NYS Music 2024

Category: Photo Gallery

  • Tokyo Police Club Play Final US Show at Irving Plaza

    Tokyo Police Club performed their final show on US soil at Irving Plaza on Thursday, November 20. This was night two of the group’s NYC run for their farewell tour. Opening the show was fellow Canadian indie rock band Born Ruffians. 

    Both Born Ruffians and Tokyo Police Club got their start in Ontario, Canada in the early 2000s. In between songs, Born Ruffians’ Luke Lalonde reminisced on the bands coming up together at the same time. Now getting to perform together on Tokyo Police Club’s final tour, it feels like a bittersweet, full-circle ending. The band has been making their way throughout the US this fall, playing two nights at Irving Plaza before continuing to Canada to finish off their tour.

    Starting their set, Tokyo Police Club played a run through of their 2010 album Champ, followed by additional songs from their nearly two decade discography. The night was filled with nostalgic banter as Dave Monks reminisced on moments the band has experienced together throughout their career. He spoke about performing in New York City for the first time in 2006 and the feeling of stepping out of a rental car to play Mercury Lounge as well as their performance on Letterman.

    Friends since the 4th grade, Tokyo Police Club has amassed a large fan base since choosing to form a band in 2005. With their first EP released in 2006, A Lesson In Crime, they entered the indie rock scene. Coming into the early 2000s, we saw an “indie rock renaissance.” The band was welcomed in, quickly performing festivals with other quintessential bands from this era including Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie.

    Tokyo Police Club will be continuing “The Final Tour” with a run of sold-out shows throughout Ontario, Canada through the end of November. These shows will be the last shows the band plans to play together. At this time, the band has no plans to reunite.

    Setlist: Favourite Food, Favourite Colour, Breakneck Speed, Wait Up (Boots of Danger), Centennial, In a Cave, Juno, Graves, New Blues, Simple Dude, Pigs, Hang Your Heart, Toy Guns, Hands Reversed, End of a Spark, Bambi, Frankenstein, Argentina (Parts I, II, III), Nature of the Experiment, Citizens of Tomorrow, Shoulders & Arms, Listen to the Math, Tessellate

    Encore:The Harrowing Adventures Of..., Ready to Win, Cheer It On, Your English Is Good

  • Moshing to Telescreens at Webster Hall

    You want a rock concert? A mosh-pitting, floor-bouncing, head-yelling, crowd-surfing rock show? That’s exactly what Telescreens brought to Webster Hall on November 19. Hometown fans crowded the 1,500-person Grand Ballroom and for a few hours were swept up in the power of rock. 

    Telescreens Credit Aidan Lukomnik

    Telescreens formed after frontman and lead guitarist Jackson Hamm moved to New York to attend the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. There he met keyboardist Josiah Valerius and bassist/keyboardist Austin Brenner in 2016. The final member of the band, drummer Oliver Graf, joined the other three in 2019 – adding to their explosive sound. The band started playing gigs around the city before COVID-19 but was forced to stop because of the pandemic. Since their return to live touring, they’ve played Austin City Limits and Governor’s Ball. 

    Telescreens Credit Aidan Lukomnik

    On Tuesday, hometown bands Skorts and Kareem Rahma & Tiny Gun opened the show. Skorts amped the crowd up with head-banging energy and a light show with more than enough fog to fill the room. The one problem was Skorts’ drummer hidden in a wall of mist. Following Skorts, the multi-hyphenate singer/ comedian/ interviewer Kareem Rahma came on stage with his trademark sunglasses – which he never took off. Playing off his success as a video creator, the band’s song “Content Machine” got the audience jumping as the singer poked fun at his other jobs.  

    Kareem Rahma Credit Aidan Lukomnik

    By the time Telescreens came on, the audience was ready, and a moshpit formed almost immediately. Within the first two songs Jackson Hamm jumped from the stage into the crowd to re-form the pit in the middle of the room. Once he was back on stage, moshing started again, and the floor of the ballroom roiled like the ocean – visibly shaking and bouncing from the audience’s movement. 

    Throughout the night, Hamm encouraged the audience to lose themselves to the music, asking them to “take this as an opportunity to push yourself a little out of your comfort zone.” The lead singer also admonished wallflowers who weren’t engaging with the music, “You on the sides, why do you wanna be so fucking cool?” 

    Jackson Hamm reforms the Moshpit, Credit Aidan Lukomnik

    It’s clear that Hamm believes in the power of rock. Throughout the set, the singer and guitarist worked up a sweat and, at one point, said: This [Rock and Roll] is like a religion. You have to believe it will make you feel better. You’re not supposed to stand there with your arms crossed. You’re supposed to move your feet. You’re supposed to get your heart rate up. 

    Telescreens, Credit Aidan Lukomnik

    As the night wore on, mosh pits formed and closed, and dozens of people crowd surfed, egged on by Hamm, who said, “Keep crowd surfing, that shit feels good, I promise.” As crowd surfing escalated, Webster Hall had to call in extra security to ensure everyone was safe.

    A crowd surfer, Credit Aidan Lukomnik

    Telescreens ended their set with Hamm ripping chords, jumping from the stage to the crowd and back (again), and the band leaving it all out for their hometown fans. 

    Telescreens Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    Telescreens Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    Telescreens Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    Telescreens Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    A crowd surfer, Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    A crowd surfer, Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    Skorts, Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    Skorts, Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    @Alukomnik
    Skorts, Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    Skorts, Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    Skorts, Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    Kareem Rahma & Tiny Gun, Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    Kareem Rahma & Tiny Gun, Credit Aidan Lukomnik
    Kareem Rahma & Tiny Gun, Credit Aidan Lukomnik

  • In Focus: Dylan Gossett and Waylon Wyatt Play Two Sold Out Nights at Irving Plaza

    On Saturday, November 16 Dylan Gossett and Waylon Wyatt played a sold-out show at Irving Plaza. Gossett is currently nearing the end of his “The Back 40 Tour” and was joined by Waylon Wyatt for the last group of shows.

    Dylan Gossett

    An 18 year-old county/folk singer from Arkansas, Waylon Wyatt began gaining popularity after posting his songs on social media. He later released his first two singles “Everything Under the Sun” & “Arkansas Diamond” in 2023. Over the summer he released his first EP Till the Sun Goes Down, consisting of eight songs, and just announced his first headlining tour. Waylon later met fans at the merch table and was joined by his father, who was proudly watching and recording his entire set. The two gave fans an experience of meeting their favorite artist, a rare opportunity today.

    A Country singer from Texas, Dylan Gossett gained popularity when his single “Coal”, a song recorded on his laptop, broke into the Billboard Hot 100. Gossett got his start by sharing covers on social media, however he hooked fans with his beautiful lyrical ability. A year later Gossett sold out Irving Plaza and had the whole venue singing lyrics back to him like, “They say pressure makes diamonds. How the hell am I still coal?” (Coal) and “Well, a quarter in a fountain means that people still have dreams.” (No Better Time). The media began noticing the comparisons between Dylan Gossett and Zach Bryan’s writing styles, giving Gossett even more popularity. Gossett’s most recent release “Tree Birds” has fans awaiting a debut album.

    Dylan Gossett and Waylon Wyatt are both set to play at Stagecoach 2025. The two singers fit perfectly together with their similar styles and honest lyrics. Their Irving Plaza concert left fans with a reminder that growth and happiness are often derived from embracing the unknown. Gossett reminds us of this in his song “No Better Time.”

    Dylan Gossett
    Dylan Gossett
    Dylan Gossett
    Dylan Gossett
    Dylan Gossett
    Dylan Gossett

  • In Focus: Drew Baldridge at The Song & Dance in Syracuse

    Drew Baldridge brought his country music tour to The Song & Dance in Syracuse on Sunday, November 17, for a night of good vibes and dancing.

    Drew Baldridge

    Known for his diversity, the Illinois born singer showed up with a mix of slow country and rockin’ honky tonk that had the fans dancing the night away. Opening up with his song “Imma,” the crowd cheered him on as he held his guitar high.

    Drew made sure to stop and acknowledge the fans in between songs and thank them for having him in Syracuse. Halfway though the perfomance Drew invited a couple up on stage informing the crowd that there was a surprise coming. Little did they know an on stage proposal was about to take place.

    Drew Baldridge

    Opening the show was Nashville native Dylan Wolfe who welcomed the fans with his acoustic cover of “Here Without You” written by 3 Doors Down. Known for his twangy guitar riffs and stunning vocals, Dylan wove together stories of love and sorrow as the enticed crowd sang along.

    Drew Baldridge

    Following Dylan’s performance was Tori Martin, also a Nashville native. The country artist brought a mix of love, heartbreak, and self discovery as she interacted with the crowd. Known for her catchy song “Lost in the Country”, Tori brought energetic vibes and a sense of authenticity to the stage.

    Drew Baldridge

    The country music fans of Syracuse didn’t just come for a show, they came to dance the night away. This was Drew Baldridge’s first time headlining a show in Syracuse. With songs like “Honky Tonk Town” and “Beach Ain’t One”, Drew brought high energy and emotion to the stage. Known for his heartfelt lyrics, Drew ended his performance with the hit “Shes Somebody’s Daughter’ as families slow danced together, some even in tears from the raw emotion that the Illinois-born artist poured his heart out to. This song would go on to make Drew the first independent artist to achieve a number 1 at country radio.

    Gearing up for shows in Michigan and Ohio, Drew concluded his performance with heartfelt invitations to the fans for each and every one of them to come meet him and say hello.

    Drew Baldridge
    Drew Baldridge

  • In Focus: Song City Concerts in a Circle at The Waiting Room in Troy

    On Monday, November 11, Song City held its monthly concert, a multi-genre songwriter showcase held at the Waiting Room in Troy.

    These concerts have a unique set up unlike any other. The artists are seated in a circle in the center with the audience around them. The singer/song writers then take turns sharing a song along with a bit of information about the songs story, or their writing process.

    November artists at The Waiting Room in Troy included Honeysuckle, Sofia Corts, Micheal Francis McCarthy, and Dom Romano (Scotchka). These artists are all Capital Region locals. However, they weren’t all of the same genre.

    Honeysuckle, based out of Saratoga Springs, consists of Holly McGarry and Chris Bloniarz. Honeysuckle has performed all across the country including many music festivals such as Lollapalooza and The Newport Folk Festival.

    Sofia Corts, an 18-year-old pop singer from Albany, is currently attending Berklee School of Music on a Full Scholarship, and also performed at the 2024 Tulip Festival.

    Micheal Francis McCarthy is an “American Roots” musician which blends delta blues, traditional folk, early country and more. He sang three songs, each one telling a personal story, including his young daughter’s curiosity, phone addiction, and a song that labeled hate as a cancer detrimental to society.

    Dom Romano, an artist from Clifton Park, is the lead singer in the Albany-based band Scotchka. Their style is considered surf rock and are compared to many popular bands like the Arctic Monkeys and The Killers.

    Overall, Song City creates a perfect atmosphere for new artists to share more than just their music. The intimacy of the venue allows them to feel closer to their audience and also connects them to their fellow artists. During the show we heard the artists discussing their different writing processes, complimenting each other’s styles, and even helping each other when there were microphone issues during a song.

    Be sure to follow Song City to see the upcoming artists and concerts to hear new artists the second Tuesday of every month.

  • In Focus: LaMP at Lark Hall

    LaMP – Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, and Ray Paczkowski – performed at Lark Hall on Saturday, November 9 at Lark Hall in Albany with special guest Oobleck.

    LaMP at Lark Hall

    LaMP is the trio of drummer Russ Lawton, organist Ray Paczkowski, and guitarist Scott Metzger. Lawton and Paczkowski have been performing music together since the late 1990s, before joining together in Trey Anastasio Band. The sound of LaMP infuses Metzger’s telecaster melodies into the synergy of ‘Russ and Ray’ from Soule Monde, creating a funky night of music, every time.

    NYS Music photographer Conor McMahon was on hand to capture the evening of LaMP at Lark Hall. The band will be at the Towne Crier in Beacon on Friday, November 22, and Brooklyn Bowl the following night.

    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall
    LaMP at Lark Hall

  • Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Bring the Funk to Empire Live with Kendall Street Company and Lee Ross

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong returned to Albany on Friday, November 8 for a performance at Empire Live, which featured the second Albany performance by Richmond, VA outfit Kendall Street Company.

    On this blustery evening, Kendall Street Company brought the crowd to attention with a full band sound chocked with the influence of jam and alt rock from the late 1990s. A cover of ZZ Top’s “La Grange” was a key energy-driver, followed by an odd yet fun final song performed in the persona of a German band, Sauerkraut. Catch them at the Westcott Theatre on December 5 and Mercury Lounge December 21-22.

    After a 30 minute break, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – singer/guitarist Greg Ormont, guitarist Jeremy Schon, bassist Ben Carrey, and drummer Alex Petropulos – took to the stage for an opening funk trio of tunes to start the night, “Henrietta,” “Live It Up,” and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Around The World.” The quartet who formed in 2007 at University of Maryland are workhorses pushing well into their 17th year with no signs of slowing down. Sustained funk jams were moderated by mixed improv that was anything but formulaic.

    A little something for Star Wars fans, “The Imperial March” was sandwiched inside “White Night,” and for giant ape fans, “King Kong” followed. A crowd ranging widely in ages from Gen X to Gen Z was dancing along to every song, grinning when the thumping rhythm section vibrated the floors of Empire Live.

    Frequent collaborator, saxophonist Lee Ross, joined the band for “J-Town” and stuck around as Jake Vanaman (Kendall Street Company) joined on sax for “F.U.” Driving rock peaks from “Feed the Fire” gave way to “Julia,” which while chill to start, embarked into a surprisingly complex jam to end the set. An encore of “Fun in Funk” was the last piece of the puzzle for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong this evening in Albany.

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – Empire Live, Albany – Friday, November 8, 2024

    Setlist: Henrietta > Live It Up > Around The World, White Night > The Imperial March > White Night, King Kong, My Own Way, Distant Times, J-Town* > F.U.*^, Feed The Fire, Julia
    Encore: Fun in Funk
    * w/ Lee Ross on alto saxophone
    ^ w/ Jake Vanaman (Kendall Street Company) on tenor saxophone

  • An Intimate Night with Lucinda Williams at The Town Ballroom

    Lucinda Williams & Her Band opened up their twelve-day Nor’easter tour at The Town Ballroom in Buffalo on Friday, November 8th.

    It was an intimate evening at the Ballroom. Normally the pit and first landing areas are standing room only GA. Tonight was a little different with reserved seating replacing those areas.

    As the lights went down the packed room was ready, and absolutely erupted when the band took the stage. After a 13-year absence from the area, they let the band know they were missed. And take notice they did, with some big smiles on their faces, Lucinda Williams and her band jumped right in with “Let’s Get the Band Back Together.” From the first song to the last, they were on point, and I’m sure as the tour continues, it will only get better.

    Setlist: Let’s Get the Band Back Together, Can’t Let Go, Car Wheels, People Talkin’, Protection, Stolen Moments, Lake Charles, Juke Box, Fruits of My Labor, Where the Song Can Find Me, Are You Down, Rock N Roll Heart, Bleeding Fingers, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, You Can’t Rule Me, Out Of Touch, Righteously

    Encore: Hard Time Killin’ Floor Blues, Joy

  • In Focus: Jimkata “Running in Place” at Indian Ladder Farms

    Ithaca indie electro rock outfit Jimkata performed at Indian Ladder Farms on Friday, November 8, on the heels of the release of Running in Place. The event was marked by their own IPA on tap, “Running in Place West Coast IPA.”

    Performing in the Clear Mountain Room, the recently opened venue boasted a decent sized crowd who traveled to the outskirts of Albany County for a unique setting for a Jimkata show. On the brisk evening, Evan Friedell, Aaron Gorsch, Packy Lunn and new bassist Cooper Casterline were clearly having fun on stage, teasing “Crosseyed and Painless” a few times during an “OG” Jimkata show with a healthy amount of improv.

    Next up for Jimkata are shows in Washington D.C., the Midwest and in January, Colorado.

    Jimkata 2024-25 Shows

    Nov 15 Pearl Street Warehouse Washington, DC w/ Miss Monster

    Nov 21 The Philmore Grand Rapids, MI w/ Tiberius

    Nov 22 Bourbon on Division Chicago, IL w/ Dizgo

    Nov 23 Kenny’s Westside Peoria, IL w/ The Mike Dillon Band

    Jan 17 Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver, CO

    Jan 18 Schmiggity’s – Steamboat Springs, CO

    jimkata indian ladder farms
    jimkata indian ladder farms
    jimkata indian ladder farms
    jimkata indian ladder farms
    jimkata indian ladder farms

  • In Focus: Tinashe Returns to New York With Sold-Out Brooklyn Paramount Show

    R&B sensation Tinashe returned to New York for her second show this year with a dazzling performance at the newly renovated Brooklyn Paramount November 4.

    Part of the singer-songwriter’s Match My Freak world tour, the sold-out show followed the release of her seventh studio album Quantum Baby—featuring the viral lead single “Nasty,” which propelled Tinashe to her first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 this summer. 

    Tinashe

    Tinashe’s smooth vocals and expert choreography were as fierce as ever Monday night, as her ever-growing fanbase packed every inch of the 2,700-capacity music hall. After a soulful opening set from Raveena, Tinashe made a confident entrance and kicked off the show with “Getting No Sleep,” the second single from Quantum Baby. 

    Tinashe

    The historic theatre felt more like a vibrant nightclub as fans danced and sang along to Tinashe’s hits like “Needs,” “2 On,” “Gravity,” and more. Backed by a skillful team of dancers, Tinashe never missed a beat as she moved through each precisely choreographed number, complete with unique visual effects for each track. As both a masterful vocalist and a former competitive dancer, Tinashe’s stage presence is magnetic, and the crowd erupted with cheers at nearly every move.

    Tinashe

    Even before heading out on the road, Tinashe has had a busy 2024—the release of Quantum Baby amplified her pop notoriety as “Nasty” quickly became a viral sensation. She was also featured on Charli Xcx’s track “B2B” from brat and it’s completely different but also still brat, a remixed companion to one of the most culturally significant albums of the year, as well as “More Than a Little Bit” from Grammy winner Kaytranada’s album Timeless. 

    The Brooklyn Paramount show looked to be an upgrade in production value from Tinashe’s February BB/Ang3l tour stop at Terminal 5, before “Nasty” was released. Virality aside, Tinashe has been hard at work delivering vibrant performances and R&B hits for years, and it seems the public is finally taking notice. 

    Tinashe – Brooklyn Paramount – November 4, 2024

    Setlist: Getting No Sleep; When I Get You Alone; Needs; Link Up; Bouncin; Bouncin’; Pt. 2; Thirsty; Red Flags; ZOOM; The Worst in Me; Save Room for Us; Throw a Fit; Talk to Me Nice; X; Unconditional; Party Favors; All Hands on Deck; 2 On; SHY GUY; Cross That Line; Uh Huh; Gravity; No Broke Boys; Nasty (Match My Chic Remix); Nasty