DIIV, a beloved band from Brooklyn, has once again captured the hearts of fans with their latest album, Frog in Boiling Water. This record showcases a band that has truly evolved while staying true to their atmospheric roots. The album and its singles—such as “Brown Paper Bag,”—have been met with widespread fan acclaim.
Frog in Boiling Water is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to DIIV’s perseverance and growth. The album’s creation was a four-year odyssey that nearly pushed the band to its limits. With a desire to push their sound to new frontiers, DIIV embarked on an ambitious journey, navigating their own relationships and the pressures of the music industry. Fraying friendships, financial strains, and creative differences marked the process, but the band emerged from this chaos with an album that dives deep into new lyrical and musical territories.
The result is a record that is as gorgeous as it is haunted. Frog in Boiling Water balances powerful rhythms inspired by post-industrial sounds, creating a sound that is both mighty and ethereal. It’s a mesmeric reflection on endurance, capturing the essence of existing.
If you missed DIIV at their most recent homecoming show at Brooklyn Paramount, make sure to catch them live the next time they’re in New York. With each performance, DIIV not only solidifies their place in the indie music scene but also redefines what it means to create immersive, emotional art.
The radio landscape is diverse, with channels offering various genres from local news to contemporary, to cultural programming. Each station offers a unique input to each region’s musical landscape from Western New York to the New York Metropolitan area, keeping listeners informed and connected.
Hereâs a look at the radio stations that stand out across New York State.
New York Radio Stations graphic by Emilty Depietro
Western New York (WNY)
Home to rich musical history and various music venues, the radio stations cater to diverse musical genres. WBTA 1490 AM in Batavia and WDNY 1400 AM in Dansville provides local news and adult contemporary while WBNY 91.3 FM in Buffalo offers students at the State University of New York a student-led based station. WECK 1230 AM offers oldies, a mixture of pop, rock and roll, doo-wop, and surf music.
Known for intimate venues, Central New York offers a variety of stations from alternative rock to local news. WDLA-FM 92.1 FM in Walton offers a mix of country for country music fans. In Oswego, WRVO 89.9 FM is a go-to station for college students at State University of New York. WHWK 98.1 M in Binghamton is another country station for enjoyers. Those looking for an oldies program in Homer can tune into WXHC 101.5 FM.
With an active music scene and popularity of folk music, these Capital Region radio stations offer a large catalog of music. WPYX 106.5 FM in Albany is a great station for country folks while WGXC 90.7 FM in Acra offers community radio. In Amsterdam, WCSS 1490 AM offers classic hits which includes Top 40 on the charts from the 1960s and 2000s. WEXT 97.7 FM provides adult album alternatives for those who are looking for a blend of all genres. If you are looking for alternative music, WEQX 102.7 FM has your back. The Manchester, VT-based station offers a mix of new and classic alternative tracks.
The North Countryâs radio stations feature a mixture of genres from classic rock to contemporary hits. WNCQ-FM 102.9 FM in Canton offers country while WRCD 101.5 FM offers classic rock for listeners. In Watertown, locals can tune into WCIZ-FM 93.3 FM to enjoy classic hits or WFRY-FM 97.5 for country music.
The Hudson Valley offers a rich history of folk, jazz, and reggae music. With a background of diverse sounds, the radio stations reflect this accordingly. WGXC 90.7 FM in Acra is a community radio station providing local news to Top 40 music while in Woodstock, locals can tune into WDST 100.1 FM for adult album alternatives.
The hustling and bustling streets of the city is packed with old, new, and top charting hits. In Babylon, locals can listen to WBAB 102.3 FM for classic rock. Another popular choice is WKTU 103.5 FM in Lake Success, featuring Top 40 music of pop and rhythmic contemporary.
For the third time in their career, Phish performed at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, opening up a three-night run on Friday, August 9. With the remnants of Tropical Storm Debbie making its way through the Mid-Atlantic region and drenching much of New York State over Thursday and Friday, Phish fans planned for the worst and were rewarded for their efforts, with only lingering sprinkles during the show.
Nearing the end of their Summer Tour with only Bethel, their Mondegreen festival and four nights in Colorado left on their schedule, Phish has been rolling from the Northeast to the Midwest, dropping lengthy jams in unexpected spots, bringing new material to fans off Evolve, and inviting Billy Strings to the stage in Grand Rapids, MI. Now in Bethel, the band has their sites set on building towards their 11th festival, an event always ripe with surprises and leveled up improvisation.
With a pair of ASL interpreters just off stage right, Set 1 began with instrumental (and GRAMMY-nominated) “First Tube,” a rare opener normally found in a late-second set slot, but nevertheless an energetic way to start the show. A lengthy “No Man in No Man’s Land” followed, always a great sign that the band is dialed in and wants to get down to business right away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QnFL5wdFFg
A spacey and wandering “My Friend, My Friend” was a first set highlight, clocking in at more than 18 minutes and another example of Phish taking more of their catalog down the improv route than in past years. A late first set “2001” was a treat, dipping into an always welcome “Taste” before closing the set with “Character Zero.”
Opening the second set with “The Wedge” could have launched the Rift track to new heights, but it served as a buffer song before the big jam of the night, “Tweezer.” A vehicle for jams in the second set since the 90s, “Tweezer” found a few separate jams (including “There is a Mountain” by Donovan) over the course of 24 minutes, coming full circle before dipping into the Evolve track “Pillow Jets,” which took a dark psychedelic turn mid-way through before returning to “Tweezer,” as one does mid-second set.
Finding its way into “Piper,” this brief “Tweezer” return birthed a top notch “Piper,” found itself turning back into “Tweezer” briefly before the Rolling Stones’ “Shine a Light” provided an exultant breather with the set wrapping up with a thorough “Chalk Dust Torture.” A triple encore featuring songs from across the band’s history was a delightful surprise to the evening, starting with Junta track “Big Black Furry Creature From Mars,” Farmhouse’s “Gotta Jibboo” and Big Boat’s “More.” With two more nights to go, the bar is set for Phish to exceed over this weekend and next.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ORBkMm_9lY
Phish – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY – Friday, August 9, 2024
Soundcheck: My Soul, Dinner and a Movie, Waves, Tequila x2, Jam Set 1: First Tube, No Men In No Man’s Land, Cavern, My Friend, My Friend[1], Bug, Julius, Also Sprach Zarathustra > Taste, Character Zero Set 2: The Wedge, Tweezer, Pillow Jets -> Tweezer -> Piper -> Tweezer > Shine a Light, Chalk Dust Torture Encore: Big Black Furry Creature from Mars, Gotta Jibboo > More [1] No “Myfe” ending.
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Set 1: Back on the Train, Sample in a Jar, Hey Stranger, Dinner and a Movie, Halley’s Comet > Sand, Gumbo > Maze, Weigh, Cities > Run Like an Antelope
Set 2: Wilson > Down with Disease[1] -> Waves > Twist > Kill Devil Falls > Beneath a Sea of Stars Part 1 -> Backwards Down the Number Line > Ghost > Tweezer Reprise
Encore: Wading in the Velvet Sea > Runaway Jim
[1] Unfinished.
Trey teased Call to the Post at the end of Weigh and The Line during Antelope. DWD was unfinished.
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Set 1: I Never Needed You Like This Before, 46 Days, Bathtub Gin, Fikus, Theme From the Bottom > Timber (Jerry the Mule), Human Nature, Limb By Limb, Axilla > Sigma Oasis
Set 2: Buried Alive > AC/DC Bag > Fuego > Golden Age -> Simple, Life Saving Gun, Harry Hood
Encore: A Life Beyond The Dream, Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.
Fikus was performed for the first time since November 7, 1998 (801 show gap). Mike teased Fikus in AC/DC Bag.
After a thrilling performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City days before, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, The Doobie Brothers traveled north to Bridgeport, Connecticut. The band, which is on their “The 2024 Tour,” packed in fans who braved the rain and played a thrilling 15-song set. Before the show began, fans had to arrive early as the show was moved up a half hour with the storms approaching.
Official music video for The Doobie Brothers – “Black Water” from ‘What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits’ (1974)
As fans were finding their seats, the legendary Steve Winwood and his spectacular band warmed up the humid audience. Winwood – who has been in famous bands like Traffic and Blind Faith – played a small, yet powerful seven-song set. Winwoods set featured music from his old bands. With the intro of “Can’t Find My Way Home,” fans roared to their feet and stood there the entire song. After each song ended the audience would repeatedly rise to their feet to pay respect to the living legend.
Winwood’s band featured five stellar musicians. The band featured Edwin Sanz on percussion, Tristan Banks on drums, Paul Booth on saxophone and piano and Nate Williams playing keyboards. Lastly, Winwood’s very own daughter, Lilly Winwood was featured on background vocals. The entire band had smiles on their faces, bringing an amazing atmosphere to the audience.
Just as quickly as Winwood jumped on stage, the stage was reset for The Doobie Brothers. The band did not have any flashy intro or spectacular entrances. Classically, the house lights dimmed and the band walked on and kicked into “Rockin’ Down the Highway” off of 1972’s Toulouse Street. Almost immediately, the rain – which stopped for Winwood – picked up again yet did not deter the band. They met the weather with great tunes and excellent showmanship.
In between songs, guitarist Patrick Simmons would whip out some of the brightest colored guitars in all of rock. One after the other, the spotlights would bounce off the shiny colored red and blue guitars. Flanking Simmons on his right was John Cowan who appeared to barely move all night. Despite the minimal movement, fans could tell that he was chugging away at his bass guitar throughout the entire set.
Some fans might have wondered what The Doobie Brothers sounded like during their “Golden Age.” Well, they didn’t need to think hard or long at all. Singer and guitarist, Tom Johnston along with keyboardist and singer, Michael McDonald, sound just like the records. Not every band can say that their singer’s voice has stood the test of time, but The Doobie Brothers can. Whether the song was “What a Fool Believes” or “Long Train Runnin’” Johnston and McDonald’s vocals were top-notch. The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater is open to the outdoors on either side and sometimes vocals can get mushy. That didn’t happen for either vocalist. The vocals were one of the highlights of the show.
Joining Johnston, McDonald, Simmons and Cowan were four other stellar musicians. On drums were Ed Toth, John McFee on guitar, Marc Russo on saxophone and Marc Quiñones on percussion. Despite the crowded stage, each musician perfectly played their part in The Doobie Brothers’ rock and roll machine.
Throughout the show, the video screen would show moments in the band’s career and fade into the band on stage. The band’s crew did an amazing job enhancing the audience’s experience and giving them a little insight into the band in their heyday.
By the time the band reached the middle backend of the set, the smell of weed was distinct in the air, in typical Doobie Brothers fashion. By that point, the band was on another level as they were cranking out hit, after hit, after hit. Some fans took to the aisles to dance with their spouses. Others even tried to run up to the front to record their favorite songs. The amphitheater was in a Doobie Brothers frenzy.
In an attempt to save time, the band very quickly jumped back on stage for the four-song encore. The encore, highlighted by a Paul Simon cover of “Still Crazy After All These Years” was an instrumental duet between McDonald and Russo. Russo would take center stage when he belted out an amazing solo. It combined jazz, blues and classic rock into one solo reimagined by The Doobie Brothers.
As the summer winds down, The Doobie Brothers brought nothing but great vibes to the Bridgeport Audience. “The 2024 Tour” will take both bands to Saratoga Springs, New York to play at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. This tour is not to be missed, each band compliments each other perfectly and will make for a great night to “Listen to the Music.”
Steve Winwood Setlist: Glad, Can’t Find My Way Home, Why Can’t We Live Together (Timmy Thomas cover), Roll With It, Back in the High Life Again, Higher Love, Gimme Some Lovin’ The Doobie Brothers Setlist: Rockin’ Down the Highway, Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While), Here to Love You, Depending on You, Minute by Minute, It Keeps You Runnin’, Without You, Jesus is Just Alright (The Art Reynolds Singers cover), What a Fool Believes (Kenny Loggins cover), Long Train Runnin’, China Grove, Black Water, Still Crazy After All These Years (Paul Simon cover), Takin’ It to the Streets, Listen to the Music
It was an evening of shock and awe in Saratoga Springs on Tuesday, August 6th, when extreme metal made it’s return to SPACfor the opening night of the “Kiss of Death Part 2” tour. Featuring co-headliners In This Moment and Ice Nine Kills, along with Avatar and TX2, the heaviest bill of the summer was an unrelenting assault of the senses and a spectacle unlike any other. Pummeling the audience with dark themes, blood curdling riffs, demonic costumes and otherworldly images, the show made you feel like you were at the center of a crime scene. Surrounded by thousands of witnesses, only here there was no such thing as survivors’ guilt.
Kiss of Death: Avatar performing in Saratoga Springs, NY on 8/6/2024.
Setting the tone early with a brief set was TX2. Spearheaded by Even Thomas, the emo-leaning punk screamers largely focused on songs about mental health issues and using heavy music to work through them. Genuinely appreciative of the early bird fans who came to hear them, it was the perfect appetizer for what was to come. Next up was the melodic death metal band from Sweden called Avatar. Known for their over-the-top theatrical presentation, frontman Johannes Eckerström emerged on stage by popping out of a “gift” that was unwrapped by a leather-clad gimp! Wearing a top-hat with his face painted in sinister clown makeup like The Crow-era Sting, Eckerström’s charisma and powerful screams commanded your attention from the start.
Joined by dreadlocked guitarists Jonas “Kungen” Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström, Henrik Sandelin (bass), and John Alfredsson (drums), Avatar may not have been a headliner, but they sure played like it. Working their way through songs like “Dance Devil Dance,” “The Eagle Has Landed,” “The Dirt I’m Buried In, and “Smells Like a Freakshow,” if you’ve never seen this band, think Alice Cooper meets Marilyn Manson, but with a futuristic twist. Combining death metal riffs with menacing grooves for dramatic flair, fans of classic shock rock were not disappointed. Urging the crowd to stand up and headbang along to their final song, “Hail the Apocalypse,” Eckerström told them they “came all the way from Sweden to watch you die.”
Avatar’s Johannes Eckerström performing at SPAC on 8/6/2024.
After a quick intermission that included songs by White Zombie, Deftones and Rage Against the Machine, suddenly the sound of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds “Red Right Hand” signified the horror juggernaut known as Ice Nine Kills was lying in wait. With intro narration by none other than the Crypt Keeper (Tales from the Crypt), the curtain dropped and the metal-core band from Boston came out slashing. Despite the rainy forecast, the audience’s spirits were undampened as INK kicked into high gear with a fitting combo of “Rainy Day” and “Meat & Greet.” With their clothes covered in blood and celebrating pop-culture’s darkest edges, the stage was full of elaborate props, including skulls, chainsaws, zombies, various monster masks and the ever-present knife-wielding hooded figure looming high above all.
Kiss of Death: Ice Nine Kills performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/6/2024.
Consisting of frontman Spencer Charnas, Ricky Armellino and Dan Sugarman on guitars, Joe Occhiuti on bass and Patrick Galante on drums, each song took on themes and soundbites from different iconic horror films. One of the early highlights was “Ex-Mørtis,” which depicted elements of the Evil Dead franchise. Complete with Spencer clutching his own Necronomicon and wielding a chainsaw, Charnas had no choice but to take down a wayward zombie that ventured on stage in the middle of it.
Klaatu, Barada, Nikto: Ice Nine Kills fought off the Evil Dead in Saratoga Springs on 8/6/2024.
Later, during “Wurst Vacation,” the body count continued to pile up as Charnas mimicked Eli Roth’s Hostile by throwing on a butcher’s apron before dismembering another victim, pulling the pseudo-intestines out above his head to great applause of the blood-thirsty audience. After killer versions of the American Pycho-inspired “Walking on Sunshine” and “Hip to be Scared,” Ice Nine Kills would bust out “The Nature of the Beast” for the first time since 2019. Following “Funeral Derangements” and a reenactment of IT, INK would bust out another one for the old school fans in attendance, playing “The Greatest Story Ever Told” for the first time since 2017. After the Freddy Krueger inspired “American Nightmare” and a memorable stab at cinemas most famous “Shower Scene” via Alfred Hitchcock, by this point the band had everyone up on their feet and dying for more. With time for just one more song, INK closed their set with the title track to their breakthrough album Welcome to Horrorwood. Creative, fun, and definitely disturbing, it’s no surprise this type of band comes with a warning label. Hell, they’ve been outright banned by Disney for being too evil! Steadily killing the scene with their decadent, devious and fiercely insane live shows, Ice Nine Kills have also launched their own hugely successful horror convention known as the Silver Scream Con.
I’ve Got to Return Some Videotapes: INK frontman Spencer Chamas channeled his inner Patrick Bateman at SPAC on 8/6/2024.
During the final intermission of the show, music by metal god Maynard James Keenan permeated through the pavilion as songs by Tool and A Perfect Circle piped in over the PA system. Oddly transitioning into Journey’s “Don’t Stop Belivin” as heavy fog began billowing out from behind the stage, a giant spider covered curtain suddenly dropped to reveal In This Moment. Met with hero’s welcome and a massive applause, it was a special performance for band’s charismatic frontwoman and lead vocalist, Maria Brink. An Albany native and the scream queen of modern metal, it was the type of homecoming usually reserved for a king. Growing up about 30 minutes away and now playing the area’s biggest stage, on this night, Brink gracefully conquered all.
Kiss of Death: In This Moment headlined the tour kick off in Saratoga Springs on 8/6/2024.
Wearing an ornate headdress and taking to her throne atop the SPAC stage, In This Moment was truly a spectacle to behold. Clad in costumes that were both beautiful and frightening, much like their music, the band has a certain aura that’s intoxicating. Opening with “The Purge” and their Grammy nominated single “The In-Between,” the visually stunning theatrical presentation the band is known for was on full display right out of the gate. Under the watch of “mother” figure Maria Brink, the band is far from a one woman show. Also consisting of co-founder Chris Howorth and Randy Weitzel on guitars, Travis Johnson on bass and Kent Diimmelis, ITM sent shivers up your spine with a rendition of 2012’s “Blood” from the album of the same name. Followed up by a pairing of “Sacrifice” and “Sanctify Me,” the evening would spotlight many of the songs from the band’s 2023 Kane Churko produced album Godmode.
Hometown Throwdown: Albany native Maria Brink holding court with In This Moment at SPAC on 8/6/2024.
Flanked by a pair of masked acolytes and singing from an elaborate alter for most of the show, Brinks’ amazing voice control mesmerized fans. Reaching intense emotional depth, powerful and pretty and with plenty of edge, it’s easy to see why she’s become such a role model for ‘against the grain’ teens and goth-girls everywhere. Frequently changing outfits and telling a story within each song, even if you couldn’t get into the music, you had to appreciate the artistry, creativity and overall effort of everyone on stage. Pushing boundaries with themes of witchcraft and mysticism, it’s no surprise In This Moment’s ritualistic approach has its share of detractors, mostly parents and people over 50. Still, as the band worked their way through signature staples like “Sex Metal Barbie” and the Black Sabbath-inspired “Big Bad Wolf,” over1.3 billion cumulative streams tell you it’s clear there’s still an audience hungry for heavy music. Towering over the Broadview Stage at SPAC, In This Moment sent fans home happy with their biggest song to date, closing the epic homecoming performance with “Whore.” Cathartic and surreal, the level of pageantry and attention to detail made for an unforgettable set of music from one of today’s most influential metal attractions.
Sex Metal Barbie: Maria Brink performing with In This Moment at SPAC on 8/6/2024.
A resounding triumph for shock rock and horror metal, the Kiss of Death Part 2 tour in Saratoga Springs was some of the most fun I’ve had all summer. After playing to Buffalo’s Outer Harbor the following night, the electrifying tour heads west for the next month and promises to deliver musical carnage and visual splendor at every stop along the way. Ice Nine Kills third annual horror convention, The Silver Scream Con, is set to take place in Worcester, MA from September 13-15.
In This Moment | August 6, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Salvation Intro, The Purge, The In-Between, Blood, Sacrifice, Sanctify Me, Sex Metal Barbie, The Fighter, Big Bad Wolf
Encore: Whore
Ice Nine Kills | August 6, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Red Right Hand Intro, Rainy Day, Meat & Greet, Ex-Mortis, Thank God It’s Friday, Walking on Sunshine*, The Nature of the Beast**, Wurst Vacation, Funeral Derangements, IT Is the End, Hip to Be Scared, The Greatest Story Ever Told***, The American Nightmare, The Shower Scene, Welcome to Horrorwood. ,
Avatar | August 6, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Beware of the Clown Intro, Dance Devil Dance, The Eagle Has Landed, Valley of Disease, Bloody Angel, The Dirt I’m Buried In, Smells Like a Freakshow, Hail the Apocalypse.
The headliner for the day for Will Holton a smooth jazz saxophonist from Buffalo. He had a special guest come out and join him, Billboard Chart topping artist Judah Sealy. The played long after the sun set to end a great day of music.
On a hot August 1st evening at Albany’s Jennings Landing, funk outfit Galactic closed out this year’s Alive at 5 summer concert series with a performance that was out of this world.
Galactic, originating from New Orleans, has been a powerhouse in the funk and jazz scenes since 1994, known for their electrifying live performances and eclectic sound. Their unique blend of funk, jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music, combined with Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph’s powerful vocals, creates an irresistible groove.
Albany-based band Hilltop opened the show, getting the crowd in the mood to groove with their lively performance. Their infectious energy set the tone for the night, building excitement and getting people vibing to the music.
Galactic took the stage next. Between singer Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph’s undeniable stage presence and the band’s exceptional musicianship, the show was a masterclass in funk. Highlights of the night included Jelly’s powerful rendition of “Right On,” Glen D. Andrews’ soulful “You Don’t Know,” and the crowd-pleasing “Crazyhorse Mongoose.”
Glen D. Andrews performing “You Don’t Know”
The crowd, enthusiastic about enjoying the summer to its fullest, volleyed beach balls back and forth, while jet skis and boats passed by on the Hudson River, providing an exceptionally fun, summery backdrop. Galactic continues their tour, now heading west this summer.
Setlist: Here Comes The Funky Man, Right On, Making it Better, You Don’t Know Feat. Glen D. Andrews, Go Down, Something’s Wrong, People, Lady Liberty, Qualified, Heart For Steel, Crazyhorse Mongoose, Never Called You Crazy, Yes We Can, Dolla Diva, Compared To What
Be sure to check out Albany’s Jazz Fest Sept. 14th at Jenning’s Landing, featuring Roosevelt Collier, Nate Smith and many more.
While the origin of Phish is firmly rooted in Vermont, the band’s history in neighboring New York runs almost as deep. The band made the slow and natural progression from private parties and gigs at frat houses, to small clubs and theaters, later graduating to full scale amphitheaters, to now selling out Madison Square Garden on a regular basis. Phish may have been born and raised in the Green Mountain State, but its more recent history is firmly entrenched in the Empire State.
photo by Dave Decrescente
It took a few years after the band’s inception, but Phish finally waded into New York waters in 1987 with a now-legendary show at Ian McLean’s Farm in Hebron, NY on August 21, 1987 with three sets of music that included the first known performance of their cover of “Hold Your Head Up.” Phish would continue to make New York a regular part of their touring schedule in the early ’90s, with 1992 featuring more NY shows than any other year to date.
Lower show totals would follow in the late ’90s and early aughts as the band started to tour globally and play shows all throughout the country. But the “3.0” era of Phish has seen an influx of NY shows, primarily due to the renovations done to Madison Square Garden which has made The World’s Most Famous Arena the band’s preferred choice for multiple night New Year’s Eve runs. And the modern day pinnacle was set in 2017 with Phish’s legendary Baker’s Dozen Run of thirteen shows over three weeks which served as the foundation for “17 (shows) in ’17” at MSG which also included a 4-night New Year’s run.
In 2023, Phish came fairly close to matching this number with 14 shows spread throughout New York State which included another 11 at MSG. To date, Phish has played 288 total shows in The Empire State, so NY show #300 is certainly on the horizon.
Photo via Marshall Chasan, frame via phrames.com
To showcase this long-standing and still evolving relationship between Phish and New York, NYS Music presents our own reference guide, a map of every show the band has played in the Empire State. In the same vein as our Grateful Dead Map, this will link to each and every article published here with our own take on the show or appearance.
Big thanks to Alex Grosby of the Phishsonian Institute for helping us map out all of the New York venues and locations you see below.
Kingdom Bound is in its 37th year bringing the best in Christian Music to Western New York. The festival ran from Monday, July 29th through Wednesday, July 31st at Darien Lake over three days on four stages and over 50 artists.
Kingdom Bound had Gospel Music royalty here on Monday night, Miss Cece Winans. She has garnerned 15 Grammy Awards, the most for any female gospel singer, 31 GMA Dove Awards, 17 Stellar Awards, 7 NAACP Image Awards, and 1 Billboard Music Award. As well that night was Mac Powell formerly of Third Day.
The festival is attended by folks up and down the East Coast as well as Canada. They camp on site, rent a room in the lodge, as well as commute to the festival daily.
The final day of the festival was led off at the Gazebo stage with independent hip hop artists like Brea Miles from Virginia, Psalt-e from Syracuse and many more. Ending up at the main stage to close out the festival were the sister duo Renee and Cain with the closing act being The father/son band of We The Kingdom.
Dates for 2025 are already set for July 28-30 and one of the headline acts will be Skillet.
Lunar Vacation is the musical embodiment of a summer daydream. Hailing from Georgia, this indie rock quintet is made up of five lifelong friends. Their debut album, Inside Every Fig Is a Dead Wasp, was a gentle introduction to their hazy, feel-good vibe. But now, with their upcoming sophomore album Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire, they’re ready to turn up the volume and the feels.
The Show
When Lunar Vacation hit the stage at Brooklyn Steel on August 1, they weren’t just there to warm up the crowd—they were there to make sure everyone was floating on cloud nine before Vacations started their set. Starting with “Set the Stage,” they did just that. The track was like the musical equivalent of opening a window on a perfect summer day, inviting everyone to lean in and soak up the goodness.
As they transitioned into “Cutting Corners,” you could feel the energy in the room amp up. The sharp guitar riffs sliced through the Brooklyn air, locking the band into a groove that had the crowd swaying and grinning. “Unlucky” blended sadness and hope, captivating the audience with its lyrical contrast.
By the time they hit the final notes of “Tom,” the crowd was fully under their spell. The song ended the set with a burst of energy, leaving everyone feeling like they’d shared something truly special.
Lunar Vacation, with sunny tunes and deep lyrics, navigated the stage with confidence. And with Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire on the horizon, it’s clear this band is only just beginning to light up the indie music scene.
Setlist: Set the Stage, Cutting Corners, Unlucky, Monterey, Tom
