It’s been just over two weeks since Phish’s Mondegreen music festival in Delaware, the band’s 11th in their more than 40 year career, and a reunion of fans as the band’s 2024 summer tour wound down.
Phish Mondegreen photo by Filip Zalewski
Spread out widely across the grounds of The Woodlands and Dover Motor Speedway, fans found themselves walking miles at a time to make it into the festival. And that’s before you’re dancing and driving your step count up and up. If you walked around 30 miles in those four days, you seem to fall in the median of the 40,000 attendees, based on anecdotal data.
Amid the huge jams and festival Phish that was heard over eight sets, there were plenty of non-musical highlights as well, particularly the art installations that peppered the festival area.
Over four days time, you’d have had the opportunity to see Luke Jerramâs Museum Of The Moon, where a 21-foot recreation of the Moon was suspended in mid-air, shining brightly through the trees at night. Just past the security checkpoint, you could see Lars Fiskâs Dodge Ball (a dodge caravan reimagined in the shape of a ball) and on the far side of the concert field, Henk Hofstraâs Eggcident installation.
The Cerealist Bowl photo by Taylor Weinberg
There was the parallel reality of Nova Heat, Olivier Grossetête’s Cardboard City Hall (which had to be dismantled a day early on Saturday, due to expected high winds) and Leigh Fordham Hall, which doubled as a game show stage before and after Phish each day.
Standing out as the most memorable and unique was The Cerealist Bowl, which was a speakeasy that required a password, featuring costumed servers and strange performance art, uniquely, a man who sat in front of a cotton candy machine, slowly covered in stringy pink sugar fibers.
Heliosphere photo by Brian Ferguson
Centered in the festival field was The Heliosphere, a beacon of light that bumped late-night music post-Phish, and served as a way to find yourself in these expansive grounds, making the immense festival feel much smaller, manageable even.
There were of course some downsides, including fan complaints during and after the festival citing ADA shuttle issues and accommodations. Add in communication issues between production team and staff in the campgrounds (also with shuttles) and there were some things that could have been done better. But nothing on the music or art end was lacking at any point of the weekend.
Museum Of The Moon photo by Derek Java
Even though the threat of severe weather on the final day led to a single afternoon set of Phish instead of two evening sets, fans took this in stride, rejoiced at the idea of afternoon Phish at a festival (something scrapped for Mondegreen, but a staple of all 3.0 fests, Magnaball, Superball and Fest 8.
While some who lived proximate to Delaware and were home Sunday night, others had time to rest before they ventured home, as planned, on Monday. For a four day run, the idea of music ending a little earlier was welcome to some older fans, allowing time to soak in these few days of Phish before heading back to civilization.
While the severe weather never materialized, the band made a smart call to plan for safety, to ensure the music was not impacted, and informed fans with plenty of advance notice, a notification going out on the Mondegreen app around 5pm on Saturday evening.
Overall, the festival was a huge success by all standards, with fans left wondering how long until they return to Dover for Phish Festival #12.
Below, view photos from Phish’s Mondegreen via four NYS Music photographers, each with a different style and eye for the band over the four day music festival.
Phish has kicked off their eleventh festival, Mondegreen, at The Woodlands in Dover, Delaware, welcoming 40,000 fans for a 4-day musical and visual odyssey. The modern day music festival landscape has evolved from Phish being the progenitor of the 90s festival resurgence, the one with the most success despite only a single band on the lineup, to a landscape where festivals are failing, canceling, being too big, or underattended, and generally going the away after two decades of success. Yet here we are with Phish keeping their success with fests going even as bigger and “better” ones continue to fall by the wayside.
In a concert bowl full of art installations with surprises around each corner and tucked into the woods surrounding the fans, Phish fans find themselves in a real life choose your own adventure book, where every turn and decision leads to even more action and escapades.
Likewise, Phish onstage rose to the occasion, opening the festival with a mondegreen of a song, ‘The Moma Dance’ (the moment ends), dropping a first set that was highlighted by a 19-minute “Wolfman’s Brother” and a 30-minute combined 1-2 punch of a closer with “A Wave of Hope” and “Sand.”
Set 2 opened with the true Phish debut (sans Billy Strings on vocals) of “What’s Going Through Your Mind” that clocked in at a surprising 25 minutes. Energetic versions of “Chalkdust Torture” and “Light” followed, with both jams eclipsed by a mid-set highlight in “Prince Caspian” that featured healthy teases of “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley” from Mike Gordon with Talking Heads’ “Crosseyed and Painless” later providing a continued burst of energy. A brief “Lonely Trip” was the only respite this set, as a 15-minute “Everything’s Right” closed the set.
A triple encore of the all too infrequent “Saw It Again” had added lyrics referencing the festival, with “Possum” and “Slave to the Traffic Light” closing night 1 on a high note.
Phish – Mondegreen Festival – The Woodlands – Dover, DE 8/15/24
Set 1: The Moma Dance, Back on the Train, Wolfman’s Brother, Funky Bitch, Roggae, NICU, A Wave of Hope, Sand
Set 2: What’s Going Through Your Mind -> Chalk Dust Torture -> Light > Prince Caspian, Crosseyed and Painless, Lonely Trip, Everything’s Right
Encore: Saw It Again > Possum, Slave to the Traffic Light
Night two of Phish’s Mondegreen Festival is now in the books with the band delivering two sets of nearly seamless originals and a brilliant “not-so-secret” third set of musical improvisation that ran the gamut from ambient to explosive psychedelia.
photo by Derek Java
The show began almost promptly at 7 pm this evening with an old school opener in the harmony-laden “Bouncing Around The Room.” This was followed by a “Kill Devil Falls” that set the tone for the rest of the night with an exploratory, groove-intensive jam that technically left the song unfinished. Instead of rounding it back into form, Phish threw out their signature take on Frank Zappa’s “Peaches En Regalia,” the only cover song played all night. “Free” then built on the momentum with an ebullient, free flowing jam before a perfectly placed “Divided Sky” with the sun slowly beginning to set helped create a brilliant aural landscape. The “Tube” that followed elicited another thick jam that had some certifiable meat to it before “Mountains In The Mist” served as a suitable first set “breather” song. “Reba” brought with it all the feels and emotion with a super blissed out jam that further cemented the already immaculate first set vibes. Bypassing the traditional “whistling” ending, Phish instead rounded off the first set with a fun “Twist” > “Character Zero” closing musical salvo.
photo by Derek Java
The second set kicked off with another monstrous “My Friend, My Friend,” a song the band has really stretched out and added some extensive jams to as of late. The traditional “Myfe” ending was skipped over on this one as well with the music instead flowing right into “No Men In No Men’s Land,” a song that typically features some heavy exploratory improvisation on the band end and tonight’s performance was no exception. From here, it was a non-stop runaway train of high end musical improvisation as the band shuffled seamlessly through segues into “Ruby Waves” and “Pillow Jets.” Keyboardist Page McConnell then dove in the sample bin for “Your Pet Cat,” spicing up another intense jam with sounds of cats screeching and screaming, giving a real back alley brawl feel to this rarely played instrumental number. WIthout ever fully stopping, Phish then circled back with ease to revisit both “Ruby Waves” and “No Men” while throwing a hearty “Story Of the Ghost “ right in between them. A flawless “Fluffhead” then closed out the set in grandiose fashion, featuring some amazing drumming and light hearted singing from Jon Fishman.
photo by Derek Java
Prior to the encore, Trey Anastasio facetiously mentioned to “one guy in a white shirt” that there may be a secret set tonight and it may not be wise to head right back to the campground after the show. First, however, was an appearance from “Harry Hood” and its typical powerful, blissful jam before a thunderous and feedback-heavy “First Tube” with Anastasio going full guitar god mode ended things….for now. With many taking heed to Trey’s suggestion and sticking around, a sheer screen descended in front of the stage, turning it into a veritable movie screen. Phish then proceeded to pull a “reverse Sphere,” with the band playing behind the screen as it proceeded to show a series of brilliant images that seemed to grow more intense and vivid as the 50-minute set went on. It was a legitimate question to wonder if the music was dictating the images or the other way around. Either way, it made for one of the more legendary secret sets in the band’s rich festival history as Phish touched on everything from the ambient to thrash metal and seemingly everything in between, dazzling the audience and capping off a special second night at Mondegreen.
Phish – Mondegreen Festival – The Woodlands – Dover, DE 8/16/24
Set 1: Bouncing Around the Room, Kill Devil Falls > Peaches en Regalia, Free, Divided Sky, Tube, Mountains in the Mist, Reba, Twist > Character Zero
Set 2: My Friend, My Friend > No Men In No Man’s Land > Ruby Waves > Pillow Jets -> Your Pet Cat -> Ruby Waves > Ghost -> No Men In No Man’s Land > Fluffhead
Encore: Harry Hood > First Tube
Set 3: Woodlands Jam
photo by Filip Zalewski
The third day of Mondegreen was as hot as any of the previous two, with little in terms of shade or escape from the heat. Phish fans pushed through – we do train for this – and rallied to be inside and take in the art installations, food offerings and stand up comedy that took place in the hours before the music began.
Opening the afternoon with “Mike’s Song” gave Lemonwheel vibes, but the classic combo of “Mike’s > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove” was the fuel and fans needed to get down. A lofty “Theme From the Bottom” followed, along with a Mondegreen of a song, “Blaze On” (Nice Shades/Night Shades) to follow. Perhaps compelled by a sign featuring Paulie Walnuts saying “Gaba Jibbool,” “Gotta Jibboo” ended up being a top jam of the set, stretching for more than 12 minutes. All that followed was setting the table for the second set – the funk rock of “46 Days,” the title track off Phish’s latest album, “Evolve,” Phish fest classic “Meatstick” and “David Bowie” to round it out.
photo by Filip Zalewski
By the time second set rolled around, fans were dialed in and preparing themselves mentally and physically for the unexpected news of Sunday’s show being held earlier in the day, with the field opening at 11am for a 1pm set. While the weather never was a factor on Sunday, the preparation by fans was not just on the day of the show, but also the night before.
An errant beat preceded the opening notes of “2001” which beckoned the crowd for a heavy night to come. And while “Oblivion” has been a road tested song since 2023, the lack of segue here stood out, and could have easily been “Tweezer” or “Life Saving Gun,” but the jam still delivered, working towards “Down with Disease,” which, like the “Tweezer” that did follow, clocked in at over 19 minutes each. “Scents and Subtle Sounds” appeared in full form (not the shortened Magnaball version) for more than 16 minutes, a mid-set-ridge that was an abject success on the collective dance floor. When “Boogie On Reggae Woman” began (one of the limited covers of the weekend by this point) the timing couldn’t have been more perfect, nor could it have been for the “Carini” that followed. With an exclamation point, Day 3 of Mondegreen featured the top set of the weekend, by a wide margin of conventional wisdom.
A trio in the encore began with “Backwards Down the Number Line” and then an always huge “You Enjoy Myself” that closed with “Tweezer Reprise,” putting a bow on Saturday and leaving fans wondering what was in store for Sunday’s weather-rescheduled set(s).
Phish – Mondegreen Festival – The Woodlands – Dover, DE 8/17/24
Set 1: Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove, Theme From the Bottom > Blaze On, Gotta Jibboo, 46 Days, Evolve, Meatstick > David Bowie
Set 2: Also Sprach Zarathustra > Oblivion, Down with Disease[1] > Tweezer > Scents and Subtle Sounds > Boogie On Reggae Woman, Carini
Encore: Backwards Down the Number Line, You Enjoy Myself, Tweezer Reprise
[1] Unfinished.
This was the third show of the Mondegreen festival. Mike teased Passing Through in David Bowie. DWD was unfinished. Trey teased La Grange and Eleanor Rigby in DWD and Eleanor Rigby in Tweezer.
photo by Filip Zalewski
Phish closed out the final night, or rather day, of Mondegreen with some more explosive jamming that took place a little earlier due to a change in schedule. An announcement was released on Saturday night that music would be starting at 1:00 pm instead of the usual 6:30 pm due to inclement weather that was expected in the local area. Although it never really opened up or downpoured on Sunday, Phish clearly erred on the side of caution instead of letting festival attendees, vendors and workers potentially get stuck in a storm that had the potential for strong winds and lightning.
Both the band and crowd made the most of the situation, and the near two-hour single set started off in joyous fashion with “Party Time” and the sun still shining bright. “Axilla” followed and kept the energy levels high, even after plodding through a “Part 2” ending, before “Maze” kicked things back into high gear with its typical ferocious solos from Page McConnell on organ and Trey Anastasio on guitar. A mid-set “AC/DC Bag” didn’t quite reach the heights of the one featured at Bethel Woods last weekend, but still featured some significant improvisation on its back end. “Sigma Oasis,” another new number from the band’s recent Evolve album followed very much in suit before segueing into the classic Phish tune “Rift.”
photo by Filip Zalewski
“Stash” found the Mondegreen crowd still very much engaged and elicited another probing and expansive jam and the “Ya Mar” that followed served as a perfect daytime set selection. As some cloud coverage slowly began to make an appearance, Phish closed out the jumbo-sized set with one last progression of songs that flowed seamlessly into one another, starting with a “Bathtub GIn” that, like its brethren from this summer tour, produced yet another deep and exploratory jam. At its conclusion, Anastasio started frantically vamping for the intro to the still-rare cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Isabella.” The set could have ended here and few would take issue with that, but instead Phish launched into “Simple” before a rousing cover of TV On The Radio’s “Golden Age” properly closed out the set, as the band definitely seems to be in the midst of one of these.
One last high octane jam that had the whole festival grounds moving took place in “Fuego,” another proper song in both placement and name due to the quality and intensity of music displayed all week long. A brief DJ set afterwards gave those sticking around one last chance to dance and enjoy the venue grounds before skies darkened even further and announcement was made for everyone to return to their campsites, a dour ending to an otherwise memorable and festive Mondegreen.
Phish – Mondegreen Festival – The Woodlands – Dover, DE 8/18/24
Set: Party Time, Axilla->Maze, Steam. Martian Monster, AC/DC Bag, Sigma Oasis->Rift, Stash, Ya Mar, Timber (Jerry the Mule), Bathtub GIn > Izabella > Simple > Golden Age
On Sunday, August 4th, the Coney Island Amphitheater hosted Gorillafest, a free music festival hosted by Coney Islandâs own rapper NEMS, captivated thousands of fans. Part of the City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage series, this event was a tribute to the vibrant local culture, bringing together an eclectic mix of artists for a day of unforgettable performances.
Nems
NEMS, renowned for his catchphrases “Don’t Ever Disrespect Me!” and “Bing Bong!”, hosted the festival with charisma and flair. Signed to Goliath Records by Paul Rosenberg, NEMS has proven himself to be more than an internet sensation, showcasing his talents as a formidable rapper and an engaging host.
Tony Touch
The festival kicked off with a dynamic DJ set by the legendary Tony Touch, setting an energetic tone for the day. Following Tony Touch, the podcast “Outside with Gorilla Nems” took the stage, featuring NEMS alongside Pas, Six the Don, Hubert Ramos, and Christina Boykin. Their lively 20-minute session, filled with humor and candid conversation, entertained the audience and provided a glimpse into NEMSâs larger-than-life personality.
Statik Selektah
Next, DJ Statik Selektah took over, delivering an electrifying set and bringing out special guests Termanology and rising female rapper Billy B, who both delivered standout performances. DJ Drewski then kept the momentum going, thrilling the crowd with appearances by Consequence, Juelz Santana, and Grafh.
Nems
As the evening progressed, Scram Jones stepped up as the final DJ of the night, his set building anticipation for the headline act. Scram Jonesâs performance set the perfect stage for NEMS, who performed several of his hits, including the viral anthem “Bing Bong.” The crowd roared with excitement as NEMS delivered a high-energy set, demonstrating why he is a beloved figure in the local music scene.
Pharoahe Monch
Throughout the night, an impressive lineup of hip-hop talent took the stage, each adding their unique touch to the festival. Capone, Cory Gunz, Ron Browz, Justina Valentine, Masta Ace, Smif-N-Wessun, and Pharoahe Monch all made appearances, keeping the audience engaged and energized.
Bun B
The highlight of the night was a surprise performance by Bun B, who brought his southern rap style to the New York crowd, adding an unexpected and thrilling twist to the festival. The grand finale came with the appearance of the legendary Ghostface Killah. As the headliner, Ghostface delivered a powerful and captivating performance, closing out Gorillafest on a high note
Ghostface Killah
Gorillafest was more than just a music festival; it was a celebration of community, culture, and the enduring spirit of Coney Island. Thanks to NEMS, the City Parks Foundation, and SummerStage, fans were treated to an incredible day of free entertainment and iconic performances, cementing Gorillafest as a must-attend event in the heart of Brooklyn.
The Krockathon Reboot on Saturday, July 27, brought a thrilling resurgence of rock music back to the NYS Fairgrounds. With a memorable lineup featuring Puddle of Mudd, Hoobastank, Nonpoint, Stabbing Westward, Boy Hits Car, and Brand New Sin, fans were in for an unforgettable day.
From the moment the gates opened, the festival grounds were alive with activity. Attendees indulged in classic festival pastimes like playing hacky sack and flocked to the Monster Energy booth to grab free drinks, fueling the vibrant atmosphere.
As the day wore on, the crowd’s energy only increased. Early in the day, fans enjoyed the performances while lounging on the grass, but as each band took the stage, the audience became more animated. By later in the day, Nonpoint’s powerful set had the crowd on their feet, with spontaneous crowd surfing and circle pits adding to the excitement.
Stabbing Westward’s darker, industrial sound provided a unique contrast to the day’s lineup, while Boy Hits Car and Brand New Sin set the tone with their high-energy opening performances. Hoobastank’s set was a highlight, with the crowd passionately singing along to every word of their hit song, “The Reason.”
The festival reached its peak when Puddle of Mudd took the stage. As the sun began to set, its golden rays cast a beautiful glow over the stage, creating a magical backdrop for the band’s performance. The crowd sang along to every hit and savored the moment as the sun set
Overall, the Krockathon Reboot was a triumph, offering a perfect blend of nostalgic rock hits and modern festival energy. The NYS Fairgrounds proved to be an ideal venue, accommodating the enthusiastic crowd and providing ample space for the day’s activities. With such a successful return, the future of Krockathon looks brighter than ever.
This fall S2O, one of Asia’s most highly anticipated music events, is making its United States debut. Running from August 31 to September 1, the immersive water music festival, is proud to bring electronic music’s biggest names to the Brooklyn Mirage during Labor Day weekend.
Known as “the world’s wettest festival,” S2O has celebrated the Thai New Year with a killer festival since 2015. The festival is known for upholding numerous New Year traditions in Thailand, including the Songkran tradition of spraying one another with water for good luck, for which it is most famous. In the almost decade since its creation, S2O has gained recognition for its innovative blend of electronic dance music and spectacular water effects. The unique festival concept aims to harness the power of water as an elemental force of joy and unity, bringing together fans from all backgrounds to celebrate the Thai New Year.
Since the festival’s creation, S2O has entertained thousands with the biggest names in electronic music, garnering fans and visitors from all over the world. Its resounding support has made S2O the largest Thai New Year celebration in the world. The high anticipation of the festival has made it continental, bringing it to other neighboring countries in Asia. Now, the United States joins the list, standing alongside spectacular past shows in Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
This year, S2O brings some of electronica’s biggest acts to Brooklyn in celebration. Headlining the festival are Marshmello and Subtronics, with an exciting lineup of supporting artists like Alan Walker, B2B, and more.
S2O Full Lineup
Saturday, August 31, 4 pm – 12 am
Headliner: Marshmello
Accompanied by: Alan Walker, timmy, Borgeous, Dzeko
Additional support: Sensei, Jokah
Sunday, September 1, 4 pm – 12 am
Headliner: Subtronics
Accompanied by: Said the Sky, B2B, William Black, ARMNHMR, Kaivon, Level Up
Additional support: Zion, Jomu, Cyberpunk, PSYXTOI
Attendees will immerse themselves in a water music festival experience with experiential elements. The Brooklyn Mirage’s 200-foot LED wall and indoor lounge guarantee the ultimate Songkran (Thai New Year) celebration. Regardless of culture or individual traditions, S2O promises a celebration fans will never forget. Tickets are now available on S2O’s website. However, two-day passes are now sold-out, with limited Sunday tickets still available.
The last day of the 2024 Great South Bay Music Festival on July 21 at Shorefront Park was a huge success. With an incredible lineup of musicians from different genres, fans enjoyed a day filled with amazing performances and unforgettable moments.
Jon Anderson
Headlining the main stage was the iconic Jon Anderson, the distinguished voice of Yes. Anderson’s set, supported by The Band Geeks, was a journey through some of Yes’s most beloved songs. The audience was treated to masterful renditions of “Yours Is No Disgrace,” “Heart of the Sunrise,” “Close to the Edge,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Starship Trooper,” and the grand finale, “Roundabout.” Anderson’s ethereal vocals, combined with the precise musicianship of The Band Geeks, created an electrifying atmosphere that resonated with fans of all ages.
Justin Hayward
Preceding Anderson was Justin Hayward from the Moody Blues, whose performance included timeless classics like “The Voice,” “Your Wildest Dreams,” “Nights in White Satin,” and concluded with “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.” Julie Ragins, a key member of Hayward’s band and a former Moody Blues member, added depth and harmony to the performance, bringing the essence of the Moody Blues to life.
Martin Barre
Martin Barre, the legendary guitarist from Jethro Tull, also graced the main stage, bringing his unique style and energy. Barre’s band, featuring Dan Crisp on vocals, Alan Thomson on bass, and Terl Bryant on drums, delivered a powerful set that delighted Jethro Tull fans.
Start Making Sense
The main stage festivities also included dynamic performances from Start Making Sense, a Talking Heads cover band, and Miles to Dayton, setting the tone for an eclectic and engaging day of music at the 2024 Great South Bay Music Festival.
Bandshell – Five Towns College Stage
Over at the Bandshell – Five Towns College Stage, the day kicked off with Bleeding Egos, followed by The OM-EN. Rob Europe brought his unique sound to the stage, captivating the audience with his soulful tunes. The day on this stage concluded with a riveting performance by the Stanton Anderson Band, leaving the crowd wanting more
Jambalaya Stage
The Jambalaya Stage offered a diverse lineup, beginning with Original Gossip Band. Paris Ray followed, enchanting the audience with her melodic voice. Wonderous Stories and Electrix continued the musical journey, each adding their distinct flair. The day on this stage ended on a high note with Funkin’ A, whose funky beats had everyone dancing.
Jon Anderson Setlist: Yours Is No Disgrace, Heart of the Sunrise, Close to the Edge, And You and I, I’ve Seen All Good People, Shine On, Starship Trooper, Roundabout
Justin Hayward Setlist: The Voice, Your Wildest Dreams, Question, Nights in White Satin, I Know You’re Out There Somewhere
After a five-year hiatus, Krockathon is making its long-awaited return to Syracuse on Saturday, July 27 at Chevy Court located in the NYS Fairgrounds.
Since 1996, this iconic festival has been a highlight for rock fans, and this year’s reboot promises to deliver an unforgettable experience with a stellar lineup of bands.
Krockathon Reboot is not just a concert; it’s a full-day festival experience. The Chevy Court Fairgrounds will be buzzing with activity, food and drink vendors, and merchandise stands. The spacious grounds ensure plenty of room to enjoy the music and festival atmosphere comfortably.
Throughout its original run, KRockathon drew hundreds of thousands of rock and metal fans to Central NY to see legendary acts like Deftones, Public Enemy and Korn. Following 21 years of rocking the region, KRockathon went on an indefinite hiatus. Its last showing was in 2018, featuring Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie.
Halestorm at Krockathon 19
This years line up includes performances by Hoobastank, Puddle of Mudd, and more that will transport concert-goers back to their moshing days. Take a look at the full lineup below
Puddle of Mudd leads the charge, bringing their unmistakable post-grunge sound. Fans can look forward to an electrifying performance featuring hits like “Blurry,” “She Hates Me,” and “Control.”
Hoobastank is set to deliver a powerful set with their blend of alternative rock and post-grunge. Known for the mega-hit “The Reason,” their performance is sure to be a standout moment of the day.
Stabbing Westward, adding a darker, industrial edge to the festival, Stabbing Westward will perform fan favorites such as “Save Yourself” and “What Do I Have to Do?” Expect an intense and dynamic show.
Nonpoint, with their hard-hitting, high-energy performance style, Nonpoint is a must-see. Hits like “Bullet with a Name” and their cover of “In the Air Tonight” will have the crowd headbanging in unison.
Boy Hits Car’s unique fusion of alternative rock and world music influences will add a diverse flavor to the lineup. Their energetic stage presence and catchy songs, including “LoveFuryPassionEnergy,” are sure to engage the audience.
Brand New Sin representing local talent, Brand New Sin brings a gritty, southern rock-inspired sound. Their powerful riffs and heartfelt lyrics will make their set a memorable homecoming for Syracuse rock fans.
Tickets for Krockathon Reboot are available now! This highly anticipated event is expected to draw a large crowd, so be sure to secure your tickets early. Whether you’re a long-time Krockathon attendee or experiencing it for the first time, this festival is set to be a highlight of the summer.
The third annual Secret Dreams Music and Arts Festival brought together many of the top acts in the EDM and jam scene, including Tipper, the Disco Biscuits, Daily Bread, Detox Unit, Papadosio, Lotus and many more.
Secret Dreams went down in Legend Valley in Thornville, OH from July 18-20 and while the acts on the three main stages drew most of the attention there were workshops and art installations to delight the crowd as they explored to expansive grounds.
The second day of the Great South Bay Music Festival on Friday, July 19, was a vibrant celebration of reggae music, transforming Shorefront Park into a haven of laid-back rhythms and positive vibes. The day featured an eclectic mix of reggae, ska, and rock, drawing fans from all over Long Island and beyond.
Main Stage Highlights
Pepper: Formed in 1997 in Hawaii, Pepper has been a staple in the reggae rock scene for over two decades, known for their infectious energy and dynamic sound. They kicked off their set with the energetic “Bring Me Along,” followed by “Rent,” keeping the energy high. Their set also included crowd favorites like “Stone Love” and “Brand New Day,” showcasing their unique blend of reggae and rock. They closed their performance with the powerful “Warning,” from their 2019 album Local Motion.
Streetlight Manifesto: Before Pepper took the stage, Streetlight Manifesto delivered a memorable performance, opening with “Watch It Crash.” They followed with “A Better Place, A Better Time,” captivating the audience with their energy. The band wrapped up their set with “Here’s to Life,” leaving a lasting impression with their blend of ska and punk.
Bandshell – Five Town College Stage
Badfish and Tropidelic: Both bands added to the day’s vibrant atmosphere. Badfish, known for their tribute to Sublime, and Tropidelic, with their funky, high-energy style, kept the crowd dancing and singing along throughout their sets.
The Bandshell – Five Town College Stage featured a diverse lineup of bands that kept the reggae vibes flowing all day long.
Samsara kicked off the performances, followed by the smooth sounds of Aqua Cherry. Nonstop to Cairo brought their high-energy mix of ska and hip-hop, keeping the crowd on their feet. Oogee Wawa closed out the stage with their unique blend of reggae, rock, and hip-hop, creating a perfect end to the dayâs performances.
Jambalaya Stage
The Jambalaya Stage was a hub of reggae and rock fusion, showcasing both local and up-and-coming talent.
IRIEspect started the day with their authentic reggae sound, followed by the Chris Ruben Band, who brought a mix of rock and reggae influences. Enrose and Roots Foundation continued the reggae vibes, with Roots Foundation delivering a standout performance. Formed in 2008 by bassist Corey Browd, this Long Island-based band pays homage to the roots style of reggae, drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, and Peter Tosh. The day on this stage concluded with the dynamic sounds of Half Breeds.
A Day of Unity and Celebration
The reggae-themed day at the Great South Bay Music Festival was a testament to the unifying power of music. With a lineup that honored the roots of reggae while embracing its modern evolutions, festival-goers experienced a day of peace, love, and rhythmic bliss. As the sun set over Shorefront Park, the sounds of reggae continued to echo, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next day of this incredible festival.
Pepper Setlist: Bring Me Along. Rent, Things That You Love, Nice Time, Stormtrooper, Your Face, B.O.O.T., Tradewinds, Too Much, Freeze, Drum Solo, Stone Love, Seven Weeks, Crazy Love, Green Hell, Brand New Day, No Control, Warning
Streetlight Manifesto Setlist: Watch it Crash, A Moment of Silence, A Moment of Violence, A Better Place, a Better Time, Intro: This Is a Call to Arms, Here’s to Life
Badfish Setlist: Smoke Two Joints, Caress Me Down, Garden Grove, We’re Only Gonna Die, Waiting for My Ruca, Feel Like That, Get Ready, Badfish, Doin’ Time, My Girl, Pawn Shop, Changes, Regulate, Santeria, The Final Countdown, Date Rape, What I Got
On a sunny Friday, July 19, the fields of Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY, came alive with the strums of banjos and mandolins as the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival kicked off day two of this year’s annual celebration. This festival isn’t just a series of concerts; it’s a community where every chord and lyric weaves deeper into the tapestry of bluegrass tradition.
Grey Fox isn’t just a stop; it’s a destination steeped in the heritage of bluegrass. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the festival draws enthusiasts and families annually, promising not just a top-tier lineup but a vibrant, living celebration of music. With educational tents like the Bluegrass Academy for kids and Jam Central, Grey Fox ensures that the legacy of bluegrass vibrates through every attendee and echoes beyond New York’s borders.
As dawn breaks, Grey Fox awakens to serene yoga and meditation, setting a peaceful tone. This tranquility transitions into lively jam sessions at Jam Central and the Bluegrass Academy for kids, as well as impromptu jams throughout the camping areas. As the day progresses, the smaller stages like Creekside and Gig Rig come alive with intimate performances.
Throughout, attendees navigate a bustling schedule, often catching artists multiple times on different stages, sometimes with special guests. By late afternoon, the energy crescendos with larger crowds gathering at the main stages, where the tents strain to contain enthusiastic fans.
Artist-in-Residence Della Mae‘s set featured surprise guests Casey Driessen and Darol Anger
As the night wound down, nobody was in a rush to leave. Instead, they lingered, guitars in hand around campsites, recounting the day’s performances and what they are looking forward to from the rest of the festival. It’s clear why Grey Fox is more than just a festival; it’s a cornerstone of bluegrass culture. With plans already buzzing for next year, it’s evident that for many, Grey Fox is an annual pilgrimage, essential for anyone who cherishes bluegrass and vibrant community gatherings.
Blue Grass Academy for KidsTwisted Pine on the High Meadow day stageWoodstock’s The MammalsCharlie ParrDel McCoury Band opened the main stage for day 2I Draw Slow on the High Meadow main stageMolly Tuttle & Golden HighwayMolly Tuttle & Golden Highway2023 IBMA grant recipients Country Gongbang
