Electric Zoo, New York City’s esteemed electronic music festival, has announced its 2023 lineup featuring the festival debut of ‘Under Construction,’ the groundbreaking brand brought to life by house music heavyweights Chris Lake and FISHER.
Electric Zoo also announced its highly anticipated Hyperspace theme, coming to Randall’s Island Park Sept 1-3. With six fully curated stages from artists and event brands, the festival is proud to add ‘Under Construction‘ to the recently unveiled MegaMirage stage on Friday, Sept. 1. It will dazzle fans with an extraordinary showcase of Chris Lake & FISHER’S favorite artists plus a special B2B set.
Chris Lake and FISHER are two titans of the industry, each known for their distinct style in the studio, on the decks, and as label curators. Lake has earned numerous chart-topping hits such as “Turn Off The Lights” while also spearheading his widely acclaimed Black Book Records imprint. FISHER is the iconic Australian maestro known not only for his label Catch & Release but also for dancefloor anthems like his grammy nominated smash “Losing It,” along with multiple singles that dominated the charts, topped over a billion streams, and ignited countless raves worldwide.
Electric Zoo’s all-new immersive MegaMirage stage comes from the brilliant minds behind The Brooklyn Mirage, located on a secluded part of the expanded festival grounds with its own dedicated entrances and exits – without the need for a second ticket. Taking the stage is Cloonee, Mau P, Rebūke, Honeyluv, Yolanda Be Cool, and Charles Meyer.
The lineup for Electric Zoo is a star-studded affair, featuring performances and exciting collaborations from GRiZ, who will take the stage for three unique sets throughout the weekend, including a headlining live set, and an epic B2B with Zeds Dead. Electronic music legends Deadmau5 and Kaskade will join forces for the New York City debut of Kx5. Joining these iconic acts are chart-toppers such as Galantis, Alison Wonderland, Marshmello, The Chainsmokers, Gryffin, The Blessed Madonna, The Desert Hearts Crew, J. Worra, Big Gigantic, and plenty more.
Tickets for Electric Zoo 2023 are on sale now. For more information, visit here.
It was a career-defining night for Connecticut’s indie-groove sensation Goose on Friday, July 7. Making their debut at the iconic Saratoga Performing Arts Center, it would ultimately prove to be their biggest headlining performance to date, drawing an estimated 11,000 fans from across the Northeast. Rising to the occasion, the high-flying band captivated attendees with their signature sound, all played with purpose, gusto, and pride. A milestone moment in time that was as satisfying for the fans as it was for the members of Team Goose, this show felt special and more like a homecoming celebration for our triumphant underdogs.
Goose made their Saratoga Performing Arts Center debut on 7/7/23
From the dimly lit club scene to lighting up amphitheaters across the country, the meteoric rise of Goose has been a phenomenon rarely seen in today’s music climate. Ever since accepting the proverbial “torch” from a guy named Trey at Radio City Music Hall last summer, the band has been running with it full speed ahead, no brakes and all gas. From making their national television debut to selling out Red Rocks and their residency at the Capitol Theatre, to earning praise from legendary Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Phil Lesh and even comedians like Jimmy Fallon and Bert Kreischer, the widespread appeal of this band seems to span across generations. Even people who don’t listen to “new” music are talking about Goose.
Goose guitarist/lead vocalist Rick Mitarotonda performing at SPAC on 7/7/23
Consisting of Rick Mitarotonda [vocals, guitar], Peter Anspach [vocals, keys, guitar], Trevor Weekz [bass], Ben Atkind [drums], and Jeff Arevalo [vocals, percussion, drums], the buzz surrounding Goose’s SPAC debut was palpable. Coming off major festivals like Peach and the final Resonance, then a pair of sold-out 4th of July shows at the Stone Pony and Portland, ME, the momentum coming into Saratoga had reached a level not seen since, well, Phish. Afternoon rain would make for a bit of a messy shakedown situation, but right around showtime, as if on cue, the clouds turned as fans started filling up the lawn and pavilion. The highly collectible posters commemorating the evening were long gone well before the first note was played.
Goose made a little Saratoga magic during their SPAC debut on 7/7/23
Walking out to a thunderous and sustained standing ovation, the members of Goose were grinning ear to ear upon taking their positions on the storied SPAC stage. Afterward, on social media, the band would reflect on it saying, “We will never forget the energy we felt right at the start of last night’s show, absolute chills.” Soaking it all in for a moment, the guys would suddenly drop into an inspired “Silver Rising,” with Mitarotonda emphatically singing out the opening lyrics:
Peter Anspach lead Goose through “Red Bird,” a touching tribute to his Mother on 7/7/23
Next came the emotional high point of the first set with a personal song near and dear to multi-instrumentalist Peter “Handini” Anspach. Leading the band through “Red Bird” in a fitting tribute to his mother who has supported his music every step of the way, hearing Peter sing it during the biggest show of his career was very touching. After dipping their toes into some gorgeous improvisational type-II territory, a rollicking rendition of “Same Old Shenanigans” (SOS) would send us to intermission and leave the excited crowd buzzing about what they’d just witnessed and what was still yet to come.
Red bird don’t get tired now
You can almost touch the light
Red bird don’t stop singing your song
Fly for tomorrow tonight
– Lyrics from “Red Bird”
The second set started off with the band paying homage to Goose’s precursor project Vasudo. Playing a heartfelt rendition of “The Empress of Organos,” a song that was also played at the final Vasudo show ten years ago, one couldn’t help but be inspired by just how far this band has come during that time. Now playing with a new custom-made guitar appropriately named “The Empress,” Mitarotonda’s tone sounded glorious all night long and the band looked completely comfortable and at home on the big stage. They are simply born for this. Following the 23-minute “Empress” came a beautiful blues-inspired cover of David Gray’s “Please Forgive Me” that saw some serious peak shredding from Snakes.
The Empress: Rick Mitarotonda’s new custom ax sounded glorious under the SPAC pavilion on 7/7/23
The SPAC show will be remembered for a lot of things, but for me, the real “get down” took place during the SPAC “Thatch.” One of the funkiest and crunchiest grooves this side of Phish’s “Moma Dance,” the band originally debuted the song just up the road in Glens Falls last November while opening for the Trey Anastasio Band. Nearly doubling its length with this version (while also managing to sneak a “Tequila” tease in), the song is destined to become a fan favorite and setlist staple for years to come. Check out pro-shot footage of “Thatch” here:
Easing us into the comedown was another beautifully executed version of “This Old Sea,” one of the most tender ballads in the band’s arsenal, it would also be the shortest song played all night. Seamlessly transitioning into the title track from the band’s latest studio album, 2022âs Dripfield, the mesmerizing climax and stunning light show courtesy of LD Andrew Goedde left Goose fans dripping for more.
On your way to kill the beast
You meet the child, the only one you know
And he sings to you, “Let go,
May the nighttime be your home
-Lyrics from “Factory Fiction”
After hanging backstage for a minute to bask in the ovation and savor the moment, there was only one song that made sense for an encore; a song reserved for only the most special and monumental occasions. As the opening notes of the rare “Factory Fiction” rang out (or ‘Spactory Fiction’ as some fans are already calling it), the excitement and jubilation could be felt by everyone who was there and collectively sent chills down your entire body. Bringing the band full circle on this surreal summer night, from beginning to end, their performance made an emphatic statement. The golden Goose has arrived, and buckle up because their time is now
Goose played their biggest headlining show to date on Friday, 7/7/23 at SPAC
Up next, the band will return to the Newport Folk Festival for their first appearance on the main stage. Later this fall, Goose will return to New York to headline the Borderland Music Festival in Buffalo, before heading across the pond to play their first European tour in November.
For more information, tickets, and tour dates, visit here.
Set 1: Silver Rising, California Magic, Animal, Red Bird, Same Old Shenanigans
Set II: The Empress of Organos, Please Forgive Me (David Gray cover), Thatch, This Old Sea, Dripfield
After more than 50 years of touring, the Eagles will embark on their final tour, dubbed “The Long Goodbye,” featuring two dates in NYC and one in Belmont Park. The tour will kick off in Madison Square Garden this September and is expected to continue into 2025. The band will be accompanied by special guest Steely Dan.
The Eagles. Credit: Ron Koch.
The Eagles have performed over 1,000 concerts over their long career, with their tours consistently ranking in both Billboard’s and Pollstar’s top 10 lists. They have sold over 150 million albums, with six #1 albums. In 1998, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Notable albums include Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975), which is the best-selling album in history at 38 times platinum. Another of their albums, Hotel California is the third best-selling U.S. album in history, certified 26-times platinum. The band has also earned six Grammy awards.
Our long run has lasted far longer than any of us ever dreamed. But, everything has its time, and the time has come for us to close the circle.
The Eagles
The Eagles plan to expand the tour, expecting it to run until 2025. They will return to various cities as the market demands, with scheduling information to be released as dates are set.
Presale tickets and VIP packages will be available on July 12 for all currently announced shows. The general on-sale will begin on July 14 at 10:00 a.m. More information and tickets can be found on the Eagles’ website.
Birthh, a Brooklyn-based alternative pop artist, has released her third single, “Hyperdrive,” from her upcoming studio album Moonlanded. The song is a futurist declaration of queer love with energetic lyrics that drift through time and space.
Alice Bisi, better known as Birthh, was born and raised in Tuscany, Italy. Starting with music at age six, Birthh released her first album, Born in the Woods, at only 19. In March 2020, Birthh traveled to Brooklyn, meeting her now-life partner, Storm Higgins, where two weeks quickly turned into two and a half years during the pandemic. It was here that the Moonlanded album first got its start.
We feel so much and so deeply. We feel the triumph of being alive as much as we feel the struggle that comes with it. All at once.
Birthh
Lead vocals, beats, guitars, and keys were recorded by Birthh in her bedroom recording studio fittingly named the Moonbase. Strings were captured by Grammy-winning sound engineer Tommaso Colliva, and the album was mixed by Robert “LB” Dorsey, another Grammy winner.
The song “Hyperdrive” itself connects science fiction imagery and romantic feelings in the lyrics to create the sensation of drifting among the stars. It also ties the grandeur of the grand vistas it describes with the love story embedded in the song. The vocals themselves cut through the rest of “Hyperdrive,” with an experimental and unique sound.
A personal favorite touch happens near the end of the piece, where “Hyperdrive” uses both sides of earbuds or headphones to have the name of the song almost “rotate” around the listener. It adds to the futurist stylings of the song and feels like Birthh’s victory lap before the song closes out.
It was really important for Storm and I to show the evolution of our love through a sweet, dreamy lens because that’s what it felt like to us. Sapphic love is often either hypersexualized or dismissed. Coming from a more conservative culture like Italy, it hasn’t always been easy to express my queerness fearlessly. But we’re here, we’re proud, and representation really does matter.
Birthh
The full Moonlanded studio album will release on Sept. 1, 2023, and is currently available for pre-order. “Hyperdrive” is available everywhere, and can be found on various platforms here.
Coming from New York – you either got it or you don’t. Plain and simple. Some of the most prolific New York hip-hop penmanship comes from Your Old Droog. The word Droog serves as a synonym for buddy or pal as this Brooklyn-based Ukrainian writes, ideates and executes with the best of them. Magnetically, Droog’s mild mannerisms and downright delicate delivery separate him from the pack.
Initially, many thought that Nas voiced Droog as some sort of concealed alternate persona. Also, Mass Appeal [Media Platform owned by Nasir Jones] posted one of his early singles, “Nutty Bars” further propagating the alias. Nevertheless, this man transcends time with his collaborative contributions to the overarching grand scheme of hip-hop. Particularly, his work with Tha God Fahim proves incredibly extensive.
To discover the intriguing parts about Your Old Droog (or any artist for that matter) one must immerse and grow with the music over time. Alas, YOD makes music that elicits immersive qualities and allows a person to intrinsically reflect. After all, Droog loosely translates to friend. Listen to the song below to hear about how Droog ended up going the independent route.
Choosing What is Right
The directions by which life twists and turns represent a common denominator. To truly understand what fate means to you – look inward. Subsequently, Your Old Droog refused to put down the microphone after declining many major label deals. Instead, he remained independent and pivoted by way of artwork with Mach Hommy. Recording radio-friendly music via releases to satisfy a record deal do not amount to creative fulfillment in this day and age.
Zoom into 2019 alone – two years after Droog meets Tha God Fahim and Mach Hommy. The three mixtapes that hit Soundcloud in 2019 are lowkey legendary classics within the underground hip-hop hemisphere. Jewelery has since been removed but It Wasn’t Even Close and Transportation still knock through any stereo.
Distinguishing Factors
Furthermore, Your Old Droog’s evocative lyrics vastly distinguish his content from his counterparts. His approach captivates the crowd with cohesive and atmospheric energy developed according to lyrical circumstances. As a humble individual, Your Old Droog promotes conversational and self-deprecating content. Humorous humility and comedy comprise the well-balanced nature of this New York artist. Your Old Droog maintains a balanced homeostasis throughout the fulfillment of his earthly obligations.
Droog uses a stream-of-consciousness flow that doesn’t always require syllabic rhyme. By piecing together double entendres and using words in a nontraditional fashion, Droog consistently tries to best himself on every track. Particularly, his use of tonal perception as a mind-altering agent allows him to pair words and phrases in a fashion that many have never heard before.
Breaking Down the Language
Droog represents the Beastcoast and provides a deeper meaning to the complexities of our language in his music. Clearly, this unorthodox artist venerates and redefines the art of storytelling. Listening to tunes by Droog, it would prove useful to become familiar with the rewind button. This “rap revivalist” makes an impact with powerful opening lines and punchlines that stand among the likes of Big L, Prodigy, and Kool G Rap.
Hence, intonation and modulation are some of the crucial components of Droog’s vocal renditions. Modern artists tend to fill vocal space with adlibs and attention grabs, but Droog steers clear of filler material. Rather, he prefers to exert precision, accuracy, and intonation to his trademark raspy delivery.
As a “self-aware slang slinger,” Your Old Droog’s presence captivates countless city slickers worldwide. He radically explores the historical implications and inclinations of our complex lexicon. Through virtuosic analyses, in-depth comparisons, and brilliant metaphors, Droog makes his message clear.
The Town of Clifton Park will once again sponsor the Performing Arts at the Common at the outdoor Clifton Common Stage. All performances are free, and take place on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
On Wednesday evenings, families are welcome to bring kids to the Clifton Park Stage for the Performing Arts Family Series. This series features a wide range of musicians, performers, and family-friendly events. Kids of all ages are welcome to join for a night of free entertainment and outdoor fun. On Sunday evenings, the Performing Arts at the Common Series will offer entertainment for all. A range of musicians and live performers will take the stage for a variety of shows.
Sunday Concerts and Wednesday Children’s Programs begin at 7:00 pm, rain or shine unless otherwise noted. Theater performances begin at 8:00 pm. Those in attendance are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. For more information, visit Clifton Park’s website.
Hamilton’s FirstOntario Center became a haven for progressive metal enthusiasts. The mighty Dream Theater stormed the stage on their highly anticipated “Dreamsonic” tour on Wednesday, July 5. Sharing the spotlight were the incomparable Devin Townsend and the virtuosic Animals as Leaders. The evening promised a sonic journey unlike any other, and the bands delivered an unforgettable experience that left the crowd breathless.
The main support of the show was the one and only Devin Townsend, a visionary artist known for his eclectic and experimental soundscapes. With a mesmerizing stage presence, Townsend took the audience on a musical odyssey with his setlist. From the mind-bending complexity of “Truth” to the atmospheric beauty of “Kingdom,” Townsend showcased his ability to seamlessly transition between contrasting moods and styles. The crowd was captivated by his powerful vocal range and the intricate layers of instrumentation that formed the backbone of his performance.
Next up, Dream Theater took the stage with an explosive rendition of “Caught in a Web,” instantly igniting the crowd’s energy after they started the setlist with some newer songs. The band’s technical prowess was on full display as they flawlessly executed complex time signatures and intricate melodies. Songs like “About to Crash” and “Solitary Shell” showcased their ability to seamlessly blend heavy riffs with melodic passages, creating a dynamic and captivating sonic experience. Their guitarist John Petrucci is one of the few performers who have mastered this.
The concert reached its climax with the epic “The Count of Tuscany” a monumental piece that showcased Dream Theater’s musical virtuosity. The band’s chemistry was palpable as they flawlessly navigated through the song’s ever-shifting dynamics and intricate arrangements. The audience was spellbound by the precise synchrony between each band member, as they wove together a sonic tapestry of progressive metal mastery.
For the encore, Dream Theater invited the other band members from the prior bands to join them on stage for a stunning rendition of “Act II: Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On.” The collective energy and talent of all the musicians on stage created a transcendent moment, leaving the audience in awe.
Dream Theater’s setlist was a carefully curated journey through their illustrious discography. Classics like “Pull Me Under” ignited nostalgia in long-time fans, while newer tracks like “The Alien” showcased the band’s continued evolution and growth. Each song was performed with impeccable precision, showcasing the band’s unrivaled musicianship and dedication to their craft.
The Dreamsonic tour in Hamilton was a night that will forever be etched in the memory of progressive metal fans. Dream Theater, accompanied by support acts Devin Townsend and Animals as Leaders, delivered a mesmerizing display of technical prowess, musical depth, and sheer sonic brilliance. With a setlist that spanned their extensive career, Dream Theater left no doubt that they are masters of their craft, captivating the audience and leaving them craving for more.
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, the show will not continue.” That was the announcement made just moments before Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds were about to perform on Saturday night, July 8, in Saratoga Springs. Confused fans weren’t sure if it was part of the act or if it was a public safety concern as speculation quickly ran rampant. Gallagher, the former principal songwriter of British blue-collar bad-boy band Oasis, is no stranger to making headlines. Familiar to millions, at one time he was the most outspoken member of the biggest (and most controversial) band in the world.
The stage was set for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds just moments before it was suddenly called off on 7/8/23
All things seemed ‘business as usual’ just prior to showtime Saturday night at SPAC. After opening sets from critically acclaimed rock bands Metric and Garbage went on without a hitch, everything was on schedule for the evening’s headliner. As smoke machines began to ramp up and hip, pre-show music by Little Sonny, Larry Coryell, and Funk Inc. piped over the PA system, by 9:45 pm fans were getting anxious over the delayed start. Suddenly the house lights came on and the announcement was made that “the show will not continue” and to “please move calmly and safely to the nearest exit.”
What’s the Story: A disappointed fan reacts to the news that Noel Gallagher will not be performing on 7/7/23
Security and Live Nation reps confirmed this was not “part of the show” and that everyone needed to leave the concert grounds immediately. Sent out into the night with more questions than answers, disappointed fans complied and exited the venue, seemingly without incident. Further information was hard to come by. There is currently no “official” word on what caused the sudden cancellation, refunds, or, rescheduling.
After the show, Garbage’s Twitter feed posted “Our love and concern to all the fans at our show in Saratoga Springs tonight. We pray you are all safe and sound. This is fucking insane.” An Instagram post from bassist Daniel Shulman shed a little more light on the situation, saying “We had to evacuate quickly due to a bomb threat …. Scary.”
The Empire State Plaza’s Center for the Performing Arts, or The Egg, recently announced that Maria Muldaur, Taj Mahal and Sona Jobarteh would all be joining the Albany venue’s 2023-24 programming. Muldaur is scheduled to perform on Sept. 15 with Taj Mahal and Jobarteh stopping by on March 7, 2024.
The Egg is a state-owned entity created to bring quality artists and performances to New Yorkers. Besides music, the venue showcases several forms of art including dance, comedy, film, and theater. Originally constructed in 1978, The Egg features two theaters and can comfortably house over 1,400 visitors.
Since its inception, the venue has attracted some of the biggest names in arts and entertainment. Past performers include Roger McGuinn, Chaka Khan, Dave Chappelle, Eric Burdon, Margaret Cho, and Buddy Guy.
Maria Muldaur- September 15, 7:30 PM
Making music for over 55 years, American folk/roots artist Maria Muldaur became a household name thanks to her 1973 hit song “Midnight at the Oasis”. Released as a single, the track received a Grammy nomination and has since become one of the quintessential songs in the genre. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the bubbly and infectious tune, she will perform the song along with the help of the Red Hot Bluesiana Band. Together, the two will showcase some of Muldaur’s classic blues, country, folk, swing, and pop offerings. The performance will also include some of the artist’s collaborative work with the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Tuba Skinny, and Taj Mahal. Here for tickets and information about the performance at The Egg.
Taj Mahal & Sona Jobarteh- March 7, 7:30 PM
Taj Mahal has established himself as one of the world’s premier blues musicians throughout his extensive career. The Harlem-born artist is known for melding together the sounds of traditional American blues with elements from the Caribbean, Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Originally rising to prominence in the 1960s, Taj has earned three Grammy awards and ten nominations. In 2014 he was awarded the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sona Jobarteh is a Gambian singer, composer, and instrumentalist credited for being a master of the Kora stringed instrument. With her diverse and ethereal sound Jobarteh has been hailed as one of the biggest upcoming stars in world music. Blending traditional West African, blues, pop, and even afro beats, Jobarteh has amassed fans from all over the globe. Here for tickets and information about the performance.
To check out The Egg’s full schedule of performances click here.
From July 12 to the 14, Lake George will be hosting a Summer-Lovin Funfest hosted by the organization Kelly’s Angels. The multi-day musical extravaganza will take place at Shepard Park and work to support the Angels’ many inspirational causes while simultaneously providing fun for all ages through music, food, crafts, and more.
Kelly’s Angels was founded by Channel 13 news anchor/reporter Mark Mulholland in honor of his late wife, Kelly, who sadly lost her battle with cancer in 2007. The foundation raises money to provide grants to children and families in need in the Capital Region of New York including children whose lives have been impacted by the loss of a parent or sibling to cancer as well as struggling families who have moved to the state from Ukraine. The Summer Lovin’ Funfest will be an event to provide the organization with support and to celebrate their work.
The festival kicks off on Wednesday, July 12 with the soothing voice of the Nashville-based singer/ songwriter Kyshona who uses music to embody the healing power of song. In 2021, Kyshona founded her own charity, “Your Song,” which provides therapeutic songwriting sessions to at-risk youth, parents, the incarcerated population, and the elderly. Her journey and mission make her a perfect fit for the Kelly’s Angels festivities.
On Thursday, three regional favorites will be taking the stage starting at 4:40 PM. The family band, the Newells will be the first to perform with a setlist of songs from the 60s-80’s by groups from Led Zeppelin to Fleetwood Mac. Following the family, The Bluz House Rockers will be celebrating their 28th year as one of the region’s premier bands by rocking out with the crowd, taking on classics by Frank Sinatra, and the Allman Brothers, along with their usual setlist of blues blues blues.
Their 6:10 PM performance will lead the way for the headlining group of the night, Funk Evolution who will utilize their horn-fueled sound to mesh together the genres of funk, soul, and rock. The evening will come to a historic close with the North Country’s first-ever drone and fireworks show at 9:45 PM in which more than 300 drones will be illuminated in countless shapes all over the lake.
The Kelly’s Angels Summer Lovin’ Funfest will continue on Friday with Lake George’s annual summer concert series, Friday’s at the Lake. The event will bring back the Bluz House Rockers for their second night with the additional headliners the New York Players. The Players have been widely recognized over the past years as being the number one dance band in the region and will bring all that energy and more to the event.
The Summer Lovin’ Funfest will be three great nights of incredible music, unforgettable fun, and an undeniably worthy cause that you won’t want to miss!
Summer Lovin’ Fun Fest LineUp
July 12th – Kyshona 7:00 PM
July 13th – The Newells 4:40 PM; Bluz House Rockers 6:10 PM; Funk Evolution 7:45 PM
July 14th – Friday’s At The Lake; Bluz House Rockers 6:00 PM; New York Players 7:30 PM
