Thursday, August 22 was a night of neon shirts, glow sticks and necklaces, and spandex as New Kids on The Block put quite the performance for fans at Darien Lake Ampitheatre. Joining the adventure were Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff, no strangers to the Gen X fans in attendance.
Formed in 1984, the New Kids recently released their eighth album, Still Kids, and have been on tour in support of it.
Getting the party started was DJ Jazzy Jeff. Half of the famed duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince, Jazzy Jeff scratched the records while his MC, Dayne Jordan, rocked the mic. Playing samples of classics like “O.P.P.”, “I’m a Believer”, and “Jump”, as well as theme songs from both Cheers and Super Mario Bros., this MC and DJ duo had the crowd of mostly middle-aged fans thinking they were still kids on the playground chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin’ all cool. As his set ended, I am sure fans were anxious to see if would get tossed off the stage in the same manner Uncle Phil tossed him out of his house (he did not get tossed.)
Following the famed DJ, fans were treated to a former dancer/cheerleader/choreographer turned talent show judge. 62-year-old Paula Abdul took to the stage playing notable hits from the late 80s and early 90s.
Rising up through the stage, Abdul seems to be portraying herself struggling to write “Straight Up”, scribbling notes, before breaking into song as she is whisked off towards the front of the set. Using her amazing dancers as props, she continues on like it was 1988 all over again. This time around was little different, though, as she immediately takes quick breather, some water, and oxygen. “What?” She asks the surprised crowd. “This is 62, folks!” she quips.
Well known for her dancing and choreography, Abdul wastes no more time in continuing the production. “Vibeology” and “Cold Hearted” were performed flawlessly, as if they were making a new video to air during TRL.
With a hand-picked dance troupe surrounding her, Abdul prances around the stage, utilizing the various wardrobe racks for quick changes, many that were replicated from the heyday of music videos, including a bright yellow fedora style hat.
Only playing for about 35 minutes, the former celebrity crush of many 70s and 80s kids doesn’t forget those who have helped her along the way, including her video partner from “Opposites Attract”, MC Skat Kat, who joined her while she performed the song. For someone who recently came back from a 25-year hiatus from touring, Paula Abdul doesn’t seem to have lost her step.
Danny Wood, Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, and Joey McIntyre were brought together in the mid 80s outside of Boston, MA to create an up-and-coming boy band as counterpart to New Edition. While success wasn’t immediate, it did happen a few short years later after a Florida radio station put “Hangin Tough” on repeat due to listener requests. Fame was on the fast track, and teenage girls buying posters and cassettes, t-shirts and hoodies, and going to shows at malls around the country drove the train on that fast track.
Fast forward to August 22, as many of those young girls are now taking their kids to see the boys who they went nuts for in middle and high school. “Donnie! I love you!”, “Marry me, Joey!”, “Danny is so hot!” were common things heard while among the sparse crowd of around 8500.
Getting the night started with two tracks from their newest release, NKOTB came out with “Magic” and “Summer Love”. Just like 35 years ago, fans were screaming and jumping for joy as they music played. I don’t know if it was because of the songs or because they were seeing childhood idols for the first time. Either way, the crowd was boisterous and enthusiastic from start to finish. Rounding out the first 3 was “My Favorite Girl,” a song they first played in 1989.
It’s the most mature album we’ve ever made
Mark Wahlberg on Still Kids
Cruising through the 28-song set, Wahlberg and company give fans what they want with every song. Nostalgic lyrics, hip thrusts and gyrations that Elvis would be proud of, as well as a little bit where shirts came off and muscle flexes were the show. As teenage heartthrobs of yesteryear, the boys have seemed to take their rizz to new levels now that they are all grown up. I heard zero complaints from the crowd.
Having toured with NKOTB before, DJ Jazzy Jeff once again becomes part of the show, as he appears atop of the huge steps on stage. With a mashup of “Dance With You” and “Love Like This” getting started, each of the singers brings out a ‘selected’ fan and they continue to perform with the guests by their sides. A true moment to remember for these 5 lucky ladies.
Getting Jazzy Jeff more involved, Wahlberg, in roundabout way, demands to play “Summertime”, to wish there is no argument from the DJ. After playing a short clip, Wahlberg stops and asks a young lady on stage who claims to know the song word for word. The 16-year-old made the trip the mid Atlantic region for this show and proceeded to belt out a couple verses from the song made famous by DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince. With her mom by her side, the young lady was elated to get the opportunity. Wahlberg continues on to say that they continue to gain fans through generations by parents still listening to the music of their childhood.
With notoriously bad parking rituals at the venue, I left a little early but was able to hear clearly as “Step By Step” and “Hangin Tough” rounded out the night.
While I will admit the New Kids were never my cup of tea 35 years ago, and maybe aren’t now, but they can sure put on a show, I will never argue that at all. They had men and women up and waving their arms and singing word for word. They had teens singing along with their music, and that is exactly what they want. I watched a group of ladies, probably in late 40s, doing the dances they learned 35 years ago. They were all having an amazing time reliving some of their glory years. Life longs fans that pass on their music and memories.
Follow along with the Kids and check out their first new album in 11 years New Kids On The Block
New Kids on The Block setlist: Magic, Summer Love, My Favorite Girl, Cover Girl, Dirty Dancing, You Got It (The Right Stuff), Remix (I Like The), Block Party, Tonight, Where Do I Go From Here?, Treat Me Right, Call It What You Want, Popsicle/Games/This Is How We Do It/ Stay With Me Baby, Baby I Believe in You, Never Gonna Fall In Love Again/Paradise City, Happy Birthday, Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time), Please Don’t Go Girl, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Dance With You/Love Like This, Summertime (DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince), Kids, I’ll Be Loving You (Forever), Step by Step, Hanging Tough/We Will Rock You (Queen), These Are The Better Days
Paula Abdul Setlist (partial) Straight Up, Vibeology, Cold Hearted, Opposites Attract, Rush Rush, The Promise of a New Day/Knocked Out/Ain’t Never Gonna Give You Up, Forever Your Girl
DJ Jazzy Jeff setlist (partial): OPP (Naughty by Nature), Jump, Eye of The Tiger (Survivor), Jump Around (House of Pain), Let Me Clear My Throat (DJ Kool), Monkees, Cheers, The Fresh Prince theme, Super Mario Bros Rap, Uptown Funk, Living on a Prayer
Legendary blues rock guitarist and New York native, Joe Bonamassa brought his “Blues Deluxe Summer Tour” to the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. Most recently, Bonamassa released his newest effort Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestraearlier this summer. Friday, Aug. 26 was the first of two back-to-back nights that Bonamassa rocked the “Original Rock Palace.”
With fans finding their seats in the nearly 100-year-old venue, Bonamassa and his band graced the stage and jumped right into “Hope You Realize” off of Bonamassa’s Blues Deluxe Vol. 2record. Since there was no opener this evening, it left the band with more time to play for their fans. From the moment the 11-piece band plugged their instruments in, their sheer power overtook the fans. For a blues band, they were certainly loud, but in the best way possible. The classic blues rock rang like joyful noise during the two-hour performance.
The official music video for Joe Bonamassa’s “I Want To Shout About It”
Bonamassa was firing on all cylinders. From the vocals to the guitar playing to his stage presence, he had it all. From the little he spoke during the night, he made up for it during his guitar masterclass. Watching Bonamassa play took the breath out of some fans’ bodies as they watched in awe. Some people in the crowd were recording on their phones while others air-guitared. Some simply watched stunned by the guitar hero in front of them.
Bonamassa’s backing band consisted of a horn section featuring saxophones and trumpets, three backing singers in addition to the drums, bass, rhythm guitar and keyboards. Within the band, the musicianship was top-notch. They all played their part and had a welcoming sound to them. At one point in the show, Bonamassa called his band family and that he respects them the most. To see a leader like Bonamassa praise the band behind him was amazing to see.
Within the band, the musicians as individuals were spectacular. The horn section added a uniqueness to the band while the backup singers added more beefiness to the vocals. At one point in the show, singer Jade MacRae had a solo during “Self Inflicted Wounds.” Listening to her vocals sent chills up and down the spines of the audience who cheered and applauded at the end.
For those who don’t know all the individual members of Bonamassa’s band, on percussion, to his left sat Reese Wynans. Wynans is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble. When he was introduced, the audience all rose to their feet to pay respects to the legendary keyboardist. But, throughout the night, Wynans was spinning back and forth on the keyboard giving the performance of a lifetime.
The show flowed effortlessly as each song slowly transitioned into the next. With each new song, came an even flashier guitar from Bonamassa who changed guitars for what seemed like every song. During a few songs, he would sport a beautiful Les Paul while other times it would be a classic telecaster or a gorgeous red Gibson. It did not matter which guitar was on stage because, by the end of the song, Bonamassa delivered an emotionally beautiful solo.
While the band was setting up for the next song, Bonamassa took the time to say a proper hello to the audience and clarify that he is a New York native which brought a cheer from the audience. Bonamassa then proceeded to thank everyone for showing up to a homecoming show. It seemed that once he acknowledged he was in front of his home state’s audience, then the show got even better. There was a sense of the audience also acknowledging that the legendary guitarist was playing in a legendary venue and it made for a spectacular rest of the evening.
The entire night of Joe Bonamassa and his band at the Capitol Theatre was one of the best ways to close out the summer concert season.
Of the seven shows that remain on Bonamassa’s schedule, four are in New York. On Saturday, Aug. 24 he’ll be right back at the Capitol Theatre which is followed by a date in Rochester on Aug. 25 and Albany on Aug. 27. If you are a fan of blues rock and roll then you have to go see Bonamassa. It was a magical night of nothing but essential blues music.
Joe Bonamassa Setlist: Hope You Realize, You Upset Me, 24 Hour Blues, Done Got Over It, Self Inflicted Wounds, I Want To Shout About It, Last Matador of Bayonne, Breaking Up Someone’s Home, Heart That Never Waits, Is It Safe To Go Home, See See Baby, Humming Bird, Hard But It’s Fair, Mountain Time
New York City indie rock band Gift released their record label debut, Illuminator, on August 23, following the announcement of their first world tour. The 11-track LP sees the band blending electronic elements with widescreen pop production techniques to create their most fully-comprehensive body of work to date.
GIFT, formed in 2020, is made up of vocalist/guitarist TJ Frida, multi-instrumentalist Justin Hrabovsky, drummer Gabe Camarano and bassist Kallan Campbell. The four originally came together when Freda cherry-picked members of some of his favorite other bands, forming somewhat of an indie supergroup. With roots all over the world—Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Boston and Brazil, to be exact—it only makes sense that GIFT’s musical style would be diverse as well. The musicians have often leaned on their collective deep experiences and have set a bold new sound—a dizzying blend of early shoegaze, classic ‘90s alternative rock and even modern pop.
GIFT emerged somewhat fully formed on their 2022 debut album, Momentary Presence. The LP was a testament to the untapped creative potential lying deep within, and it wasn’t long before the band was pricking up the ears of adventurous listeners both at home and across the Atlantic Ocean. Ahead of their newest album, GIFT have shared the singles “Wish Me Away” and “Going In Circles,” which have drawn critical acclaim from the likes of, among many others, Pitchfork, Billboard, Paste, Uproxx, Consequence, Paper, Flood Magazine, Brooklyn Vegan, and Stereogum, which recently labeled GIFT as a band to watch.
Illuminator is the long-awaited payoff of GIFT’s ever-growing musical and human chemistry, blending a dynamic fusion of electronic and pop production techniques. One of the album’s singles, “Later,” perfectly exemplifies the new sound. “While writing Illuminator, I found myself clinging to intense emotions, reluctant to release them. ‘Later’ stands out as one of the darkest songs I’ve made,” Freda said. “Making it was cathartic, diving into darker themes. The song explores surrendering to the overwhelming sensation of life slipping away before my eyes.”
Freda was an integral part of the record, but Illuminator was a collaborative effort through and through. Gurewitz, a relative newcomer to making music herself, contributed a host of lyrics and vocal melodies, and Camarano’s drumming provided the crucial rhythmic underpinning to the album’s 11 tracks. Hrabovsky, who previously engineered at Asheville, N.C. studios Drop of Sun and Echo Mountain Recording, shared production duties with Freda for the first time as well.
Lyrically, the record covers many of those oh-so-common issues that everybody faces but nobody really knows how to deal with, like falling in love, heartbreak, watching events and moments go by like cars on the highway and grieving the loss of different phases of life. Somehow, GIFT is able to do this, while simultaneously packaging the songs inside sleek and danceable instrumentals. As a result, Illuminator is the perfect album to soundtrack your life to, since it has the perfect answer in song form to almost any situation life can throw at you.
Key Tracks: Light Runner, Later, Milestones
In support of Illuminator, GIFT will embark on an international tour, including a hometown album release party at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom on September 20. Visit here to purchase tickets. See below for a full written list of GIFT’s tour dates.
Gift Tour Dates
Sept 13 – Troy, NY – No Fun (w. Fantasy Of A Broken Heart)
Sept 14 – Boston, MA – Rockwell (w. Fantasy Of A Broken Heart)
Sept 15 – Portland, ME – Oxbow Brewing (w. Fantasy Of A Broken Heart)
Sept 17 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Showcase (w. Fantasy Of A Broken Heart)
Sept 20 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (w. Catcher, Public Circuit) Record Release Show
Sept 21 – Philadelphia, PA – Milkboy(w. Catcher)
Sept 22 – Washington, DC – DC9 (w. Catcher)
Sept 25 – Chicago, IL – Schubas (w. Catcher)
Oct 10 – Brighton, UK – The Hope & Ruin
Oct 11 – London, UK – Moth Club
Oct 12 – Manchester, UK – YES (Basement)
Oct 14 – Birmingham, UK – Hare & Hounds
Oct 15 – Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms (w. BODEGA)
Oct 16 – Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club (w. BODEGA)
Oct 17 – Glasgow, UK – Room 2 (w. BODEGA)
Oct 18 – Newcastle upon Tyne, UK – The Cluny (w. BODEGA)
Oct 19 – Cardiff, UK – SWN FEST
Oct 21 – Cambridge, UK – Junction 2 (w. BODEGA)
Oct 22 – Sheffield, UK – Crookes Social Club (w. BODEGA)
Oct 23 – Bristol, UK – Lantern Hall (w. BODEGA)
Oct 24 – London, UK – Earth Hall (w. BODEGA)
Oct 26 – Amsterdam, NL – London Calling @ Paradiso (w. Chanel Beads, STRKFR, English Teacher)
Oct 27 – Appeldorn, NL – De Gigant
Nov 1 – Utrecht, NL – DB’s
Nov 4 – Paris, FR – SuperSonic
Nov 5 – Dijon, FR – Club La Vapeur
Nov 6 – Nantes, FR – La Lune Froide
Nov 7 – Lorient, FR – Les Indisciplinées (L’Hydrophone) (w. Corridor & Cucamaras)
Nov 8 – Saint, Lô, FR – Les RDV Soniques Festival (Ateliers Arts Plumes)
Rising country music star Warren Zeiders performed on the Suburban Park Stage at the New York State Fair in Syracuse on Thursday, August 22. The Hershey, Pennsylvania native was celebrating the release of his second full length album, Relapse (released on August 23).
Anticipation built as the minutes clicked down to Zeiders’ arrival. The barricaded area around the stage was filled to capacity well in advance of showtime, and a sprawling crowd stretched back into the fields which separated the Suburban Park stage from the hustle and bustle of the fair’s midway.
At promptly 8pm, Zeiders burst on to stage and wasted no time getting the party started. Zeiders opened with the unreleased track “Take it to the Grave” which showcased his gritty vocals and high energy stage presence. Zeiders worked each side of the stage, often pausing to wave and greet the fans up front. Early in the set, Zeiders pushed his new material, performing several tracks off the Relapse album.
At just 24 years old, Warren Zeiders is proving to be a master in his craft. New tracks like “Intoxicated” and “Betrayal” proved to hold just strong as the rest of his growing catalog. Those in attendance were already familiar with the lyrics to the new tracks and sang along to every word. However, the biggest sing along this evening was when Zeiders performed “Pretty Little Poison”, a track which spent several weeks at the top of Billboard’s Country Music Airplay chart earlier this year. The crowed belted back the song’s anthemic chorus and waved lighters and cellphone lights in the air, illuminating the area and giving perspective to the sea of fans that had gathered.
After a sixty minute set and a brief break, Zeiders and his band returned to the stage for an encore, which saw the band cover the Alice in Chains classic, “Man in the Box”. The song may sound like a surprising choice to hear at a country concert, but it fit in well with Zeiders’ sound.
The New York State Fair continues through September 2. See a list of upcoming concerts here.
In 1978, Christina Crawford published Mommie Dearest, a stunning memoir/exposé about the hardship endured growing up with her cruel and unbalanced mother – screen legend Joan Crawford.
While there is no brandishing of coat hangers a la Crawford in Earth to Moon (Deyst/William Morrow), Moon Zappa’s new memoir presents the disturbing realities of growing up as the eldest child of rock legend Frank Zappa and his neglected, bossy, and controlling wife, Gail.
First off, let’s talk about Frank Zappa. Undoubtedly, he is one of my favorite all-time musicians – as a composer, guitarist, and socio-political commentator. I adored his early works with the original Mothers of Invention, albums like We’re On In It for the Money and Burnt Weeny Sandwich, and also his early- to mid-‘70s output like Hot Rats, Overnight Sensation and Roxy & Elsewhere. And while he lost me for a while in the ‘80s, he was back at the top of my list with his final works, The Yellow Shark and Civilization Part III.
Like Picasso and other uber-productive artists, Frank was completely and utterly self-absorbed. As beloved and admired as he was by his children, he saw very little of them – spending nine months a year on the road. And when he was home, he rose every day at 5 pm and headed to his recording studio in the basement. Also, like Picasso, he was the ultimate horndog. Zappa carried on countless affairs while on the road and even under his own roof (one groupie reportedly lived under the piano in his home studio). The latter made his wife, Gail, a very unhappy woman who often took her frustrations out on her children. And it was her firstborn, Moon, who was the main sounding board for her woes and the chief recipient of her ire.
Like her father, Moon is a supremely talented individual—a writer of several books, an actress, an entrepreneur, a spiritualist, and a bit of a comedian too. The genesis of this book goes back to her fifth Christmas, when she received the first of her hardback-bound journals from her parents. This is something that would become an annual tradition and launch her lifetime practice of chronicling life events and her feelings.
“I partly wrote this memoir as a reclamation, to tell my version of what happened in my childhood and early life as a gift to myself, as a map that charts how and when I ended up as an adult,” she writes in the introduction to her book. “Growing up doesn’t end when you become an adult…Make peace with what hurts and head toward joy… Write your future with the ink of today.”
Moon’s sketches of childhood begin with her memorable name, Moon Unit. I had never heard that the “unit” stood for Frank’s belief that her birth made the family a true entity. When she is still way too young to hear it, her mother shares that “pushing you out of my vagina gave me the best orgasm of my life.” The Zappa household is bedlam. There are various band members, the Zappa-sponsored groupie/girl group, The GTOs, visiting rock royalty like Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton, scenester oddballs, and truly mentally unbalanced freaks like Wildman Fischer crashing through at all hours. She hates that her parents didn’t wear underwear. Above all, Moon craves “stability and structure.” She is frightened of the basement room where his dad keeps the suitcases he uses for touring. She believes there are aliens living down there (UFOs were one of Gail’s woo-woo obsessions). Moon would seek protection from the imaginary aliens from an unlikely source – two invisible camels. At four, she tries to run away to Hollywood and the famous Schwab’s Drugstore where Lana Turner was discovered, intent on becoming an actress.
When Moon gets mad that her birthday is being celebrated after her younger brother’s one September, her mother puts her in a cold shower. Gail tape records her screams and plays them back to a horrified Moon. She decides then and there that she doesn’t want to be anything like her mother. When Frank is away on tour, she will head to the soundproof vocal booth in his home studio to “scream away” her stress.
While Frank’s absence looms large in her life and this book, some cherished moments are chronicled. In one, they visit the zoo to see a cheetah Frank and Gail have adopted. Frank gets her a commemorative coin with “Moon Unit Is Beautiful” imprinted on it. When she is nine, they share a private moment where Frank shows her his favorite records: Erik Satie, the Goldberg Variation and Johnny Guitar Watson. He then gifts her his huge collection of 45s.
Gail shares with Moon her obsessions, one of which is the witchcraft her mother employs against Frank’s many groupies. At 11, Moon casts a spell of her own on a school bully. Moon hangs up her pointy hat and broom when her classmate is injured falling off the monkey bars.
In an attempt to bond with her dad, Moon slips a letter under his studio door to reintroduce herself to him. This will lead to their collaborative effort, the hit song “Valley Girl.” Moon’s impression of a So-Cal Valley speak is modeled on a girl she meets at a bar mitzvah. It will be Frank’s biggest commercial success and Moon will be thrust into the promotional spotlight though horrified by her teenage acne. Ever the needler, Gail will tell her that Frank wouldn’t give her writing credit or money until she insisted he do so. “Earth to Moon” is the phrase Gail will deploy to disparagingly gain her attention.
The success of “Valley Girl” will lead Moon to an acting career, her first on-screen kiss with Erik Estrada on the TV series CHiPs, and her first date with actor Emilio Estevez. To have time for her career, she will be put into a school with other young entertainers, including Janet Jackson and Jason and Justine Bateman, the latter who becomes a lifelong friend. This will be followed by roles in films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and stints as a VJ on MTV, with her brother Dweezil, and later VH-1. Moon and Dweezil will also star in their own short-lived TV series, Normal Life.
One of the most moving parts of the book deals with Frank’s battle with terminal prostate cancer. Gail thinks it’s ironic that he got the kind of cancer that would impact his ability to have sex with women… other women. Another revelation is that Frank will ask Gail for a divorce several times during their marriage, and during his final illness, to be with a German woman named Gerde. Moon will overhear (and be horrified by) her mother speaking with a New Zealand groupie who wants the dying Frank’s “seed” to have a child. We hear about his compulsion to continue to work and the Friday “Margarita Nights” where Frank is entertained by the likes of The Chieftains, Ravi Shankar, Tibetan monks, Tuvan Throat singers and The Simpsons creator Matt Groening. We also hear how Gail makes Moon sell her home to pay for Frank’s treatment… as the genius musician had no health insurance.
With Frank’s death, the family unravels, largely due to Gail’s machinations. She lies, saying he died without a will and in debt. She will sell his music catalog twice and go on a real estate spending spree before also ending up financially strapped. With Gail’s death from lung cancer, after Moon helps nurse her in her final days, she will set up the uneven distribution of power and assets between her children, which will lead to their current legal battles and estrangement. It’s “the final perfect chess move,” one that sews the family chaos that persists to this day.
But Moon will also come to admire her mother’s strength, and to have a bit of sympathy for her suffering at the hands of Frank’s artistic self-absorption and roving eye. “She never deserted her post as our leader in battle. Even if she helped perpetuate the war.”
With the parents passing, Moon’s life is still a battle and an object lesson in achieving self-realization and peace. In the book, she describes her marriage and divorce and a truly horrifying chapter on the life-threatening illness of her then three-year-old daughter, Matilda. She will move to Taos, study and teach meditation and yoga online, start a successful tea company, and continue her very fine writing. She comes to the realization that her mother’s actions are what set her free to be herself.
Near the close of the book, she writes of her parents: “Together, the two of you taught me the hard lesson that you can die before you die and live beyond your death. As a duo, you created the map and destroyed the key.”
Moon Zappa will in Woodstock at the Golden Notebook Bookstore on October 13 at 1 pm. For details, visit goldennotebook.com/events.
Dead & Co’s residency at the Sphere in Vegas may be over for now, but the music of the Grateful Dead most certainly hasn’t faded away from concert stages across the country as myriad tribute, cover, and legacy acts continue to perform in the final weeks of summer.
Dark Star Orchestra may well be the best Dead-music band that is currently touring, and the 1,500-plus dancing heads at Schenectady’s Frog Alley on Thursday, August 22 seemed to be in agreement that DSO are venerable interpreters of the genre.
DSO’s faithful and sequential recreations of notable Grateful Dead setlists and their dedication to performing with period-authentic instruments and equipment set them far apart from typical tribute acts. This is as close as you’re going to get to a late-70s Dead set, short of a time machine.
Thursday’s DSO show featured The Grateful Dead’s 5-5-78 setlist, originally performed in Thompson Arena at Dartmouth College. The two sets were relatively typical of the era, as the Dead balanced Chuck Berry rock with pastoral psychedelia, Americana, jazz-rock, balladry, and an occasional disco groove in the rhythm section.
DSO also played a 1978 show at the Adirondack Independence Music Festival last year up in Lake George. I was hip to the fact that Thursday’s show was going to mine late-70s territory as soon as Jeff Mattson (who plays the Jerry Garcia role in DSO) strapped on his Travis Bean guitar – the same model Jerry played in 1976 and 1977 (he was playing Wolf by ‘78). Mattson was in fine form all night, faithfully modeling his tone and soloing techniques on Garcia’s.
The show opened with “Promised Land”, which featured the outstanding vocals of Rob Eaton, who just embodies the bandleader and rhythm guitar rocker Bob Weir became in the later 70s and throughout the 80s for the Dead. It’s also delightful to hear that vintage Ibanez rhythm guitar tone. I love Ace, but I’m not crazy about the wild trebly, metallic guitar tone he uses in Dead & Co.
“Dire Wolf” may have been the biggest singalong number of the night and “Cassidy” was the first where the band’s slinky contrapuntal interplay was on full display. DSO, much like the original Dead is a true ensemble, and the collective improvisation of Mattson, Eaton, and keyboardist Rob Barraco stood out on this Weir/Barlow classic.
Other highlights of the first set included “Candyman” from American Beauty, and a top-notch “They Love Each Other” that featured solos by both Mattson and Barraco. And while this reviewer might prefer “Brown-Eyed Women” to “Lazy Lightnin’/Supplication” it was this latter medley that ended the first set with one of the best jams of the entire night.
The second set kicked off with a duo of good-time rockers (“Bertha” and “Good Lovin’”) and then the first of two second-set Jerry ballads, a faithful rendition of “Ship of Fools”.
It was the Estimated > Eyes, though, that was the hightlight of the entire show. Eaton nailed the Weir vocals on “Estimated Prophet” while Mattson dialed up the Mu-Tron to great effect. “Eyes of the World” remains one of the superlative Dead vehicles in terms of the song’s jam possibilities and also in the way that the elegantly jazz-leaning chord progression matches the beauty of the lyrics. Mattson seems to be at his best when he really leans into the jazzy elements of Garcia’s playing. Bassist Skip Vangelas (who was excellent, clear, and loud all night in his Phil-role) was also featured in “Eyes” and took a melodic solo.
I’ll admit that these days I’m all-in on the Dead & Co “Drums/Space” in large part because of Mickey Hart’s beam and use of electronics. For me, it’s never a bathroom break opportunity. DSO drummers Dino English and Rob Koritz reminded me that a more analog version of drums isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Koritz’s use of steel drum and a crew of roadies on various percussion instruments coupled nicely with English’s kit playing. Mattson and Barraco then took the stage for a very short “Space” that left me wanting more. While John Meyer certainly might have more “chops” than Mattson, I’ll take the ole Zen Trickster Mattson over Meyer on “Space” any day of the week. Mattson wore a rad purple John Coltrane t-shirt at the show, and his otherworldly “Close-Encounters”-tease into “space-jazz-rock” certainly paid homage to Coltrane’s later free era. Give me 10 more minutes of that next time, Jeff!
“Not Fade Away” was a great reminder that bands like DSO are carrying the torch so that new generations will hear this very vital and living music, and “Stella Blue” featured some of Mattson’s finest vocals of the evening on one of the Dead’s most sensitive ballads. The set closed with a rockin’ “Around and Around” which put Eaton back in the role of showman extraordinaire.
The encores were particularly fun covers. Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London” had what remained of the weeknight crowd howling at the moon. The Dead set was complete, but DSO had a few more minutes until curfew, so the band went off-script and launched into The Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” finally giving backing vocalist Lisa Mackey a chance to take the lead. Mackey is in many ways the heart and soul of DSO. Her dancing, energy, and excellent harmony vocals are always a pleasure to watch, so it was particularly uplifting to hear her crush the Grace Slick part. Let Lisa sing!
Summer may be coming to a close, but that just means that it’s time to start planning for fall and winter indoor shows. Dark Star Orchestra has many shows planned around the state this fall and just announced that they are returning to the legendary Capitol Theatre in Port Chester for a New Year’s run on December 30 and December 31. They’re sure to keep the Dead alive in 2025 too.
A word or two about the Frog Alley venue, since this is still a relatively new Capital Region venue. The place has great beer (I tried a Kolsch that paired nicely with a cool summer night), they have a wealth of food truck options, and the raised stage means most vantage points are good ones. There’s also a VIP option which gives you deluxe bathroom access, tent access, and balcony options, which looked particularly nice if you got there early to grab seating. The sound was also stellar (and I give some of the credit to DSO’s own board operator because the mix was superb). My only gripe at all is that GA concertgoers had to wait in relatively long lines for the porta potties and hopefully more can be added to future events of this capacity. Parking wasn’t bad if you got there early enough and I was on the road and out of town in a jiffy. Definitely looking forward to getting back to Frog Alley for Band of Horses/City + Colour on Friday, September 13.
Finally, I have to give an honorable mention to the dude in front of me who had the best shirt of the night. His maroon and white “Stealie’s Shops” shirt in Stewart’s Shop typography has to be about the best Capital Region-specific Shakedown shirts I’ve ever seen. I want one!
Dark Star Orchestra | August 22, 2024 | Frog Alley Summer Stage | Schenectady, NY
Set I: Promised Land, Dire Wolf, Cassidy, Candyman, El Paso, They Love Each Other, Passenger, Brown Eyed Women, Lazy Lightnin’, Supplication.
Set II: Bertha, Good Lovin’, Ship of Fools, Estimated Prophet, Eyes of the World, Drums > Space, Not Fade Away, Stella Blue, Around and Around.
Encore: Werewolves of London, White Rabbit *
* Not part of the original Grateful Dead show on 5-5-78.
Continuing his Soho Sessions residency, Grammy-nominated singer and guitarist Marcus King returned to the iconic Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett for a special performance on August 21. Known for his soulful voice and electrifying guitar work, King brought his unique blend of blues, rock, and southern soul to an intimate audience, making the night unforgettable.
Marcus King at Stephen Talkhouse
The Soho Sessions, a premier music-driven community, has built a reputation for curating extraordinary live music experiences in both New York City and the Hamptons. What makes these sessions stand out is not just the incredible music but the cause behind them. More than just a good time, these performances support organizations such as God’s Love We Deliver, a distinguished charity dedicated to providing nutritious, medically tailored meals to individuals too sick to shop or cook for themselves.
Before the show, I had the opportunity to speak with Greg Williamson and Nicole Rechter, the co-founders of Love Rocks. They shared their passion for combining music with philanthropy, explaining that while Love Rocks, their annual benefit concert at the Beacon Theatre, is a major event, Soho Sessions allow for more frequent, intimate performances. These sessions, often featuring notable artists like Gary Clark Jr. and Warren Haynes, bring the music closer to the fans while continuing to support important causes like God’s Love We Deliver.
Greg Williamson, Nicole Rechter and Stephen Covello
Stephen Covello, Chief Philanthropy Officer at God’s Love We Deliver, provided deeper insight into the organization’s mission. Founded in 1985 by Gonga Stone, God’s Love We Deliver began as a response to the AIDS crisis, providing meals to those too ill to cook. Today, the organization has expanded its reach, delivering medically tailored meals to individuals with over 210 different diagnoses, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, and HIV/AIDS. As they approach their 40th anniversary, God’s Love We Deliver has delivered 4.3 million meals, a testament to their impact and commitment.
Marcus King
Marcus King’s performance at Stephen Talkhouse was nothing short of spectacular. He delivered soulful renditions of his songs like “Wildflowers and Wine” and “Hero,” as well as crowd-pleasing covers of classics like “The Weight” and “Can’t You See.” Marcus King was joined by his drummer, Jack Ryan, a key member of the Marcus King Band, who brought his signature groove to the performance and Eric Folder on bass.
The night was a perfect blend of music, community, and charity, highlighting the power of live music to bring people together for a greater cause. As Marcus King continues his Soho Sessions residency, it’s clear that these performances are about more than just entertainmentâthey’re about making a difference.
Setlist: It’s Too Late, Scuttle Buttin, Rolling & Tumblin, Sins A Good Man’s Brother, Aim High, Hero, One Day She’s Here, Killing Floor, Pain, Save Me, Always, Manic Depression, Fallin For The Devil, Lie, Lie, Lie, Wildflowers & Wine, The Weight, Can’t You See
Glass Animals transformed Madison Square Garden into a surreal, psychedelic dreamscape on Tuesday, August 13th, delivering a performance that will be etched into the minds of fans for years to come.
The energy in the venue was electric from the moment the lights dimmed, with a sold-out crowd buzzing with anticipation. As the band took the stage, the roar of the audience was deafening, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
The setlist was heavily focused on tracks from their latest album, I Love You So F**ing Much*, with the band seamlessly blending these new hits with their classic tracks. The crowd erupted as they launched into “On The Run,” the funky beats and infectious rhythm perfectly encapsulating the essence of the album. Every song was met with an explosion of cheers, but it was “Space Ghost Coast to Coast” that really brought the house down, with fans singing along to every word.
The creative visuals of the set were nothing short of spectacular, adding a whole new dimension to the performance. A holographic pineapple, a nod to their iconic imagery, hovered on the stage, rotating slowly and casting vibrant, multicolored lights across the venue.
The real showstopper, however, was the Saturn-like planet that levitated above the band, spinning gracefully and seemingly defying gravity. The ethereal visuals, combined with the band’s high-energy performance, created an otherworldly atmosphere that left the audience mesmerized.
The interplay between the band and the crowd was palpable, with lead singer Dave Bayley frequently interacting with the audience, feeding off their energy, and encouraging them to dance and sing along. It was clear that the band was having as much fun as the fans, with their infectious enthusiasm spreading throughout the arena.
As the night drew to a close, the band returned for an encore, ending with a stunning rendition of “Heat Waves.” The entire venue was bathed in a warm, golden glow as the crowd swayed in unison, their voices joining together in a powerful chorus. It was a perfect ending to a night that felt like a celebration of music, creativity, and the unbreakable bond between Glass Animals and their fans.
Madison Square Garden has hosted countless legendary performances over the years, but last night, Glass Animals carved out a space all their own, leaving a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to be there.
Rolling into SPAC for the Neon Pill tour, Grammy award winning rockers Cage the Elephant put on a performance for the ages on Sunday night, August 18th. With a broken foot and a heart full of the rock n’ roll spirit, lead singer Matt Shultz powered through the entire show in unforgettable fashion, rolling around the stage on a modified medical scooter.
Weaving through blasts of pyro and popping the occasional wheelie, he showed more charisma and showmanship on one leg than most mortals have in their whole body. Even if you couldn’t get into the music, you had to respect the max effort behind it. Alongside an eclectic lineup that featured Young the Giant, Bakar, and rising star Willow Avalon, the evening was a celebration of musical diversity, perseverance and raw emotion, drawing thousands of fans to experience a show that will be remembered for many years to come.
Burning Down the House: Cage the Elephant lit it up in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
The buzz around SPAC before the show was all about Cage the Elephant’s previous gigs in the Capital Region. Long time fans were quick to remember their 2016 show with Portugal. The Man at the Palace Theatre in Albany where hundreds of fans jumped up on stage and hoisted Schultz into the air during the encore. From there, their legend only grew when Cage the Elephant moved up the road to SPAC in 2019 and stole the show from then headliner Beck (“Loser,” “Where It’s At”) with Shultz stripping down to his lifeguard shorts and completing a most epic crowd surf from the very front of the stage to the very top of the SPAC lawn to the tune of Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” So when the temporally handicapped Shultz rolled out in Saratoga Springs sitting on scooter, no one was really sure what to expect from the man who often spends more time running through the crowd than on stage.
Matt Schultz of Cage the Elephant completing an epic crowd surf at SPAC in 2019.
Sustaining a serious foot injury while performing in Atlanta earlier this August, this isn’t the first time members of Cage the Elephant have been hurt by their high-octane performance style. With a history of jumping off balconies and stage diving, things like cracked ribs, bruised sternums, bite marks and deep scratches that require stiches have all been par for the course with these guys. A few years ago, the band needed to cancel an entire UK and European tour when guitarist Nick Bockrath required immediate surgery after suffering a ruptured PCL, torn ACL, and fractured tibia while performing. But if pain is temporary and glory lasts forever, as they say in show business, the show must go on and this one did in a most grandiose way.
Neon Pill Tour: Matt Shultz performing with Cage the Elephant in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Formed as a six piece in 2006, the Kentucky bred Cage the Elephant has been a force in the music industry for nearly two decades. With six studio albums under their belt, including the newly released Neon Pill, the band has solidified their place as one of the most beloved and enduring bands in modern rock. Along with their unpredictable frontman Matt Shultz and his brother, Brad, on guitar, Cage the Elephant is also made up of Nick Bockrath (guitar), Daniel Tichenor (bass), Jared Champion (drums), and Matthan Minster (keyboards/guitar).
Rising to prominence with their gritty blend of alternative garage rock and punk blues combined with an elaborate and explosive live performance, their popularity can be attributed to their relentless energy, genre-defying sound, and the emotional depth of their lyrics. Despite his recent injury, Shultz’s indomitable spirit was on full display at SPAC, where he performed most of the set on a scooter, adding an unexpected yet fitting touch of rebellion to the evening. Opening up with the ever-appropriate “Broken Boy,” the band wasted no time playing with fire, dazzling the crowd pyrotechnics early and often.
Wheelie Time: Despite an injured foot, nothing could stop the showmanship of Cage the Elephant’s rockstar frontman on 8/18/24.
“Cry Baby,” the opening track from 2015’s Tell Me I’m Pretty, had the crowd singing along to every word, a recurring theme that was consistent throughout the night. Rocking renditions of “Mess Around” and “Cold Cold Cold” from the same album were also played, while “Spiderhead,” “Halo,” and “Telescope” represented the Melophobia portion of the show.
Fan favorite “Trouble” would receive the full “cell phone waving/sea of fireflies” treatment, which is a special moment at any show, no matter who is playing. Suddenly dropping into the hit single that put them on the map (and the only song played from their debut album), the crowd all but lost their minds singing along to “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.” With the audience firmly in the palm of their hands at this point, the sense of love and admiration for Cage the Elephant was palpable and through the roof. However, the journey to get to this moment hasn’t been without its challenges.
Watch fan shot footage of Cage the Elephant performing “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” in Saratoga Springs 8/18/24.
Supporting their first new album in 5 years, behind the scenes has been a little rough for the band. After Matt and Brad Shultz sadly lost their father in 2020, Matt made headlines when he was arrested for criminal possession of illegal firearms in Manhattan. Avoiding jail time by accepting a plea deal, he was placed in treatment for a medically induced psychosis in 2023. Now with legal troubles behind him and using the unfortunate setback as fuel for the new record, the phrase “neon pill” is a reference to the brightly colored medication that kicked off his mental breakdown. Delving into themes of self-discovery, inner turmoil, and the search for meaning in an increasingly chaotic world, when it came time to hype up the new stuff, Matt would casually ask if it was cool for them to play a few songs from Neon Pill.
After a resounding approval, “Rainbow” stuck out for its colorful laser light show, while “Good Time” had everyone from the front, back to the balcony getting lit. Including its title track, Cage the Elephant would only play three songs from the new album, instead putting much of the focus on 2019’s Social Cues. Treating the audience to tunes like “Ready to Let Go,” “Skin and Bones,” “Tokyo Smoke” and “House of Glass,” perhaps the most punk rock inspired song of the night was a fiery and emphatic stab at 2011’s “Sabertooth Tiger,” which saw even more pyro going off as the band exited the stage to a deafening loop of distorted guitar feedback.
Neon Pill Tour: Cage the Elephant brought the heat in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
With the crowd howling for more, the band would return for a three-song encore of hit singles. First up from Thank You Happy Birthday was “Shake Me Down.” Met with thunderous cheers, the connection between the band and their fans was palpable, with the audience singing along to every word, creating a communal atmosphere that is rarely seen in live music today. “Cigarette Daydreams,” a song that’s rapidly approaching 1 billon streams on Spotify, felt absolutely huge in this setting. Finally, Cage the Elephant would unleash one last sing along in “Come A Little Closer” resulting in a euphoric eruption that truly made you feel alive and the hairs on your neck stand up. Watching Shultz push his body to the brink and scoot off the stage one final time, you simply knew you had just been a part of something special.
Cage the Elephant performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Prior to Cage the Elephant, the ever-evolving indie rock band Young the Giant played a set of fan favorites. Formed in Irvine, California, in 2004, the band has become a staple in the alternative music scene, known for their melodic soundscapes and introspective lyrics. The band’s current lineup includes Sameer Gadhia (vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Payam Doostzadeh (bass), and Francois Comtois (drums). After opening up with “Jungle Youth, “ and “The Walk Home,” the band would then unleash their biggest hit to date with “Cough Syrup,” a song that’s amassed over 340 million streams on Spotify alone. Afterwards, singer Sameer Gadhia noted the band had no plans of touring this summer, but when an opportunity from Caged the Elephant knocked, they were glad to answer.
Mind Over Matter: Young the Giant celebrated the 10th anniversary of the their 2nd album at SPAC on 8/18/24.
Speaking candidly to the audience, Gadhia talked about how it’s kind of crazy he’s feeling comfortable enough to banter with crowd since he’s usually a reserved person off stage. Through the enabling power of music and art, when he’s in the grips of performing, somehow it all that goes away and he feels like he can do anything. Living in the moment and trying not to be afraid of taking chances, he said Young the Giant was going to try some songs they haven’t played in a while, as well as something from every album they’ve released so far. Continuing on with “Waves” and “Dollar $tore,” the band would go back to 2016’s Home of the Brave for “Titus Was Born,” before going all the way back to the beginning on “Apartment.”
Young the Giant’s Sameer Gadhia speaking candidly to the crowd in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Pausing once again to have another moment with the receptive crowd, Gadhia would talk about how this year marks the 10th anniversary of their second album Mind Over Matter. Reflecting back, he said “When it first came out everyone was so confused by it, because it was so drastically different than [their] previous work.” “But if you put all of yourself and all of your heart into something and truly believe in it, eventually someone will hear it and connect with it.” Ten years later, the album has gone from being an initial flop to their most streamed overall. Reminding everyone to “never apologize for your art,” Young the Giant would launch into the title track of “Mind Over Matter” then “Tightrope” from the same album. Finishing up strong with a pair of their biggest hits, setlist staples “Silvertongue” and the closer, “My Body,” had everyone up on their feet and waving their arms from side to side, fully primed for the main event yet to come.
Bakar performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Perhaps the most unique voice on the diverse bill was genre-blending English artist Bakar. Hailing from Camden, London, his distinct style fuses elements of hip-hop, indie rock, and pop. Wearing a red cap and a shirt reading “Cage the Bakar/Neon Pill Tour Forever,” Bakar’s inclusion on the tour was a bold choice, but one that paid off immensely. Performing solo and singing over backing tracks, “1st Time” would feature samples of “Dancing in the Moonlight,” while “Right Here, for Now” and “Stop Selling Her Drugs” would showcase his versatility and unique perspective on societal issues. After working his way through “Alive!” and “Small Town Girl,” Baker would sing his biggest song, “Hell N Back” last to close out the set. Bringing a refreshing and unexpected twist to the evening, Bakar’s music talked issues of race, identity, and the struggles of youth, making him a voice for a generation that is often overlooked in mainstream music. The audience, initially unsure of what to expect, quickly warmed to his dynamic performance and were up on their feet with cheers by the end of it.
Willow Avalon kicked off the Neon Pill tour in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Kicking off the long evening of music with sophistication and grace was a star-making performance by the Willow Avalon band. A so-called “southern belle raising hell,” Avalon’s presence was magnetic from the start. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, she’s quickly made waves in the indie music scene with her infectious country-pop twang, stunning vibrato and carefree spirit. It wasn’t just Willow having all the fun either, her whole band appeared to be having a blast playing for Saratoga. Performing most of the tracks from her 2024 debut album Stranger, songs like “Honey Ain’t No Sweeter,” and “Getting’ Rich, Goin’ Broke” were met with smiles and applause, as her happy-go-lucky attitude and genuine passion for her craft was obvious.
Willow Avalon and her band performing at SPAC on 8/18/24.
Backed by a talented group of musicians, Avalon even worked in a brand-new foot stomper the band just wrote called “Raise Some Hell.” Joyful and radiant, Willow often touched on themes of love, nature, and self-empowerment. Rapidly becoming known for her vibrant stage presence and beauty, her microphones were adorned with flowers, reflecting her connection to the natural world and her upbeat personality. Her “friend not food” tattoo, featuring a pig, further emphasized her advocacy for animal rights, endearing her even more to the crowd. After working their way though Willow’s latest single, “Yodelayheewho” and her biggest song so far, “Tequila or Whiskey,” the band would ask for a little help from the crowd on the final song of the set. Quickly teaching them the lyrics to “Homewrecker,” it’s easy to see why Avalon’s rise to popularity has been so swift—her beauty, authenticity and warmth are qualities that resonate deeply and surely will continue to do so with audiences everywhere.
Willow Avalon performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
The Neon Pill Tour at SPAC was a resounding success, showcasing the diversity and talent of some of today’s most exciting artists. From the hard-hitting rock of Cage the Elephant to the introspective melodies of Young the Giant, the genre-defying sounds of Bakar, and the uplifting country-pop of Willow Avalon, the night offered something for everyone. If you missed out in Saratoga Springs, don’t worry. With upcoming dates in Mansfield, MA, Holmdel, NJ, the Artpark in Lewiston, NY and a massive show at Madison Square Garden on September 5th, there’s still plenty more chances to get in on the action. If you’ve never seen Cage the Elephant before, and you’re a fan of live music, you simply owe it to yourself to check it out.
Watch fan shot footage of Cage the Elephant’s encore, “Come A Little Closer”at SPAC on 8/18/24.
Cage the Elephant | August 18, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Broken Boy, Cry Baby, Spiderhead, Too Late to Say Goodbye, Good Time, Cold Cold Cold, Ready to Let Go, Neon Pill, Social Cues, Halo, Mess Around, Trouble, Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked, Skin and Bones, Rainbow, Telescope, Tokyo Smoke, House of Glass, Sabretooth Tiger
Encore: Shake Me Down, Cigarette Daydreams, Come a Little Closer
Young the Giant | August 18m 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Jungle Youth, The Walk Home, Cough Syrup, Waves, Dollar $tore, It’s About Time, Titus Was Born, Apartment, Superposition, Mind Over Matter, Tightrope, Silvertongue, My Body.
Bakar | August 18m 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: All In, 1st Time (with Dancing in the Moonlight tease), Right Here, for Now, Stop Selling Her Drugs, NW3, Alive!, Small Town Girl, Hell N Back.
Willow Avalon | August 18m 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Stranger, Honey Ain’t No Sweeter, Getting’ Rich, Goin’ Broke, Raise Some Hell (new song), Yodelayheewho, Tequila or Whiskey, Homewrecker.
It was the perfect summer night with just a little rain mixed in for Tedeschi Trucks Band to perform at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, August 16.
Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi of Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
The 12-piece powerhouse band took no time getting most of the crowd on their feet to set everyone up for a night of moving and grooving with their soulful, bluesy, rock and roll. The night featured a mix of the band’s original music with some cover songs thrown into the setlist. They relied heavily on songs from their most recent album I am the Moon, released in 2022. Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi are music superstars, and they surround themselves with superb musicians. With such a large band, everyone gets a chance to show off their skills throughout the night.
Tedeschi sings most of the vocals throughout most of the night and she has a powerful, incredible voice that demands attention. Mike Mattison also gets to share his voice on many of the songs and his passion comes through with so much soul on the songs he gets to sing.
The whole night was full of crescendos and deep, meaningful music. The band leads into many of the songs very softly, then just builds everything up to this massive explosion of music from everyone on stage. Many of the bandmembers get their time to shine with solos. The show got off moving and grooving with high energy with “Part Of Me” and continued through “Playing My Emotions” and then “Ain’t That Something,” with keyboardist Gabe Dixon taking the lead on vocals and trading off with Tedeschi.
Mattison got his first chance to show off his bluesy voice as the band covered Bessie Smith’s “Gin House Blues.”
Tedeschi put down the guitar to sing “All The Love” and slowed things down a bit after this one as Trucks and other bandmembers left the stage with Tedeschi and drums, keys and bass. She performed the popular John Prine cover “Angel From Montgomery” that segued into Grateful Dead’s “Sugaree” and topped the sandwich off by going back into “Angel From Montgomery.”
Coming back from this slower, somber moment, the full band came back out and kicked it back into high gear for the big hit “Anyhow,” which had the crowd back on their feet and just has such an epic feel to it. Tedeschi then sang “Sweet & Low,” another song off 2013’s Made Up Mind and Elizabeth Lea had a big trombone solo.
Susan Tedeschi of Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
The band then played a couple covers with “Keep On Growing” by Derek and the Dominos, and Mattison took lead on Taj Mahal’s “Everybody’s Got to Change Sometime.” Then “Circles ‘Round The Sun” let Kebbi Williams loose on the saxophone. Tedeschi and other members then went off stage to let Trucks jam out on the long “Pasaquan” jam that also featured “Mountain Jam” sandwiched in the middle, a nod to Trucks’ past with The Allman Brothers Band. Trucks melted faces with his incredible guitar playing and the drummers Tyler Greenwell and Isaac Eady got to highlight their instruments with some sort of a duel.
The band then played “Just Won’t Burn,” a song from Tedeschi’s personal discography that came out more than 25 years ago. She really lets her bluesy voice do its thing on this one. The set eventually closed with “Show me a Woman,” a cover by Joe Tex, as the band left the stage in high spirits to get ready for an encore.
Only half of the band came out with Tedeschi and she invited opening act Margo Price to sing the George Jones song “Color of the Blues.” Then to really send everyone on their way, the full band came out along with all of Margo Price’s band as the 17 musicians on stage performed Leon Russell’s “Stranger in A Strange Land.”
Margo Price opens for Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
Margo Price’s opening set was a real treat for those who settled in early. The country singer-songwriter played a set fit for a headliner at CMAC. She really rocked the house with her good singing and her band really brought some power rock to the mix. Her sweet voice will sweep you off your feet, but that band will have you dancing really hard and almost headbanging.
Setlist: Part of Me, Playing With My Emotions, Ain’t That Something, All the Love, Gin House Blues (Bessie Smith cover), Angel from Montgomery *> Sugaree+>Angel from Montgomery* (*John Prine) (+Grateful Dead), Anyhow, Sweet & Low, Keep On Growing, Everybody’s Got To Change Sometime (Taj Mahal), Circles ‘Round the Sun, Pasaquan >Mountain Jam*> Pasaquan (*The Allman Brothers), Just Won’t Burn – (Susan Tedeschi), Show Me – (Joe Tex)
Encore: Color of the Blues w/Margo Price (George Jones), Stranger in a Strange Lane w/full Margo Price Band (Leon Russell)
