A fine Brooklyn Bowl tradition, The Hold Steadywill be returning with a four night residency at the famed venue from November 29 to December 2.
The Hold Steady is a Brooklyn-based band that has performed in all 50 states and throughout Canada, Europe and Australia. A band upholding the values and integrity of indie and punk rock, The Hold Steady embrace rock classicism, fusing the bar band vigor of the Replacements with the epic-scale musical backdrops of Bruce Springsteen, while vocalist Craig Finn spilled out stories that were as impassioned as they were unpretentiously literate.
The Hold Steady have attracted a fervently dedicated following who embraced the beery, anthemic style of their debut album, 2004’s Almost Killed Me. They refined their music and lyrical stance while increasing their guitar on 2014’s ambitious Teeth Dreams, and they explored an alienated culture with near-operatic sweep on 2021’s Open Door Policy and 2023’s The Price of Progress.
Friends & fans filled the Brooklyn Bowl on Monday, November 6, to celebrate James Casey‘s rich musical legacy by playing songs he loved. His dear friends Louis Cato, Nikki Glaspie, and Trey Anastasio Band led performances, joined by dozens of his musical cohorts to honor his memory and life of music.
Casey wanted a party, not a funeral, so Peter Shapiro obliged his last wishes by hosting his memorial celebration at his Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg. Proceeds from the event benefit the two organizations which helped Casey after he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021, the CCAand the ABGH. The 3 hour concert was livestreamed on Fans.Live, and will stay up until Sunday night.
Music Director and multi-instrumentalist Louis Cato led The Late Show Band, showcasing songs from Casey’s favorites from Sly and the Family Stone, along with songs from Casey & Cato’s bands, Animus Rexx, and Six Figures. The Trey Anastasio Band spearheaded a 4-song set which included some of James’ favorite songs. Nikki Glaspie led an all-star lineup that included members of Lettuce, Snarky Puppy, Animus Rexx, TAB, John Brown’s Body, Six Figures, and many others to play songs from Earth Wind & Fire, Sly and the Family Stone, Parliament Funkadelic. At the end of her band’s set, Nikki pulled nearly everyone on stage for a Go-Go medley, setting a new record for the most people on stage at any Brooklyn Bowl. Raydar Ellis DJed during band downtimes, curating selections from James’ favorite songs and artists.
Brooklyn Bowl owner Peter Shapiro introduced the night’s festivities with how important James was to him and his friends & family whose lives James graced. Shapiro smiled as he shared somber words while holding back tears, “Do you guys feel this in the air right now? Because that’s James Casey. And we were fortunate to have James play on this stage many times. And when I think of James here, I look over … it’s right about there (points to bowling lanes), ‘cuz James would come off the stage, maybe sitting in with Soulive at Bowlive, and I’d be right over there. And the feeling of hugging it out with James Casey … right by the stage was probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in my life: that strength…that smile. And I’m so glad that tonight James Casey is selling out the Brooklyn Bowl.” as fans applauded, with few dry eyes in the room.
Shapiro continued, “I love that guy and we miss him, but he wanted to party, and the energy in here feels like a party, but a special one. So we want to thank you guys and everyone that’s here, particularly Ayla (his wife)and James’ family to trust us for hosting this night.” Shapiro then introduced the host of the evening, Sirius XM‘s Phish Radio host, Ari Fink, who warmed up the crowd with a resounding, “Let’s GOOOOO!!!” Fink quipped, “I …want to thank Bill Graham…I mean, Pete Shapiro (fans chuckle) for the wonderful introduction, for having us, and to Ayla, PJ, Margaret, Richard, Britten … and the entire crew…” (cheers) Fink told the fans to wave to their friends watching from home. Fink shared philosophy about how we process grief:
“There’s a common misconception about grief. Most people think it’s about letting go, but it’s actually quite the opposite. It’s really more about holding on. And James made that so easy for us. Every note he played had just the right amount of power & precision, placed perfectly into the flow of that moment. And it would enhance it, like noone else. Same thing when you spoke to him. So now, with us here in this moment, we’re holding on to his fierce spirit, wry sense of humor, unmatched musical empathy, and enough swagger to fill an entire venue”
Ari Fink
Fink continued to tell the fans that both he and Casey grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and that he first met Casey back in 2013 when he was launching his new band, Animus Rexx, which was so good (“the greatest ish I’ve ever heard in my entire life”) that Fink was inspired to help them get started. And after that, Fink had Casey as a frequent guest on Sirius XM, where he shared another story with the audience:
“Now over the next decade, James was a frequent guest on Sirius XM, he would come up and kick it, and we would call each other to talk about our latest projects, share guidance, and talk about trials & tribulations of the music industry (by the way, which, there are a lot of). For both of us, you know, we easily were able to get through all of the surface stuff and cut right to the core. He always asked about my family. But the most amazing part about James on Sirius XM… the craziest thing would happen. Every time we sat down, my voice would relax, and..it would naturally start to drop, like almost a full octave at a time, because it was just like (points down)… he was that amazing to talk to. And normally it’s my job to make people feel comfortable on the air, but James had an unmatched ability to do just that for me. And when I listen back to those moments, it’s clear. We were locked in, the flow state was all the way to 100, and it was just real talk, real hangs and lots and lots of laughs. You guys ever heard James laugh? (fans: yeah!) Best laugh of all time!”
Fink’s speech went on for a solid 10 minutes or so, and with fans itching for music, Fink held back a couple of jeers to get to his introduction of the Music Director of the show, and Casey’s dear friend, Louis Cato. (on the livestream, skip ahead to 1:29:36 to jump to when the music starts).
Louis Cato began the music of the evening, saying, “Let’s give it up one time for the man of the hour, James Casey. For all of us that have been, have had had the pleasure of knowing this incredible human being, you know that he’s always been the life of the party, and … as he transitioned into the next phase of his journey, he made it very clear: “I don’t want a funeral, I wanted a party!” I don’t know if I can curse on the stream. (to his keyboard player) can I curse on the stream? (smiles) Jenna …wherever you are, earmuffs! That’s my daughter. Who is also James’ niece. Earmuffs! So, you wanted a party? That’s what the fuck we’re gonna do! C’mon, let’s get it on y’all!!!
The Late Show Band kicked off the music with Sly & the Family Stone’s “Family Affair”, with Cato on guitar & vocals, Reuben Caineron bass, Dave “DJ” Ginyard on bass, Nêgah Santos on percussion & vocals, Randy Runyon on guitar, James Williams on drums, Corey Bernhard on keys, with other friends sitting in and switching various instruments. Cato’s band launched into the night on guitar, calling out solos around the stage, first to his trombonist, followed by a scorching alto sax solo by Louis Fouché, a tasty Hammond B3 solo by Bernhard, then a smoking solo by Runyon, with others soloing in turn until the end of “Family Affair”. Afterwards, Cato then put his guitar down and said:
“So everybody up here on the stage has been.. a friend, and a brother, and a sister, and a bandmate of James, so we had to make sure it goes all the way around (points to sides) so you all get to see the outreach, because we’ve all been changed… by our interactions, our musical relationships, as well as the personal, with this monumental musician. We’re going to do another one, with another iteration .. of a band we used to have together back in the day, called Six Figures. With James is the agreed-upon front man,” as he walked back to sit on the drum kit.
More great solos continued on bass, clavinet, and then the horns left stage, as a film clip from Casey’s band, Animus Rexx was shown (Live from Rockwood Music Hall – Apr. 23, 2014) on the big screen for the audience. In that clip, Casey used his sampler, manipulating & replaying his altered vocal samples, while his bandmates added synth, drums, and bass.
As the side film ended, Cato got back up on the drums and asked the crowd “Are you still with us?” and then Cato’s band with most of Animus Rexx ended the set with their song, “Pleasure” a trippy synth swirl, intriguing, groovy and ethereal. The fans showed their appreciation, though most were hearing it for their first time. Cato’s band ended their set with “The Payback“, with Reuben on sampler, Runyon on guitar, and BigYuki on synth, and Cato filling in on drums for Justin Tyson (who is now with Robert Glasper’s Electric Trio).
After Cato’s set, Ari Fink came back out to give accolades to Animus Rexx, then introduced Casey’s wife, Ayla, who slowly took to the stage, smiling but holding back tears. She said, “Every single person in this room lifted James up in some way, …even right now. And it meant the world to James to live his dream performing and releasing music”. Ayla shared how James kept touring while they fought “the hardest battle of their lives”, and that she was “so grateful for the love that he received.” She said we should know our family history, be our own advocates, arm ourselves with knowledge, and re-emphasize symptoms, get a second opinion if we feel we’re not being heard. Ayla then introduced the President and Co-Founder of the ABGH, Dr. Sophie Balzora, who shared stats on how black people are 20% more likely to get colon cancer and 40% more likely to die from it. She contacted James to ask if he’d help ABGH, which he humbly agreed to. Balzora said that ABGH created a medical education scholarship in his name, to big applause.
Michael Sapienza (CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance) reminded us that colon cancer is the second-most common cancer in the US, and listed the many ways James Casey helped their cause, and that his own mother died of colon cancer. He said we have to change this, but that (Casey’s devotion) was inspiring.
The next band was either the most anticipated or a complete surprise, depending on who you asked before the show. It was a bit of a mystery, since so few artists were announced before showtime. Fink bantered around who might be on next, but soon enough, fans realized their wishes would come true, as he introduced the Trey Anastasio Band, to huge applause. As the band plugged in, Trey simply said “Thanks, everybody!” as TAB tore into a snappy version of “Mozambique“, ended by tight horns, with Zoidis playing in Casey’s spot.
TAB hopped into “Everything’s Right”, as more horn players slinked onstage, with Alecia Chakour and Jo Lampert adding vocals to Jenn and Natalie. “This world, this world, this crazy world I know / it turns, it turns, long night’s over, and the sun’s coming up.” As Trey repeated this, he raised his arms and the fans erupted into a bubbling soup of dancing heads with hands raised into the air. The lights darkened as the song cooled to make space for a warm Zoidis solo, with Trey popping fills between Zoidis’ riffs, building to the end.
Trey shared his thanks for James playing in TAB for 11 years: “We love James, we love you (holding back tears). It’s incomprehensible how much we love James and how grateful we are for every single second we got to be with him. Our friendship with Ayla and James’ amazing family, mom & dad, everyone. Today/tonight has been really… (makes a heart gesture) heart-filling. All the friends from Boston that James met when he was in college who are here tonight, all the friends and family: thank you for being here and celebrating this incredible human being. And now we will play… James’ used to really like singing this song. So we’re going to do a cover here of a song that…I wish that he was here to sing it for you, so you have to use your imagination. We’ll all try to… fill in the blanks a little bit, but he loves singing this song”.
Trey nodded to Russ to start “Express Yourself”, Alecia added her soulful voice to lift the song up where James could see it. Jenn crafted a trumpet solo, as the band loosened up and dance along with the fans. He introduced their friend, Jo Lambert, they hug, play Rise/Come Together, with TAB’s choral family expanding as Erin Boyd and Elenna Canlas hopped up on vocals, and Snarky Puppy’s Mike Maher added his trumpet, ending TAB’s brief set with hugs as they waved away.
Nikki Glaspie brought her super-band onstage with 25-30 or more musicians playing, setting a new Brooklyn Bowl record. 8-10 percussionists were stacked 4 to 5 rows deep on the right, with 7 or 8 horn players on the left, with Nth Power’s and another Wally’s OG, Nate Edgar on bass, Sean Erick on trumpet, Rene del Fierro on guitar (has a band w/ Carlos Santana’s son), three keyboardists (Nigel Hall, Basil Wajdowicz, Elenna Canlas), Angie Swan on guitar, Chris St. Hilaire on drums (London Souls, Black Keys), Lyric Jones, Matty O and Mike Maher on trumpets, also Andrew Marsh on kit, Khris Royal and Chris Ward on saxes, Natalie on trombone, and other horns, percussionists & vocalists.
Nikki tore into the Gospel classic, singing “I Don’t Know What You Come to Do“, with Jenn responding, “I came to celebrate James!” in traditional call-and-response fashion, with backup singers echoing replies. Strangely, after a ripping solo, Angie Swan hoisted her guitar and its neck abruptly folded. We learned it was a Ciari travel guitar, but still aren’t sure if it was a planned stunt or an accident. She re-attached the next and somehow the guitar was still in tune, and finished the song.
Nigel sang lead on “Remember the Children”, by Earth Wind & Fire, after which, Nikki warned “we’re about to get dirty right now!” and “so James being from DC… the greatest music in the world came from Washington, DC, we call it Go-Go music. And we’re gonna play some!” Nigel replied, “Yeah, DC is in the house right now. Southeast is in the house! to which Nikki said “PG county – the greatest county in the world, goddammit!”
Nikki then slid over to kit. After the song got going, Nigel rose from his keys to sing harder. Total chaos ensued for the Go-Go medley, with little room to fit more musicians on stage. Go-Go morphed into funk as they transitioned into “Bop Gun” by P Funk, then a Parliament’s “Flash Light”, with Josh Dion (Paris Monster) up again on lead vocals, a killer Zoidis sax solo, more Go-Go, then “Give Up the Funk” into “Do That Stuff (reprise)” to end their incredible, wild set.
Louis Cato returned for the last set of the evening, reminding us again about James’ journey & battle, sharing somber words about how he felt about James and all they experienced and did together, the fullness of their relationship, while struggling to speak as he got emotional. Cato warned us not to lose our humanity as we strive with our ambition as artists: “James has always been… and I say to me, but know that I’m aware that it’s for all of us, most of us, it has always been both: he consummate musician dedicated to his craft, committed to putting love into the music, always, always, always. (fans clap) And he always put that same love into his friends and gave it to his family. And the two…it’s a rare thing… it’s the biggest thing … about James Casey. He’s always been that rare breed that can engage in music, and spirit, and craft and vocabulary at the highest level, but also meet you where you are, at the highest level. And, it’s changed the path of my life… eternally. And that is why we’re here.”
At this point, Cato called The Finale Band to the stage, with Nikki on drums, as Cato slaps his P-Bass to kick off “I Want To Take You Higher” with Jenn and Alecia and others on vocals, and mostly The Tonight Show band with a few guests who appeared in other sets throughout the evening, with impeccable horn solos and powerful vocals to end the night on a high note of optimism and warm memories of James Casey’s life and contributions to music, friendships, and family.
The Brooklyn Bowl has announced its 12th annual Bowl Hashanah, set for Saturday, Sept. 16, featuring morning services and a number of well-known musicians.
Presented by The Friday Night Jam & FANS.live, the event will kick off at 10:30 AM with Rosh Hashanah morning services led by Rabbi Daniel Brenner with musical director Jeremiah Lockwood, Antibalas’ Jordan McLean (who just wrapped a performance at Newport Jazz Festival), Antibalas’ Timothy Allen, drummer John Bollinger, saxophonist Stuart Bogie and Yula Berri on vocals and bass.
In addition, Taper’s Choice/Darkside member Dave Harrington, Taper’s Choice/Real Estate member Alex Bleeker, Dr. Dog member, and Kevin Morby collaborators Erick Slick and Will Epstein will all make guest appearances. Afro-beat group Armo will also perform a spiritual set. Internationally based teacher Aliza Rivka will lead a guided meditation at each event. After services at 12:30 PM, a lunch will be provided by Blue Ribbon with a ticket purchase.
All proceeds will support the non-profit organization Shalom Y’all Jams, which works to organize holiday services at non-traditional locations.
We have said for years that Brooklyn Bowl is our sanctuary, clubhouse, church and synagogue, so it only makes sense that it has grown into the spiritual home for our musically inclined Rosh Hashanah services over the years. Especially at a time when so many of us have been apart from our friends and family due to the pandemic, we hope that our suite of traditional-but-open-minded-and-inclusive services will allow us to connect with each other as we ‘begin again’ at the start of this new year.
Relix’s Editor-in-Chief Mike Greenhaus
The Brooklyn Bowl was ranked the #1 busiest club in NYC and #7 busiest club in the world in 2017 by Pollstar. Featuring groundbreaking integration of premiere music, 16 lanes of bowling, a bar featuring locally crafted beers, and food by the acclaimed Blue Ribbon restaurant group, the venue, aka “rock and roll heaven” (Village Voice) boasts a sound system and amenities that “no other local rock club can offer” (The New York Times). Environmentally sustainable, the venue is the first L.E.E.D.-certified bowling alley in the world and serves paper straws.
The Friday Night Jam & FANS.live have a number of other spiritually and musically inclined High Holiday Services which can be streamed live here. Each service will be led by Rabbi Daniel Brenner and musical director Jeremiah Lockwood, featuring Antibalas’ Jordan McLean, Yuli Beeri, saxophonist Stuart Bogie, and a full live band. Patti Smith Group’s Lenny Kaye, The Lonesome Prairie Dogs’ Heidi Lieb, and drummer Amir Ziv will also perform live at the Relix Studio during the streams.
Livestream Schedule
Friday, SEPT 15 @ 7:30 PM EST from The Relix Studio
Saturday, SEP 16 @ 10 AM EST from Brooklyn Bowl
Sunday, Sept 24 @ 7:30 PM from The Relix Studio (stream live via Fans.live)
Monday, Sept 25 @ 10 AM from The Relix Studio (stream live via Fans.live)
As part of the event’s anniversary celebration, during the Sunday, Sept. 25 service, Lockwood’s The Sway Machinery will present Hidden Melodies Revealed 15 at Brooklyn Bowl. This new iteration of the concert-ritual will celebrate the widening circles of cantorial revival, and Yiddish experimental expressive culture that have emerged in the last decade. Offering a counterpoint to The Sway Machinery’s futurist sound, a second stage will be set up in the middle of the venue that will host a “radical traditionalist” band performing new arrangements of Jewish ritual music on strings.
For more information on Bowl Hashanah, visit here.
Specialists and Space Carnival, two New York-based bands, will perform at Brooklyn Bowl on August 9. The show will also feature funk fusion group ShwizZ. Since 2017, the venue has not hosted Space Carnival, while Specialists are scheduled to make their Brooklyn Bowl debut.
Specialists
Spanning 23,000 sq. ft. Brooklyn Bowl is one of the most unique and dynamic event spaces in New York. Boasting a bowling alley, music venue, conference space, and much more, the Williamsburg location offers something for everyone.
I saw my first show at the Bowl in 2014, when I was just 16… My 16 year old self cannot believe this.
Specialists’ guitarist Billy
Specialists are a Brooklyn outfit that expertly blend together elements of rock, dance, and funk to create a fun and playful sound. The group puts together high energy performances that showcase the band’s extraordinary songwriting and musicianship. Specialists have performed all over NYC, including shows at Brooklyn Made and Wonder Bar. The band’s style and groove is the perfect sonic addition to any summer day.
Space Carnival
Space Carnival is made up of Jeremy Kraus on guitar, Cameron Fitch on keys and vocals, Chris Meier on bass, and Josh West joining on drums. Originally created in 2013, the Oneonta band has amassed a following for its one-of-a-kind mixture of progressive rock, alternative rock, disco, and funk. 2023 has signaled the return of Space Carnival, as the group has plans to stop at festivals across the country as well as release new music.
Click here for tickets and information about the August 9 performances.
On October 24, 2017, Space Carnival performed their one and only show at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg, packing the house with fans from across the Northeast. Opening the night were two little known bands at the time, Goose and The Southern Belles.
photo by Tom Fucillo
Earlier in 2017, Space Carnival went on their first Midwest tour, linking up with bands across the country for memorable shows and performances. Returning to the Northeast for their first Brooklyn Bowl show. Guitarist Jeremy Kraus recalls the evening:
Being a Tuesday in October, we weren’t sure what to expect as it was our first Brooklyn Bowl show, headlining nonetheless. But we packed the room and had fans travel from all over the Northeast!
Jeremy Kraus
Tom Petty had passed away a few weeks prior, leading Space Carnival to give a nod to the fallen Wilbury with “American Girl.” Following this was two newer tunes, “Pleasure in Sin” and had then-Goose percussionist Aaron Hagele join us for “Queen of Cups.” (Watch below)
After a two song jam-fest, the vibe shifted with a heavier pair of songs, “Mooshbah” -> “Sirius Rising,” and went into a classic pairing of “Rango” -> “Regal Krad”, with an appropriate “All Night Long” encore to celebrate the successful show.
Photo by Amanda Sanwich Photography
Space Carnival took a break in late 2018, parting ways amicably after a strong five year run as a band. The Oneonta group made waves with their disco-funk and prog rock sound and energetic live shows. Prior to this, the group (Jeremy Kraus on Guitar, Cameron Fitch on Keys and Vocals, Chris Meier on Bass, and Nick Tassinari on drums) performed across the Northeast and Midwest at clubs, concert series and music festivals. Listen to the recording here.
If you’re in Albany on July 6, don’t miss Space Carnival as they reunite for their first show in New York in nearly five years, with a show at Lark Hall. Get more info and tickets here.
Space Carnival – Brooklyn Bowl, Williamsburg, NY – October 24, 2017
Setlist: American Girl, Pleasure in Sin-> Queen of Cups, Mooshbah-> Sirius Rising, Yish, Rango->Regal Krad Encore: All Night Long
Dopapod, approaches their 36th year together and has announced their highly anticipated Fall Tour #27.
Nearing four decades together, Dopapod is gearing up to bring their fans a sensational 41st round of captivating performances.
Fall tour will kick off on Sept. 13 in High Point, NC, heading to Atlanta and Nashville, where they have some surprises in store for audiences, with a special improvised performance during the soundcheck.
Dopapod heads up the East Coast to Brooklyn Bowl on Sept. 20, with fans in Hartford, CT on Sept. 24 including an improvised set during soundcheck.
Excitement is at a peak for this tour, with the quality of live Dopapod performances consistently deliver but also exclusive giveaways and opportunities available to fans. Dopapod is giving away signed Megagem/Emit Time/Dopapod test pressings, ensuring lucky winners receive a truly unique piece of their musical history. Additionally, one signed poster will be given away at each show. Merchandise discounts and other surprises are also in store for those who participate. To enter the giveaway, fans simply need to take a screenshot of their presale ticket and email it to streetteam@dopapod.com. Every fan who sends in an email will receive a special gift from the band, making sure that no one leaves empty-handed.
Dopapod emphasizes that buying presale tickets greatly supports the band, and they deeply appreciate the continued backing of their fans. Tickets for the shows are now on sale. Learn more and find tickets to Dopapod’s fall tour at dopapod.com.
Dopapod Fall Tour #27 Dates 9.13- High Point, NC 9.14- Asheville, NC 9.15- Atlanta, GA** 9.16- Nashville TN** 9.19- Charlottesville, VA 9.20- Washington, DC 9.22- Brooklyn, NY 9.23- TBA 9.24- Hartford, CT** 9.26- Burlington, VT 9.27- Burlington, VT** 9.28- Pembroke, MA 9.29- Philadelphia, PA 9.30- Mason, NH
The Rock and Roll Playhouse has announced a special run of shows over Earth Day Weekend benefiting international non-profit Oceanic Global on Saturday April 22 and Sunday, April 23. Featuring the music of Bob Marley and The Grateful Dead, The Rock and Roll Playhouse will bring family fun to 13 different venues across the country where kids and parents can rock out to the classics.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse introduces the next generation to timeless music while providing kids with early music exposure and encouraging creativity. The Playhouse was founded in 2013 at its flagship venue Brooklyn Bowl by Peter Shapiro, entrepreneur and co-owner of the Bowl and owner of The Capitol Theatre, and Amy Striem, a certified Early Childhood and Elementary teacher.
Designed to create opportunities for families to experience live music together in historic venues, The Rock and Roll Playhouse continues to unite families through music with hundreds of unforgettable shows nationwide as the largest national concert series for families where kids can “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon”.
Supporting Oceanic Global on Earth Day Weekend is not just about bringing families together through the power of music, but also about teaching the next generation the importance of preserving our planet. By creating unforgettable experiences for families while supporting a worthy cause, we can inspire a love for music and a passion for environmental activism in our children that will last a lifetime.
Stephen Grybowski, Senior Director of The Rock and Roll Playhouse
Founded in 2016, Oceanic Global reconnects humanity to the ocean as the beating heart of the earth, and provides tangible solutions and blueprints for coexisting in harmony with the natural world. The 501c3 non-profit builds tools, mobilizes communities, and develops educational resources and standards that inspire global action and catalyze cross-sector change.
Tickets are available now, and admission is free for children one years old and under. For more information please visit The Playhouse’s website.
The most prolific and exciting band in the jam scene, this side of Phish, is Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (PPPP), and they brought their rabid flock of fans and patented bevy of groovy tunes to the famous Brooklyn Bowl for the opening night of a 3 night run on April 13th. The 3 hour show showcased the band’s vast talents and was buoyed by a fervent fan base happy to see their favorite band return to New York City. The show was brought to us by Dog Fish Head and Record Store Day.
photo courtesy of Lee Melnikoff
Baltimore-based, Pigeons has been around longer than one might suspect. The members have been performing as a unit for over 15 years. The band formed at University of Maryland when Greg and Jeremy were in the dorms together in 2007 – the boys inform me that Wikipedia has this wrong. Drummer Gator was hired in 2015 to complete the current lineup of Scrambled Greg Ormont (Vocals, rhythm guitar), Jeremy Schon (lead guitar) and Ben Carrey (bass.) Some acts PPPP has opened for include Umphrey’s Mcgee, Moe., Disco Biscuits, String Cheese Incident, and Lotus. Some acts that have opened for PPPP include Goose, Kitchen Dwellers, Tauk, Karina Rykman and Magic Beans. PPPP present their own festival, Domefest, which is highly respected and regarded in the scene.. The band serves up a lively chat of all things PPPP in their FB group appropriately titled, “The Flock.” There is another FB group for merchandise and tickets. The band has released an initial EP and then 5 full length albums that all start with the letter P.
photo courtesy of Lee Melnikoff
Over a tasty dinner, I was able to ask Jeremy and Greg some questions. Greg ordered the salmon – a dish he orders almost every night for dinner on the road because it packs on protein and energy while being easy to digest before the show.
Chadbyrne: What’s the most challenging song you play live and why?
Greg: I find our newest songs are most challenging, especially when they have vocals. I’ve been focusing more on lyrics these days, sometimes finalizing them right before showtime, which makes them tricky to memorize. Instrumentally, our new song “Miyagi” is a doozy.
Jeremy: You’ll know when you hear it!
Chadbyrne: PPPP has blown up in recent years, is there a specific moment when you felt like you “made it”?
Greg: That’s really nice of you to say. I don’t know if I’ll ever truly feel like we “made it” per se, but it was so exciting when we decided to quit our day jobs to pursue music full-time about 12 years ago. I held a few jobs after college, but we were simultaneously touring almost every weekend of the year. We would go on these epic weekend runs and then I’d show up for work just so beat. Eventually we decided it was time to give this thing a real shot and tour full-time, and the fun hasn’t stopped.
Jeremy: Every time I look into the crowd and see people smiling and/or losing themselves to our music, I get that amazing feeling that “we made it”. We’ve had so many awe-inspiring moments at shows and festivals that it’s hard to just pick one, but a few big ones that come to mind are some of our Peach Festival sets, our first headlining shows at the 9:30 Club, and All Good Festival in 2015.
Chadbyrne: As a songwriter, what song are you most proud of and why?
Greg: All of them! Writing music is so fun because you always remember each song’s origin and development. Some ideas develop quickly, others take years, but in both cases it’s so exciting when they’re finally played live because you remember the journey.
Jeremy: I try not to pick favorites, but it’s always a proud moment when I hear people singing along with our songs!
Chadbyrne: If music hadn’t worked out, what profession do you think you would have undertaken?
Greg: I was in sales after college. I had a knack for it, but I wasn’t passionate at all. I don’t know if I could go back to a 9 to 5, but I could see myself getting into real estate as a means to an end to spend more time with my family.
Jeremy: If I didn’t find myself somewhere in the music industry, I’d probably be working some sort of IT job. I have degrees in Marketing and Business Information Systems, in case anyone is wondering the secret behind my playing.
Chadbyrne: Who is your favorite guitarist and why?
Greg: I always keep my ears open for inspiration and don’t play into the favorites game much. That said, I love Nile Rodgers, but I also love Shmeeans from Lettuce, Ryan from The Motet, Dan from Kyle Hollingsworth Band and countless others. They’re all great listeners, unique players, always melodic and in the pocket. Also since we don’t have a keyboardist, I often listen to those elements live. Huge fan of Joey Porter from The Motet and his funky approach on the clavinet, and everything Page from Phish plays.
Jeremy: I’m a huge Phish fan, so I can’t deny that Trey Anastasio has been a huge inspiration – he’s a master of tension/release.
photo courtesy of Lee Melnikoff
“Let Your Cup Overrun”
Yam Yam opened the night. Pigeons took the stage just after 9pm. This was the only night of the run anticipated not to sell out but that was just as well for the hard core members of The Flock in attendance as they were afforded more dancing room. “Distant Times” was the perfect up-tempo opener and the crowd knew all the lyrics. But it was “Live it Up” that was the highlight of the first set. The popular Pigeons staple builds and builds until Jeremy and Greg get locked into a tight call and response ultimately paying off with an exquisite crescendo.
After a Chili Peppers cover, as usual, Fun in Funk provided a spark near the end of the set. PPPP are masters of no matter the genre or the song – they can always find a groove and it is usually danceable. Manny Newman again demonstrated why he is one of the best LDs in music.
photo courtesy of Lee Melnikoff
PPPP is like going to the Circus. Greg is the affable and enthusiastic carnival barker who lures in patrons, Jeremy is the lion tamer guiding and patient who leads the posse to the next level and Ben is the charismatic clown always entertaining the masses with zest.
A highlight of the 2nd set was Gator on the drums – he is a heavy hitter adept at keeping impeccable time behind the kit as best exemplified by his bombastic extended drum solo at the end of “Water.” PPPP should do the soundtrack to a sci-fi film as the music is not of this world. Jeremy continues to demonstrate that he is the most underrated guitarist around – with the fastest fingers in the scene. The show was complete, with even Ben singing a tune. The encore was special with arguably the band’s best tune, “Dawn a New Day.” Upbeat and packed with lyrics ala “Strawberry Letter 23,” it is a lengthy joyous romp and a proper way to end the epic night on a positive note.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – Brooklyn Bowl, Williamsburg – Thursday, April 13
Set 1: Distant Times, Henrietta, Live it Up, Hit the Ground Runnin, Around the World, Overrun, Fun in Funk>Skinner
Set 2: Fall in Place, Water, Beneath the Surface, Bad for You, Melting Lights, Ha ha ha yeah, su casa, schwanthem
Twiddle frontman and reggae singer/songwriter Mihali has announced three shows in the New York metro area this May, presented by Relix.
Over May 12-14, Mihali will perform solo looping sets at Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, then at Brooklyn Bowl the next night. On Sunday, May 14, he’ll return to Port Chester for a full live band performance at Garcia’s.
The appearances follow Twiddle announcing they will go on hiatus following their touring plans this year.
With their eyes set on the State Theatre in Portland, Maine, moe. has just announced they will hold a special 3-night run at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg over May 18-20, wrapping up their winter/spring tour.
Presented by Relix, the run of shows follows the return of guitarist Chuck Garvey to the road full-time following his stroke in 2021, and the more recent announcement that keyboardist Nate Wilson, who first sat in with the band during Garvey’s recovery last year, is now an official member of the band and will perform at all of moe.’s performances, going forward.
A special artist pre-sale for Brooklyn Bowl is currently underway using password WINDITUP – click here for moe information. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, February 17th at 10amET. For ticketing and show info, visit moe.org/tour
moe.’s Winter 2023 Tour will resume with their 2-night run at the State Theatre this weekend, as well as an additional 2-night run at the Palace Theater in Albany, NY on 2/24-25, coinciding with “moe.day” in Albany on 2/24. Select February performances will include an opening set by Karina Rykman.
moe. 2023 Winter Tour Dates Friday, February 17th – State Theatre – Portland, ME* Saturday, February 18th – State Theatre – Portland, ME* Friday, February 24th – Palace Theater – Albany, NY* Saturday, February 25th – Palace Theater – Albany, NY Thursday, March 9th – Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville, TN Friday, March 10th – Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL Saturday, March 11th – Minglewood Hall – Memphis, TN Sunday, March 12th – Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL Wednesday, March 15th – Music Hall – Charleston, SC Thursday, March 16th – The Plaza Live – Orlando, FL Friday, March 17th – Culture Room – Ft. Lauderdale, FL Saturday, March 18th – Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL Sunday, March 19th – PV Concert Hall – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Tuesday, March 21st – Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC Wednesday, March 22nd – Jefferson Theatre – Charlottesville, VA Thursday, March 23rd – The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC Friday, March 24th – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA Saturday, March 25th – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA Friday, April 14th – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT Saturday, April 15th – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT Wednesday, April 26th – Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK Thursday, April 27th – The Echo Lounge – Dallas, TX Friday, April 28th – Paramount Theatre – Austin, TX Saturday, April 29th – Tipitina’s – New Orleans, LA Sunday, April 30th – Tipitina’s – New Orleans, LA Tuesday, May 2nd – JJ’s Live – Fayetteville, AR Wednesday, May 3rd – The Truman – Kansas City, MO Thursday, May 18th – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY Friday, May 19th – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY Saturday, May 20th – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY Thursday, May 25th-Sunday, May 28th – Summer Camp Music Festival – Chillicothe, IL Friday, June 16th – Red Rock Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO^ Saturday, June 17th – Red Rock Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO^ Thursday, July 13th-Saturday, July 15th – 4848 Festival – Snowshoe, WV
