NYS Music 2024

Category: Show Reviews

  • Go Ahead And Die Blast Through Dingbatz With Pounding, Unrelenting Death Metal Set

    In the midst of a massive, 58-date trek across the United States, Go Ahead And Die (GAAD) brought their Unhealthy Mechanisms Tour 2024 to Dingbatz in Clifton, New Jersey this past Friday night. February 9.

    Formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 2020, GAAD features iconic vocalist and guitarist Max Cavalera (co-founder of Sepultura) and his son, singer/guitarist, Igor Amadeus Cavelara. The thrash metal outfit is rounded out by Johnny Valles (Black Braid, Healing Magic) behind the kit and touring bassist Jackie Cruz, best known for her work with Jade Helm.

    Max Cavalera of GAAD | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Touring in support of their sophomore album (Unhealthy Mechanisms, Nuclear Blast Records) released in October 2023, GAAD were supported by Bodybox, a slam death metal foursome hailing from Orlando, Florida.

    After a brief delay due to a technical difficulty with the sound system, GAAD took the stage at 10:10 pm and got right down to business. A circle mosh pit of already sweaty bodies – a direct result of Bodybox’s preceding performance – quickly re-formed in front of the intimate stage, as less brave souls seeking shelter (present company included!) scurried to the sidelines.

    Igor Amadeus Cavalera of GAAD | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    The 15 song, 70–minute set of punk-like infused energy was highlighted by aggressive lyrics, frenetic guitar riffs, distorted bass lines and smash-mouth drumming from select Unhealthy Mechanisms tracks (ten in total), with five more lifted from their self-titled, debut studio album released in 2021.

    Watch GAAD perform their opening two numbers at Dingbatz, “Desert Carnage” and “Split Scalp,” below.

    Bodybox Setlist: Angeldust > Skante > Methed Out > Leech > Carving > Scratch Offs & Hookers > Dick > Skimping > Cletus > Doublewide Stomp

    Go Ahead And Die Setlist: Desert Carnage > Split Scalp > Tumors > Truckload Full of Bodies > Toxic Freedom > No Easy Way Out > M.D.A. (Most Dangerous Animal) > Chasm > I.C.E. Cage > Prophet’s Prey > Cyber Slavery > Worth Less Than Piss > Blast Zone > Unhealthy Mechanisms > Drug-O-Cop

    UPCOMING GO AHEAD AND DIE TOUR DATES

    2/13 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
    2/14 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
    2/15 – Syracuse, NY @ The Song & Dance
    2/16 – Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room
    2/17 – Mechanicsburg, PA @ Lovedrafts
    2/18 – New Kensington, PA @ Preserving Underground
    2/20 – Columbus, OH @ Skully’s Music Diner
    2/21 – Flint, MI @ Machine Shop
    2/22 – Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle Brewing
    2/23 – Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s
    2/24 – McHenry, IL @ The Vixen
    2/25 – St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
    2/26 – Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
    2/27 – Des Moines, IA @ xBK
    2/28 – Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar
    2/29 – Omaha, NE @ Wating Room
    3/01 – Denver, CO @ HQ
    3/02 – Greeley, CO @ Moxi Theater
    3/05 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater
    3/06 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall
    3/07 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux
    3/08 – Seattle, WA @ Substation
    3/09 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
    3/10 – Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall
    3/11 – Redding, CA @ The Dip
    3/12 – Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
    3/14 – San Jose, CA @ The Ritz
    3/15 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Atrium At The Catalyst
    3/16 – Fresno, CA @ Strummer’s
    3/18 – Bakersfield, CA @ Temblor Brewing
    3/19 – North Hollywood, CA @ Knitting Factory
    3/20 – Palmdale, CA @ Transplants Brewing
    3/21 – Long Beach, CA @ Alex’s Bar
    3/22 – Pomona, CA @ Glass House Concert Hall
    3/23 – Yuma, AZ @ Red Moon Ale House
    3/24 – Jerome, AZ @ Puscifer The Store

    BODYBOX

    GO AHEAD AND DIE

  • Ten Thousand Fists In The Air With Disturbed At Mohegan Sun Arena

    It was a headbangers ball on Saturday, Feb. 10, as Disturbed brought their Take Back Your Life Tour to the sold-out Mohegan Sun Arena in support of their new record, Divisive which was released last year. Disturbed’s tour was announced back in October of 2023 and featured 23 cities, with this show in Uncasville, Connecticut, being the halfway marker.

    Disturbed, out of Chicago, Illinois, features Dan Donegan on guitar, Mike Wengren on the drums, with David Draiman on lead vocals and John Moyer on bass. This lineup has been together since 2004 after Moyer replaced Steve “Fuzz” Kmak.

    As fans took a pause from their slot machines and rolling dice and filled into the arena, which sits at the heart of the casino, fans were greeted with the first of three bands of the night. The first group was the all-female band Plush. As the female foursome plugged in their guitars, they created a wall of sound behind the beautiful vocals of lead singer, Moriah Formica.

    Despite the band only having a short seven-song setlist, they left their impact on the crowd. Fans who weren’t familiar with them were won over after hearing the group’s rendition of “Barracuda” by Heart which originally appeared on the band’s 1977 record, Little Queen. By the end of the set, fans headbanging and raising their fists in the air. It would be a surprise to no one if in a few years from now, Plush worked their way up the band bill to becoming the middle act and graduating to larger venues.

    Rounding out Plush with Formica is Bella Perron on lead guitar, Ashley Suppa on bass guitar, and Faith Powell on the drums.

    Following Plush’s set was the 2008 band Falling in Reverse. While the band is slightly different from the metal genre of Disturbed, Falling in Reverse brought hard rock and catchy choruses to the crowd and played their part well as the middle act. While lead singer Ronnie Radke is the only original member left, his energy alone was awe-inspiring. 

    Radke took fans down memory lane citing that the band used to play at the legendary Toad’s Place in New Haven, Connecticut, before upgrading to the Mohegan Sun Arena. Throughout the hour-long set, some mega fans in the general admission pit were screaming along to every song until the band took their final bow of the night. 

    Joining Radke in Falling in Reverse is Max Georgiev and Christian Thompson on guitars, with Tyler Burgess on bass and touring drummer Luke Holland.

    As the clock struck 9 p.m. and the house lights dimmed to show a blank curtain with the shadows of the band, the thunderous roar from the crowd surged from the back and upper rafters to the front of the stage as the spotlights shot on. The curtain dropped and the metal masters of Disturbed greeted the Uncasville audience.

    The band kicked off their pre-Super Bowl party with “Hey You,” off of the aforementioned Divisive. The band played 17 songs with at least one song off every album of theirs being played, making sure to accommodate every fan of every era of the band. In KISS-like fashion, a spectacular light show was rigged behind them with pyrotechnics and fire beaming out throughout the night.

    As the band plunged further into their set, Donegan sat down at a piano with the top on fire and was accompanied by two string orchestra players. The band then began to play their famous cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence,” which can be heard on Disturbed’s 2015 album, Immortalized. The bone-chilling cover of this classic song also featured Wengren on giant symphony drums as the crowd once again screamed and cheered for a song they know extremely well.

    As the band played on into the night they came to song number 15 in their set which was “Don’t Tell Me.” The studio version of their new album features Ann Wilson of Heart but this time, Moriah Formica of Plush made her triumphant return to the stage for her curtain call duet with Draiman. Throughout the night, Draiman would preach to the fans about fighting addiction and illness and claiming fans are “not alone” in the fight against mental illness which provided a sense of comradery and togetherness amongst the sold-out crowd.

    As the band was transitioning into the second to last song of the set, Draiman hopped off stage to approach a young fan along the barricade in the front who, for the entire night, was holding a photo of a boy. The girl, who went by the name of Kailey, announced to the crowd that the boy’s name was Mark Rivers and he “lost his battle with addiction.” 

    While the two were interacting, what once was a loud arena filled with the sounds of heavy metal became as quiet as a church, you could hear the breath of fans around you. Before the band played “The Light,” Draiman brought Kailey on stage and dedicated the song to Rivers. Around the arena, you could see people shedding tears and embracing their loved ones beside them as they witnessed the heartfelt moment between the band and a fan in front of them.

    As the band played their final notes, a moment of realization clicked in. Music is a force that joins people together. Music and concerts, in general, are an event and spectacle that bring out their emotions as a force that can heal fans no matter what they’re going through. The moment that a person’s favorite band is on stage, the music has the utmost power to heal and guide fans out of the darkest holes they might be in.

    Disturbed was no different, through the headbanging and mosh pits of the GA section, to the harmony brought on by the band and one girl’s unifying story. Fans of all bands and all music, whether it was their first or ninth time seeing Disturbed, left Mohegan Sun Arena with hope and love in their hearts as Disturbed not only brought metal to Connecticut but a lasting impression that there is still good left in the world.

    Plush Setlist: Athena, Champion, Run, Barracuda (Heart cover), Hate, Hope It Hurts, Left Behind

    Falling in Reverse Setlist: Zombified, I’m Not a Vampire, Losing My Mind, Fuck You and All Your Friends, The Drug in Me Is You, Just Like You, Popular Monster, Voices in My Head, Watch the World Burn

    Disturbed Setlist: Hey You, Stupify, Ten Thousand Fists, Prayer, The Vengeful One, Bad Man, A Reason to Fight, Land of Confusion (Genisis cover), The Game, The Sound of Silence, Indestructible, Don’t Tell Me, The Light, Stricken, Unstoppable, Down With the Sickness, Inside the Fire

  • It’s a Hoot! A Look at the Ashokan Center’s Winter Hoot

    A true hootenanny was held in the Catskill town of Olivebridge over February 2-4 at the Ashokan Center’s Winter HOOT. The weekend-long event brought together a diverse crowd of music and arts lovers, taking in the beauty of the Ashokan Center’s idyllic setting, while enjoying sets of music from The Mammals, Lau Noah, Mikaela Davis and Southern Star, Jeremy Schonfeld and many more.

    Afternoon Square Dancing – photo by Mickey Deneher

    Friday evening’s HOOT festivities started with a delicious dinner shared by Ashokan supporters, family and friends. Jay & Molly delighted a packed audience with storytelling and songs for the duo’s first-ever evening performance at a Hoot. The night concluded with a community jam-along where everyone got a moment to shine and solo in the spotlight with a world-class backup of musical support.

    The acoustic stylings of many were heard over the course of Saturday, beginning with Little Roots – music for the kids and parents alike – a Family Square Dance, followed by piano man storyteller Jeremy Schonfeld taking the stage at 2pm. The Evening Bells shared enchanting harmonies in their hour long set, including a unique song from the late Vic Chesnutt.

    mikaela david winter hoot ashokan center
    Mikaela Davis and Southern Star – photo by Mickey Deneher

    Rochester’s Mikaela Davis and Southern Star graced the stage for a powerful set of songs, many from their recent release, And Southern Star. A gorgeous set of music unfolded, starting with the first single, “Cinderella,” setting a tone for a smooth, flowing set that varied slightly in tempo but never lost the beauty of harp mixed with a live band including steel pedal, guitar, bass, drums and saxophone. Davis gave a nod to jazz harpist Alice Coltrane, and showed her vocal range on songs “Home in the Country” and “Don’t Stop Now,” the audience of 200 grooving along in their seats. Catch the group on tour with Circles Around the Sun this winter, with shows in Brooklyn, Ithaca and Albany.

    With a brisk evening outside, amid fires to warm tots and parents, a set of Catalan guitar music inside featured old-timey songwriter fare from duo Lau Noah. Following this was the crowd being introduced to sponsors of the weekend’s Hoot, naturally in the form of song. “The NYS Music Song” was written last February and performed for the third time ever by The Mammals ahead of their set, in gratitude for NYS Music’s sponsorship of Ashokan Center events.

    The Mammals – aptly described on their show poster as “Too rock for the folk show, too folk for the rock show” – were presented as advertised, and as host band, headlined the evening. Full of upbeat Americana and deceptively mellow, The Mammals fall into the Donna the Buffalo subset of the genre, sans accordion.

    A brief Pete Seeger history lesson offered an interlude, recognizing the famous former local Hudson Valley resident who wanted to be remembered, above all, for teaching people to sing. With that, the crowd sang along to “I Like the Way it Feels,” to drive home the communal nature of the weekend, giving true surround sound inside the Ashokan Center lodge.

    The Mammals – photo by Mickey Deneher

    After Storey Littleton’s midnight set, Sunday began with a revitalizing yoga session lead by Sara Trapani – Ashokan’s Development Director – and an Ashokan tradition to sign off every program and camp with a community sing and “Ashokan” Farewell. 

    The Ashokan Center’s Winter Hoot was a rousing success from the smiles on all the faces of all ages across the room each day. Don’t miss the Summer Hoot this coming August!

    Photos by Mickey Deneher

    Ashokan Center's Winter Hoot
    Ashokan Center's Winter Hoot
    Ashokan Center's Winter Hoot
    Ashokan Center's Winter Hoot
    Ashokan Center's Winter Hoot
    Ashokan Center's Winter Hoot
    Ashokan Center's Winter Hoot

  • Lucius Wraps up “Wildewoman” Anniversary Tour in Brooklyn

    On Saturday, February 3, 2024, Lucius returned home to a sold-out crowd at Brooklyn Steel. At the grand finale of their highly anticipated “Wildewoman, The Anniversary Tour,” fans poured into the venue with palpable enthusiasm. Opening act Jeff Taylor kicked off the festivities, setting the stage for the iconic duo’s entrance.

    lucius Wildewoman

    Originating from Brooklyn, Lucius, the indie band and songwriting duo composed of Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, curated a series of select shows to commemorate the album’s tenth anniversary that catapulted them to stardom. Returning to their roots in the city where it all began, the night held special significance for the band and their devoted fans. With multiple critically acclaimed albums under their belt and collaborations with esteemed artists such as Harry Styles, Roger Waters, and John Legend, Lucius has solidified their place in the music industry.

    With vibrant hues and bold colors, the audience matched the band’s dynamic energy as the lights dimmed. The anticipation had almost reached a breaking point before they stepped out onto the stage. Made more magical by a beautiful set design, mirrors enveloping the band and reflecting back out onto the audience, the connection between the audience and the band was undeniable as the beginning notes rang out. The evening featured an array of highlights that included a special sit in by long time friend and collaborator, Louis Cato. The band also took time to read aloud letters from fans, each one recounting the impact of their music on their lives. The band played through “Wildewoman” in its entirety, interweaving a few other special songs into the setlist.

    Taking an immersive turn, Lucius ventured into the crowd for their encores, symbolizing the evening’s themes of unity and celebration. Amidst the audience, they delivered an emotionally charged rendition of “Two of Us On The Run” and a fitting Beatles cover of “Goodbye.” As the evening concluded and the band navigated back through the crowd, a sense of nostalgia intertwined with excitement lingering for Lucius’ next move.

    Setlist: Woman, Right Down the Line, Wildewoman, Turn It Around, Go Home, Tempest, Hey Doreen, Nothing Ordinary, Housewarming, Dusty Trails, Until We Get There, Wild Heart, Dont Just Sit There, Stranger Danger, Ice Cream, Monsters, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Wonderful, How Loud Your Heart Gets, Genevieve

    Encore: Two of Us on the Run, Goodbye

  • Benny the Butcher Lights Up Sirius Studio with ‘Everybody Can’t Go’ Release Celebration


    At an event at Sirius Studio in New York City, Benny the Butcher marked a pivotal moment in his career as he celebrated the release of his latest album, “Everybody Can’t Go.” The album, a significant milestone as his first major label release under Def Jam, has already been making waves in the hip-hop scene.

    The studio session was nothing short of electrifying, featuring an exclusive interview with Benny conducted by DStroy and Gray Rizzy. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the rapper delved into the creative process behind the album and shared insights into the journey that led him to this groundbreaking release.

    Benny treated the audience to a captivating live performance, showcasing his lyrical talent with renditions of three tracks from the album. “Big Dog,” “Jermaine’s Graduation,” and “Back Again” echoed through the studio, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present. The raw and authentic energy in Benny’s delivery resonated with fans and further solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in the rap game.

    The studio audience played an integral role in the event, engaging with Benny through a series of thought-provoking questions. This interactive element provided a unique glimpse into the artist’s mindset and the stories behind the tracks that make up “Everybody Can’t Go.”

    A surprise guest appearance by none other than Bun B elevated the celebration to new heights. The special call from the legendary rapper not only underscored the impact of Benny’s work but also emphasized the camaraderie and respect within the hip-hop community.

    “Everybody Can’t Go” is not just an album but a testament to Benny the Butcher’s evolution as an artist. The Def Jam release marks a significant chapter in his career, and the Sirius Studio event served as a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication that went into crafting this masterpiece.

  • Montauk’s Annie Trezza Performs in Manhattan at Arlene’s Grocery

    On February 2, Annie Trezza provided the tunes and ensued the grooves at Arlene’s Grocery, a Lower East Side treasure. From the most eastern point of New York State, Annie and her band descended into the city from Montauk, bringing their east coast surf-rock demeanor with them in blue suitcases, fur coats, and their soulful sound.

    Bass rattled the vintage infrastructure of Arlene’s as Annie prepped her stage. She twirled around her staple acoustic and a sky blue electric-guitar perched behind the microphone, sipping a Tecate and dancing to the pre-show tunes. Huddled on stage was the Arlene’s grocery drum set, a bass guitar, and a pedal set that her bandmates fiddled with. Friends and family members of the band milled about the tight-spaced room, and curious New Yorkers in search of live music filed down the stairs into the pit. 

    Annie and her whole crew made their way onto stage. “Hey everyone! We track from the east end, AKA Montauk – the coolest place on Earth!” She wore a memorable coat with fur trimmed cuffs, velvet cowboy boots, bell bottoms, and a cowboy hat. Her style matched her sound, as she strummed her band into play. 

    After her first couple of songs, Annie Trezza introduced her band: Jack Marshall on the steel guitar, Andrew Winthrop on the drums, and Kevin L. on the bass. Their stage presence was commanded by Annie’s charisma, and they gelled together seamlessly. After the song “Ave. A,” Annie was excited to play her song “Summer//Winter,” which can be heard in the neo-western thriller “The Last Victim” on Hulu.

    With drinkable influence from iconic artists like The Doors and Fleetwood Mac, and more modern-scale groups like Houndmouth or The Growlers, Trezza has combined classic riffs and the jam-band groove with her own poetry and life-style flair. 

    Each song threaded a narrative with unique lyrics. In the span of the mere hour long set, we were pulled from New York City, to Montauk, to Florida, to the French countryside. With strong influences from the ocean, surfing, relationships, and the seasons changing, Trezza holds an earthy and empathetic discography.

    Their set deserved more time, for the storytelling between songs had to be nipped in order for Annie to perform the entirety of her setlist. Trezza acknowledged the time passing, “ All of these songs have a story, and I do like to ramble…” The crowd replied, “Ramble on!” The collective reference to Led Zeppelin couldn’t be missed. 

    A story that seemed to resonate with the audience was that behind her song “French Countryside.” Sleeping in the room next door to the person you’re in love with. The song had a tremendous build that mirrored the feeling of emotional climax – when feelings can no longer be contained and the body becomes an emotional well.

    The bridge warranted dancing and Annie’s pal Kate grooved front and center. She bounced around the rim of the stage, and her energy encouraged others to move their feet. Annie invited the audience to fill in the dance floor. Bodies pushed towards the stage and the motion met the music.

    “Alright, that was the acoustic set. We’re gonna go surfing again!” Annie swapped her acoustic guitar for her electirc as she geared up for the last couple of surf-inspired songs “Surf Crush,” and “Pitted.” “This song is about surfing, the greatest thing in the world! We’re in New York City, let’s get pitted!”

    “Pitted” was the final song of the evening, and it ended the night on a high note. Once the show concluded, Annie hung around the Arlene’s chatting with her audience. Her artistry as well as her connective nature was genuine.

  • Meet Me @ The Altar – Irving Plaza Edition

    Meet Me @ The Altar, the vibrant and genre-defying trio, is redefining the punk and pop-punk scene with their electrifying energy and empowering anthems. With lead vocalist Edith Victoria, guitarist Tea Campbell, and drummer Ada Juarez, the band’s dynamic sound reflects their diverse influences and shared passion for breaking barriers in the music industry. Hailing from different corners of the U.S., MMATA found their common ground, and swiftly became a force to be reckoned within the world of punk.

    MMATA

    MMATA’s “Say it To My Face Tour” stop at Irving Plaza on January 25 was an exhilarating celebration of punk, diversity, and unapologetic self-expression. The night kicked off with stellar performances by Elliot Lee, John Hardie, and Honey Revenge, setting the stage for a high-octane headlining act.

    MMATA

    As MMATA took the stage, the atmosphere crackled with excitement. A fan in the front row held a sign that declared “Ada is my everything,” a testament to the profound connection the band fosters with their supporters. The show became a participatory experience when Edith let the crowd choose between two songs, playfully warning them about the sad backstory of “A Few Tomorrows” before launching into it, resulting in playful banter between the band and their adoring audience.

    MMATA

    Edith, Tea, and Ada’s banter with the crowd showcased not only their musical prowess but also their genuine connection with fans. They acknowledged a dedicated fan who had attended 10 shows with applause, reinforcing the reciprocal love between the band and their followers. The concert marked a significant milestone for MMATA, as they headlined at Irving Plaza for the first time, reflecting on their journey from opening for MUNA in 2022 to sharing the stage at Madison Square Garden with 5 Seconds of Summer.

    MMATA

    Inflatable beach balls bounced through the crowd, adding to the playful atmosphere, while Edith’s confusion about the continued existence of BeReal revealed a charming, down-to-earth side. The concert took unexpected turns, such as Tea’s witty remarks during the intro to “Hit’s Like a Girl,” celebrating love and adding a personal touch to the night.

    MMATA

    A standout segment dubbed “Songs We Wish We Wrote” featured spirited covers, including “Since You’ve Been Gone” and “Burnin’ Up,” showcasing the band’s versatility and sense of humor. The fan project during “Garden,” where paper flowers bloomed in the crowd, was a visually stunning moment, and Edith’s acceptance of a flower from a fan emphasized the symbiotic relationship between the band and their admirers.

    MMATA

    Meet Me @ The Altar used their platform for more than music, incorporating activism into the show with the presence of Headcount volunteers promoting voter registration. Crowdsurfing added a final touch of chaos to the night, encapsulating the raw, unfiltered spirit of punk.

    In summary, Meet Me @ The Altar’s concert at Irving Plaza wasn’t just a show; it was a riotous celebration of individuality, shared experiences, and the unifying power of music. The trio’s ability to seamlessly blend punk, pop-punk, and heartfelt lyrics created an atmosphere that resonated with the diverse audience, making it a night to remember.

    Setlist: Same Language, Now or Never, Try, A Few Tomorrows (Crowd voted for this over May the Odds Be Ever In Your Favor), Hit Like a Girl, It’s Over for Me, Since U Been Gone (Partial Kelly Clarkson cover), Take Me Away (Partial Christina Vidal cover), Burnin’ Up (Partial Jonas Brothers cover), T.M.I, Garden, Feel a Thing, Kool, Say It (to My Face)

  • Down in the Hollow: Fireside Collective and Airshow Ignite in Albany

    Sooner or later, they say everything old is eventually new again. This seems particularly true when it comes to the surging revival of Americana/Bluegrass music and on Wednesday, January 24, concert fans in Albany found that out firsthand.  Sharing the stage at The Hollow for a co-headlining night of frantic finger pickin’ and foot stompin’ brilliance, Ashville, NC’s Fireside Collective and Nashville’s Airshow demonstrated beyond the shadow of a doubt why they are two of the hottest emerging forces in ‘Newgrass” music today.

    Fireside Collective brought the heat to The Hollow on 1/24/24.

    First on the docket put together by Guthrie Bell Productions was Airshow.  Originally formed in Reading, PA, it wasn’t until childhood best friends Steve Gallagher (guitar/vocal) and Cody Chelius (mandolin/vocals) met up with Bill Baker (bass/vocals) and John Rodrigue (drums/vocals) in Nashville that their high energy jams really started to soar. Two studio albums and a boatload of live recordings later, Airshow finally landed in Albany for the first time. 

    Nashville’s Airshow made their Albany debut at The Hollow on 1/24/24.

    After filling up their bellies at The Hollow’s adjoing restaurant, the guys quickly started burning off the calories by opening with “Burning the Hardwood Floor.” As tardy fans slowly filled in the room while the band worked their way through numbers like “Up Dog,” “On’ry and Mean” and “Up in the Clouds,” it wasn’t long before you could see what all the fuss was about.  More jammy and electric sounding than traditional Bluegrass, the Oysterhead shirt worn by Chelius gave the band instant street credit and signified they were students of improvisation by some of the best to ever do it.  

    Through a bevy of effects pedals, guitarist Steve Gallagher effortlessly made his acoustic sound like a raunchy electric axe, which paid huge dividends on songs like the funky “Skydiver” and “Up on the Ridge.” After showcasing their chops and technicality on the high-octane barn burner called “Spider Bite,” Airshow would ignite the crowd even further by their hilarious synchronized dance moves on their final number, “Up On The Hill.”  An excellent set that surpassed my expectations, this certainly was not your father’s bluegrass I was expecting. It was better.   

    Cody Chelius of Airshow performing at The Hollow on 1/24/24.

    As the pouring rain outside The Hollow continued, things inside were just starting to heat up. Making their return to the Capital Region after wowing fans at last year’s Eastbound Throwdown and again at Cohoes Music Hall opening for Kitchen Dwellers, Fireside Collective have quickly earned a reputation for their ferocious and infectious live shows.  Consisting of Joe Cicero (guitar); Jesse Iaquinto (mandolin); Tommy Maher (resonator guitar) and Carson White (bass), this tour also marks the latest addition to Collective by way of drummer Mike Tillis. 

    Fireside Collective
    Fireside Collective performing in Albany on 1/24/24.

    Kicking things into high gear with a “Devil’s On the Hillside” > “Choctaw Hayride” combo, the band was firing on all cylinders from the very start. Seamlessly trading vocal harmonies and instrumental leads at the drop of a hat, the band jelled together like a well-oiled machine. A tender, more, country styled vibe emerged on “Done Deal” from the bands 2020 album Elements, before a stellar re-imaged cover of “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue” endeared itself upon unsuspecting ears resulting in big time smiles both on stage and off.  

    Fireside Collective
    Fireside Collective performing at The Hollow on 1/24/24.

    Shifting focus to songs from the latest Fireside Collective album Across the Divide, “Let it Ride” threw caution to the wind, while extended jams on “Your Song Goes On” and “When You Fall” showcased some of the hottest licks and best interplay of the night between Tommy Maher and Jesse Iaquinto. After “Don’t Stop Lovin’ Me” came a special treat for those in attendance at The Hollow. Announcing a brand-new song saved for this specific night, the band would debut “Down in the Hollow” in the most appropriate and satisfying way possible.  Check out fan shot footage of that exciting moment in the clip below.

    Throwing it back to an oldie but a goodie from Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers on “These Old Blues,” Fireside Collective kept it classy while paying proper respect to the forefathers of the Americana/folk genre.  From the past to the present, the extended jam out of “And the Rain Came Down” felt like hearing a bit of the future.  This was Newgrass and the fun-loving crowd at The Hollow couldn’t get enough.  So much so that local promoter Greg Bell of Guthrie Bell Productions approached the stage and asked the boys to play one more.  Happy to oblige and perhaps pander to the obvious Deadheads in the audience, Fireside Collective spontaneously uncorked a 12-minute rendition of the Grateful Dead classic “Scarlet Begonias” to bring the already hot show to a scorching close.  Watch fan shot footage of that in the clip below.

    Guthrie Bell Productions does it again, I mean what a show! Two great young bands with musical chops and maturity far beyond their years. I suppose I walked in expecting some sort of hump day hoedown, but what I got felt more akin to a Saturday night rock ‘n roll rager. With choice cover songs, original debuts and a gorgeous commemorative poster designed Chelsea Housand, Fireside Collective and Airshow at The Hollow was an absolute barn burner.

    Fireside Collective | January 24, 2024 | The Hollow | Albany, NY

    Setlist: Devils On the Hillside > Choctaw Hayride, Done Deal, It’s All Over Now Baby Blue, Let It Ride, Your Song Goes On, When You Fail > Jam, Don’t Stop Lovin’ Me, Down in the Hollow*, These Old Blues, And the Rain Came Down > Jam

    Encore: Scarlet Begonias

    *Original debut

    Airshow | January 24, 2024 | The Hollow | Albany, NY

    Setlist: Burning the Hardwood Floor, Up Dog, Lonesome On’ry and Mean, Up in the Clouds, Skydiver, Up on the Ridge, Greenway, Spider Bite, Up on the Hill.

  • fivebyfive Stuns at Strasenburgh In Celebration of the Coming Eclipse

    On the 8th of April, Rochester will be one of the cities in the direct pathway of a total solar eclipse. A rare celestial event worthy of celebration and awe. In anticipation of the event, local chamber ensemble fivebyfive played a series of three sold out concerts at the Rochester Science and Museum’s Strasenburgh Planetarium the past two weekends.

    fivebyfive eclipse

    “Light and Dark: Eclipse Music,” two years in the making, included five world premier pieces commissioned specifically for this concert, each written specifically in celebration of this monumental event. Each composer interpreted the concept of a solar eclipse in their own way. fivebyfive’s audio and visual engineer, and Executive Director, Marc Webster added his own interpretations, developing visuals for each to project on the dome of the planetarium. He approached the video treatments from a musician’s standpoint, taking cues directly from the scores. It was a feast for the ears and eyes for the audience, comfortably seated in recliners encircling the intimate space.

    A unique event deserves to be celebrated in a unique way by a unique ensemble. Made up of Laura Lentz on flute, Marcy Bacon on clarinet, Ken Luk on electric guitar, Eric J. Polenik on bass and Haeyeun Jeun on piano, fivebyfive certainly fit the bill. But the compositions called for the band to stretch it’s legs even more with some auxiliary sounds and techniques. Finger-tapped guitar added to the data-driven melodies of Glenn McClure’s set opening “Totality,” as numbers rained down from the skies. Bass clarinet, alto flute and a bowed guitar added warmth to Jessica Meyer’s “In the Path of Totality,” tapping into the human emotional response to the eclipse’s grandness and beauty. Light literally controlled the music for Julie Herndon’s “I Can Take.” Guest conductor Armand Hall conducted using only light bulbs strewn through the band’s setup. Through composed sections and even some improvisation, the bulbs dimmed and brightened in the darkened room, as the music ebbed and flowed along the way.

    The venue, the visuals, the music. It all came together perfectly in celebration and anticipation of an event that Rochester will remember forever. Las Vegas may have it’s much-hyped Sphere, but Rochester’s Strasenburgh Planetarium made an excellent host for these shows, and only one of those city’s is in the path of totality. With two more months to go there’s plenty more time to keep the celebration going so stay tuned for more events to come.

    fivebyfive eclipse

  • Juliana Hatfield Live in NYC at City Winery

    Juliana Hatfield performed at the intimate City Winery Main Stage on January 28 in NYC. Outside of her solo work, Juliana is known for her involvement in indie rock acts such as Blake Babies and The Lemonheads. Opening for her was Leslie Mendelson. Leslie opened the show with an acoustic set of originals and cover songs. Juliana then took the stage and performed a solo set filled with older deep cuts, songs from her 2021 album Blood, and excerpts from cover albums she’s released in the last few years. 

    Juliana Hatfield at City Winery NYC
    Juliana Hatfield at City Winery NYC

    In November, Juliana released an album of Electric Light Orchestra covers. Motifs of loneliness and escapism were apparent. Even in a room filled with people, you could feel these prevailing themes. Substituting parts of ELO’s full orchestra, Juliana made her own adjustments that added a unique personal spin to the songs. On her record, Juliana used vocal keyboards to emulate the string instruments to accompany the lead guitar.

    Juliana Hatfield Sings ELO by Juliana Hatfield
    Leslie Mendelson at City Winery NYC

    This album followed two other cover collections Juliana has released, including The Police and Olivia Newton-John. The blue twinkling lights that filled City Winery’s ceiling felt like the perfect throwback to the cosmic imagery of ELO’s early stage shows. The crowd was equally entranced by both her performance and witty stage banter. 

    Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John by Juliana Hatfield

    Setlist: Dancin’ ‘Round and ‘Round (Olivia Newton‐John cover), Candy Wrappers, Hotels, Forever, Everybody Loves Me but You, Necessito (Some Girls song), Wonder Why, Telephone Line (Electric Light Orchestra cover), Please Mr. Please (Olivia Newton‐John cover), Hole in My Life (The Police cover), Tourist, Everything’s for Sale, My Sister (The Juliana Hatfield Three song), There’s Always Another Girl, Ugly, I Got No Idols (The Juliana Hatfield Three song), Had a Dream, Bottles and Flowers, June 6th, Shining On, Nirvana, Spin the Bottle, I Wanna Be Your Disease, Choose Drugs