Category: Regions

  • Caffè Lena To Honor Joni Mitchell Ahead of Her 80th Birthday

    During the fall of 2023, the historic Caffè Lena of Saratoga Springs will be hosting a benefit celebrating the legacy of the legendary folk singer and artist, Joni Mitchell. The event, “Both Sides Now: Songs of Joni Mitchell,” will take place on Nov. 4 at 8:00 PM, just days before the singer’s 80th birthday.

    Caffè Lena first opened in May of 1960 making it America’s longest-running coffeehouse. Being closely tied to the music industry and its history it is no surprise that the venue has chosen to honor such an icon. Although Mitchell has never performed at the venue, both are connected through their strong foundation in folk tradition, fierce independence, and relentless musical vision.

    The event will be produced and hosted by Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards Hall of Fame inductee Michael Eck and will feature stellar performances from incredible artists. Throughout the night the lineup of performers including Hall of Famer Sara Ayers; multiple Eddie Award-winner Buggy Jive; Eddie nominee Kate McDonnell; the dynamic Kate McKrell; reclusive regional favorite Rosanne Raneri; and rising star Angelina Valente will take turns singing through Mitchell’s classics.

    The tribute will take on all stages of the artist’s career, highlighting her success and affirming her immense impact on the music world.

    “Joni has re-emerged to stir idealism and hope, which is exactly the spirit Caffè Lena wants to foster,” says Executive Director Sarah Craig. “This slate of top-tier regional talent, including some rarely seen artists, proves how much pull Joni has on both musicians and fans these days.”

  • Das Damen Return with Remastered Debut EP and Catskill Showing

    The alternative rock quartet Das Damen has returned with a remaster of their debut EP, 1986: Keeps Me Wild, as well as with their first live date in over 30 years at the Drom30 Festival in Catskill, NY. The first song from the remaster, “Trick Question,” is now available.

    Credit: Naomi Petersen

    The band was originally founded in 1984 by vocalist and guitarist Jim Walters, guitarist Alex Totino, eight-string bassist Phil Leopold Von Trapp, and drummer Lyle Hysen. 1986: Keeps Me Wild was produced by producer Wharton Tiers, known for his work with Sonic Youth, Glenn Branca, and Pussy Galore, at Fun City Studios in NYC. It was released on Sonic Youth co-founder Thurston Moore’s Ecstatic Peace! imprint in 1986, later to be reissued by SST Records.

    Das Damen would gain a reputation as an epic live band, playing alongside Nirvana, Soundgarden, Black Flag, Green River, Screaming Trees, and DC3 on various tours. 1986: Keeps Me Wild is regarded as a touchstone in the downtown NYC underground movement, and captured the live energy of Das Damen.

    When we got the tapes baked several years ago, upon listening to them we discovered we had a few unfinished alternative takes from the original EP sessions. We didn’t feel we could bring the same “1986 enthusiasm” to finishing the tapes but by bringing in a few people who we respect or are pals from back then, the re-imaginings would have a new energy of their own.

    Drummer Lyle Hysen

    The remastered album features cuts based on the original Ecstatic Peace! recordings as well as never-before-heard demos. Additional contributors include Dez Cadena (Black Flag), Thalia Zedek (Come), Gary Lee Conner (Screaming Trees), John Robinson (The Fluid), and A Girl Called Eddy. Sean Glonek at SRG Studios was behind the remaster, with oversight by Walters, Hysen, and best-selling author and producer Tom Beaujour.

    The full remastered album will release digitally on Sept. 8 and on vinyl in October. Pre-orders are now available.

    The band’s showing at the Drom30 Festival will be under the name Sad Nemad on Sept. 16, with additional shows under consideration. For more on Das Damen and to listen to “Trick Question,” check out the band’s Linktree.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjnRuxlvxLE
  • A Collaborative School of the Arts Rock Camp at Proctors

    Over July 10-21, Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts is hosting Rock Camp, a program designed to provide an environment for aspiring musicians (ages 10-16) to strengthen their skills, develop new techniques and build confidence in performing.

    From 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, Rock Camp deals with several aspects of music, including technical aspects of instruments, the musical history of the genre, song writing, theory, arranging, rehearsal techniques, stage presence, and more.

    With practical instruction from professionals, students are exposed to the elements of performing, arranging original music, forming a band, and much more. Additionally, a gig in the Great Hall of Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) to showcase their talents. We spoke with Crispin Catricala, the director of Rock Camp this summer, to learn more about the program, its origins, audition process, and outcomes.

    Background

    Rock Camp is not the first musical camp to be hosted at Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts. However, the origins of Rock Camp begin with director Crispin Catricala, selected specifically for the program.

       Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts has had long success with their other camps like the Broadway Camp, Broadway Camp Junior and Summer Stage Young Acting Company. I was honored when, just after I had retired from teaching public school, they approached me to be the director for a new summer camp for young rock musicians up at UPH in Saratoga. With a bit of a delayed start due to the pandemic, we started our first summer session in 2021 and have been growing ever since.

    Crispin Catricala, born into a musical family, has long possessed a passion for music, playing guitar by 13, and playing professionally by 17. Crispin would go on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition and a Master’s Degree in Musical Education, teaching public school music education for more than 28 years. Additionally, Crispin has worked as a private guitar instructor for more than 30 years, and has played in several bands throughout all that time.

    Audition Process

    An audition based program, Rock Camp requires musicians to record a performance of two songs that they feel comfortable with. However, the recording itself can be quite basic – according to Crispin, an iPhone video would suffice. Musicians can play along with tracks, as long as it is clear that their playing is separate from the original recording.

    So, what qualities does Rock Camp look for in potential musicians? While Rock Camp is open to all styles of rock music, Crispin noted that they specifically seek individuals who possess basic, foundational skills, and demonstrate a desire to enhance their knowledge and acquire additional expertise. Critical thinking and active listening skills are important for applicants, but most of all, a love and passion for music and an openness to feedback within the creative process are necessary.

    This year, 17 young musicians were selected to join the program.

    A Typical Day at Rock Camp

    The two week program runs Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm. Crispin’s detailing of a typical day at Rock Camp reveals the enriching, well-rounded nature of the program.

    Morning sessions generally deal with either a guest artist/presenter, a lesson that deals with either your instrument or maybe a lesson that deals with music history or theory. By afternoon we’ve broken down to smaller ensembles working on specific songs and by the end of the day meet upstairs to play for our peers on the main stage and group discussion.

    Rather than form one or two bands that rehearse a set of songs together, the program forms numerous combinations of musicians, making up several groups song by song for an evening’s performance. According to Crispin, this allows the musicians to engage with everyone in the camp and not be grouped into one ensemble or style.

    Rock Camp is open to young musicians ages 10-16. While the age gap may seem wide to some, Crispin explained that the music itself works as an equalizer.

    Once you start making music with people, age is not a huge factor. Plus, we’ve had 11-year-olds that have been playing since the age of five and 14-year-olds that started when they were twelve. So really, everybody has something to bring to the table.

    Program Goals and Outcomes

    At the end of the two-week camp, the groups will perform an hour-plus concert, open to the public at UPH, complete with incredible lighting and sound in one of the area’s newest and most beautiful premiere performance spaces. While the performance will surely showcase the talent and accomplishments of the program, Crispin hopes that the impacts of Rock Camp on the musicians will run deeper.

    Our hope and our expectations are that the experience leaves everyone better at their instrument and overall craft. Also, that new musical connections and friendships have been created that could last long past Rock Camp.

    For more information about Rock Camp, the audition process, and ticket reservations for their performance at UPH, visit this website. To learn more about camp director Crispin Catricala, visit his website.

  • In Focus: Shania Twain’s Unforgettable Queen In Me Tour At Lakeview Amp

    A sold-out crowd eagerly gathered at St. Joseph’s Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse for a momentous occasion – the highly anticipated Woman In Me Tour featuring country music icon, Shania Twain. With excitement in the air, cowboy hats, sparkle ensembles, and devoted fans were in for a treat that would be etched in their memories for years to come.

    As the lights dimmed and the anticipation reached its peak, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause as Shania Twain surprised everyone by emerging from a box in the middle of the crowd singing “Wake Up Dreaming.” It was a jaw-dropping moment that set the stage for a night filled with surprises, energy, and pure musical magic instantly establishing a connection with her fans.

    This concert marked a significant milestone for both Shania Twain and the Central New York region, as it was her first performance in the area in an impressive 25 years. The anticipation and nostalgia were palpable, as fans eagerly awaited the chance to witness the country superstar’s return to the region that holds a special place in their hearts.

    Shania Twain’s stage presence was nothing short of captivating. Throughout the night, she effortlessly commanded the stage with her unmistakable charm and undeniable talent. The crowd was treated to a visual feast as she donned multiple dazzling outfits, and glamourous visual backgrounds to her set.

    One of the highlights of the evening was Shania Twain’s exceptional crowd interaction. She had a genuine connection with her fans, taking the time to engage with them on a personal level. From sharing heartfelt stories and reading the signs her fans waved high in the air, she made everyone in attendance feel like they were part of an intimate gathering rather than a sold-out arena. It was this genuine connection that further heightened the concert experience, leaving the audience feeling seen and valued.

    A true celebration of Shania Twain’s iconic discography, with hit after hit igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm. From timeless classics like “Any Man of Mine” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much” to heartfelt ballads such as “You’re Still the One” and “From This Moment On,” each song was met with resounding cheers and singing from the passionate audience. The energy in the venue was infectious, with everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along to every word. The combination of Shania Twain’s soaring vocals, the vibrant stage lighting, and the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset over the lake created a truly magical atmosphere. It was a moment where music, nature, and community seamlessly intertwined, amplifying the already incredible experience.

    As the final notes rang out, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, showing their gratitude and appreciation for the unforgettable evening they had just experienced. Shania Twain delivered a concert that exceeded all expectations, leaving fans with a renewed sense of joy and a reminder of why her music has stood the test of time. In conclusion, Shania Twain’s Woman In Me Tour at St. Joseph’s Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse was a monumental event that showcased the enduring power and talent of a country music icon and her long-awaited return to Central New York was a triumph, and the memories created will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come.

    For more on Shania Twain, click here.

    Set List: Wake Up Dreaming, Up!, Don’t Be Stupid, I’m Gonna Getcha Good, You’re Still The One, Giddy Up!, Any Man of Mine, Who’s Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?, Honey, I’m Home, Inhale/Exhale AIR with Breland, From This Moment On, Medley, Forever And Always, My Number One, Rock This Country.

    Encore: You Don’t Impress Me Much, Party For Two, Man! I Feel Like A Woman!

  • BISCOLAND announced for October at Wonderland Forest in CNY

    Pioneering trance-fusion band, the Disco Biscuits, have announced plans for a brand new two-day festival, BISCOLAND. Taking place on Oct. 6 and 7, the fall weekend of music will be held at the otherworldly Wonderland Forest in Lafayette, NY, just south of Syracuse. The new event space, campground, and concert venue nestled in the rolling hills of Central New York’s Apple Valley sets the stage for a weekend of unforgettable music and community.

    BISCOLAND

    BISCOLAND marks a fresh chapter for The Disco Biscuits as they bring their signature sound and energetic performances to this carefully curated festival experience, which follows the lifelong memories of events they’ve curated in the past, including many Camp Biscos and, more recently City Bisco. The location at Wonderland Forest is a space where concert-goers can “create new connections through a love of music and nature in a pristine landscape of lush forests, spectacular waterfalls, and glorious vistas.”

    Bassist for the Disco Biscuits’, Marc Brownstein, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, saying,

    2 nights in central New York with our Biscuits family, a carefully curated lineup, a blank canvas, a new beginning – that is a dream for the band and our community.

    Marc Brownstein

    The inaugural lineup for BISCOLAND features an array of long-time friends and collaborators from the jam, jamtronica, and electronic music scenes. Performances include four sets by The Disco Biscuits, two sets by Lotus, along with an impressive roster of artists, including Emancipator, Papadosio, Opiuo, Sunsquabi, The Floozies, two sets of Eggy, Maddy O’Neal, Space Bacon, and a special Spaga Plays Dead set featuring Aron Magner of The Disco Biscuits.

    biscoland

    Music enthusiasts will have the opportunity to secure their spots at BISCOLAND with the Early Bird GA and VIP Weekend Packages. In addition to access to the festival, camping passes and various transportation options such as RV parking and shuttle services will also be available. Tickets and passes will go on sale starting Friday, July 14, at 10 a.m. ET, and can be purchased at Bisco.land. Learn more and find tickets to BISCOLAND here.

    Later that month, the Disco Biscuits will celebrate Halloween weekend at The Capitol Theatre in West Chester. More info can be found here.

    Disco Biscuits 2023 Tour Dates
    July 11 – Boise, ID – Revolution Concert House
    July 12 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
    July 13 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
    July 14 – Bend, OR – Midtown Ballroom
    July 15 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
    July 18 – Blue Lake, CA – Blue Lake Casino
    July 19 – Stateline, NV – Harrah’s South Lake Tahoe
    July 20 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
    July 21 – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy Theatre [SOLD OUT]
    July 22 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern [SOLD OUT]
    August 10 – East Hampton, NY – The Clubhouse
    August 10-12 – East Durham, NY – Catskill Mountain Jubilee
    August 13 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle and Cork
    September 15 – Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge and Stage *
    September 16 – Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge and Stage ^
    September 20 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
    September 21 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre ^
    September 22 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater
    September 23 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Theatre
    September 24 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
    October 6-7 – Lafayette, NY – BISCOLAND
    October 24 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground +
    October 25 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall
    October 26 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
    October 27 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
    October 28 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre

    * w/ TAUK Moore (TAUK ft. Kanika Moore)
    ^ w/ Sunsquabi
    + w/ Lazy Bird

  • In Focus: Plush rock out at Alive at 5

    On Thursday, July 6th, Plush rocked a hot summer stage for Albany’s 4th installment of Alive at 5.

    Kenny Hohman of Super 400 – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Super 400, from Troy, NY, opened rock night with a strong 1 hour set. Playing together for over 20 years, they are no stranger to the Capital Region spot light. The trio were inductees to the Class of 2022 Eddies Hall of Fame. Their psychedelic and class rock sound really drew in the very adult Albany crowd. Towards the end of their set, they brought up singer, writer, and producer Sean Whiteford for a song. They crowd gave them a strong exit as they really played straight through the summer heat.

    Sean Whiteford and Kenny Hohman – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Lead vocalist, Moriah Formica, got her start in music at a fairly young age. She was previously on The Voice at the age of 16 in 2017. She made it to the last playoff round before getting eliminated; but it was enough to jump start her professional music career. Plush was formed soon after during the COVID-19 pandemic mainly through ads on social media. The young, all female rock band has been capitalizing on the growing female rock scene. From debuting their first song “Hate,” it wasn’t long before they were supporting acts like Kiss.

    Moriah Formica of Plush – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Lead by Albany native Moriah Formica, they did not not let the heat stop them from playing a full hour and a half set. Plush braved the humidity with a burst of energy the radiated well into the crowd. With lots of bopping around stage, they really brought the excitement of rock to the stage with their classic and hard rock rock style. Bassist and New York native, Ashley Suppa, seemed to be a crowd favorite as she really took up the as much as the stage as she could. Her and guitarist, Bella Perron, kept switching places which helped really stimulate the audience to keep on moving with them. Perron also had some great solos where she really used her guitar to bring the energy from some of Plush’s newest fans.

    Ashley Suppa of Plush – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Even though they may have had a weird start, they had a powerful exit with their latest single, “Left Behind.” They took a photo with the crowd before greeting them by the merch table for fans to greet their new favorite band. Their great sound coupled with young energy make them really hard not to like.

    The closest show the band has to New York is in Atlantic City on September 8th. They play at Rock Fest in Cadott, WI on July 15th for anyone that can check them out soon.

    Faith Powell of Plush – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Plush Setlist: Athena, Champion, Sober, Better Off Alone, Baracuda, Found A Way, Walk Away, Don’t Say That, Man in the Box, Hate, Will Not Win, I Don’t Care, Bring Me Down, Why Do I Even Try, Sorry, Heaven’s On Fire, Left Behind

  • Bronx Summer Jam returns to Bronx Park East on July 15

    This Saturday, July 15, the second annual Bronx Summer Jam will be held at Bronx Park East – Oscar Comras Memorial Mall. Catch live music from local Bronx musicians for free from 12-6 pm. 

    Bronx summer jam

    July Quinn, WIN, and Kony Brooks return to the festival alongside a number of local artists. Drew Torres, The Phoenix Within, Wastewood, Balcony Talk, Richard Pigkaso, and Ki Storii will perform on the Kings Stage. Audience members can enjoy an array of genres, ranging from rap and indie rock to hip hop and reggae. 

    While artists from the Kings Stage take breaks after their thirty minute sets, the music continues on the Sirens Stage. Audiences will hear Jynn, DJ Mike, and F1rst Class perform. 

    The festival is produced by Sirens & Kings, a co-production company made of two Bronx music collectives, Sounds & Sirens and The Fox & King. Their goal is to showcase the often overshadowed music scene of the Bronx. 

    Bronx summer jam
    Performer at last year’s Bronx Summer Jam. Photo courtesy of Sirens & Kings.

    “Everyone always focuses on Brooklyn, or Queens, or Manhattan for New York City’s music scene,” DJ Mike Nickerson, Founder of Sounds & Sirens, said. “There’s a thriving scene in the Bronx. We hope to be able to showcase it, have it grow, and support everybody in it.” 

    DJ Mike hopes the Bronx’s music scene will be heard by all, allowing a music community to grow, just like the one from his teenage years. During their teenage years, DJ Mike and Co-Owner and Founder of The Fox and King, Fernando Michael, were part of the Bronx’s The Underground community. The Underground was a prominent music scene in the late 2000s and early 2010s before its decline. 

    “Going to Bronx Underground shows when I was younger shaped the person I turned into,” DJ Mike said. “When you’re in high school or middle school, you may not like things that other people like. You’re not cool or popular, because you like rock, hip hop, or classical jazz. But coming together in a music community, like what we experienced growing up, helps foster a community that tells you that you’re not alone – that you have a group of people you can identify with and can party with.” 

    In 2018, The Fox & King started a reemergence of The Underground. They brought back live music shows to the First Lutheran Church in the Bronx. The pandemic, however, killed any efforts of a rejuvenation of this music community. After a lull in live shows, they hope the Bronx Summer Jam will reignite the drive to rebuild this music community. 

    At last year’s Bronx Summer Jam, sparks of their dream were seen. The first Bronx Summer Jam started off slow, but as the festival continued, its audience grew. 

    Performers and organizers from last year’s Bronx Summer Jam. Photo courtesy of Sirens & Kings.

    “Slowly the public, the regular folks that go to the park, were showing up to the event, without knowing it was there,” said Christopher Vasquez, Co-Owner and Public Relations Manager of The Fox & King. “It became a natural audience.”

    Fernando Michael referenced Field of Dreams. “If you build it, they will come.” Not only does this refer to the audience but to the musical artists as well. Fernando said, “We have musical artists reaching out to us in mass, because what we do is so prominent to the borough.” 

    They will come, even in the rain. The original date of the Bronx Summer Jam was this past June 24. It had to be rescheduled due to potential thunderstorms. Instead of doing nothing, some of the musicians got together and performed at Legendary Bar and Grill in the Bronx. They proved this musical community is back.

    Christopher Vasquez notes how essential it is to have this musical community back. “Without someone to tell the story of the people in a community, it’s detrimental. You need the voice. You need the storytellers. The storytellers that are on a mic, the writers that write in a book or a journal – music does all these things. It brings people together.” 

    To be part of this music community and to check out the vast array of performers, head to the second annual Bronx Summer Jam this Saturday, July 15, from 12-6 pm at Bronx Park East – Oscar Comras Memorial Mall.

  • Five Can’t Miss Shows in Rochester This July

    Summer is in full swing and that means the slate of venues for music all around the state has just gotten exponentially larger. Typically the only theme with these posts is the very best shows to see no matter where. But this month we’re specifically highlighting some unique places to catch some tunes, and maybe some rays, in Rochester this July.

    July 14, Old World Warblers at Sam Patch

    Described perfectly by fellow local musician Chaz Hearne, the Old World Warblers are a “bare bones acoustic trio that utilizes the percussive elements of the their instruments without wasting a single note.” What better way to enjoy then on a historic packet boat cruising down the Erie Canal? You can do just that when the Sam Patch hosts them this Friday evening.

    Tickets are $32 and it sets sail at 6:30p.

    July 19 – The Big Takeover at George Eastman Museum Garden

    The Big Takeover, from the Hudson Valley, take roots reggae and put their own unique spin on the classic sound, with Jamaican born singer-songwriter Nee Nee Rushie leading the way. And you can see them play their hearts out nestled in the gardens at the George Eastman Museum. What could be better?

    Tickets are $12 and the show starts at 6p.

    July 21 – Magic Beans at Public Market

    Magic Beans are a four piece that are beginning to make big strides in the jam band world by combining elements from the full range of modern music and taking them for long exploratory rides, as jam bands are wont to do. Check out what their all about at the Rochester Public Market as a part of their annual Bands on the Bricks series. Litz will open the show.

    The show is free and will get started around 6p.

    July 27 – Archive Ravens at Riverie River Cruise

    More music on a boat! The newest boat in town is the Riverie, taking cruises down the Genesee River from the newly minted dock in Corn Hill. This night you can take in the river sights, the sunset, and the sweet sounds of local folk duo The Archive Ravens. Sounds like a great night.

    Boat leaves at 6p and tickets are $45.

    July 28 – Heatwave Bluegrass at Genesee County Museum

    Is there anything better than seeing superbly played old-time music played at a meticulously appointed old-time town? Take the opportunity to partake in such a fantasy scenario when area bluegrass barnburners Heatwave Bluegrass take the stage inside the Genesee County Museum. You can dress however you like but vintage-wear would probably be most appropriate

    Tickets are $8 and the show starts at 5:30p.

    These are just a few of the great shows you’ll find in Rochester this July! Stay tuned for our August picks in a few weeks!

  • Baby Got Back Talk Release New Single Off Upcoming EP

    NYC-band Baby Got Back Talk released their new single and music video “I’m Sorry I’m a Moron, But Also, Help.” The song precedes the release of their EP Wince, Repeat, due out July 21.

    G’Ra, Baby Got Back Talk’s vocalist and bassist, told the story of the single’s title. The phrase resulted from a text G’Ra sent after mistakenly eating marijuana infused cookies.

    “As a result I became painfully, unbearably high for the first time in my overwhelmingly straight-edge life,” G’Ra said. When I realized my mistake, I texted the band group chat I’m sorry I’m a moron, but also, help. We thought the immortal phrase was a fitting title for our new single, which is about hoping for compassion even when you know your problems are your fault.”

    Additionally, G’Ra explained that they executed the music video for the song in a single shot.”The action takes place in one long, unbroken, choreographed shot that we rehearsed for a couple of hours the day of filming. Because of schedule constraints at the set we rented, we only had time to shoot 4 complete takes. Working with my bandmates and director Ross Louis Klein to nail one of those takes before the clock ran out was like a higher-stakes version of one of those recreational escape rooms: nerve-wracking and intense but also super fun.”

    Stream the single here.

  • Big Time Rush Takes the Stage at Bethel Woods 11 Years Later

    This past Friday, July 7, the iconic Big Time Rush band from the early 2010s played an incredible show at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Playing almost eleven years earlier at the same venue, many superfans flocked back to see them—this time all grown up. Concertgoers sported sparkly attire, OG Big Time Rush t-shirts, and posters stating their love for their favorite band member as they waited eagerly in anticipation for their Can’t Get Enough tour. 

    Big Time Rush, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Big Time Rush, consisting of members Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Logan Henderson, and Carlos PenaVega, originally began as a TV show for the Nickelodeon channel. They formed in 2009 and garnered a cult audience of superfans, continuing their show with four seasons until their final episode in 2013. The band took a break afterward to allow each member to work on his solo career but recently regrouped in 2021. Big Time Rush has been touring since, and is now at the beginning of their Can’t Get Enough tour, with twenty-five shows left. They previously played at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and are scheduled to play at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater.

    Big Time Rush, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    With the concert being delayed for almost two hours due to thunder, there was an almost-certain chance that the show was going to be canceled. Although openers MAX and JAX could not take the stage, the boy band made sure that the show went on. Fans were ecstatic. The boys came out on a large platform with bright lights shining behind them to create a silhouette of their bodies. The screams that followed were absolutely deafening and continued that way for the rest of their set. During their song “All Over Again,” the members pointed to different parts of the crowd whilst singing the lyrics “To the left, left, left/On the right, right, right/To the back, back, back/On the side, side, side.” Confetti shot out of cannons during the performance of “Confetti Falling,” and a video montage of the boy band played on the large screen during their intermission song, “I Just Want To (Party All the Time).” At one point in the show, each member chose a female fan from the audience to personally serenade on stage. 

    During the encore, the band left for a good two to three minutes before re-entering to perform “Windows Down,” their most popular song “Boyfriend,” and “Til I Forget About You.” At the beginning of the encore, the members ran off the stage and into the seated sections to greet some of the fans that were farther away from the stage. Big Time Rush promised that they would definitely be back at Bethel Woods to play more shows in the future. 

    Setlist: Can’t Get Enough, Elevate, Song for You, Waves, Weekends, All Over Again, Any Kind of Guy, Ask You Tonight, Forget You Now, Love Me Love Me, Paralyzed, Nothing Even Matters, Worldwide, Invisible, I Just Want To (Party All the Time), Famous, City is Ours, 24/Seven, Shot in the Dark, Big Night, Confetti Falling, Big Time Rush

    Encore: Windows Down, Boyfriend, Til I Forget About You