Author: taylor weinberg

Trey Anastasio and Classic TAB close out three nights at Brooklyn Steel

On Thursday, May 23rd, Trey Anastasio and Classic TAB concluded their tour with a 3 night run at Brooklyn Steel, which saw their final show of the May tour sold out. Fans gathered by the masses at the brewery adjacent from the venue and all around the block, waiting in eager anticipation of what was to come.

Trey and Classic TAB traveled far and wide for this tour, going from Canada, to the Midwest, and ending in Brooklyn; it is clear that momentum is on Mr. Anastasio’s side. Fresh off an acclaimed 4 night run at The Sphere, a new album, Evolve on the way, and not to mention a nation wide summer tour, as well as a 4 night festival, Mondegreen, all of which on the horizon, it’s a busy time for Trey. However, he proved without a shadow of doubt that he has no intention of slowing down, regardless how much success he meets. Flanked by longtime collaborators Dezron Douglas on the bass, Ray Paczkowski on keys, and Russ Lawton on the drums, the evening featured an array of classics and bust-outs.

Their first song, “Party Time” foreshadowed the evening with fans swaying from side to side right off the bat. “A Wave Of Hope”, a song featured on the upcoming album, “Evolve”, saw Classic TAB delving into uncharted territory. Other classic tunes such as “Gotta Jibboo, “Stealing Time From The Faulty Plan”, and “Twist”, solidified the evenings themes of a true celebration.

Returning for a second set, Trey and Classic Tab delivered an explosive rendition of “Blaze On”. Keeping the foot on the collective gas pedal, they navigated from “Plasma” to the rare but beloved “Alaska”. The vibe was locked and loaded when “Quantegy” rang out. The whole evening could be compared to a masterclass in the subject of musical exploration. Space, sound, and melodies interchanging, intermingling, and an audience paying such close attention, one could hear a pin drop.

Encores featured, “A Life Beyond the Dream”, and closed with “First Tube”. Fans left encouraged, knowing more music is on the way. Fans of Ray Paczowski and Russ Lawton can see their new project “Lamp” on a limited east coast tour. Fans of Trey can catch him with Phish on tour this summer, which features a 3 night run in Bethel. All tickets are on sale now.

Trey Anastasio – Brooklyn Steel – May 23, 2024

Set 1: Party Time, A Wave of Hope, All Pretending, Gotta Jibboo, Shade, Stealing Time From The Faulty Plan, Where They’ll Find Us, Twist, About to Run

Set 2: Blaze On, Plasma, Alaska, I Never Needed You Like This Before, Quantegy, 46 Days

Encore: A Life Beyond the Dream, First Tube

May 24, 2024
Too Many Zooz returns home to conclude “Retail Therapy Tour”

Brass Power House group Too Many Zooz returned to the scene where it all began on Saturday, April 6 as the trio concluded their self titled album tour in epic fashion.

Retail Therapy is the band’s first album in almost five years, and we had the opportunity to ask one of the bands founding members, Matt Muirhead, about their new album, life for a band that’s been together for 10 years, and what’s next for the acclaimed trio.

The album came together more than a year ago now…generally I think our goal was just to create as much as possible, and then spend the following months trimming the fat and deciding what we wanted to keep and sculpt out, and what to get rid of.
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz

Songs like “Subway Devil Blues” off their latest work and their previously released “Subway Gawds,” the roots of Too Many Zooz can be traced 10 years back to the bustling music scene in the NYC transit system, they all met as working musicians in the subway system. Despite their continued success, the band’s iconic brass and beats sound can still be heard echoing through the tunnels as they busk regularly to this day.

The subway is where we came from. It shaped our music and us as people equally. We’re very grateful for the people of New York for loving us and supporting us to this day.
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz

The band consists of Leo Pellegrino, David “The King of Sludge” Parks, and Matt Muirhead. They self describe their sound as “brasshouse”, and appropriately so. Leo and Matt bring brass of varying tempos while The King of Sludge provides the perpetual beat. The vibe transcends labels as it encorporates a fusion of jazz and percussion with EDM house music. Asking about their songwriting style and process, Matt said the following:

There isn’t a set formula for us-every song is different and how they come to fruition is seemingly unique each time. Of course, over the years you start to develop habits as writers, but we try to approach each song as its own and give it the love and energy it deserves.
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz

The evening at Brooklyn Bowl opened with a strong solo performance by Michael Wilbur, a long time collaborator and frequent guest star. Joining TMZ shortly after his own set, Michael was featured on Retail Therapy, and he has toured alongside them with his own band, Moon Hooch. Michael was not the only guest of the evening, as the band brought out a dynamic percussion duo that brought the evening to a whole new level.

…for me, collaboration is the thing that excites me most about the creation process…. there’s nothing more dismal than sitting in a studio by yourself . Collaborations are such a special and beautiful thing and each one is new and different so for me, I was thrilled to be able to have so many friends on the project.

Even within Too Many Zooz internally, I think what makes our bands sound so unique is the inherent creative collaboration between just the 3 of us- we all have different backgrounds and experiences and we believe in a musical democracy where those sources of inspiration can intertwine, sprout, and grow into something beautiful.
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz

Too Many Zooz went viral in 2014 when a passerby recorded their performance at Union Square Station. Whether it’s their distinguishable sound, or Leo P’s classic showmanship, its clear that they have captured the publics attention, converting viewers into passionate fans. They regularly tour around the country, in the festival circuit, and play abroad. From inside the subways, to venues to around the world, their connection to the fans is undeniable.

I love our fans and am endlessly grateful for them and their support. It blows my mind sometimes how lucky we are to have such loyal fans that continue to show love all these years later. On stage, our connection is immediate . We’re definitely a band that feeds off of energy. If the crowd is crazy, the show will probably be that much crazier. Off stage, we’ve been fortunate to meet some really cool, funny, interesting people who happen to be fans of us and generally speaking I feel confident in saying that our crowds are some of the more accepting, welcoming, and warm people I’ve ever had the chance to play for
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz

Being on the road and playing music together for so long, life and art are bound to blend together. When asked about what their biggest challenge as a band was, Matt reflected “This band as been an enormous learning experience in regards to working with people and truly understand teamwork.”

I was a kid when we started this band and I look back and laugh at who I was. Next to my parents and loved ones, I’ve learned more about myself and who I want to be from Leo and Sludge than anyone in my life. They have been and continue to be monumental sources of inspiration to me on and off stage
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz

Retail Therapy is out now and is available for streaming. For fans who missed out on their tour, you can catch them this summer as they join Coheed & Cambria and Primus on select dates this summer. Tickets are on sale now.

April 15, 2024
Disco Biscuits Unveil ‘Revolution In Motion’ At Webster Hall

To commemorate their first studio release in nearly 13 years, The Disco Biscuits staged a release party at New York City’s famed Webster Hall on March 29. With help from a couple of friends, the band played their new album Revolution In Motion from start to finish over two sets that spanned nearly four hours, much of it without a break between tracks.

Along with their typically incredible light show via Herm Light Designs, and corresponding animation from Blunt Action and Todd Kushnir projected on a screen behind the band, the album came to life and cemented its lore in Disco Biscuits history.

The sold out show had a buzz about it for weeks leading up, with the night having a slight bit of warmth to it in the East Village, ushering fans inside shortly after doors to secure a spot for a night that was years in the making. With the tracks from Revolution in Motion debuting since 2022, fans are well acclimated to the new material, as well as the depths of jamming that can unfold from any of the songs. Therein lies the beauty of what the Disco Biscuits have created in their ninth studio album, and not just the music – the story that intertwines the songs was revealed in full earlier this day, completing Part 1 of Revolution in Motion, with the band saving the day on the alien world Polyfuzia.

The band was joined by three special guests this evening – Erin Boyd added soul with her vocals on “Twisted in the Road” and “Why We Dance,” Matteo ScammellÂ singing alongside guitarist Jon Guttwillig on “Tourists (Rocket Ship)” and “To Be Continued…,” and guitarist Cloud Chord joining for “Tourists (Rocket Ship)” and “Spagaâs Last Stand,” which had keyboardist Aron Magner step out with a keytar for back-to-back playing alongside Cloud Chord. Guests for the Disco Biscuits are infrequent at best, and the three etched their names into Biscuits’ history as well as the fans memories.

In lieu of a song-by-song breakdown of the show, we encourage you to listen to the full show here on Nugs.net. The show is best enjoyed in full from start to finish, taking the story along with the music and explorative trance-fusion jams.

A full summation of the night, however, is best found from Brian Stollery, who offers the following thoughts on the evening that unfolded at Webster Hall.

In the kaleidoscopic carnival that was the Disco Biscuits’ album release show for Revolution in Motion, their first sonic odyssey in 14 years since Otherwise Law Abiding Citizens, the band once again proved themselves as the cosmic jesters at the crossroads of the Grateful Dead’s experimental psychedelia and the pulsating heart of modern analog techno’s transcendental oneness revolution.

Despite the show’s seemingly one-dimensional faÃ§ade, the Biscuits unfurled a rich tapestry of musical textures and ideas, a mÃ©lange of old school anthems and Gen Z deep house reverberations that were so audaciously mediocre they ascended to a peculiar echelon of brilliance, embodying the band’s signature blend of tongue-in-cheek humor and earnest musical exploration.

Among the cacophony, “The Deal” emerged as a transcendent hymn, a bizarre yet profound meditation on business acumen that captures the essence of the Biscuits’ ability to spin mundane realities into psychedelic gold, propelling the audience into a state of intellectual spiritual mayhem, where fun collides with the sublime in a spectacular explosion of sound and fury.

Disco Biscuits – Webster Hall, NYC – March 29, 2024

Set 1: Shocked > The Wormhole > Twisted In The Road > Another Plan Of Attack > Times Square >Freeze
Set 2: Tourists (Rocket Ship) > Spaga’s Last Stand, Who’s In Charge > Space Train > The Deal > One
Chance To Save The World > Why We Dance
Encore: To Be Continued

April 1, 2024
Alkaline Trio Triumphs Over the Rain at Knockdown Center

On a rainy Saturday evening, March 9, devoted fans defied the torrential downpour to see their favorite band from their younger years, Alkaline Trio at Knockdown Center in Queens. Despite the onslaught of intense rain and wind, the enthusiasm of the crowd was undeniable, and anticipation soared as opening acts Warriors and Drug Church warmed up the stage.

Photos by Taylor Daniel Weinberg

Originally hailing from Chicago, the band consists of founding member Matt Skiba on guitar and vocals, accompanied by long time collaborator Dan Andriano on Bass, and Atom Willard on drums. Attendance numbers remained unaffected by the inclement weather, with Knockdown Center nearly reaching full capacity. Alkaline Trio is midway through their tour promoting the long-awaited release of their new album, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs, adding another gem to their extensive, decade-spanning discography.

Photos by Taylor Daniel Weinberg

A gathering of longtime loyalists composed of groups of friends, couples, and diehard solo-goers flooded the venue. The audience roared as the lights dimmed and the band graced the stage at 9:45pm sharp. All 3 members, smiling ear to ear, struck the opening notes of “Hot For Preacher”, the first track off their latest album. Obvious highlights of the night included “Armageddon,” displaying shades of the albums’ post-apocalyptic themes, followed by the iconic “Fuck You Aurora”, evoking a wave of nostalgia for those who have cherished the band for decades. After each song, the band shared their gratitude for the audience with a hushed and humble “Thank you!”

Photos by Taylor Daniel Weinberg

As the band exited the stage, chants for an encore could be heard instantly. After a few suspenseful moments, the band eagerly obliged. For a final hurrah, the trio went with the timeless classic “Radio”, and fans got their last crowd surfing in before the band bid their passionate audience farewell. Despite the chilling rain, fans departed with warm hearts. Their latest album, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs is available for streaming on all major music platforms.

Photography by Taylor Daniel Weinberg

Alkaline Trio – Knockdown Center, Queens – Saturday, March 9, 2024

Setlist: Hot For Preacher, We’ve Had Enough, Take Lots with Alcohol, Bad Time, Versions of You, Mr. Chainsaw, One Hundred Stories, Calling All Skeletons, Cringe, Break, Armageddon, Fuck You Aurora, Mercy Me, Warbrain, Crawl, Blood Hair and Eyeballs, Stupid Kid, Private Eye, Time to Waste
Encore: Radio

March 11, 2024
Lucius Wraps up “Wildewoman” Anniversary Tour in Brooklyn

On Saturday, February 3, 2024, Lucius returned home to a sold-out crowd at Brooklyn Steel. At the grand finale of their highly anticipated “Wildewoman, The Anniversary Tour,” fans poured into the venue with palpable enthusiasm. Opening act Jeff Taylor kicked off the festivities, setting the stage for the iconic duo’s entrance.

Originating from Brooklyn, Lucius, the indie band and songwriting duo composed of Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, curated a series of select shows to commemorate the album’s tenth anniversary that catapulted them to stardom. Returning to their roots in the city where it all began, the night held special significance for the band and their devoted fans. With multiple critically acclaimed albums under their belt and collaborations with esteemed artists such as Harry Styles, Roger Waters, and John Legend, Lucius has solidified their place in the music industry.

With vibrant hues and bold colors, the audience matched the band’s dynamic energy as the lights dimmed. The anticipation had almost reached a breaking point before they stepped out onto the stage. Made more magical by a beautiful set design, mirrors enveloping the band and reflecting back out onto the audience, the connection between the audience and the band was undeniable as the beginning notes rang out. The evening featured an array of highlights that included a special sit in by long time friend and collaborator, Louis Cato. The band also took time to read aloud letters from fans, each one recounting the impact of their music on their lives. The band played through “Wildewoman” in its entirety, interweaving a few other special songs into the setlist.

Taking an immersive turn, Lucius ventured into the crowd for their encores, symbolizing the evening’s themes of unity and celebration. Amidst the audience, they delivered an emotionally charged rendition of “Two of Us On The Run” and a fitting Beatles cover of “Goodbye.” As the evening concluded and the band navigated back through the crowd, a sense of nostalgia intertwined with excitement lingering for Lucius’ next move.

Setlist: Woman, Right Down the Line, Wildewoman, Turn It Around, Go Home, Tempest, Hey Doreen, Nothing Ordinary, Housewarming, Dusty Trails, Until We Get There, Wild Heart, Dont Just Sit There, Stranger Danger, Ice Cream, Monsters, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Wonderful, How Loud Your Heart Gets, Genevieve

Encore: Two of Us on the Run, Goodbye

February 5, 2024
Boojum Go Through the Looking Glass for Debut Performance

The New York City psychedelic rock scene gained a formidable new entrant when Brooklyn-born Boojum took the stage for their first-ever show on Saturday, January 20.

Performing at the combination music venue/recording studio at Brooklyn’s Firstlive, the four-piece band of Chris Mackin (guitar/vocals), Josh Santiago (guitar/vocals), Sarah Elaz (bass/vocals), and Dan Shein (drums) debuted twelve original songs, with lyrics by poet and translator Tom Mackin.

Boojum was born out of a unique one-night-only event at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl that saw Elaz join the Beatles jam band Walrus (Mackin, Santiago and Shein) for a performance inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Refining that original music and doing away with the theatrical trappings of the “Walrus in Wonderland” show, Boojum’s debut was musically focused, showcasing a creative abundance across an inspired two-sets that kept attendees rapt with refreshing original jams.

While the strength of Tom Mackin’s songwriting was apparent when the audience insisted on an unprompted call-and-response during “Vanish Away,” the highlight of the evening was the original “The Mouse.” This bass-driven funky groove led the audience into a fist-pumping “Oysters” to close the first set. When the band retook the stage attendees were treated to another series of originals, peaking with the grooving “Looking Glass House.”

The full technical capabilities of Firstlive were also on display Saturday night, with Boojum not only leaning into the jam-scene trend of offering a multi-camera live stream of the show but also using the performance to begin recording an inaugural live album.

In recording their debut EP live, Boojum heightened the atmosphere with added excitement for attendees. The decision to eschew the controlled environment of a studio for the spontaneity and vibrancy of a live performance demonstrated confidence in craft and a belief in the power of the band’s live presentation.

Boojum’s debut performance is sure to leave a lasting impression when the inaugural show turns into a full album this spring. Their next performance is at The Sultan Room on March 16. The show will feature dancers, visuals, and guests with the band performing wonderland inspired songs from their forthcoming EP and more. Tickets are on sale now.

Boojum – Firstlive, Brooklyn – January 20, 2024

Set 1: Cheshire Cat, Vanish Away, Pig Baby , Vorpal Blade, The Mouse > Oysters

Set 2: Mr W. Rabbit > Snark 1, Looking Glass House > Sundial, Caterpillar Hookah

Encore: Mad Tea Party

January 23, 2024
Umphreys McGee (Brooklyn) Steels The Show

On Thursday, January 19, Umphrey’s McGee made a triumphant return to New York with the kickoff of a two-night run at Brooklyn Steel. As part of their 2024 tour, the versatile band took the stage amidst a buzzing crowd eager for a musical journey.

Originating from South Bend, Indiana, Umphrey’s Mcgee has built a devoted fanbase in New York. They make frequent stops all over New York State – nearly every year in January, plus festival appearances – and it’s easy to see why. Early in the set, they dedicated a song to a friend in attendance celebrating their impressive 515th show.

The audience, unassuming yet in sync with the band’s vibe, engaged with each other while maintaining palpable excitement, with all eyes fixed on the stage. Opening with the crowd pleaser, “There’s No Crying In Mexico,” the night unfolded with a diverse array of songs and sounds, showcasing Umphrey’s Mcgee’s unique interpretation of the “jam band” concept. From psychedelic to progressive to punk, they seamlessly navigate various musical styles, demonstrating an undeniable chemistry among the bandmates.

The second set started with an electrifying cover of LCD Soundsystem’s “Tribulations” and concluded with a playful nod to Tenacious D’s “Kielbasa.” After leaving the stage, the band returned for an encore, bidding the audience farewell until the following night at Brooklyn Steel, followed by another one at Brooklyn Bowl. Their journey continues nationwide until the end of April, promising more musical adventures to fans across the country.

Setlists via All Things Umphrey’s

Umphrey’s McGee – Brooklyn Steel – January 19, 2024

Set 1: There’s No Crying In Mexico > 40’s Theme, Half Delayed > 1348 > Hourglass, Get In The Van, Sociable Jimmy, Seasons > 1348

Set 2: Tribulations > Nothing Too Fancy > Cemetery Walk > Cemetery Walk II, Rocker Part 2, Ringo > Kielbasa-> Ringo[1]

Encore: The Weight Around > Nothing Too Fancy

[1] with Kielbasa (Tenacious D) tease

Umphrey’s McGee – Brooklyn Steel – January 20, 2024

Set 1: You Got the Wrong Guy > Pure Saturation > The Floor, Red Tape, Night Nurse > Bridgeless > Glory, Let’s Dance

Set 2: Escape Goat > Out of Focus, Staircase, The Silent Type, Push the Pig[1] > Puppet String

Encore: The Linear[2] > Bridgeless

[1] with Jake on keys
[2] with Sailing (Christopher Cross) quotes

January 21, 2024
Gamehendge Unveiled: Phish Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Theatrical Odyssey

On Sunday, December 31, 2023, Phish took the stage at Madison Square Garden for the 83rd time, and gave fans an ultimate performance for the conclusion of their annual New Years Eve run celebration. In true Phish fashion, the event bid farewell to 2023 with a spectacular Broadway-style production, immersing the audience in the mythical realm of “Gamehendge,” performing the band’s rock opera for the first time in its entirety in nearly 30 years.

This series of shows not only added another feather to the band’s cap, but etched a historic moment in their 40+ year journey. The night kicked off with a powerful performance of “Everything’s Right”, setting the tone for an evening filled with seismic energy. The ground was shaking, sections of audiences were engaged in friendly competition to see who could be loudest. Confetti, glow sticks, and bubbles danced through the air, creating a sensory feast for the devoted crowd.

A hallmark of Phish’s New Year extravaganza is the visual surprise ushering in the new year. From scores of clones to airborne hot dogs, the band’s creativity over four decades knows no bounds. This year was no exception, as Phish embarked on a captivating odyssey into the magical world of Gamehendge, a story about the battle to save a once-thriving land. The tale unfolded through the wonderful narration by Broadway actress Annie Golden, renowned for her role in the popular Netflix hit, Orange is The New Black. As the opening notes of “Harpua” resonated, the audience exploded in euphoric bliss.

The second and third sets unfolded as a vivid retelling of Phish’s legendary folklore in Broadway fashion. Colonel Forbin stumbled upon the mythical universe, Gamehendge, a realm inhabited by The Lizards, now under the oppressive rule of the evil King Wilson. The first to discover this universe, Wilson steals away from the too-trusting species their beloved helping friendly book – a guide to eternal joy and never ending splendor. The stage transformed into a mesmerizing display, featuring a colossal rhombus rising from the ground, enchanting puppets, soaring mockingbirds, and the powerhouse band from Vermont performing each song with more meaning than ever, as die-hard fans were engulfed in waves of joy, laughter, and tears.

As the clock struck past 1AM, fans spilled onto the New York streets, clutching their commemorative cups filled with memories. Phish’s journey continues, with upcoming performances in Mexico for their annual Riviera Maya shows and an eagerly anticipated four night residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

Setlist via Phish.net

Phish – Madison Square Garden, NYC – Sunday, December 31, 2023

Set 1: Everything’s Right, Tube, Ether Edge > Reba, Taste, Ruby Waves, A Life Beyond The Dream, Character Zero

Set 2: Down with Disease, Harpua > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > The Lizards > Punch You in the Eye > AC/DC Bag > Tela > Llama > Wilson > The Sloth > Divided Sky

Set 3: McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters > Colonel Forbin’s Ascent > Fly Famous Mockingbird > Auld Lang Syne > Split Open and Melt, You Enjoy Myself > Loving Cup > Possum

Encore: Cavern > First Tube > Tweezer Reprise

January 2, 2024