne Diver, guitarist and vocalist of Screaming Orphans
In the true fashion of Christmas, the Screaming Orphans continued to tell stories and reminisce throughout the afternoon performance. Guitarist Gráinne recollected on when her family would drive down to Germany for Christmas. On one particular Christmas, they drove from Germany to Austria, to the place where Silent Night was written. While Gráinne joked about how silly the journey was, given they drove in the snow without snow tires and that all the sisters wore ankle socks instead of boots in the freezing cold, she also noted the divine beauty of it all.
The revered beauty of the site transpired in the sister’s cover of “Silent Night.” Their haunting harmonies melted together into a wintery vortex’s siren call. The harmonies amplified when they switched from English to German midway through the song, harking back to the birthplace of the lyrics.
The sisters’ signature harmonies were truly highlighted in the slower, stripped back covers of the night. Songs like “O Holy Night” and “That Night in Bethlehem,” which was sung in Irish Gaelic, showcased the sister’s range of harmonies.
Angela (left) and Joan (right) Diver singing their rendition of The Turtles “Happy Together,” which is featured on the Screaming Orphans’s 2019 album Life in a Carnival.
But like all great Christmas parties, there also had to be some good craic. Songs like “Miss Fogarty’s Christmas Cake,” a song describing a horrific fruit cake that is sure to work up a fine stomach ache, resulted in cackling from the crowd. Lyrics weren’t the only culprit of good craic on December 3 though. So were the Screaming Orphans’s unique take on classic Christmas carols. Synthesizer, for instance, was added to the start of “We Three Kings.” The result was a time-traveling song that sounded futuristic yet nostalgic all at once.
The Screaming Orphans’s signature sound, melodic old-school pop with heavy folk influences, radiates throughout their cover of “We Three Kings.” Their signature sound allows the Screaming Orphans to reinvent these Christmas classics as well as to create new ones. The sisters played original songs “Song We Used to Sing” and “Bells,” the later of which is featured on their 2021 Happy Christmas Vol. 1 album.
The Screaming Orphans hinted at new original songs as well as a cover of “Christmas Wrapping” to appear on their Happy Christmas Vol. 2 album. The second volume is rumored to be released next December. Gráinne stated she hopes there will be not only a volume two but a volume three, four, and five! “We fully intend to do more,” she stated.
To close out their set, The Screaming Orphans kicked it into high-gear with a Christmas Eve reel. The energy continued and skyrocketed during their encore, which included their renditions of “Happy Together” and “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).” Notably the chorus of “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles” was changed from “Da d-da da” to “Shot of Vodka.” Here, the gears shifted to a full-blown folk rock concert Drummer Joan was throwing her long blonde hair from side to side as she belted out the lyrics with unparalleled passion. One might have easily forgotten they were at a Christmas concert and jumped straight to St. Patrick’s Day. The result, a standing ovation.
Gráinne (left) and Marie Thérèse Diver (right) perform their encore set, which consists of their covers of “Happy Together” and “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).”
The stormy Irish weather may have followed the Screaming Orphans from Donegal to The Roslyn Center in New York, but the rain certainly did not damper their spirits. Respite from the storm was found in their Christmas carols as the sisters invited audience members into their home.
The Screaming Orphans will be back at The Roslyn Center, located at 19 Bryant Avenue, Roslyn. They’ll return in March for St. Patrick’s Day. The exact date of their concert at The Roslyn Center is scheduled to be announced soon. To view tickets for their other tour dates, click here. Until then, fans can check out the sisters’ recent album Paper Daises, which was released this past August.
Setlist: Merry Christmas Everybody, Blue Christmas, Wishing You a Merry Christmas, O Holy Night, Christmas Time is Here, Jingle Bells, Miss Fogarty’s Christmas Cake, Ho Ho Ho, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Song We Used to Sing, Bells, That Night in Behtlehem, Happy XMas (War is Over), We Three Kings, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Frosty the Snowman, Silent Night, Sleigh, Fleiz Navidad, Fairytale of New York, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Christmas Eve Reel
Country star Jason Aldean has announced a 24-city extension of his cross-country Highway Desperado Tour, featuring special guests, festivals, and VIP opportunities for fan across the US. Kicking off on May 18, the tour includes three NY dates in Syracuse, Wantagh, and Darien Center this summer.
After a successful 40-date run in 2023, Jason Aldean will continue the Highway Desperado Tour in the summer of 2024. The tour begins on May 18 in Thackerville, OH, with stops at landmark venues such as Bristow, VA’s Jiffy Lube Live, NC’s Greensboro Coliseum, and more. Aldean will play in New York on three dates. He will stop in Syracuse at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on July 11, in Wantagh at the Jones Beach Theater on July 12, and finally, at Darien Center’s Darien Lake Amphitheater on August 1.
Aldean recently released his 11th studio album on November 3 to huge success. The 14-track record includes hit singles such as “Try That In A Small Town” and “Let Your Boys Be Country.” The latter includes a brand new music video featuring guest appearances by Aldean’s young son and daughter, and focuses on the simplicity and nature of rural childhood life.
The Highway Desperado Tour features special guests including Hailey Whitters and Lauren Alaina, as well as Chase Matthew, Austin Snell, and Dee Jay Silver at select shows. In addition to the newly added dates, Jason Aldean will headline festivals such as the Winstock Country Music Festival, the Voices of America Country Music Festival, and Canada’s YQM Country Music Fest.
Tickets for the Highway Desperado tour go on sale on December 15 at 10AM. A variety of VIP packages and experiences are available, including premium tickets, access to the Jason Aldean VIP Lounge, pre-show acoustic performance and Q&A, VIP gift items, and more. Tickets and more information are available at JasonAldean.com and vipnation.com.
Jason Aldean HIGHWAY DESPERADO 2024 Tour Dates
5/18/24 – Thackerville, OK – WinStar World Casino and Resort*
7/11/24 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview&
7/12/24 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater&
7/13/24 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
7/25/24 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena^
7/26/24 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach^
8/1/24 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater^
8/2/24 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion^
8/3/24 – Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain^
8/8/24 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center^
8/10/24 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake^
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) has officially opened its long-anticipated exhibit—‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey.’ This exhibit is the first of its kind, as it is dedicated exclusively to a LIMEHOF inductee. The attraction opened to the public on November 24 and had a strong opening weekend with eager visitors who flocked to visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.
This exclusive exhibit showcases over 50 years of Billy Joel’s most cherished items, which include rare memorabilia, behind-the-scenes video footage, dozens of awards, rare audio and video recordings, vintage instruments, and historic photos—many of which were donated by Billy Joel himself and have never before been displayed for public viewing. Billy Joel fans from near and far arrived to see the exhibit, which appeals to families and visitors of all ages.
“It was a thrill to see a long line of eager fans at our opening,” said LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo. “Over 500 fans of all ages, many from out of state, enjoyed the exhibit this past weekend, from families with young children to middle age and older adults. The smiles on everyone’s faces after they experienced the exhibit and the Hall of Fame was priceless. Billy Joel truly touches people of all ages, and this exhibit is testament to his legacy as Long Island’s favorite entertainer.”
‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’ was created by renowned designer and LIMEHOF board member Kevin O’Callaghan, who designed the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame and this current exhibit to great acclaim.
First in line were longtime Billy Joel fans, Joe and Jenn Mammina from Wading River.
“Really well done,” said Jenn. “There’s a lot of stuff. It’s laid out great. You can get right up to it. We really enjoyed it.”
Her husband, Joe, said he particularly enjoyed the interactive elements of the exhibit.
“In each of the albums’ sections—starting from the early years to the later years—you put the headset on, and you can hear snippets of some of the songs, and it brought back memories from back in that time frame in our lives,” he said.
Scott Wood, from North Carolina, visited New York to see Billy Joel perform at Madison Square Garden and stayed on to check out the opening of the exhibit.
“It was fantastic,” Wood said afterward. “I saw in a news article recently that when Billy came through, he was pretty touched and said: ‘This is a lot more personal than I thought.’ And while I get it, there’s a huge gap between his personal and my personal. This was personal for all of his fans who came here, too. We’re reliving a lot of the memories he gave us over the years, and the things we were doing when those albums came out.”
As further proof that this event is an experience that genuinely appeals to all ages, Dan Bod and his family came from East Northport to see the exhibit. His eight-year-old son, Jared, said that he himself was thinking about learning to play the piano and was amazed by everything that was on display.
“My favorite thing that I got to see was the screen with the spinning piano. I got to see lots of the concerts on the screen,” Jared said.
“The layout and all the items are just fantastic,” said Dan. “I loved to see The Hassles and the music kit and the drum kit and the organ—that’s fantastic. For the average fan, it’s definitely a learning experience and a walk down music history lane.”
Marni Alexis Thomas, from Massachusetts, arrived at the exhibit where she showed off her license plate that reads ‘JOELFN’ after having seen him perform at Madison Square Garden.
“I said: ‘I’ve got to be there the first day that it opens.’ He’s like the greatest show on Earth. Billy Joel rocks my world and soothes my soul,” Thomas said. Upon walking into the exhibit and seeing so many pictures of him, she joked: “This is like walking into my bedroom as a teenager.”
This exhibit is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where families and visitors from all walks of life may experience Billy Joel’s life-spanning career—from his roots in Hicksville/Levittown through his albums, tours, inspirations, and personal experiences.
LIMEHOF is open Wed-Sun 11am-6pm. Tickets are available for sale at here or may be purchased in person at LIMEHOF (97 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY). This is a timed entry exhibit, so tickets will be sold by time block availability. There is also the option to purchase VIP ’any time‘ tickets—which may be presented at any time for the duration of the exhibit.
For more information about LIMEHOF and ‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey,’ visit this website.
The dynamic progressive fusion rock trio Baked Shrimp from Long Island announced in a letter to fans that they are going on an indefinite hiatus, starting in February 2024.
Before disbanding though, the group is embarking on a farewell album release tour, coming to the Cutting Room, Funk ‘n Waffles, and The Hollow in January and February of 2024.
Baked Shrimp consists of Jared Cowen (Guitar/Vocals), Scott Reill (Bass/Vocals), and Jager Soss (Drums/Vocals). Together, they channel boundless energy, unique songwriting, and powerful improvisation, weaving into a symphonic odyssey that is their eclectic discography. During the years 2022 and 2023, the group performed over 215 concerts throughout the US and Canada, debuting at renowned events like the Peach Music Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Northlands Live, and Mile of Music.
They have played with the likes of Phil Lesh and provided direct support for the Disco Biscuits, Dopapod, Twiddle, and Andy Frasco & The U.N.
In their letter to fans, Baked Shrimp expressed gratitude for their fans and to venue and festival owners for “taking a chance on [them].” Going on, they said “These past seven years have been a privilege and honor getting to perform our original music with all of our heart and soul in front of your dancing, smiling, and loving faces from all different parts of the country. The three of us will cherish every one of these moments for the rest of our lives.”
The band is going separate ways, with each member pursuing their dreams and will still remain active in the music industry. Ending the announcement, the group wishes everyone well, saying “Stay safe, love and respect one another, enjoy the holidays, and weâll see you for one last tour starting in January at home in NYC.”
To purchase tickets to their upcoming farewell album release tour, visit here.
Baked Shrimp Farewell Album Release Tour 2024: 01/12 – The Cutting Room – New York, NY (Album Release Party) 01/13 – The 8×10 – Baltimore, MD w/ Greasy Hands 01/14 – The Camel – Richmond, VA (Umphrey’s McGee After-Party) 01/17 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC 01/18 – The Pour House – Raleigh, NC w/ The Hourglass Kids 01/19 – Live at “The Shop” – Dunbar, WV 01/20 – Blue Fox Billiards – Winchester, VA w/ Tim Cintron Project 02/02 – The Drake – Amherst, MA 02/03 – Nectar’s – Burlington, VT 02/08 – Funk ‘n Waffles – Syracuse, NY 02/09 – The Hollow – Albany, NY 02/10 – River Street Jazz Cafe – Plains, PA 02/17 – Park City Music Hall – Bridgeport, CT (Final Show) w/ Honeydew
This upcoming Sunday, December 3, sister band the Screaming Orphans will perform their first ever Christmas concert at The Roslyn Cellar located at 1221 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, New York as part of their Mini Christmas Tour.
Their performance begins at 3:00 pm on Long Island. Even though it’s a matinee, be prepared to experience the same level of craic as a weekend night show. The Screaming Orphans promise to curate a party atmosphere that rivals a vigorous session. So you can count on dancing and singing (or if you’re tone-deaf like me, the closest you can to singing) along to various Christmas tunes.
Expect to hear songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Christmas Time Is Here” but with a Screaming Orphans’ twist. The Screaming Orphans’ signature sound, which consists of melodic old-school pop with heavy folk influences, can be heard on these classics, transforming these staple songs into the Screaming Orphans’ own. But what truly makes these songs their own is their transcendental harmonies. Their haunting harmonies rise out of the extraordinary sibling bond that binds the band together.
“When your siblings, you instinctively know what the other person is going to do…
It’s like we’re telepathic at times.”
Gráinne Diver, guitarist and vocalist of Screaming Orphans
The four sisters (Angela Diver on bass, violin and vocals; Joan Diver on drums and vocals; Marie Thérèse Diver on keys, accordion, and vocals, and Gráinne Diver on guitar and vocals) possess a powerful sibling bond that’s heard not only in their enchanting harmonies but also in their lively performances.
Drummer Joan noticed the sisters tend to ramble off and converse between themselves during shows. “We’re terrible chatters,” guitarist Gráinne stated. At times the sisters won’t even finish their sentences. But that doesn’t matter. They understand what the other is saying in a way only siblings can understand.
“When your siblings, you instinctively know what the other person is going to do,” Gráinne stated. It’s this deep sibling connection that allows the band to easily improv during performances. “We don’t play our songs like we record them. It’s not like we sit down and learn all these parts. We tend to play things differently live,” Gráinne stated. “As a family, we sort of know if somebody goes off on a different musical tangent, so we follow them. We might glare at them though,” Gráinne laughed. “It’s like we’re telepathic at times.”
The Screaming Orphans featuring sistersGráinne, Marie Thérèse, Joan, and Angela Driver.
The Screaming Orphans aim to recreate this familiar bond with their audience during their shows. “For a lot of our shows, we want people to feel like they’re in our sitting room. Or we’re in the house or kitchen and just having a sing-song,” Gráinne stated. “Everything is very much like, we’re all friends. We’re all sitting ‘round having a bit of fun.”
While the band is excited to have some more fun with their fans, Gráinne stated this tour is a bit more nerve wracking than their previous ones. Why? This is the Screaming Orphans’ first live Christmas performance. Their only other Christmas show was a live streamed concert back in 2020 during the midst of the pandemic.
Despite the nerves, Gráinne looks to the bright side. For starters, the band won’t need to worry about the internet going in-and-out like it did during their live streamed concert. Gráinne reminisced on it and jokingly said, “We were all just going, I hope the internet drops during a song we don’t know!” Keeping up with her good-natured spirit, Gráinne viewed the newness of this tour with excitement. “Sometimes it’s better craic when you’re not too sure of something.”
One thing everyone can be sure of is there will be plenty of Christmas songs being sung at The Roslyn Cellar on December 3. The Screaming Orphans will be playing almost the entire discography of their 2021 album Happy Christmas Vol. 1 along with a couple extras not featured on the album.
Speaking of Happy Christmas Vol. 1, fans can expect a new Christmas album by the Screaming Orphans to come out next December. The band is currently working on a new pop album and plan to work on their new Christmas album soon after. Covers, such as “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses, along with at least two original songs are said to make their way onto the album.
For now, fans can enjoy the Screaming Orphans perform their songs off Happy Christmas Vol. 1 along with a number of joyful covers on December 3 at 3:00 pm at The Roslyn Cellar in Roslyn, New York. The Screaming Orphans will then continue their Mini Christmas Tour, performing with The Spain Brothers and The Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio on December 9 at The Rex Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire. For more information about their tour dates and to purchase tickets, click here.
It was inevitable that the band would get something going for their 20th anniversary run, as you just don’t disregard an occasion like that for any reason – you just play. Fans waited for the announcement by the time IT was over, figuring that the band would go on its first Halloween run since 1998, adding to anticipation that the band would put on another musical costume, with endless limits.
poster by Hollie Dilley
However, as the band inspected exactly what the date of the first show was, so that a 20th anniversary was correctly timed, it seems that the date of 10/30/83 was incorrect, even though they had a 15th anniversary out in Vegas of 1998. As it turns out, the first show for the ROTC folks was 12/2/83, and they arranged a four night Northeast run to celebrate, with special guests at the first show, and an elongated show at the final destination, Boston’s Fleet Center, with a myriad of special guests guessed at in anticipation of something spectacular. The Boston show had its highlight in the set break montage video, but no special guests to mention of. Fans were happy though, as it was by far the hardest ticket since NYE 2002 to obtain, and those who were warm inside had no complaints from where they were sitting.
By far the coldest Phish run ever, the shows had snow, ice, wind, and more snow as the band progressed from Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, to the Wachovia Center in Philly, to the Knickerbocker Arena (note: not the Pepsi) in Albany, and the Fleet Center in Boston as part of a four-day run of shows many fans attempted to see all four of. The run could even be characterized as one gigantic show: Nassau was a solid opener, Philly was the bathroom/cigarette/beer break, Albany was the second set heat, and Boston was the after-party.
Outside at all these shows, it was far too cold/rainy/snowy to have a lot scene of any kind, so fans simply piled into bars and parking garages to peddle what they had to keep the tour afloat for themselves, in hopes they might make the next show, and/or home in the coming days.
Artwork by Drew Suto
Some fans felt that this run was spectacular, and perfectly executed, even though others wondered where the spark from summer 2003 went. At least a few older fans looked at the run as sealing the bands fate in their eyes, with the best years clearly behind them, especially after the Vegas 2004 run. Many fans wondered what happened, although Miami might have swayed some opinions in the end.
Nassau featured not only the highly appropriate guest in The Dude of Life on vocals for a rare (and final) ‘Crimes of the Mind’, but also a setbreak wedding of two highly committed fans of the band and each other. Making a Phish show your wedding venue was only done previously at the Clifford Ball, and a tribute to the concentrated community spirit of Phish.
poster by TRIPP
Philly had high-energy crowds a day after Nassau, but execution had some fans wondering what was up. Tom Marshall came up to sing lyrics to ‘Buffalo Bill’, a departure from his regular appearances on ‘Run Like an Antelope’. The Philly show left fan waiting for more indeed.
Albany, the second hometown to Phish, one of the regular tour starts, endings and all-around in-betweens, the Knick was the home to famous Dead shows and disks, as well as memorable Phish shows (see 12/13/97 – Bring on the Dude!). The entire atmosphere of this show was positive, as special guests at the two previous shows made fans wonder who was next to sit in. Following “YEM” in the second set, Trey brought up a very special guest, the band’s first guitarist (aside from Trey), who left the band under mysterious circumstances – Jeff Holdsworth. The original songs that he had written – “Camel Walk” and “Possum” – were played with a degree of both difficulty and success by Holdsworth with the band he left behind almost 17 years ago. A cover of “Long Cool Woman”, by the Hollies was played by the part-time quintet, a tribute to the first show that Holdsworth was playing at. By the time the band broke into Antelope, you could no longer hear Jeff, as his guitar was turned down to inaudible levels, as his playing could not keep up with the boys who ventured beyond the three-year mark. Tom Marshall came up to sing the original lyrics that he penned, and the show ended with a monster version of Hendrix’s “Fire”, again with Holdsworth. Fans were pleased to see him on stage again, but a computer operator in Canada definitely overstayed his welcome that evening in Albany.
However, the overall purpose for bringing Jeff out was a symbol that Phish was and is about family. Boston featured a memorable second set and a video montage during the setbreak that fans clamored to see, particularly since the first notes of Fluffhead were heard in a dormroom video from the early 1980s. This more than made up for a first set that many wondered if anything special would be brought out for the second set, particularly the special guests everyone talked about coming – Santana, the Giant Country Horns, anyone and everyone?! Fishman handed out a cake towards the front row during setbreak for fans to dive into, as many did, regardless of sticky hands that would not be cleaned till after the show. The second set did bring the heat fans were looking for, with monster versions of “Maze,” “Frankenstein,” and “Piper,” that made this show and run well worth it. Regardless, the detractors are present on the vibe/performance of this run, as it was an asterisk to many between a hot summer and even hotter time in Miami for New Years Eve.
Phish – Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY – Friday, November 28, 2003
Set 1: Bouncing Around the Room, Runaway Jim, Ghost > What’s the Use? > AC/DC Bag > First Tube, Frankie Says > Bathtub Gin -> Free
Set 2: Waves > Sample in a Jar > Down with Disease[1], Walls of the Cave, Two Versions of Me, Crowd Control[2], Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove
Encore: Crimes of the Mind[3]
[1] Unfinished. [2] Debut. [3] The Dude of Life on vocals.
Disease was unfinished. This show included the debut of Crowd Control. Trey introduced Mike to sing “his song.” Crimes of the Mind (first since July 10, 1994 at SPAC – 504 shows) featured the Dude of Life on vocals. During the song, the Dude congratulated Phish on their 20 years together, and wished them success for 20 more.
Phish – Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA – Saturday, November 29, 2003
Set 1: Wilson > Cars Trucks Buses, Limb By Limb, Dirt > Seven Below, Divided Sky, Fast Enough for You > Julius
Set 2: Twist -> Simple > Taste > Makisupa Policeman[1], Buffalo Bill[2] > David Bowie, Strange Design > Character Zero
Encore: Friday
[1] Keyword referenced waking up in “Hempstead.” [2] Tom Marshall on vocals.
Trey teased San-Ho-Zay in Seven Below, Julius, and Twist. The lyrics to Makisupa referenced waking up “in Hempstead.” Later in Makisupa, Trey commented on the upcoming 20th anniversary of the band, and noted Makisupa as the first original Phish song ever played. Trey also commented on his long-standing friendship with Tom Marshall and said that Tom had written Makisupa when he was a child. Trey brought Tom out on stage and noted that he thought Makisupa was written in 1969, leading Tom to note that we “have a 60’s song.” Prior to Tom singing on Buffalo Bill, Trey noted: “Tom is now going to sing you a song about a boss, a log, and a piece of rope.”
Phish – Pepsi Arena, Albany, NY – Monday, December 1, 2003
Set 1: Chalk Dust Torture, Stash, Guyute, Thunderhead > Sparkle, Wolfman’s Brother > Good Times Bad Times
Set 2: Tweezer -> Also Sprach Zarathustra > You Enjoy Myself, Camel Walk[1], Possum[1], Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress[1] > Run Like an Antelope[2]
Encore: Fire[3]
[1] Jeff Holdsworth on guitar and vocals. [2] Jeff Holdsworth on guitar and Tom Marshall on vocals. [3] Jeff Holdsworth on guitar.
Tweezer was preceded by a Dixie tease. Camel Walk through Fire featured Jeff Holdsworth on guitar. This was Jeff’s first known performance with his former Phish brethren since May 17, 1986 (1,348 shows). Camel Walk, Possum, and Long Cool Woman (first since October 30, 1998, or 180 shows) also featured Jeff on lead vocals. Antelope featured Tom Marshall on vocals.
Phish – Fleet Center, Boston, MA – Tuesday, December 2, 2003
Set 1: Harry Hood > Cavern, Birds of a Feather, Ya Mar, Horn > Piper > Anything But Me, Water in the Sky, Down with Disease
Set 2: Rock and Roll -> Weekapaug Groove[1] -> Tweezer Reprise[2] > Frankenstein -> Kung -> Frankenstein, All of These Dreams, The Wedge, Boogie On Reggae Woman > Cities > Maze, Waste
Encore: Bug
[1] Unfinished. [2] Mike’s Song lyrics sung by Trey.
This gig commemorated the 20th anniversary of the first Phish show. In the audience, a section of seats were roped off to make way for a music stand. The music stand held a three-ring binder that contained lyrics from the Phish canon, but it did not play an active role in the performance. Ya Mar contained teases of The Tra La La Song (One Banana, Two Banana). At the end of Disease, a video screen descended behind the stage. As the house lights remained down, a 25+ minute video was played featuring retrospective highlights from throughout Phish’s career. Before the second set, Mike brought out a tray of desserts and shared them with fans in front of the stage. Highway to Hell was briefly teased by Trey before Rock and Roll. Weekapaug was unfinished. Tweezer Reprise included lyrics (sung by Trey) from Mike’s Song. Appropriately, the post-show house music was the Beatles’ song Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band (which begins with the lyric, “It was twenty years ago today…”).
The line between stage and crowd was blurred at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh, New York on Friday, November 10, as New York’s thirstiest Irish band, Shilelagh Law, engaged with the crowd. For two hours, Mulcahy’s was filled with Irish music that ranged from the band’s original songs and classic Irish ballads to covers of Temple of the Dog and Indigo Girls.
Shilelagh Law’s lead vocalist Richard Popovic (right) performs with fiddler Dennis McCarthy (left) at Mulcahy’s
Hailing from Yonkers and the Bronx, the band consists of Richard Popovic on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Terence Brennan on bodhran, Stephen Gardner on bass, Dennis McCarthy on fiddle, and Kevin McCarthy on piano accordion.
With two members part of the FDNY and another a retired member of the NYPD, along with many of their fans in the service, this Veteran’s Day Weekend show was of great importance to the band. Lead vocalist Popovic stated, “It’s always humbling to play on Veteran’s Day. It’s a small thing we can do for people who do so much for us.”
At approximately 9:30 pm, Mulcahy’s green lights shone upon Shilelagh Law as they took to the stage. The band opened with a cover of The Pogues’ “A Rainy Night in Soho,” a soft introduction that might have misled any newcomers. They might have presumed this concert would be like that of a mellow session. But Shilelagh Law had no such plans. After all, they’re ‘New York’s Thirstiest Irish Band.’
Living up to their reputation, Shilelagh Law riled up the crowd with a speedy rendition of “Whiskey in the Jar” that rivaled the fast-paced nature of “Lanigan’s Ball,” where it’s a challenge to sing at such a rate, let alone pronounce the lyrics correctly. Riding off that energy, Shilelagh Law did what they do best – engage with the crowd.
Shilelagh Law took the first request of the night, “Glorious.” With lyrics, “Glorious. Glorious. One keg of beer between all of us. Glory be to God that there ain’t no more of us, cause one of us could drink it all alone,” it surely became a party.
It was a party that resembled a family reunion. While the chorus for “Glorious” focuses on the party aspect of the concert, the verses speak to Shilelagh Law’s fanbase, the Shilelagh Army, who’s united through their love for Irish music. “The Shilelagh Army is the best family.” This sentiment is what allows Shilelagh Law to work with the crowd in such an organic manner that dissolves the barrier between the artists and audience. Popovic stated, “To recognize the fans and make them feel they are a part of the show as much as possible is important to us.”
The band continued to include the audience in their show, taking more requests as the night lingered on. Following “Glorious” was a request for “Linger” by The Cranberries. Shilelagh Law performed the classic with a slight twist. Rather than play the opening with an electric guitar, band member Dennis McCarthy performed it on the tin whistle, leaning into the song’s longing plea for love.
Popovic spoke to the band’s take on classics, such as “Linger” and “Hungry Strike” by Temple of the Dog, which was sung towards the end of the show. “Usually one of us will come in with the bare basics. Everyone halfway learns their parts. We mess around with it for a few sound checks, and then just go for it. It’s not always smooth sailing, but it does leave lots of room for surprises and improvisation.”
Even more room is left for improvisation due to the fact Shilelagh Law doesn’t have a setlist. Without a the strict confinement, Shilelagh Law is able to lean into the energy of the audience (and with the energy of more than a few Rangers’ fans present, a couple “Go Rangers” chants were shouted by the band here and there).
Shilelagh Law closes out their Veteran’s Day Weekend show with an electric performance of “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Even though the setlist is always changing, there’s one song that always makes the list, “Christmas in New York.” As the opening notes of it played, the lights dimmed. In place of the bright lights were tiny stars that glistened across the venue along with an American flag displayed behind the band. The song pays respect to New York’s finest and any friends who passed during the year. The audience joined in paying their respects, pouring out their hearts while singing along.
“Christmas in New York” was followed by a couple classics, such as “Rattlin’ Bog” and “Grace,” before Shilelagh Law concluded their performance around 11:30 pm. But that didn’t stop the audience from demanding more. The band came back for not one but two encores, both of which continued to pay respect to veterans. Their first encore consisted of a cover of Flogging Molly’s “If I Ever Leave This World Alive,” which was dedicated to all veterans.
The band then concluded their Veteran’s Day show with their rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Fiddle player Dennis McCarthy played with such vigor and in a style similar to that of Eileen Ivers that transformed the fiddle into an electric guitar. The result was a Jimi Hendrix-styled rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” to close out the night.
Luckily it won’t be long to catch Shilelagh Law back again in Long Island. They’ll be at the The Inn of Long Beach on Nov. 25 at 9pm. Know that if one attends their concert, they’re bound to catch Shilelagh Law fever and leave part of the Shilelagh Army family. For more information about Shilelagh Law’s upcoming shows, click here.
Setlist: Rainy Night in Soho, Whiskey in the Jar, Glorious, Olé Olé & Notre Dame Victory March Mashup, Linger, Shipping Up to Boston & Drunken Sailor Mashup, 1 and 9, Funky Ceili, Hunger Strike, The Liver Song, Ring of Fire, The Fighting 69th, Meet Me on McLean, Ham and Cheese with Mayo, When New York Was Irish, Christmas in New York, Closer I Am To Fine, Fields of Athenry, Rattlin’ Bog, and Grace. Encore 1: If I Ever Leave This World Alive Encore 2: The Star Spangled Banner
