The phrase “Creed is back” has dominated music news over the last ten months, as word of the band’s reunion broke last year. On Saturday, August 24, the multi-platinum rockers brought their Summer of ’99 Tour to the Broadview Stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. They were joined by old friends and previous tourmates 3 Doors Down and Finger 11 and were greeted with a sold-out crowd.
Creed rose to stardom in the late 90’s following the release of their debut album, My Own Prison. A prolific set at Woodstock ’99 turned the heads of many in the industry, who were seeking an alternative to the grunge scene. The band released their second album (and smash success) Human Clay soon after. The album’s anthemic singles “Higher” and “With Arms Wide Open” dominated radio, leading to the album being certified diamond status. Creed would go on to release one more album, Weathered (2001) before disbanding in 2004. They would reunite for one more album and almost two years of touring before again disbanding in 2012.
Throngs of rock fans descended upon SPAC early to catch opener Finger 11. The Canadian rockers were a fitting opener for the evening, and delivered a high energy thirty-minute set. The audience had their first of many sing-a-longs for the evening, belting the lyrics to the hit “One Thing” back at singer Scott Anderson.
Up next was 3 Doors Down, a band who rose to stardom soon after Creed. The band’s sixty minute set served as a reminder of the many radio successes the band has achieved over the years, as they performed tracks like “Loser”, “Here Without You”, “Away from the Sun”, as well as their biggest hits “Kryptonite” and “When I’m Gone”. Fans had filled the seated portion and lawn to capacity early on in the performance, and delivered powerful sing alongs to the tracks.
Excitement and energy was palpable by the time the house lights dimmed and the Creed logo shown on the video screens which decorated the back of the stage. A deafening roar greeted the band as they took the stage and opened with the 2001 hit “Bullets”. Singer Scott Stapp paced the stage ferociously as he delivered the spoken-word intro to the track, before a wall of flames erupted, and the band launched full force in to one of its heaviest songs. The band would work their way deeper into their catalog next, performing “Torn” and “Are You Ready”.
Early in the set it and through out the entire evening, it was apparent that the capacity crowd was not just there for trendy purposes. The crowd stood on their feet for the duration of the band’s 105 minute set, belting the lyrics to every track in deafening fashion. The crowd became even more frenzied when guitarist Mark Tremonti revealed he would give one of his guitars to the most passionate fan in attendance, a gesture which saw Tremonti and Stapp gift the guitar to a young child and her father on stage.
For the many in attendance, the set served as a trip down memory lane. Each song took listeners back in time to over 20 years ago, as the band performed a seemingly endless stream of hits, including “My Own Prison”, “What If”, “With Arms Wide Open”, and “My Sacrifice”. Between songs, Stapp spoke of a message of perseverance and overcoming the struggles and challenges faced each day (an achievement he himself can attest to) as well as the need to find unity and common ground in such uncertain times. No matter the struggles and uncertainties we face each day, one thing is for certain.
Due to the cancellation of Aerosmith’s ‘Peace Out’ tour, legendary rock band The Black Crowes have extended their ‘Happiness Bastards Tour (The Reprise)’ with 14 new shows across North America, ending with back-to-back nights in Port Chester, NY.
2024 marks 40 years since the inception of The Black Crowes, and the Robinson Brothers are claiming this momentous year as their own. Following decades marked by sex, drugs, fights, breakups, and divorce, they are leaving their bullshit behind and coming together to celebrate their mutual love for rock n’ roll.
Since The Black Crowes reunited in 2019, they’ve made a triumphant return to form with over 150 shows spanning 20 countries worldwide, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Shake Your Money Maker, the album that put them on the map. And following their return to shows, the group came back to put out their first record of original music in 15 years and their 10th studio album, Happiness Bastards. Some may say the project has been several tumultuous years in the making, but The Black Crowes argue it’s arriving at just the right time. The band’s mentality toward their return has been simple: no gloss, no glitter, just rhythm and blues at its very best—gritty, loud, and in your face.
Named after their newest record, ‘The Black Crowes: Happiness Bastards Tour (The Reprise)’ kicks off in Northfield, OH, on September 27 and concludes with two nights in Port Chester, NY, on December 22. The upcoming run follows the band’s highly successful 35-date ‘Happiness Bastards Tour,’ which ran through North America and Europe this past spring.
Previously announced show dates have been rescheduled, and tickets for all rescheduled dates will be honored at the new shows.
Tickets are on sale now. Visit here for tickets and more information. See below for a full written lineup of The Black Crowes’ tour.
The Black Crowes Tour Dates
9/27/24 – Northfield, OH – MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage +
9/28/24 – Cincinnati, OH – Hard Rock Cincinnati Outdoor Arena
10/1/24 – Pikeville, KY – Appalachian Wireless Arena +
10/3/24 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
10/4/24 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre *
10/6/24 – St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater *
10/9/24 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion
10/10/24 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center +
10/12/24 – Macon, GA – Atrium Health Amphitheater
10/13/24 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre +
10/15/24 – Southaven, MS – BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
10/18/24 – Gary, IN – Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana
10/19/24 – Milwaukee, WI – Miller High Life Theatre *
10/23/24 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall *
10/25/24 – Rockford, IL – Hard Rock Live Rockford *
10/26/24 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory +
10/29/24 – Moon Township, PA – UPMC Events Center +
10/31/24 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena *
11/2/24 – Rama, ON – Casino Rama Resort *
11/7/24 – Tulsa, OK – Paradise Cove at River Spirit Casino Resort +
11/8/24 – San Antonio, TX – Tobin Center for the Performing Arts +
11/10/24 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater +
11/11/24 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater +
11/14/24 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
11/16/24 – Albuquerque, NM – Legends Theater at Route 66 Casino Hotel *
11/19/24 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater +
11/30/24 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento *
12/3/24 – Stateline, NV – Tahoe Blue Event Center
12/5/24 – Las Vegas, NV – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas +
12/6/24 – Indio, CA – Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Special Events Center
12/19/24 – Oxon Hill, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor *
12/21/24 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre +
12/22/24 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre +
Legendary blues rock guitarist and New York native, Joe Bonamassa brought his “Blues Deluxe Summer Tour” to the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. Most recently, Bonamassa released his newest effort Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestraearlier this summer. Friday, Aug. 26 was the first of two back-to-back nights that Bonamassa rocked the “Original Rock Palace.”
With fans finding their seats in the nearly 100-year-old venue, Bonamassa and his band graced the stage and jumped right into “Hope You Realize” off of Bonamassa’s Blues Deluxe Vol. 2record. Since there was no opener this evening, it left the band with more time to play for their fans. From the moment the 11-piece band plugged their instruments in, their sheer power overtook the fans. For a blues band, they were certainly loud, but in the best way possible. The classic blues rock rang like joyful noise during the two-hour performance.
The official music video for Joe Bonamassa’s “I Want To Shout About It”
Bonamassa was firing on all cylinders. From the vocals to the guitar playing to his stage presence, he had it all. From the little he spoke during the night, he made up for it during his guitar masterclass. Watching Bonamassa play took the breath out of some fans’ bodies as they watched in awe. Some people in the crowd were recording on their phones while others air-guitared. Some simply watched stunned by the guitar hero in front of them.
Bonamassa’s backing band consisted of a horn section featuring saxophones and trumpets, three backing singers in addition to the drums, bass, rhythm guitar and keyboards. Within the band, the musicianship was top-notch. They all played their part and had a welcoming sound to them. At one point in the show, Bonamassa called his band family and that he respects them the most. To see a leader like Bonamassa praise the band behind him was amazing to see.
Within the band, the musicians as individuals were spectacular. The horn section added a uniqueness to the band while the backup singers added more beefiness to the vocals. At one point in the show, singer Jade MacRae had a solo during “Self Inflicted Wounds.” Listening to her vocals sent chills up and down the spines of the audience who cheered and applauded at the end.
For those who don’t know all the individual members of Bonamassa’s band, on percussion, to his left sat Reese Wynans. Wynans is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble. When he was introduced, the audience all rose to their feet to pay respects to the legendary keyboardist. But, throughout the night, Wynans was spinning back and forth on the keyboard giving the performance of a lifetime.
The show flowed effortlessly as each song slowly transitioned into the next. With each new song, came an even flashier guitar from Bonamassa who changed guitars for what seemed like every song. During a few songs, he would sport a beautiful Les Paul while other times it would be a classic telecaster or a gorgeous red Gibson. It did not matter which guitar was on stage because, by the end of the song, Bonamassa delivered an emotionally beautiful solo.
While the band was setting up for the next song, Bonamassa took the time to say a proper hello to the audience and clarify that he is a New York native which brought a cheer from the audience. Bonamassa then proceeded to thank everyone for showing up to a homecoming show. It seemed that once he acknowledged he was in front of his home state’s audience, then the show got even better. There was a sense of the audience also acknowledging that the legendary guitarist was playing in a legendary venue and it made for a spectacular rest of the evening.
The entire night of Joe Bonamassa and his band at the Capitol Theatre was one of the best ways to close out the summer concert season.
Of the seven shows that remain on Bonamassa’s schedule, four are in New York. On Saturday, Aug. 24 he’ll be right back at the Capitol Theatre which is followed by a date in Rochester on Aug. 25 and Albany on Aug. 27. If you are a fan of blues rock and roll then you have to go see Bonamassa. It was a magical night of nothing but essential blues music.
Joe Bonamassa Setlist: Hope You Realize, You Upset Me, 24 Hour Blues, Done Got Over It, Self Inflicted Wounds, I Want To Shout About It, Last Matador of Bayonne, Breaking Up Someone’s Home, Heart That Never Waits, Is It Safe To Go Home, See See Baby, Humming Bird, Hard But It’s Fair, Mountain Time
In 1978, Christina Crawford published Mommie Dearest, a stunning memoir/exposé about the hardship endured growing up with her cruel and unbalanced mother – screen legend Joan Crawford.
While there is no brandishing of coat hangers a la Crawford in Earth to Moon (Deyst/William Morrow), Moon Zappa’s new memoir presents the disturbing realities of growing up as the eldest child of rock legend Frank Zappa and his neglected, bossy, and controlling wife, Gail.
First off, let’s talk about Frank Zappa. Undoubtedly, he is one of my favorite all-time musicians – as a composer, guitarist, and socio-political commentator. I adored his early works with the original Mothers of Invention, albums like We’re On In It for the Money and Burnt Weeny Sandwich, and also his early- to mid-‘70s output like Hot Rats, Overnight Sensation and Roxy & Elsewhere. And while he lost me for a while in the ‘80s, he was back at the top of my list with his final works, The Yellow Shark and Civilization Part III.
Like Picasso and other uber-productive artists, Frank was completely and utterly self-absorbed. As beloved and admired as he was by his children, he saw very little of them – spending nine months a year on the road. And when he was home, he rose every day at 5 pm and headed to his recording studio in the basement. Also, like Picasso, he was the ultimate horndog. Zappa carried on countless affairs while on the road and even under his own roof (one groupie reportedly lived under the piano in his home studio). The latter made his wife, Gail, a very unhappy woman who often took her frustrations out on her children. And it was her firstborn, Moon, who was the main sounding board for her woes and the chief recipient of her ire.
Like her father, Moon is a supremely talented individual—a writer of several books, an actress, an entrepreneur, a spiritualist, and a bit of a comedian too. The genesis of this book goes back to her fifth Christmas, when she received the first of her hardback-bound journals from her parents. This is something that would become an annual tradition and launch her lifetime practice of chronicling life events and her feelings.
“I partly wrote this memoir as a reclamation, to tell my version of what happened in my childhood and early life as a gift to myself, as a map that charts how and when I ended up as an adult,” she writes in the introduction to her book. “Growing up doesn’t end when you become an adult…Make peace with what hurts and head toward joy… Write your future with the ink of today.”
Moon’s sketches of childhood begin with her memorable name, Moon Unit. I had never heard that the “unit” stood for Frank’s belief that her birth made the family a true entity. When she is still way too young to hear it, her mother shares that “pushing you out of my vagina gave me the best orgasm of my life.” The Zappa household is bedlam. There are various band members, the Zappa-sponsored groupie/girl group, The GTOs, visiting rock royalty like Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton, scenester oddballs, and truly mentally unbalanced freaks like Wildman Fischer crashing through at all hours. She hates that her parents didn’t wear underwear. Above all, Moon craves “stability and structure.” She is frightened of the basement room where his dad keeps the suitcases he uses for touring. She believes there are aliens living down there (UFOs were one of Gail’s woo-woo obsessions). Moon would seek protection from the imaginary aliens from an unlikely source – two invisible camels. At four, she tries to run away to Hollywood and the famous Schwab’s Drugstore where Lana Turner was discovered, intent on becoming an actress.
When Moon gets mad that her birthday is being celebrated after her younger brother’s one September, her mother puts her in a cold shower. Gail tape records her screams and plays them back to a horrified Moon. She decides then and there that she doesn’t want to be anything like her mother. When Frank is away on tour, she will head to the soundproof vocal booth in his home studio to “scream away” her stress.
While Frank’s absence looms large in her life and this book, some cherished moments are chronicled. In one, they visit the zoo to see a cheetah Frank and Gail have adopted. Frank gets her a commemorative coin with “Moon Unit Is Beautiful” imprinted on it. When she is nine, they share a private moment where Frank shows her his favorite records: Erik Satie, the Goldberg Variation and Johnny Guitar Watson. He then gifts her his huge collection of 45s.
Gail shares with Moon her obsessions, one of which is the witchcraft her mother employs against Frank’s many groupies. At 11, Moon casts a spell of her own on a school bully. Moon hangs up her pointy hat and broom when her classmate is injured falling off the monkey bars.
In an attempt to bond with her dad, Moon slips a letter under his studio door to reintroduce herself to him. This will lead to their collaborative effort, the hit song “Valley Girl.” Moon’s impression of a So-Cal Valley speak is modeled on a girl she meets at a bar mitzvah. It will be Frank’s biggest commercial success and Moon will be thrust into the promotional spotlight though horrified by her teenage acne. Ever the needler, Gail will tell her that Frank wouldn’t give her writing credit or money until she insisted he do so. “Earth to Moon” is the phrase Gail will deploy to disparagingly gain her attention.
The success of “Valley Girl” will lead Moon to an acting career, her first on-screen kiss with Erik Estrada on the TV series CHiPs, and her first date with actor Emilio Estevez. To have time for her career, she will be put into a school with other young entertainers, including Janet Jackson and Jason and Justine Bateman, the latter who becomes a lifelong friend. This will be followed by roles in films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and stints as a VJ on MTV, with her brother Dweezil, and later VH-1. Moon and Dweezil will also star in their own short-lived TV series, Normal Life.
One of the most moving parts of the book deals with Frank’s battle with terminal prostate cancer. Gail thinks it’s ironic that he got the kind of cancer that would impact his ability to have sex with women… other women. Another revelation is that Frank will ask Gail for a divorce several times during their marriage, and during his final illness, to be with a German woman named Gerde. Moon will overhear (and be horrified by) her mother speaking with a New Zealand groupie who wants the dying Frank’s “seed” to have a child. We hear about his compulsion to continue to work and the Friday “Margarita Nights” where Frank is entertained by the likes of The Chieftains, Ravi Shankar, Tibetan monks, Tuvan Throat singers and The Simpsons creator Matt Groening. We also hear how Gail makes Moon sell her home to pay for Frank’s treatment… as the genius musician had no health insurance.
With Frank’s death, the family unravels, largely due to Gail’s machinations. She lies, saying he died without a will and in debt. She will sell his music catalog twice and go on a real estate spending spree before also ending up financially strapped. With Gail’s death from lung cancer, after Moon helps nurse her in her final days, she will set up the uneven distribution of power and assets between her children, which will lead to their current legal battles and estrangement. It’s “the final perfect chess move,” one that sews the family chaos that persists to this day.
But Moon will also come to admire her mother’s strength, and to have a bit of sympathy for her suffering at the hands of Frank’s artistic self-absorption and roving eye. “She never deserted her post as our leader in battle. Even if she helped perpetuate the war.”
With the parents passing, Moon’s life is still a battle and an object lesson in achieving self-realization and peace. In the book, she describes her marriage and divorce and a truly horrifying chapter on the life-threatening illness of her then three-year-old daughter, Matilda. She will move to Taos, study and teach meditation and yoga online, start a successful tea company, and continue her very fine writing. She comes to the realization that her mother’s actions are what set her free to be herself.
Near the close of the book, she writes of her parents: “Together, the two of you taught me the hard lesson that you can die before you die and live beyond your death. As a duo, you created the map and destroyed the key.”
Moon Zappa will in Woodstock at the Golden Notebook Bookstore on October 13 at 1 pm. For details, visit goldennotebook.com/events.
The renowned Beatles show “Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles” is coming to Schenectady with the Schenectady Saratoga Symphony Orchestra on Feb. 2.
The concert features 24 Beatles songs performed exactly how they were originally recorded. Audience members will experience “Penny Lane” with the fiery trumpet section and “Yesterday” complemented by strings and the acoustic guitar. The band and orchestra meet on the MainStage at Proctors, a historical theater in Schenectady’s downtown area.
Classical Mystery Tour is made up of four band members, Jim Owen on rhythm guitar, piano, and vocals; Tony Kishman on bass guitar, piano, and vocals; Tom Teeley on lead guitar and vocals; and Chris Camilleri on drums and vocals. They are nearly identical to the Beatles. Both their physical appearance and voices match the legendary band.
In over 22 years, the show has traveled to the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia and has performed with over 100 orchestras. Their very first performance was with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Orange County California in 1996. Now fans in Upstate New York can experience the closest thing to seeing the Beatles live. To buy tickets, you can visit the Proctors box office or go to the Schenectady Saratoga Symphony Orchestra website here.
Rolling into SPAC for the Neon Pill tour, Grammy award winning rockers Cage the Elephant put on a performance for the ages on Sunday night, August 18th. With a broken foot and a heart full of the rock n’ roll spirit, lead singer Matt Shultz powered through the entire show in unforgettable fashion, rolling around the stage on a modified medical scooter.
Weaving through blasts of pyro and popping the occasional wheelie, he showed more charisma and showmanship on one leg than most mortals have in their whole body. Even if you couldn’t get into the music, you had to respect the max effort behind it. Alongside an eclectic lineup that featured Young the Giant, Bakar, and rising star Willow Avalon, the evening was a celebration of musical diversity, perseverance and raw emotion, drawing thousands of fans to experience a show that will be remembered for many years to come.
Burning Down the House: Cage the Elephant lit it up in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
The buzz around SPAC before the show was all about Cage the Elephant’s previous gigs in the Capital Region. Long time fans were quick to remember their 2016 show with Portugal. The Man at the Palace Theatre in Albany where hundreds of fans jumped up on stage and hoisted Schultz into the air during the encore. From there, their legend only grew when Cage the Elephant moved up the road to SPAC in 2019 and stole the show from then headliner Beck (“Loser,” “Where It’s At”) with Shultz stripping down to his lifeguard shorts and completing a most epic crowd surf from the very front of the stage to the very top of the SPAC lawn to the tune of Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” So when the temporally handicapped Shultz rolled out in Saratoga Springs sitting on scooter, no one was really sure what to expect from the man who often spends more time running through the crowd than on stage.
Matt Schultz of Cage the Elephant completing an epic crowd surf at SPAC in 2019.
Sustaining a serious foot injury while performing in Atlanta earlier this August, this isn’t the first time members of Cage the Elephant have been hurt by their high-octane performance style. With a history of jumping off balconies and stage diving, things like cracked ribs, bruised sternums, bite marks and deep scratches that require stiches have all been par for the course with these guys. A few years ago, the band needed to cancel an entire UK and European tour when guitarist Nick Bockrath required immediate surgery after suffering a ruptured PCL, torn ACL, and fractured tibia while performing. But if pain is temporary and glory lasts forever, as they say in show business, the show must go on and this one did in a most grandiose way.
Neon Pill Tour: Matt Shultz performing with Cage the Elephant in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Formed as a six piece in 2006, the Kentucky bred Cage the Elephant has been a force in the music industry for nearly two decades. With six studio albums under their belt, including the newly released Neon Pill, the band has solidified their place as one of the most beloved and enduring bands in modern rock. Along with their unpredictable frontman Matt Shultz and his brother, Brad, on guitar, Cage the Elephant is also made up of Nick Bockrath (guitar), Daniel Tichenor (bass), Jared Champion (drums), and Matthan Minster (keyboards/guitar).
Rising to prominence with their gritty blend of alternative garage rock and punk blues combined with an elaborate and explosive live performance, their popularity can be attributed to their relentless energy, genre-defying sound, and the emotional depth of their lyrics. Despite his recent injury, Shultz’s indomitable spirit was on full display at SPAC, where he performed most of the set on a scooter, adding an unexpected yet fitting touch of rebellion to the evening. Opening up with the ever-appropriate “Broken Boy,” the band wasted no time playing with fire, dazzling the crowd pyrotechnics early and often.
Wheelie Time: Despite an injured foot, nothing could stop the showmanship of Cage the Elephant’s rockstar frontman on 8/18/24.
“Cry Baby,” the opening track from 2015’s Tell Me I’m Pretty, had the crowd singing along to every word, a recurring theme that was consistent throughout the night. Rocking renditions of “Mess Around” and “Cold Cold Cold” from the same album were also played, while “Spiderhead,” “Halo,” and “Telescope” represented the Melophobia portion of the show.
Fan favorite “Trouble” would receive the full “cell phone waving/sea of fireflies” treatment, which is a special moment at any show, no matter who is playing. Suddenly dropping into the hit single that put them on the map (and the only song played from their debut album), the crowd all but lost their minds singing along to “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.” With the audience firmly in the palm of their hands at this point, the sense of love and admiration for Cage the Elephant was palpable and through the roof. However, the journey to get to this moment hasn’t been without its challenges.
Watch fan shot footage of Cage the Elephant performing “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” in Saratoga Springs 8/18/24.
Supporting their first new album in 5 years, behind the scenes has been a little rough for the band. After Matt and Brad Shultz sadly lost their father in 2020, Matt made headlines when he was arrested for criminal possession of illegal firearms in Manhattan. Avoiding jail time by accepting a plea deal, he was placed in treatment for a medically induced psychosis in 2023. Now with legal troubles behind him and using the unfortunate setback as fuel for the new record, the phrase “neon pill” is a reference to the brightly colored medication that kicked off his mental breakdown. Delving into themes of self-discovery, inner turmoil, and the search for meaning in an increasingly chaotic world, when it came time to hype up the new stuff, Matt would casually ask if it was cool for them to play a few songs from Neon Pill.
After a resounding approval, “Rainbow” stuck out for its colorful laser light show, while “Good Time” had everyone from the front, back to the balcony getting lit. Including its title track, Cage the Elephant would only play three songs from the new album, instead putting much of the focus on 2019’s Social Cues. Treating the audience to tunes like “Ready to Let Go,” “Skin and Bones,” “Tokyo Smoke” and “House of Glass,” perhaps the most punk rock inspired song of the night was a fiery and emphatic stab at 2011’s “Sabertooth Tiger,” which saw even more pyro going off as the band exited the stage to a deafening loop of distorted guitar feedback.
Neon Pill Tour: Cage the Elephant brought the heat in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
With the crowd howling for more, the band would return for a three-song encore of hit singles. First up from Thank You Happy Birthday was “Shake Me Down.” Met with thunderous cheers, the connection between the band and their fans was palpable, with the audience singing along to every word, creating a communal atmosphere that is rarely seen in live music today. “Cigarette Daydreams,” a song that’s rapidly approaching 1 billon streams on Spotify, felt absolutely huge in this setting. Finally, Cage the Elephant would unleash one last sing along in “Come A Little Closer” resulting in a euphoric eruption that truly made you feel alive and the hairs on your neck stand up. Watching Shultz push his body to the brink and scoot off the stage one final time, you simply knew you had just been a part of something special.
Cage the Elephant performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Prior to Cage the Elephant, the ever-evolving indie rock band Young the Giant played a set of fan favorites. Formed in Irvine, California, in 2004, the band has become a staple in the alternative music scene, known for their melodic soundscapes and introspective lyrics. The band’s current lineup includes Sameer Gadhia (vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Payam Doostzadeh (bass), and Francois Comtois (drums). After opening up with “Jungle Youth, “ and “The Walk Home,” the band would then unleash their biggest hit to date with “Cough Syrup,” a song that’s amassed over 340 million streams on Spotify alone. Afterwards, singer Sameer Gadhia noted the band had no plans of touring this summer, but when an opportunity from Caged the Elephant knocked, they were glad to answer.
Mind Over Matter: Young the Giant celebrated the 10th anniversary of the their 2nd album at SPAC on 8/18/24.
Speaking candidly to the audience, Gadhia talked about how it’s kind of crazy he’s feeling comfortable enough to banter with crowd since he’s usually a reserved person off stage. Through the enabling power of music and art, when he’s in the grips of performing, somehow it all that goes away and he feels like he can do anything. Living in the moment and trying not to be afraid of taking chances, he said Young the Giant was going to try some songs they haven’t played in a while, as well as something from every album they’ve released so far. Continuing on with “Waves” and “Dollar $tore,” the band would go back to 2016’s Home of the Brave for “Titus Was Born,” before going all the way back to the beginning on “Apartment.”
Young the Giant’s Sameer Gadhia speaking candidly to the crowd in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Pausing once again to have another moment with the receptive crowd, Gadhia would talk about how this year marks the 10th anniversary of their second album Mind Over Matter. Reflecting back, he said “When it first came out everyone was so confused by it, because it was so drastically different than [their] previous work.” “But if you put all of yourself and all of your heart into something and truly believe in it, eventually someone will hear it and connect with it.” Ten years later, the album has gone from being an initial flop to their most streamed overall. Reminding everyone to “never apologize for your art,” Young the Giant would launch into the title track of “Mind Over Matter” then “Tightrope” from the same album. Finishing up strong with a pair of their biggest hits, setlist staples “Silvertongue” and the closer, “My Body,” had everyone up on their feet and waving their arms from side to side, fully primed for the main event yet to come.
Bakar performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Perhaps the most unique voice on the diverse bill was genre-blending English artist Bakar. Hailing from Camden, London, his distinct style fuses elements of hip-hop, indie rock, and pop. Wearing a red cap and a shirt reading “Cage the Bakar/Neon Pill Tour Forever,” Bakar’s inclusion on the tour was a bold choice, but one that paid off immensely. Performing solo and singing over backing tracks, “1st Time” would feature samples of “Dancing in the Moonlight,” while “Right Here, for Now” and “Stop Selling Her Drugs” would showcase his versatility and unique perspective on societal issues. After working his way through “Alive!” and “Small Town Girl,” Baker would sing his biggest song, “Hell N Back” last to close out the set. Bringing a refreshing and unexpected twist to the evening, Bakar’s music talked issues of race, identity, and the struggles of youth, making him a voice for a generation that is often overlooked in mainstream music. The audience, initially unsure of what to expect, quickly warmed to his dynamic performance and were up on their feet with cheers by the end of it.
Willow Avalon kicked off the Neon Pill tour in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
Kicking off the long evening of music with sophistication and grace was a star-making performance by the Willow Avalon band. A so-called “southern belle raising hell,” Avalon’s presence was magnetic from the start. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, she’s quickly made waves in the indie music scene with her infectious country-pop twang, stunning vibrato and carefree spirit. It wasn’t just Willow having all the fun either, her whole band appeared to be having a blast playing for Saratoga. Performing most of the tracks from her 2024 debut album Stranger, songs like “Honey Ain’t No Sweeter,” and “Getting’ Rich, Goin’ Broke” were met with smiles and applause, as her happy-go-lucky attitude and genuine passion for her craft was obvious.
Willow Avalon and her band performing at SPAC on 8/18/24.
Backed by a talented group of musicians, Avalon even worked in a brand-new foot stomper the band just wrote called “Raise Some Hell.” Joyful and radiant, Willow often touched on themes of love, nature, and self-empowerment. Rapidly becoming known for her vibrant stage presence and beauty, her microphones were adorned with flowers, reflecting her connection to the natural world and her upbeat personality. Her “friend not food” tattoo, featuring a pig, further emphasized her advocacy for animal rights, endearing her even more to the crowd. After working their way though Willow’s latest single, “Yodelayheewho” and her biggest song so far, “Tequila or Whiskey,” the band would ask for a little help from the crowd on the final song of the set. Quickly teaching them the lyrics to “Homewrecker,” it’s easy to see why Avalon’s rise to popularity has been so swift—her beauty, authenticity and warmth are qualities that resonate deeply and surely will continue to do so with audiences everywhere.
Willow Avalon performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/18/24.
The Neon Pill Tour at SPAC was a resounding success, showcasing the diversity and talent of some of today’s most exciting artists. From the hard-hitting rock of Cage the Elephant to the introspective melodies of Young the Giant, the genre-defying sounds of Bakar, and the uplifting country-pop of Willow Avalon, the night offered something for everyone. If you missed out in Saratoga Springs, don’t worry. With upcoming dates in Mansfield, MA, Holmdel, NJ, the Artpark in Lewiston, NY and a massive show at Madison Square Garden on September 5th, there’s still plenty more chances to get in on the action. If you’ve never seen Cage the Elephant before, and you’re a fan of live music, you simply owe it to yourself to check it out.
Watch fan shot footage of Cage the Elephant’s encore, “Come A Little Closer”at SPAC on 8/18/24.
Cage the Elephant | August 18, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Broken Boy, Cry Baby, Spiderhead, Too Late to Say Goodbye, Good Time, Cold Cold Cold, Ready to Let Go, Neon Pill, Social Cues, Halo, Mess Around, Trouble, Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked, Skin and Bones, Rainbow, Telescope, Tokyo Smoke, House of Glass, Sabretooth Tiger
Encore: Shake Me Down, Cigarette Daydreams, Come a Little Closer
Young the Giant | August 18m 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Jungle Youth, The Walk Home, Cough Syrup, Waves, Dollar $tore, It’s About Time, Titus Was Born, Apartment, Superposition, Mind Over Matter, Tightrope, Silvertongue, My Body.
Bakar | August 18m 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: All In, 1st Time (with Dancing in the Moonlight tease), Right Here, for Now, Stop Selling Her Drugs, NW3, Alive!, Small Town Girl, Hell N Back.
Willow Avalon | August 18m 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Stranger, Honey Ain’t No Sweeter, Getting’ Rich, Goin’ Broke, Raise Some Hell (new song), Yodelayheewho, Tequila or Whiskey, Homewrecker.
It was the perfect summer night with just a little rain mixed in for Tedeschi Trucks Band to perform at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, August 16.
Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi of Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
The 12-piece powerhouse band took no time getting most of the crowd on their feet to set everyone up for a night of moving and grooving with their soulful, bluesy, rock and roll. The night featured a mix of the band’s original music with some cover songs thrown into the setlist. They relied heavily on songs from their most recent album I am the Moon, released in 2022. Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi are music superstars, and they surround themselves with superb musicians. With such a large band, everyone gets a chance to show off their skills throughout the night.
Tedeschi sings most of the vocals throughout most of the night and she has a powerful, incredible voice that demands attention. Mike Mattison also gets to share his voice on many of the songs and his passion comes through with so much soul on the songs he gets to sing.
The whole night was full of crescendos and deep, meaningful music. The band leads into many of the songs very softly, then just builds everything up to this massive explosion of music from everyone on stage. Many of the bandmembers get their time to shine with solos. The show got off moving and grooving with high energy with “Part Of Me” and continued through “Playing My Emotions” and then “Ain’t That Something,” with keyboardist Gabe Dixon taking the lead on vocals and trading off with Tedeschi.
Mattison got his first chance to show off his bluesy voice as the band covered Bessie Smith’s “Gin House Blues.”
Tedeschi put down the guitar to sing “All The Love” and slowed things down a bit after this one as Trucks and other bandmembers left the stage with Tedeschi and drums, keys and bass. She performed the popular John Prine cover “Angel From Montgomery” that segued into Grateful Dead’s “Sugaree” and topped the sandwich off by going back into “Angel From Montgomery.”
Coming back from this slower, somber moment, the full band came back out and kicked it back into high gear for the big hit “Anyhow,” which had the crowd back on their feet and just has such an epic feel to it. Tedeschi then sang “Sweet & Low,” another song off 2013’s Made Up Mind and Elizabeth Lea had a big trombone solo.
Susan Tedeschi of Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
The band then played a couple covers with “Keep On Growing” by Derek and the Dominos, and Mattison took lead on Taj Mahal’s “Everybody’s Got to Change Sometime.” Then “Circles ‘Round The Sun” let Kebbi Williams loose on the saxophone. Tedeschi and other members then went off stage to let Trucks jam out on the long “Pasaquan” jam that also featured “Mountain Jam” sandwiched in the middle, a nod to Trucks’ past with The Allman Brothers Band. Trucks melted faces with his incredible guitar playing and the drummers Tyler Greenwell and Isaac Eady got to highlight their instruments with some sort of a duel.
The band then played “Just Won’t Burn,” a song from Tedeschi’s personal discography that came out more than 25 years ago. She really lets her bluesy voice do its thing on this one. The set eventually closed with “Show me a Woman,” a cover by Joe Tex, as the band left the stage in high spirits to get ready for an encore.
Only half of the band came out with Tedeschi and she invited opening act Margo Price to sing the George Jones song “Color of the Blues.” Then to really send everyone on their way, the full band came out along with all of Margo Price’s band as the 17 musicians on stage performed Leon Russell’s “Stranger in A Strange Land.”
Margo Price opens for Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
Margo Price’s opening set was a real treat for those who settled in early. The country singer-songwriter played a set fit for a headliner at CMAC. She really rocked the house with her good singing and her band really brought some power rock to the mix. Her sweet voice will sweep you off your feet, but that band will have you dancing really hard and almost headbanging.
Setlist: Part of Me, Playing With My Emotions, Ain’t That Something, All the Love, Gin House Blues (Bessie Smith cover), Angel from Montgomery *> Sugaree+>Angel from Montgomery* (*John Prine) (+Grateful Dead), Anyhow, Sweet & Low, Keep On Growing, Everybody’s Got To Change Sometime (Taj Mahal), Circles ‘Round the Sun, Pasaquan >Mountain Jam*> Pasaquan (*The Allman Brothers), Just Won’t Burn – (Susan Tedeschi), Show Me – (Joe Tex)
Encore: Color of the Blues w/Margo Price (George Jones), Stranger in a Strange Lane w/full Margo Price Band (Leon Russell)
All American rock band Certain Death released their new flashy single “Paranoid.” The Brooklyn band’s first single of 2024 came out just this past Monday on Aug. 12.
Paranoid has that amp heavy sound of classic 70’s hair metal. The single features lead singer Henry Black’s vocals and an organic sounding performance with little production. “This song really speaks to the shared experience of overindulgence and paranoia in nightlife that is both repulsive and irresistible,” Black said in a press release. Certain Death was born during the pandemic as a way for Black to confront his difficult feelings in a time of solitude.
Certain Death has a lot more music to come this fall. Next month they will release another single and they plan to release an LP titled Strange Garden in October.
It was just last year that the band came into the scene with two singles “When She Ain’t Around” and their very first song “Certain Death.” It was also last year that two new members joined the group- Matt White on Guitar and Jared Schapker on bass. Long-time member CJ Young performs all the heavy rock drums.
Not only does the band bring us back to the 70’s with their sound, but they emulate rock heroes with their style and album art.
You can listen to “Paranoid” on all streaming services. To keep up with Certain Death you can follow them on Instagram @certaindeathnyc.
The Doobie Brothers just added four more dates on their 2024 tour in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. On September. 30 and October 1, the Grammy-winners will be in Port Chester, NY at The Capitol Theatre. On Ocobert 4, yhey will stop in Atlantic City at Borgata Event Center, and on the following night they will be in Uncasville, at the Mohegan Sun Arena. All in all, Live Nation added these extra dates to due to the increased demand since the announcement of The Doobie Brothers tour.
About The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers haven’t stopped performing and making music since their beginning in 1970. Over their career, they have won four Grammy Awards and sold 48 million albums worldwide. In 2020, they were included into the rock and roll hall of fame. Additionally, in 2021 they released their most recent album Liberté and last year they released their single, “Lahaina” in support of those affected by the deadly Maui fires. Moreover, the song featured other musical legends, Mick Fleetwood, Jake Shimabukuro, and Henry Kapono.
Their 2024 tour comes three years after the Doobie Brothers 50th anniversary tour that reunited Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons, and John McFee for the first time in 25 years. Tickets for the new dates go on sale on Aug 16 at 10 a.m. You can find more information at
Friday, August 30 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheater
Monday, September 2 Macon, GA Macon Centreplex
Tuesday, September 3 Savannah, GA Enmarket Arena
Friday, September 6 Simpsonville, SC CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park Saturday, September 7 Greensboro, NC White Oak Amphitheatre Monday, September 9 Charleston, SC Credit One Stadium
Monday, September 30 Port Chester, NY Capitol Theatre
Tuesday, October 1 Port Chester, NY Capitol Theatre
Friday, October 4 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Event Center
Saturday, October 5 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
Tuesday, October, 8 Atlantic City, NJ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sunday, October 13 Halifax, NS Scotiabank Centre Monday, October 14 Moncton, NB Avenir Centre Wednesday, October 16 Ottawa, ON Canadian Tire Centre Thursday, October 17 Ottawa, ON Tribute Communities Centre Saturday, October 19 St. Catharines, ON Meridian Centre Wednesday, October 23 Winnipeg, MB Canada Life Centre Thursday, October 24 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place Friday, October 25 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome Sunday, October 27 Kelowna, BC Prospera Place Monday, October 28 Abbotsford, BC Abbotsford Centre
On August 16, Albany-based singer-songwriter, Josh Breden released his long-awaited quintessential passion project, Unfinished Business. The new body of work represents what Breden’s career has led up to, as well as who he is as a musician.
About Josh Breden
Josh Breden has been making music since he was a child. After experimenting with different methods of bringing his music to life, Breden took it to the next step with bands, collaborations, becoming a recording artist, and performing anywhere at any time. As a live musician since 2005, he took every opportunity to strengthen his craft and expand his knowledge and abilities, thus learning more about himself in the process.
Through the journey of completely indulging in the art of making music, Breden learned that he never wants to be confined to a genre, as his artistry flourishes with creative freedom. Because of this, he faced the grapple of being an authentic musician in an industry of patterns, labels, streaming, and money.
Unfinished Business came about when Breden entered the streaming service sphere with a few old tracks. Effectively, it put into perspective the necessary new-age demands of being a living artist. It confirmed two things for Breden. Firstly, if he was going to put an album out into the world he wanted each song to be its own unique entity. Secondly, he knew if he was going to successfully be a streaming artist, he needed a method to the madness which came in the form of producer Dan Gerken.
The two clicked and the vision pursued into what is now a 10-track album and possibly Breden’s most genuine piece of music. Every song has its own character with elements of rock, folk, country, tropical, and whatever Breden was feeling at the moment. Appropriately, Breden created a rock album that is never just rock.
The name unfinished business has a lot of significance here; It’s a little bit of closing the book on parts of life, a little bit of going back to my old self to see if it’s still me, its a little revenge, and a little understanding that theres more to do.
Josh Breden
Standout Tracks
Though it’s hard to single out specific tracks as they’re all unique and contribute to the final product in their own right, certain songs are more different from the others. In particular “Islands of Calleja” stands out as a tropical escape through its instrumentation and lyrics. Another track, “No Bueno” has that cosmic jam band sound with elements across a multiple-genre spectrum. Lastly, “Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” provides a commentary about adjusting to the evolving world. A true musician through and through, Breden lets the messages guide the music without conforming to anybody’s control but his.
