Category: Regions

Nickel Creek 2024 Tour To Stop in Rochester, Troy, Buffalo

Grammy Award-winning trio, Nickel Creek—mandolinist Chris Thile, violinist Sara Watkins and guitarist Sean Watkins—will continue their extensive headline tour next year including newly confirmed shows in Rochester, Troy, and Buffalo.

After meeting as young children in California’s That Pizza Place, and subsequently earning the respect of the bluegrass circuit for a decade, the trio signed with venerable label, Sugar Hill Records, in 2000 and quickly broke through with their Grammy-nominated, Alison Krauss-produced self-titled LP. Since that effort, the trio has released three more studio albums to date: 2002’s This Side, which won Best Contemporary Folk Album at the 45th Grammy Awards, 2005’s Why Should the Fire Die? and 2014’s A Dotted Line.

Each member of Nickel Creek has also taken part in many outside projects over the years. Chris Thile is a 2012 recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship and served as the host of the American radio variety show “Live from Here” (formerly “A Prairie Home Companion”) from 2016 to 2020. He has also released collaborative albums with world-renowned musicians like Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Brad Mehldau and Stuart Duncan as well as six studio albums with his Grammy-winning band, Punch Brothers. Sean Watkins is a co-founder of Watkins Family Hour alongside Sara, who has released three albums and maintains a long-running collaborative show in Los Angeles. Sean has also released a string of solo albums, while Sara’s extracurricular projects include the aforementioned Watkins Family Hour, as well as the Grammy-winning roots trio, I’m With Her, which she co-founded alongside Aoife O’Donovan and Sarah Jarosz. Sara Jarosz has released four studio albums and has contributed fiddle to recordings for artists like Phoebe Bridgers, The Killers, and John Mayer.

Even stronger when together, Nickel Creek revolutionized bluegrass and folk in the early 2000s and ushered in a new era of what we now recognize as Americana music. In a 2020 retrospective entitled, “The Year Folk Broke: How Nickel Creek Made Americana The New Indie Rock,” NPR Music praised, “20 years ago this month, an album arrived that seemed to speak all these languages at once: unafraid to push the boundaries of its primary genre, and packing the musical chops to bring such an eclectic vision to life. Behind it were three musicians just barely old enough to vote” and continued, “That makes Nickel Creek and its unofficial debut a critical point along a storied timeline, one whose innovations offer countless connections between the genre’s origins and its future. Once dubbed ‘progressive newgrassers,’ the three musicians now fit firmly within the ranks of Americana music—however nebulous, layered and diverse that realm may be. They have only themselves to thank.”

The upcoming shows add to a landmark year for the group, who released Celebrants—their fifth studio album and first release in nine years—this past spring via Thirty Tigers. Additionally, Nickel Creek recently received the Lifetime Achievement Trailblazer Award at the 2023 Americana Music Association Honors & Awards and performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “CBS Saturday Morning” earlier this year.

Recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A, the album was produced by longtime collaborator Eric Valentine (Queens of the Stone Age, Grace Potter, Weezer) and features Mike Elizondo on bass. Reflecting on the project, the band shares, “This is a record about embracing the friction inherent in real human connection. We begin the record yearning for and pursuing harmonious connection. We end the record having realized that truly harmonious connection can only be achieved through the dissonance that we’ve spent our entire adult lives trying to avoid.”

NICKEL CREEK CONFIRMED TOUR DATES

February 6, 2024—Iowa City, IA—Hancher Auditorium

February 7, 2024—Madison, WI—Overture Hall

February 9, 2024—Des Moines, IA—Hoyt Sherman Place

February 10, 2024—Indianapolis, IN—Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

February 12, 2024—Peoria, IL—Peoria Civic Center Theater

February 13, 2024—Kalamazoo, MI—Kalamazoo State Theatre

February 15, 2024—Columbus, OH—Mershon Auditorium

February 16, 2024—Fort Wayne, IN—The Clyde Theatre

February 17, 2024—Louisville, KY—The Louisville Palace

February 19, 2024—Durham, NC—Durham Performing Arts Center

February 20, 2024—Augusta, GA—Miller Theater

February 21, 2024—Jacksonville, FL—Florida Theatre

February 23, 2024—Fort Lauderdale, FL—Broward Center for the Performing Arts

February 24, 2024—Clearwater, FL—Ruth Eckerd Hall

March 12, 2024—Canton, OH—Canton Palace Theatre

March 14, 2024—Bethesda, MD—Music Center at Strathmore

March 15, 2024—Newark, NJ—NJPAC

March 16, 2024—Rochester, NY—Kodak Center

March 17, 2024—Burlington, VT—Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

March 19, 2024—Groton, MA—Groton Hill Music Center Concert Hall

March 21, 2024—Storrs, CT—Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts

March 22, 2024— Troy, NY—Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

March 23, 2024—Buffalo, NY—University at Buffalo Center for the Arts

March 24, 2024— Lancaster, PA—American Music Theatre

April 26, 2024—Knoxville, TN—Tennessee Theatre

April 27, 2024—Savannah, GA—Johnny Mercer Theatre

April 30, 2024—Huntsville, AL—VBC Mark Smith Concert Hall

May 2, 2024—Little Rock, AR—The Hall

Tickets for the 2024 shows are available for pre-sale starting today, October 25, at 10:00am local time with general on-sale following this Friday, October 27 at 10:00am local time. Full details can be found at www.nickelcreek.com/tour.

For more information on the band or any upcoming shows, follow Nickel Creek on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or visit their website.

Stream their music via Apple Music or Spotify.

October 25, 2023
Daze of the Dead: Billy & The Kids Rock The Capitol Theatre

This past weekend, Billy & The Kids played a two-night run at the legendary Capitol Theatre, with sets including covers of the Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, The Who, and Eric Clapton.

This time around the band included of course Bill Kreutzmann, and the ‘kids’, Reed Mathis, Aron Magner, and Tom Hamilton, who were joined by Andrew and Brad Barr of The Barr Brothers.

The band started of with a tight set featuring crowd favorites like “Eyes of the World,” “Jack Straw,” and “Beat It on Down the Line.”

On October 20th, the theater celebrated the 1000th show for Head Usher Brian Lynch who had the occasion commemorated with a trophy which was handed by Pete Shapiro and Billy Kreutzmann himself.

The second set started off with a traditionally psychedelic “Drums > Space” into another crowd favorite “Scarlet Begonias.” The second set was filled with elaborate jams and ended with an incredible “Fire on the Mountain” and the band came back for an encore of “Lay Down Sally” and “Ripple.”

Billy & the Kids – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester – Friday, October 20, 2023

Set 1: The Kids Are Alright, St. Stephen, Eyes of the World, She Belongs to Me, Beat It on Down the Line, Mama Tried, Jack Straw, Row Jimmy, Let’s Spend the Night Together

Set 2: Drums > Space, Scarlet Begonias, Friend of the Devil, Ramble on Rose, A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall, Fire on the Mountain

Encore: Lay Down Sally, Ripple

October 24, 2023
Cat Clyde at Skylark Lounge: Rochester Catches a Rising Star

Honest Folk brought Canadian singer/songwriter Cat Clyde to Rochester’s Skylark Lounge on Saturday night. By the end of the show, or rather not even halfway through, it was a mutual love fest. The crowd, some familiar some not, were eating up every word and every note, while Clyde, recognizing this, was visibly and verbally blown away by the response. It was her first time to town and the cozy bar was essentially sold out, many singing along and most all exuberantly encouraging her between songs.

She, along with her band including guitar, bass and drums, were touring behind her excellent new release Down Rounder. In a little over an hour, they would play nearly every track from that record, while also sprinkling earlier and even newer material, one played for the first time live even, throughout.

Musically songs patched together sounds from grooving rock, surf, honky tonk, 50’s ballads, indie rock, slow blues, outlaw country, 60’s European psychedelia and even a little Middle Eastern influence.

Thematically the songs were grounded in the natural world. Rain, rivers, trees and other elements found around us were referenced liberally. But it as those actually ungrounded in nature that popped up most frequently: the birds, the moon, the sun and the stars.

“Hawk in the Tree” was about her urge to be a bird. An urge that doesn’t seem all that recent, because in “Not Like You” from her earlier release Hunters Trance she sang, “I may be a bird in a cage, but at least I have my wings.” In “The River” there were “birds moving like a school of fish in the sky.” “The Gloom” expressed her love for the moon, and in “All the Black” she “told the moonlight I was scared.” Even her one cover of the night was of Bonnie Guitar’s country croon “Dark Moon.” And in “Papa Took My Totems” she brought them both together, singing “the moon was a loon.”

Instrumentally the music was carried on Clyde’s incredible voice. Her backing band was excellent at fleshing out her tunes but remained a backing band throughout, there to service and highlight the talents of their front woman. Except when she played a couple on her own mid-set. She could drift from husky and deep to soft and soaring from verse to chorus, or jump octaves instantly and effortlessly from one word to the next. At times she would just be singing syllables in a folk-like scat, using her voice solely as an instrument, and an incredible instrument it was. When “Real Love” opened with her singing a capella, it became apparent she could carry an entire song, maybe the whole set, with just her voice.

Clearly Cat Clyde is a star, or bird or moon, on the rise.

Opener Libby DeCamp had played Rochester before, seven years ago, but her memories were fuzzy. She used her honey sweet voice and resonator guitar to present a set of mostly new songs like “Tigers of Wrath,” inspired by a transcendentalism phase she went through, and “Torch.” Her material was sparse and spacious, each note and each word carrying extra weight. Hopefully this memory sticks a little better for her, Rochester would love a quicker return.

But until then, Rochester has another Honest Folk show to look forward to as the great Marty O’Reilly returns to play an intimate gig at the brand new venue, Essex, on November 11.

Cat Clyde Setlist: So Heavy, Mystic Light, Everywhere I Go, Hawk in the Tree, The Gloom, Real Love, Mama Said, Dark Moon (Bonnie Guitar), New Song, Not Like You, The Man I Loved Blues, Where is My Love, Bird Bone, Papa Took My Totems, Eternity, So Cold, All the Black
Encore: The River, I Feel It

October 24, 2023
In Focus: My Morning Jacket at The Beacon Theatre

Celebrating 20 years since the release of It Still Moves, My Morning Jacket and their loyal fans descended upon the Upper West Side of Manhattan for three nights of shows at the Beacon Theatre, with Madi Diaz opening up each night.

My Morning Jacket kicked off their 3-night run at The Beacon Theatre with a bang, playing their album It Still Moves in its entirety to the sold out crowd. A real treat for fans, the band returned for a 7-song encore, starting with Jim James solo on “I Needed It Most”, played for the first time since 2018.

The encore included a live debut of “Grab a Body” as well as “Feel You,” “It Beats 4 U,” and “Phone Went West” to close out the night. James spoke about how blessed we are to be in such a beautiful place that is the Beacon Theatre.

Friday night of My Morning Jacket at the Beacon Theatre started off with a full version of “Cobra,” clocking in at almost 17 minutes. The setlist that followed captivated the sold-out crowd from start to finish, with stand out songs including “O is the One That Is Real,” “Strangulation,“ and “Victory Dance.”

They returned to the stage for a 6-song encore with opener Madi Diaz joining Jim James and company to perform “The Wind” by Cat Stevens. The highlight of the encore was “Highly Suspicious,” off their 2008 album Evil Urges.

Saturday saw Diaz join the band once again, joining for “I Will Be There When You Die,” an apt song given the first lines being “Joe was born in New York City, Son of Paul and Catherine, Always down and always out, But his ‘morrows always seemed jus’ fine.”

This week, the tour marches on, playing in Albany on Wednesday, October 25 at the Palace Theatre and at The Met in Philadelphia on Friday, October 27, before heading to the Southeast and closing the tour out in Chicago November 9-11.

My Morning Jacket – Beacon Theatre, NYC – Thursday, October 19

Setlist: It Still Moves, Mahgeetah, Dancefloors, Golden, Master Plan, One Big Holiday, I Will Sing You Songs, Easy Morning Rebel, Run Thru, Rollin Back, Just One Thing, Steam Engine, One in the Same
Encore: I Needed It Most, Old Sept. Blues, Feel You, It Beats 4 U, Compound Fracture, Grab a Body, Phone Went West

My Morning Jacket – Beacon Theatre, NYC – Friday, October 20

Setlist: Cobra, Gideon, The Way That He Sings, Lay Low, Slow Slow Tune, Run It, I’m Amazed, Least Expected, Lucky to Be Alive, War Begun, Strangulation!, Victory Dance, O Is the One That Is Real, Smokin’ From Shootin’, It’s About Twilight Now, Anytime
Encore: Butch Cassidy, The Wind (with Madi Diaz), Only Memories Remain, First Light, Highly Suspicious, Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2

My Morning Jacket – Beacon Theatre, NYC – Saturday, October 21

Setlist: In Its Infancy (The Waterfall), Spring (Among the Living), Holdin On to Black Metal, Never in the Real World, Evil Urges, I Think I’m Going to Hell, I Will Be There When You Die (with Madi Diaz),
Knot Comes Loose, Heartbreakin Man, What a Wonderful Man, Honest Man, Tropics (Erase Traces), Thank You Too!, Climbing the Ladder, Off the Record, Wasted, Dondante, Love Love Love, Circuital
Encore: State of the Art (A.E.I.O.U.), Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 1, Wordless Chorus

October 24, 2023
Everyday Is Like ‘SATURDAY’ – Night 1 of Morrissey at United Palace

Originally scheduled to kick-off in Mexico City on September 10, the rescheduled “40 Years of Morrissey” tour rebooted in Orlando, Florida earlier this month after the British crooner and former frontman of the Smiths had fully recovered from some recent health concerns.

United Palace | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

After sweeping through Georgia, Tennessee and Washington, D.C., the United Palace – a lavish theater nestled in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan – welcomed Morrissey (affectionately dubbed “Moz” by Smiths bandmate Johnny Marr) this past Saturday night, October 21, for the first of four shows in a brief residency.

Constructed in 1930, United Palace occupies a full city block and functions not only as a nonprofit performing arts center that has hosted artists the likes of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Adele, Arcade Fire and Kraftwerk, but also as a spiritual center. You may have also seen the epochal venue as a backdrop for the film John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and in the Hulu television series Only Murders in the Building.

With showtime looming, latecomers entered the majestic theater from Broadway on a chilly autumn evening and into the grand foyer, many ‘blown away’ (as I was) by the sheer grandeur of the scene. At half past eight o’clock, a pair of square-shaped, side-by-side video screens suddenly came to life and for the next 30-minutes, displayed a barrage of images and video clips featuring actors and musicians who have inspired Morrissey over the years, including Roxy Music, David Bowie, Eddie Cochran and Sidney Poitier. The biggest reaction from the audience occurred when the breakthrough video of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” featuring the iconic, closeup visage of the late Sinéad O’Connor, appeared wondrously.

Morrissey | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

At 9:10 pm, as the house lights went down, the crowd literally jumped out of their seats and erupted with rapturous applause. It was officially “Game On!” The perpetually suave Morrissey elegantly took the stage, dressed in black from head to toe, as he and his talented quintet of back-up musicians instantly transported us to 1992 with “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful” (Your Arsenal). Over the course of nearly 90-minutes, Morrissey gifted his legion of die-hard fans an eclectic set that incorporated a glorious blend of five tracks from his days with The Smiths, highlighted by “How Soon Is Now?,” the beginning of which signaled the simultaneously raising of cell phones high into the air to forever record the moment into eternity.

Morrissey | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

The remainder of the nineteen-song set comprised tunes lifted from an extensive discography spanning Morrissey’s debut solo studio album released in 1988 (Viva Hate) to his upcoming studio album entitled Without Music the World Dies, with a tentative release date of later this year. As the night turned for home, Morrissey presented “Sure Enough, the Telephone Rings,” recorded in early-2021 and originally intended to appear on the studio album entitled Bonfire Of Teenagers – but will not be released by Capitol Records, the label Morrissey departed acrimoniously and who are now holding onto the album’s rights (at least for the time being). Morrissey and his signature baritone voice, in top form all night, exquisitely delivered the critically acclaimed “Everyday Is Like Sunday,” written shortly after the Smiths break-up, and yet another goosebump inducing moment.

Morrissey | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

Returning to the stage after a several minute interlude, each band member – Jesse Tobias (lead guitar), Carmen Vandenberg (rhythm guitar), Juan Galeano Toro (bass), Camila Grey (keyboards) and Brendan Buckley (drums) – took a moment center stage at the mic to say a few words (entirely in Español), thanking all of us for being there. Waiting in the wings, Morrissey was now rocking his own T-shirt merch which featured the likeness of Billy Halop, an American actor from Queens who rose to fame in the 1930s. As the encore performance of “Speedway” (Vauxhall and I, 1994) neared its climax, Morrissey shed his shirt and tossed it to a lucky fan, exiting the stage bare-chested to a sustained ovation from the 3,500 capacity crowd that never sat down all night long. As I filed out of United Palace within a throng of highly satisfied patrons and into the chilly October night, I was already thinking about what special surprises lie in store for the next three residency gigs.

Morrissey | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

Following the final night of the U.S. tour leg at United Palace on October 25, Morrissey’s global trek will resume on November 9 in Singapore, followed by shows in Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand on December 14. Morrissey will then take some well-deserved time off until early-February, at which time he will play the rescheduled Mexico City show on February 3, 2024, followed by South American dates culminating in Brazil on February 24.

Watch Moz’s Saturday night performance of “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want,” recorded by the Smiths and released in 1984 as the B-side of the single “William, It Was Really Nothing,” below:

Setlist: We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful > Our Frank > Suedehead > Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before* > Alma Matters > Half a Person* > I Wish You Lonely > Let Me Kiss You > How Soon Is Now?* > Girlfriend in a Coma* > Darling, I Hug a Pillow > The Loop > The Night Pop Dropped > Sure Enough, the Telephone Rings > Irish Blood, English Heart > Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want* > Everyday Is Like Sunday > Jack the Ripper
Encore: Speedway
*the Smiths cover

UPCOMING MORRISSEY WORLD TOUR DATES

11/09/23 – Singapore, Singapore @ Star Theater
11/16/23 – Chek Lap Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong @ AsiaWorld-Expo
11/18/23 – Bangkok, Thailand @ Samyan Hall
11/22/23 – Jakarta, Indonesia @ Istora Senayan Jakarta
11/28/23 – Tokyo, Japan @ Toyosu Pit
12/01/23 – Perth, Australia @ Perth Concert Hall
12/04/23 – Melbourne, Australia @ Palais Theater
12/05/23 – Melbourne, Australia @ Palais Theater
12/08/23 – Brisbane, Australia @ Fortitude Music Hall
12/10/23 – Sydney, Australia @ State Theater
12/11/23 – Sydney, Australia @ State Theater
12/14/23 – Auckland, New Zealand @ The Civic
02/03/24 – Mexico City, Mexico @ Palacio de los Deportes
02/08/24 – Lima, Peru @Anfiteatro del Parque de la Exposición
02/10/24 – Bogata, Columbia @ Movistar Arena
02/15/24 – Santiago, Chile @ Movistar Arena
02/17/24 – Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Movistar Arena
02/22/24 – São Paulo, Brazil @ Espaço Unimed
02/24/24 – Brasilia, Brazil @ Opera Hall

October 24, 2023
Daniel Donato brings his “Cosmic Country” to Brooklyn Bowl

On the evening of Saturday, October 21, fans gathered at the legendary Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg to witness an unforgettable performance by Daniel Donato. The 1000 capacity venue was completely sold out as Daniel and his ensemble graced the stage, bringing his unique presentation, “Cosmic Country,” to the streets of Brooklyn.

Daniel, who is currently in the midst of his fall tour, made a resounding statement by packing this iconic venue to the brim. The atmosphere was electric. Taking the stage promptly at 8:00 PM, Daniel showcased not just his musical talent but also the profound connection he shares with his audience. “Cosmic Country,” originally the title of one of his albums, has become more than just a moniker; it symbolizes a journey into the world of Americana, and the boundaries he pushes as he explores each song.

Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Daniel had previously made guest appearances at this venue earlier this year with the Kitchen Dwellers, and his growing popularity as an original artist has also seen him collaborating with mainstream icons. Notably, he recently joined Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzman for several of his recent shows, including the sold-out Pier 17 NYC performance in August, as well as performing with Bob Weir in his home state last year.

https://youtu.be/lAOzVcLgoV8?si=mUMJR5Udcpu99M5t

Daniel’s “Cosmic Country” experience takes the audience on a captivating journey, with his influences in jam band music shining through. It’s a blend of country and folk, infused with groovy and funky elements. The music is structured yet possesses an ethereal, space-like quality. The audience, in sync with the Cosmic Country vibe, sported cowboy, western, and psychedelic attire.

A standout moment in the performance was when Scott Metzger, of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead fame, made a guest appearance during the first set. The energy in the venue was palpable as Daniel and Scott engaged in a musical duel, their notes creating a delightful exchange that resonated with the ecstatic audience. Throughout the night, Daniel’s ensemble band played an indispensable role in the evening’s success. Will Clark, commanding the drums, Nathan Aronowitz, who effortlessly alternated between keys and guitar, and Will McGee, holding down the bass, provided a solid musical foundation for the evenings journey.

As the final set concluded, Daniel playfully bid the sold-out crowd a faux goodnight. The audience, buzzing with excitement, began chanting for an encore, and their enthusiasm was infectious. Prominent venue owner Peter Shapiro even emerged, further igniting the crowd’s energy. Daniel and his band returned to the stage amidst cheers, embarking on a final descent that left a lasting impression. As fans exited the Brooklyn Bowl, they were left buzzing with excitement, their anticipation for Daniel Donato’s promising career is undeniable. He is undoubtedly on the cusp of becoming a prominent figure in the Rock Community, with a dedicated fan base to support him.

For those in Buffalo eager to catch a glimpse of the Cosmic Country phenomenon, a performance is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24. Furthermore, fans can look forward to his upcoming album, Reflector, set to release on November 10.

October 24, 2023
Marco Benevento Spearheads Fundraising Concert to Battle Controversial Development at Colony Woodstock

During the height of the COVID-19 shutdown, residents of Woodstock and surrounding burgs stayed sane, in large part, due to the efforts of Neil and Lexi Howard, the proprietors of the Colony Woodstock. While all other entertainment options seemed to be shuttered, Hudson Valley music-lovers could mask up and head to the new beer garden behind the legendary venue to eat, drink and hear great sounds – from both some national acts who were in performance cold storage due to the COVID shutdown and many fine local players.

So, it came as no surprise when the Colony opened its doors on October 22 to host a fundraising event for The Stop Woodstock National Coalition. This is a community-based group working with the Woodstock Land Conservancy to combat a proposed development that would wipe out 620+ acres of forest and wetlands with 191 housing units, a golf course and a helipad.

The sell-out event was headlined by Marco Benevento, the Woodstock keyboard wizard and multi-instrumentalist known for his work as a soloist, in his duo with Joe Russo and in collaboration with varied artists like Phish axe man Trey Anastasio, Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, Tortoise’s John McEntire, drummers Billy Martin and Smashing Pumpkin’s Matt Chamberlin and many others.

Benevento gathered a flock of the area’s finest for a raucous evening of funk, psych and soul-inspired jamming all for a wonderful cause. The supporting line-up included but was not limited to drummers Aaron Johnston (Brazilian Girls), Bill Carbone (Max Creek) and Chris Consico, bassists Karina Rykman and Jeff Hill (Steve Earle), saxophonist Maria Christina Eisen, guitarist Danny Blume and singers Leslie Mendleson and Simi Stone.

The evening was kicked off with an eight-song set by singer-songwriter Kenny Roby. Roby’s first three numbers, with just acoustic guitar and voice, were obscured by the din of the packed house. Things kicked up several notches when he was joined by Johnston, Hill and Blume for a cover of “Street People” from legendary Woodstock songwriter Bobby Charles. Another highlight of his set was when Leslie Mendleson joined to belt out the lead vox on “I’m Gonna Leave You Behind.”

The night segued without break into Benevento’s set. He set things in motion with the bass and keyboard intro before kicking into trio hyper-drive with “At the End of the Beginning” from his 2022 disc Benevento. The youthful Consico laid down a thick Disco-meets-Bonham beat while Rykman kept it simple and in-the-pocket. The tune, as many in the evening, left plenty of space for Benevento’s inventive soloing on electro piano, organ and Mini-Moog. He also laid down lots of old school synth samples (was that a vintage Crumar sound, Marco?), with added echo, delay, phase and fuzz twisted out of an array of old stomp boxes.

The band next served up the title track from Marco’s 2019 release, “Let It Slide,” a toe-tapping stop-time pop funk crowd pleaser. On “Why You Gotta Throw It Away,” Benevento launched a solo that showcased the many influences he melds into a unified and distinctly original whole. There’s a heavy serving of New Orleans’ funk, some experimental jazz, Krautrock and psychedelics leanings and some jazzy flourishing arpeggios that make his sound like a paisley-stained Art Tatum.

The guest vocalist highlight of the night was Leslie Mendleson’s return to the stage for a take on Blondie’s “Heart of Glass.” Woodstock-reared singer Simi Stone also joined to add soul on a handful of tunes including “I Can’t Let You Go.” Benevento himself sang lead on perhaps the funkiest jam of the night, a cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Let’s Spend the Night Together.” The band riffed long and hard on this, with Marco rolling out more Louisiana keyboard hot sauce.

On the cover of “Come Together,” the assemblage sounded like “Low Spark of High Heeled Boys” era Traffic, with some fine Steve Cropper-inspired rhythmic soloing from guitarist Bloom and a biting tenor sax from Maria Christina Eisen. Another standout was the cover of the Gene McDaniel’s penned protest classic “Compared to What,” best known in its live rendition by soul jazzers Les McCann and Eddie Harris. This version had an early 1970’s Stones’ vibe of the ”Jamming with Edward” era, accented again by the broad, vintage Bobby Keyes yakety sax work.

For more info on Stop Woodstock National, visit their website.

October 24, 2023
In Focus: Melvin Seals & JGB help celebrate 10 years of Buffalo Iron Works

On October 19, Buffalo Iron Works celebrated ten years with a performance by Melvin Seals & JGB. As the evening began with a line of anxious fans awaiting to be let into the building, you could feel the energy in the air. The building filled in quickly for what had to be a capacity show.

As the house lights went down, the crowd grew eager waiting to catch the first glimpse of the band. One by one each band members – Melvin Seals, John Kadlecik, Ron Holloway, John-Pual McLean, Peter Lavezzoli – made their way up the side stage stairs and onto the stage under thunderous applause and cheers. When the first note hit the air, the crowd moved in delight with a smile on nearly every face. Each song during the night was masterfully done. Each jam taken to a new level. And every member of the band was right where they needed to be all night long.

The night could not have been any better with the two stellar sets of music brought curtesy of Melvin Seals & JGB. This was not their first time playing Buffalo Iron Works, and definitely should not be their last. As many in attendance would agree.

Melvin Seals and JGB – Buffalo Iron Works – Thursday, October 19, 2023

Setlist: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You), Love in the Afternoon, Forever Young, Loose Lucy, Franklin’s Tower, Cassidy, Rubin and Cherise, Can’t Find My Way Home

October 24, 2023
blink-182 Announce Summer Tour with Pierce The Veil, Coming to Citi Field

Multi-platinum and award-winning rock group blink-182 just announced this summer they are heading on a headlining tour with pop-punk support act Pierce The Veil, coming to Citi Field on July 21, 2024.

Following the massive success of their colossal global outing and recent headlining festival performances at When We Were Young Festival, Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker will hit some of the biggest venues nationwide next year, debuting their new album One More Time.

blink-182 started rocking almost thirty years ago in a San Diego garage. They have sold over fifty million albums worldwide, and according to the New York Times, “No punk band of the 1990s has been more influential than ‘blink-182’. With Delonge back after nearly a decade, fans can expect that electric on-stage magic that the trio has delivered over the years.

Tickets will go on sale starting Friday, October 27 at 10 a.m.

BLINK-182 2024 NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATES:

*With Support from Pierce The Veil

+With Support from Alexisonfire and Pierce The Veil

Jun 20 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center*

Jun 21 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center*

Jun 24 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center*

Jun 25 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena*

Jun 27 — Denver, CO — Ball Arena

Jun 30 – San Diego, CA – Petco Park*

July 02 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena*

July 03 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena*

July 06 — Los Angeles, CA — SoFi Stadium*

July 08– Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center*

July 09 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center*

Jul 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center*

Jul 13 – Portland, OR – Moda Center*

Jul 14 – Quincy, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre*

Jul 21 – Flushing, NY – Citi Field*

July 23 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park*

July 24 — Hartford, CT — The XFINITY Theatre

Jul 26 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center*

Jul 27 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena*

Jul 29 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena*

Jul 30 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena*

Aug 01 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena*

Aug 02 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse*

Aug 06 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center*

Aug 07 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum*

Aug 09 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center*

Aug 10 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center*

Aug 12 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena*

Aug 13 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center*

Aug 15 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre+

BLINK-182 WORLDWIDE TOUR DATES:

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND

!With Support from Rise Against

Feb 8 – Perth, Australia – RAC Arena!

Feb 9 – Perth, Australia – RAC Arena!

Feb 11 – Adelaide, Australia – Entertainment Centre!

Feb 13 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena!

Feb 14 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena!

Feb 16 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena!

Feb 17 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena!

Feb 19 – Brisbane, Australia – Entertainment Centre!

Feb 20 – Brisbane, Australia – Entertainment Centre!

Feb 21 – Brisbane, Australia – Entertainment Centre!

Feb 23 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena!

Feb 24 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena!

Feb 26 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena!

Feb 27 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena!

Feb 29 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena!

Mar 02 – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena!

Mar 04 – Christchurch, NZ – Christchurch Arena!

LATIN AMERICA

March 2024 – Lollapalooza Argentina, Chile & Brasil, Estereo Picnic, and Asuncionico

**Exact performance dates to be announced

March 2024 – Monterrey, Mexico @ Pal Norte Festival

**Exact performance date to be announced

March 27, 2024 – Lima, Peru – Estadio San Marcos

April 2, 2024 – Mexico City, Mexico – The Sports Palace

April 3, 2024 – Mexico City, Mexico – The Sports Palace

April 5, 2024 – Mexico City, Mexico – The Sports Palace

April 6, 2024 – Mexico City, Mexico – The Sports Palace

EUROPE

^With Support from The Story So Far

Aug 26 – Belfast, UK – SSE Arena^

Aug 27 – Dublin, Ireland – Royal Hospital Kilmainham^

Aug 29 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro^

Aug 30 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro^

October 24, 2023
Dopapod Winter Tour Visits Buffalo, Syracuse and Saratoga in March

Dopapod’s winter/spring tour for 2024 kicks off in the Southeast this coming January, but by March the group will be hitting New York for a trio of shows in Buffalo, Syracuse and Saratoga Springs.

After a dozen shows in the Southeast, including five consecutive nights in Florida, Dopapod will have another 10 shows at yet to be announced venues and locales. By mid-March, the four-piece – keyboardist/vocalist Eli Winderman, guitarist/vocalist Rob Compa, bassist Chuck Jones and drummer Neal “Fro” Evans – will be back in the Northeast, ready to hit some familiar haunts.

photo by Filip Zalewski

On Tuesday, March 19, the palindromic band performs at Buffalo Iron Works, then after a day off Dopapod will be at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse. Friday, March 22 finds the quartet back at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, where the group has performed to packed rooms, most notably on October 20, 2021 when they spent the entire first set performing Pink Floyd’s “Echoes” in its entirety. Check out our recap, photos and videos from the show here.

Dopapod Winter/Spring 2024 Tour Dates

Jan. 12 Roanoke, VA TICKETS

Jan. 13 Chattanooga, TN TICKETS

Jan. 14 Charleston, SC TICKETS

Jan. 17 Sanford, FL TICKETS

Jan. 18 Gainesville, FL TICKETS

Jan. 19 Fort Lauderdale, FL TICKETS

Jan. 20 Tampa, FL TICKETS

Jan. 21 Pensacola, FL TICKETS

Jan. 24 New Orleans, LA TICKETS

Jan. 25 Dallas, TX TICKETS

Jan. 26 Houston, TX TICKETS

Jan. 27 Austin, TX TICKETS

Mar. 19 Buffalo, NY TICKETS

Mar. 21 Syracuse, NY TICKETS

Mar. 22 Saratoga Springs, NY TICKETS

Mar. 26 Baltimore, MD COMING SOON

Mar. 27 Baltimore, MD COMING SOON

Mar. 29 Fairfield, CT TICKETS

Mar. 30 Boston, MA TICKETS

Mar. 31 Plymouth, NH TICKETS

October 23, 2023