Governors Ball 2024 kicked off bright and early for Day 2 on Saturday, June 8, continuing the party from Day 1 at Flushing Meadows Park. Once the gate reopened to the masses, music fans ran to stake out their spots in anticipation of all the talent Saturday had to offer.
TV Girl, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Anna Downs
On the IHG Stage, Little Stranger from Charleston, SC delivered a funky, high-energy set with distorted guitar riffs and vibey trumpet and saxophone backups. Their indie rap-pop style shone through in songs like “Coffee & a Joint,” resonating well with the crowd. The playful and fun performance featured futuristic yet relaxed synth sounds, with lead vocalist Kevin Shields joking, “everything’s legal so you can do whatever you want today, I heard it from the governor himself*.” Their set was full of banter, hyping up later acts like Sexxy Red and keeping the audience engaged and entertained. *Ed. Note: New York State’s Governor is Kathy Hochul.
Telescreens, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Josh Sobel
The GovBallNYC Stage saw a dynamic start with New York City-based indie rock band Telescreens played a hometown show that drew out a dedicated early crowd. Fans went hard in the pit during “Don’t Feel Nothing,” and the band expressed excitement about finally playing their first festival after seven years together. The set closed with a circle pit and moshing, capturing the raw energy of the fans.
Quarters of Change, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Following up, Quarters of Change, whose experimental alternative rock blended seamlessly with melodic hip hop, setting a high-energy tone for the day. Following them, Jessie Murph captivated the audience with her unique country pop sound, delivering heartfelt performances that resonated deeply with fans.
Jessie Murph, Day 2 Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
As the sun began to set on Day 2 of Governors Ball 2024, Hippo Campus took over the IHG Stage, bringing their indie pop folk sound to life. The Minnesota band delivered a series of hits including “Ride or Die,” “Everything at Once,” and “Bad Dream Baby.” Their witty banter, including comments like “your parents may not love you but Hippo Campus loves you,” endeared them to the crowd, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.
Riovaz, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Over at the GoPuff Stage, Riovaz kept the momentum going with an engaging set, while Bakar’s performance stood out with his cover of “Dancing in the Moonlight,” and powerful renditions of “3 Nights” (a Dominic Fike cover), “Stop Selling Her Drugs,” and “Hell N Back.” His experimental indie rock sound had the crowd hooked from start to finish.
Doechii, Day 2 of Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Doechii took the GoPuff Stage by storm with a fiery hip-hop/rap set, featuring viral hits like “Bitch I’m Nice,” “Crazy,” “What it Is,” and the song that put her on the map, “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake.” She also introduced the crowd to her unreleased track, “Sweat,” showcasing her versatility and leaving fans eager for more.
Sexyy Red, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Sexyy Red continued the hip-hop/rap vibes, delivering a performance full of attitude and energy, while P1Harmony made history on the IHG Stage as the first Kpop boyband to ever perform at Gov Ball. Their electrifying set included songs like “Emergency,” “Everybody Clap,” “Heartbeat Drum,” “Killin’ It,” and “Back Down,” captivating a dedicated audience with their synchronized choreography and powerful vocals.
Carly Rae Jepsen, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Carly Rae Jepsen brought a burst of energy to the GovBallNYC Stage, drawing fans from all corners of the festival grounds. Her performance of “Call Me Maybe” sparked a massive sing-along that echoed across the festival grounds, while a mix of older favorites like “I Really Like You” and newer hits like “The Loneliest Time” showcased her enduring appeal. Carly even ventured into the crowd, amplifying the excitement and connection with her fans.
Sabrina Carpenter, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Sabrina Carpenter drew one of the largest crowds of the day on this very same stage. Her performance featured a mix of hits like “Feather,” “Vicious,” and “Already Over,” complemented by talented backup dancers and heart-themed stage decor. Her heartfelt introduction to “Already Over” highlighted her appreciation for New York’s unique musical culture, stating, “New York is one of the best cities in the world to play music because you’ve figured music out in a way that hasn’t been studied by science yet.” This sentiment resonated deeply with the audience.
Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Sabrina’s set showcased a wide range of her musical repertoire, from heartfelt ballads to high-energy pop hits. Fans of all ages, from young teens to older adults, were enthralled by her performance. Before singing “Fast Times,” she urged the audience to “Throw your phones in the river, I want you to be present,” encouraging everyone to fully immerse themselves in the moment.
Sabrina Carpenter, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
One of the most iconic moments however, came before “Because I Liked a Boy.” Sabrina asked the crowd to chant “I’m a slut” on the count of three, creating a powerful, unifying experience. She also teased her upcoming album, Short and Sweet, exciting fans with the promise of new music. The set concluded with a playful faux exit before her signature song “Nonsense.” The crowd eagerly awaited her return, and Sabrina delivered with a unique, city-specific ending that left the audience buzzing.
21 Savage, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
The Killers closed out the night with a stellar rock performance. Celebrating 20 years of coming to New York, they delivered classics like “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine” and “Read My Mind.” A fan summed it up perfectly, saying, “this is some real ass rock and roll.” The night ended on a high note with “Mr. Brightside,” leaving everyone in awe of the surreal experience.
Gov Ball continues tomorrow with a jam-packed Day 3 with acts including Chappell Roan, Renee Rapp, SZA, Kevin Abstract, and much much more. Stay tuned for more of our recaps for Gov Ball 2024!
Sexyy Red, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilQuarters of Change, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilP1Harmony, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilDoechii, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilJessie Murph, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilBakar, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil21 Savage, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilCarly Rae Jepsen, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilP1Harmony, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilBakar, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
ALP has officially released Grateful: The Music Plays The Band, a new 17-track album that features classic Grateful Dead songs covered by many of their friends. It contains selections played by familiar names like Oteil Burbridge and Dark Star Orchestra but also ALO, Doom Flamingo, and more.
Proceeds from this LP will benefit The Grateful Guitars Foundation, a nonprofit charity that obtains world-class musical instruments for people who seek to carry on the tradition of jam band music into the 21st century and beyond.
Grateful features longtime and newcomer bands influenced by the music of the Grateful Dead, committed to expanding the group’s sound in various musical directions – from live grooves to Afrobeat to sultry synth-driven pop. But there’s also touches of vintage Grateful Dead as well, with a track from David Nelson Band, a former New Rider of the Purple Sage and longtime cohort. See below for a full track listing.
Founded by Andy Logan in 2019, the Grateful Guitars Foundation not only serves to put guitars in the hands of musicians in the community but also supports music instruction in schools to seed the next generation of talented players. To capture the tones of specific eras of Grateful Dead concerts, Logan worked with luthiers across the country to build a library of models of every guitar played by Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir from 1965-1995.
Logan then loaned these instruments out to bands doing recreation shows, most notably to Phil Lesh & Friends at Terrapin Crossroads in 2015 and 2016. Logan himself also owns two historic pieces of Grateful Dead memorabilia – “Alligator,” a Fender Stratocaster Garcia played by Jerry Garcia 1971 to 1973 (so-named because of a sticker on it), and the Martin D-28 with which he recorded “Ripple.”
“These instruments should be played, not mounted on a wall,” says Logan. “I wanted to share them with the fans and players who have loved the Grateful Dead, so that the jam scene is enlivened by their unique tones and historical significance.”
Grateful: The Music Plays The Band can be found on all streaming platforms here and to learn more about The Grateful Guitars Foundation visit gratefulguitars.org.
Grateful: The Music Plays the Band tracklist:
1. “Jack Straw” – Dark Star Orchestra
2. “Friend of the Devil” – David Nelson Band
3. “Peggy-O” – Alex Jordan & Friends
4. “Candyman” – Katie Skene & Andrea Whitt
5. “They Love Each Other” – ALO
6. “One More Saturday Night” – BERTHA: Grateful Drag
7. “Loser” – Michael James Wheeler
8. “Touch of Grey” – Doom Flamingo
9. “So Many Roads” – John Kadlecik
10. “Music Never Stopped” – Cubensis
11. “China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider” – La Horsa Bianca
Central New York boasts a vibrant music scene with a diverse array of venues, offering everything from intimate live performances to large-scale concerts. These venues contribute to the region’s rich cultural tapestry, providing platforms for both local and national acts.
Glimmerglass Festival is found at Alice Busch Opera Theater as a professional non-profit summer opera company dedicated to producing new productions each season. The company continues its tradition of four new fully staged productions, now including three operas and one work of American musical theater, performed with full orchestra, large cast and no sound amplification. These four productions are supplemented by special performances, cabarets, concerts, lectures and symposiums throughout the season.
A 112-year-old orchard located just south of Syracuse in Lafayette, Beak and Skiff offers a tasting room, distillery and general store, plus a summer concert series that garnered great attention during the social distancing of 2020 and has continued to bring a strong number of artists to a scenic location in southern Onondaga County.
Black Oak Tavern has been a staple for the Central New York social scene for almost 50 years, priding itself on great drinks, a friendly atmosphere, and fantastic live events.
Crouse Hinds Theater – Mulroy Civic Center At Oncenter(Syracuse)
The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater contains one of the largest stages in Upstate New York. Symphoria performs concerts on its Masterworks and Pops series at this theater.
Cortland Beer Company has been a part of the scene in Historic Downtown Cortland for over a decade, serving as a popular music venue with indoor and outdoor stages.
Deep Diveâs mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space for artists, patrons, and staff, a neighborhood joint for all walks of people, showcasing a calendar of top-class, unique, and inspiring musicians and performers
This state-of-the-art facility comfortably seats up to 17,500 avid music lovers. The venue, managed by ASM Global and promoted by Live Nation, opened its gates on September 3rd, 2015.
The Folkus Project brings high-quality live acoustic music to Central New York audiences and nurtures the experience of community that live music creates.
Address: May Memorial UU Society, 3800 E. Genesee St., Syracuse 13214
The Hangar Theatre is a non-profit, regional theatre. Its mainstage season and children’s shows occur during the summer, but the Hangar, and other organizations, utilize the space year-round for special events.
The Homer Center for the Arts is known for hosting national music concerts, feature film screenings, a community theater program (Center Players) and showcase artwork by regional, national, and international visual artists in the art gallery. The Center also hosts classes, workshops and programs throughout the year, and adds to the economic vitality of Central New York.
Founded in 1976 by Greg Italiano, The Lost Horizon is one of the longest operational club-sized concert venues in Central New York, playing host to hardcore, hip-hop and variety acts on an irregular basis.
McGirks Irish Pub is a great restaurant for lunch, dinner, take-out, catering, with specials on beer, wine, spirits, and live music on Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
The Other Side is a Utica-based, not-for-profit organization committed to providing space for community initiatives. In addition to sponsoring its own musical, cultural, and social events, The Other Side is available to members of the community who wish to utilize it for yoga classes, musical gatherings, craft fairs, used-record sales, meditation groups, reading groups, and the like.
During the summer months, Saranac Brewery welcomes bands to perform on their outdoor stage, offering live music in the heart of downtown Utica. F.X. Matt Brewing Company is the fourth oldest family-owned brewery in the United States and serves up tasty beers during the shows, with an array of food options for each show.
Seven Of Jazz Lounge opened its doors on Jan. 5, 2023 with the goal of offering a ârelaxing environmentâ for those who want to listen to live music or even just hang out with friends. It is currently under renovations.
Having opened in 1969 as a small corner bar, Shifty’s has maintained its presence in the Lincoln Hill section of Syracuse, offering live music five nights a week, along with award winning wings and veteran staff.
Amid evergreens that create a cozy campground and the backdrop for incredible music, the home of Sterling Stage music festivals and other concerts since 1995, are offered on two unique stages. Welcoming families and kids of all ages, dogs, grills and coolers are permitted at Sterling Stage, with overnight camping included with all tickets.
The State Theatre of Ithaca is a historic, 1600-seat theatre located at Ithaca in Tompkins County, New York that hosts various events from bands, to plays, to comedy acts, to silent films, and more. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996
Located in the Southern Tier and close to the Pennsylvania border, this diamond in the rough serves a desert of live music, with rock and country acts performing each summer at Tag’s Summer Stage.
A 1920s speakeasy-style bar that is located in the cellar of Oh My Darling restaurant in Downtown Syracuse, The Fitz offers a variety of music to pair with craft cocktails in a unique space, located close to the Landmark Theatre for pre and post show music and libations.
A classic hunting lodge, now offering weddings and event space, The “G” Lodge welcomes events hosted by Hey Dude After Hours, who bring community-driven and family friendly music events, as well as summer and fall music festivals.
Upstate Medical University Arena at Onondaga County War Memorial (Syracuse)
The Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial is a multi-functional 7,000 seat venue with event space available on three levels, and home to the Syracuse Crunch, hosting concerts around the year.
The Westcott Theater is a 700-person multi-purpose concert venue in Syracuse’s Westcott neighborhood. Known for its cinema-style setting, the venue accommodates various genres but has particularly expanded its electronic music acts in recent years.
Wonderland Forest is more than just a forest: it has hiking trails, campgrounds, a wedding venue, and more recently, an outdoor music venue with various bands, food vendors, and other activities from across the United States. They have played host to the 50th anniversary of Summer Jam, Biscoland, Trey Anastasio, and many more concerts on tap for 2024.
Built on the site of Dopps Run, Dave Woods started Woods Valley in 1964, and Woods Valley Ski Area has been teaching families to ski for 60 years. Plenty of music can be found year round in the lodge, with performances by touring and regional bands peppering the calendar and warming up the nights after skiing the slopes at Woods Valley.
Rochester-born McKinley James released his debut album, Working Class Blues, on June 7. With classic sounds reminiscent of Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Buddy Holly, the album takes us back to the first days of modern rock’n’roll.
Through stories of love and heartbreak, McKinley James celebrates the early days of soul and rock while simultaneously giving it a modern, personal twist.
McKinley James – Official website
Since 2015, James has been making a name for himself in the soul and blues scene. At the age of 13, he appeared on the cover of the platinum-selling Eric Church album Mr. Misunderstood. In the two years between the album’s release and James’ arrival in Nashville, he had gained enormous amounts of popularity and recognition. Nine years later, at only 22 years old, James has headlined gigs and events all across North America and Europe. Although this is only his debut, Working Class Blues paves the way for up-and-coming McKinley James‘ inevitable soul stardom.
Originally from Rochester, McKinley James has been making music with his father and fellow bandmate, Jason Smay, since he was a child. Inspired by nearly every genre, from country to R&B, James became a guitar prodigy as a child. The father-son duo shared an admirable passion for the vintage sounds, and were committed to recreating them themselves. The two were so dedicated to the genre, that the album was recorded with older instruments and technology. Jason played a vintage Ludwig drum set from 1970. McKinley played a vintage ’54 Stratocaster through a Peavey Pacer. Neither band member wore headphones, and microphones were minimal.
The “archaic” methods of recording were an essential part of the album’s production. Without it, replications of the old-fashioned sound would be artificial and inauthentic. There is a sense of originality to the production, especially when juxtaposed against the modern music scene and genres, that this kind of recording gives to the album.
When your band is only two people, there’s no hiding. It keeps you honest, and that was the goal with this album, tooâto be as honest as possible about who we are and what we do.
McKinley James
However, the method of production is not the only element of this album that gives it its key sound. James’ vocals, instrumentation, and singing style all emulate key figures of the era. With his gritty tone, calming guitar grooves, and swing-style approach, the album is not just a tribute to what rock was built on. In fact, Working Class Blues is an original, deeply personal piece that gives us a perspective as to how the genre has progressed. Its outreach to younger generations ignites a passion for music and storytelling previously unthought of.
Many of the tracks on Working Class Blues are stories of falling in love, heartbreak, and dealing with the aftermath. James’ melancholy about his own loneliness, captured in tracks like “Call Me Lonesome” and “Movin,” is something every listener can relate to. Yet, there is an undeniably personal tone to these tracks. James has shown, through each track, that this album is not just a collection of songs, but a story that he wants us to listen to. Despite his age, the voice James uses reminds us of tales as old as time.
Following the release of his album, McKinley James has announced upcoming shows. Tour dates are listed below.
JUN 8 – Orpheum Theater @ 7:30 PM, Madison, WI
JUN 9 – Rialto Square Theater @ 6:00 PM, Joliet, IL
JUL 25 – Robinson Center @ 7:00 PM, Little Rock, AR
AUG 1 – Brown County Music Center @ 7:30 PM, Nashville, IN
AUG 15 – Cleekwood @ 6:30 PM, Nashville, TN
AUG 24 – Minnesota State Fair 2024 @ 7:00 PM, St. Paul, MN
AUG 27 – KEMBA Live! @ 7:00 PM, Columbus, OH
SEP 29 – Amphitheater at Quarry Park @ 7:00 PM, Rocklin, CA
Fans can listen to Working Class Blues on all streaming platforms, as well as with this link, on June 7th. For more information, songs, albums, or tour announcements, visit here.
Governors Ball 2024 took off bright and early on Friday, June 7, launching their second year at the new festival site at Flushing Meadows Park. By the time “New York’s biggest party” opened the gates at 11:45am, music fans had been lined up for hours in anticipation of Friday’s biggest names.
Durry, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
On the GovballNYC Main stage, School of Rock Queens delivered an energetic and diverse cover-filled performance with a setlist that included “Beat It”, “Voulez-Vous”, “I’m Not Okay”, and “Locked Out of Heaven”. The show featured a diverse cast of characters, including a unique tambourine player, and showcased a myriad of covers led by different female vocalists for each song. Following them up, Minnesota rock band Durry delivered a high-energy performance that captivated the audience from start to finish. Their gritty guitar riffs and powerful vocals resonated through the venue, creating an electric atmosphere.
School of Rock Queens, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Early on over at the GoPuff stage, fans were treated to Long Island locals Arcy Drive. They brought their unique blend of rocky indie beach vibes to the stage with a standout performance. Featuring a pioneering female drummer, the band infused their set with a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere. They captivated the audience with a mix of their signature sound and the debut of a mysterious new song from their upcoming album. Right after their set, Qveen Herby dazzled the audience with her striking look and vibrant sound, seamlessly blending hip-hop and pop elements. Her sharp lyrics and dynamic stage presence had the crowd hooked from the first beat.
Qveen Herby, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Following Qveen Herby, the atmosphere shifted once more as Yung Gravy took to the GoPuff stage, sporting a floral detailed suit that perfectly matched his new era. He delighted the crowd with “certified Gravy Classics” like “Betty (Get Money)” and “Welcome to Chili’s,” alongside fresh, unreleased tracks (including “Back On The Horse” and “Lone Ranger”) from his upcoming country-inspired album. During “Oops!!!,” he playfully switched the usual lyric “Tracy with the ass?” to “Tracy from Queens?” in a nod to Gov Ball’s enthusiastic audience, making the performance even more memorable.
Yung Gravy, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Over at the IHG Stage, British pop girl group FLO delivered a performance reminiscent of The Cheetah Girls, complete with stunning vocal runs and harmonies that could go on for days. They brought their set to a triumphant close with their iconic track “Cardboard Box,” leaving the crowd buzzing for when Teezo Touchdown took over.
Teezo Touchdown, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
His electrified set kicked off with “Careful” that was both visually and musically captivating. With a floral-stylized microphone in hand, he delivered a powerful rendition of his hit “SUCKA!” and brought the metaphorical house down with a unique cover of Tyler, the Creator’s “RUNITUP.”
Arcy Drive, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Back over on the GovBall NYC Stage, Ryan Beatty’s performance was a seamless blend of smooth modern rock and indie pop, showcasing his undeniable star potential. With a voice like silk, he captivated the audience, even using a theremin-like instrument to add a unique touch to his set. Sporting his signature headphones, he dedicated a song to his longtime fans, saying, “This one’s for the OGs, if you’ve lasted this long, bless you.” To quote the great Ryan Beatty himself: “We’re just getting started”.
Ryan Beatty, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
As the day kept chugging along, the energy built throughout the festival grounds. Back on the GovBallNYC Main Stage, Dominic Fike rocks up with a performance full of memorable moments and musical highlights. He made his grand entrance with his sister Apple on his shoulders, marking his second Gov Ball appearance. Rocking cool shades and bleached eyebrows, Dominic declared, “NY I am inside you,” and complimented the city’s beauty, especially its women, which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Dominic Fike, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
He reminisced about filming a music video in New York with Paul McCartney for “The Kiss of Venus” and kept the energy high with playful banter. He praised the crowd, saying, “this place rules, you guys are cool as hell,” before performing “Mona Lisa” from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, humorously pointing out his brother in the crowd, telling people to “throw sh*t at him”.
Dominic Fike, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Dominic’s voice shone through as he introduced new tracks from his EP 14 Minutes, including “coast2coast” and “misses.” He shared a vulnerable moment about creating “misses” during a low point, expressing gratitude to his fans for boosting his self-confidence: “Thank you for instilling some self-confidence in me.”
Post Malone, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
As the sun set and the energy peaked, Post Malone absolutely brought down the house with his masterclass in blending classical elegance with modern rock energy. The set began with a captivating cello intro, featuring intricate strings that seamlessly transitioned into electrifying guitar shredding, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
As soon as the opening string chords resonated, festival-goers sprinted from all corners of the grounds to witness the spectacle. The moment Post walked up, the night sky exploded with fireworks and intense pyro, amplifying the crowd’s excitement and creating a visually stunning backdrop for his electrifying set, a fitting end to Day 1 of Governors Ball 2024.
Post Malone, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Day 2 starts back up at noon on Saturday, with sets from Sabrina Carpenter, The Killers, Hippo Campus, 21 Savage, and TV Girl. Stay tuned this weekend for more Gov Ball coverage.
Teezo Touchdown, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilSchool of Rock Queens, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilSchool of Rock Queens, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilRyan Beatty, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilQveen Herby, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilDurry, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilArcy Drive, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Syracuse native and bluegrass banjoist Tony Trischka has just released his new album, Earl Jam. The 15-song album is a tribute to the late Earl Scruggs, a pioneer of modern bluegrass and a friend of Trischka’s.
Tony Trischka, born in 1949, has been a major influence on bluegrass and banjo music throughout his career. With over 15 albums under his belt and countless collaborations with industry legends over the past four decades, Trischka is no newcomer. The fact that he was once labeled “the father of modern bluegrass” by The New York Times speaks for itself.
In 2020, Trischka received some mail with a mysterious thumb drive. To his surprise, the drive contained hours of never-publicly-heard music from friend of Trischka and fellow bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs. Scruggs passed away in 2012 at the age of 88, making the surprise thumb drive particularly valuable and sentimental.
Trischka soon began to transcribe all of the solos, tones, and tricks on the drive and gathered a group of bluegrass veterans like Stuart Duncan and Ronnie McCoury to give Scruggs’ music the highest quality of reproduction. Now a few years later, Trischka’s tribute album to Earl Scruggs, Earl Jam, is complete.
“Whether or not you’re a banjo player, if you play bluegrass, you’re influenced by Earl,” Trischka said about the Scruggs and the album.
Earl Jam is a true classic bluegrass album. All of the lively, chipper and traditional elements that one would expect from a great bluegrass album are present. Guests like Sierra Ferrel, Vince Gill and Molly Tuttle all provide wonderful vocal switch-ups to their respective tracks as well.
One of the highlights has to be the three-minute track featuring Molly Tuttle and Sam Bush, Dooley. The song begins with a hypnotizing rock-steady 9-second-held note by Tuttle and jumps into a soulful tune with crafty work from seasoned bluegrass mandolinist Sam Bush.
With a runtime of only 46 minutes, Earl Jam is the perfect pick-me-up album to take in on a road trip or at a barbecue. But don’t forget the significance behind this record. This may very well be the last original music created by Earl Scruggs that we ever hear, and for that, it should have a special place in the hearts of all bluegrass fans.
Key Tracks: Brown’s Ferry Blues, Dooley, Bury Me Beneath the Willow
Trischka will be playing two shows in New York City on June 13 and December 14, and one show at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in Oak Hill on July 20. Tickets and information can be found here.
On Thursday, June 6, the humid New York City air blew in hard rock band The Dead Daisies. With a new record titled, Light ‘Em Up, slated to be released in September, the band kicked off their US tour at Racket NYC.
The band consists of Tommy Clufetos on drums, Michael Devin on bass, Dave Lowy and Doug Aldrich on guitars with John Corabi on lead vocals. The former Mötley Crüe lead vocalist is replacing former singer and bassist Glenn Hughes. Prior to the night’s show, Corabi joined me via Zoom to talk about the new release. Watch below for the full interview.
Before The Dead Daisies hit the stage, there were two supporting acts. The first act was a local New York group called Tempt. The quartet played a total of seven songs and made it memorable. Between the power pop rock and catchy tunes, their set was enjoyable and they quickly won the crowd over with their charisma and young energy. Tempt promptly set the pace for the rest of the evening.
Sometimes it’s difficult for a new band to win a crowd that is there solely to see the headliners. Yet, this didn’t seem to be the issue. From the first note of “Living Dangerous” which was released as a single in 2021, their well-oiled rock and roll machine seemed to run without any sign of slowing down. It was great to see such a young band take the 650-person venue – who at the time were still filing in – and treat it as Madison Square Garden. Their energy was the most notable and they never seemed to be bored, they fully were in the moment and treated it as such.
After a beautiful rendition of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” another New York City band, Killcode jumped on stage. The five-piece band brought a different style from Tempt. Killcode’s sound consisted of hard rock with a southern twang. The band played a total of seven original songs throughout their set. Two songs in their set appeared on their newest record, 2023’s Life, Death, Rock n’ Roll. While the smaller stage was crowded with the five members, they were able to use the small piece of real estate to put on a captivating show.
Throughout the set, the band prowled along the stage and after a song or two, won the crowd over. For the members of the audience that knew the band, they were cheering for their favorite songs, singing and dancing while the band played deeper into their set. The duel guitars on stage created a monster wall of sound yet complemented each other at the same time. The last song that Killcode played was “Kickin’ and Screamin’” off of 2018’sThe Answer. By the time the last chorus swung around, the audience was singing along with the band before they took their final bow.
After a brief load out of Killcode’s gear, the house lights dimmed and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” blasted into the speakers. In a matter of minutes, the band jumped on stage and blasted into their first song of the night and newest single, “Light ‘Em Up.” With a record set to be released in September of the same name, the band played multiple songs off of the forthcoming record in addition to a blues number that was recorded during the sessions at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.
Throughout the evening the band crisscrossed through their entire discography and played songs throughout their entire career. This included several songs from the Hughes era. Three songs total were played from Radianceand Holy Ground including, “Born to Fly,”“Unspoken” and “Bustle and Flow.” It was great to see the band, especially Corabi acknowledge Hughes. Corabi’s vocals were excellent. Throughout his classic raspy register, his vocals pierced through fans while he was perched at the edge of the stage.
Aldrich and Lowy were the guitar masters flanking the stage and throughout the evening, they brought the energy. Lowy was running around the stage the entire night and never stood still. Aldrich plowed through solo after solo. At one point, Aldrich crept to the edge of the stage, kneeled and soloed right in front of the general admission section.
Rounding out the rest of the group was Devin on bass who officially joined the band when Hughes left. Hammering away on the drums the entire night was Clufetos who, most recently, filled in for Tommy Lee in Mötley Crüe when Lee injured himself. At one point, a fan turned to another and said “he [Clufetos] is a monster on the drums.” It seemed that no matter how hard Clufetos beat the drums, he never seemed to break a sweat. Clufetos during his drum solo was hitting them so hard that the vibrations could be felt in fans’ chests as they watched in awe.
It was amazing to see how interactive the band was with the fans, throughout the night, in between songs and jokes from Corabi, the band tossed guitar picks and waved to familiar faces in the audience. As the band was introducing themselves, they would quickly jam in between announcements to tunes like “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” and “Seven Nation Army.” Each jam session was met with thunderous applause from the fans who sang along with Corabi and sang the guitar riffs as well. The band was as versatile as ever as they played multiple covers including the final song, “Helter Skelter,” by The Beatles.
Throughout the 17-song set, if they could, it seemed like the band would never stop. They rarely stopped in between songs – which were accompanied by a giant video screen behind them. Throughout each song, a different video was played which further enhanced the audience’s experiences as they showed the band throughout the years. Despite the venue only holding 650 people, the band treated it as if it were a festival or stadium. Their energy and charisma on the stage seemed like they could have blown the doors off the venue and after the encore, fans still stuck around the stage just in case the band came back on.
New York City was the perfect city to host the first night of the band’s tour. The energy of the band mixed with the energy of the fans – which grew over the night – created a rock and roll cathedral. Some fans were making the trek to the group’s next show while other fans immediately flocked to the merch table. After the legendary Rolling Stones show at Racket NYC, The Dead Daisies followed up with a legendary show of their own.
The Dead Daisies Setlist: Light ‘Em Up, Rise Up, Dead and Gone, Make Some Noise, I Wanna Be Your Bitch, Unspoken, Bustle and Flow, Lock ‘n’ Load, Born to Fly, Take a Long Time, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap / Seven Nation Army / Heaven and Hell / D’yer Mak’er / Join Together, I’m Ready, Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover), Mexico, Midnight Moses (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band cover), Long Way to Go, Helter Skelter (The Beatles cover)
Killcode Setlist: Show Me, Ride, OTP, Let’s Get Back to Rock n Roll, Phenomenon, Shot, Kickin’ and Screamin’
Tempt Setlist: Living Dangerous, Roses, Burn Me Down, Company, Cold Blood, Golden Tounge, We Will Rock You (Queen cover)
The Battery Park City Authority announced the River and Blues lineup for this year’s Summer Concert Series held in Rockefeller Park, Manhattan.
For 25 years, the Battery Park City Authority’s River and Blues concert series has served as a fun, classic summer tradition. Fans of folk, soul, blues, and rock’n’roll alike gather in one of many of Manhattan’s parks and enjoy its free live performances. Since its inception, it has served as an opportunity to host a series of both legendary and recently emerging musicians.
This year, the concert series will be at Rockefeller Park, located in Battery City, Manhattan. To travel via public transit, use the 1, 2, or 3 train and exit at Chambers Street, or the E train, exiting at the World Trade Center. Following your stop is a 5-8 minute walk.
During the entire month of July, the River and Blues concert series features four free live performances every Thursday evening. The concert series hopes to bring together fans of multiple genres, including Tejano, rhythm and blues, country, folk, and soul music. This summer’s River and Blues lineup features an astounding collection of diverse, talented up-and-coming musicians.
Below is the information regarding the performances. All shows are free to the public and welcome all ages. Doors open at 6:00 PM and feature an opener from DJs Reganomics and Suzan D Anthony.
July 11 – Los Lobos
Multi-Grammy-winning artists Los Lobos‘ music embodies the idea of America as a melting pot, combining Tejano, son jarocho, and norteño with folk, country, and rock ‘n’ roll. Together, they create a sound that’s greater than the sum of its parts. For more than 50 years, this East L.A. band has been wowing audiences with daring and diverse recordings and legendary live shows.
6:30PM – DOORS
7:00PM – DJ REAGONOMICS
7:30PM – LOS LOBOS
July 18 – Hooray for the Riff Raff
Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, is the folk band Hurray for the Riff Raff. Combining elements of traditional American folk with elements of 90s punk-rock, Hurray for the Riff Raff offers a unique sound for listeners of all genres and generations. Join them on July 18 at 7:30 PM.
6:30PM – DOORS
7:00PM – DJ SUZAN Z ANTHONY
7:30PM – HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF
July 25 – Leela James
On July 25, Get soulful with singer Leela James for her live performance at Rockefeller Park. Without a doubt, James has remained an important figure in R&B, still topping the charts with a discography of quality soul music spanning nearly two decades. Leela’s music is a constant reminder of what it is to be human — to love, to regret, and to dream.
6:30 PM – DOORS
7:00 PM – DJ SUZAN Z ANTHONY
7:30 PM – LEELA JAMES
August 1 – Abraham Alexander
Finally, A night of folk-pop fusion awaits with Abraham Alexander’s performance on August 1st. The final performance of the series is a refreshing genre fluidity at play as elements of folk, pop, rock, R&B, gospel, and even electronic music intertwine into a cohesive whole that is simultaneously warm and cool.
Queens’ Forest Hills Stadium was a fitting venue for folk-rock singer-songwriter Hozier‘s Unreal Unearth tour, with the artist playing four back-to-back shows beneath picturesque sunsets in the open air stadium.
Photo by Molly Higgins
Hozier’s New York City dates kicked off June 4, and the atmosphere was cozy as hundreds of fans dressed in whimsical, earth-toned outfits to match the artist’s aesthetic packed the venue.
The artist made his first entrance with his 2024 hit “Too Sweet,” which he noted was his first song to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His soulful vocals and expert instrumental skills were captivating, whether he was belting out “Francesca” with a stronger rock influence, or softly strumming “Cherry Wine” from the B-stage with a single acoustic guitar.
Hozier’s stage presence was humble yet commandingâbetween songs, he addressed the audience like old friends. But when each number started, the crowd was left transfixed by the sheer power of his vocals. Fans swayed, sang along, and then exploded into applause between each song as the sun set over Forest Hills.
Hozier’s ongoing tour in support of his 2023 album Unreal Unearth includes three more shows at Forest Hills Stadium June 5, 7, and 8, and is currently scheduled to continue through late November. Additional New York dates include July 7 in Bethel.
Hozier – Forest Hills Stadium – June 4, 2024
Setlist: Too Sweet, Jackie and Wilson, To Be Alone, Dinner & Diatribes, Wildflower and Barley (with Allison Russell), Francesca, Eat Your Young, Cherry Wine, Unknown/Nth, De Selby (Part 1), De Selby (Part 2), From Eden, Would That I, Almost (Sweet Music), It Will Come Back, Movement, Take Me to Church, Like Real People Do, Nina Cried Power, Happy Birthday to You (sung to the tour’s lighting crew chief Kitty Hoffman), Work Song (with Allison Russell)
NYC-based indie and folk-rock supergroup Fantastic Cat released their sophomore album, Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat, on June 7. The 11-song record sees the band dialing into the soulful and intimate sound they built on their 2022 debut.
Fantastic Cat gets its supergroup moniker from the fact that all four members, Anthony D’Amato, Don Dilego, Brian Dunne and Mike Montali, are all experienced singer-songwriters in their own right. The name Fantastic Cat comes from a night when Montali and Dilego were at a NYC club trying to figure out what to name the band, and they asked the waitress for a suggestion. The waitress suggested “Fantastic Cat,” and the name was set.
The band’s first record, ironically named The Very Best of Fantastic Cat, was released in 2022 and garnered very positive reviews from publications.
On the band’s website, it’s hilariously written that “The Very Best of Fantastic Cat garnered the kind of press you simply can’t make up. USA Today proclaimed, “We don’t have a music writer anymore,” while NPR received multiple copies of the album in the mail, and The New York Times’ Jon Pareles declared, “I’m currently out of the office and will respond when I return.”
So it’s clear that Fantastic Cat has a sense of humor. But what’s their music like?
All the classic elements of indie and folk Americana are present. The steady drums, the tight acoustic and electric guitars and the heartfelt vocals all shine through. But beyond this, Fantastic Cat’s extremely tight instrumentation and powerful yet controlled vocals make them sound like a band celebrating its 20th album, not its second.
You know the feeling of running across a country field? Or staring longingly out of a window after a hard day? Listening feels strangely impactful. It makes you think about those moments in your life where you feel the most in touch with your soul, and you can take it all in.
The hooks are where the band often shines the brightest, especially on goosebump-inducing songs like “Later On” and “So Glad You Made It.”
Fantastic Cat is also wonderful at balancing their natural comedy with the serious nature of their songs. “The Hammer & The Nail” comes to mind, where part of the hook goes, “Sometimes you’re the hammer. Sometimes you’re the nail. Lately, I just keep on getting screwed.” It’s impossible not to crack a smile hearing that for the first time, yet it’s deeply relatable.
The Very Best of Fantastic Cat is one of those albums that, if you want to understand, you just have to listen to it. The words in this article can’t touch your soul like the songs on the album do. And lucky for you, The Very Best of Fantastic Cat just came out and is available on all streaming platforms, so go take a listen.
Key Tracks: Little Bit Broken, So Glad You Made It, Edinburgh
Fantastic Cat will be playing in Katonah, NY on June 29 and Saratoga Springs on August 10. Information and tickets can be found on the band’s website.
