On the heels of 2022’s Brightside album, the The Lumineers have hit the road again. August 22, with James Bay joining the fray, they made their way to Darien Lake Amphitheatre for an evening of Americana music.
After playing small gigs, open mic nights, and struggling to make ends meet under various monikers, The Lumineers were “formed” when an emcee misspoke during an introduction. Although Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites had been playing together since 2002, a working name never really happened until this mishap.
12 years after their first single, “Ho Hey” was released, The Lumineers now have 4 studio albums, 4 headliner tours, and millions of fans worldwide, in addition to a couple Grammy nominations. Of those millions of fans, a plethora of them showed up for the show at Darien Lake and sang their hearts out.
Before they were able to sing along with Jeremiah and Wesley, fans were treated to 40-minute set from English songwriter, James Bay. Very subdued in his own right, Bay had the attention of the fans who were filing into their seats in anticipation of the nights headliner.
With 3 albums and a couple EPs to his name, Bay has been nominated for a montage of music awards and has won a 7 British music awards since 2015, including Best New Act, Breakthrough Solo Artist, and Best British Solo Artist. Around 7:30pm, he let the crowd know why he has won those awards.
Classic Americana style, Bay rocked his guitar as he opened his set with “Best Fake Smile”. A song seemingly about standing up for yourself and having a voice, topics very prevalent in society.
No, you don’t have to wear your best fake smile Don’t have to stand there and burn inside Oh, oh, oh If you don’t like it
Although an opening act, the fans reactions and ability to follow along make it clear that he is a respected musician and very much a headlining act on his own.
After a 45-minute break to reset the stage and get things in order, the stage goes dark. Intermittently, we get some loud drums from the loudspeakers, timed up with stage lights to welcome The Lumineers. This goes on for about a minute or so as anticipation builds for the band make an entrance. Cell phones up high hoping to catch a glimpse or record a video clip, fans were eager.
Finally, a few minutes later, you can see an entourage of silhouettes making their way into position. The time has come to go nuts. Lights go on across the stage set and Wesley Schultz and crew announce their arrival with 2016s “Cleopatra,” “Flowers in Your Hair,” and the big “Ho Hey.”
With a stage full of musicians, there was never a shortage of entertainment to keep an eye on, or at least try to. Jeremiah Fraites ( drums/percussion, piano, mandolin, vocals), Stelth Ulvang (piano, keys, accordion, mandolin, guitar, percussion, vocals), Byron Isaacs (bass, guitar, vocals), Brandon Miller (guitar, mandolin, percussion), and Lauren Jacobsen (strings, piano, vocals). This line up screams excitement, and The Lumineers brought it all night long, with each musician displaying their talents. There wasn’t a single person here that didn’t bring the energy, and they all had a blast on stage.
Covering a good set of shows at Darien Lake this summer, I have heard some loud fans singing along with the acts. But, let me tell you this. The fans for this show blew everyone else away. There was no competition. During at least three songs, the crowd was so loud, it nearly drowned out the act on stage. Songs like “Gloria” and “Ophelia” were echoed right back to Wesley and Jeremiah as they belted out the lyrics.
Combining pop with classic Americana and a little bluegrass may not seem the norm. However, this group of amazing artists have been making it work for several years now, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Wesley as gathered a strong support group around him and Jeremiah and the cohesive chemistry you see on the stage is flawless. While I have heard the music before, I would have never called myself a fan. After seeing the performance with nearly 20 thousand other fans, I am hooked. Stage presence, subtle sounds, and high energy are keys to a good show, and The Lumineers put all of that and then some on display.
Set list: Cleopatra, Flowers in Your Hair, Ho Hey, Angela, WHERE ARE WE, Dead Sea, A.M. Radio, My Cell, Slow it Down, Charlie Boy, BRIGHTSIDE, Gloria, Sleep on The Floor, Ophelia, Leader of the Landslide/You Can’t Always Get What You Want, Salt and Sea, Birthday, Big Parade, Donna, Submarines, Remington, Reprise, Stubborn Love
As the sky transitioned from a vibrant blue to hues of pink and orange, the scene was set for The Chicks, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks. The trio, consisting of Natalie Maines, Emily Strayer, and Martie Maguire, had captured the hearts of audiences for decades with their harmonious blend of country, folk, and Americana music. This is the first tour under the bands new name.
The Chicks performing at CMAC on August 11, 2023
The mood was elevated as the show’s opener, the venerable Ben Harper, took to the stage. Known for his soulful blend of folk, rock, and blues, Harper’s performance was nothing short of electrifying. His masterful guitar skills and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with the audience, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Harper’s ability to effortlessly weave together messages of love, unity, and introspection with his dynamic musical talents showcased his status as a true artist.
As the night unfolded, one thing became abundantly clear: The Chicks were not only there to entertain but to connect. Each song was a chapter in a story, an invitation to experience life’s highs and lows, love and heartache, resilience and redemption. The beauty of their music lies in its universality, and that night, it felt like the crowd was singing their own stories through every lyric.
One remarkable aspect of the performance was the synchronization of visual elements with the music. As The Chicks’ harmonies soared, the backdrop came alive with breathtaking visuals that amplified the emotions of each song. From nostalgic montages to evocative animations, the visual journey was a mesmerizing accompaniment to their already stirring music.
The Chicks’ onstage chemistry was undeniable, a testament to the camaraderie they’ve cultivated over their illustrious career. The seamless blend of Natalie Maines’ commanding vocals, Emily Strayer’s masterful guitar work, and Martie Maguire’s virtuosic fiddling created a musical tapestry that captivated every corner of the venue.
In a world where music has the power to transcend, The Chicks’ performance at CMAC was a testament to the enduring magic of live music. Their harmonies echoed in the hearts of 14,000+ overjoyed fans as they danced under the stars, creating an evening of empowerment, connection, and artistry that will resonate for years to come.
Setlist: Gaslighter, Sin Wagon, Texas Man, Julianna Calm Down, Talking The Long Way, My Best Friend’s Weddings, Sleep At Night, Ready To Run, Top Of The World (Patty Griffin Cover), Wide Open Spaces, Tights On My Boat, Daddy Lessons/Long Time Gone, Cowboy Take Me Away, Landslide (Fleetwood Mac Cover), Rainbowland (Miley Cyrus Cover), Don’t Let Me Die In Florida, March March, For Her, Everybody Loves You, White Trash Wedding, Not Ready to Make Nice, Goodbye Earl.
The book dives into the history of the Brothers and Sisters album, the Allman Brothers Band’s best-selling album with an influential cultural and musical legacy. Alan Paul notably includes never-before-heard interviews conducted by Kirk West, the Allman Brothers Band’s “Tour Mystic.” Stories within feature familiar faces like Jimmy Carter, Cher, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, and Susan Sarandon.
Several chapters are dedicated to the Summer Jam at Watkins Glen in 1973. The event drew in 600,000 attendants near the small town of Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes region. It has been remembered as a record-smasher in terms of size and legacy.
The Summer Jam at Watkins Glen in 1973.
Alan Paul himself also is a part of the tribute band Friends of the Brothers, in which the members were closely associated with the original band. They continue to bring the sounds of the Allman Brothers Band to new audiences and will play on July 29 at Lincoln Farms to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Watkins Glen as well as on July 30 to promote the book at the City Winery in New York City. More details after the interview.
New York State Music interviewed Paul before the release of the book. The following is a trimmed-down transcript of that interview which discusses Paul’s inspiration, his thoughts on the Brothers and Sisters album, details from his research, and more.
NYS Music: You’re involved in celebrating the Allman Brothers Band through the Friends of the Brothers, but what made you come back and write “Brothers and Sisters?” Did you feel like something missing from “One Way Out,” or was there just a different story you wanted to tell?
Paul: It’s not so much missing from “One Way Out” as… it came out of a conversation I had with Brad Tolinski, who was the long-time editor of Guitar World… it just came up and he was just egging me on. I said “I’ve said my Allman Brother piece,” and he said, “No man, there’s more to say.” He was egging me on and said “Look, the 50th anniversary of Brothers and Sisters is coming up and I feel like it’s just still so unexplored.” I started thinking about it and digging into it a bit, and I came to think he was right.
It really was the most popular era, and it holds up really well. It’s not like it’s being such an era piece that it’s an embarrassment now… and yet it was an era that was largely forgotten, even by the band’s biggest fans.
NYSM: Of course, Brothers and Sisters is a very influential album. For you, personally, what made you want to pursue writing about it specifically? What does it mean to you?
Paul: When I write these books… I dig in really really deep, so I throw myself into it for a year or two. I really have to like the music, first of all. It also has to be a great story because it is in writing, it is a book. It’s not just like “Oh, this album is great. Isn’t it great?” You can’t say that for hundreds of pages. There has to be a story and a plot. I just found this whole era very intriguing. And again, as I said, it was unusual because it was really popular, really vital, and yet it was sort of unexplored.
Then we had this type of lineup with one guitar and keyboards during this period. The rest of the time they were a two guitar band. I think that is also why fans overlook it, and it ended pretty ugly, which I document pretty thoroughly…. I feel like people ended up focused on the end and the ugliness of the era rather than the beginning of the era and how cool it was.
NYSM: Something that really caught my eye were the interviews, including the never-before-heard interviews by Kirk West. How did you get access to them or find out about their existence?
Paul: Kirk West has been a friend for 30 years… Kirk was the “tour mystic” for the Allman Brothers. The title came about because he was the tour manager, but he did so much more than the average tour manager that he needed a special name… he was their historian or archivist.
He told me that he had been working on a book. At that point it was the early ’90s… he said that he was writing a book on the band and he was doing all of these interviews. I started asking him to write a sample chapter for Guitar World. My thought at that point was that this would be a good story for Guitar World…. He eventually said “I love the idea, but I’m not really a writer and I don’t have time. But I can collaborate on it with someone.” That someone became me.
I called Kirk and asked what he thought about [“Brothers and Sisters”]. He was very enthusiastic, and we would talk about it. Very early in that process, after that, he offered me and said “Would you like to have my interview tapes?” Of course I said yes, and they were a gold mine… it was an honor and a privilege to have access to them.
NYSM: Among those interviews, was there anything that you found, maybe not necessarily surprising, but something that you were just very interested in? A new perspective or something like that?
Paul: I mean, there was so much of that really, that its hard to pinpoint, but there were a specific things that were quite amazing. I had a good relationship with Gregg [Allman] and I interviewed him many many times. There were certain things that you just sort of knew, either because you were told or just knew that they were off-limits… he went there with Kirk.
For instance, the relationship with Cher, I felt I was able to have a real depth to the way I wrote about it… Gregg talked about it so much in ways that he really never did again afterwards. That was one of the things you couldn’t really expect of Gregg. Another one of those things was the drug trial.
The other thing was interviews with a few people who are deceased, including Gregg, but I had a lot of great stuff from Gregg… so there would’ve been ways to get around that. Just for instance, Steve Massarsky… he was their manager, he was the lawyer who came in and helped them sort out the mess that the business had become and take on, ultimately, their manager Phil Walden… [Also] Bill Graham, the great promoter who was very very important to the Allman Brothers, and to the Grateful Dead, and to Watkins Glen.
Paul: Jimmy Carter himself has said many times that he would never have been president without the Allman Brothers… they were central to the whole thing… and that was for a variety of reasons. The most direct, most obvious reason is that they raised a lot of money for him…They really helped raise his profile at a time when he was completely unknown.
[Manager Phil Walden] was an early Carter supporter and he was the one who was crucial in getting these guys behind them. Once they were, they really were all in. It wasn’t just something they threw off, it wasn’t a matter of convenience, and it wasn’t a matter of just pleasing Phil Walden… it was because they really really genuinely like Jimmy Carter.
NYSM: For those that may be interested, in diving into the histories of these iconic bands, where would you advise them to go, and what would you advise them to read, beyond your wonderful biographies?
Paul: So obviously they have to start with my books, but it depends on what their interests are… It’s just like listening to music for me. A lot of people got into the blues because they liked the Allman Brothers… Writing is the same way. If you read my books and you like them, then take the part you like and dig deeper.
I try to write in a way so that you will have a better understanding of music… but also of the era and of other people… that’s my goal, I hope I pull it off. Keep reading, keep digging deeper, whatever the aspect is that is most intriguing to you, read more about it.
On July 29, Alan Paul and Friends of the Brothers will be playing at Summer Jam ’23 at Lincoln Hill Farms, NY to celebrate 50 years since Watkins Glen. It will also feature the Grateful Dead tribute band Terrapin Flyer and The Band tribute The THE BAND Band. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. start and tickets are available here.
On July 30, Alan Paul will be at a “Brothers and Sisters” book event at City Winery in NYC, which will feature a book signing, author Q&A, as well as a musical performance featuring Duane Betts, Lamar Williams Jr., Johnny Stachela, Vaylor Trucks, Friends of the Brothers, and more. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with an 8:00 p.m. start. Information and tickets can be found here.
Indie-pop singer/songwriter Luke Mock released his chill yet upbeat single “What You Deserve,” featuring irresistible vocal harmonies, catchy lyrics, and groovy instrumentals.
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. With honesty and diving into his personal side at the core of Mock’s music, he forges connections and resonates with others. Compared to the likes of Shawn Mendes, Charlie Puth, and Julia Michaels, his captivating vocals and infectious pop music elements captivate audiences.
“What You Deserve” is not your typical sad pop song, instead Luke Mock opts for an upbeat feel to the composition. Produced entirely by him with the help of a few friends, the song is professional and well thought out. The single is about Mock reflecting on a past relationship where he felt unable to provide his partner with what they deserved, primarily due to bad timing and his own journey of self-discovery, with elements of upbeat madness and sadness.
The song immediately brings you in with an upbeat guitar and percussion, inviting the listener into his melancholy world. Fading just as fast as it started, Mock brings in his acoustic guitar, hitting your ears with his soft yet powerful vocals. Singing, “It was the wrong time/For you to walk in my life/I just couldn’t suffice/Something ’bout it all didn’t feel right,” he reflects on how he couldn’t give his partner what they needed, and it was the wrong place and wrong time. Simple yet complex, the lyrics tear at your heartstrings and leave you tearful.
As he brings you through the first verse, the chorus suddenly pounds in your ears with infectious guitars and upbeat percussion, with overlaying harmonies. Keeping these instrumentals into the second verse, Mock sings, “It’s been a long time//Since I met someone with your heart/Oh baby right from the start/You reached your hand out but I was too far.” Although these lyrics are sad, he doesn’t let you feel that way with his energetic backing guitars and pop sensibilities. He could not give the person “what they deserve,” as the rest of the song keeps this steady rhythm, Mock tells the tragic story but adds a hopeful tone for his future.
Luke Mock’s new song “What You Deserve” is available on all streaming services. For more information about him and to see him live, visit here.
Sam Hunt rolled into Darien Lake on July 15 with his “On The Outskirts” tour. The tour was properly named for this night, as uncertain and potentially rough weather was on the outskirts of town and patiently waiting for the right moment to burst. Luckily, though, the rough weather held off as only light rains fell during the latter part of the night. Sharing the stage on this night were up and coming Lily Rose and well established Brett Young.
Amping up the crowd first was Atlanta’s Lily Rose, playing for about 30 minutes. Thanks to Tik Tok and hashtags, we are finally getting to really know Rose. After several years of working on her music career and not getting too far, Rose uploaded a video of “Villian” to Tik Tok with #lesbiansinger in December 2020. With that, she was subsequently signed and launched her career.
“Villian” is one of those songs that nearly everyone can relate to. Stories or rumors start to circulate around with only one side of a story being known or told. As she belts out the song for the crowd, you can see a larger number of women throughout the crowd laughing and smiling, as they know what the song is about.
Next up was Young. A former baseball standout, Young has taken the country music scene by storm since 2016’s self-titled EP. The 2018 Academy of Country Music Award winner for Best New Male Vocalist rocked the stage for roughly an hour, telling stories and serenading the crowd with hits such as “Mercy”, “In Case You Didn’t Know’, “Like I Loved You.” Playing through obvious pain, Young was seated for most his set on a set of steps on the stage. Luckily for those in attendance, this added an element to his set that really stepped up the show. Sometimes it the simple things really make a difference.
Another former athlete, Hunt takes the stage for these patient fans around 9:20 and continues on for nearly 90 minutes. Soon after coming to realization that he would not be quarterback in the NFL, he picked up a guitar and began his venture in the music world.
Coming out into view atop the stairs the Brett Young did most of his set from, Hunt breaks out into “Raised On It” and “House Party.” The crowd is instantly into this, as I have to duck under hands, beers, and bras while photographing. The photo pit never disappoints.
During “House Party” Hunt leaves the stage to walk around and get up close and personal with his fans, even signing someone’s CD from the front row. He makes a leisurely loop around front section of seats and makes his way back to stage on the other side, again signing an autograph or two.
Released in 2014, his first EP was released and debuted in the top 40 of the Billboard top 200 and was also number 5 on Billboard Top Country Albums chart. Darien Lake was treated to “Leave The Night On”, his eventual number one single from his debut EP. Within a few notes of the song starting, the crowd was going bonkers. A group of college aged ladies near me were standing in their seats, dancing away, hands raised high and screaming the lyrics.
Typically, those in the back sections and lawn seats are left without the experience of seeing an artist up close. Hunt does not like that, so he sets up little stage behind the sound booth and plays a little set from there. Fans in the cheap seats at Darien Lake were treated to a little more intimate show, albeit for 3 songs “Take Your Time”, “Cop Car” (Keith Urban cover) and “Wishful Drinking”. The personal touch he gives these songs and the setting in which he does it were absolutely perfect as the crowd in the back really showed their appreciation by standing there and just listening, rather than screaming and belting out the lyrics. A real class act by Sam.
As the night goes on, the rain begins to fall. Nothing crazy, but enough. Fans toughed it out as Hunt finished his set with “Ex To See” and “Body Like a Back Road”. Thankfully the rough weather that was once On The Outskirts, has now passed without incident.
Brett YoungBrett YoungBrett YoungBrett YoungBrett YoungBrett YoungBrett Young
Another beautiful summer night on the shores of Canandaigua Lake enjoying some live music at CMAC. Such was the fate for the thousands of fans who filled the shell and lawn for the Tedeschi Trucks Band show Tuesday night. What could be better?
The stage would also be filled to the max. Reggae great Ziggy Marley and his ten-piece band would command the stage for an hour-long opening set before the Tedeschi Trucks Band would take over, besting Marley with their unit of twelve. At nights end however a band of eighteen would be serenading the audience. Six from Marley’s band would join the headliners for a raucous encore of a mashup of Sly and the Family Stone’s “Sing a Simple Song” and “I Want to Take You Higher.”
Like a series finale, all the story lines from the evening came to a head at once, resolving in highly entertaining fashion. Mini-jams broke out all over: a keyboard duel, a 2-man bass-off, a drums and percussion battle, a triple guitar threat, horns aplenty, and a handful of vocalists directing it all to a t. The entire audience was on their feet, amazed at how they managed to wrap up the evening so perfectly.
Watching it unravel song by song, it was a lot to binge in just one evening. Marley flexed his heritage in the opening set, getting properly political with the dark dub of “See Dem Fake Leaders” and “Justice,” which effortlessly worked in splashes of his father’s “Get Up Stand Up.” Those contrasted nicely with the sunnier “We Are the People” and “Circle of Peace.” His two female backup singers added some edge with rapping over “The Lucky One” and the soulful closer “Look Who’s Dancin’” while also exhibiting some entrancingly good dance moves.
The intrigue was set, it was time for the main act. The Tedeschi Trucks Band worked a solid groove on Joe Cocker’s “Woman to Woman,” using it as a quasi walk-out tune for Susan Tedeschi. When she finally took the stage, she immediately commanded it, her incredible voice carrying over all else. She would continue to be the person of interest in the following “Anyhow,” ripping a rocking solo reminiscent of Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy.”
Each ensuing song would bring different members of the endlessly talented ensemble into the spotlight. Piece by piece the story of the band would come together, all working toward that grand finale. The three segments of the band, be it Tedeschi, Truck, or Band, got equal time and each had their highlights. Tedeschi’s voice shined brightest on “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright,” just crackling and soaring. Trucks’ guitar found no better time to growl, stretch and moan then the set-closing “I Want More / Beck’s Bolero” combo. The drummers took over on Dr. John’s “I Walk On Guilded Splinters,” blasting low rumbles leaving the rest of the band hanging on and hanging in. Keyboardist Gabe Dixon took a turn on the vocals and highlighted his playing on the New Orleans soaked “Gravity.” Saxophonist Kebbi Williams got his turn on the retro soul groover “Part of Me,” and also got to tangle for a spell with Trucks, Dixon, and bassist Brandon Boone on a gorgeous “Midnight in Harlem.”
Whatever they made it out on a Tuesday night for, be it Tedeschi, Trucks, or any and all of the band, there’s not a chance anyone went home unsatisfied. And now the difficult wait for the next season to get released so we can binge on their talents all over again.
With their second big show of the year in three days, CMAC dodged a huge storm by Mother Nature to let Darius Rucker bring his “Starting Fires” tour into the Finger Lakes region. Darius making a return stop at CMAC after playing here in 2021 made it a night worth remembering. This was the third date of his 20 city “Starting Fires” tour.
Up and coming act Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors brought their contemporary style of Nashville country to the stage as the opening act as Darius got things going around 9:15.
Darius Rucker opened the night with “Have a Good Time” followed by a crowd favorite “Beers & Sunshine” and then “Drinking & Dialing.”
Paying tribute to John Mellencamp, Rucker then did his version of “Pink Houses” that was very well received. For Hootie & the Blowfish fans, Darius also sang some of his old classics, “Hold my Hand”, and “Let Her Cry.”
Since leaving the Grammy Award-winning Hootie and the Blowfish, whose debut album “Cracked Rear View remains in the top 10 albums sold of all time, Darius has become one the top country stars today. Since releasing his first country LP in 2008 Darius has four # 1 albums on the Billboard Country charts, plus 10 #1 singles.
For those at CMAC waiting to hear his biggest country hit “ Wagon Wheel” they had to wait till the end of the night as it was the third of three encore songs which came after “Valerie“ and “ Hands on me.”
The “Starting Fires” tour continues with shows July 13th & 14 with shows at Q Casinos Backwater Stage in Dubuque, Iowa and Windy City smokeout respectively. For more info on Darius turn to his website at www.dariusrucker.com
Santana made his eighth visit, and first since 2017, back at CMAC in Canandaigua on Thursday, June 22, part of his 1001 Rainbows tour and to open up the season for the venue. The shed was packed and so was the stage, as Carlos always has a hefty crew along to bring his unique fusion of Latin and rock music to fruition.
This time at CMAC, Santana had Ray Green on vocals and trombone, Andy Vargas on vocals, Benny Rietveld on bass, David Matthews on keys, Tommy Anthony on guitar, Paoli Mejias on congas, the great Karl Perrazo on percussion, and Santana’s wife, Cindy Blackman Santana on one of the biggest drum kits you’ll see.
With puffs of smoke filling the air, and tribal music and videos playing on a huge screen, they all took the stage, picking up the beat and launching into “Soul Sacrifice.” A sizeable rhythm section break, an organ solo, some trombone, and of course Santana’s signature searing guitar all made the rounds from the get-go.
There was no holding back and no wasted time. With no pause they launched into “Jingo” and from there “Evil Ways.” A trio of tunes off Santana’s 1969 debut, songs he must have played as much as anyone has played the same songs ever. Yet they were played with fire and urgency, Santana giving his ensemble direction with glances, nods and motions. The early hit train kept rolling along with “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Woman” and “Oye Como Va” as classic Santana footage played over the screens. A long line of musical history still delighting and energizing.
“Our goal is to flood you with enthusiasm,” Santana announced at the first of only a few very short breaks. Later he urged the crowd to “Elevate the consciousness of the planet to stop the corruption.”
The band continued to work through Santana’s vast catalog, seemingly chronologically. A big hit of the mid 70’s followed, with “Everybody’s Everything” including a ripping bass solo, “Europa,” “Batuka,” and “No One To Depend On” with a particularly fiery solo from Santana.
The second half of the show belonged almost solely to their late 90’s hit album, Supernatural, with “(Da Le) Yaleo,” “Put Your Lights On,” “Corazon Espinado” and “Maria Maria” all making big splashes with the audience.
With a massive catalog to draw from, they still found plenty of room to pay tribute to other musical heroes. A subtle tease of his friend Mahavishnu John McLaughlin here, and few riffs from The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” there. A seemingly random mash-up of James Brown’s “Funky Good Time,” The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” and The Chambers Brothers’ “Love Peace and Happiness,” may have just been an excuse for Santana to squeeze in some final unadulterated guitar shredding into the encore.
Though the encore showstopper was handed to his wife, as she was granted a massive drum solo that brought the house down. Carlos has been around long enough to know how to put on one a hell of a rock show, and how to go home with happy wife.
Andy Vargas back up singerRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos SantanaRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos SantanaPaoli Mejias, drumsRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos Santana with drummer Karl Perazzo in the backgroundRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos Santana plays to a excited crowd with drummer Karl PerazzoCindy Blackman Santana drummer Carlos Santana plays along with guitarist Tommy AnthonyCindy Blackman Santana drummerBenny Rietveld, bass
Horn and percussion were powered and individually formed by NYC subway supergroup Lucky Moon Zooz, comprised of Lucky Chops, Moon Hooch, and Too Many Zooz. The group finished off their recent tour with a stop to Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua on June 11.
A project years in the making, the LMZ live show featured each band performing in their usual configurations as well as a host of new combinations of the various bandsâ personnel. Drawing from their shared roots busking in the NYC subway to their years touring the world, this was the brass fueled evening to remember.
Their live show featured each band performing in their original configurations as well as a host of various impromptu combinations of each bands performers finally finishing up the night with all three bands performing together in their entirety.
Luke Bryan gets his Country On at Darien Lake as his 4 month long tour makes stop in Western NY. Coming off a boisterous and packed house in Syracuse, Bryan coasted into Darien Lake Theme Park with special guests Alana Springsteen (no relation to the famous New Jersey guy), Chayce Beckham, and Tyler Braden.
With over 15 million album sales under his belt, 30 #1 hits, and 20 billion streams, the native of Georgia is no stranger to success and the crowds that come with it. The packed house at this Live Nation venue in Corfu, NY was proof of that as the crowd was on their feet for his entire set, singing along to nearly every word.
Opening the night for Bryan was Alana Springsteen. Newer to the music scene, Springsteen has released a few EPs since her debut in 2019, and in July 2023 will be releasing TWENTY SOMETHING: Figuring It Out. The first single, “When We Were Friends”, was just released this week and of course she belted it out for the crowd at Darien Lake. The song is about hardships among friends which many can and will relate to.
Used to wear each other’s sneakers // Get drunk behind the bleachers // Raise some hell, but we always said amen // I knew who you were kissin’ // What tattoo you were gettin’ // Now I don’t even know how you’ve been // Truth is, I miss when // When we were friends
A little Miranda Lambert, a little Chirstina Aguilera, and a whole lot of fire, Springsteen sang her heart our for about 25 minutes, preparing the fans for who was following her.
Next up to the stage, came Chayce Beckham. Imagine being a forklift operator and deciding to enter a singing competition on national television. Imagine being told by Katy Perry that you “sound like the heart of America”. Imaging singing a song you wrote and having that be the reason you won American Idol. This was the path that led Chayce Beckham to where he is now. He no longer is a forklift operator.
Serenading young and old alike, Beckham confidently kicked some ass on this stage, getting some hand shakes and fist bumps from fans. Sultry voice, with some slicked back hair, thoughts of early Johnny Cash, and maybe some Chris Isaak are sure to enter your mind as this 27 year old belts out lyrics from his song “23”
Following Beckham, Tyler Braden strutted around on the stage for another 25 minute set. The former firefighter has been raising eyebrows for about 7 years as he makes his presence know. Go watch him on stage for one set, and you will be forever hooked. Luke Combs-esque looks and smooth vocals will make Braden a household name very soon.
Where the longnecks don’t get hot in our hands The bar keeps doublin’ down on doubles It ain’t hard to find a little trouble
Neon Grave – Tyler Braden
Released in early 2023, Neon Grave is the latest EP that features the title track along with “Try Losing One”, “Middle Man,” “Wrong Right Now,” and “Choose Me,” Check out more of Tyler Facebook
I first saw Luke Bryan about 10 years ago. I don’t recall much of the night, honestly, but that story isn’t for publication. What I do recall is that Bryan got the crowd jumping, hooting and hollering immediately and never let off the gas. This night was no different in that regard.
From his first notes of “Kick The Dust Up” to his last notes of “Light it Up” Bryan had the entire seated crowd of 6400 and the extras in the lawn up and dancing around. The glow of cell phone screens filled the amphitheater and the subtle smells of vapes, pot, and spilled beer were prevalent as Luke was “Knockin Boots” on stage for close to 2 hours.
Starting around 905, the stage and house lights went dark as the crowd suddenly erupted in massive screams and cheers. We heard a little mash up of Luke Bryan songs as the curtains were pulled back and light filled the stage with light and finally Luke Bryan as he started off his set with a “Kick The Dust Up”
Along with his infamous dance moves and thought-provoking lyrics, Luke Bryan shows also boast quite a picture/light show throughout his performances. Each song is paired perfectly with proper graphics and/or light shows on large screens behind him. “Roller Coaster”, an appropriate theme for this venue, displays large coaster on the backdrop, complete with matching sounds. Other songs like “I Don’t Want This Night to End” show clips from music videos. While “Country On”, Luke’s most recent chart topper, the screen becomes an ode to service people.
With that song coming to an end, Luke called out Shannon from the pit area and brought her up on stage with him has he thanked her husband for his active duty service. Of course, this can’t be done without a surprise, right? Shannon’s husband Jeff came out from back stage and was welcomed by not only Shannon but the rambunctious crowd. Chants of USA were heard throughout the seating area. Very touching moment that brought tear to many eyes.
As Bryan continued playing until nearly 11pm, the fans kept getting louder and more active as they were dancing in all the aisles. As much as the ushers tried, these active fans were not clearing out. Ushers near me eventually gave in and began dancing along to the music.
Having been signed to music labels since 2017, Luke spent time prior to that writing songs for the likes of Travis Tritt and Billy Currington. With this experience, Bryan has nearly 40 musical awards, 10 headliner tours, and has played countless festivals and spring break events. Its no wonder why he has become one of the most famous acts in country music history. Keep up Luke as he continues his current tour and his subsequent ones. Farm Tour 2023 (lukebryan.com)
Setlist: Kick the Dust Up, What Makes You Country, Knockin’ Boots, Roller Coaster, But I Got a Beer in My Hand, Strip it Down, Rain is a Good Thing, Games, Country On, One Margarita, Sunrise/Sunburn/Sunset, Huntin’/Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day, I Don’t Want This Night to End, Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye, Buy Dirt (Jordain Davis), Play it Again, What She Wants Tonight, Down to One, I See You, Light It Up, Country Girl (Shake it For Me), That’s My Kind of Night
