Infamous lead singer/songwriter of NYC’s Skaters, Michael Ian Cummings, has just announced his debut solo EP Oldest Troubles, out May 26th. To tease the upcoming release, he has decided to release a single from the album titled “Contemporary Me.”
10 short years have passed since Skaters’ formation in Lower East Side Manhattan. Within months of forming and a self-released EP, the band was signed to Warner Brothers Records. They toured around the world, had global critical acclaim from NME to the New York Times. And two years later, they released their debut album, self-released their sophomore album Rock n Roll Bye Bye independently, and then disappeared.
It was a whirlwind ride for the band that came at one of the most difficult transitions in the music industry, the exact time digital downloads plummeted, and streaming had not yet reached the masses. Skaters were caught in the shuffle, and broke up.
Now, after years of reevaluation and new inspiration, working an array of day jobs and night jobs for that matter, Michael Ian Cummings has rediscovered his muse. He has something special to show for the struggle, returning just a bit wiser with the debut solo EP titled Oldest Troubles.
“There are things in everyone’s life that will haunt them forever,” he writes of the EP’s title track. “Whether it stems from internal or external influences from our past that have marred, mamed, and influenced the way we handle life. No matter how far we try to run from them they always find us. This song is about welcoming those relentless “troubles” in, confronting them, and beginning to make yourself stronger. Or, at the very least, learning to live with them.”
“I love having autonomy over how and when I release music. Making decisions and moving on,” Cummings continued. “Reminds me of when I was a teenager. Just make things because they are worth making. Move forward and try not to look back too much.”
To accompany his new release, Michael Ian Cummings will perform at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn on May 31 (7:00 PM).
To listen to “Contemporary Me,” click the link here.
Tickets and more information about the show can be found HERE.
A surprise came for East Setauket resident and musician Roger Earl, as he is now the newest of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. Drummer of the band Foghat, who celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2021, Earl has received eight Gold, two Platinum, and one Multi-Platinum record across his lengthy career, and still has many other projects in the works.
Originally a surprise birthday party for the rock n’ roll artist turned into an induction ceremony, something that completely blew Earl away. Taking place at the LIMEHOF Museum in Stony Brook, it was a night that the Foghat artist will never forget.
“I was absolutely blown away. I had no idea and to see so many people here… I didn’t know I had that many friends… It was terrific, very moving, overwhelming and I’m just humbled by it.”
-Roger Earl
The idea of the party came up thanks to his wife and manager Linda Earl, who went on to convince Roger that he was going to be inducting someone else at the museum that night.
Following the induction ceremony Foghat’s band members, including, Earl took the stage and played a few songs, truly making it a night the band and Earl would remember for the rest of their lives.
Born in London, England in 1946, Earl grew up in a musical family from the start, as his father would play the piano at local pubs. His older brother Colin Earl played the keyboard, something that Roger initially wanted to play, but instead began playing the drums at the age of 12.
Earl, like his father, started playing at pubs by his house, up until the point where he would join the band Savoy Brown when he was 20 years old. From 1967-1970, Earl recorded five albums with the British blues band and went on several major tours.
It would be in late 1970 when Earl and Lonesome Dave Peverett left Savoy Brown to form their own group, Foghat. They would recruit Tony Stevens and Rod Price to the band as well, and rock n’ roll history was made.
They would move from England to Long Island in 1973 and during the 70s they would release hits such as “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” Fool for the City,” “Slow Ride,” and many more chart toppers.
In the mid-1980s, Lonesome Dave took a break from the band and moved back to England, but they would end up getting back together as the full band in 1993.
An incredibly sad time hit for Foghat and Roger Earl in 2000, as Lonesome Dave passed away in February of that year, yet Earl continued his career, knowing that would be the way Lonesome Dave would do it.
Since the 2000s, the band has consistently put out new music, gone on extensive tours, and still prepares for a fresh album to come out in 2023. Earl’s reputation in the music industry continues to thrive, and his induction into the LIMEHOF is another huge accolade in a highly successful career.
Rob Beaulieu Band’s new album Fade Just Right features nine songs by the band, each one with a unique sound that compliments the overall feel of the album. Different members of the band get their opportunity to shine throughout the pieces, coming together into the album’s many harmonies.
Rob Beaulieu founded Rob Beaulieu Band, a deeper dive into Americana when compared to other projects, mixing in blues and soul alongside it. He is also a founder and member of the bands Raisinhead and Stone Revival Band. Beaulieu plays guitar and provides vocals for the band, with other members including: James Kirk (bass and vocals), Chad Ploss (drums and vocals), Dave Spadaro (Guitar), Sherry Jean Waite (Vocals), and Tony Perrino (Organ).
The album opens with “Ghosts,” which sets the standard for the rest of the album. About the dedication of lovers throughout their lives, even when they have been separated, “Ghosts” has Rob Beaulieu Band’s signature harmonies and organ acting as a haunting undercurrent for the piece.
Each song brings in a new element to mix up things a little bit. The titular song “Fade Just Right” has a much slower piece than most of the album, and uses a xylophone-like sound in one of its motif’s, a sound unique to the piece. In songs such as “Searchin for Paradise” and “Light from the Shoreline,” Sherry Jean Waite takes the role of lead vocalist, a performance that shines through in the album.
While the songs all have different stories to tell, “Ghosts” and “Spooky” have a haunting theme. “Spooky” in particular latches onto this, with a slower pace and emphasis on a long, mournful note that echoes throughout the piece. The song creates its own phantoms with these notes, the ghosts of “Spooky” occasionally joining in with the harmony through these “phantom calls.”
The final song, “Sweet Marie” is an energetic conclusion to the album, ending it on a high note. The song’s love letter-like nature is enhanced by its clean rhymes, making it sound almost like a love poem. All the instruments in this piece are tuned for the upbeat finale and are given space to play without the vocalists.
The band will be playing at The Hollow in Albany on June 23 at 8:00 p.m. alongside Aiko the Dog. For more information and to RSVP for their next show, check out Rob Beaulieu Band’s website.
The lineup for the free Levitt Amp 2023 Utica Music Series has been announced, featuring a wide variety of artists performing at Kopernik Park. Concerts will take place on Monday nights starting at 5:30 p.m., from June 19 – August 28 (no concert on the 3rd of July).
Photo by Lynne Brown.
Levitt AMP 2023 will feature headlining artists from Ireland, Wisconsin, Iowa, Toronto, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and right here in New York State, with local and regional acts opening. The diverse lineup spans genres like bluegrass, pop, rock, gospel, instrumental, Irish rock, and more.
The series brings in the most diverse audience in the city in a family-friendly, non-alcoholic, joyful, welcoming environment. The music series also helps add to the economy in Utica, promotes communal bonding, and serves as a creative training ground for youth with their Levitteen Internship Program and each week a youth performer is showcased at intermission.
The concert schedule is as follows: 5:30 p.m. opening bands, 6:30 p.m. youth intermission acts, and 7:00 p.m. headliner bands.
Levitt AMP 2023.
Levitt AMP 2023 Lineup
June 19–Harlem Gospel Travelers
Levitt AMP is proud to once again be a part of the five-day Juneteenth Celebration in the City of Utica. The Harlem Gospel Travelers from New York City will kick off the seventh season, drawing deeply on the gospel quartet tradition of the 1950s and 60s, bringing a timeliness, uplifting sound to the park. Local singer Amos Donnell, who auditioned for The Voice and America’s Got Talent, will kick off the night as the opener.
June 26-Brandon “Taz” Niederauer
Brandon “Taz” Niederauer drew Levitt AMP Utica’s biggest audience ever back in 2019, bringing in over 1,000 people to the park. The 20-year-old guitar genius will be back this summer in a rare repeat performance for the series. Nicknamed “Taz” for his ferocious guitar playing, he has performed in some of the most legendary venues in America, was cast in Broadway’s School of Rock, and has been hailed as the “next Jimmy Hendrix.” Jimmy Wolf, local blues legend, Native American Music Awards winner, and an inductee in the New York State Blues Hall of Fame, will be opening.
July 10-Joe Samba
Levitt AMP is excited to welcome Massachusetts-based reggae singer, songwriter, and guitarist Joe Samba to Utica. He finds the sweet spot between Caribbean bliss and punk energy, matched with his dynamic vocals. The opener is The Old Main, a local favorite that delivers everything from sentimental folk ballads to foot-stomping rock and bluegrass.
Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, photo by Brian Cole
July 17-Funky Dawgz Brass Band
Hailing from Connecticut, Levitt AMP 2023 will welcome the internationally touring band Funky Dawgz Brass Band. Their horn section has played with bands to sold-out shows in Madison Square Garden, closed out The Peach Music Festival, and has been featured on ESPN, Hulu, and the FX series “Fargo.” Opener Handsome Bob brings a wide variety of influences to his music, serving up anything from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Sublime, to the Temptations and Johnny Cash with their own flavor and mash-ups.
July 24-Nefresh Mountain
Hailed as one of today’s most boundary-pushing progressive bluegrass groups on the scene, Nefresh Mountain was declared “A Powerhouse Unit” by Rolling Stone Magazine. A husband and wife duo, they blur the lines between Americana, folk, and blues. Kicking off the night is Otis Monk, an original American band based out of Central NY. They incorporate elements from a multitude of genres and are dependent on extended musical improvisation over rhythmic grooves.
July 31-B2Wins
B2Wins is made up of Brazilian twins Walter and Wagner, described as a “violin and ukulele meet rock concert, dance party, jam session and vacation for the soul.” They have performed over 1,000 shows around the world in the past decade. The opener Stephen Phillips is a pop/funk artist from Syracuse, who also has an extensive vocal range and tons of energy.
August 7-Tae & the Neighborly
Tae & the Neighborly are from Wisconsin and joined forces during Covid. The five-piece all lived alone in a five-story flat and were literally borrowing sugar from each other during the pandemic to bake with, resulting in a soul/pop-rock band of powerhouse players. Opening for Tae & the Neighborly and returning to the Levitt AMP stage is the Jess Novak Band. She is a triple threat, as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist she can transform from a gorgeous classical piano solo to rockin’ the stage with her full band.
Tae & the Neighborly.
August 14-Battle of Santiago
Latin Night will feature Battle of Santiago, an Afro-Cuban band from Toronto. They have a super unique sound and energy, defined as “Cuban Post Rock from Canada” with classic rhythms and some cumbia, Latin rock, and smooth funk mixed in. Opener Trump Tight 315 is no stranger to Utica, having performed many years at Juneteenth and just a couple of years ago at Munson’s Summer Festival. The husband and wife lead singers are fun, and powerful, bringing nostalgic R&B, soul, and pop.
August 21-Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers
Erin Harpe is a Massachusetts-based blues vocalist and guitarist, dubbed “one of the most dynamic talents and exciting roots rocking blues women on the scene” by Living Blues Magazine. She has been compared to legendary blues women like Bonnie Raitt and Rory Block. 19-year-old Sydney Irving will open. She was named the 2020 young adult artist of the Year by the International Singer-Songwriters Association and the 2022 Best New Artist at the SAMMYs.
August 28-Hermitage Green
Straight from Ireland, Hermitage Green has played together since 2010 after a spontaneous jam session and has been touring the world since, from South Africa and Australia to London and Canada. They have a unique arrangement of instruments that includes the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar, and banjo. Locally-loved Irish band Blarney Rebel Band will open for the closing concert of the season.
For more information about Levitt AMP 2023, visit here.
The 2023 Artpark Summer Concert lineup promises a wide range of live performances for the summer season. 2023 marks Artpark’s 50th season of unforgettable live performances, art, and culture. Located in Lewiston, NY, just north of Buffalo on the Niagara River, the venue houses one of the state’s largest stages, and an amphitheater voted one of the top 100 Amitheaters Worldwide by Pollstar.
Artpark’s 50th show will celebrate 50 years of creativity and excellence. Over 110 days of summer, Artpark’s season will showcase the natural beauty and cultural legacy of the Niagara Gorge. Artists from far and wide will engage audiences in a multifarious conversation all summer long.
Artpark opened in 1974, originally owned and operated by New York State until the early 1990s, when it became independently owned by the non-profit Artpark and Company. Initially, the venue was an experiment with artist-public interaction, commissioning some of the most avant-garde art of its day. Today, Artpark hosts over 150 events attended by over 150,000 visitors on their 150+ acres of land. Their facilities include a mainstage theater that seats 2,400 people indoors and 2,000 people on the lawn, in addition to an outdoor amphitheater atop the Niagara River Gorge.
Mt. Joy – May 25
Mt. Joy, a Philadelphia-based quintet, takes their name from a rural town in southwest Pennsylvania. The group surpassed half a billion streams over the past four years through their widely successful alternative and indie rock albums, their most recent Orange Blood. The group has been highly acclaimed from NPR, Billboard, RollingStone, The Line of Best Fit, and more.
Noah Kahan – May 26
Noah Kahan, a Vermont-based singer-songwriter has achieved over one billion streams through his two full length albums Busyhead and I Was/I Am, EP Cape Elizabeth, and Gold Certified song “Hurt Somebody” feat. Julia Miachaels. Additionally, Kahan is partnering with PLUS1 to ensure $1 of each ticket goes toward mental health organizations.
STYX – June 2
Artpark is just one stop on the STYX 2023 World Tour. STYX, a Chicago-based rock band and one of the most popular rock groups in the 1970s and early 1980s will perform well over four decades of hits.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise – June 7
A mix of jam and indie, Rainbow Kitten Surprise has received well over one billion streams since their 2013 debut. The band has been acclaimed by Billboard, TIME, Vice, and NPR, who commend their unique sound. Additionally, Rainbow Kitten Surprise will partner with PLUS1 to ensure that $1 per ticket will support local food banks.
Young The Giant with Milky Chance – June 13
Since their start in 2004, Young The Giant have released countless alternative hits. Their 2023 tour includes their newest album, American Bollywood, their first release in four years. “The Walk Home,” their most recent single, has quickly become a hit amongst alternative listeners. Milky Chance, a German rock group largely recognized for their hit single “Stolen Chance” amongst others.
Michael Franti & Spearhead – June 21
Artpark is just one stop in Michael Franti & Spearhead’s Big Big Love Tour. Michael Franti, a highly successful musician, activist, hotel owner, and award-winning film maker, has had a widely successful multi-decade career. Franti’s high-energy shows and inspiring music have earned him three Billboard No. 1’s, six Top 30 Hot AC Singles, 10 Top 25 AAA Singles, and three Billboard Top 5 Rock Albums.
My Morning Jacket – June 26
Each of My Morning Jacket’s nine studio albums have received Grammy Award nominations for ‘Best Alternative Album.’ Their 2020 single “Feel You” made history, reaching #1 at Triple A radio outlets across the country, and on Billboard’s “Adult Alternative Songs” chart.
The Australian Pink Floyd Show – June 28
The Australian Pink Floyd Show brings the magic of Pink Floyd to life through The Darkside 50 Tour, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s classic, The Dark Side of the Moon. Additionally, the show will include state-of-the-art lighting and video, pinpoint lasers, and signature gargantuan inflatables.
Barenaked Ladies – July 11
The Toronto-based quartet will perform at Artpark for their Last Summer on Earth Tour. Over the past 35 years, Barenaked Ladies have sold 15 million records worldwide, considered one of the best live acts in the world. Their signature hits such as “One Week,” “Pinch Me,” and “The Big Bang Theory Theme” have won them eight JUNO Awards, and secured their spot in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2018.
Lauren Daigle – July 14
Lauren Daigle, a contemporary Christian singer-songwriter has achieved Billboard Top Christian Album charts ever since her debut album How Can it Be in 2015. Daigle’s well-received albums and singles have earned her two Grammy Awards, seven GMA Dove Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and two American Music awards.
Larkin Poe with the Allman Betts Band – July 27
Larkin Poe’s gritty, soulful sound is the product of sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell’s Southern heritage, originally from Atlanta and currently residing in Nashville. The sisters have been highly regarded by Billboard, NPR, and other notable publications as the new faces of blues rock. The Allman Betts Band, an internationally recognized rock group, will perform their two hit albums, Down to the River and Bless Your Heart.
Orville Peck – August 1
Orville Peck’s Bronco Tour will grace Artpark with Peck’s deeply personal lyrics and theatric stage presence. Peck, known for captivating audiences through his voice and songwriting, recalls the golden age of country through his performances.
Richard Marx with Yacht Rock Revue – August 10
Richard Marx, a professional singer-songwriter for 35 years and counting, has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Based in Chicago, Marx has written a No. 1 single in each of the last 4 decades, and has written songs for a plethora of notable artists, including Barbara Streisand, Keith Urban, Kenny Rogers, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and many others. Additonally, Yacht Rock Revue will perform their 70s and 80s inspired yaucht rock.
Whiskey Myers – August 20
Since their 2007 debut, Whiskey Myers have sold over 1.65 million albums and accumulated over 2.25 billion streams, earning six RIAA Gold & Platinum certifications. The Texas-based band is known for their genre-bending, high-energy live shows and unique blend of Southern rock and gritty country.
Pixies and Modest Mouse – August 28
Pixies, known for their signature “loudquietloud” sound and quirky, catchy melodies, have defined the alternative genre. Acclaimed as the most influential band of the late 80s alt/rock movement, Pixies have influenced many notable artists including Nirvana, Peal Jam, Radiohead, the Strokes, and Weezer. Their simultaneously electrifying and lo-fi sound, paired with their improvisation, ensures that each Pixie show is one-of-a-kind. Modest Mouse, based in Portland, will perform their most recent album, The Golden Casket amongst their greatest hits.
Artpark Mainstage Theater Concerts
The Avett Brothers – May 21
Since their 2009 debut, The Avett Brothers have become three time GRAMMY Award nominees and inductees to the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. The critically acclaimed folk rock group’s hit albums and singles have scored grammy nominations, making their way to the top of Billboard’s Top Albums, Billboard’s Top 200, and more.
Buddy Guy – June 10
Hall of Fame inductee and American treasure Buddy Guy will perform at Artpark for The Damn Right Farewell Tour. At age 86, the rock legend’s widely successful career will be celebrated through performances of his classic hits. Guy has received 8 GRAMMY Awards, a Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award, 38 Blues Music Awards, and the Presidential National Medal of Arts, amongst others.
Ben Folds – June 16
Ben Folds, one of our generation’s major music influencers, will perform music from his new collection, What Matters Most. The album, an examination of the tragic and absurd, gratitude and lss, marks Fold’s first new studio release in eight years. Additionally, $1 of each ticket will support Ben’s Keys For Kids initiative.
July 8 – Tori Amos
Tori Amos will perform at Artpark amidst her Ocean to Ocean Tour, following a sold-out world tour in 2022. Amos will perform alongside bassist Jon Evans and drummer Ash Soan, renowned throughout the UK.
RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles – July 16
One of the most notorious rock bands of all time lives on through RAIN, the next best thing to seeing The Beetles. The performance will transport audiences back in time through a theatrical, mind-blowing performance.
Jason Isbell l& The 400 Unit – August 5
Since his 2013 debut, Jason Isbell has established himself as one of the most notable songwriters of his generation. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit will perform their latest album Georgia Blue, along with other Grammy-winning hits for a night of Americana music.
Parker McCollum – August 17
Parker McCollum’s Sumer Tour will stop at Artpark for an unforgettable night of country music. McCollum, singer-songwriter and multinstrumentalist, has recently gained recognition as ACM’s 2022 Male Artist of the Year, earned the CMT Award for ‘Breakthrough Video of the Year,’ and a 2022 CMA Award Nomination.
Alvvays and Alex G – September 1
Alvvays, a widely recognized alternative indie band based in Toronto, will perform at Artpark amidst their tour across North America and Europe. Additonally, Alex G, an indie-rock musician and singer-songwriter will perform his signature lo-fi pop.
New Music in the Park
Jeremy Dutcher – July 7
Jeremy Dutcher, a classically trained operatic tenor and composer, will perform music that incorporates his Wolstoq First Nation roots. Dutcher creates something entirely new through his combination of classical, traditional and pop.
Third Coast Percussion – July 9
Third Coast Percussion, The GRAMMY Award-winning, Chicago-based percussion quartet, invites listeners to embark on an exciting musical adventure. Known for their elegant performances, Third Coast Percussion will perform virtuosic pieces written by many iconic music creators.
L’Oiseau: Guided Walking-Concert Along the Niagra Gorge – July 13
L’Oisseau will explore the intersection of art, nature, and human expression through their immersive concert installation. The concert, a guided walking set will explore a plethora of contemporary composers.
CS4: Philip Glass String Quartets – July 20
Violinist Chase Spruill will lead CS4, an all-Glass program, through a celebration of 30 years of compositions by Philip Glass. The performance will include the US premiere of Glass’s String Quartet No. 9, “King Lear,” amongst others.
Jacob Bacon Quintet
The Jacob Bacon Quintet, consisting of the finest jazz artists and composers in the region, is a modern jazz quintet. The quintet will their own original compositions in celebration of the release of their first recording.
LUX: Vivaldi Redefined The Four Seasons – August 13
Vivaldi Redefined will form a bridge between the natural world and technocratic future through an exploration of Vivaldi’s most radical work. LUX, an immersive orchestra project, reimagines the symphonic concert experience.
The iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli announced his return to Madison Square Garden for his 2023 US Holiday Tour. Originally playing one date, he announced he will perform two dates on Dec. 13 and 14.
Andrea Bocelli, photo from Luca Rossetti.
Andrea Bocelli’s tour will feature performances from his extensive repertoire, including music in honor of the Holiday Season, selections from his recent #1 album A Family Christmas, his uplifting solo album Believe, as well as a selection of his beloved crossover hits, and famed love songs. Bocelli has one of the most recognizable voices in the industry, entertaining audiences for over 20 years, selling nearly 90 million records sold worldwide.
In addition to his sold-out arena-sized concerts and record-breaking live streams, Bocelli has shared his talents at many major events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and Global Citizen. He has earned a Golden Globe, seven Classical BRITs, and seven World Music Awards, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The announcement arrives on the heels of a spectacular spring tour in the US, which included two sold-out nights at the famed Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on May 9 and May 10. Bocelli was invited to perform at the Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla in London on May 7. In April, his new documentary THE JOURNEY: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli debuted in select theaters around the world. Recently he did a surprise performance at Times Square to celebrate the premiere of the film.
Tickets for the shows at Madison Square Garden are on sale now. For more information about Andrea Bocelli and the upcoming tour, visit here.
Andrea Bocelli November and December 2023 U.S. Tour
NOVEMBER 29, 2023 / San Antonio, TX / AT&T Center
NOVEMBER 30, 2023 / Dallas, TX / AAC
DECEMBER 2, 2023 / Louisville, KY / KFC Yum Arena *With the Louisville Orchestra
DECEMBER 6, 2023 / Boston, MA / TD Garden
DECEMBER 7, 2023 / Philadelphia, PA / Wells Fargo Center
DECEMBER 9, 2023 / Hartford, CT / XL Center * First time in Hartford in 25 years
DECEMBER 10, 2023 / Baltimore, MD / CFG Bank Arena *With the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
DECEMBER 13, 2023 / New York, NY / Madison Square Garden
DECEMBER 14, 2023 / New York, NY / Madison Square Garden
DECEMBER 16, 2023 / Hollywood, FL / Hard Rock Live
DECEMBER 17, 2023 / Hollywood, FL / Hard Rock Live
On June 14 at 5:00 p.m., The Rods, a heavy metal band known for its ’80s albums, will be playing as the headliners for the “Wild Wednesday” event in Liverpool, NY. Also featured at “Wild Wednesday” is Adam and the Metal Hawks, Crazy Neighbors, Love Bone, and Wicked.
Members of the Rods. From left to right: Carl Canedy, David “Rock” Feinstein, and Freddy Villano. Credit: The Rods Official Website
The lead vocalist for the Rods, David “Rock” Feinstein, first came into popularity after playing in the band Elf with his cousin, Black Sabbath member Ronnie James Dio. Elf formed in 1967, and disbanded in 1975 after releasing three albums. Most of the band was absorbed into Rainbow, including Dio but not Feinstein.
The Rods formed and released their first album, “Rock Hard” in 1980, though “Rock Hard” was later rereleased as “The Rods.” The band toured with several noteworthy metal bands, such as Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Motörhead, and Metallica. They made six more albums until the group split in 1986, with their final album of the time being “Hollywood.”
The Rods reformed in 2008, playing at the Metal Rock Fest in Lillehammer, Norway. They have continued to release albums since then, including “Vengeance” in 2011 and their latest, “The Brotherhood of Metal,” in 2019. Current members of the band include: David “Rock” Feinstein as guitar and lead vocalist; Freddy Villano for bass and vocals; and Carl Canedy for drums and vocals.
Ithaca’s Cayuga Chamber Orchestra’s2022-2023 Season Chamber Series concludes on May 28 at First Unitarian Church, with Iberian Enchantment and a program featuring musicians from the orchestra and friends.
The season’s final program will feature the Turnia Piano Trio No. 1, The Saraste Navarra and the Louise Farrenc Nonet. Ten talented musicians will perform the pieces, combining winds, strings, and piano. They will play a sparkling Turina, a quick Saraste, and the riveting Farrenc, transporting the audience with their combined musical talent.
Organizers will unveil an exciting 2023-24 season in June, as the 2022-23 season draws to a close. Furthermore, the orchestra will present its four finalists for the next Music Director and its lineup of soloists.
The CCO, officially known as “Ithaca’s Orchestra,” founded in 1976 The CCO’s annual program comprises an Orchestral Series, Chamber Music Series, a Holiday concert, free Family Concerts, and the William Daestch Youth Outreach Program, recipient of the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator award. Additionally, in 2017, the CCO added a program for advanced students, the Youth Orchestra Program. In 2019, the CCO launched a Diversity Career Fellowship program for college students from underrepresented communities in classical music.
Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the door. Tickets cost $38.50 for adults and $12 for students with ID.
For more information about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and tickets, visit their website here, or contact the CCO at (607)-273-8981 or info@CCOithaca.org.
Beak and Skiff kicked off their Summer Concert Series this past weekend with a pair of sold-out performances by The Avett Brothers on Friday May 19 and Saturday May 20.
The Avett Brothers hail from Concord, NC and consist of brothers Scott (vocals, banjo, guitar, piano and Seth Avett (vocals, guitar, piano) along with Bob Crawford (bass, double bass, violin), Mike Marsh (drums), Joe Kwon (cello), Bonnie Avett-Rini (piano) and Tania Elizabeth (fiddle). The band have built a devoted fan base with over two decades of touring, and more than ten studio albums.
While the weather could not have been more perfect during the day on Friday, as show time approached wind gusts and rainclouds moved over the venue. This did not dampen the spirts of thousands of concert goers as the early arriving sold-out crowd packed the standing area in front of the stage, while more fans spread lawn chairs out across the field. At 7:15, Scott Avett led the band to the stage and was greeting with a thunderous ovation.
The band jumped right into “Laundry Room”, a stand out track from 2009’s I and Love and You. Scott and Seth dazzled the crowd with their harmonious vocals. “Stop your parent’s car, I just saw a shooting star,” Scott sang, to another loud ovation from the crowd, as the song exploded with energy. Next was the folk classic “Old Joe Clark”, which built off the already existing energy. Each band member took their turn displaying their talents, and the song broke into instrumental duals between the various members. Scott and Seth took turns wandering to the front of the stage, and onto the speaker cabinets to further excite the crowd. The remainder of the evening featured several stand out songs from the band’s catalog, including “Headful of Doubt,” “Murder in the City,” and “I and Love and You”.
Night two began in similar fashion, albeit with heavier rains and cooler temperatures. The weather appeared to be clearing as show time approached, however heavy showers again moved in at showtime. The band took the stage armed with kazoos and immediately jumped into the upbeat instrumental piece “The D Bag Rag”. Next was “Talk on Indolence,” a track which dated back to the band’s early blue grass days. Brothers Scott and Seth hopped about the stage and the crowd, who at this point had forgotten about the heavy rains, danced along with them.
The band would roll through over two hours of career spanning tracks, and even included the Doc Watson Family cover, “Groundhog.” As the set came to a close, the band performed the upbeat “Ain’t No Man.” The song featured both brothers taking turns on vocals, as they strutted and danced about the stage. The audience’s pleas for an encore were honored by the band, who returned to perform four more songs. The band would close two days of stellar performances with “No Hard Feelings,” a heavy and emotional track about staying free from harboring enemies, sharing love and ultimately about accepting death.
In all, the Avett Brothers delivered two nights of incredible performances at Beak and Skiff, featuring unique set lists, with over forty different songs played. Despite the weather, it was truly a special start to the summer concert season.
If you are an iconic ‘90s/’00s band mapping out a massive, 93-date global 30th anniversary reunion tour, then scheduling a show at The World’s Most Famous Arena is a no-brainer. And that is exactly what the classic, long-time lineup of Blink 182 – Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker and Tom DeLonge –marked on their calendars last October when they made the tour announcement, along with the release of a new single, “Edging”, their first musical output since 2011.
Prior to the tour launch in St. Paul, MN on May 4th, and outside of a surprise appearance at Coachella in April, DeLonge had not been involved with the group formed in San Diego County, CA for the past nine years. But after finally overcoming the traumatic after-effects from a 2008 plane crash (Barker) and a cancer diagnosis in 2021 (Hoppus), the band decided to give it a go.
On a chilly mid-spring evening in Midtown Manhattan, the first of two bands providing support for Blink-182 was Beauty School Dropout (BSD), who took the stage at 7:35 pm. For the entirety of their 25-minute set, the renegade-pop band from Los Angeles, CA (featuring Cole “Colie” Hutzler, Brent “Beepus” Burdett and Bardo) wowed the audience members who had arrived early to the historic venue. Presenting material across a wide array of genres – including pop, punk, rock and hip hop – these young men handpicked by Hoppus himself, under his newly created venture capital music start up called Verswire, electrified the arena with emotionally-charged vocals, thundering guitar and stampeding drums. As the clock struck 8:00 pm and their set came to a close, BSD exited the stage to what else? Frankie Avalon’s “Beauty School Dropout” of course, made famous by said teen idol’s performance in the film version of Grease. BSD are definitely ones to watch, and their sophomore EP “We Made Plans & God Laughed,” is out now.
Accompanying Blink-182 on all their US and Canadian dates is Turnstile, a hardcore punk from Baltimore, MD who formed in 2010. The quartet of Brendan Yates, Daniel Fang, “Freaky” Franz Lyons and Pat McCrory is also joined on the tour by Meg Mills on rhythm guitar. Entering stage left at 8:15 pm, the melodic hardcore musicians have three studio albums in their discography, the latest being Glow On, which was released in 2021 to critical acclaim and garnered the band three nominations (Best Metal Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance) at the Grammy Awards held this past February. In less than two years, the abrasive, guitar-driven band has gone from playing suburban basements to 1,500-person clubs to 20,000-capacity arenas, without blinking (no pun intended) an eye. Turnstile commanded the MSG crowd instantly, particularly frontman Yates’ vox, and for forty minutes, we were all entranced with their grooving chassis of riffs and emo-ish lyrics. Sans a bad song in their catalog, including “Holiday,” a portion of which was used as the soundtrack for a 15-second Taco Bell commercial via TikTok, I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for Turnstile or to catch them on their next late night talk show appearance.
At 9:30 pm, with the last road crew member’s shadowy silhouette barely visible as he checked to make sure no microphone cords were askew, the moment was finally here! As Richard Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra, op. 30″ erupted over the house PA, a portent of a significant event to come (like Elvis taking the stage in his later years), one by one they appeared. First DeLonge at stage left, then Barker took his stool behind the kit at center stage, and lastly Hoppus (the trio’s beating heart), waving to the crowd as he strapped on his Fender Jaguar bass at stage right. As a Gen Xer and self-proclaimed fanboy since the first Blink-182 earworm that grabbed my attention, 1997’s “Dammit” (Dude Ranch), tonight was more than special, it was festive and nostalgic, taking me and all the fans in attendance like me, back to yesteryear.
As Blink-182 ripped through one hit after another, including six offerings from their third studio album (Enema of the State) that contributed significantly to their meteoric rise to fame in 1999, Hoppus and DeLonge lived up to their reputation with humorous, and sometimes sincere and introspective stage antics and banter during song breaks. Here is a sampling of dialogue necessitating inclusion for this review, some of which transpired while Barker was performing high over the stage atop a levitating drum riser connected to four alloy steel chains:
We’re sorry if that [song] got you pregnant.
You’re mom was safe yesterday, but your mom’s not safe tonight.
Holy shit, we killed that. Did you notice that my hips and my knees didn’t give out when I went down to the ground?
Travis, when you were doing that drum shit, when I was watching you, I got an erection. I was so fucking hard. I have never been that hard before in my life.
There is a timing issue and I want you all to be aware of it. The next song is hard to play and I have usually been scoring about C+ on it, and I don’t know what to expect.
I wish I could be like Harry Styles and play 15 nights here for you all. Did someone fucking boo Harry Styles? Don’t pull that shit in here. Hey, I got a joke. How are One Direction and ‘70s porn alike? Harry Styles.
Somebody is smoking so much marijuana drug.
This next song I wrote at a part in my life where I was really down, and I didn’t know if I could go on. I was really sick with cancer. I was hooked up to chemotherapy machines and now I’m fucking here tonight at MSG with all of you. I love you all.
One of these shows I’ll get through a show without crying like a baby, not tonight, not tonight.
This is the last song of the show, and then we’re gonna play three more songs. You know why? You wanna know why? Because we’re contractually obligated!
Give it up for our bestest friends in Turnstile. But most of all, give it up for the greatest band to ever walk the face of the planet, Rage Against The Machine.
All jokes aside, for more than 90 minutes, the electric and synergetic atmosphere created and shared by Blink-182 and its adoring fans elevated the show from a mere exhibition to an experience never to be forgotten. Walking to my car 30 minutes or so after the show, I came upon a large circle pit of fans on the corner of 31st Street and 8th Avenue, still basking in the afterglow of the epic show. There was a stereo playing “All the Small Things” at its highest volume, fans were hopping up and down in synchronicity, all of whom were belting out the lyrics we all love and know by heart, “Say it ain’t so, I will not go. Turn the lights off, carry me home.” Suddenly, out of the crowded pit came Hoppus (the only member to remain in Blink-182 throughout its entire history), hopping up and down himself, with a huge grin across his face. His security detail, watching it all unfold beside me, were more than happy, however, to whisk him back into the waiting black SUV and speed off into the dark Gotham night.
After Blink’s final show of their North American leg concludes at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN on July 16, the band will take a much needed rest before resuming their world domination across the pond with twenty-four (24) dates in Europe (September 1 to October 16). Following a pair of shows in Las Vegas, NV on October 21-22 at the When We Were Young Festival, the boys will get another respite before heading to Oceania in early-February 2024 for sixteen (16) more shows, with the trek concluding in Latin America with a dozen shows – the last four of which taking place in Mexico City in early-April 2024.
Blink-182 Setlist: Anthem Part Two > The Rock Show > Family Reunion > Man Overboard > Feeling This > Reckless Abandon > Violence > Up All Night > Dysentery Gary > Dumpweed > EDGING > Aliens Exist > Cynical > Happy Holidays, You Bastard > Stay Together for the Kids > Always > Down > Bored to Death > I Miss You > Adam’s Song > Ghost on the Dance Floor > What’s My Age Again? > First Date (with snippets of “Pinhead” and “Blitzkrieg Bop” by Ramones) > All the Small Things > Dammit (with snippet of “No Scrubs” by TLC)
