Category: Genres

  • Long Live Rock the Casbah: The Who, The Clash Rock Rich Stadium

    London punks, both young and old, invaded Orchard Park, NY on September 26, 1982. The Who and The Clash, as well as New York Dolls frontman David Johansen, performed before a sold out crowd at Rich Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills.

    the who the clash
    photo by Michael Mack

    This concert is seen as an historical moment, where one older punk band, The Who, passed the torch to a new, younger one, The Clash.

    the who the clash

    An expectadly rowdy crowd of more than 80,000 packed The Rich. David Johansen warmed up the crowd with a half-hour set, including “Stranded in the Jungle” and a medley of the Animals “We Gotta Get Out of This Place”, “Don’t Bring Me Down” and “It’s My Life.”

    The Clash were just coming off the release of Combat Rock, recorded at Electric Lady Studios on West 8th Street in New York City. Hits including “Rock The Casbah,” which reached the Top 10 in America, and “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” gave The Clash a worldwide smash hit in 1982. Less than a year after this performance in Buffalo, guitarist Mick Jones would leave the band. Watch a slideshow of photos by Michael Mack of The Clash from the performance below.

    For The Who, this was the first of many farewell tours, having lost drummer Keith Moon just 4 years prior. Kenney Jones (Small Faces, Faces) took over behind the kit, with Tim Gorman on keys, Roger Daltrey on harmonica, guitar, and vocals, John Entwistle on bass and Pete Townshend on guitar and vocals.

    Given the packed Rich Stadium – with entrances only on the floor at the time – the temperature inside the stadium was warm to say the least, with fans drenched in sweat, and some passing even out. As if Keith were looking down from heaven, the skies that were overcast all day opened up during the emotionally charged “Love Reign O’er Me,” the only time of the evening it would rain. As the song ended, Daltrey remarked “How’d you like that one?,” with Townshend saying “Even the Rolling Bones couldn’t have done that one.”

    The Who The Clash
    via Matthew Heimberg

    While no video or audio exists from this show of The Who, you can view a slideshow of photos by Michael Mack here, and watch below for The Who from December 17, 1982, closing our their North American tour in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

    The Clash setlist: London Calling, Career Opportunities, The Guns of Brixton, Police On My Back, Rock the Casbah, Magnificent 7, Train in Vain, Brand New Cadillac, Armagideon Time, Should I Stay or Should I Go?

    Encore: Clampdown, I Fought the Law

    The Who setlist: Substitute, I Can’t Explain, Dangerous, Sister Disco, The Quiet One, It’s Hard, Eminence Front, Behind Blue Eyes, Baba O’Riley, I’m One, The Punk And The Godfather, Drowned, A Man Is A Man, Cry If You Want, Who Are You, Pinball Wizard, See Me Feel Me, 5.15, Love Reign O’er Me, Long Live Rock, Won’t Get Fooled Again

    Encore: Naked Eye, Summertime Blues, Twist And Shout

    photos by Marc Starcke

  • Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band: A Laid-Back Night of Classic Hits in Niagara Falls

    Ringo Starr and His All-Star Band delivered a laid-back yet nostalgic performance at the OLG Stage, Fallsview Casino, on Sunday, September 22. With a notably early 7:05 pm start and a crowd whose average age hovered around 70, the evening had an easy-going vibe, more in tune with quiet reflection than raucous rock.

    Yet, despite this atmosphere, the night offered plenty of memorable moments, capturing the essence of Ringo’s lifelong musicianship and his enduring charm. Ringo Starr was last in the area ten years ago at Artpark in Lewiston.

    Ringo Starr

    Ringo’s Enduring Presence

    At 84 years old, Ringo Starr continues to be a magnetic stage presence. Alternating between vocals and his iconic spot behind the Ludwig drum kit, Ringo displayed both energy and humor. Early in the show, he quipped, “I guarantee everyone here will know at least one song, and if you don’t, I don’t know why you are here,” setting the tone for the night with his easy humor and rapport with the audience. His performance, while not flawless, was full of heart especially when he asked the band to restart “Boys” after making a mistake early in the song. It was a candid and endearing moment that underscored Ringo’s human touch, something fans have loved him for since his Beatles days.

    Ringo Starr

    A Setlist That Surprised

    Though many came hoping for a set heavy with Beatles classics, the show took a different direction, giving room to the diverse talents of his All-Starr Band. Steve Lukather (Toto), Colin Hay (Men at Work), Warren Ham, Hamish Stuart (Average White Band), and Gregg Bissonette all had their moments to shine, playing a range of hits that leaned more on Toto and Average White Band than the Fab Four. This could have been a disappointment to purists, but for the seasoned crowd, it provided a fresh mix of classic rock and pop staples. Lukather’s precision on guitar and Hay’s vocals were particularly strong, bringing life to tracks like Toto’s “Africa” and Average White Band’s funky “Cut the Cake.” His usual keyboard player Edgar Winter was not seen on stage

    In a playful twist, the band spiced up their performance of “Cut the Cake” by weaving in snippets of iconic songs like “We Will Rock You,” “Moby Dick,” and even Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” which sent ripples of excitement through the audience.

    A Lighter Touch of Beatles Magic

    Beatles fans were rewarded with only four songs from Ringo’s original group, and while this might have been fewer than expected, each performance carried its own magic. “Yellow Submarine” and “Down Under” both invited sing-alongs from the crowd. These moments were cherished by the audience, even if they weren’t the show’s central focus.

    The Venue and Atmosphere

    The OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino, with its 5,000-person capacity, created an intimate atmosphere well-suited to the more laid-back energy of the evening. The audience, particularly those in the upper levels, stayed seated for most of the night. Some on the floor level were standing. There was a subdued but sense of nostalgia as people swayed and sang along to familiar tunes.

    The stage production added a layer of subtle drama, with the use of haze and smoke enhancing the lighting effects. Heavy magenta tones dominated the palette, giving the stage a soft, ethereal glow. This visual element, though not overbearing (for non-photographers), helped elevate the mood and complemented the All-Starr Band’s dynamic performances.

    Ringo Starr

    Final Thoughts

    Ringo Starr may be 84, but he’s still rocking. The show wasn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it was a testament to his enduring love for performing and his ability to bring together an eclectic group of musicians who each add their unique flair. While it wasn’t a Beatles-heavy evening, it was an enjoyable celebration of music’s timelessness. For the crowd of mostly older fans, it was a comfortable, cozy night spent with one of rock’s most beloved drummers.

    If this performance was any indication, Ringo’s all-star band experiment is still going strong, as he continues to charm and entertain with humility and humor. Ringo’s final show of this tour will be in NYC on 9/25/2024.

    Setlist: Matchbox, It Don’t Come Easy, Rosanna, Pick Up the Pieces, Down Under, Boys, I’m the Greatest, Yellow Submarine, Cut the Cake, Octopus’s Garden, Back Off Boogaloo, Overkill, Africa, Work to Do, I Wanna Be Your Man, Who Can It Be Now? Hold the Line, Photograph, With a Little Help From My Friends

  • “Weird Al” Yankovic Announces “BIGGER & WEIRDER” Tour With Four NY Shows

    World renowned comedy musician “Weird Al” Yankovic has announced his BIGGER & WEIRDER 2025 tour, including four shows across New York state in Buffalo, Manhattan, Bethel, and Saratoga Springs.

    Weird Al Yankovic

    The biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history, most have heard Weird Al’s work- even if they haven’t realized it. Best known for his parody work riffing off of the last four decades’ hits, Yankovic has received five grammy awards and seventeen career nominations. 

    As one of only three artists to chart in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 in the previous four consecutive decades alongside Madonna and Michael Jackson, to say Yankovic is a decorated comedian would be underselling it. His top hits include “Smells Like Nirvana,” “Eat it,” “Amish Paradise,” and more, with his most recent release Mandatory Fun being the only comedy album in history to debut on the top of the Billboard Top 200.

    In addition to his music career, Yankovic is an accomplished actor, writer, director, and producer, having been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an Emmy for the WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story biopic starring Daniel Radcliffe. 

    Having performed across the globe for generations in some of the world and New York’s premiere venues already, “Weird Al” Yankovic is touring once more after a six year hiatus to bring a show that is bigger and weirder than ever before to audiences across the country and beyond- including the stages of the Darien Lake Amphitheater in Buffalo, Madison Square Garden, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, and the Broadview Stage at SPAC in Saratoga Springs.

    The BIGGER & WEIRDER 2025 tour, among many things, will feature fan favorites that haven’t hit the stage yet alongside his biggest hits in a larger-than-life performance involving a giant video wall, multiple costume changes, and support by an eight-piece ensemble featuring Al’s original band.

    “This is kind of a ‘best of both worlds’ tour. We’ll be doing all the big crowd-pleasing parodies as well as some deep cuts for the hardcore fans – but with twice as many players on stage, everything is going to sound twice as good!”

    – “Weird Al” Yankovic

    In addition to Yankovic’s iconic performance, the tour will be supported by special guest Puddles Pity Party, the 7-foot sad clown with a voice of gold that has sold out shows across the globe in venues including but not limited to San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts, London’s Soho Theatre, and a residency at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

    The BIGGER & WEIRDER tour will kick off on June 13 and land in New York on July 11 at the Darien Lake Amphitheater in Buffalo, followed by a show on July 12 at the iconic Madison Square Garden on July 12 and a show at the Bethel Woods Center For the Arts on July 13. Then, after a brief pause to perform in Boston, Weird Al will return to the state for his July 17 performance at the Broadview Stage at SPAC in Saratoga Springs.

    Tickets will be available for purchase starting at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 27, starting at $29.50. For further information and ticket purchasing, please visit Weird Al’s website here.

    “Weird Al” Yankovic BIGGER & WEIRDER 2025 Tour

    June 13 LAS VEGAS, NV The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Resort
    June 14 LAS VEGAS, NV The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Resort
    June 18 LAS VEGAS, NV The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Resort
    June 20 LAS VEGAS, NV The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Resort
    June 21 LAS VEGAS, NV The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Resort
    June 23 SALT LAKE CITY, UT Maverik Center
    June 24 MORRISON, CO (Denver) Red Rocks Amphitheatre
    June 26 KANSAS CITY, MO Starlight Theatre
    June 27 DES MOINES, IA Des Moines Civic Center
    June 28 WELCH, MN (Minneapolis) Treasure Island Amphitheater at Treasure Island Resort & Casino
    June 29 HIGHLAND PARK, IL (Chicago) Ravinia Festival (on sale TBA)
    July 1 TRAVERSE CITY, MI National Cherry Festival
    July 2 CLARKSTON, MI (Detroit) Pine Knob Music Theatre
    July 3 INDIANAPOLIS, IN Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
    July 5 BEAVER DAM, KY (Evansville) Beaver Dam Amphitheater
    July 6 KETTERING, OH (Dayton) Fraze Pavilion
    July 9 TORONTO, ON Budweiser Stage
    July 11 BUFFALO, NY Darien Lake Amphitheater
    July 12 NEW YORK, NY Madison Square Garden
    July 13 BETHEL, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
    July 15 BOSTON, MA Boch Center Wang Theatre
    July 17 SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (Albany) Broadview Stage at SPAC
    July 18 MASHANTUCKET, CT The Premier Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino
    July 19 PHILADELPHIA, PA TD Pavilion at the Mann
    July 20 VIENNA, VA (Washington, DC) Wolf Trap
    July 24 RALEIGH, NC Red Hat Amphitheater
    July 25 WILMINGTON, NC Live Oak Bank Pavilion
    July 26 CHARLOTTE, NC Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
    July 27 HUNTSVILLE, AL Orion Amphitheater
    July 29 NEW ORLEANS, LA Saenger Theatre
    July 31 AUSTIN, TX Bass Concert Hall
    Aug 1 THE WOODLANDS, TX (Houston) The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman
    Aug 2 GRAND PRAIRIE, TX (Dallas) Texas Trust CU Theatre
    Aug 3 ROGERS, AR (Fayetteville) Walmart AMP
    Aug 5 LINCOLN, NE (Omaha) Pinewood Bowl Theater
    Aug 7 CASPER, WY Ford Wyoming Center
    Aug 8 IDAHO FALLS, ID Mountain America Center
    Aug 9 NAMPA, ID (Boise) Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
    Aug 10 BONNER, MT KettleHouse Amphitheater
    Aug 12 AIRWAY HEIGHTS, WA (Spokane) BECU Live Amp at Northern Quest Resort & Casino
    Aug 13 TROUTDALE, OR (Portland) Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn – McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater
    Aug 14 TROUTDALE, OR (Portland) Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn – McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater
    Aug 15 AUBURN, WA (Seattle) White River Amphitheatre
    Aug 17 PALMER, AK (Anchorage)* Alaska State Fair – ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre
    Aug 20 EUGENE, OR Cuthbert Amphitheater
    Aug 22 MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (San Francisco) Shoreline Amphitheatre
    Aug 23 MODESTO, CA The Fruit Yard Amphitheater
    Aug 24 STATELINE, NV (Reno/Tahoe) Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys
    Aug 26 REDDING, CA Redding Civic Auditorium Lawn
    Aug 27 ROHNERT PARK, CA Green Music Center
    Aug 29 SAN DIEGO, CA* The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
    Aug 30 INGLEWOOD, CA (Los Angeles) Kia Forum
    Aug 31 PHOENIX, AZ Arizona Financial Theatre
    Sept 2 GRAND JUNCTION, CO Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park
    Sept 4 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO Ford Amphitheater
    Sept 5 RIO RANCHO, NM (Albuquerque) Rio Rancho Events Center
    Sept 6 CONCHO, OK (Oklahoma City) Lucky Star Amphitheater at Lucky Star Casino
    Sept 7 TULSA, OK Tulsa Theater
    Sept 9 MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO (St. Louis) Saint Louis Music Park
    Sep 12 MADISON, WI Breese Stevens Field
    Sept 13 CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH (Cleveland) Blossom Music Center
    Sept 14 COLUMBUS, OH Palace Theatre
    Sept 16 NEWPORT, KY (Cincinnati) MegaCorp Pavilion
    Sept 17 KALAMAZOO, MI Miller Auditorium
    Sept 20 NASHVILLE, TN Ascend Amphitheater

  • Saturday Night Live Announces First Five Hosts & Musical Guests of 50th Season

    Saturday Night Live has announced the first five hosts and musical guests of their historic 50th season, premiering September 28.

    Celebrating its 50th season this year, Saturday Night Live has been gracing the screens of folks across the country and beyond since its premiere in 1975. The opening “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” has become synonymous with not just the show but New York City as a whole, cementing SNL in the long legacy of the city and the live entertainment scene at large. 

    Consisting of celebrity hosts, sketch comedy, and musical performance, SNL has got it all when it comes to late-night television, and in its 50th year of operation the show is boasting quite the lineup of guests and hosts alike.

    SEPTEMBER 28: JEAN SMART & JELLY ROLL

    Comedy veteran, Emmy-winning star of Hacks, and SNL debutante Jean Smart will host the premiere episode of the season. With TV credits including Fargo, Watchmen, Legion, and Mare of Easttown, she initially rose to fame as Charlene Frazier Stillfield in 1980s sitcom Designing Women and hasn’t stopped since. 

    Smart will be adding the hosting gig to a long list of accolades and accomplishments that include six Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe award, nominations for Tony and Grammy Awards, being the most awarded performer at the Critic’s Choice Television Awards, and so on.

    Alongside Smart will be the season premiere’s musical guest, Nashville born American singer, songwriter, and rapper Jelly Roll. Starting out selling mixtapes in his car, the singer has come a long way as one of the most popular country fusion artists of today. 

    Being the second SNL debut of the evening acts as another testament to his success alongside three CMT Music Awards, the CMA New Artist Award, and a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2023.

    OCTOBER 5: NATE BARGATZE & COLDPLAY

    Saturday Night Live
    Photo: Melanie Levi

    Veteran stand-up comic Nate Bargatze will host the season’s second episode following his wildly successful SNL debut in Season 49. With viral sketches like “Lake Beach” and “Washington’s Dream”, Bargate is the mind behind the most-watched night of the season to date in addition to the most-watched episode since Steve Martin and Martin Short’s in December of 2022 with 4.8 million viewers.

    Saturday Night Live

    Returning for what will be their eighth appearance on the show, British rock group and SNL veterans Coldplay will return to the show’s stage once more. Debuting on the SNL stage in 2001, Coldplay is set to return with a new and exciting performance just off of the release of their newest album, Moon Music, which will drop the day prior. 

    OCTOBER 12: ARIANA GRANDE & STEVIE NICKS

    Saturday Night Live

    Pop sensation, singer-songwriter, and actress Ariana Grande is set to host the third episode of the season following her SNL debut as musical guest in 2014 and host in 2016, when she performed a double-duty as host and musical guest.

    Her most recent appearance was Josh Brolin’s episode of Season 49 where she starred alongside cast member Bowen Yang just ahead of the Wicked film adaptation’s release. Wicked marked Grande’s return to the acting world, starring as Glinda the Good.

    Saturday Night Live

    Music legend and Fleetwood Mac Frontwoman Stevie Nicks will return to SNL after over 40 years. Last appearing as Musical Guest in December of 1983, Nicks brought “Stand Back” and “Night Bird” from her second solo album to the SNL audience. Named the “Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll” by Rolling Stone, her performance is sure to enchant.

    OCTOBER 19: MICHAEL KEATON & BILLIE EILISH

    Saturday Night Live
    Photo: Gage Skidmore

    Most recently starring in Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, sequel to the 1988 Tim Burton film- both in which he played the titular role- Michael Keaton is a decorated actor with a Primetime Emmy, two Golden Globes, and nominations for an Academy Award and a BAFTA under his belt. 

    Keaton is no stranger to the SNL stage, the October 19 episode marking his fifth with the show. His first hosting gig was for the Halloween episode of 1982, and he would return to host again in 1992 and 2015.

    Saturday Night Live

    A pop sensation since 13 with her debut “Ocean Eyes”, Billie Eilish has kept the public enraptured in her unique sound developed alongside her brother Finneas for years now, resulting in nine Grammys, two American Music Awards, seven MTV Music Video Awards, three Brits, two Golden Globes, two Academy Awards, and 20 Guinness World Records.

    This will mark Eilish’s fourth return to the SNL stage, appearing as the Musical Guest in September of 2019 and December of 2023 in addition to a double-duty as both Musical Guest and Host in December of 2021.

    NOVEMBER 2: JOHN MULANEY & CHAPPELL ROAN

    Stand-up comedian, actor, and veteran of the New York City comedy scene, John Mulaney will be returning to SNL once more on November 2. Starting as a writer for Saturday Night Live from 2008-2013, Mulaney has built quite the comedy career for himself over the years, returning to host SNL for what will be the sixth time in addition to countless cameos over the years.

    Your favorite artist’s favorite artist, Chappell Roan is adding SNL to the ever-growing list of accomplishments after her recent rocket into pop fame. Known for her unapologetically queer, captivating, and campy music, Roan has delivered powerful performances dressed in drag at Coachella, Governors Ball, and the MTV Video Music Awards where she also took home the Best New Artist award- all in the past year.

    The first episode of Saturday Night Live‘s 50th season will premiere on September 28.

  • Trey Anastasio Releases Instrumental Album ‘Atriums’

    Phish lead guitarist Trey Anastasio has officially released a new guitar-only instrumental album entitled Atriums via Rubber Jungle Records. The music is culled from years of experimental soundchecks and selections that were played in the public spaces, namely the atrium, at Las Vegas’ Sphere during the band’s recent run there in April. Proceeds from this new release will benefit the Divided Sky Foundation and its newly opened facility in Ludlow, Vermont.

    Anastasio and Phish – renowned for creating immersive concert experiences – took full advantage at Sphere, utilizing sculptures, light and sound to transform the hallways of the futuristic venue. Those ambient soundscapes are now released as ATRIUMS. The six-track album doesn’t feature any strange song names but the music is far from ordinary and each one is approximately 15 minutes in length and offers a unique sonic composition consisting primarily of droning loops, echoes, and waves of tonal feedback layered with gentle, melodic fretwork.

    “Atrium 1” features some harrowing, echoey guitar effects interspersed with brief moments of digital feedback. Whereas “Atrium 3” has a more blissful demeanor with simple, repetitive melodies on a loop, not too dissimilar from how the band’s “secret” third set at Mondegreen started where they played behind a screen of accompanying visuals instead of in front of one like Sphere. See below for all selections from the recently released Atriums.

    In addition to this album, Phish also recently announced a special three-day run of shows in Albany, NY at MVP Arena that will also serve as a benefit to the Divided Sky Foundation. A limited amount of tickets can still be found on tickemaster.com.

  • Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes Brings Oktoberfest for Opening Concert on October 12

    The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL) celebrates Oktoberfest this autumn with a musical journey through the works of legendary German and Austrian composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, and the Strauss family—Josef, Johann Sr., and Johann Jr.

    This special concert will take place on Saturday, October 12, at 7:00 PM, at Christ Episcopal Church in Corning, NY.

    OSFL

    The evening’s highlight will be a performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto, featuring Jinyoung Yoon, an award-winning violinist from Seoul, South Korea, whose stunning artistry has earned her international recognition. She has been a soloist with prominent orchestras, including the Seoul Philharmonic and Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra as the first prize winner of the ECSO concerto competition. Jinyoung is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the Curtis Institute of Music under the tutelage of Ida Kavafian and Erin Keefe. Yoon continues to impress audiences as a rising star in the classical music world.

    The OSFL, under the baton of Maestro Toshiyuki Shimada, will perform a program filled with iconic works, capturing the lively spirit of Oktoberfest. The repertoire for the evening includes Beethoven’s Fidelio Overture and Brahms’ Violin Concerto on the first half of the concert. The second half brings together the prolific output of the talented Strauss family with polkas, waltzes and more: 

    • The famous Blue Danube, Gypsy Baron Overture, Annen Polka, and Leichtes Blut “High Spirits” Polka composed by Johann Strauss, Jr. 
    • Frauenherz Polka “A Woman’s Heart” by his brother Josef Strauss
    • Radetzky March by their father, Johann Strauss, Sr.

    From Beethoven’s dramatic overture to the swirling waltzes and polkas of the Strauss family, “Oktoberfest at the Symphony” offers a perfect blend of elegance and festivity, reminiscent of Vienna’s golden age of music.

    OSFL

    In an effort to make this cultural experience accessible to all, the OSFL is offering FREE tickets for children under 18 when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets are available at $29, $44, or $59, with a discounted rate of $15 for college students with a valid ID.

    This concert is presented in cooperation with Corning Rotary’s Crystal City Oktoberfest, promising a festive atmosphere that celebrates the intersection of music and community. 

    A sneak peak of this concert will be presented to Corning Painted Post Middle School students, with support from the Bobbie and John G. Ullman Family Foundation.

    OSFL

    Programs of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes are made possible in part with general support from the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, the Hilliard Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the New York State Legislature, and Corning Incorporated Community Impact & Investment. FREE Under 18 is provided by the Anderson Foundation.

    For tickets, subscriptions, and more information, visit www.osfl.org or contact the OSFL office at (607) 936-2873.

  • Acoustic Duo Murray’s Law to Deliver Exclusive Performance at The Egg

    Dynamic acoustic duo Murray’s Law is set to deliver an exclusive performance at Swyer Theater at The Egg in Albany on October 20.

    The acoustic duo features Brian Murray and Jimmy Law from the acclaimed New Jersey jam quintet Dogs in a Pile. Murray’s Law delivers an acoustic experience that highlights their vibrant covers and a compelling mix of original compositions, making each performance a bold and engaging experience.

    The intimate setting of the Swyer Theater offers the perfect backdrop for audiences to connect with the raw musical prowess and captivating energy that Brian and Jimmy bring to the stage.

    murray's law the egg

    Murray’s Law emerges from the profound creative synergy between Brian and Jimmy, known for their role in Dogs in a Pile—a band currently riding the wave of success with a string of notable achievements. Dogs in a Pile has captivated the Capital Region for years, recently making regional headlines after announcing their second annual headlining New Year’s Eve run at Saratoga Springs’ Putnam Place.

    They further solidified their reputation with a stellar summer tour featuring sold-out performances at prestigious venues like Colorado’s Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Their participation in the “Pigeons Frasco Dogs Tour” showcased their ability to electrify audiences on large stages nationwide.

    murray's law the egg

    For more information on the upcoming performance by Murray’s Law and to purchase tickets to the show, click here.

  • Hearing Aide: Snailosaur’s “Nature & Kaleidoscopic Mind”

    Snailosaur, consisting of NYC natives Paul and Dean Criscitiello, along with Jason Sabshon, released two brand new singles – “Nature” and “Kaleidoscopic Mind” – on September 13.

    These two singles follow the release of Talk Therapy, the trio’s debut album which came out at the beginning of this year.

    snailosaur Nature Kaleidoscopic Mind

    Snailosaur define themselves as “90s-tinged indie guitar poetry, incorporating elements of alternative rock, noise, art rock, shoegaze, and spoken word to create their distinct sound.” The band focuses on blending catchy melodies, distorted guitar solos, and vivid, relatable lyrics with psychedelic undertones. Snailosaur’s unique approach to their vocal arrangement’s create the fuzzy feeling of being wrapped up under a warm blanket. 

    “Nature & Kaleidoscopic Mind” was recorded by Nate Jasensky in Brooklyn. “Nature” encapsulates the feelings of longing to get away, and in Snailosaur’s case, needing a break from the chaos of city life to take refuge in Upstate New York. Spoken word, deep vocals pair with alternative rock and pop influence to round out the first of two singles.

    This transitions into ““Kaleidoscopic Mind,” a more introspective piece, which hones in on feelings of doubt and acceptance. This single’s indie and alternative rock influence, most notably in the main guitar part, builds upon a unique soundscape of effects before dissipating as the song fades out.

    “Nature & Kaleidoscopic Mind” by Snailosaur is available on all streaming services here. Find out more about Snailosaur here.

  • In Focus: Say She She at Lark Hall

    On Friday, September 20, Brooklyn based female singing trio Say She She made a long-awaited stop at Lark Hall in Albany. Lead singers Piya Malik, Sabrina Mileo Cunningham, and Nya Gazelle Brown are all classical trained singers but come together to create disco-funk music.

    say she she

    Say She She gave a beautiful performance filled with songs that had all of Lark Hall following their dances. Their stage presence was captivating; from the audience we were able to see the band’s friendship on display.

    say she she

    During the show, Say She She gave a speech about the upcoming election making huge impact on many controversial laws. They invited Lark Hall to join them in promoting change by sending post cards addressed to their Representatives, begging for stricter gun laws. The band also spoke out on abortion laws and asked the audience to raise their hands along with them in support of anyone who has been harmed by these laws.

    say she she

    They then sang “Echo In The Chamber” a song they stated is the soundtrack to their campaign for better gun laws. The song features the heartfelt lyrics “Call the shots, make it stop, what’s it gonna take?” and “Just because you know who they are, doesn’t mean they bear you no harm.” The song resulted in a sea of hands raised in support and all of Lark Hall rushing to fill out postcards.

  • Starcleaner Reunion Release new single “Plein Air”

    NYC band Starcleaner Reunion have released “Plein Air” and announced the release of their Cafe Life EP, out September 20.

    Starcleaner Reunion
    Photo Credit: Catrina Kokkoris

    New York City-based, New Jersey natives, Starcleaner Reunion have released their second single from their upcoming EP, Café Life, due Sept 20. Singer Jo Roman, guitarists Pat Drummond & Neil Torman, and bassist Adam Kenter have been making music together since high school in New Jersey, After meeting drummer Sam Unger in New York in 2022, the band released their debut EP Club Estrella, a collection of their earliest ideas. The band has received praise from magazines such as FLOOD, Stereogum, and Paste in the recent past.

    Café Life is indebted to a certain slowness, a ‘not-hurrying’ – title is a reference to a certain European way of life – refusing to rush anything and taking one’s time.”

    Starcleaner Reunion

    This new EP was recorded in a makeshift home studio that allowed the band more time to experiment during the recording process. Including bringing on Ruben Radlauer of Model/Actriz for mixing duties. Last month the band released their first single of the cycle, “The Hand That I Put Down.”

    The band refers to themselves as “Euro-pop,” and it is a shockingly fitting moniker. French band Air immediately comes to mind while listening to their music, but Starcleaner Reunion puts it on the dancefloor. Jo Roman’s lyrics describe feelings rather than events which produce images that seem to only be viewed through a warped, foggy, mirror. “Take it back/stepping back the time/Every step back and every single moment.”

    If you like, Stereolab, of Montreal, The Hit Parade, Broadcast, Sweet Trip, or Air, you’ll love Starcleaner Reunion.

    Starcleaner Reunion Upcoming Tour Dates:

    Sep 20: Binghamton, NY @ The Bundy Museum

    Oct 24: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom w/ Hello Mary

    Nov 1: Philidelphia PA @ Spruce Street Harbor Park