Category: Features

  • A Mesmerizing Journey Through Time and Space: Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at Patchogue Theatre

    On the chilly evening of January 19, music enthusiasts and Pink Floyd fans gathered at the Patchogue Theatre for an unforgettable experience—the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular. This extraordinary event promised a unique blend of music, visual effects, and a journey through the iconic albums Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall.

    Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

    As attendees entered the theater, they were greeted with a surprise: each person received two pairs of glasses, hinting at the immersive visual spectacle that awaited them. Excitement filled the air as fans took their seats, eagerly awaiting the start of the show.

    The first half of the performance was dedicated to the timeless masterpiece, Dark Side of the Moon. As the lights dimmed, the audience donned their 3D glasses, instantly transported to a world where music and visuals harmonized in an otherworldly dance. The stage came alive with a mesmerizing display of lasers, perfectly synchronized with the ethereal sounds of Pink Floyd.

    Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

    A large screen on the stage served as a canvas for three-dimensional images that seemed to leap out into the audience. The combination of 3D glasses and intricate laser work created a surreal experience, immersing everyone in the music and the visual storytelling. Each note seemed to manifest as a burst of color, and the iconic album unfolded in a way that transcended the traditional concert experience.

    The transition to the second half of the show marked a shift in both sound and visuals. The focus turned to the legendary album The Wall, with a special twist. Audience members swapped their 3D glasses for prism glasses, adding a new layer of complexity to the visual experience.

    The prism glasses enhanced the vibrant and kaleidoscopic visuals, complementing the powerful narrative of The Wall. As classic songs from the album echoed through the theater, fans found themselves immersed in a dreamlike state, surrounded by an ever-evolving tapestry of lights and colors.

    The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at Patchogue Theatre wasn’t just a concert; it was a journey through the band’s iconic discography, brought to life with cutting-edge visual effects. The fusion of music, lasers, and 3D imagery created a truly immersive experience that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to attend.

  • Boojum Go Through the Looking Glass for Debut Performance

    The New York City psychedelic rock scene gained a formidable new entrant when Brooklyn-born Boojum took the stage for their first-ever show on Saturday, January 20.

    Performing at the combination music venue/recording studio at Brooklyn’s Firstlive, the four-piece band of Chris Mackin (guitar/vocals), Josh Santiago (guitar/vocals), Sarah Elaz (bass/vocals), and Dan Shein (drums) debuted twelve original songs, with lyrics by poet and translator Tom Mackin. 

    Boojum was born out of a unique one-night-only event at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl that saw Elaz join the Beatles jam band Walrus (Mackin, Santiago and Shein) for a performance inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Refining that original music and doing away with the theatrical trappings of the “Walrus in Wonderland” show, Boojum’s debut was musically focused, showcasing a creative abundance across an inspired two-sets that kept attendees rapt with refreshing original jams. 

    While the strength of Tom Mackin’s songwriting was apparent when the audience insisted on an unprompted call-and-response during “Vanish Away,” the highlight of the evening was the original “The Mouse.” This bass-driven funky groove led the audience into a fist-pumping “Oysters” to close the first set. When the band retook the stage attendees were treated to another series of originals, peaking with the grooving “Looking Glass House.”

    The full technical capabilities of Firstlive were also on display Saturday night, with Boojum not only leaning into the jam-scene trend of offering a multi-camera live stream of the show but also using the performance to begin recording an inaugural live album.

    In recording their debut EP live, Boojum heightened the atmosphere with added excitement for attendees. The decision to eschew the controlled environment of a studio for the spontaneity and vibrancy of a live performance demonstrated confidence in craft and a belief in the power of the band’s live presentation. 

    Boojum’s debut performance is sure to leave a lasting impression when the inaugural show turns into a full album this spring. Their next performance is at The Sultan Room on March 16. The show will feature dancers, visuals, and guests with the band performing wonderland inspired songs from their forthcoming EP and more. Tickets are on sale now.

    Boojum – Firstlive, Brooklyn – January 20, 2024

    Set 1: Cheshire Cat, Vanish Away, Pig Baby , Vorpal Blade, The Mouse > Oysters 

    Set 2: Mr W. Rabbit > Snark 1, Looking Glass House > Sundial, Caterpillar Hookah

    Encore: Mad Tea Party

  • Magic City Hippies Perform at the Brooklyn Bowl for Winter Tour

    On Thursday, January 18, Miami’s alternative funk band Magic City Hippies performed at the Brooklyn Bowl in continuation of their ongoing winter tour featuring opening artists, The Palms and Josh Fudge.

    magic city hippies

    The Palms formed in Los Angeles in 2015, and have become commendable in today’s independent musical landscape. Some of their top hits include “Breakin’ Up,” “Push Off,” and “All4you,” from their 2016 EP Sway.

    Josh Fudge is an Oklahoma-born multi-instrumentalist who mixes modern vibrancy with alternative indie-pop that feels nostalgic. He is able to bring people together and creates an intimate, homegrown sensation throughout the crowd.

    magic city hippies

    Magic City Hippies are originally from Miami and first dubbed themselves Robby Hunter Band before being renamed back in 2015. They began self producing in 2013 when their first self-titled EP was released. Over the years, their sound has evolved while utilizing loop pedals and incorporating elements of electronic indie rock with a strong emphasis on groove.

    The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Robby Hunter, drummer Pat Howard, and guitarist John Coughlin. Some top hits include “Limestone” and “Fanfare” from the Hippie Castle EP and “Queen” and “Water Your Garden” from most recent album Water Your Garden.

    magic city hippies

    Overall, their energetic live performance put on quite the show, blending a mix of psychedelic pop and funk groove while receiving both fan and critical attention during their musical success. Thursday night saw a youthful exchange between the artist and the crowd, cementing a memorable fifth night as part of their winter tour. MCH’s next pit stop is in Boston as we look forward to seeing what’s in store for the  band’s evolution in the psych-funk music scene. 

  • Tucker Woods Explores The Importance of Going With The Flow in “Are You Glass?”

    New York-based duo Tucker Woods has released a new single “Are You Glass?” from their upcoming album Sunshine Blues, set to be released on March 15.

    Tucker Woods is a band that delivers an authentic and dynamic sound with an energetic and youthful spirit. The duo consists of Chris Hurd on guitar, vocals, and songwriter and Brian Motel on bass and keys. The two met on a whim nearly a decade ago and instantly found that not only did their capabilities gel perfectly, but also an ever-important part of the equation fit seamlessly: their music is held together by an unspoken mantra to serve the song.

    Are You Glass?” was produced/engineered by Warren Trunz and it features the traces and importance of going with the flow. “With tried-and-true rock ‘n’ roll influences, the music on Sunshine Blues is a modern throwback, with tinges of Oasis and The Who, the Kinks, Tom Petty, and the Foo Fighters throughout. It’s a varied, inventive set of melodies and hooks infused with a message of hope and endurance”, Hurd stated. 

    With the release of a new track, the duo has also announced the release of their new album Sunshine Blues set to be released on March 15. Presave the album here.

    “Are You Glass?” from Tucker Woods is available to stream everywhere. For more information about the band, visit here.

  • In Focus: 2024 NYC Winter Jazz Fest, Manhattan Marathon & Brooklyn Marathon

    Over the weekend of January 12-13, 2024, NYC Winter Jazz Fest marked its 20th annual celebration. Talented artists captivated the audience with electrifying stage performances and incredible music across lower Manhattan and near downtown Brooklyn.

    LPR Venue – 1.12.24

    In 2005, Brice Rosenbloom initiated the NYC Winter Jazz Fest with the aim of providing exposure to underserved jazz artists. As the festival has grown over the past 16 years, The New York Times calls Winter Jazzfest “the city’s most renowned jazz festival.” 

    Rafiq Bhatia at Music Hall of Williamsburg – 1.13.24

    The Manhattan Marathon took place at diverse venues, including City Winery, Zinc Bar, LPR, Zurcher Gallery, RACKET Future Sounds, Radio Nublu, and Nublu. Whether it was a smaller or larger venue, each location was filled with enthusiastic crowds eager to enjoy fantastic music.

    Mamas Gun at Brooklyn Bowl – 1.13.24

    Union Pool, Loove Labs, Music Hall of Williamsburg, Super Ingredients, Brooklyn Bowl, Jolene Sound room, Baby’s All Right, and several other venues played host to the Brooklyn Marathon. Despite the chilly weather, the excitement of fans remained undeterred as they eagerly gathered to listen to their favorite and new music. Every artist displayed exceptional talent, showcasing their dedication through singing or instrumental prowess. If you happened to miss this year’s Winter Jazz Fest, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss the next one.

    Cisco Swank at Baby’s All Right – 1.13.24
    Cisco Swank at Baby’s All Right – 1.13.24
    Alexis Lombre at Zinc Bar – 1.12.24
    Mark Guiliana at Super Ingredient – 1.13.24
    Chiquita Magic at RACKET Future Sounds – 1.12.24
    Mamas Gun at Brooklyn Bowl – 1.13.24
    Brandee Younger playing the harp with blue smoke and golden light illuminating her.
    Brandee Younger at LPR – 1.12.24
    LPR – 1.12.24
    Ambrose playing the trumpet with his eyes closed in a dark room.
    Ambrose Akinmusine at ROCKET Future Sounds – 1.12.24
  • Disco Biscuits offer First Installment of Upcoming Studio Album, “Revolution in Motion”

    After more than 18 months of introducing the songs to their loyal fans, the Disco Biscuits have released a seven-minute animated film, Revolution in Motion, Part 1, giving the first glimpse at their highly anticipated space rock opera.

    revolution in motion

    Due for release on March 29, Revolution in Motion is the ninth album from the trancefusion pioneers and will feature newer Biscuits songs “Freeze,” “Buy the Time,” “The Deal,” and “Times Square,” in addition to tracks that were released in conjunction with the video, “Shocked,” “The Wormhole,” “Twisted in the Road” and “Another Plan of Attack.”


    The animation tells the story of four aliens who embark on an interstellar journey, only to be thrown off course, into a wormhole, eventually ending up hovering above Times Square in mid-town Manhattan. With animation by Blunt Action, the video and audio combine to piece together the puzzle that has been created over a year and a half of song rollouts, many becoming fan-favorites and/or jam vehicles, while introducing viewers to Polyfuzia, Fuzzies, Space Trains and much more to come.

    Jambands.com notes that the initial concept came from guitarist Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig, who worked with friend and collaborator Joey Friedman in August 2021, and bringing in keyboardist Aron Magner to write “music aliens would love.”

    Part 2 of Revolution in Motion will be released on February 16. The Disco Biscuits embark on a Winter Tour this week in Nevada, and will be in New York in March. Full tour dates can be found below.

    Disco Biscuits ‘Why We Dance’ 2024 Tour Dates

    1/25 – Crystal Bay, NV – Crystal Bay Casino Ballroom
    1/26 – Crystal Bay, NV – Crystal Bay Casino Ballroom
    1/27 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
    1/28 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
    2/1 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre
    2/2 – San Diego, CA – Observatory North Park
    2/3 – Tucson, AZ – Gem & Jam Festival
    2/5 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up
    2/6 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up
    2/7 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up
    2/9 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater * (SOLD OUT)
    2/10 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater * (SOLD OUT)
    2/11 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre ^ (SOLD OUT)
    3/7 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
    3/8 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
    3/9 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
    3/10 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater
    3/13 – Albany, NY – Empire Live
    3/14 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
    3/15 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
    3/16 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
    3/28 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center
    3/29 – TBA
    3/30 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
    3/31 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
    4/2 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
    4/4 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
    4/5 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater
    4/6 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom
    4/7 – Burnet, TX – Texas Eclipse Festival
    4/11 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
    4/12 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
    4/13 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
    4/14 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
    6/20-23 – Rothbury, MI – Electric Forest Festival

    * w/ Cloudchord
    ^ TRACTORBEAM

  • Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams Return with Latest Single “Desert Island Dreams”

    Three-time GRAMMY-winning producer and Woodstock residents Larry Campbell, and singer-guitarist Teresa Williams have announced the release of their latest single, “Desert Island Dreams.” The single is a true Americana piece with a road-trip feel, complete with hearty guitar licks and soulful vocals.

    Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams  Desert Island Dreams

    The single, “Desert Island Dreams” is an upbeat ode about disregarding the madness of the modern world. While the world around us may be hectic, we always have the chance to slip away to our own desert island and dream in peace. Whether that desert island be literal or metaphorical, we can all find one to escape the monotony and chaos. Campbell has his creative roots as a multi-instrumentalist with Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Keith Richards, and others, and Williams as a stage actor in productions like Keep On the Sunny Side and Always… Patsy Cline. Together, the creative and talented duo combine to become the couple of Americana.

    Desert Island Dreams

    The duo also has a new album titled, All This Time, set to release April 5. The album is a milestone, marking 40 years of musicianship and partnership of the duo. Also on the duo’s agenda, a tour across multiple states is currently in effect.

    Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams 2024 tour dates

    1/13 – South Walton, FL – 30A Songwriter Festival

    1/14 – South Walton, FL – 30A Songwriter Festival

    1/17 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

    1/18 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

    1/19 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

    1/20 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

    4/16 – Boston, MA – City Winery

    4/17 – Fairfield, CT – Stage One

    4/18 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

    4/20 – Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java

    4/21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Music Hall

    4/23 – Columbus, OH – Natalie’s

    4/24 – Detroit, MI – Magic Bag

    4/26 – Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk Music

    4/27 – Minneapolis, MN – Parkway Theater

    4/30 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads

    5/1 – St Louis, MO – Off Broadway

    5/3 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley 

    5/4 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    5/5 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    5/11 – Lexington, TN – Main & Monroe

    For more information on Larry and Teresa’s upcoming shows or releases, click here. Stay up to date on Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams’ album, All This Time. To listen to the duo’s latest single. “Desert Island Dreams,” see below.

  • Umphreys McGee (Brooklyn) Steels The Show

    On Thursday, January 19, Umphrey’s McGee made a triumphant return to New York with the kickoff of a two-night run at Brooklyn Steel. As part of their 2024 tour, the versatile band took the stage amidst a buzzing crowd eager for a musical journey.

    Originating from South Bend, Indiana, Umphrey’s Mcgee has built a devoted fanbase in New York. They make frequent stops all over New York State – nearly every year in January, plus festival appearances – and it’s easy to see why. Early in the set, they dedicated a song to a friend in attendance celebrating their impressive 515th show. 

    The audience, unassuming yet in sync with the band’s vibe, engaged with each other while maintaining palpable excitement, with all eyes fixed on the stage. Opening with the crowd pleaser, “There’s No Crying In Mexico,” the night unfolded with a diverse array of songs and sounds, showcasing Umphrey’s Mcgee’s unique interpretation of the “jam band” concept. From psychedelic to progressive to punk, they seamlessly navigate various musical styles, demonstrating an undeniable chemistry among the bandmates.

    The second set started with an electrifying cover of LCD Soundsystem’s “Tribulations” and concluded with a playful nod to Tenacious D’s “Kielbasa.” After leaving the stage, the band returned for an encore, bidding the audience farewell until the following night at Brooklyn Steel, followed by another one at Brooklyn Bowl. Their journey continues nationwide until the end of April, promising more musical adventures to fans across the country.

    Setlists via All Things Umphrey’s

    Umphrey’s McGee – Brooklyn Steel – January 19, 2024

    Set 1: There’s No Crying In Mexico > 40’s Theme, Half Delayed > 1348 > Hourglass, Get In The Van, Sociable Jimmy, Seasons > 1348

    Set 2: Tribulations > Nothing Too Fancy > Cemetery Walk > Cemetery Walk II, Rocker Part 2, Ringo > Kielbasa-> Ringo[1]

    Encore: The Weight Around > Nothing Too Fancy

    [1] with Kielbasa (Tenacious D) tease

    Umphrey’s McGee – Brooklyn Steel – January 20, 2024

    Set 1: You Got the Wrong Guy > Pure Saturation > The Floor, Red Tape, Night Nurse > Bridgeless > Glory, Let’s Dance

    Set 2: Escape Goat > Out of Focus, Staircase, The Silent Type, Push the Pig[1] > Puppet String

    Encore: The Linear[2] > Bridgeless

    [1] with Jake on keys
    [2] with Sailing (Christopher Cross) quotes

  • Sam Rappaport Explores Intimacy and Growth in “Bicycle Away”

    Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Sam Rappaport has released the music video for his latest single “Bicycle Away,” teaming up with Queens-based interpretive dancers and filmmakers Kathleen Dalton and Sonja Petermann for the intimate and emotional track.

    Credit: John LaRosa.

    Sam Rappaport is a Los Angeles-born writer and musician living in Bushwick. He pulls from rock, jazz, and soul, creating understated compositions. With a touch of delicate vocals, he creates an intimate vibe that makes the listener feel as if they are being addressed directly.

    “Bicycle Away” was produced by Lorenzo Wolff and recorded in his East Williamsburg studio Restoration Sound. The track traces the volatile seesawing of a relationship struggling to reach equilibrium, with the narrator acknowledging his need for emotional growth while also yearning for an escape route. He wants to escape and move beyond the horizon but also wants to stay close.

    I wrote this song about a year and a half ago. I think it started with this image–this memory–of my friends and I riding bikes through the streets of the valley, in Southern California–how it felt like we were explorers charting out a whole geography of experiences. We felt trapped by the valley, and we wanted to escape, but there was also such a feeling of freedom in being a kid, on a bike, after school, racing through different neighborhoods. Our entire lives were still in the distance. Then, from there, I moved into the present and started thinking about the difficulties I’ve had in finding equilibrium in relationships, the tendency to kind of swing between extremes. Somehow, I crammed all that stuff together into a song. I’m not really sure how it happens.

    Sam Rappaport.

    The music video is soft and nostalgic, bringing the viewer in deep with the rhythmic movement and slow edits. Sam Rappaport’s voice is melodic, bringing in irresistible slow guitars and percussion. The listener can fall hard into the track, reminiscing on their past along with Sam. The interpretive dancing was a unique touch and helped tell the story even more, bringing in scenes of nature that make you feel warm as you watch it.

    “Bicycle Away,” the new daring and emotional track from Sam Rappaport made me feel many different emotions while watching it, and is perfect for these cold winter months coming up. It is available to stream now.

  • “Feels Nice” – Crystal Caverns’ Latest Single Bursts on the Scene

    On December 22, Indie-Pop duo Crystal Caverns, hailing from Rockaway Beach, Queens released their single titled, “Feels Nice.”

    crystal caverns

    With clear vocal influence from artists like Björk, and a melodic-angsty sound similar to Juice Wrld, this single showcases the vibe Crystal Caverns is curating. Driving basslines, cinematic keys, and ethereal vocals round out their sound. From the slow, melodic build up in the beginning, to the transition into vocal harmony, this track keeps you engaged. With whimsical synth, a punchy 80s percussion, and a plethora of intricate sounds, the instrumentation couples well with the melodic vocals.

    Originating from Rockaway Beach, Queens, Jae t’Aime and Jason Alex Grey make up the two minds of the duo. With Jae on lead vocals, keys, and programming, Jason on vocals, bass, and guitars, the duo covers plenty of ground and sound of the sonic landscape. The duo has also announced they will be playing two shows in NYC in January.

    Upcoming Crystal Caverns Shows:

    1/24/24 @ Mercury Lounge – 8PM

    Listen to Crystal Caverns’ new single, “Feel’s Nice”below.

    https://soundcloud.com/crystalcavernsmusic/feels-nice