blink-182‘s Travis Barker is bringing his Run Travis Run: a run and wellness experience to New York City on Sunday, July 21, ahead of blink-182’s show at Citi Field later that evening.
Run Travis Run includes a morning run and wellness experience, offering attendees a 360-degree experience of health, wellness, and mindful exploration.
Following a tragic plane crash in 2008 that left Barker with severe burns and injuries, his future mobility was uncertain. After spending 11 weeks in the hospital and undergoing 27 surgeries, Barker was finally able to return home, though he faced many challenges ahead.
“After my accident in 2008, more than 70% of my body was burnt”, said Barker. “I was told by doctors that I may never be able to walk or drum again, so I set out to prove everybody wrong, including myself. What started with short walks turned into short runs every day. This past year, I ran my first half marathon and participated in a few 5Ks. The running community is massive and I loved how everyone from all walks of life ran together and supported one another. This is what Run Travis Run was built off of and we’re only getting started.”
Now in the best shape he’s been in years, Barker is looking to share his passion with the fans. Run Travis Run is coming to both New York City and Los Angeles, with the New York City event happening at Citi Field on the morning of blink-182’s One More Time Tour show in the same place that evening. The event will begin at 9:00 a.m., and athletes of all levels are invited.
Event Highlights:
Morning Run: Join Travis Barker and fellow enthusiasts for a timed run at Citi Field in Queens, NY, at 9 a.m. Whether a seasoned runner or just starting, this event is for everyone.
Wellness Experience: From fitness classes to mindfulness workshops, participants will have exclusive access to top brands and experiential activations throughout the morning.
Exclusive Mementos: In addition to earning a finisher time at the end of the run, participants will receive a limited-edition shirt and medal as part of the inaugural event.
Day-in-the-Life of Travis Barker: Experience a day-in-the-life of Blink 182’s legendary drummer by participating in Travis Barker’s pre-concert routine centered around running, health and wellness.
Tickets range from $53 for the standard “run experience” to $427.93 for the “VIP run plus meet and greet photo experience.” A virtual option is available as well. Tickets and more information can be found here.
Brooklyn-based alt-rock band, Gooseberry, released their brand new song “Dying To Meet You” on Friday, June 14. This release is the second single off their forthcoming debut album All My Friends Are Cattle coming out Sept. 6.
The musical team of singer and guitarist, Asa Daniels, drummer Evin Rossington, and bassist Will Hammond return to releasing music with two EPs and a multitude of singles under their belt. Since entering the scene in 2019, the band continues to focus on writing new music and playing shows. Constantly expanding their audience in venues like Baby’s All Right and Knitting Factory, Gooseberry undoubtedly stays true to themselves and their music reflects that.
Their new song, “Dying To Meet You,” carries that ethos wholeheartedly. As Daniels put it, “Ultimately, none of us knows much about either, and so if anything, this song is about sneering at those who think they’ve got it figured out.” The song begins slowly until it escalates into the classic bold Gooseberry sound. The accompanying music video tells the story and mirrors the music’s transition through its visuals.
The song, along with their previous single “Kikiyon,” gives fans a preview of their upcoming album All My Friends Are Cattle. Tracked over three months, the band had the help of Grammy-winning engineers Colin Bryson, Phil Joly, and Jennica Best who have worked with the likes of Zach Bryan, Lana Del Rey, and Colatura respectively.
There’s something about this tune that is eerie, like something beyond explanation is peering over your shoulder waiting for you to turn your head around. For the breakdowns in this song, our producer (Colin Bryson) brought a tiny handheld distortion mic into the studio for me to scream into. And I screamed my head off. That was cathartic. Hopefully this song brings our fans catharsis. Or a sore throat.
Asa Daniels, singer
To listen to Gooseberry’s new single “Dying To Meet You,” find it here on your preferred streaming service.
Jandek, one of the most mysterious and hyper-productive legends of the lo-fi folk/outsider music movement, is slated to make a rare appearance at one of the Hudson Valley’s most unique performance venues, Widow Jane Mine, on Saturday, July 20 at 7 pm.
The recently-formed PlayTime Presents is producing the event. According to its founder, Jeff Economy, PlayTime is “an evolving entity dedicated to presenting unlikely music, film and media events in New York’s Hudson Valley.” PlayTime’s most recent event was a fundraiser for local radio institution WGXC-90.7/Wave Farm featuring a collaboration between the famed “culture jammers” Negativland and video artist Sue-C at the Greenville Drive-In.
Jandek is the musical project of Sterling Smith and his Corwood Industries, a record label operating out of Houston, Texas. Since 1978, Jandek/Corwood Industries has independently released over 125 albums/DVDs of unusual, often emotionally dissolute folk, rock, and blues songs without ever granting an interview or providing any biographical information. Jandek often plays a highly idiosyncratic and frequently atonal form of folk, rock, classical and blues music, at times using an open and unconventional chord structure. The name “Jandek” refers specifically to the musical project. www.corwoodindustries.com
“As a documentarian, writer, music video maker and occasional performer, I’ve had one foot planted in the music world since the late ‘80s,” says PlayTime’s Jeff Economy. “Part of my agenda with PlayTime is to give something back by putting on events that might not have happened otherwise.
“Despite being an active recording artist since at least 1978, Jandek remains one of the most intriguing and mysterious figures in all of music,” continues Economy. “They’ve been performing in public sporadically since 2004, but it seemed that a local show was a remote possibility at best. I extended an invitation knowing that a great venue was available and to my surprise, they accepted. With Jandek’s spectacularly wide range of music and Widow Jane’s unique space, this event is a perfect representation of our creative mission.”
Widow Jane Mine is a circa 19th-century natural cement mine housed on the 22-acre Snyder Estate in Rosendale, N.Y. The cavernous room and pillar construction create a natural amphitheater, one with amazing acoustics and unobstructed views due to the sloping floors. Audiences of up to 500 face the stage with a pond as a backdrop and light filtering in from four openings to the outside. The venue, which has presented music, theater, raves, poetry readings and other events for over 40 years, is managed by the Century House Historical Society a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation of the local history of Rosendale, New York and of the Natural Cement industry.
Buffalo based band Organ Fairchild officially released their third studio record, Songs We Didn’t Write on June 7th. The 44 minute, 9 track collection of instrumental covers follows the 2023 release of Leisure Suit.
The trio is made up of Joe Bellanti on organ and keyboards, Corey Kertzie on drums and percussion, and Dave Ruch on guitar. According to Ruch, it was his son’s idea for the band to record and release an entire album of covers. He says “being a completely instrumental band, we’ve always loved the challenge of rearranging some of our favorite music in the organ trio format, and since our live shows always include some choice covers, this felt like a super fun project and a bit of a no-brainer!”
Left to Right: Kertzie, Ruch, Bellanti (Photo by Joe Cascio)
Songs We Didn’t Write was recorded and mixed by grammy award winning Justin Guip at Milan Hill Studios, and mastered by Alan Evans of Soulive. The record notably features grammy award winning and rock & roll hall-of-famer Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) on guitar for Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” and The Brass Machine’s horn section on Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish”. The album features a wide variety of artists and influences, from Harry Styles to Bob Marley and Grateful Dead.
“Hard to Handle” features electric (pun intended) guitar work by both Jorma and Ruch. The guitar-led track explodes into solos, before coming to a peak with both Jorma and Ruch trading solos with each other. The rhythm section of Bellanti and Kertzie hold it down together so well here and across the entire record.
“I Wish”, which features The Brass Machine, is a high-energy, freshly arranged take on the classic Stevie Wonder tune. The trombone, trumpet and saxophone additions elevate the song to new heights, and their solos end the song with a bang.
Photo by Matt Shotwell
The band goes back to their roots with songs like “Lazy River Road” and “Lost Sailor.” They were all members of “Wild Knights”, a Grateful Dead tribute based in Buffalo where they first met in 1983. The influence the Dead has in their playing and style is apparent, noticeably in Ruch’s guitar playing and his phrasing. The band does an excellent job at making these songs their own while paying their respect to the originals. Their arrangements are fresh, and they give these covers the space that allows for the song to breathe and come to life in their unique organ trio instrumentation.
Songs We Didn’t Write is currently available on all streaming services [here].
Tracklist:
Them Belly Full (Bob Marley)
Lost Sailor (Grateful Dead)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
Canyon Moon (Harry Styles)
Hard to Handle (Otis Redding)
Eleanor Rigby (The Beatles)
Lazy River Road (Grateful Dead)
I Wish (Stevie Wonder)
Redemption Song (Bob Marley)
Organ Fairchild 2024 New York Tour Dates:
July 13th – ADK Brew & Chew – Peru, NY
July 18th-21st – Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival – Trumansburg, NY
July 31st – Center for the Arts of Homer – Homer, NY
August 3rd – Cobblestoned Vibes – Buffalo, NY
September 5th – Party on the Patio – Saranac Lake, NY
November 6th – Foothills Performing Arts Center – Oneonta, NY
The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has announced the lineup for its 26th season. The festival begins July 17th, and will include six concerts. With shows ranging from jazz to blues to classical, there is a concert for everyone.
The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has prided itself in presenting a high variety of quality shows for over 20 years. Founded in 1999, the festival has hosted over 100 artists in its history. In its 25 years of existence, the festival has exhibited classical, cabaret, and even special children’s concerts. Performance Today, the most popular classical radio program, has also frequently featured festival concerts.
“Our new season features an impressive collection of performances that will bring best-in-class artists in a wide variety of genres to perform for audiences in Cooperstown,”
– Linda Chesis, Festival founder
The Miró Quartet will kick off the season with a July 18th program titled “Voices of Home.” Beginning in 1995, the Austin-based quartet has made a name for itself as one of the most celebrated classical groups. The band takes its name from surrealist painter Joan Miró, with much of their music reflecting themes of imagination and fantasy. The quartet has previously toured across the United States, Europe, and Asia, receiving critical acclaim wherever they go. The July 18th show, titled “Voices of Home,” will tackle themes like nostalgia and yearning. It will feature compositions by Franz Joseph Haydn, Caroline Shaw, Kevin Puts, and George Walker. This concert will take place at 7pm at Cooperstown’s Farmers’ Museum.
July 25th will see a performance by the Caroga Arts Ensemble, titled “American Journey.” Cellist Kyle Price founded the ensemble in 2019, as part of the Caroga Arts Collective. The ensemble features prizewinning instrumentalists, music school faculty, and members of chamber groups. Since its founding, the ensemble has played at Chicago’s Symphony Center, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and more. Their July 25th show will feature pieces by American composers, such as Aaron Copland, John Corigliano, and more. The concert will take place at Cooperstown’s Farmers’ Museum at 7pm.
Pianist Richard Goode will perform a selection of Beethoven pieces on July 30th. Famous for his emotional interpretations of classical and romantic pieces, Goode has become one of the most acclaimed pianists of our day. He has played concerts across the United States and Europe, and has hosted multiple music masterclasses. As part of this concert, Goode will perform some of Beethoven’s later work, illustrating the emotional depth of his playing. The concert will take place 7pm at the Otesaga Resort Hotel.
Grammy award-winning vocalist Catherine Russell will perform a blues and jazz selection on August 6th. Coming from a musical family in New York, Russell has spent much of her life performing. She has previously toured with legends like Steely Dan, Paul Simon, and Cyndi Lauper. Her third album Inside This Heart of Mine reached #1 on the iTunes jazz charts upon release. Since then she has won various awards, including a Grammy for her work on the Boardwalk Empire Soundtrack. NPR hailed Russell’s vocals, saying she “wails like a horn and whispers like a snake in the garden of Eden.” She will perform at the Otesaga Resort Hotel at 7pm.
August 16th will feature two performances as part of the program’s Family Music Fest. The concerts will be hosted by Justin Jay Hines, percussionist for the NY Philharmonic Young People’s Orchestra. These family friendly performances will begin with an interactive workshop. During this workshop, kids will learn how to make instruments from natural materials, and craft different beats. The workshop will end with a performance using these handmade instruments. These workshops will be followed by a performance from Hines. The first performance will take place at Origins cafe at 10:30am. It will be followed by a second 3pm performance at the Farmers’ Museum. These performances are free, but registration is required.
The festival will conclude with an August 20th performance titled “Bach Again.” This performance will feature harpsichordist Bradley Brookshire, cellist Wolfram Koessel, flautist Linda Chessis, and violinist Rachell Ellen Wong. The night will celebrate the musical genius of Johann Sebastian Bach, featuring renditions of his instrumental sonatas. Mezzo-soprano Winona Martin will join these instrumentalists to perform a selection of Bach’s arias. This concert will take place 7pm at Christ Episcopal Church.
Concert Schedule
7/18 – Miró Quartet: Voices of Home – 7pm @ The Farmers’ Museum
7/25 – Caroga Arts Ensemble: American Journey – 7pm @ The Farmers’ Museum
7/30 – Pianist Richard Goode Plays Late Beethoven – 7pm @ Otesaga Resort Hotel
8/6 – Catherine Russell, Blues and Jazz Singer – 7pm @ Otesaga Resort Hotel
8/16 – Family Music Fest with Justin Jay Hines, Percussionist and Host of NY Philharmonic Young People’s Concerts – 10:30am @ Origins Cafe
8/16 – Family Music Fest – 3pm @ The Farmers’ Museum
8/20 – Bach Again – 7pm @ Christ Episcopal Church
Tickets are $30 for all concerts, with students under 18 having a reduced price of $15. All tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information on ticketing and concerts, visit the Cooperstown Music Festival website here.
Meet Little Stranger: an eclectic musical duo hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, originally rooted in the vibrant city of Philadelphia. The band is known for their unique blend of indie rap pop, infusing funky distorted guitar riffs with soulful trumpet and saxophone melodies. Their dynamic sound and playful stage presence have captivated audiences across the country, establishing them as a notable act in the contemporary music scene.
When it comes to genre-blending and innovative soundscapes, Little Stranger stands out as a trailblazer in the indie music world. The Charleston-based duo, originally from Philadelphia, has carved a niche for themselves with their eclectic mix of indie rap pop, a fusion that combines the raw energy of hip-hop with the melodic charm of indie pop and the vibrancy of live instruments.
Roots and Formation
Little Stranger is the brainchild of John and Kevin Shields (no relation), two musicians whose artistic synergy has led to the creation of a distinctive sound that defies conventional genre boundaries. Their journey began in Philadelphia, where they honed their craft and developed a unique musical identity before moving to Charleston. The relocation infused their music with a fresh perspective, adding layers of Southern charm to their already dynamic style.
The hallmark of Little Stranger’s music is its infectious energy and playful spirit. Their songs often feature funky distorted guitar riffs, complemented by trumpet and saxophone backups that add a soulful touch to their sound. Tracks like “Coffee & a Joint” resonate deeply with their audience, offering relatable themes wrapped in catchy melodies. Their music is not only aural but also visual, with their live performances characterized by vibrant, playful antics and an engaging stage presence.
New Single and Upcoming Album
The duo recently released their new single “Sofia” off their upcoming album Sat Around Trippin, set to be released on June 28. “Sofia” is a groovy track that deals with a breakup in typical Little Stranger fashion, featuring quick-witted lyrics that poke fun at both their ex and themselves. The song’s playful yet introspective tone perfectly encapsulates the band’s unique approach to songwriting.
Little Stranger’s live shows are a testament to their reputation as performers who know how to entertain and connect with their audience. At events like the Governors Ball, they have wowed crowds with their high-energy sets and whimsical stage antics. Kevin’s humorous quips, such as “everything’s legal so you can do whatever you want today” and playful banter about the attractiveness of the crowd, create an atmosphere of inclusivity and fun.
Headline Tour
Adding to their excitement, Little Stranger is embarking on a headline tour that includes stops at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg and Buffalo Iron Works in Buffalo. This tour promises to bring their energetic performances and distinctive sound to a wider audience, further solidifying their presence in the music scene.
Looking to the Future
With a growing fanbase and a string of successful performances, including their recent set at Governors Bal 2024, Little Stranger is poised to continue their ascent in the music world. Their commitment to innovation and their ability to blend genres seamlessly ensures that they remain at the forefront of the indie music scene.
In a musical landscape often dominated by mainstream sounds, Little Stranger brings a refreshing change with their indie rap pop fusion, proving that creativity and originality still have a significant place in the industry. As they continue to evolve and push the boundaries of their sound, fans can look forward to more exciting music and unforgettable live performances from this dynamic duo.
It was a hometown throwdown with an added twist for Spafford Saturday night. Playing the third show of their summer tour at The Colony in Woodstock on June 15, it notably featured Mike Gantzer of Aqueous filling in for Spafford guitarist Brian Moss as he continues dealing with the effects of a brutal crash the band was involved in earlier this spring. More than the sum of its parts, the show must go on and it did, yielding a most memorable and unique night of improvisational jams.
Mike Gantzer of Aqueous filled in for Spafford guitarist Brian Moss during the Woodstock performance on 6/15/24.
The quaint counterculture community of Woodstock was bustling with activity in the hours leading up to the show. Colorful, vibrant and welcoming, the main drag was covered in pride flags and business was booming at the numerous mom-and-pop gift shops, galleries, and gastropubs around town. The energy in the air felt like a throwback in time, reminding me of the neighborhood block parties when I was young and everything felt safe. Prior to showtime, early attendees at The Colony were treated to the delightful Americana sounds of The Jack Grace Band on the back patio stage. It was inside on the Ballroom stage, however, where the real magic was about to take place.
Spafford performing at The Colony in Woodstock, NY 6/15/24.
Fresh off their first gigs together in Rochester and the Northlands Music Festival, this incarnation of Spafford hit the ground running hard. With a schedule that includes 10 shows in 11 days, don’t let anyone tell you touring life is easy. Consisting of bassist Jordan Fairless, drummer Nick Tkachyk and keyboardist Cory Schechtman, the Spafford members humbly welcomed and thanked guitarist Mike Gantzer for joining them on this run of shows. Easing into things with an opening improvisational groove, it was around 17 minutes in when the band landed on the first actual Spafford song of the night, the explosive fan favorite “It’s a Bunch.”
Performing with man down, Spafford looked to Mike Ganzter to man up on 6/15/24.
Playing with a man down, it was here when Gantzer really stepped up and cut loose first the time, announcing his presence with swagger and authority, showcasing his undeniable ability as a player. Emoting with passion and simultaneously shredding his sparkling blue Gibson axe with the best of them, let’s be clear, no one can “replace” Brian Moss, but it was around this part of the show when you realized this was an unprecedented kind of Spafford experience. That we were witnessing something special and not only were things going to be just fine, they were going to be absolute fire.
Leaning heavily on bassist Jordan Fairless to handle the majority of vocal duties on this run, Saturday night at The Colony took on extra special significance for him. After celebrating his wedding anniversary two days prior, it was not only a homecoming for Jordan, but a full-on family reunion as well. With his beautiful wife and daughter in attendance, every time the local Woodstock resident stepped up to the mic you could see the sparkle in his eyes as he sang out to them. Touching and beautiful, the first time we’d hear it was on “Lonely,” a song written years ago and has emerged as one of the bands biggest jam vehicles.
It was a hometown throwdown for Spafford’s bassist Jordan Fairless who lives in Woodstock.
Clocking in just shy of the 20-minute mark, it was the clear standout of the first set and just seemed to hit a little harder given the circumstances of this particular night. Jordan’s soothing vocals carried over into the bluesy come down of “Shake You Loose” from 2022’s Simple Mysteries and would send the audience burning straight through intermission.
Met a man in New York and he had no time for me.
His New York minutes, they were ticking away.
But I’m not gonna give up, no I’ll just keep on standing here.
Waiting for that day…when we all say.
You don’t have to be lonely. Look no further, you can hold me.
And I will hold you till you’re not lonely.
We’ve got each other, and I’ll be on your side till the morning comes.
-Lyrics from “Lonely”
Prior to the start of the second set, the unofficial fifth member and band namesake, Chuck “Spafford” Johnson who would treat the audience to a reading of his poem “Would Etal.” A privilege to hear one of “Chuck’s Dreams” in person, his purpose with the band cannot be overstated. Aside from being a published poet, Johnson has also penned the lyrics for several of the bands most beloved songs, including “My Road, My Road,” “The Postman,” and “Slip and Squander.” He’s also the man primarily responsible for running the free Spafford live streams on YouTube and doing what some might call “God’s work.” Fans can’t thank him enough.
Chuck’s Dream: Lyricist Chuck “Spafford” Johnson read his poem “Would Etal” during set break on 6/15/2024.
Returning to the stage for round two, Spafford wasted no time putting the pedal to the metal by opening with “Diesel Driver,” a song that many fans have now come to associate with the aforementioned crash in March that still lingers over the band. It’s exploratory jam would segue nicely into the new and highly danceable Corey Schectman space-funk instrumental “Machine Elves” that had the entire room moving and grooving. Another sentimental moment came next as Fairless sang the blues based “Home (One Place I’ll Never Be). Dedicating the song to his wife two days prior, here he was able to sing it to her in person and just down the street from where they now live.
Spafford performing at The Colony in Woodstock, NY 6/15/24.
Playing up the novelty of Jordan’s homecoming, the undisputed jam of the night evolved next in the form of a near 30 minute version of “Leave the Light On,” a song first played by the band in 2012. This time, however, it seemed to take on a whole new level of maturity. Listening intently to each other and exchanging glances, the creativity flowed between the four musicians on stage. Largely anchored by the handiwork of drummer Nick Tkachyk, you would never know this lineup has only played a few shows together.
Mike Gantzer performing with Spafford at The Colony on 6/15/24.
Finding some limits and pushing through them, the playing was relentless and the improv was intense. With Gantzer pouring every ounce his of passion and spirit into the performance, you know somewhere out there Brian Moss is smiling knowing he made the right call. Feeling more comfortable with each passing show, you can see the healthy respect these guys have for each other and the budding friendship that’s blooming.
It’s so cold at night, and I pretend that it’s all right.
But I keep your candle burning in the window.
Leave the light on for me lady.
So in the darkness I can find my way home.
Leave the light on for me lady.
Let me know that I’m not alone
-Lyrics from “Leave the Light On”
Holding court near the merch stand with a small group of people listening intently, Gantzer opened up about the challenges of learning such intricate material in such a short time. While comparisons to Moss are inevitable and both players are among the scene’s elite, it’s not quite as turn-key when it comes to the type of improvisation Spafford is known for. Making it clear that he was honored to get the call and that he’s feeling a bit of pressure to deliver the goods, he humbly noted he “can’t play the songs like Brian does, that he can only play like himself.” Feeding off the crowd’s energy and hoping to send it all the way back to his friend, it’s fair to say Uncle Mike met all expectations and exceeded them in Woodstock.
Mike Gantzer performing with Spafford at The Colony on 6/15/24.
Returning to the stage for a brief encore, Jordan would address the crowd once again, thanking them for coming out to the show and thanking Gantzer for his incredible job filling in. After planting the homecoming seeds all night long, Spafford would finally spit them out with the lone cover and final song of the evening, a tasty take on Herbe Hancock’s “Watermelon Man.”
Mike Gantzer will remain with the Spafford through the remainder of the month before the band reevaluates. Following a scheduled run through Colorado and an appearance at the 4848 Festival in July, East Coast fans won’t need to wait long to see Spafford again. They’ve just announced a number of new tour dates in August that includes a stop at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua, linking up with red-hot New York jammers Annie in the Water. As for the future of guitarist Brian Moss, no one seems quite sure when he’ll return to the fold. Requesting privacy at this time, we here at NYS Music wish him all the best and hope the healing power of music starts working its magic soon.
Spafford | June 15, 2024 | The Colony | Woodstock, NY
Set1: Jam > It’s a Bunch > Lonely, Shake You Loose.
Set 2: Diesel Driver > Machine Elves, Home (One Place I’ll Never Be) < Leave the Light On.
In June 2004, the “end” was nigh for Phish as a band. The thought-to-be career-ending Coventry festival was slated for mid-August and all indications at this time was that there was no turning back and to savor every last performance. Before Phish would hang it up though, they graced SPAC with a two-day run over Father’s Day Weekend that featured moments of sheer brilliance, musical flubs that were all too common to this era and a surprise dad of their own that evoked memories of a happier time in the band’s history.
This particular SPAC run, only the fourth and fifth times that the band has ever played here, starts off with a bit of a surprise in the form of a “Reba” opener. Phish breezes through the composed sections of this intricate arrangement with ease before a relatively brief but euphoric improvised jam that follows. Alas, there would be no whistle-led ending to this one. Instead the band immediately pivots to a much more traditional show opener in “Runaway Jim.” Trey Anastasio leads the way on this one with some driving guitar fills which continually increase the tempo and depth of the ensuing jam until it comes to a head.
Tonight’s show maintains a relatively old school feel to it early on with the “NICU” that comes next with the “looked back on those days when my life was a haze” and the “Play it, Leo” lines both getting a hearty round of applause from the SPAC faithful. Phish then finally dives into their newer material with “Scents and Subtle Sounds” from their Undermind album which was just officially released last week. There would be no slow introduction for this one though as heard on the album. Instead Phish immediately jumps into the lyrical portion of the song, the first time they would ever do this. “Scents” yields another brief but truly uplifting outro jam with keyboardist Page McConnell pounding away on the piano while he and bassist Mike Gordon bookend it with harmonized lyrics.
Phish 2004 SPAC poster by Louis Arzonico
There’s a noticeable break between songs afterwards, perhaps with Phish trying decide how to end this first set at SPAC. It begins with a very slow, almost plodding “Wolfman’s Brother” that the band really takes their time with and certainly doesn’t suffer from a lack of funk. The “Walls of the Cave” that follows provides some of the best moments of the first set. After its typical thunderous outro jam, Phish takes it around the block and then some, going into a full Type II ambient/melodic jam that includes guitar riffs from Anastasio that would reappear in tomorrow night’s second set. As the jam slowly peters out, drummer Jon Fishman starts up the signature high-hat intro to “David Bowie” which closes out the first set in grand fashion.
Phish jumps right back into the deep end to begin the second set with the second ever performance of “A Song I Heard The Ocean Sing,” another new selection from Undermind which debuted days earlier in Brooklyn. It showcases the band’s true colors with a rollicking early jam that stays true to the song’s original structure before veering off into another exploratory Type II vehicle that elicits authentic aquatic vibes in its early stages before a slow and gradual reshape back to form.
poster by Jason Lees
This sets for the stage for “Piper,” a legendary version that phish.net properly describes as “a multi-section improvisational super heavyweight.” There’s no slow build in this 30-minute plus rendition that some argue is the best one of all time. Phish gets right down to business immediately, ripping through the brief lyrical section before leaping into a ferocious jam that starts off at an incredible pace and doesn’t let up for a while. At one point, the jam starts to ascend in a true “Tweezer Reprise”-like fashion without the song ever actually being played, with Anastasio going full rock god mode and vamping maniacally. It’s all adds up to a “Piper” that rivals the one played at Camp Oswego in 1999 and one that certainly belongs in any “Best Of” discussion.
The groove that develops on the back end of “Piper” eventually rounds cleanly into the beginning of “Gotta Jibboo.” Anastasio has the digital delay loop ready to go and this yields another joyous albeit brief jam that never rounds back into the end of “Jibboo.” Phish instead pivots to “Limb By Limb” with a standout version that features a series of patiently crafted, blissful peaks. “Cavern” then brings the second set to a close, marred a little bit by Anastasio completely spacing on some of the lyrics. Phish ends the first show at SPAC this weekend with a tame and relatively nondescript “Wading In the Velvet Sea.” Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said about their “last” one of these at Coventry later this summer.
June 19 review by Tim O’Shea
Phish – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saturday, June 19, 2004
Set 1: Reba, Runaway Jim>NICU>Scents and Subtle Sounds, Wolfman’s Brother, Walls of the Cave->David Bowie
Set 2: A Song I Heard The Ocean Sing>Piper->Gotta Jibboo>Limb by Limb, Cavern
E: Wading in the Velvet Sea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UIBFR2eVVs
In 2009, fans returned to SPAC for what would be a five-years and two month gap between Phish shows in Saratoga Springs, but no one at the time knew this, let alone the band. Having only played SPAC five times between 1994 and 2004, the band found new affinity for the (originally) summer home of the New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra. With Anastasio spending time from 2007-08 living in Saratoga Springs while serving probation, return trips to SPAC have been frequent, almost annual events, marking 19 shows since 2009 alone.
But this 2.0 era show stands out (as does the night before) with jam highlights throughout, erasing even if briefly the specter of the band’s ‘final’ shows coming up less than two months later. Never has the phrase “never miss a Sunday show” been more ominous, as for some, this would be the last time they would see the band perform live for many years.
Phish SPAC 2004 poster by Ryan Kerrigan
Opening up the first set with an energetic “Rift” that lit the audience up, segueing into “Julius” during which Trey broke a guitar string. Following the repair, the band was joined by Dr. Jack McConnell, the father of Page “Chairman of the Boards” McConnell, who performed “Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home” for the first time since 1999, even donning his tap shoes to soft shoe on this Father’s Day. This sit-in followed Jay-Z joining Phish just two days later in Coney Island on “99 Problems” and “Big Pimpin’.’
Shirt design by Tripp
The “Waves” that followed had a heavier flow to it, pushing past the composed section and keeping the song upbeat and lively until the end. A funky ‘Gumbo” gave way to a trio of shorter songs – “Water in the Sky,” “Horn” and “Poor Heart,” which offered a break in the action, before delivering a 22+ minute version of The Who’s “Drowned.” You could lump “Drowned” in with the second set jamming that followed, and rightly so – this version of “Drowned” is often overlooked because of the lore that has followed the second set of 6/20/2004, but should not be. Anastasio is in the zone throughout, shredding and leading the way, even working in a tease of Deep Purple’s “Lazy.”
Set two began with RoundRoom track “Seven Below” that showed early promise on December 31, 2002, and delivered in each appearance until that point. Starting out dark and working the tempo up, “-7” found its way into a rocking version of “Ghost.” This pairing would be found that November in Albany as another substantial “Seven Below” > “Ghost.’
An all-time great jam followed, with the rocking funk of “Twist” getting the balcony bouncing. At 21 minutes long, this deserves a few listens. By 7:00, the first Type II jam has lifted off, and as you listen, every two minutes, there is a fresh section of improv dissimilar from the previous two minutes. The jam from 7:00-17:00 just keeps evolving and developing, with Anastasio once again leading the way, while Fishman and Gordon lay down the rhythm to keep the pace. Locked in, after 17:00, “Twist” shreds until Anastasio pulls out the ‘hose’ and winds the song towards conclusion.
shirt design by Dylan Levene
“You Enjoy Myself” would follow and close the set, offering thunderous approval from fans and giving SPAC the ever rare, and coveted, four song set. An encore of “Good Times Bad Times” was bittersweet and is served as a mantra for that summer’s fateful tour, one that would put the band on hold for four and a half years, but bring them back stronger than ever in 2009.
Phish – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Saratoga Springs, NY – Sunday, June 20, 2004
Set 1: Rift > Julius, Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home?[1], Waves, Gumbo, Water in the Sky, Horn, Poor Heart > Drowned Set 2: Seven Below > Ghost -> Twist, You Enjoy Myself Encore: Good Times Bad Times [1] Dr. Jack McConnell on vocals and tap shoes
Kool & The Gang and En Vogue are coming to Tanglewood on June 23, performing at Koussevitzky Music Shed at 2:30 p.m.
Kool & The Gang is an R&B, funk group known for their hits from the 70’s and 80’s. They officially formed in 1969 signing to De-Lit Records and released their first album, Kool & The Gang. “Jungle Boogie” “Get Down On It” and “Ladies Night” are just a few of their many hits from their decades of discography.
The band formed in Jersey City as a Jazz ensemble. This included Robert “Kool” Bell on Bass, Ronald Bell on Keyboards, Robert “Spike” Mickens on Trumpet, Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas on saxophone, Ricky West on keyboards, George Brown on drums, and Charles Smith and Woody Sparrow on guitar. Now, Robert Bell, trumpet player, Michael Ray and Keyboardist, Curtis “Fitz” Williams make up the Grammy Award winning group.
Soul trio, En Vogue are joining Kool & The Gang on stage performing their hits from the 90’s. They have sold 20 million records worldwide and have won seven MTV Music Video Awards along with three Soul Train Awards. In 1988 Dawn Robinson, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones and Terry Ellis made the final cut for the girl group and they were signed to Atlantic Records. Now the group is a trio consisting of Ellis, Rhona Bennett and Cindy Herron. They’ve released seven studio albums, most recently Electric Cafe in 2018.
Last Year, En Vogue performed at the Fourth of July Tanglewood celebration. This summer music festival is located in the Berkshire hills in Western Massachusetts.
For More Information and to purchase tickets you can visit the Tanglewood website.
of Montreal played The Water Street Music Hall in Rochester on June 7. Touring in support of their newest album, Lady on the Cusp, Kevin Barnes brought his psychedelic fever dream of a show to an enthusiastic and sometimes costumed crowd.
Part of legendary Atlanta psych collective Elephant 6, the band has been around since the 90’s so they have a vast catalogue of experimental pop to pull from.
of Montreal shows include a circus like cast of costumed, eccentric, gender bending characters, who take over the stage and mess and tease both the crowd and Kevin Barnes. It feels like the drama club found some good acid and decided to crash the stage.
You have no idea what’s coming next and their playful presence adds some intrigue and often times hilarity to the show. They played several new tracks from their new album, while cherry-picking some crowd favorites and an old rarity or two.
