Fort Salem Theater has unveiled its extended 2023 season, featuring a lineup of exciting shows that will cater to audiences of all ages.
Nestled in Salem’s National Historic District, the Fort Salem Theater has a history as diverse as its lineup. Originally built as the areas first Presbyterian Church, it was instead consolidated as a barracks for patriot forces during the American Revolution. After surviving three devastating fires, the building was fortified into what is still standing today, before being remodeled in 1972 as the areas premier stage for Salem’s thespians.
Following a successful start with “Spring Awakening,” the theater will showcase a range of popular productions and exciting events now through December.
Fast approaching is the family favorite “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown,” directed by Megan Stacey with music direction by Iris Rogers and choreography by Kyle West, from May 5th to 14th. With toe-tapping tunes, dazzling choreography, and a cast of lovable characters that will steal your heart, this is a family-friendly experience you won’t want to miss.
The summer season heats up with the classic musical “Footloose,” directed by Courtnie Harrington and featuring dynamic new songs alongside beloved hits from its Oscar-nominated score. Berry Ayers music directs and Maya Krays choreographs. Get ready to rock out to songs like “Let’s Hear It For The Boy,” “Holding Out For A Hero”, “Almost Paradise” and more.
A special one-night event, “River of Dreams, A Billy Joel Tribute,” will take place on May 19th, showcasing all-time favorites such as “Uptown Girl” and “New York State of Mind.” Don’t miss this 5-piece authentic Billy Joel tribute band as they visit Salem on their tour.
“CORN: The Musical,” a special benefit concert performance, will take place on July 7th and 8th. The musical pays tribute to writer Al Budde and tells the story of a modern family farm and the struggles that come with it. The event features Dennis Budde, Sue Caputo, Dan Garfinkel, Jerry Gretzinger, Peter Kidd, Jordan LaMothe, Jessica O’Keefe, and Rosie Spring. This benefit brings together Jay Kerr (Corn’s songwriter and former Fort Salem Theater owner) and Kyle West (Fort Salem Theater’s newest owner) as co-directors.
On August 4th, the “The Little Mermaid Jr.” will be presented with a special event, “Lunch, Learn & Play,” co-hosted children’s programming with the Historic Salem Courthouse. Participation in the production is free to Salem students entering 6th-12th grade. The musical is directed by Lynn Ohle, music directed by Taylor Grupinski and choreographed by Peyton VanDerheyden.
From August 11-20, “The Pirates of Penzance” will take the stage, a hilarious operetta by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, directed and choreographed by Kyle West with music direction by Berry Ayers. Featuring a local cast of professional opera singers, experienced musical theater actors, and skilled students, “Pirates” is jam-packed with dutiful daughters, cowering constables, and softhearted swashbucklers, as well as a young pirate apprentice named Frederic approaching his 21st birthday and seeking out love and adventure – with many side steps along the way!
A trio of classics will close out the season, starting with “The Rocky Horror Show,” a cult classic, will run from October 20-31, including special midnight and Halloween night performances, while “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be held from November 16-19, transporting guests to a magical forest complete with live entertainment.
The theater’s tradition, “There’s (Still, Definitely) No Business Like Snow Business,” will close the season with 90 minutes of uplifting song and dance celebrating the winter holidays from December 8-10.
Tickets for all shows and events are available for purchase 24/7 on FortSalem.com
This summer Jodeci will be headlining one of the biggest R&B tours of 2023 known as the Summer Block Party. The tour will also feature the legendary R&B vocal trio Sisters With Voices (SWV) and R&B group Dru Hill. On August 4 the icons will make a stop at the Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn, New York. Fans will be able to enjoy a night of generational smashes and instantly recognizable R&B hits.
Recognized as “The Bad Boys of R&B,” Jodeci is one of the most influential R&B groups of all time. The band consists of K-Ci, DeVante Swing, JoJo, and Mr. Dalvin. The band quickly established themselves as trendsetters through their signature style, soulful harmonies, and chart-topping hits. Together they have sold over 20 million global records and achieved three #1 albums on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.
Jodeci’s 1991 debut album “Forever My Lady” ranked #1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart in its first week of release. Additionally, the album’s hits “Come & Talk To Me,” and “Stay,” topped the charts reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The group gained more success with their albums “Diary Of A Mad Band”, “The Show, The After Party, The Hotel”, and a hit single, “Cry For You”. The albums ranked #1 album on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and the single landed #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks chart.
In 2021, Jodeci reunited and signed with P Music Group for management by Founder and CEO Michael Paran. To deliberate their reunion, Jodeci united with Charlie Wilson and New Edition for a 30-city tour in 2022. Following the tour, Jodeci gave an exceptional performance at the 2022 BET Awards paying homage to Diddy with a medley of their famed hits.
Sisters With Voices is a New York City based R&B vocal trio featuring the members Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Tamara “Taj” George and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons. Growing up, the vocalists perfected their harmonies singing in church that later became synonymous with the group in the 1990s. Kenny Ortiz, a Grammy-nominated record executive heard the girl’s early demo and quickly signed them to RCA. Ortiz introduced SWV to Brian Morgan who wrote and produced songs on their debut album, “It’s About Time”. The album was a huge success making double platinum within its first year of release.
The album features hit songs “Right Here/Human Nature” and “Weak” both of which went to #1 on the R&B Billboard charts. Additionally, their song “Weak” peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop chart and was certified Gold. SWV’s follow-up albums, “New Beginning” and “Release Some Tension” were certified Platinum and Gold, containing hit singles “Rain,” “Someone,” “You’re The One,” and “Use Your Heart.” The trio has made significant achievements by being honored on VH1’s “100 Greatest Women in Music” list, nominated for an American Music Award and Source Award. They also won the Soul Train “Lady of Soul” award, landed #7 on Billboard’s list of Top R&B acts and #2 on Billboard’s Top Selling/Airplay R&B Female Group of the 1990’s.
Dru Hill was founded in 1992 and was discovered by their manager Kevin Peck. The members Mark “Sisqó” Andrews, Larry “Jazz”Anthony, Tamir “Nikio” the N-Tity” Ruffin, and James “Woody Rock” Green engraved themselves into the legacy of R&B music and brought a dynamic sound to the ever-changing industry. The superstars given the world music for the ages with hits like “Tell Me,” “In My Bed,” “Never Make a Promise,” and “How Deep Is Your Love”
Over the years, Dru Hill has received multiple awards, performed across the world, topped the Billboard Music charts multiple times, and has sold over 40 million records worldwide. Dru Hill continues to solidify their legacy as one of the greatest groups of all time. The band was recently awarded with an Urban Music Icon Award presented by Black Music Honors.
Artist presale goes live on Tuesday, April 25 and lasts until April 27. The general on-sale begins on Friday, April 28 at 10 am. Tickets can be found here.
TOUR DATES
7/28 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
7/29 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena
7/30 Greensboro, NC White Oak Amphitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Today, April 28, the pop-punk band Nonstop to Cairo released a new song, “Not Today,” which will be followed by their LP, Kai, on May 5, via collaboration with Rama Entertainment and Creative Entertainment Network/The Orchard, a division of Sony Music. Before the debut of the new song and new album, the band re-released their single “Awkward Situations,” on March 31. Additionally, Nonstop to Cairo will appear at Hempfest at Dublin Deck Tiki Bar and Grill on April 29, for their album release party.
Kai album art. Credit: Dana Gordon, Indie Music Media.
Nonstop to Cairo consists of August “ASH” Harris (vocals,) Nick Diamond (guitar/vocals,) Alex Turner (drums/vocals,) and Ed Nevin (Bass guitar), from Baldwin. The band released their debut album, Dabble Heavy, and performed at several Long Island Music venues in support of the album in 2018, including Amityville Music Hall. Their upcoming LP, Kai, is in honor of the band’s former trumpet player/keyboardist, Kevin Anand Itwaru, who passed away in 2020, shortly before the album was recorded, and his initials make up the album title. While the album was inspired by their grief, it is also a celebration of life, according to Nonstop to Cairo.
“Our sophomore album Kai is a celebration of life, dedicated to our friend, brother, and former member Kevin Anand Itwaru who passed away in 2020. The project is a great portrayal of the vision we created with him, as our sound is ever-evolving. Kai is about the ups and downs of life, music, loss, and the connection needed to persevere,” shares guitarist Diamond.
“Awkward Situations,” has a pop-punk sound, with melodic punk rhythms, fast-paced riffs, and rapid-fire rap. It’s the perfect song for anyone that needs to let out any feelings of anxiousness or nerves they’ve been holding in. Sometimes, you just need to scream at the top of your lungs, and it’s clear from “Awkward Situations,” that the band understands that feeling.
Nonstop to Cairo will release their new song, “Not Today,” on April 28, and their LP, Kai, is due for release on May 5. Stream music by Nonstop to Cairo and pre-saveKai.
CNY Jazz has announced the return of their in person scholastic enrichment programs across the Central New York region, and has announced the first schedule of events.
Despite the hard hit by the pandemic and its negative impact on schools and families, CNY Jazz’s Scholastic programs continued to provide youth enrighment in virtual and hybrid settings. This year, the organization’s “pipeline” of enrichment programs that follow students through grade school and into college returns full force, with the goal of full enrollment in live settings across the area.
The first to occur is the 3rd annual “Berkshire Bank Interscholastic Jazz Festival,” to take place Sundays May 7 and 21 at the newly renovated and covered Sharkey’s Event Center in Liverpool. From 3 to 8 p.m. each day, the public and band parents can enjoy free admission, Sharkey’s food, drink, and the region’s finest school jazz ensembles of all kinds: combos, big bands, even a jazz string group, accompanied by nationally renowned guest soloists who will double as master class clinicians with each group.
This year’s guest CNY Jazz Scholastic teaching artists are Claire Daly, baritone saxophonist with the seminal DIVA jazz orchestra and founding member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center education faculty, and Mike Carbone, jazz studies leader at Binghamton University.
“This program was born because kids everywhere were forced to rehearse 12 feet apart in school with masks and were not able to perform in school. Morale was non-existent, and programs were in jeopardy. When I heard this, we put this outdoor event together quickly. As it turned out, educators, students, and parents alike loved the format and setting. Now it’s a permanent fixture on the enrichment scene for the extended region.”
Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz Leader
For over 20 years in Central New York, the last day of school in June is always closely followed by the CNY Jazz Scholastic SummerJazz Workshop, where kids get to explore the arts of improvisation. Newly moved to the W. Carroll Coyne Center for the Performing Arts at LeMoyne College, the 2023 workshop will be held June 26-29th and will be topped off with a visit by internationally recognized jazz educator John Piazza, Jr., who will coach the program’s four combos and solo with them.
The ultimate CNY Jazz pipeline program is the CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra, accessible by audition to all as a pre-professional apprenticeship program, a paying summer job for area youth, who join the American Federation of Musicians and receive prevailing rates for performing free public concerts throughout the summer. This season’s venues include Cazenovia Counterpoint, Le Moyne College, the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival, and the Manlius Amphitheater. CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra dates and times will be announced at a later date.
For more information on all CNY Jazz Scholastic programs and to register for a particular event, please visit the CNY Jazz website.
New York-based alternative indie band Evil Sweet has just debuted their newest EP Queen Victoria, on April 28th. According to the band, the album evokes a different she of love at various stages in a relationship.
Evil Sweet is an up-and-coming pop-rock band based in Long Island founded by members Scotty O’Brien-Curcie and Zachary Castro. Thus, having achieved over 100K streams on the singles for the EP and playing legendary venues like The Bowery Electric. Their energy is familiar to indie artists like The Neighborhood, Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys.
Zach is the guitarist and rapper for the group with Scotty on lead vocals, both having heavy roles in the songwriting. Evil Sweet blends multiple genres like rock, pop, blues, folk, and hip-hop. The two have been creating music together since their early high school years.
When listening to the album, keep in mind that each song is supposed to represent a different stage of love in a relationship. Queen Victoria is a unique album for Evil Sweet to release, it has sweet and delicate songs like “Long Live The Queen,” where the lyrics are quite meaningful. Almost very similar to Panic! At The Dico’s 2008 release Pretty Odd.
The intro song “Something” also hits differently, having sounded straight out of an 80’s soundboard, flowy and bubbly. Songs like “Queen Victoria” and “Out of Nowhere” are energetic and high-strung, the vocalist reminiscent of The Kooks. “How To Love You” was a favorite on the album, having meaningful lyrics and an upbeat tempo.
The band has also had an amazing start to 2023 with the two singles “Something” and “Out of Nowhere” achieving over 100,000 streams on Spotify being interviewed by underground indie-blog “Girl at the Rock Shows.” Evil Sweet prepare for the release of their debut EP Queen Victoria on April 28th.
When I think of Blues music, the basic, common names come to mind. The likes of BB King, Muddy Waters, Blind Boy Fuller, and Buddy Guy. These are the classic staples of Blues genre. Another staple with the Blues is a nice pour of bourbon/rye/whiskey, straight up or on the rocks, it pairs well with the classic or modern sounds of Blues. This was the thought process of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Neil Giraldo as he founded Three Chord brand of bourbons in 2017. Fast forward to 2023, Giraldo’s company was a presenting sponsor of the 2nd annual Buffalo Blues and Roots Festival.
Taking place on April 22, Buffalo Riverworks Buffalo’s Best Sports Bar & Entertainment hosted 10 acts of amazing Blues talent, each playing approximately 40-minute sets, with the two headliners getting bonus stage time. Oh, and they were doing bourbon samples, too, pretty much a win-win.
Opening the festival was Buffalo’s own Henry’s Summer Kitchen (Henry’s Summer Kitchen | Buffalo NY | Facebook). This unique quartet plays a wide range of tunes, ranging from classic Merle Haggard to current original songs, twangy, old-school country sounds with modern twists. You never know what you are going to get, but you will never be disappointed.
Taking over the stage after Henry’s cleared out his kitchen, Tonemah was ready to jam. Darryl Tonemah (Tonemah)is not your typical musician, let’s make that clear. Not only does Tonemah record and perform music, but he also carries a Ph.D. and has appeared in 3 well-known movies. To boot, he performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics, holding quite the resume.
Performing in Buffalo, though, this full-blooded Native American (Kiowa/Comanche/Tuscarora) was wowing the Riverworks crowd with family on stage with him as a seven piece band. Playing mostly original music, Tonemah shook the stage for about 40 minutes and used every second to make their presence known.
Next up was The Growlers (Growlers Blues Band | Buffalo NY | Facebook) Featuring Jon Lewandowski on vocals and harp, Dan Shurtleff on drums, Rob Enderle on guitar, Ed Croft on bass with guest guitarist Rusty Fisher. Western NY based, these guys came to play, and play they did. With smooth riffs on the bass, Jon doing his best John Popper impression on the harp, and Dan crushing the drums, The Growlers came across as seasoned vets on more of a blues rock set. At this point, a nice bourbon was really hitting me.
Coming to the stage around 315 was The X-Statix with Sharon Bailey (The X-STATIX | Facebook). Bailey hits the stage as a very well-known and regarded funk/blues/jazz voice in the Buffalo area. Punk band vibes, her voice is a little Joan Osborne, a little Etta James, and a little Dusty Springfield. Rounding out X-Statix is Joel Slazyk on bass (who happened to have color-coordinated shirts and guitar), Bob Granfield on vocals and percussion, and Rick Militello on vocals/bass.
Bourbon? Nope, not yet. Three Chords was setting up a table right near the VIP entrance, however, and I was on watch now.
Ok, this is where I admit some fault. Coming into this festival, I searched on the world wide web for all these acts. I knew some of them and had heard of a couple of othersâall with great feedback. Patti Parks was a new name for me so I looked her up as I did everyone else. I made a decision beforehand that this was going be my rest time as I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the set as much as the others, get some pizza and beverage and just sit back and enjoy the show. Patti, I am sorry I doubted you at all as I couldn’t have been more wrong on this. Patti and her ensemble were incredible as they rocked the stage with a brass section, bass, percussion, and her own vocals. For me, this set was mind-blowing, to say the least. Go give Patti Parks a listen and see for yourself why she is a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.
Ray Barry, the name behind Barry Entertainment, is the event organizer/promotor. Not only does he set up this superb event in downtown Buffalo, NY, he is also a scheduled performer and he brought the troupe out to perform the music of The Band. Like every other act on this stage doing covers, these guys put their own style to some Americana classics without hindering the effects of the song. Ending with a staple, The Weight, and Ray Barry and Friends had a large group of VIP patrons dancing stage front for the entire 40-minute set.
Tommy Z takes the stage at 545, with bourbon pouring at 545. Tommy Z has a rich history with blues, starting out when he backed up Pinetop Perkins and worked with many of the biggest names including Buddy Guy, Jimmy Vaughn, and Robert Cray. On top of his illustrious recording career, which has included weekly shows on Buffalo-based blues radio stations, Tommy has managed to do shows for US troops around the globe, sometimes in tumultuous areas, since 2003.
It’s bourbon time. While I am not a bourbon snob, I enjoy a few things in life including a nice sipping drink. Three Chord was offering up 2 varieties to sample: Kentucky Straight Bourbon, aged in pinot noir barrels as well as Amplified Rye. I had to sample both and damn were they tasty. While I enjoyed the Rye at 95 proof, the Kentucky straight was a little smoother and definitely had me looking for a bottle to take home. Again, I am not a bourbon snob or reviewer, I simply enjoy a nice pour with some solid music in the background.
Moving back to the music, Miller and the Other Sinners took the stage for their set. Buffalo-based and well-known around Western NY and the Finger Lakes, Miller (who also is involved with Three Chord Bourbon) and his Sinners came out firing on all cylinders with the funk and soul sound they have been producing since 2015. Over the years Miller has played with great names such as Shamekia Copeland, Susan Tedeschi, and Joe Bonamassa. 730 is the time I have been looking forward to because Selwyn Birchwood jumps on stages Just as I did for all the other acts, I looked into this young man. It didn’t much for me to get hooked. A little Jimi Hendrix, a dash of Prince, and Some Buddy Guy, that is Selwyn Birchwood, who burst onto the scene in 2014.
A song I took to immediately was “Living in a Burning House.” Deep lyrics and smooth vocals make this a perfect song to listen to while sipping Three Chord bourbon. When he played this song in Buffalo, the crowd was ready for it and you could see many of them singing along. Another artist new to me, for now, it was clear that Birchwood made his presence known around Buffalo as he rocked the crowd for a little over an hour.
Rounding out the festival was Colin James. From Saskatchewan, Canada, James brought 30 years of music, 8 Juno awards, and nearly 30 Maple Blues awards to Buffalo Riverworks. Who knew this could happen to a guy whose first performance was opening up for Stevie Ray Vaughn with only a few hours notice? While the venue and crowd may not be what James is used to, he had the entire crowd into the music. For some, it was just sitting there bopping their head to the beat or tapping their toes, while others were in full dance party mode. With over 20 albums of music to select from, James played for nearly 90 minutes and seemed to love every second of it. Colin James is on tour, with shows coming up in Ontario.
For nine hours, Buffalo Riverworks was rocking some blues, roots, and Americana sounds. Arts and crafts, the aforementioned bourbon, as well as rustic surroundings outside all were perfect compliments of each other and Barry Entertainment put together a great day of family fun in Downtown Buffalo.
Henry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenTonemahThe Growlers Blues BandThe X-StatixPatti Parks BandRay Barry and FriendsTommy ZMiller and the Other SinnersSelwyn BirchwoodColin James
To conclude the 67th season of the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, they’ll go back, a long time ago, to a galaxy far far away. “May the Fourth Be With You” will be performed at the Anderson Center for the Performing Arts in Vestal on Thursday, May 4 at 7:30pm.
Maestro Daniel Hege will lead the Philharmonic in performing the music of John Williams, including themes from The Force Awakens, Revenge of the Sith, A New Hope, and of course, the original Star Wars Suite. Additionally, there will be live narration by Joshua Sedelmeyer, who will weave together the epic story of Star Wars with the music.
Joshua Sedelmeyer is an alumni of the Ithaca College BFA Acting program and studied abroad at the Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia (National Theatre Institute’s Mats program) and the IC London Center in England. Josh is based in Upstate New York, between Binghamton and Ithaca, and works regularly with many companies throughout the region. He is often sought for his physical acting approach (Edgar, King Lear), his playfulness and vivacity within ensembles (Clown, The 39 Steps), and for his comfort with adapting to a wide range of theatrical styles (Puppeteer in The Snow Queen, Austin in True West, Edmund in Long Day’s Journey into Night).
Josh also has developed an ease at creating rapport with audiences during interactive performances, such as “Pops” concerts with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra (The Magical Music of Harry Potter, A Night at the Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet, and Star Wars, May the Fourth).
Founded by Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg in 1955, the Binghamton Philharmonic was founded by David Agard and Russell Hawkes, presenting an annual series of classical, pops, and chamber music concerts in Downtown Binghamton and throughout Broome County. The professional musicians of the Philharmonic, represented by Local 380 of the American Federation of Musicians, hail from the Southern Tier, New York City, and surrounding states.
For tickets and more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org.
New York-based Pop-punk band Against the Current began a world tour that kicked off its U.S. leg on April 22 and will have a performance at the Gramercy Theatre this coming May.
Against the Current also dropped their new single, “good guy.” Vocalist Chrissy Costanza describes the track as “all about going from anger to apathy, recognizing that this person that hurt you is too sad to hate,” urging listeners to “don’t ignore the red flags, trust your gut.”
The members of Against the Current, from left to right: Will Ferri (drums, acoustic guitar, piano, keyboards, backing vocals,) Chrissy Costanza (lead vocals,) and Dan Gow (lead guitar, backing vocals.)
Against the Current originated in Poughkeepsie and consists of Will Ferri, Chrissy Costanza, and Dan Gow. The band’s career spans over a decade, forming in 2011 before releasing their debut studio album, In Our Bones, in 2016. This was followed by 2018’s Past Lives, and aside from their two studio album, Against the Current have released several EPs.
“good guy” is a relatable track made even better by its visualizer. It tells the story of a romantic suitor (whether it be a guy, girl, etc.) who won’t drop their “good guy” act even when they’ve already made their true colors clear, and you’re finally seeing them for who they are. “good guy” and more music by Against the Current is now streaming.
Tickets for Against the Current’s world tour are now on sale.
As the legend of Lark Hall continues to grow, the Ryan Montbleau performance from April 20 will be one of the ones they talk about for years to come. An instant classic that showcased everything from rock and blues to funk and folk, eloquent and meaningful storytelling, full band collaborations, over the top guitar solos and even a bit of Marty McFly-type showmanship. Along with a well-received set by the sultry and dynamic female folk singer Kat Wright that included a cover of Bob Marley’s classic song “Burnin’ and Lootin’, being in the Albany room on this night felt like being home for the holidaze.
Fans “packed” into Lark Hall to celebrate 4/20 with Ryan Montbleau
Until recently though, home for Ryan Montbleau has been on the road. After spending more than two decades on tour living out of a suitcase, the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter has finally settled down and purchased property in Burlington, Vermont. Only a short drive to the Albany area, Montbleau has become a regular fixture in the Capital Region music scene. Often playing in Saratoga Springs at venues like Caffe Lena and Putnum Place, over the years Montbleau has shared the stage with everyone from the Tedeski Trucks Band and Mavis Staples, to the Wood Brother and Goose. This night, however, would be his Lark Hall debut.
Here comes the Pain: Ryan Montbleau had the crowd feeling fine while performing “Just Enough Pain”on 4/20
Montbleau, who was dressed in a Todd Snider T-shirt and would perform the majority of the show with a spliff safely tucked behind his ear, addressed the doobious date by saying, “I feel like 4:20 doesn’t mean as much as it used to. These days you can just go down the street and get some gummies and a couple pre-rolls. How rebellious is that?” Opening up with “Just Enough Pain” and passionately singing as if it were the encore, Ryan and the band were dialed in from the start. Repeating the chorus of “I guess I’m fine” until the whole room was saying it too, it was the kind of cathartic start to a show that rarely comes around. The kind that let you know that no matter what other 4/20 shenanigans were happening simultaneously elsewhere, you were exactly where you needed to be and you had picked wisely.
When I Misbehave: Ryan Montbleau rolled into Lark Hall for the first time on 4/20/2023
Playing most of his recently released studio album, 2023’s Wood, Fire, Water, and Air, Ryan Montbleau’s band currently consists of Ex-Turkuaz/current Cool Cool Cool members Craig Brodhead on guitar and Michelangelo Carubba on drums, Paul Philippone from West End Blend on keys, and Michael Friedman from The Slip on bass. Montbleau has gone on record calling them his best band yet, and after working their way through songs like “Ankles,” and fan favorite “75 and Sunny” it’s easy to why. The band would have fans chanting along again on “Yeah Man,” before ripping into the aptly appropriate 4/20 rocker “Sweet, Nice ‘n’ High.” Brodhead’s incredible tone control sounded gorgeous in this room and on this song in particular. You can check out fan shot video it below:
Sweet: Watch fan shot footage of “Sweet, Nice ‘n’ High” from Lark Hall on 4/20
Cooling things off a bit, a stripped down and somber rendition of “Never Gonna Be” gave the audience some time to reflect, while “Long for You Again” explored similar sentiments, but with a notably more up-tempo swing. Ryan would abort the intro of “Til the End of Our Days,” laughing to himself that it sounded too much like the theme song from the 1993 film Free Willy. Then in a moment of priceless crowd participation, fans of the Michael Jackson song briefly started singing the chorus of “Will You Be There.” Things got more serious when Montbleau dusted off a pair of deep-thinkers from 2017’s I was Just Leaving, “Time and Time Again” and the album’s title track.
With a little Help From Friends: The Kat Wright Band performing with Ryan Montbleau on 4/20/23
Then for a special treat, members of the Kat Wright Band would join in on the festivities, lending backing vocals on “When I Misbehave” and on one of the more popular songs of the night, “Bright Side.” Earlier in the evening, Wright had let her feelings about the venue be known, commenting how special this room felt to her. Saying, “Long live Lark Hall. Such a beautiful venue. It feels like slipping into a dream. Back to a time when people cared about storytelling and being together and listening to the music and it’s just so beautiful. I hope it stays open forever.” The heartfelt sentiment was collectively felt by all. The energy level would raise even higher when the band bounced back with a full-on funk attack during “Dead Set,” where chairmen Paul Philippone shinned particularly bright. “Songbird” took on strong Rastafarian vibes, only to be outdone by the most bombastic cover choice of the night in Shaggy’s “It Wasn’t Me.”
This Must Be the Place: The Lark Hall kids loved it when Montbleau channeled his inner Marty McFly on 4/20/23
Putting down his guitar and working both sides of the stage while rapping the lyrics to the turn-of-the-century mega hit, the charismatic Montbleau drove the ladies in the crowd absolutely wild here. Well, “Seeing is believing so you better change your specs.” That’s what fans were thinking during the follow-up cover choice of Talking Heads “This Must Be the Place” when both Montbleau and Brodhead were having so much fun together, they briefly ended up playing guitars while laying on their backs ala Marty McFly in Back to the Future. Considering Lark Hall’s storied Chuck Berry history, it somehow seemed to make sense.
Floored: Guitarist Craig Brodhead laid down a smoking solo during “Naïve Melody” at Lark Hall on 4/20/23
After finding their feet again, the band would go into the song “Affected,” which Montbleau helped write with Maddy O’neal and appears on the 2022 album Ricochet. The boogie down continued with a rippin’ version of “Honeymoon Eyes” and then more full audience participation on “I Can’t Wait,” which brought the main portion of the show to a close and left the packed house hollering for more.
Watch fan shot footage of Ryan Montbleau’s final song at Lark Hall on 4/20
After soaking in the cheers for a few moments, the band would emerge from the curtains with one more heartfelt ballad from Wood, Fire, Water, and Air called “Outside Looking In.” Finally, they would send the audience home on a high note with a smoking rendition of “Pacing Like Prince.”
Just an incredible, fun, and well-rounded performance from start to finish. Complete with a carefully crafted, career spanning setlist, an absolutely badass backing band, guest sit-ins, and his innate ability to develop a wonderfully organic rapport with his audience, it would seem that Ryan Montbleau made the most of his Lark Hall 4:20 debut and may have found a new home away from home in the process. Carving his name into the venue’s growing legend, it genuinely feels like something special happens every time you step foot into Albany’s newest concert spot. If you’re looking for great music, great vibes and a great time, this must be the place indeed-e.
Fans “packed” into Lark Hall on 4/20
Ryan Montbleau | 4/20/2023 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Setlist: Just Enough Pain, Ankles, Yeah Man, Sweet, Sweet, Nice ‘n’ High, After Dark, 76 & Sunny, Never Gonna Be, Long For You Again, ‘Til The End of Our Days, Time and Again, I Was Just Leaving, When I Misbehave, Brightside, Dead Set, Songbird, It Wasn’t Me*, This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody) **, Affected, Honeymoon Eyes, I Can’t Wait
Encore: Outside Looking In, Pacing Like Prince
*Shaggy cover
**Talking Heads cover
Kat Wright | 4/20/2023 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Setlist: Can’t Explain, Problems, Lovers & Tides/All About You, Try, Take Me With You, Rhonda, Burnin’ and Lootin’, I’ve Been Down
Following his live performance debut at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Jai Paul traveled East to Queens‘ Knockdown Center on Tuesday, April 25.
It has been over 10 years since Jai released his first single, “BTSTU” on the acclaimed British label, XL Recordings. In that time, his debut project was leaked prematurely (then made officially available), founded a label with his brother, aptly called The Paul Institute, and returned with two new singles.
Due to this mystifyingly sporadic release pattern, it is no surprise his first headlining performance would be to much fanfare (and a consistently lengthy merch line).
Backed by his brother A. K. Paul on guitar, fellow Paul Institute member, Fabiana Palladino on keyboard and backing vocals, Rocco Palladino on bass, and Isaac Kizito on drums, the group performed an hour-long featuring many songs from the aforementioned leaked project (Bait Ones) and a new song titled, “So Long”, which he premiered a week prior in Indio.
Jai had the audience from the start, jumping into “He” after an interlude of “Higher Res”, many in the crowd finally feeling a sense of relief after anticipation of a live performance lurked for over a decade.
Numerous times throughout the night he showed genuine appreciation for the fans sticking with him for this long, repeating “I know I’ve been gone a long time” in the chorus of “BTSTU”.
The show concluded with the sonically expansive track “Str8 Outta Mumbai”, reaching back out to the crowd with the line “but you know I’ll do anything for you” to conclude the song and cathartic performance.
As soon as the Vani Jairam sample hit, the crowd immediately erupted into exhilaration, dancing and bouncing throughout the packed sold-out venue.
Jai Paul returns to his hometown of London, England to perform two shows at HERE @ Outernet on May 9th and 10th.
Jai Paul | Knockdown Center | Queens, NY | April 25, 2023
Setlist: Higher Res, He, Crush, 100,000, So Long, All Night, Zion Wolf Theme, Good Time, Genevieve, Do You Love Her Now, Jasmine, BTSTU, Str8 Outta Mumbai
