Folk-rock band The Felice Brothers and Dead Gowns performed at the local historic bar and venue, Mohawk Place on Tuesday, July 23.
Dead Gowns, led by Portland songwriter Geneviève Beaudoin, opened the show with an intimate acoustic set. Geneviève Beaudoin’s voice is the right mix of haunting and enchanting that hypnotized the audience into patiently waiting in the hot and intimate Mohawk Place on this steamy Tuesday evening. Dead Gowns will continue to tour with the Felice Brothers for the rest of July.
The Felice Brothers launched their Mohawk Place set with “Crime Scene Queen” to a packed room of die-hard fans erupting in cheers. One fan we spoke to even scheduled their summer visit to Buffalo around this show. They blended their set with their latest release songs from their 2024 album Valley of Abandoned Songs and an assortment of songs from their 19 albums and EPs.
Some notable songs performed were “Love me Tenderly,” “Whiskey In My Whiskey” and fan-favorite “Frankie’s Gun!” Lead vocals and energy by Ian Felice and James Felice were infectious. Ian’s vocals and guitars paired with James’ accordion and piano talent paired seamlessly with the talented Jesske Hume’s fluid bass and Will Lawrence’s steady drums.
One of the memorable aspects of the night was the request from a newlywed couple to perform “A Wonderful Life.” The band gladly performed the song and sang along with the couple, enjoying their moment of happiness. The band, all dressed in their finest blazers, were sweating along with the audience so Buffalo shared their hospitality by offering them all a nice, cold PBR to cool them off during their set. It almost felt like we were all invited to the couple’s wedding and we were celebrating all together, a beautiful moment of music, family and happiness.
Regardless of how well you know the Felice Brothers, they put on a show that makes you feel like you have known them for years. The Felice Brothers will be playing the Hollerhorn Distillery in Naples, New York on August 23rd.
The third annual Secret Dreams Music and Arts Festival brought together many of the top acts in the EDM and jam scene, including Tipper, the Disco Biscuits, Daily Bread, Detox Unit, Papadosio, Lotus and many more.
Secret Dreams went down in Legend Valley in Thornville, OH from July 18-20 and while the acts on the three main stages drew most of the attention there were workshops and art installations to delight the crowd as they explored to expansive grounds.
From the moment I hit play on Hot Freaks’ new album Hot Freaks Forever, I was instantly transported into a nostalgic time warp, addictingly reliving the raw angst and bittersweet memories of my high school days. With 10 funky synth-pop and disco tracks, Minneapolis indie pop-rock band Hot Freaks resurrected from an almost decade long hiatus and infectiously captured all of our hearts at the Mercury Lounge on July 19.
Photo by Alisha Goel
“We had already been talking about reuniting,” said frontman Leo Vondracek. “I could tell that our Spotify streams had been creeping up, which was weird because we weren’t doing anything about it at all.”
After years of inactivity from the band, the song “Puppy Princess” from their debut album Hot Freaks went viral and became an overnight hit. “I didn’t really think it was that big of a deal, but then later that week we were getting emails from record labels. It was very surreal,” Vondracek recounted.
Photo by Alisha Goel
Opening their set with “Let’s Start a Country” from their new album, the night started with everyone chanting unisonally “One, two, three, let’s start a country,” perfectly encapsulating the feeling of wanting to move away from modern civilization and disappear into a vacuum.
They then transitioned to some of their more personal and intimate songs like “Write Me Letters” and “Heartache” from their previous album. When asked if their songs are generally autobiographical, Vondracek replied, “The songs that have worked are the ones that have this vulnerability and intrigue. They’re mostly, I guess, autobiographical, and even if it’s not like the whole story, they have a nugget of truth in them.”
Photo by Alisha Goel
Comparing their latest album to their debut album, Vondracek commented, “I feel like maybe compared to the first record, the second one is a little less vulnerable or more hiding behind metaphors.” Keyboardist Celeste Heule seemed to agree with this, and shared her thoughts on it: “I do feel like the second album has a lot of secret vulnerabilities in every song, but that could also because I read into lyrics and have my own vivid imagination. I don’t even know what they’re about or what Leo is thinking, but I feel like I’m reading into his soul. It’s stuff he doesn’t want me to know.”
One of my favorites of the night was “Stuart Little Vibes,” a quirky song with a soothing bridge that made me feel sublimely elevated from the venue. While Vondracek described this song as “a bit cartoonish,” he also felt the song was very postmodern. “It was like an idea of a thing, it wasn’t an actual thing. We wanted to try making something funky and weird in a fun way,” explained Vondracek.
Photo by Alisha Goel
Diving into their songwriting process, Vondracek commented, “It’s like writing a diary entry and making yourself find a balance. If you’re feeling low, vent it, and if you can put it into a fun pop song that has a self-contained arc to it – that’s like really fun.” Vondracek also talked about finding courage in the process: “It’s kind of like skydiving. You have to get ready to bolster yourself up to jump out of that plane. It’s really similar – the courage to get up there and be vulnerable.”
The band also performed “What Can I Do?” from their latest album. While a lot of their music is about love and yearning for unrequited crushes, this song thematically stood out to me from their other music – painting an introspective picture on the struggles of moving on with melancholically upbeat instrumentals in the background. “It felt like a very first thing that popped into my mind. I thought that it was really fun because it was kind of a straight shooting, simple lyric and a sad vulnerable thing,” said Vondracek. Bassist Sarah Darnall added, “It’s like you did a really hard yoga class and you get to do your Savasana at the end.”
Photo by Alisha Goel
When asked about finality and completion of a song, Vondracek interestingly remarked: “A lot of time it feels like archaeology, like thrusting the dirt off and uncovering. Sometimes there is this intrinsic feeling, but more and more, I barely have that magic feeling. I think we all seek that feeling of completion, but if you don’t feel that, it doesn’t mean it’s bad. Sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith and believe that’s good.”
The night ended with their two most popular songs “Puppy Princess” and “I Wanna be your Boyfriend.” The crowd went absolutely crazy, and people were jumping, screaming their guts out and hugging their friends. The atmosphere was intoxicatingly electric, and the intensity made it feel like a massive block party where people were busting out their best dance moves. It was chaotic, unhinged and just the right amount of freaky.
Photo by Alisha Goel
Hot Freaks – Mercury Lounge, NYC – July 19, 2024
Setlist: Let’s Start a Country, Together Above, Write Me Letters, Heartache, End of the Night, Stuart Little Vibes, Boyfriend, Outset, Not Concerned with Everything, Girlfriend, I Want You To Be My Daddy, Baby Boy, What Can I Do, Puppy Princess, I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend
Photo by Alisha GoelPhoto by Alisha GoelPhoto by Alisha GoelPhoto by Alisha Goel
The Crane Wives, a four-piece indie band hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, took the stage at Lark Hall in Albany, for a sold-out show that resonated with energy, uniqueness and charm.
Opening for The Crane wives was American performer, composer and guitarist, Yasmin Williams from northern Virginia who landed on the Billboard Heatseekers chart with her debut album, 2018’s Unwind and released her second album, Urban Driftwood, to widespread critical acclaim in 2021.
Yasmin Williams
Founded in 2010, The Crane Wives,composed of Emilee Petersmark (guitar/vocals), Kate Pillsbury (guitar/vocals), Dan Rickabus (drums/vocals), and Ben Zito (bass), has been weaving their unique sound through the fabric of the indie music scene, which makes their ever-growing popularity compelling to witness live.
From the moment the lights dimmed and the opening notes of “Queen of Nothing” filled the room, it was clear that the audience was in for a night to remember. The Crane Wives’ upbeat sound is infectious; they expertly blend folk influences with catchy melodies, creating an atmosphere that had even the most reserved attendees mesmerized and dancing to the rhythm. The use of three-part harmonies is particularly noteworthy, allowing them to create a textured sound that sets them apart from the myriad of other indie rock outfits. Songs like “Queen of Nothing” set the tone for the evening, transitioning seamlessly into the rest of their impressive 17-song setlist which was finished up with an encore of “Scars” and “The Hand That Feeds.”
The lyrics penned by the band are often deeply introspective, tackling themes that many of their dedicated listeners can relate to, yet they are always delivered with an upbeat musicality that defies the weight of the words. This juxtaposition between lyrical depth and energetic rhythm is what makes The Crane Wives so captivating; it’s a celebration of life, even in the face of hardships that connects their music to their ever growing fan base.
Throughout the concert, it was evident that The Crane Wives prioritize creating a sense of community within their fans. Their engagement with the audience was sincere and heartfelt. Between songs, the brief banter flowed effortlessly, allowing for moments of connection. This warm approach made the sold-out venue feel intimate and welcoming, as if you were sharing the experience with friends rather than watching a performance from a distance.
As the night unfolded, the crowd danced, sang along, and echoed the bandâs harmonies, creating an exhilarating sense of unity. With the anticipation of their upcoming album, Beyond Beyond Beyond, set to release on September 6.
The Crane Wives at Lark Hall was not just a concert; it was an immersive experience that combined exceptional musicianship with a passionate connection with their fans. If their performance is any indication, the band’s trajectory is set to rise even higher.
With their ability to captivate audiences and create a vibrant community around them, The Crane Wives are poised for an even brighter future, and one can only hope there will be more opportunities to enjoy their lively and poignant music in concert.
The Flaming Lips performed their blend of psychedelic musical theatrics at Artpark for their ‘Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots 2024 Tour’ on a breezy Monday evening, July 22.
The mixture of long-time fans and new fans with different ages buzzed with excitement to share the moment with Flaming Lips, anticipating a jubilant celebration of their 2002 album: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.
Before the show started, “Okie from Muskogee” was playing in the background, carrying the fans slowly driven into an energizing mood. The Flaming Lips opened the stage with “Fight Test,” while the band shared the stage with four Pink Robots growing and dancing before their eyes.
The first set was the album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. The band took a break after the song “Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon,” leaving the audience eager for more.
The second set starts with their nonsensical hit “She Don’t Use Jelly” as fans of all ages sing along with the band. Wayne Coyne (lead singer) performed in his trademark giant plastic bubble, throwing balloons to the crowd, setting the tone, color, and phenomenal props for the extraordinary performance.
The whole night felt like a fun night at psychedelic karaoke as all the lyrics lit up the back of the stage so the audience could sing in unison for their two hour set. Although the audience really didn’t need too much help. The band finished their set with “Race for the Prize” and a oversized “Fuck Yeah Artpark” inflatable balloon and celebrated this beautiful moment with the crowd.
This moment of experiencing Flaming Lips performance would be remembered as one of the best and most colorful summer concerts at Artpark or even in Western New York. If you missed them or you hope to see them again, the Flaming Lips will be taking their Pink Robots tour to Toronto, September 8th.
The Flaming Lips – Artpark, Lewiston, NY – Monday, July 22, 2024
Set 1: Fight Test, One More Robot/Sympathy 300-21, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, Pt. 2, In the Morning of the Magicians, Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell, Are You a Hypnotist??, It’s Summertime, Do You Realize??, All We Have Is Now, Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia)
Set 2: She Don’t Use Jelly, Flowers of Neptune 6, The Gold in the Mountain of Our Madness, What Is the Light?, The Observer, The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song, Suddenly Everything Has Changed, Pompeii Am Götterdämmerung, A Spoonful Weighs a Ton, Race for the Prize
The second day of the Great South Bay Music Festival on Friday, July 19, was a vibrant celebration of reggae music, transforming Shorefront Park into a haven of laid-back rhythms and positive vibes. The day featured an eclectic mix of reggae, ska, and rock, drawing fans from all over Long Island and beyond.
Main Stage Highlights
Pepper: Formed in 1997 in Hawaii, Pepper has been a staple in the reggae rock scene for over two decades, known for their infectious energy and dynamic sound. They kicked off their set with the energetic “Bring Me Along,” followed by “Rent,” keeping the energy high. Their set also included crowd favorites like “Stone Love” and “Brand New Day,” showcasing their unique blend of reggae and rock. They closed their performance with the powerful “Warning,” from their 2019 album Local Motion.
Streetlight Manifesto: Before Pepper took the stage, Streetlight Manifesto delivered a memorable performance, opening with “Watch It Crash.” They followed with “A Better Place, A Better Time,” captivating the audience with their energy. The band wrapped up their set with “Here’s to Life,” leaving a lasting impression with their blend of ska and punk.
Bandshell – Five Town College Stage
Badfish and Tropidelic: Both bands added to the day’s vibrant atmosphere. Badfish, known for their tribute to Sublime, and Tropidelic, with their funky, high-energy style, kept the crowd dancing and singing along throughout their sets.
The Bandshell – Five Town College Stage featured a diverse lineup of bands that kept the reggae vibes flowing all day long.
Samsara kicked off the performances, followed by the smooth sounds of Aqua Cherry. Nonstop to Cairo brought their high-energy mix of ska and hip-hop, keeping the crowd on their feet. Oogee Wawa closed out the stage with their unique blend of reggae, rock, and hip-hop, creating a perfect end to the dayâs performances.
Jambalaya Stage
The Jambalaya Stage was a hub of reggae and rock fusion, showcasing both local and up-and-coming talent.
IRIEspect started the day with their authentic reggae sound, followed by the Chris Ruben Band, who brought a mix of rock and reggae influences. Enrose and Roots Foundation continued the reggae vibes, with Roots Foundation delivering a standout performance. Formed in 2008 by bassist Corey Browd, this Long Island-based band pays homage to the roots style of reggae, drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, and Peter Tosh. The day on this stage concluded with the dynamic sounds of Half Breeds.
A Day of Unity and Celebration
The reggae-themed day at the Great South Bay Music Festival was a testament to the unifying power of music. With a lineup that honored the roots of reggae while embracing its modern evolutions, festival-goers experienced a day of peace, love, and rhythmic bliss. As the sun set over Shorefront Park, the sounds of reggae continued to echo, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next day of this incredible festival.
Pepper Setlist: Bring Me Along. Rent, Things That You Love, Nice Time, Stormtrooper, Your Face, B.O.O.T., Tradewinds, Too Much, Freeze, Drum Solo, Stone Love, Seven Weeks, Crazy Love, Green Hell, Brand New Day, No Control, Warning
Streetlight Manifesto Setlist: Watch it Crash, A Moment of Silence, A Moment of Violence, A Better Place, a Better Time, Intro: This Is a Call to Arms, Here’s to Life
Badfish Setlist: Smoke Two Joints, Caress Me Down, Garden Grove, We’re Only Gonna Die, Waiting for My Ruca, Feel Like That, Get Ready, Badfish, Doin’ Time, My Girl, Pawn Shop, Changes, Regulate, Santeria, The Final Countdown, Date Rape, What I Got
Armed with an acoustic guitar, a natural gift for telling stories, and a charismatic way of connecting with people, Langhorne Slim’s sold-out performance at Levon Helm Studios on July 18th, 2024 was nothing short of superb. Drenched in emotion and musical authenticity, it was the type of show that’s both intimidating to write about and impossible to forget.
One that made you feel like you were having a brief brush with greatness and that you were witnessing one of the best performers of our time. Interactive and spontaneous, vulnerable yet hilarious and thought-provoking, anyone who was there will tell you this was about as good as a night of live folk music gets. Complete with a surprise sit-in from Sawyer Fredericks, an impromptu fan-led duet and a veritable reunion with the extended Siegal family, you could simply feel the love inside the cozy confines of Levon’s barn – and it was pure magic.
Langhorne Slim had them hanging from the rafters at Levon Helm Studios on 7/18/24.
Before things officially got started, the house announcer took a moment to reflect on the recent passing of Woodstock folk icon Happy Traum. Noting his longtime connection with the area, both as a frequent participant in the venue’s legendary Midnight Ramble series, as well as collaborations with his famous friends Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger, the entire evening was dedicated to him.
From there we were treated to a short-but-lovely set by the husband-and-wife folk duo of Zach Schmidt and Jackie Berkley, collectively known as Golden Everything. Built on the interplay between Jackie’s uplifting voice and Zach’s seasoned pipes, songs like “No One But You,” and “Remedy” captivated the crowd. Making the most of their allotted time, the couple was also happy to announce they are soon-to-be-parents, while also making a point of thanking their friend, Langhorne Slim, for including them on this run of shows.
Golden Everything opened the show for Langhorne Slim in Woodstock, NY 7/18/24.
Posting on social media prior to kicking off his ‘Politics of Love Summertime Shows,” Langhorne Slim would boldly declare “Take a stand, f*ck the man, explode yer television and go see yer favorite bands.” With his intentions clear, Levon Helm Studios was sold out weeks in advance. Taking the carpeted portion of the floor to a rousing ovation, Langhorne Slim would take a second to adjust to his surroundings. Somehow appearing to make eye contact with just about everyone in the barn before playing a single note, you were drawn to him almost instantly.
Noticing a couple empty seats in the front row, he would joke with the crowd and ask “if we should wait for them?” before starting off with his song “Better Now.” Born Sean Scolnick in Langhorne, Pennsylvania in 1980, he adopted the stage name of Langhorne Slim to keep close to his roots, despite now living in Nashville. Now with seven full-length albums under his belt, Slim would take a moment between songs to talk about his writing process. Mentioning how he typically tries not to use foul language on the records for various reasons, it was a little funny that the last two songs he’s written are laced with “F” bombs. One that particularly struck a chord was called “WTF Is Going On.”
Tell me someone what the fuck is going on, because were living in some fucked up times. We all know we’ve been had and I mean really bad and we all keep coming back for more. Everyone seems sure, but I ain’t sure and I don’t know what the hell is going on anymore. Tell me someone what the fuck is going on, because were living in some fucked up times.
-Langhorne Slim
While it was likely the first time hearing this song for many in the sold-out crowd, nearly everyone knew the next one, “Changes.” Settled in and feeling relaxed, Langhorne Slim would continue peeling back the layers of his life, sharing personal anecdotes and reflections, creating a space that felt less like a concert and more like a gathering of friends. This level of engagement transformed the performance into a shared experience, making every person in the room feel seen and heard.
Speaking off-the-cuff and recounting tales of life on the road and a series of paranormal occurrences at one particular Airbnb, Slim would have the crowd in stiches just by being himself and talking about his journey to get to this moment. After “House of My Soul (You Light the Rooms), Slim would invite his old friend Sawyer Fredericks to the stage for help on the next song, “On the Attack.” A familiar face for many, Fredericks first made a name for himself on the popular NBC hit show The Voice by covering this same song. Coming full circle and performing it together in this Woodstock atmosphere felt special, while Slim would exude after that “the boy still has it!”
Surprise Sit-In: Langhorne Slim (left) was joined by Sawyer Fredericks (right) at Levon Helm Studios on 7/18.
Throughout the set, Langhorne Slim laid bare his soul. In a performance full of tender moments, a pair of tunes that stuck out as particularly moving were “Song For Silver,” a new one describing how the clichés of becoming a Dad are actually real and “Song for Sid,” about his own beloved father. Noting that “I will play this one any chance I get,” the room felt particularly gripped as Slim’s gravelly and heartfelt voice reverberated through the storied barn with gusto and passion. The perfect acoustics even allowing him to step away from the microphone and still be heard while dancing about the stage.
I called a healthcare professional Wanna speak to someone confidentially Don’t know just how I’m feelin’ But I’m feelin’ feelings exponentially
Calm voice started asking questions Said, “Ma’am I was hoping for advice I’m feelin’ lots of feelings Not a single one of ’em feels nice”
She said, “Do you ever think about dying” Said, “No but sometimes I lie”
-Lyrics from ‘Panic Attack’
Another moment that stuck out was Slim’s introduction to the song “Panic Attack.” Written during a bleak time when he found himself alone at age 40 with only his cat, Mr. Beautiful, by his side, Slim talked openly about seeking professional counseling, getting sober, relapsing and the gift of getting sober for a second time. Captured brilliantly on his 2021 album Strawberry Mansion, Slim would also play the albums opening track, “Mighty Soul” before telling a story about meeting a lovely couple in the parking lot earlier that day who claimed they were about to walk the aisle to one of his songs, “Sea of Love.”
Langhorne Slim performing at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY 7/18/24.
So touched by this, and knowing how expensive weddings can be these days, Slim suggested we use this occasion to be the ‘real’ celebration. Then inviting Becca, the bride to be, up to the stage, the two would duet on a beautiful rendition of “Sea of Love.” The shock and smile on her face saying it all, it was surely a moment the young lady will never forget. Slim would joke, “When you invite a stranger up to the stage, you never know if they can actually sing.” Luckily for us, Becca nailed it. Afterwards another couple would speak up and say “Sea of Love” was also their wedding song.
Sea of Love: Langhorne Slim invited super-fan Becca up to sing her ‘soon-to-be’ wedding song with him on 7/18/24.
It was around this time Langhorne Slim took the pulse of the room once again and asked if there was anything people were hoping to hear that he hadn’t played yet. With seven records of material to choose from, there was still plenty on the table and the requests instantly started raining down from the balcony in waves. A bit overwhelmed by the response, Slim would do his best to please everyone. Working his way through staples like “Wolves,” “Never Break,” and “Past Lives,” Slim would teach the audience the call and response chorus to “Cinderella,” from 2009’s Be Set Free album which had the whole barn howling with delight to the lyrics of “Do you feel good (I feel alight) / That makes me feel good (outta sight).
Langhorne Slim performing at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY 7/18/24.
After commenting on how silly it would be to walk off stage just to come right back for an obligatory encore, Slim had one more surprise up his sleeve. Inviting some very special guests up to join him instead, Slim welcomed local Grammy nominated record producer and multi-instrumentalist Kenny Siegal, along with his extended family, to the stage.
The history here running deep, as Langhorne Slim’s breakthrough album, 2012’s The Way We Move was recorded just down the road at Siegal’s Old Soul Studio in Catskill, a 100-year-old Greek Revival house retooled for recording. Co-produced by Siegal, an astonishing 26 songs were completed in just four days. With the album now considered by many to be a modern masterpiece, it was another magical, full-circle moment when the Siegal’s joined Slim for the cathartic show closer and title track from that album, “The Way We Move.”
All in the Family: The family of producer Kenny Siegal joins Langhorne Slim on stage for “The Way We Move” in Woodstock, NY 7/18/24.
So caught up in the moment, Slim would unplug his guitar and dance around with the youngest member of the Siegal family before wandering all the way up into the balcony to sing along with the ‘standing room only’ crowd. Going out of his way to make sure everyone had a special moment of connection with him, there wasn’t a person there who didn’t walk away from the concert smiling about their brush with greatness.
Langhorne Slim performing at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY 7/18/24.
The evening at Levon Helm Studios was more than just a musical performance; it was an intimate exchange of stories and emotions. Delivering both classic hits and new tracks with a fervor that revealed his deep commitment to his craft along with the personal struggles and triumphs that fuel it, when he told the crowd that “he didn’t come all this way to lie to them,” you believed it. Slim’s ability to connect so deeply with people, coupled with his passionate delivery, powerful and distinct voice and thought-provoking lyrics created the perfect recipe for an unforgettable night of music and soul-searching.
Made even more special by the surprise sit-ins and the venue’s rich history, it’s easy to see why Langhorne Slim considers Woodstock one of his favorite places to play. Standing at the door on the way out, I wasn’t quite sure what to say to the man. After shaking hands and sheepishly thanking him for all the great music over the years, I think he knew where I was coming from and he went in for a big ‘ol bear hug. Trading compliments and sweat on a hot summer night at Levon’s barn; the perfect ending to a night I won’t soon forget.
Langhorne Slim | July 18, 2024 | Levon Helm Studios | Woodstock, NY
Setlist: (partial) Better Now, WTF Is Going On, Stealin’ Time, Changes, House of My Soul (You Light the Rooms), On The Attack , Sugar Plum, Song for Silver, Wolves, Panic Attack, Song for Sidney, Long Live Time, Never Break, Mighty Soul, Sea of Love, Get My Kicks, Cinderella, Past Lives.
Encore: The Way We Move (featuring the Siegal Family).
On Sunday, July 21, blink-182 returned to the Big Apple in grand fashion to support their new album and tour, “One More Time…” With the weather being perfect for an outdoor show, fans were tailgating early at Citi Field in Queens, as they lined up for early merch stands and flooded in to check out the opening acts.
Ekkstasy went first, followed by a passionate performance from Pierce The Veil, the stage was set perfectly as blink-182 reemerged in New York for the first time in almost 10 years. The classic gongs and church bells from the theme-song of WWE Superstar, The Undertaker rang out.
With a solid setlist filled with new tracks off their new album, OneMoreTime…, along with iconic classics the fans know and love, the evening was locked and loaded with fireworks to deliver an experience that wont be forgotten by anyone in attendance soon. Classic banter and jokes amongst the bandmates was like old times after a long absence, as blink-182 looked right at home, the crowd able to see the true appreciation the group has for their die-hard fans. Fans such as theirs prove that music truly has the power to stand the test of time and age. Whether its for a laugh or for that one song that hits you in the feels, there is something for everyone in blink-182’s discography and live performances.
The excitement in the air was well warranted. Its been almost ten years since all three members of the band stood united. Tom DeLonge only recently rejoined his original bandmates, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker. Hoppus is fresh off a successful bout with cancer. Barker held an event at Citi Field earlier that day before his show, Run Travis Run, a running and wellness experience that highlights his own health recovery. All this to say, this show clearly demonstrated that blink-182 has found themselves in a new era, a new era where the sky is the limit and fun is at its maximum.
The iconic trio from California closed out the epic night proving just how and why they are as timeless as ever, intermixing the late 90s classic, “Dammit” with Sabrina Carpenters, “Espresso”. Their tour continues on nation wide till mid august.
link-182 – Citi Field, Queens, NY – Sunday, July 21
Setlist: Feeling This, The Rock Show, Man Overboard, Aliens Exist, Dance With Me, Obvious, Bored to Death, Edging, Up All Night, More Than You Know, M+M’s, Stay Together for the Kids, Not Now, Cant Go Back, I Miss You, Down, When Your Heart Stops Beating, There Is, Fuck Face, Anthem Part 3, Always, Whats My Age Again?, First Date, All the Small Things, Dammit
Train performed at Artpark Amphitheater on Friday, July 19, with Yacht Rock Revue opening, with both bands had the crowd singing and dancing to their classic songs all night.
Train
Yacht Rock Revue is not your typical tribute band. They add their own flare to the songs they sing, an array of classic hits songs from the 70s and 80s. Within their set, they also mixed in some of their original songs as well in the mix that the crowd loved. The band got the crowd grooving early on in the night, gearing them up for Train.
Yacht Rock Revue
Train started the night with a classic ‘Calling All Angels’, and the crowd immediately engaged with lead singer Patrick Monahan. The way that he kept everyone so engaged from start to finish was truly a true show of his artistry. He picked up the beat with his next song, “If It’s Love.” During this song, he grabbed the phones of some of the crowd and took selfies of them. It was a very sweet moment to see the interaction that he was having with the crowd when he was doing this, and had a smooth transition to “Get To Me.”
When you go to a Train concert, you can tell he’s been doing this for a while because of his smooth transitions from song to song and stage presence. Not to mention his fantastic song discography. Crowd favorite songs were “Play That Song,” “Hey Soul Sister,” and of course, the classic “Drops of Jupiter.” with the crowd embracing the iconic piano intro.
Many in the audience likely left the show with sore throats from singing, but with giant smiles on their faces.
Train – Artpark, Lewiston, NY – Friday, July 19, 2024
Setlist: Calling All Angels, If It’s Love, Get to Me, Save Me, San Francisco, Meet Virginia, Free, Over the Hills and Far Away (Led Zeppelin cover with Pat’s son, Rock, on vocals), Long Yellow Dress, Play That Song, Parachute Angel in Blue Jeans, 50 Ways to Say Goodbye, Marry Me, Bruises, Hey Soul Sister, Drive By, We Were Made for This, Hotel California (Eagles cover with Yacht Rock Revue), Drops of Jupiter
After a weather reduced show at Citi Field on Wednesday night, Foo Fighters make good and celebrate all on Friday, July 19.
The crowd ushered into the stadium and by the time the Foo Fighters took the stage for the 8pm start everyone was ready to rock. The New York weather had been a steamy heat bath but on this night the weather couldnât have been more perfect for an outside stadium show.
When Foo Fighters took the stage, they wasted no time addressing the Wednesday show prior. Heavy storms caused that show to be cancelled about halfway through that night. Dave Grohl let the crowd know that this show was for both nights to enjoy.So, he was going to sing and yell extra loud for all to hear.
The Foo Fighters certainly made up for it. They crushed through a set of monster hits and left it all out there on the stage, dropping a three-hour marathon set on this Friday night.
Looking around you canât help but notice that the Foo Fighters are a band that attracts people of all ages. So many adults were in tow with head-phoned children who were equally as ready to head bang and dance through the aisles. Dave recognized this as well and from the stage he spoke to the OG fans and played some songs for them, and then he addressed the fans who might be here for their first show and welcomed them as well to the rock and roll experience that is the Foo Fighters.
Foo Fighters have been making music for 30 years. Dave Grohl is one of the more authentic rock and roll ambassadors that exists currently. On this night he lived up to all of it. His voice, his guitar playing. Itâs all 100%, all the time from Grohl, a soaking wet mess by the end of the show and by each drop of sweat that dripped off him, you knew he has given the best, the best, the bestâ¦
Foo Fighters – Citi Field, Queens, NY – Friday, July 19, 2025
Setlist: All My Life, No Son of Mine, Rescued, The Pretender, Walk, Times Li-Breakout, Eruption/Thunderstruck/Sabotage/Keyboard Solo/Blitzkrieg Bop/March of The Pigs, My Hero,The Sky Is a Neighborhood, Learn To Fly, Arlandia, These Days, Skin and Bones, Under You, Nothing At All, Shame Shame, This Is a Call, Monkey Wrench, Aurora, Best of You
