Peter Frampton announced a set of new tour dates this past week, adding to his Never EVER Say Never Tour this spring. After traveling the nation throughout this 2023, Peter Frampton will continue his unexpected run with a show in Waterloo, NY at the Del Lago Resort and Casino.
After Frampton announced a farewell tour in 2019 due to his diagnosis of the degenerative disease, inclusion-body myositis, fans were surprised by more recent appearances by the acclaimed artist. His 2024 Never EVER Say Never Tour will see stops in Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Waterloo, NY, where he will stop at The Vine at Del Lago Resort & Casino on March 9.
I am delighted to let you know I’m planning more shows in March and April for the new Never EVER Say Never Tour! I don’t want to give up my passion and will play as long as I physically can. Hope to see you in 2024!
Peter Frampton
Peter Frampton was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020. The English-American guitarist has a star-studded career, having played with Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more since the beginning of his career in 1966. Most recently, he made an appearance on Dolly Parton’s newest album, Rockstar, released last month.
Tickets for Peter Frampton at Del Lago Casino go on-sale to the general public on Friday, December 8 at 10 A.M. local time at frampton.com.
The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL) has announced its upcoming holiday concert, “Holiday Traditions Together,” set to charm the community in early December at the Clemens Center in Elmira. As the region’s premier holiday event, this concert is not just a performance but a vibrant celebration of community spirit and festive joy.
Featuring a dynamic collaboration with the Honors Chorus from the Alternative School for Math & Sciences, soprano Rachel Schutz from the faculty at Ithaca College, and skilled dancers from Rafael Grigorian Ballet, “Holiday Traditions Together” on December 9 promises an afternoon of enchanting music and dance. The concert will include a special singalong segment, inviting the audience to participate in the holiday cheer.
“Dancing to the vibrant strains of a live orchestra is a rare and exhilarating opportunity for these young dancers…This concert embodies the spirit of togetherness and celebrates the rich tapestry of talent we have right here in our community.”
Toshiyuki Shimada, Music Director of the OSFL
The OSFL offers four regular season full orchestra concerts, including a side-by-side Youth Orchestra and professional musician collaboration, a Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series, concerts by the Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes, concerts by the Youth Orchestra, and educational concerts for children. Under the guidance of Music Director and Conductor, Toshiyuki Shimada, the OSFL is a strong supporter of highlighting the musical achievements of young musicians with its own youth ensembles and the Hertzog Concerto & Aria Competition for young artists in grades 9 through
The OSFL collaborates with regional cultural partners, artists, and like-minded organizations to advance mutual artistic growth in the greater Elmira-Corning area. Support for the OSFL comes from the Corning Incorporated Foundation, the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Hilliard Foundation, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the New York State Legislature.
“We are proud to offer this musical gift to the community. With tickets starting at just $25 and free admission for children under 18, we are making the joy of live music accessible to all. This is our way of saying thank you to the community that supports us year-round.”
Karen Dusek, OSFL’s Managing Director
Tickets start at $25 and college students pay $15 if they show their student ID. Entry is free for all youth under 18.
Tickets for “Holiday Traditions Together” on December 9, 2023 at 3:00pm can be purchased online at their website, by calling (800) 724-0159, or in-person at the Clemens Center Box Office.
Auburn-based singer/songwriter Luke Mock has released his newest single “Love Of My Life,” a haunting look at the end of a happy relationship.
In 2017, Luke Mock initially wrote “Love of My Life,” inspired by his then-girlfriend celebrating their love. Originally with a different title and a duet, the pandemic brought unexpected changes, like the end of said relationship. While dealing with the hardships of quarantine, Mock realized he was feeling intense emotions he couldn’t ignore, entirely transforming the sound of the track, infused with the powerful emotions affecting him.
Luke Mock is an indie-pop artist hailing from Auburn. His music immerses you in a captivating whirlwind of emotions, driven by catchy hooks, and delivered with genuine charm. He’s captivated many audiences, sharing stages with artists like The Driver Era, Kesha, AJR, Ryan Quinn (The Voice), and Neyla Pekarek (The Lumineers), among others. With honesty and diving into his personal side at the core of Mock’s music, he forges connections and resonates with others. Compared to Shawn Mendes, Charlie Puth, and Julia Michaels, his captivating vocals and infectious pop music elements captivate audiences.
“Love Of My Life” is a hauntingly beautiful track, encompassing the harsh emotions Mock felt when writing it. With a daring and melodic acoustic guitar flowing in the background, picking up with added percussion and beautiful strings, Mock paints a picture of a couple in love. Singing, “I want you to kiss me and make time go still/Yeah you are the one that makes my heart laugh/And you make me happy even when I’m sad,” he expertly describes the sometimes hard-to-put words to the feeling of being in love.
The added strings and piano add more of a melancholic and nostalgic touch to the track, and make you fall deeper into the words. Mock’s vocals bring you in and hold you there, with his perfectly crafted overdubbing harmonies. “Love Of My Life” is yet another strong addition to Luke Mock’s discography, showcasing his evolving and diverse range.
“Love Of My Life” is available to stream on all platforms you listen to music. For more information about Luke Mock, visit here.
New Kids on the Block, the Boston native pop act, announced the Magic Summer 2024 Tour, reviving their 1990 tour of the same name.
Special guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff will join the group as they embark, with stops in Wantagh, Saratoga Springs, and Darien Center.
The tour will kick off on June 14 in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, with stops in Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Toronto. The group will make stops in New York at Wantagh’s Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on August 4, Saratoga Springs’ Broadview Stage at SPAC on August 11, and Darien Center’s Darien Lake Amphitheater on August 22.
The true ‘magic’ of this tour is in the music, the moments and the memories that we get to create – and recreate – with our amazing fans each night. Feeling all the nostalgic feels of the original Magic Summer, with the bond that we’ve shared throughout the years, will make for a most magical time indeed.
Donnie Wahlberg
As a revival of their 1990 Magic Summer Tour, New Kids on the Block will perform a selection of their greatest hits, fan favorite tracks, and deep cuts for diehard fans. The tour is their first predominantly outdoor tour in 15 years, with many of the same venues from the 1990 tour.
New Kids on the Block will release a revamped version of their 2008 comeback album, The Block Revisited, on November 3. The release will celebrate 15 years since their return from hiatus.
TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with Fanclub and CITI presales beginning on Wednesday, November 1. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, November 3 at 10 AM at LiveNation.com.
New Kids on the Block Upcoming Tour Dates
June 14 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
June 15 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
June 18 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
June 19 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
June 21 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
June 22 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
June 23 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Amphitheater
June 25 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
June 26 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
June 28 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
June 29 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
July 1 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Theater **
July 2 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
July 3 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
July 5 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
July 6 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena
July 7 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 9 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
July 10 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
July 12 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
July 13 – The Woodlands, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman
July 14 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
July 16 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
July 17 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
July 19 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 20 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
July 21 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
July 25 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
July 26 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
July 27 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
July 28 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park
August 1 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
August 2 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre
August 3 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
August 4 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
August 8 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
August 9 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
August 10 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
August 11 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
August 15 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann
August 16 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
August 17 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
August 22 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
August 23 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
August 24 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL) has announced the first show of the 2023-24 Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series, titled “Music Meets Art” on November 10. The show features the Chrystallum Quartet, alongside visual artist Suyen Lau, performing live alongside each other onstage.
Members of the Chrystallum Quartet (left to right): Anita Pawlak (oboe), Nolan DeSanto (piano), Martha Weber (bassoon), and Angela McBrearty (flute/piccolo).
Suyen Lau, a fine arts and design student at SUNY Corning Community College and alum of the OSFL’s Youth Orchestra, will create a new charcoal artwork onstage during the performance. The Chrystallum Quartet will play alongside her, featuring pieces by Telemann, as well as composers Alyssa Morris, and Nicole Chamberlain.
Suyen Lau (visual artist).
The visual representation of the aural perception of music has always intrigued me. Some people are wired with strong associations between music and visual art. Suyen is gifted this way.
Karen Dusek, Managing Director of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes
The Chrystallum Quartet will play a selection of pieces inspired by the visual arts. “Brush Strokes” by Alyssa Morris is a musical representation of visual arts, with each movement representing artists such as Monet, Seurat, and Van Gogh. In addition, Nicole Chamberlain’s piece will be set to the silent film LeCharmeur.
As common practice in the Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series, oral program notes will be presented by the artists throughout the program, as part of a relaxed, intimate setting for the performance. In addition, Lau’s artwork will be featured on display for audience members to view before and after the show.
“Music Meets Art” will be presented on November 10 at 7:30PM at North Presbyterian Church at 921 College Avenue in Elmira, NY. Doors open at 6:45 for audiences to see Suyen Lau’s artwork on display.
Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for students with ID, and free for veterans and children under 18. Seating is general admission. Purchase tickets in advance at OSFL.org, call 607-936-2873, or in person at the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes office, 49 Bridge Street, Corning. Ticket sales at the door will be available until sold out.
The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes will begin their 2023-24 concert season on October 14 at the historic Park Church in Elmira. The opening show will feature a piece by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, titled Overture to L’Amant Anonyme (The Anonymous Lover).
Dubbed the “Black Mozart,” Bologne was a Frenchman of Creole descent whose work has been long overlooked, despite comparisons to many classical figureheads in European history. Bologne is the subject of the feature film, Chevalier, released in April 2023 by Searchlight Pictures.
Prior to the concert, the Park Church will host a screening of Chevalier as part of the Meaningful Movies series. The screening will be on October 12 at 7PM. Guests can RSVP at OSFL.org to save a spot.
In everything we perform this season, we are prioritizing music education for all. Listeners get the most out of live concerts by being informed before arriving at the concert hall. We are offering pre-concert lectures, educational activity packets for all ages, and now a popular option of holding a movie night.
Karen Dusek, Managing Director of the OSFL
The second piece of the concert is an instrumental adaptation of Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw’s “and the swallow.” Originally a choral work based on Psalm 84, the piece has been adapted for orchestra. Finally, Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 will close the show.
The night’s soloist will be OSFL’s principal trumpet, Frank Gabriel Campos, performing the Trumpet Concerto by Hummel. Campos authored the Trumpet Technique method book, used at colleges and universities worldwide, and recently retired from tenure at Ithaca College.
Season ticket packages are still available and include the October 14th concert. Packages also include 3 full-orchestra concerts and 5 concerts in the Musicians’ Choice Chamber Series. Contact the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes office at 607-936-2873 or order online at OSFL.org.
Finger Lakes musician Jeremy Button of Americana band Growl Bear, has penned a few tunes as of late that celebrate two distinct regions of New York State, the Delaware Valley and the Finger Lakes.
Among them are the comedic tune, with a dash of regional pride, “Fingerlakes Wine,” and the history-infused “The Ballad of Orrin & Squire.”
Growing up in Wayland, NY, Button attended SUNY Fredonia, and currently works for NYSDOT. A guitarist and songwriter in Americana band Growl Bear, Button has learned a variety of instruments, among them fiddle, mandolin, bagpipes, and banjo as well as writing music for both Growl Bear and his solo performances.
Speaking of “Fingerlakes Wine,” Button says, “I just wanted my area to have a song like this. I love Rochester and the Fingerlakes area and I like writing songs about where I live, we don’t have a lot of them and we need more, creating lore, making us feel more in touch with this place we call home.”
Button’s tune “Fingerlakes Wine” comes in both a classy (above, for all ages) and original versions, while “The Ballad of Orrin & Squire” is ripped from the history books and lyrics mention various stops in the Southern Catskills.
Button’s Great-great Grandfather and his brother fought in the Civil War for the Union Army, part of the NY 56th Regiment of Volunteers, also known as the 10th Legion. A tune that comes right out of Button’s family tree, the song tells of their travels from small towns near the New York-Pennslyvania border to New York City before heading south to fight. Button says of the song’s historical accuracy, “95% true. Not many songs about NY regiments going to go kick butt.”
Another tune from Button, “Goodbye Fredonia,” the reluctance that he found in moving onto the next stage of his life, post-college.
You can catch Jeremy Button performing solo and with Growl Bear this fall around the Finger Lakes. Growl Bear plays at Lovin Cup, near Rochester Institute of Technology at 8:30 on Friday, October 6 and the trio version of Growl Bear plays at the B-side in Fairport on October 25. For more info visit the band’s website.
When You Wish Upon a Star – A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney is coming to Corning’s Museum of Glass on October 28 as part of their upcoming national tour. The tour will also make a stop at Newark, NJ’s Victoria Theatre at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
The show features musical direction by Sean Mason and the brand new house band of The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, as well as Kim Nalley and Sasha Dobson as vocalists.
Director Sean Mason leads the touring show, as one of the premier talents of his generation. Mason has performed and toured with jazz legends including Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, and Herlin Riley, and as a recent Julliard graduate, he is rolling out his upcoming debut album The Southern Suite. As a native North-Carolinan turned New Yorker, the record explores his southern roots from his current vantage point at the heart of the NYC music scene.
Credit: Martina DaSilva
Philanthropist and vocalist Kim Nalley will join the show, boasting a 3½ octave range and stunning performances. As the “Most Influential African American in the Bay Area,” Nalley has performed with greats such as Rhoda Scott, David “Fathead” Newman, and the San Francisco Symphony. In addition to Nalley, Sasha Dobson will join the show on vocals. A critically acclaimed performer, she is one-third of the hit triop Puss n’ Boots, alongside Catherine Popper and Norah Jones.
Together with band members Ahmad Johnson on drums, Corentin Le Hir on bass, Alicyn Yaffee on guitar and Anthony Hervey on trumpet, the musicians will bring the jazz arrangements of Disney’s popular soundtracks to the stage on the nationwide tour this fall.
As shown in their vast collection of animated feature film soundtracks, Disney has always had an affinity for jazz music. In 2009, Disney released an album of reimagined songs based on their soundtrack catalog. With over 600 songs to choose from, the album features some of the most talented contemporary jazz stars of the age, as well as rising up-and-comers. This fall, the new generation of emerging talent will perform the live touring version, titled When You Wish Upon a Star – A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney.
Although not associated with Disney, When You Wish Upon A Star will feature fan favorite tunes from iconic movies such as Snow White, Lady and the Tramp, Mary Poppins, and Toy Story. The reimagined songs have been arranged and recorded by Disney music fans such as Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Dianne Reeves.
The touring band personnel is Sean Mason (piano, bandleader), Kim Nalley (vocals), Sasha Dobson (vocals), Ahmad Johnson (drums), Corentin Le Hir (bass), Alicyn Yaffee (guitar), and Anthony Hervey (trumpet).
Upcoming Tour Dates
Sept. 29, 2023 –Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, Livermore, CA
Sept. 30, 2023 – Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, Tracy, CA
Oct. 1, 2023 – Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA
Oct. 3, 2023 – Brigham Young University Performing Arts Series, Provo, UT
Oct. 4, 2023 – College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID
Oct. 6, 2023 – CU Presents – University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
Oct. 7, 2023 – SF Jazz, San Francisco, CA
Oct. 8, 2023 – Carpenter Performing Arts Center at CSU Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Oct. 10, 2023 – Numerica Performing Arts Center, Wenatchee, WA
Oct. 12, 2023 – Pepperdine University, Smothers Theatre, Malibu, CA
Oct. 14, 2023 – Fox Tucson Theatre, Tucson, AZ
Oct. 15, 2023 – Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler, AZ
Oct. 17, 2023 – Traverse City Opera House, Traverse City, MI
Oct. 18, 2023 – Michigan State University, Wharton Center, Pasant Theatre, East Lansing, MI
Oct. 19, 2023 – Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Oct. 20, 2023 – Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Bloomington, IL
Oct. 21, 2023 – College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn, IL
Oct. 22, 2023 – Door Community Auditorium, Fish Creek, WI
Oct. 24, 2023 – The Grand Theater, Wausau, WI
Oct. 27, 2023 – Millersville University, The Ware Center, Millersville, PA
Hailing from New York’s Finger Lakes Region, The Endless Mountain Derelicts released their third full-length EP in August, titled Good Got Damn. The group is an all-original blend of alternative, country, classic rock, folk, and punk, or a self-described mountain rock. EMD cites a blue collar, original yet familiar sound as inspiration for Good Got Damn. The EP features six tracks, all distinct yet with a strong style indicative of their passion and intensity.
The opening track, “State Lines,” starts out strong with energized, gritty vocals. The minor key and consistent backing vocals create a depth to the track that shows the group’s skill and unity.
The EP’s second track, “Ain’t It A Shame,” follows with an acoustic base and melancholy lyrics, leading into another energized, belting chorus. The vocals stay reserved during verses, but the energy and passion is released in the strong chorus.
“Light That Fuse” stands out creatively as a key track on the record. In this track, the group shows off their versatility in structure. The song has a strong, memorable hook in the chorus’s “light that fuse and run.”
Overall, The Endless Mountain Derelict’s Good Got Damn is a strong display of their unique style and passion. Their use of drums and creative syncopation is a key component that stands out across the board, as the arrangements strongly feature percussion. Additionally, the vocals show off an intense grit, which is a strong way to add character to a track, but finds its way to being a hallmark of EMD’s style.
The group carries an ethos of blue collar, lively inclusivity, which shines through in both their lyrics and sound. The group’s third full length release, Good Got Damn is a passionate combination of soulful lyrics and skilled musicianship.
The summer of throwback shows at Darien Lake continued on August 20, as The Offspring’s Let the Bad Times Roll tour stopped in Western NY. With the tour carrying the name of their 2021 album, and 10th studio cut, Canadian punkers Simple Plan and Sum 41 tag along and create a little nostalgic tour.
After starting out in the mid 80s, I am sure that Dexter Holland only dreamed of the success he has had with The Offspring. 10 studio albums, nearly 1600 concerts, and a number of punk/alternative hits, these guys found their niche and rolled with, and never really cared what the naysayers were naysaying.
With no shortage of energy and fans, Simple Plan took the stage and shredded it for nearly an hour, hitting the stage to the Star Wars theme music. With that kind of entrance, you know you are in for a killer show.
From Montreal, the wrecking crew of Pierre Bouvier (vocals, bass, percussion) Chuck Comeau (drums, percussion), Sebastien Lefebvre (rhythm guitar, vocal, bass), and Jeff Stinco (guitar, backing vocals) were all in sync from the start, pumping the crowd up, running around the stage in classis 90s alternative/punk fashion. From the opening notes of “I’d Do Anything” to the finishing tunes on “Perfect,” Bouvier had fans jumping bouncing around like a mechanical Tigger toy and giving everyone around them the middle finger, or the Simple Plan salute as he stated. He gratefully thanked fans often as he recalled the last time Simple Plan was in town, back in 2005 for a Warped Tour stop and raved about how he loved Darien Lake and the fans (if he only knew about the parking issues).
With a new album out recently, the band played “Iconic” and dedicated to anyone and everyone who has struggled or is struggling with acceptance. Bouvier urged those individuals to proudly extend their hands and offer up the finger and let others know that they will be Iconic.
As the set was coming to an end, and about halfway through “I’m Just a Kid”, Bouvier took a seat at the drums as Comeau took to crowd surfing, in an attempt to high five as many fans in mosh pit as possible.
Setlist: (entered to Star Wars theme), I’d Do Anything, Shut Up!, Jump, Addicted, Welcome to My Life, Iconic (new song), All Star/Sk8er Boi/Mr. Brightside, What’s New Scooby Doo, Where I belong, Im Just a Kid, Perfect
Following up Simple Plan and preceding The Offspring is no easy task, but Sum 41 came out and absolutely crushed any doubts that anyone had. Another solid entrance, this time to AC/DC’s “T.N.T”, Sum 41, with frontman Deryck Whibley racking up the steps on his Fitbit, was just as motivated at their predecessors and continued to amp up the crowd in preparation for the headliner.
Guitar and bass solos by Dave Brownsound, Tom Thacker, and Cone McCaslin were huge part of this set, with Frank Zummo doing his best Animal impression on the drums. These Ajax, Ontario natives came to play and did just that for the next hour for fans of all ages. Near me was a father, probably in his late 40s, having the time of his life with his young child. The kid was dancing and having just as much fun and was all smiles for the entire set of Sum 41, even more so during their cover or Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” Memories that are sure to last.
Setlist: T.N.T (entrance music), Motivation, The Hell Song, Over My Head (Better Off Dead), We’re All to Blame, Walking Disaster, We Will Rock You (Queen cover), In Too Deep, Fat Lip, Still Waiting.
With the opening acts done for the night, the packed house in Darien was riding a musically induced high that wasn’t going down anytime soon. With some time to kill, the tour had a blimp floating around the seating area with special camera such as ‘kiss cam’, ‘fuck you’ cam, and of course a “headbanging” cam where fans could pose for the camera doing the assigned task. It was the first time I have seen this at a concert, and the crowd absolutely loved it. The “baby got back” cam and the “fuck you” cam seemed to be the most popular as women were shaking their rear ends to the infamous Sir Mix-a-Lot song and giving double middle fingers as the blimp floated by or camera team was nearby. Definitely a great use of dead time as the stage was prepared for the headliner.
Taking the stage around 9:30pm, Dexter Holland and the rest of The Offspring showed Darien Lake why they have been around nearly 40 years, as they helped bring punk rock into the 90s alternative vibes.
With 10 studio albums to pull from, the setlist could have been arranged in any form and fans would have still left smiling and riding that musical high. Tonight, “Come Out and Play” was the first song. Inspired by gang and school violence in the mid 90s, as well as Holland commuting through East LA for grad school, this and many track on 1994s Smash were about what was happening in front of him. Yet 30 years later, this particular track seems to fit to landscape just the same. Regardless, still a fan favorite as displayed on this night.
As the night went on, Holland was reminiscing just as Sum 41 did about playing Darien Lake on the Warped Tour and marveled at the number of fans that poured into the venue. Bills fan, Sabres fans, and music fans alike. According to his calculations and his people, the attendance at this show, which he called the ‘best thing to happen to rock and roll’, was just under 1.48 million people. This, of course would be a new world record for a concert. I would venture a guess that either he counted wrong, or he had people from the Board of Elections tallying the tickets.
Showcasing guitar skills, Noodles and Todd Morse both were demonstrating new tracks they have learned. With opening chords from classics like Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” and GNR’s “Sweet Child O’Mine”, they both were dueling for bragging rights as Holland went right into his rendition of “Blitzkrieg Pop” from Ramones. This little number, paired with animated show on back drop screen was quite the display of talent from these punk rockers, as the sync was perfectly timed all night.
Let’s talk about that animation screen behind the band. A seizure inducing light show to rival the best, thought provoking animation (think classic 80s music videos, A-Ha, New Radicals artwork), and nonstop beats the entire night. The screen added an element to each set that took you back the first time you heard any of the bands. Truly a memorable show for those hovering around 50, and for those younger fans who are in the punk phase of their musical lives.
Setlist: Come Out and Play, All I Want, Want You Bad (with organ), Let the Bad Times Roll, Staring at the Sun, Original Prankster, Hassan Chop, Hammerhead, Bad Habit, Iron Man/The Trooper/Sweet Child O’ Mine/In the Hall of the Mountain King, Blitzkrieg Pop (Ramones), Gotta Get Away, Gone Away, Why Don’t You Get A Job?, (Can’t Get My) Head Around You, Pretty Fly (for a White Guy), The Kids Aren’t Alright, Encore: You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid, Self Esteem
