Category: Features

Journey’s “Freedom” comes to a close with a career-spanning show in Bridgeport

The Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is not known for its concerts. The arena typically hosts the American Hockey League’s Bridgeport Islanders and is overshadowed by the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater which sits steps away from the entrance. During the summer months, the Amphitheater gets all the big names like Neil Young, Queens of the Stone Age, Santana and Ghost. But, once or twice a year the Total Mortgage Arena gets one or two “big hitters” in the music sphere to balance it out.

This year, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Journey closed out their “Freedom” tour in Bridgeport ahead of their run of stadium shows with Def Leppard beginning in the summer. Journey’s tour is in support of their new record, Freedom, which was released back in 2022. Fans packed the arena ahead of the 7:30 p.m. start time and the anticipation was high. The last time the band was in the area was last March in the state capital of Hartford at the XL Center.

Photo Credit: Mike Savoia

The Los Angeles native band Toto was again brought out on the road with Journey as their support act. On the first leg of the “Freedom” tour, Toto was also opening for Journey so fans who missed the show last year finally got to see it in a slightly smaller, more intimate venue. As fans were still filing into the arena and finding their seats, the band plugged in their instruments and started with their first song of the night, “Girl Goodbye,” off of their debut self-titled record. Toto played a total of nine songs that had the entire audience dancing and singing along.

Toto has seven band members and brings so much power and energy to the band’s live performances. The band features Warren Ham on percussion and saxophone, Steve Maggiora on the keyboards and Shannon Forrest – who has recorded with the likes of Taylor Swift, and Willie Nelson – on the drums. Joining those three is John Pierce from Huey Lewis and the News on bass, and Greg Phillinganes on keyboard. For those who don’t know Phillinganes, his extensive career consists of touring with the likes of Stevie Wonder and was the musical director for Michael Jackson. The final two and arguably biggest stars of the band is Steve Lukather on guitar who was heavily involved in Jackson’s Thriller album and played on Oliva Newton-John’s Physical album. Lastly on vocals is Joseph Williams who was the adult singing voice for Simba in Disney’s The Lion King.

Photo Credit: Mike Savoia

Toto was an excellent opener for Journey, even if Lukather once screamed “Pittsburg!” instead of Bridgeport. They did a great job readying the crowd for the heavy hitters in the rock and roll sphere. Once the clock struck 9 p.m. the house lights dimmed and lead guitarist Neal Schon appeared on stage with guitar in hand. Immediately after, the rest of the band jumped on stage and jumped into “Only the Young.” The one noticeable thing between Journey and Toto was the excellent vocals and how strong they sounded as a band. It’s not very often that bands from the 80s still sound like they did when they debut but both of these bands still do.

Joining Schon in Journey is Jonathan Cain on piano and guitar, Deen Castronovo on drums, Jason Derlatka on keyboards, Todd Jensen on the bass with Arnel Pineda on lead vocals. Pineda has been in the band for 17 years now after Schon saw him singing on YouTube and asked him to audition.

Photo Credit: Mike Savoia

From the very beginning of the show, it was clear just how energetic the band was. Pineda from the jump was running, dancing and jumping all around the stage. Multiple times throughout the show, he would go up to the front of the crowd and interact with fans in the first few rows. He even hopped off the stage during one song and ran through the crowd high fiving the audience.

Journey delivered all of their greatest hits at this show. Early on they played the smash hit “Don’t Stop Believin’” off of 1981’s Escape. Their powerful set included other hits like “Stone in Love,” “Faithfully,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” At the start of each song, it brought a thunderous cheer from the jam-packed arena.

Photo Credit: Mike Savoia

The band was able to feed off the lively energy from the crowd. From the moment the doors opened, a recognizable buzz ran through the building. During “Lovin, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” two fans tossed a banner that said “The Journey Junkies” to Pineda to signify their love for the classic rock group. During “Open Arms,” strangers and friends embraced each other while other fans in the first few rows took out their lighters and lit them just like in the band’s golden years.

After Cain thanked the service men and women for protecting the country and the band returned to the stage, he was wearing a Bridgeport Islanders hockey jersey that got a cheer from the audience. The band – now in the home stretch of the show – started “Wheel in the Sky.” Pineda again took to the crowd and jumped in front of the guard rail separating the first row from the stage to embrace more fans.

Photo Credit: Mike Savoia

While confetti and streamers were shot from the stage at the end of the last song, “Any Way You Want It,” fans were all cheering and applauding for the band as they will not be returning to the state on their next tour. Journey put on an amazing show and did not miss one fan-favorite tune. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see them yet, you must as they make one stop at Citi Field in Queens, New York. Journey is a band that continues to put on amazing shows and it’s clear why they pack stadiums across the globe. Their energy is unmatched and the fans’ appreciation in response to their hard work and dedication.

Toto setlist: Girl Goodbye, Hold the Line, 99, Dying on My Feet, I’ll Be Over You, Home of the Brave, With a Little Help From My Friends, Rosanna, Africa

Journey setlist: Only the Young, Stone in Love, Keep on Runnin’, Don’t Stop Believin’, Lights, Send Her My Love, Who’s Crying Now, Just the Same Way, Escape, Let it Rain, Lovin, Touchin’, Squeezin’, Open Arms, Faithfully, Girl Can’t Help It, Wheel in the Sky, Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), Be Good to Yourself, Any Way You Want It

May 1, 2024
Erin Boyd: Singer, Songwriter, Activist, Entrepreneur

“I wanted to try everything. But my chorus teacher told me, ‘You can either be a cheerleader or you can be a vocalist, but you can’t be both.’ I asked, ‘Why not?’”

While Erin Boyd didn’t become a cheerleader, she did become a vocalist. And a songwriter. And a director of her music videos, an actor, a bar owner, and an activist. Over the course of her career, Boyd proved she can wear and pull-off all kinds of hats, truly becoming a jack-of-all trades. At one point, Boyd almost added the hat of a gymnast to her collection. But after breaking her heel for eight summers in a row, Boyd decided to not invest in the gymnast hat. Instead, she took her mother’s advice and invested in a musical career.

Erin Boyd

As a child, Boyd was surrounded by various genres of music. Her mother was a piano player with a love for jazz, R&B, and soul; while her father loved the blues. The pillars of these genres – Oleta Adams, Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, and Donny Hathaway to name a few – echoed off the walls of Boyd’s childhood home. At night, Yanni’s 1994 album Live at the Acropolis or Whitney Houston’s “Miracle” could be heard on repeat coming from Boyd’s room. Her ears were open to listening and learning all that she could.

Boyd’s mother fostered her musical passion and encouraged her to audition for Tampa’s all-girl song and dance ensemble. Boyd auditioned and made the group. It was the moment music became the focus of Boyd’s life. But performing was much different from listening to music at home. “I was so green. I’ve never done anything except sing in the choir at my elementary and middle school,” Boyd recalled. “So to all of a sudden be singing for Bill Clinton and performing for the Orlando Magic, it was a really great starting point for me to learn about music.”

Boyd quickly learned the musical ropes and continued to grow, heading off to college, studying abroad, and finally landing in New York City, where she completed her studies and continued performing.

Big Daddy Kane talks with members of Lifted Crew about the formation of “Las Supper.”

While in NYC, Boyd joined Lifted Crew. This ten-piece ensemble was a hip hop fusion group that shared the stage with the likes of Slick Rick, Kid Cudi, and Eddie Vedder. The group also acted as the permanent band for the legendary Big Daddy Kane in his project Las Supper. Through multiple collaborations with music icons, Lifted Crew acted as the training grounds for Boyd’s songwriting and performance skills.

Then in 2016, Boyd went solo. Even though she was going solo, she wasn’t alone. She worked on her solo album with a number of friends, some of whose friendships spanned over 18 years. Her friends included the late James Casey, Dmitry Gorodetsky, Nigel Hall, Elenna Canlas, Weedie Braima, and Nick Cassarino among others. To honor the collaborations with her friends, Boyd chose to title the project Phantom Vanity. “There’s a vanity that I would need to have to say it’s just me, because it wasn’t,” said Boyd.

The result was a genre-bending album that included elements of the songs Boyd listened to as a child. Elements of funk, folk, soul, jazz, and R&B are woven through each song, creating a musical quilt that wraps around you, keeping you warm on a mid-spring day after the rain has settled, quite literally. The track “Wet” is a minute of pure rainfall.

“Wet” enhanced the narrative Boyd seeks to tell. At her core, Boyd is a storyteller. Some tracks on Boyd’s debut album, Vintage Slacker, tell stories with a transcendental and spiritual message. The opening track “Perish” starts with echoes of “Hallowed be thy name.” The verse in and of itself holds religious connotations. “Hallowed be thy name talks about things on earth being as it is in heaven,” Boyd said. “I do believe there’s pieces here on earth that transcend wherever our spirits go.” Boyd said these heavenly pieces can be found within ourselves. Each person contains a light and energy that can sway them to be the best they can be.

Boyd said, “Especially now, everything is so turbulent. It’s so easy to be filled with rage and confusion. I think it’s really important that we try to find a space for light, love, forgiveness, compassion, and empathy, so that we can stop the genocide that’s currently going on. We can really make a change in people’s daily lives. Little actions make big ripples.”

Boyd hopes her music can be a space for love and empathy. This mission is seen not only in her solo work but also in her work with the Resistance Revival Chorus. The RRC is a collective of women and non-binary singers, who breathe joy and song into the resistance and who uplift and center women’s voices. The chorus shows that the resistance comes in different forms, like that of powerful and inspiring music. With the RRC, Boyd sang with Fleet Foxes on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and for Harry Belafonte at his 95th birthday celebration.

Erin Boyd directed the music video for her single “Perish.”

In addition to her music and activism work, Boyd owns her own bar. She established Filthy Diamond, located at 679 Knickerbocker Avenue in Bushwick. The bar just celebrated its first birthday this past March and hosts a number of weekly events. Every Monday, you can play chess while enjoying live jazz music. On Wednesdays, get trapped in a singular year of music, listening to all the top hits and hidden gems of that year. Then on Sundays, unwind with coloring books and cocktails.

Expect to take a step back in time when entering Filthy Diamond. The bar hosts a wide collection of vinyl, allowing its patrons to relish in the full arch of an album. And don’t expect to be watching the latest Rangers game either. “There’s no TVs,” Boyd stated. “When you’re there, you talk to strangers. It’s important to talk to people that aren’t your friends, that aren’t from where you’re from, because that’s how you learn more about the world and more about yourself. The closer we can get to as many people as possible, the better, safer, and more filled with love this world is going to be.”

Erin Boyd inside her bar, Filthy Diamond, located at 679 Knickerbocker Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11221.

Boyd will continue to fill the world with even more love with her upcoming sophomore album. The album will center around the message of self-belief. It’s a message found within Boyd’s favorite lyric she’s ever written. The lyric is in her debut album’s opening track “Perish” and is as follows: “Beauty like your talent won’t make you who you are. This much I’m sure. If you walk like you’re broken, no light will shine, I’ve learned with time.” Boyd explains the lyric, “Everyone has gifts, and the ego can drive people to believe that that’s all they have to offer. I think it’s really important to realize if you don’t believe in yourself, if you don’t see yourself, then there’s no space for light and love and resilience. You have to find the space within yourself.”

Beauty like your talent won’t make you who you are.

This much I’m sure.

If you walk like you’re broken, no light will shine,

I’ve learned with time.
Lyrics from “Perish”

Boyd has clearly found that space for self-love within herself as she continues to expand her ever growing career. Last year, she co-wrote Jennifer Hartswick’s album Something In The Water, and just last month on March 29, Boyd joined Disco Biscuits on stage in Webster Hall for the release party of their album Revolution in Motion. With an album nearly 13 years in the making, the night was surely unforgettable. “Webster Hall sold out with such an established band is what you come to NYC to do,” Boyd said. Boyd has known the band for years and became acquainted with their bassist Marc Brownstein through New York’s jam band scene. Boyd joined her friends on stage for the release of their ninth studio album, adding her vocals on the tracks “Twisted in the Road” and “Why We Dance.”

Erin Boyd (center) with Disco Biscuits at the release party of their ninth studio album, Revolution in Motion, on March 29, 2024.
Credit: Tara Gracer Photo

We’ve just seen Boyd at Webster Hall with Disco Biscuits, and we’ll be waiting to see her next adventure. While Boyd’s sophomore album isn’t expected to be released until later this year, one can expect to see more of Boyd within the coming months. “I want to do more projects. I want to work with more talent,” Boyd said. “This is only the beginning.”

Watch a short clip of Erin Boyd performing with Disco Biscuits on March 29, 2024 at Webster Hall.

May 1, 2024
Brooklyn’s Left Circles Releases Debut Album, “Nothing is One Thing” Along with Other Works

Brooklyn-based artist Left Circles has released his debut LP titled, Nothing is One Thing on April 26. The LP contains 13 tracks, all with diverse sound from the skills of Brian Pluta and his accomplices.

Nothing is One Thing, is not content to stay confined to one style. The hook-heavy album shifts through several modes of rock, from ‘90s lo-fi to British-pop to ‘50s folk. Left Circles is the solo project of Brooklyn-based musician Brian Pluta who is the live guitarist for Space Cadet.

Nothing is One Thing starts out very interestingly. To me, the opening track “Over Her Range/She Told Me” has a very Foo Fighters or Pearl Jam feel. It has grungy riffs, alternative vocals, and that rugged, somber heaviness. It also sees multiple parts with soft, acoustic, touching tones.

The next tune, “The Gashouse Gang is Here” is full of a youthful, anthem-like energy. It certainly gives me Misfits energy with its pop-alternative, quick-paced sound. Throughout many of songs on the LP, there is apparent 90s grunge inspiration as well as indie, soft-rock, and classic rock. Left Circles does not stick to a specific genre and shows the dynamic musicianship him and his band possesses.

The album has great energy, range, and power. It boasts strong, catchy riffs, a dynamic voice, and intriguing themes and sound overall. Nothing is One Thing was mixed by Travis Harrison (Guided By Voices, Built to Spill) and features drums from Kellii Scott (Failure), as well as guest vocals from Matt Hock (Space Cadet, The Explosion).

Left Circles also recently released a new animated music video for their latest single “The Gashouse Gang Is Here.” The track is the second on the LP. The music video is animated by 30s cartoonist Ub Iwerks and fits perfectly over the track in every way from theme to the syncing of sound and motion.

“I was running out of time, with no idea what video #2 would be. By the dumbest of luck, I stumbled upon this 1937 cartoon directed by Ub Iwerks, who also did ‘Steamboat Willie’ and all those early Mickey Mouse cartoons. Those folks were masters of animation/music synchronicity having been the ones who invented it. So it’s no wonder I was able to edit it to work with my straightforward 4/4 song. But the sync with Kellii’s drum fills, with what the lyrics are saying…that’s 100% chance. It’s like they were meant to go together. Art director Jon Cochran brought the illusion home with those amazing title cards.”
Brian Pluta

For more information on Left Circles and his debut LP Nothing is One Thing, click here. Stay up to date on upcoming releases and shows.

April 30, 2024
Oneohtrix Point Never Shimmers in Miniature at Brooklyn Paramount

Daniel Lopatin has relentlessly pushed boundaries with his musical projects under an array of pseudonyms throughout his career. Most notably and recently, under the familiar moniker Oneohtrix Point Never, Lopatin returned home to a sold-out Brooklyn Paramount at the tail end of the Again² Live 2024 Tour. The city’s newest live music venue packed in early as fans were eager to witness the unique bill of experimental electronic music and stand-up comedy.

Oneohtrix Point Never, Brooklyn Paramount, 4/26/2024. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Experimentalists Pedagogy (Eli Keszler and Nate Boyce) started off the show. The duo performed a singular piece of music featuring a blend of abstract guitar and synths backed by a complex and ever-evolving drum pattern. The middle spot on the bill went to stand-up comedian and Saturday Night Live regular Sarah Squirm. A sharp contrast from where the night began, Sarah Squirm left the audience aching with laughter at her body horror comedy and Oneohtrix Point Never impersonation.

Pedagogy, Brooklyn Paramount, 4/26/2024. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Sarah Squirm, Brooklyn Paramount, 4/26/2024. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

The buzz from this new Oneohtrix Point Never (OPN) live show was already circulating and became even louder after his appearance at Coachella earlier in April. The new production features live-projected visuals from a puppet on stage. Described in press notes as a “miniature”, the diorama-like apparatus predominately featured a mini OPN figure behind familiar DJ decks, complete with stage lighting and effects. Puppeteer and audio-visual artist Freeka filmed the miniature from up close on an iPhone and live-projected the imagery onto a large LED screen at the back of the stage. The effect was truly mesmerizing to watch as the show went on and the visuals evolved along the way.

Oneohtrix Point Never, Brooklyn Paramount, 4/26/2024. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Typically at a concert, the goal of the production is to make the artist seem larger than life. In this case, OPN shrunk down to a tiny scale, dominated by the hands of the puppet master, pulling the audience deep into this miniature virtual reality. Even in a room as vast as Brooklyn Paramount, the effect was not lost on the viewers. Freeka and his set-up was right at the front of the stage, giving the crowd a clear view of his hands as they manipulated the puppetry. OPN was pushed further back, blending directly into the projected virtual reality.

The show at Brooklyn Paramount leaned heavily into Oneohtrix Point Never’s recent LP, Again; released late last year on Warp Records. The night kicked off with the title track, before diving deep into most of OPN’s back catalog, including “We’ll Take It” from 2018’s excellent Age Of. At one point during the show, fellow indie artist and collaborator Kurt Vile put his head in the puppet box behind Freeka’s guitar playing hands. The last third of the main set featured a mixed run of tracks from Again before the short break. During the encore, fans were given a treat as OPN collaborator and cellist Mabe Fratti added strings to the mix for the last few songs including “Sleep Dealer” from the iconic 2011 LP Replica.

Oneohtrix Point Never, Brooklyn Paramount, 4/26/2024. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

The Again²tour is wrapping up this week with a final show on April 29^th in Montreal. It’s unclear if Oneohtrix Point Never will continue to perform in a miniature virtual reality world, or if this spectacle will be confined to the recent run of shows. Stay tuned to see where the enigmatic artist goes from here and check out our full photo gallery from Brooklyn Paramount below.

April 30, 2024
The Driver Era Rock Out in Port Chester

The Driver Era is a dynamic sibling duo comprising Ross and Rocky Lynch, born from the talents honed during their time in their sibling band R5. Hailing from LA, the Lynch brothers have cultivated a unique sound that blends elements of alt-rock and pop. This all results in a captivating discography that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Since their start as The Driver Era, Ross and Rocky have embarked on a creative journey of artistic exploration. With a passion for pushing musical boundaries and a commitment to authenticity, they captivated listeners with their electrifying live performances.

The Driver Era made a triumphant return to NY at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. This marks a highly-anticipated follow-up to their electrifying show at Pier 17 in NYC the previous summer. Amidst a backdrop of euphoric energy, Ross and Rocky delivered a spellbinding performance that left the audience spellbound.

The Show

From the opening notes of “OMG” to the encore of “A Kiss,” The Driver Era unleashed irresistible hooks that had the crowd roaring from start to finish. The Lynch brothers showcased their dynamic stage presence and undeniable chemistry, commanding the stage with effortless charisma and boundless energy.

Throughout the night, the band treated fans to hits, including “Feel You Now,” “Scared of Heights,” and “Afterglow”. Special moments such as Riker Lynch bringing out his wife to dance during one of the songs added a touch of intimacy to the performance. Rydel Lynch’s presence in the photo pit served as a testament to the band’s close family dynamic as well.

The audience was fully immersed in the experience, with many fans sporting pink cowboy hats and waving handmade signs. One sign read “I’ll trade my hat for your shirt”, demonstrating audience dedication. The electric atmosphere reached a high when two fans threw their bras on stage during “Preacher Man,” a testament to the band’s magnetic appeal.

As the night started to close, The Driver Era left the crowd wanting more. They decided to end the show with a euphoric encore performance of “Heart of Mine” and “A Kiss.” With their infectious energy and undeniable talent, The Driver Era proved once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.

Setlist: OMG, Feel You Now, Heaven Angel, Scared of Heights, End of Your Life, Afterglow, Low, Rumors, On My Own (from Teen Beach Movie), Get Off My Phone, Cray Z Babe E, Take Me Away, Giveuwhatuwant, Malibu, Nobody Knows, Fantasy, Preacher Man

Encore: Heart of Mine, A Kiss

April 30, 2024
Olatuja Release “Ijo” Ahead of Long-Awaited Album

World/roots duo Olatuja has announced the release of their latest single, “Ijo” which heralds their upcoming self-titled album, Olatuja set to release on May 31.

Olatuja is a duo comprised of Alicia and Michael Olatuja. “Ijo” fuses the rich heritage of Michael’s Yoruba culture, the evolving popular music of West Africa, and the gospel and jazz traditions that inform Alicia’s musicality. The two have played a prominent role in New York’s music scene for years. Their work spans the worlds of jazz, Broadway, soul, African music, film, and more.

The duo released their last album The Promise in 2011. The release of their self-titled album May 31 marks their first completed compilation since then. The track “Ijo” has been in genesis since the pandemic, and the duo are eager to share their combined talent with the world.

“Ijo” is a song heavily inspired by the music of West Africa. Its powerful bassline drives the music forward. The percussion is dynamic, the strings add a wonderful element, and the layered vocals make the track pop with life. The song is vibrant. Olatuja added several small elements along with large ones throughout.

You can hear horns, strings, percussion, and vocals in each sector of the tune. There is a rising action and a climax followed by a triumphant finish. “Ijo” is certainly a song that makes you want to move and sing. The track’s lyrical presence is strong, and it holds meaningful themes about not giving up in the face of hardship.

For more information on Olatuja, their past releases, and to stay up to date on upcoming music, click here.

April 29, 2024
Benjamin Tod brings Inspiration to Essex Rochester

On April 24, music fans filled the industrial looking Essex Rochester, as Benjamin Tod and Lost Dog Street Band serenaded the air with the blended sounds of bluegrass, country, and folk music. The band is on the front end of a 23-stop tour in support of their newest album, Survived.

Lost Dog Street Band

Walking into the venue, the smell of vapes and weed, the countless colors and patterns of flannel, and older Subarus with cargo racks let you know that the crowd was going to enjoy themselves and not just have a night out. Young and old alike, these fans were singing along all night long with every song. Of the few shows I have covered at this newer venue, this was easily the fullest I have seen it at the start of a show, and the fans were still packing in as the set went on.

Starting of the night was the duo Keith and Sparrow Smith, The Resonant Rogues. Coming from the mountains of North Carolina, The Rogues bring some classic, rustic country sounds that match equally with the band they are touring with. A little Twitty, a little Cline, and whole lot of fun.

Formed in 2013, Keith and Sparrow both brought songwriting experience to the table as they were avid travelers. One by hopping freight trains and the other while performing with a circus troupe. Regardless of their paths, they now are a team on and off the stage, and the connection has been perfect.

Resonant Rogues setlist: Dusk and dawn, Deluge, Sand into pearls, Misery is my company, Slow burn, 93,500 miles, The Blackest Crow, What Makes Me Think, Leave the Path, Ridgelines, Closing in

Resonant Rogues

Hitting the stage around 9 was Benjamin Tod & Lost Dog Street Band. Like many musical artists, Tod has a story of a past. And like many before him, the past has defined who he was, who he is, and what does moving forward, such as making amazing music that tells stories.

“Survived”, the title track of newest album, is a prime example. Lyrics that ask life’s burning questions, Tod reflects on how and why he got to where he is. Having gone through tumultuous times personally and professionally, he is able to produce a well thought out and complete album, with deep lyrics throughout.

I carry some burdens too fragile to mold
I wear them like diamonds though theyâre worthless as stones

As the show goes on, Tod and wife Ashley Mae playing the fiddle, serenade the crowd as they sing along, nearly getting drowned out. On Using Again, you could see and hear the first couple rows of fans belting out every word as loud as they could. Another poignant song, that seemingly speaks of Tod as he was trying his damndest to get and stay clean. Hard, deep thoughts that truly make you think and become grateful for life.

Lost deep inside of my dirty old soul
Some starry-eyed boy never taught self control
The cost of my living was more than I planned
So I held a needle like a gun in my hand

Having broken up the Log Dog project at one point, Tod realized that was mistake and after recording a solo album, he rejuvenated the band in early 2023. With that, we have “Survived”, which was released on April 26, aptly named for Benjamin Tod as well as the Lost Dog Street Band weathering some tough storms.

Setlist: Brighter Shade, Hubbardville Store, Lifetime of Work, Shooting Star, The Mountain, Using Again, Waiting around to Die, War Inside of Me, If You Leave Me Now, Lazy Moonshiner, September Doves, Wyoming, Survived

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street Band

Resonant Rogues

Resonant Rogues

Resonant Rogues

Resonant Rogues

Resonant Rogues

Resonant Rogues

Resonant Rogues

April 29, 2024
Blues, Roots, and Bourbon take over Buffalo

April 20 saw year three of the Buffalo Blues and Roots festival at Buffalo RiverWorks. With help from Three Chords Bourbon, Ray Barry and Barry Entertainment has brought some strong Chicago-esque blues to Buffalo’s waterfront on April 20.

Starting in 2022, Barry Entertainment has taken on the daunting task of organizing a full day of music, arts vendors, and bourbon tasting. Over this time they have welcomed international stars, Grammy award winners, and local talents to Buffalo. Vanessa Collier, Selwyn Birchwood, and Colin James to name a few. Pair theses with rising names and local talent and you now have the Buffalo Blues and Roots Festival.

Like previous years, Three Chord Bourbon, from nearby Clarence, was named sponsor of this event, and offered up some sample of their goods. 2024 saw a Kentucky Straight Bourbon on display, along with a blended bourbon and Rye Whiskey. The straight bourbon was a nice offering subtle notes and smooth finish that left the consumer ready for more. The chatter heard around the tasting table was very positive, and seemed as though the Kentucky straight was the fans choice.

Starting of the day was Diane Kallay. Originally from the Western NY area, Kallay has earned regional recognition over the years, winning accolades for Best Female Blues Vocalist, as well earning nominations for Best Acoustic Duo (for Kinship, with her brother), and Best Female Vocalist. Her vocal range, and ability to cover multiple genres with relative ease has led to sharing the limelight with such acts as .38 Special and The Marshall Tucker Band.

On this night, though, Kallay performed a beautiful set along with Barry Arbogast, Paul Beringer, Sal Marino, Keith Spurlock, and Michael Mietlicki. A nice mix of sultry blues and gentle roots to welcome music fans as they entered the venue.

Next up was Rusty Fisher. If you enjoy classic blues guitar riffs, you need to check out Rusty. Unlike 2023, where he sat in for a couple acts, Fisher had his own set time this year and made it count. Teaming up well known Western New Yorkers Dan Shurtleff (of The Growlers) and Nate Coffey, he took the stage for about an hour and did nothing but amaze the growing crowd. Lucky for locals, he is out and about often. He can be found at Fanatics Pub & Pizza on June 16th, among other venues that kick ass. Riffs, licks, and shredding seem to be the way of life for Rusty.

Planned accordingly or pure coincidence, Shurtleff was able to remain on stage with his drum set as he is the guy for The Growlers (Facebook). With the incomparable John Lewandowski leading the charge on harmonica, Shurtleff sits comfortably at the drums and does his thing. For the third year in a row, Lewandowski and the rest of the team shook the stage and got fans yearning for more. Seeing them last year for the first time was a treat. 2024 has me looking for more of their shows.

Joining the band on stage was local star Pat Harrington. Growing up about 45 minutes north of Buffalo, Harrington joined Victor Wainwright and The Train in 2016 and has provided a fresh youthful explosion to the band that Wainwright was seeking. Well known around the Buffalo area, Harrington has taken the blues world by storm and is has been heralded as one of the best young blues guitarists. As the night goes, Harrington would continue to join in and jam with everyone.

Pat Harrington – Buffalo Blues and Roots Festival

Pat Harrington

As the show progresses, it seems like the next act couldn’t possibly top the previous. Enter Scott Celani and his band. Covering early music from Black Crowes, the Buffalo native and 2021 inductee to the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame came out rocking a Buffalo Bills cap, black leather jacket and aviator sunglasses, ready to play the part. I can assure you he excelled. As John Popper said “Scott has some pipes!” Not as raspy as Chris Robinson, Celani for sure has what it takes for these covers, and it was on full display as he paraded around nailing every note.

Following the amazing faux Black Crowes show, a handful of the musicians called an audible and took the stage for a little tribute to the late Dickey Betts. On stage were Ray Barry, Pat Harrington, Guy Nirelli, Dan Shurtleff, Eric Weinholtz, and Dave Thurman. An amazing tribute to a musical legend that the fans and musicians will never forget

Next up, Patti Parks. Another member of Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, Parks delivered a soulful set, donned in a black and red dress and fedora style hat. High energy and smooth vocals are on full display as Parks proves her worth better than a Buffalo Sabres coach.

Following the dynamite set from Parks, Miller and The Other Sinners hit the stage for the third year in a row. David Miller has nothing to prove to Western NY. He and his Sinners have made a name for themselves at this event as well as others from Buffalo to Syracuse. Some would say he is a household name, and rightfully so. He has shared the stage with names such as Tedeschi, Bonamassa, Vaughn, and Copeland. In doing so, David Miller has paid his dues earned his keep. While Buffalo is not a hotbed for Southern Soul, Miller makes an exception and delivers a world class set. New album for 2024 Thieves in The Breadline includes “Better Times Better Days” which was written pre-Covid and hits on the affect of social media on our lives.

Based out of Central NY, Tas Cru is a blues-roots songwriter/musician, with a splash of funk thrown into the mix. Take your standard blues jam and kick it up a notch, you wind up with Tas Cru. Soft, subtle lyrics and quick fingers on the guitar are only part of what makes him special. Amid a couple samples of Three Chords Bourbon, Cru flawlessly floats around and interacting with the crowd, he jokes around quips of his time touring, which all turn out to be segways into the next song. Such stories as about a young man saying he should be paid more for helping out. Cru’s response was “welcome to the blues, kid”.

Rounding out the 9-hour jam session, Victor Wainwright came out to crowd that was the loudest it had been all day. The headlining act of the Buffalo Blues and Roots Festival was at the end of an intense leg of their tour, including back-to-back shows at the aforementioned Fanatics Pub, in Lima, NY. Regardless of that, Wainwright and his Train of musicians, including hometown favorite Pat Harrington, were full of energy as if they had downed a couple red bulls backstage. Playing the ivories and swaying on his stool, ala Ray Charles, Wainright had a story for everything. He talked about getting his musical inspiration from older Disney movies, although he came from a musical family. The music for movies like The Jungle Book were what got Victor into the blues and roots scene. His parents were happy, though, that he was still into music of some sort. Subsequently, he and the band broke out into a very jubilant version of “I Wanna be Like You”, which the crowd really took in.

Grammy nominated and winner of Blues Music Awards for Piano Player of the Year (3x) and BB King Entertainer of The Year, Victor Wainwright is a name you will hear often and if you ever have the chance, you need to go see the show. Truly amazing and inspiring for all ages.

The blues and roots don’t always have to be the classic sounds of Elmore James or Cab Calloway. One song from Miller and The Other Sinners or Victor Wainwright will convince you of that. Still blues and roots, but with some modern flare and ingenuity, the artists on stage today make the genre much more marketable to the new generation.

Year three of Buffalo Blues and Roots didn’t see as many visitors as the first two years, but when you are going against a big show at the Highmark Stadium and numerous 420 events around town, you are bound to see a decline. Craft vendors, bourbon tasting and nine hours of outstanding music for a respectable price tag, one would be foolish not to check it out. Despite that, organizer Ray Barry said next year is in the works, and I will be there. In addition to this festival, Barry Entertainment (Facebook) organizes other events in and around the Buffalo area, please go check them out.

Rusty Fisher Band

The Growlers

The Growlers

The Growlers

The Growlers

The Growlers

The Growlers

Diane Kallay

Ray Barry/Barry Entertainment

Scott Celani

Patti Parks Band

Patti Parks Band

Patti Parks Band

Patti Parks Band

Patti Parks Band

Patti Parks Band

Patti Parks Band

Patti Parks Band

Victor Wainwright and the Train

April 28, 2024
Saints Did Conquer – Queensryche and Armored Saint at Empire Live in Albany

A hefty double-bill of old-school metal stomped into a packed Empire Live in Albany on April 26 – Queensryche and Armored Saint. Both acts have long legacies of gigs in the Albany area: Seattle’s Queensryche first came through the area promoting their debut e.p., opening for Twisted Sister in Scotia in 1983, and have played the area fairly regularly for 40+ years, most recently warming up Judas Priest at the MVP Arena in 2022.

photo by Mark Kurtzner

L.A. metal heroes Armored Saint first played the region in early January 1985 – again, in Scotia – warming up for Metallica and WASP and promoting their debut LP ‘March of the Saint’. So there’s some history here, and Albany showed up for this gig – the venue was sold out, and vintage metal tees and battle vests were on display for a great Friday night of heaviness.

Happily, there wasn’t a long, agonizing wait through a half-dozen opening bands – Armored Saint hit the stage at 8 p.m. sharp, walking on stage to an intro tape of Judas Priest’s classic “Delivering the Goods”, and proceeded to deliver the goods with a crushing 50-minute set of headbanging gloriousness. As vocalist John Bush pointed out early on, although Saint were a regular visitor to the Albany region through the late 80s (mostly at the long-departed temple of metal, Saratoga Winners in Latham), it has been almost 33 years since the band has been here. The last gig this band played hereabouts was at Winners in October 1991, with Wrathchild America. Soon after, the band went dormant when Bush joined New York’s Anthrax, and since they reunited early this century, they have not been back to their Albany stomping grounds of yore. They more than made up for their absence this Friday night.

photo by Mark Kurtzner

Saint kicked off proceedings with the hammering “End of the Attention Span”, an ode to the damage done by small screens, social media and on-demand culture, taken from the killer newest AS record, ‘Punching the Sky’. Unlike Queensryche, who were playing an album-specific vintage set, Saint covered their entire discography this night, launching immediately thereafter into a steamrolling “Raising Fear”, title track of their underrated 1987 third record. Next up were a pair of songs from Saint’s (arguably) most-acclaimed LP, 1991’s Symbol of Salvation, the propulsive “Tribal Dance” (during which drummer Gonzo Sandoval earned his wage admirably), and a soaring “Last Train Home”, with the audience roaring the chorus back to Bush and the band. The title track of their 40-year-old (!) debut LP, March of the Saint, followed, which spawned headbanging and more vocal crowd participation, and the excellent “Left Hook From Right Field” (from 2010’s La Raza) was a cool surprise – the Saint have been mixing up setlists on this run with Queensryche, and while killer second record Delirious Nomad was sadly unrepresented this night, “Left Hook” was one that hasn’t been played every show, a great choice.

Next up was “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”, another standout from newest LP Punching the Sky, which saw guitarists Jeff Duncan and Phil Sandoval unleashing some Thin Lizzy-esque guitar harmonies. Saint, in contrast to the headliners, is pretty much the same guys who have been with the band since back in the day. Bush, the Sandoval brothers and bassist Joey Vera have been in the band since their inception, and guitarist Jeff Duncan has been with the band since 1988. Only guitarist Dave Prichard, who sadly passed in 1990 from leukemia, is missing from the lineup that recorded their debut EP in 1983.

photo by Mark Kurtzner

Other than Bush talking about how many years it had been since the band played Albany, the band kept the stage banter to a minimum and used their time for music, hammering out each song into the next. “Win Hands Down”, the roaring title track from their 2015 LP, came next, into another crowd favorite, “Can U Deliver” (again from the ‘84 debut), with the band wrapping up with a blasting, high-velocity “Reign of Fire” (again from Symbol of Salvation). When this band’s debut hit the streets in 1984, the slogan was “Saints Will Conquer” – and they did so in heroic fashion this night.

Unlike Saint, who have always led the charge for traditional, real old-school metal, Queensryche have historically cast a wider net, dipping their toes into prog-metal, concept albums (including 1988’s legendary ‘Operation: Mindcrime’), and mainstream success (1990’s ‘Empire’), and over the years leaning fairly far away from their trad-metal beginnings. But not tonight – this was a old-school, early Queensryche set, with the band playing their debut self-titled 1983 EP, and 1984 debut album ‘The Warning’ back-to-back and in order.

That debut EP was a monumental beginning for this band – in 1983, every metalhead on the planet seemed to own and love that record, including this writer as a 15-year-old, and you cannot deny the quality of those 4 songs, which the band opened their set with this night: the legendary “Queen of the Reich” began proceedings, arguably the most well-known song of the night, into the raging “Nightrider” and “Blinded”, both long-ignored deep tracks in the band’s catalog, but truly excellent, hammering real metal. “The Lady Wore Black” is more epic, and more indicative of what was to come for Queensryche after 1983, and sounded great.

photo by Mark Kurtzner

The rest of the set was debut LP The Warning, soup-to-nuts, in order, from “Warning” through “Roads to Madness”. The band played it flawlessly. While Armored Saint’s lineup is fairly unchanged from days of old, three of the five band members who recorded the music from these early Queensryche records are no longer with the band: only guitarist Michael Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson remain from the ‘classic’ lineup, but vocalist Todd La Torre (who had been with the band for 12 years now) is able to replicate former singer Geoff Tate’s vocals on these early songs with uncanny accuracy. In all honesty, my personal enthusiasm for ‘The Warning’ is nowhere near the nostalgic appeal I feel for the debut EP, but the band nailed it and there was a percentage of the crowd who were all-in for every single moment.

The band didn’t deviate from the stalwart, old-school vibe for the encore, trotting out “The Prophecy”, an EP-era deep track that never made the record, but eventually saw light on ‘The Decline of Western Civilization – Part II’ soundtrack a few years later, a great choice. It was only the final track, “Empire”, that post-dated 1984. And to their credit, the band kept the set-list old-school and metal instead of taking the easy route for the encore and playing crowd-pleaser hit singles like “Silent Lucidity” or “Jet City Woman” (or something from ‘Mindcrime’) – no doubt some of the more casual fans would have preferred that, tonight was about the old-school. All hail both bands, but game, set and match went to the Saint.

photo by John Moore

photo by John Moore

photo by Mark Kurtzner

photo by Mark Kurtzner

photo by Mark Kurtzner

photo by Mark Kurtzner

photo by Mark Kurtzner

photo by Mark Kurtzner

photo by Mark Kurtzner

April 28, 2024
Rivers Casino Unveils Harbor Jam Summer Concert Lineup

Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady has announced the return of Harbor Jam this summer at the Mohawk Harbor Amphitheater. This year’s Harbor Jam concerts will take place Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21.

This summer’s Harbor Jam weekend performance lineup includes headliners Night Fever and Hotel California, tributes to the Bee Gees and the Eagles respectively. Each night’s entertainment kicks off at 6 PM with DJ MixItUp NY on Saturday and DJ Ketchup on Sunday. The headlining performance starts at 7:30 PM. The Sunday, July 21 concert will also be followed by a special firework show.

The event sees two fantastically talented cover bands of two of the world’s most recognizable groups. Night Fever is the largest production of the Bee Gees in the world. The group has been touring for the past ten years, from Disneyland to Russia, recreating the look and sound of the Bee Gees. Capturing a full history of the Bee Gees, Night Fever includes songs from “To Love Somebody”, “I Got to Get A Message”, “Stayin Alive”, “More Than A Woman”, “Nite Fever”, and many more.

For over three decades now Hotel California has been recreating the legendary sound of The Eagles, and thrilling audiences all over the world. The night of July 21 welcomes Hotel California for another thrilling show.

For more information on the free Harbor Jam Summer Concert at Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, click here.

April 28, 2024