NYS Music 2024

Category: Media

  • Rain Bring Beatlemania to Saratoga Springs

    Despite at least five confirmed tornadoes and a microburst of nasty weather, the show went on as planned Wednesday night, July 17th at SPAC in Saratoga Springs. Making good on their name, Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, not only weathered the storms, but delivered a surreal night of nostalgia and note-for-note precision that had fans both young and old twisting and shouting for more.

    Hitting the mark with spot on impersonations of the Fab Four – from the iconic haircuts and replica outfits, to the playful mannerisms and distinct personalities, the career retrospective performance encapsulated everything music fans know and love about The Beatles, arguably the most important and influential rock n’ roll band of all time.    

    Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.

    Transporting fans back to the heyday of Beatlemania as Rain, the acclaimed tribute band took the Broadview Stage at SPAC by storm shortly after 7:30pm.  Dividing up the show into distinct eras of The Beatles, the throwback party kicked of with “Please Please Me” from the 1963 debut album of the same name.  After working their way through “ I Want To Hold Your Hand” and a pair of love songs that included “This Boy” and “P.S. I Love You,” Rain transitioned into the A Hard Day’s Night portion of the show.

    After an exciting rendition of “Can’t Buy Me Love,” fans were treated to some lesser-known cuts like the surf-rock inspired “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Tell Me Why” and “I Should Have Known Better.”  Briefly pausing to welcome the audience to the show and inviting them to sing along with the next song, a poignant version of “Yesterday” had the entire pavilion on the cusp of tears.

    Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.

    After an entertaining video package chronicled The Beatles rise to international superstardom, the show then entered the iconic “Shea Stadium” era of Beetlemania. Featuring a distinctly harder edge than earlier in the night, songs like “I Feel Fine,” “Day Tripper,” and “Drive My Car” sounded just as good today as they did nearly sixty years ago. While I personally found it hard to sit during this part of the show, fans needed reassurance that it was “OK” to get up on their feet for the next number, “Twist and Shout.”  

    Rain would break character a bit after “Eleanor Rigby,” by introducing the mysterious “5th Beatle” lurking in the back of the stage, their version of legendary record producer George Martin, who played all the string and horn parts via keyboard.  Prominently featured on the potent “In My Life,” the first half of the show came to a close with “Got to Get You into My Life.”

    Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.

    After a brief intermission, things were about to get a little weird in Saratoga.  Entering the experimental/psychedelic era of The Beatles, from the moment the opening chords of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” filled the air, the audience was spellbound. Now dressed in vibrant Edwardian military officer outfits, Rain both looked the part and sounded it.  Flowing directly into “With a Little Help From My Friends,” the lysergic loving anthem “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” and “Lovely Rita,” the transitions between the early mop-top era, the psychedelic phase, and the mature later years were seamless, showcasing the band’s versatility and deep understanding of the Beatles’ evolution.  

    Rain’s meticulous attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the show, from the authentic period costumes to the spot-on Liverpudlian accents. Each band member perfectly embodied their respective Beatle, not just in appearance but in musical prowess and stage presence.

    Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.

    One of the standout moments was their performance of “A Day In The Life.” Featuring all the complicated bells and whistles of the original, Rain pulled it off flawlessly.  The chilled out “Flying” instrumental went largely unappreciated, but fans got back into it for the remainder of the Magical Mystery Tour portion of the show that included stellar renditions of “Penny Lane” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Complete with vibrant visuals throughout, the multimedia aspects of the show added an extra layer of immersion, with historical footage and colorful animations enhancing the live performances.

    While not necessarily a “pavilion only” show, the somewhat relaxed security allowed most fans inside, leaving only a handful of people to linger on the lawn. Perhaps that’s why I felt so seen when Rain played “Fool on the Hill” and “Come Together” as I made my way across the notorious slope. “Get Back” was the lone song played from the Let It Be album, while “Revolution” and “The End” closed out the second set to a bittersweet ovation of gratitude.

    The Fool on the Hill: Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.

    The setlist was a well-curated journey through the Beatles’ illustrious career, featuring beloved hits and deep cuts alike. Rain’s musicianship was impeccable. The harmonies were tight, the instrumentation was faithful to the original recordings, and the energy was palpable.  When the band returned to the stage for the obligatory encore, the crowd couldn’t resist singing along to the ever appropriate “Give Peace a Chance” and finally the show closer “Hey Jude,” creating a communal experience that felt both nostalgic and celebratory. A vivid and heartfelt homage to the Beatles, it was a night of pure musical joy and a chance to relive the magic of one of the greatest bands in history.

    Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.

    Rain (Beatles Tribute) | July 17,2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY

    Set I: Please Please Me, I Want to Hold Your Hand, This Boy, P.S. I Love You, Roll Over Beethoven, A Hard Day’s Night, I Should Have Known Better, Can’t Buy Me Love, Tell Me Why, Yesterday, I Feel Fine, Day Tripper, Drive My Car, The Word, Eleanor Rigby, In My Life, Got to Get You Into My Life

    Set II: Sgt. Pepper’s Loney Hearts Club Band, With a Little Help From My Friends, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Sgt. Pepper’s (Reprise), A Day in the Life, Flying, Magical Mystery Tour, Strawberry Fields Forever, Penny Lane, I Am the Walrus, The Fool on the Hill, Tomorrow Never Knows, Come Together, Get Back, Revolution, The End

    Encore: Give Peace a Chance, Hey Jude

  • moe. shines at Outer Harbor Terminal B for Buffalo famoe.ly

    moe. has been performing in Buffalo for over 30 years and the fans are always ready for the group to come back to the band’s birthplace. So on a breezy summer evening, moe. put on a nostalgic homecoming show at Buffalo’s new Outer Harbor venue, Terminal B. It is offically summer now that moe. has paid Buffalo a visit.

    Terminal B, an intimate yet festival-like venue, welcomed Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country to start the night, opening with “Broadside Ballad” and “Hangman’s Reel,” which brought the crowd of all ages into rhythmic heartbeats satisfying their musical expectations. An improvisational approach to country carried the whole crowd to groove into finale tune, “Two Hills.” If you missed Daniel Donato and Cosmic Country, they have just been announced for Borderland Music Festival in September.

    moe. launched their set with “Spaz Medicine” and followed by moe.’s homecoming song, “Skitchin’ Buffalo,” paying homage to local bass legend Rob Derhak’s memories of Buffalo, including references to lost venues like Broadway Joe’s. Fans were delighted to have heard “Not Coming Down,” “Wormwood” and live favorite “Kids.”

    As the sun went down over Terminal B at Outer Harbor, moe. played covers like “Fearless” by Pink Floyd and “In Stride” by Nate Wilson Group, transitioning into “Deep This Time” which included impressive solos and twisted interplay. The fans went ablaze for “Bear Song,” with moe. bringing out Daniel Donato to help finish the show in perfect summer fashion with Jerry Garcia’s “Deal,” leaving the crowd eager for more from moe.. 

    Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country Setlist: Broadside Ballad, Hangman’s Reel, Translation, Got my Mojo Workin’, Gotta Get Southbound, Two Hills.

    moe. Setlist: Spaz Medicine, Skitchin’ Buffalo, Not Coming Down, Wormwood, Fearless(Pink Floyd cover), Deep This Time, In Stride (Nate Wilson Group cover), ZOZ (Zed Nought Z), Kids, Time Ed, Kids, Bearsong, ZOZ (Zed Nought Z)
    Encore: Deal (Jerry Garcia cover) with Daniel Donato

    Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country

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  • In Focus: Ben Howard performs at ‘Perfect’ Bearsville Theater in Woodstock

    One of England’s most prolific songwriters made a rare stop in Upstate New York on Tuesday, July 16, as Ben Howard performed at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock. 

    The historic theater provided a rare, intimate performance for Howard’s fans, who ofter have to seek out larger concert halls and amphitheaters to see the singer-songwriter perform.

    The evening kicked off with a 30 minute set by Irish musician John Francis Flynn.  Flynn took to the stage by himself, and performed a dramatic set of traditional Irish folk tunes. Performing solo, Flynn would create guitar and drum loops to back his vocals. He even took hand at the tin whistle, noting he had recently lost his previous instrument and was lucky to receive a new one in the mail earlier that day.

    At promptly 9pm, Howard and his bandmates took to the stage with a roar from the audience.  They would open with “Richmond Avenue”, a slow moving ballad off Howard’s 2023 release, Is It?  Initially illuminated by a solo spotlight, dramatic lighting would adorn the stage as the song took shape.

    Early in the evening Howard would praise the small town of Woodstock. “It seems quite perfect here”, Howard remarked, noting the band had visited a perfect shop, a perfect vegan restaurant, and the perfect concert venue before joking that he hoped to leave before discovering any dark secrets of the town. In truth, Howard is no stranger to the area, having recorded Is It? at Aaron Dessner’s nearby Long Pond Studio.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAll4IK6Fig

    Through out the set, the theater would become engulfed in ethereal and atmospheric sounds, played to near perfection from Howard and his bandmates. While the band would perform early tracks such as “Promise”, “Small Things”, and “Diamonds”, Howard seemed the most proud of his recent work. Much of the night’s setlist featured tracks off of Howard’s two most recent releases and included songs such as “Follies Fixture”, “Far Out”, and “Days of Lantana”. The tracks were met with warm reception from the audience, and Ben Howard would often flash back a modest smile in return.

    It was quite the perfect experience for the perfect town.

  • Punk Icons NOFX Deliver a Farewell to Remember at Brooklyn Paramount

    Brooklyn Paramount was electric on Saturday, July 13, as NOFX delivered a powerful performance on the second of their three-night stand, part of their much-anticipated final tour.

    These shows were the only US dates on their tour, making them a unique and intimate experience compared to the rest of the Punk in Drublic festival.

    The legendary punk rock band kicked off their worldwide farewell tour on April 22, 2023, in Austin, TX. The tour spans forty cities across the globe, including stops in Australia in January, Europe in May and June, and North America from April to October 2024.

    Each night, NOFX performs 40 songs, featuring full albums and rare tracks, ensuring no setlist is ever repeated. This meticulous planning guarantees a unique experience for every show, culminating in their final performance in Los Angeles on October 6, 2024.

    Frontman Fat Mike, alongside bandmates Eric Melvin, Erik Sandin, and El Hefe, poured their hearts into the Brooklyn Paramount show. The setlist on July 13 was a blend of tracks from at least 12 different albums, with a heavy focus on Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing and Pump Up the Valuum. The night began with the energetic “60%,” and included fan favorites like “Murder the Government,” “Bob,” “What’s the Matter with Parents Today,” “The Longest Line,” and “Drugs Are Good.” The encore was a high-energy conclusion featuring “Bottle to the Ground” and the iconic “Kill All the White Man.”

    Opening the night was Fat Mike’s new project, Codefendants, whose set included “Brutiful,” “Prison Camp,” “Fast Ones,” and “Sell Me Youth.” Following them was Murphy’s Law, a staple of the New York hardcore punk scene since 1982. Despite numerous lineup changes, vocalist Jimmy Drescher remains the heart of the band. Their energetic set included “Quest for Herb,” “Crucial Bar-B-Q,” “Cavity Creeps,” and “Someone’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked in Tonight.”

    Formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, NOFX has been a cornerstone of the punk rock scene for over four decades. Their rebellious spirit and distinctive sound have influenced countless bands and garnered a dedicated global fanbase. Despite the ups and downs of the music industry, NOFX has maintained their independence, releasing music through their own label, Fat Wreck Chords.

    Fat Mike, the band’s charismatic and often controversial frontman, has been vocal about his reasons for ending NOFX. “Because I don’t enjoy it like I used to,” he told Louder in December 2022. “And if I don’t get loaded, I really don’t want to do it. I don’t need to be onstage hearing people applaud and dance. I don’t need that. Some people are addicted to that.”

    He added, “I’ve started doing stand-up comedy and I like that way better, in front of 30 people. And writing music. I’ve been writing [string] quartets, which I really enjoy, and writing for other people. I have another band called the Codefendants, which is really exciting to me.”

    As the final tour progresses, fans worldwide are cherishing these last moments with NOFX. The Brooklyn Paramount shows are a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their unwavering connection with their audience. For those in attendance on July 13, it was a night of nostalgia, high energy, and a bittersweet farewell to one of punk rock’s most influential bands.

    Codefendants Setlist: Brutifal, Defcons, Abscessed, Suicide by Pigs, Disaster Scenes, Prison Camp, Fast Ones, Counting Back From 13, Sell Me Youth

    NOFX Setlist: 60%, Seeing Double at the Triple Rock, Murder the Government, Bob, Pharmacist’s Daughter, 72 Hookers, All Outta Angst, Louise, The Man I Killed, Leaving Jesusland, What’s the Matter With Parents Today, 100 Times Fuckeder, The Marxist Brothers, Fuck the Kids, Juice Head, Hobophobic, Monosyllabic Girls, I’m Telling Tim, Instant Crassic, Can’t Get the Stink Out, The Longest Line, What Now My Love, I Don’t Like Me Anymore, Drugs Are Good, Benny Got Blowed Up, Radio, Shut Up Already, Green Corn, All My Friends In New York, The Seperation of Church and Skate

    Encore: Riff Raff, Dinosaurs Will Die, Herojuana, Bottles to the Ground, Kill all the White Man

  • Chris Stapleton and Marcus King Pack Darien Lake

    Playing to a sold-out crowd, Chris Stapleton brought his country rock show to Darien Lake Amphitheater on July 11. With support from Marcus King and Nikki Lane, the crowd of nearly 21,000 was treated to a night of amazing music and perfect weather to compliment.

    Not really new to music, Marcus King is taking country music scene by storm in recent years. With heavy mix of southern rock and classic country licks, King delivers a stellar performance as he precedes the headliner on stage.

    King’s touring band includes, Jack Ryan on drums, Stephen Campbell on bass, Drew Smithers on guitar, Mike Runyon on keys, and Chris Spies on sax.

    Heavily influenced by acts like the Allman Brothers and Waylon Jennings, King produces the perfect sounds for a hot summer day.

    Chatting up conversation with fans lined up at the photo pit barricade, I came across young and old fans like. There was a young lady dressed as Stapleton, who was attending her first concert. There were best friends who splurged to get up close, and there were families front and center ready to tap their boots to some “Tennessee Whiskey.” Parenting done right, it will always bring a smile to my face to see children at the front the shows. Music is awesome, but live music like that is on a whole other level.

    Running about 15 minutes late, Stapleton hit the stage to a loud and boisterous round of cheers and applause as he immediately rolled into “White Horse”, “Nobody to Blame”, and “Second One to Know.” For some it was the first time seeing the country star, for others it was another notch in the belt. Either way, Stapleton had the fans on their toes for the next 90 minutes.

    Not one for much chatter during the set, Stapleton rolled through the 23-song set with his wife, Morgane, within arm’s reach. Providing background vocals as well as duets with her husband on most songs, she makes them quite a dynamic duo.

    21,000 fans packed into lawn and shell seats for a night of amazing music and 21,000 fans were treated to an unbelievable show by a country mega star and a mega star in the making. This was a night to remember for so many, especially for that young lady in front who got see Chris Stapleton from the very front row.

    Leaving the show a little early avoid the notoriously horrific Darien Lake parking lot traffic, you could still hear Stapleton belting out “Fire Away”, “Tennessee Whiskey”, and “Broken Halos”. As I made my way to my car, the crowd was perfectly in sync, just as they were from the first note of the night.

    Stapleton continues his tour with Lane and King this summer, as well as stops to perform with George Strait along the way.

    Chris Stapleton setlist: White Horse, Nobody to Blame, Second One to Know, Millionaire (K. Welch cover), Crosswind, Trying to Untangle My Mind, South Dakota, Might as Well Get Stoned, What Am I Gonna Do, Think I’m In Love With You, Whiskey and You, Arkansas, Starting Over, Joy of My Life (J. Fogerty cover), Parachute, Mountains of My Mind, You Should Probably Leave, Cold, Free Bird/The Devil Named Music, Traveller, Fire Away, Tennessee Whiskey, Broken Halos

    Marcus King
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  • Jason Mraz takes Canandaigua on special ride

    Two-time Grammy Award winner, Jason Mraz, hit the stage at CMAC on Wednesday, July 10. Bringing a night of positive and inspirational messages, Mraz rocked the Northeast shore of Canandaigua Lake, along with Ripe and The Molly Miller Trio in support of his 2023 release, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride.

    Jason Mraz

    With the threat of tornados from Buffalo to Canandaigua throughout the day, Mraz and fans were keeping a close on the weather. As Mraz hit stage around 830, it was clear that many fans decided to stay home. Thanks to venue staff for doing the right thing, as many lawn patrons were offered seats under the cover of the shell.

    Getting the night started was Ripe. Fronted by Robbie Wulfsohn, Ripe is a highly energetic pop-funk band from the Boston area. Formed while studying at Berklee College of Music and working through the pandemic, Ripe has developed a mini cult-like following of music fans of all ages that keeps on growing. Pairing with the powerful voice of Wulfsohn were Christian Yogi Saint-Louis on guitar, Sampson Hellerman on drums, Jon Becker on Bass, Calvin Barthel on Trombone.

    Opening for an act like Jason Mraz might be intimidating for some, but for these guys, not even the weather was intimidating as they dominated their set. Both Wulfsohn and Becker were all over the stage, never skipping a beat.

    Ripe Setlist: Flipside, Stanky, Passerby, Say It To Me, Sussudio (P Collins cover), First Time Feeling, Noise in The Forest, Downward, Settling, (Goon Squad)

    As Mraz took the stage donning a retro looking fit, the crowd is energized and ready to dance the night away, a common theme at Jason’s shows. Joining him on the stage that was backlit by large display screen was his Superband, a collection of nine other artists who were all ready for a workout, including Molly Miller, Billy Galewood, and other members of Bushwalla.

    “Getting Started” and “Feel Good Too” was the ideal pair of songs to get the set started. Both songs carry poppy, trippy, and happy vibes which set the tone for the next 90 minutes.

    Before song three began, insight was offered up on the meaning of “The Remedy.” He went on to talk about a conversation with a high school friend who had a deep conversation with him around age 20 and told Mraz of his recent cancer diagnosis. Definitely, not something anyone wishes to deal with but sadly becomes part of life. In an ode to his friend and the most positive outlook one could have in his situation, “The Remedy” was born. Mraz continued on saying that this friend is alive and well today, and recently celebrated his birthday.

    Admittedly, I could not name more than one song from Jason Mraz before the show. As the night progressed, I recognized several, not realizing who the artist was. Not realizing the level of talent I was listening to. Guitarist, lyricist, dancer, and story teller, Jason Mraz offers it all and delivery is second to none.

    As he continues his set, he adds in wit and banter related to each song, or the weather as he cracked a couple tornado jokes. He even ‘Rick Rolled’ the Canandaigua crowd. Introducing a song, he began to talk about a special guest who join in him on stage, as he called out Colbie Caillat, an artist who he has collaborated with previously. After a brief pause, he added “…Could not make it tonight” and immediately went into Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.”

    Keeping the jokes going, he offered alternate lyrics to “Pancakes & Butter,” his song about waiting for someone special because they pair well together. Trying to keep straight face, Mraz started singing about Rochester and garbage plates instead of “Pancakes & Butter.” Apparently, the former didn’t flow, and he had to scrap the idea.

    As the night concluded with “I Feel Like Dancing,” Mraz was joined on stage with Ripe and they danced the night away. Artists pairing up with each other and creating an amazing scene on stage as the entire crowd is up screaming for more. A very fitting conclusion to a very uplifting show.

    Jason Mraz setlist: Getting Started, Feel Good Too, The Remedy (I Won’t Worry), 3 Things, Living in the Moment, Good Old Daze, Be Where Your Feet Are, Look For The Good, Make it Mine, Butterfly, Pancakes & Butter, Disco Sun, 93 Million Miles, I Won’t Give Up, Have It All, You Might Like It, I’m Yours, I Feel Like Dancing

    Jon and Alonzo – Ripe
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    Alonzi Demetrius – Ripe
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    Jon Becker, Robbie Wulfsohn – Ripe
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  • Hip Hop Royalty: KRS-One at Albany’s Alive at 5

    On Thursday, July 11, Hip Hop legend KRS-One electrified the crowd at Jennings Landing in Albany, part of the Alive at Five summer concert series. The show, packed with classic hits and vibrant energy, showcased KRS-One’s enduring influence in the Hip Hop world, creating an unforgettable experience for fans.

    KRS-One hails from The Bronx and co-founded the iconic group Boogie Down Productions in the mid-1980s, solidifying his place in Hip Hop history. Regularly performing in New York, KRS-One’s connection to the state is undeniable, his current tour a celebration of his legacy and the ongoing influence in Hip Hop.

    Opening for KRS was fellow Bronx native DJ Show, who got the crowd hyped by spinning some Hip Hop classics and getting the crowd dancing. He made it clear that if a track was made after 2010, he wasn’t playing it tonight.

    Albany-based artist Ohzhe took the stage next. The 2024 Eddies Award nominee continued to excite the audience with his charismatic and energetic stage presence.

    Ohzhe’s set ended with him hollering backstage to KRS-One, who was talking with fans behind the stage, asking if he wanted him to keep performing. This prompted KRS to join him on stage for an impromptu freestyle collaboration, illustrating why The Source called KRS “the greatest live emcee ever.”

    The crowd roared as KRS-One delivered powerful performances of his classics, interspersed with insightful commentary, reinforcing his status as “Hip Hop’s first Master Teacher.”  Near the end of the show, KRS and his crew brought out autographed tennis balls to throw into the audience. Giving some lucky fans a memento that will solidify this performance as unforgettable.

    KRS-One’s show ended on a high note, with the crowd buzzing about the evening’s performances and some admiring their tennis balls as they left Jennings Landing. His tour continues, promising more incredible shows and affirming why he is regarded as Hip Hop royalty. Keep an eye out for his next New York stops for another chance to witness greatness.

    Remaining Alive at 5 2024 Concert Schedule

    July 18 – Third World

    July 25 – The Record Company

    August 1 – Galactic (presented by WEQX and NYS Music)

  • Red Hot Chili Peppers Sell Out Darien Lake

    On a perfect summer night for a rock concert, the Red Hot Chili Peppers delivered a sensational sold-out show at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday, July 12, marking a standout stop on their 2022-2024 Global Stadium Tour.

    The concert kicked off with bassist Flea handstand walking over to his bass and immediately jumping into an electrifying and psychedelic jam with guitarist John Frusciante and drummer Chad Smith. This set an upbeat tone that seamlessly transitioned into “Around the World” as vocalist Anthony Kiedis took the stage to a massive roar.

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    From the very start, the band’s energy was at full blast, capturing the crowd’s enthusiasm. Fan-favorite “Dani California” followed, turning the amphitheater into a sea of singing and dancing.

    The setlist showcased the Chili Peppers’ versatility, balancing timeless hits with fresh material. “The Zephyr Song” offered mellow vibes, while “Aquatic Mouth Dance” introduced a new, experimental flavor. The crowd was treated to a heartfelt cover of “I Remember You” by The Ramones, a nod to the band’s punk influences.

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    The performance continued to build momentum with “Hey” and the band followed up with another Ramones cover, “Havana Affair,” keeping the energy high. The raw power of “Suck My Kiss” and the emotive “Soul to Squeeze” provided a mix of intensity and introspection. The anthem-like “Carry Me Home” led into fan favorite “Californication,” which had the entire amphitheater singing along.

    The night’s encore began with a stirring rendition of “Under the Bridge” and concluding on a high note with “Give It Away”, capping off a night of high-energy rock and funk.

    The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ performance at Darien Lake was a testament to their long career and legacy. Their setlist combined classic hits with newer tracks, ensuring a memorable experience for fans. The band’s dynamic stage presence and ability to create an engaging atmosphere reinforced their status as one of rock’s most enduring and exciting acts.

    Red Hot Chili Peppers – Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, Darien Center, NY – Friday, July 12, 2024

    Setlist: Intro Jam, Around the World, Dani California, The Zephyr Song, Aquatic Mouth Dance, Universally Speaking, I Remember You (Ramones cover), Eddie, Hey, Right on Time, Havana Affair (Ramones cover), Suck My Kiss, Soul to Squeeze, Carry Me Home, Californication, Black Summer, By the Way
    Encore: Under the Bridge, Give It Away

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  • In Focus: Good Times with Lake Street Dive at Beak & Skiff

    Brooklyn based soul-pop artists Lake Street Dive made their triumphant return to Beak & Skiff on Sunday, July 7.  The Beak & Skiff veterans have been long embraced by the Central New York community. 

    Lake Street Dive was one of the first to bring live music back to the area during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a run of three consecutive shows at the venue in 2021. They are currently touring in support of their eighth studio album, Good Together. 

    The evening kicked off under crystal clear blue skies and warm temperatures, with a set by Alisa Amador, who won NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2022, and dazzled the crowd with her blend of Spanish infused folk music.  Amador’s powerful yet soothing vocals danced through out the already filled orchard valley and kept captive hold of the audience through out the 40 minute set.  Late in her set, Amador paid tribute to Radiohead, with her own rendition of “High and Dry.”

    The familiar opening synths of “Good Together” (the title track on the band’s latest release) kicked off Lake Street Dive’s set.  The band immediately had the densely packed audience swaying and dancing, following the lead of singer and front-woman Rachael Price.  Price enamored the audience with her charismatic stage presence as she strutted and danced across the stage, never missing a vocal beat. She took a seat and twirled at a makeshift bar on stage during “Seats at the Bar”, and even brought bystanders from side stage to center stage to dance along with her during the appropriately named “Dance with a Stranger.”

    While much of the allure of seeing Lake Street Dive in concert is the fun and energetic set, perhaps the highlight on this evening was during “Twenty-Five,” the somber piano-ballad off the band’s latest release.  Price’s vocals soared in perfect harmony with her bandmates during the emotional track, which likely left few dry eyes through out the audience.

    Lake Street Dive would return to their high energy ways, closing their Beak & Skiff set with the Hall & Oates classic, “Rich Girl” and the band’s own fan favorite “Good Kisser”. The latter track’s catchy chorus allowed Price’s vocals to soar through out the LaFayette Valley one last time.

  • Federation Sound Celebrates 25th Anniversary at Coney Island Amphitheater

    On Sunday, July 7, the Coney Island Amphitheater was alive with the sounds of reggae and dancehall music as Federation Sound celebrated their 25th anniversary.

    Founded in 1999 in Brooklyn by Max Glazer, Kenny Meez, and Cipha Sounds, Federation Sound has become a key player in the reggae scene. They are famous for their energetic shows and unique blend of classic reggae and modern dancehall.

    Federation Sound

    The night started with performances by Red Fox & Screechy Dan, who got the crowd moving with their lively set. Following them, Tifa kept the energy high with her hit songs and engaging performance. Mr. Lexx continued the party, showing why he remains a favorite in dancehall music.

    Red Fox & Screechy Dan

    Tanto Metro & Devonte were a crowd favorite, delivering hit after hit and getting everyone to sing along. Iotosh, a newer artist in the reggae world, impressed the audience with his fresh sound, mixing traditional reggae with modern vibes.

    Tanto Metro & Devonte

    A special guest performance by the legendary Johnny Osbourne was a highlight of the night. He wowed the crowd with his classic hits “Buddy Bye” and “Ice Cream Love,” bringing a wave of nostalgia and joy.

    Johnny Osbourne

    The headliners of the night, Shaggy and Sister Nancy, delivered unforgettable performances. Shaggy had the crowd dancing and singing along to his hits “Boombastic,” “Angel,” “It Wasn’t Me,” and more. Sister Nancy closed the night with her iconic songs “Bam Bam” and “One Two,” leaving the audience in awe of her powerful presence

    Shaggy

    In between some of the acts, Federation Sound kept the energy high with their DJ sets, showcasing their skill in mixing and keeping the crowd entertained.

    Sister Nancy

    Federation Sound’s 25th-anniversary show was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of reggae and dancehall culture. Fans and artists came together to honor Federation Sound’s impact on the music world, from their popular mixtapes to their influential radio shows and online streams.