English Singer, Roger Daltrey will perform as part of Tanglewood’s Popular Artists Series on June 22 at the Koussevitzky Music Shed.
Daltrey is the leader and co-founder of The Who, having performed hit rock songs like “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley.” Aside from being the lead singer, Daltrey also wrote for The Who, including some earlier songs like “Early Morning Cold Taxi” and the band’s second single, “Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere.” The Who has been touring since its formation and have still performed within the last decade, but Daltrey has also toured as a solo act.
His first self-titled album was released in 1973. Since Daltrey, he’s released several more albums including an original motion picture soundtrack and a children’s album. Daltrey’s current tour comes two years after his last in 2022, in which he sang The Who songs and his solo music.
This year’s Tanglewood summer features classic rock artists like Daltrey, pop and orchestral performances. Tanglewood is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra located in Lenox Massachusetts on the Western side of the state. The space has concerts all summer long up until Aug 31.
Special guest, KT Turnstall will perform with Daltrey. She is a Scottish rock singer-songwriter known for her hit song “Suddenly I See.”
Roger Daltrey is set to perform at Tanglewood at 7 p.m on Saturday, June 22. To find out more information and to buy tickets you can visit the website link here.
Described as New York’s Backyard Jam, the 18th annual, Pleasantville Music Festival, will be held on Saturday July 13, 2024. T
he musical line-up includes on the Main Stage, festival headliner Better Than Ezra known for their 1995 mega hit ‘Good’, bluesy West Coast ‘roots rockers’-The Record Company,andlegendary reggae royalty-The Wailers. Also appearing will be Brooklyn indie rocker-Margaret Glaspy and a band called N.E.D. (which stands for No Evidence of Disease), made up of top-notch Gynecological Oncologists from around the country, including Dr. Gizelka David-West of Northwell’s Northern Westchester Hospital.
The Party Stage will feature Talon– a Brooklyn’s all-female alt rock band (with roots in Armonk), the bluesy and funky band Mojo & the Mayhem (with roots in White Plains and Rye), Dead Tooth, a hard-rocking punk outfit from Queens (with roots in Warwick, NY), Widely Grown-an upbeat country/Americana band with roots in Bergen County, and Party Stage headliners, The Collection, an fun alt-pop band out of North Carolina.
The Chill Tent Stage will kick off at noon with something new – a performer of music for children named Kenny Green. Later performers include delicate brother/sister harmonies from Plane Station from Peekskill, NY, Jazz and blues from Bergen County’s The Robert Hill Band featuring vocals from Chester, NY’s Rae Simone, respected and much loved Wilton, CT born singer/songwriter Jesse Terry will also perform. This year’s Chill Tent Headliner is the witty and charming Jill Sobule, known for 90’s hits like ‘I Kissed a Girl’ (not to be confused with the Katy Perry song) and ‘Supermodel’ from the movie Clueless.
The festival showcases emerging local talent, spotlighting the winners of the Battle of the Bands competition hosted at The Garage at Lucy’s in Pleasantville. This competition provides a platform for young, up-and-coming musicians to perform in front of a significantly larger audience
The Party Stage winner this year is a band called Mainline. Rooted in the Northern Westchester communities of Yorktown Heights, Katonah, Mohegan Lake and Nyack in Rockland County, they are classic mainstream metal, while adding some of their own modern flourishes. This hard rockin’ quartet has opened for the likes of Skid Row and Ace Frehley, has shared the stage with Dokken’s George Lynch at LA’s venerable Whiskey-a-Go Go and has performed nearby at Lucy’s several times.
The Chill Tent Stage will feature a pair of co-winners: Gavon Mitchell and Lauren Mian. Mitchell is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter from Putnam Valley, while Mian is an alt-folksinger from New Rochelle. Both have played gigs all throughout the region and after learning that they had finished the competition in a dead heat, the two friends happily agreed to share the stage.
The overall winner in this year’s Battle of the Bands competition is Blue Moon Band. Based out of southern Westchester, (Larchmont, Harrison and Mt. Vernon) this 4-piece band melds a host of musical genres into their sound, including alt. rock, blues and even a touch of reggae, creating an enticing blend. Still in their infancy, this band, whose oldest member checks in at the ripe old age of 18, has only recently begun recording in a studio.
Now in its 18th year, the Pleasantville Music Festival, presented by Northwell Health is known as New York’s Backyard Jam. It’s become a must-attend summer event for the whole family, with great local food and drink, a warm positive vibe, and of course, world-class rock. Tickets to the Pleasantville Music Festival are available through Ticketweb or in person on the third floor of Village Hall, 80 Wheeler Avenue in Pleasantville during specified times. See the Festival website for specific hours along with other details about the event, including links to the performers. www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com .
The Buffalo music scene is a prominent part of the nightlife in Western New York. Locals have numerous venue and genre choices when attending a live show.
In a unique rock nâ roll and pop genre mix, akloh. brought Electric Avenue Cafe to life on Monday, June 3. After the show, akloh. sat down and shared some insight on Buffalo, the music scene, and himself.
Alexandra Clark: Who would you say is your main inspiration or influence currently?
akloh.: Rock bands that truly value the art of quality songwriting have always been at the top of my list – Green Day, Foo Fighters, Nickelback, Switchfoot, etc. Those really haven’t changed for quite some time now because that “brand” of larger-than-life rock ‘n roll has never ceased to light a fire in me. With that said, I also draw a hefty amount of inspiration from more pop-based acts such as Jonas Brothers, The Struts, Twenty One Pilots, etc. as well as a variety of local acts.
AC: What do you love about performing live?
akloh.: I truly believe that I shine in a live-performance setting, especially considering the fact that all of my performances thus far have been delivered as a solo acoustic act. In an era when so many artists focus solely on releasing music and racking up streams/likes/views; when so many bands rely more on backing tracks than their own talents to put forth an engaging live experience; when the human-connection component of being a musician has been lost on so many, it’s a feeling unlike any other when I’m able to get up in front of a crowd armed with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and deliver a performance that’s just as if not more captivating than that of a full band.
And while I do have a live band in the works that I hope to perform with on occasion as sort of “special events,” I’m going to continue riding this solo-acoustic wave for as long as I possibly can. As a local-level artist beginning to breed notable success without having released any music or performed with a full band, I think it’s safe to say that there’s something special about the atmosphere I’m able to create with that acoustic guitar.
AC: What’s your favorite aspect of the Buffalo music scene? What about Buffalo as a whole?
akloh.: My favorite aspect of the Buffalo music scene has to be the musical diversity present within it – you can truly find acts of nearly every genre that both have originated in and perform around WNY. It’s often relatively easy to pinpoint the most prominent genre coming out of a given city, but with this city that’s simply not the case.
Otherwise, I’m an absolute sucker for Buffalo summers. While I’m not much of a fan of our winters, the way in which they create a shared sense of excitement and eagerness to be outside experiencing nature when the weather does (finally) change creates an environment unlike any other.
AC: What is your dream and or goal for your music career?
akloh.: My goal – while lofty – is to be the next artist on the forefront of the anthem and arena-rock sounds. I want to continue creating music that is not only true to myself, but that also carries with it a tangible sense of empowerment and vitality that lights the fire in others’ souls and allows them to share in that collective energy – music that 50,000+ people in an arena could relate to individually while singing and dancing along as one.
Husbands at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by @itchyeyephotos
Husbands kicked off the day on the IHG Stage with their indie rock sound characterized by distorted guitars and a dancey vibe. The crowd couldn’t help but boogie along, setting a lively tone for the rest of the day.
Elyanna, the Palestinian-Chilean singer-songwriter, captivated the audience with her soulful voice and unique blend of Middle Eastern and Latin influences. Her performance was a beautiful display of cultural fusion, offering a refreshing and authentic experience to festival-goers.
Elyanna at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
G Flip rocked the IHG Stage with their energetic performance. The highlight of the set was when Lauren Sanderson made a surprise appearance, joining G Flip on stage and sending the crowd into a frenzy. Their chemistry and stage presence created a memorable and electrifying atmosphere.
G Flip at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Baby Queen made her U.S. festival debut on the GoPuff Stage with a high-energy set that included “Quarter Life Crisis,” “I Can’t Get My Shit Together,” and “Buzzkill.” Her performance, marked by shredding on a pink guitar, was both raw and empowering. She hyped the crowd by asking, “Who’s getting drunk today? Well, this is a song about getting fucked up,” before launching into “Raw Thoughts.” Baby Queen’s message, “I want you all to remember you can be whatever you want to be,” resonated deeply with the audience.
Malcom Todd at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Malcolm Todd brought a wave of nostalgia by opening with the iconic iCarly theme. His set featured chill vibes and impressive guitar solos, including a memorable performance of TLC’s “Waterfalls” on the catwalk. He expressed his excitement to open for Chappell Roan and wished everyone a “Happy Pride Month,” sharing his love for the community.
Kevin Abstract at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Also on the Gopuff stage, Kevin Abstract – known for his work with Brockhampton – delivered an introspective and engaging performance. His set was a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. He engaged with fans by reading signs, including quirky messages like “I’m severely constipated” and “gays only event.” His performance included solo tracks “Empty” and “Tennessee,” as well as Brockhampton favorites “BUZZCUT” and “STAR,” creating a dynamic and engaging set.
Chappell Roan at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Chappell Roan’s performance was one of the most anticipated of the day. Fans chanted her name for five minutes before she took the stage, dressed as the Statue of Liberty. Her set began with “Femininomenon,” followed by “Naked in Manhattan” and “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl.” She said, “Today I am in drag of the biggest queen of all,” referring to her Statue of Liberty outfit.
Chappell Roan at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Chappell used her costume to deliver a powerful message, quoting the inscription on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” She elaborated, “That means freedom and trans rights, freedom and women’s rights, freedom for all people in oppressed territories,” giving meaning and symbolism beyond just being a “NY Icon.”
After a costume change to match her band’s taxi print, she debuted a new song, further thrilling the crowd. Before performing “Casual,” she explained her outfit change and showed off boots emblazoned with “1-800-ROAN” and checkered gloves. The set concluded with the fan-favorite “Pink Pony Club,” leaving the crowd ecstatic and chanting her name long after she left the stage.
Rapp’s setlist included “Poison Poison,” “Bruises,” and “Pretty Girls,” during which she prompted the crowd, “If you’re a pretty girl, put your hands up!” She engaged warmly with fans, including a heartfelt interaction with a fan named Sam: “What’s your name, baby?” she asked. “Well, Sam, I need you to hear me when I say you’re one of the prettiest girls out here.”
Introducing her band members, Rapp quipped, “Seldom will I celebrate a man, but today I will.” She wrapped up her performance with “Tummy Hurts” and “In the Kitchen,” dedicating the latter to theater kids and describing it as her “theatrical ballad.” She closed her set with an exuberant shout-out: “Can I get a round of applause for lesbians?” and did a funky little dance, leaving the crowd with smiles and a sense of unity.
Peso Pluma at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Peso Pluma brought his signature style to the GoPuff Stage, delivering a performance that resonated deeply with fans. His set was marked by powerful vocals and a commanding presence, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Don Toliver at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Don Toliverâs set on the GoPuff Stage was a high-energy affair, featuring new and familiar hits. He debuted his new song “Tore Up,” which was met with enthusiastic approval from the crowd. Other highlights included performances of “Bus Stop,” “Smoke,” and “Attitude,” showcasing his versatility and charisma.
Chappell Roan at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by N Bradley
SZA closed out the festival on the GovBallNYC Stage with a breathtaking performance. Her setlist included fan favorites such as “Low,” “Normal Girl,” “Kiss Me More,” “Snooze,” “Kill Bill,” and “The Weekend.” Each song showcased her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The audience was mesmerized by her soulful renditions and the raw emotion she brought to each performance.
Day 3 of Governors Ball 2024 was a testament to the power of live music to bring people together, celebrating diversity, creativity, and the sheer joy of performance. Each artist brought their unique energy to the stage, leaving fans with memories to cherish until next year’s festival.
With 2024 come and gone, we can start speculating about next year. The choice to continue at Flushing Meadows Park was a major success. The lushness of the park continues to prove to be the perfect venue for this festival; with large fields and thick trees providing shade to camping festival goers.
Music legends united for the first time on Saturday, June 8, as Billy Joel welcomed Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio during his 149th lifetime show at Madison Square Garden.
Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez
For two guys who have performed at MSG more than any others – 149 times for Joel, and at least 89 times for Anastasio between Phish and TAB shows (not including guest appearances for either) – you’d think the collaboration was bound to happen, eventually at least. So the night before Billy Joel says farewell to MSG with his 150th career performance and the end of his monthly residency.
Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez
Billy welcomed Trey to the stage for “Sleeping with the Television On,” with Anastasio riffing on Eric Clapton’s “Layla,” getting Joel to join in for the ending sequence.
Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez
Later in the encore, Trey was invited back up for the encore, joining in gleefully on “You May Be Right” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.”
Governors Ball 2024 kicked off bright and early for Day 2 on Saturday, June 8, continuing the party from Day 1 at Flushing Meadows Park. Once the gate reopened to the masses, music fans ran to stake out their spots in anticipation of all the talent Saturday had to offer.
TV Girl, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Anna Downs
On the IHG Stage, Little Stranger from Charleston, SC delivered a funky, high-energy set with distorted guitar riffs and vibey trumpet and saxophone backups. Their indie rap-pop style shone through in songs like “Coffee & a Joint,” resonating well with the crowd. The playful and fun performance featured futuristic yet relaxed synth sounds, with lead vocalist Kevin Shields joking, “everything’s legal so you can do whatever you want today, I heard it from the governor himself*.” Their set was full of banter, hyping up later acts like Sexxy Red and keeping the audience engaged and entertained. *Ed. Note: New York State’s Governor is Kathy Hochul.
Telescreens, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Josh Sobel
The GovBallNYC Stage saw a dynamic start with New York City-based indie rock band Telescreens played a hometown show that drew out a dedicated early crowd. Fans went hard in the pit during “Don’t Feel Nothing,” and the band expressed excitement about finally playing their first festival after seven years together. The set closed with a circle pit and moshing, capturing the raw energy of the fans.
Quarters of Change, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Following up, Quarters of Change, whose experimental alternative rock blended seamlessly with melodic hip hop, setting a high-energy tone for the day. Following them, Jessie Murph captivated the audience with her unique country pop sound, delivering heartfelt performances that resonated deeply with fans.
Jessie Murph, Day 2 Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
As the sun began to set on Day 2 of Governors Ball 2024, Hippo Campus took over the IHG Stage, bringing their indie pop folk sound to life. The Minnesota band delivered a series of hits including “Ride or Die,” “Everything at Once,” and “Bad Dream Baby.” Their witty banter, including comments like “your parents may not love you but Hippo Campus loves you,” endeared them to the crowd, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.
Riovaz, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Over at the GoPuff Stage, Riovaz kept the momentum going with an engaging set, while Bakar’s performance stood out with his cover of “Dancing in the Moonlight,” and powerful renditions of “3 Nights” (a Dominic Fike cover), “Stop Selling Her Drugs,” and “Hell N Back.” His experimental indie rock sound had the crowd hooked from start to finish.
Doechii, Day 2 of Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Doechii took the GoPuff Stage by storm with a fiery hip-hop/rap set, featuring viral hits like “Bitch I’m Nice,” “Crazy,” “What it Is,” and the song that put her on the map, “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake.” She also introduced the crowd to her unreleased track, “Sweat,” showcasing her versatility and leaving fans eager for more.
Sexyy Red, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Sexyy Red continued the hip-hop/rap vibes, delivering a performance full of attitude and energy, while P1Harmony made history on the IHG Stage as the first Kpop boyband to ever perform at Gov Ball. Their electrifying set included songs like “Emergency,” “Everybody Clap,” “Heartbeat Drum,” “Killin’ It,” and “Back Down,” captivating a dedicated audience with their synchronized choreography and powerful vocals.
Carly Rae Jepsen, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Carly Rae Jepsen brought a burst of energy to the GovBallNYC Stage, drawing fans from all corners of the festival grounds. Her performance of “Call Me Maybe” sparked a massive sing-along that echoed across the festival grounds, while a mix of older favorites like “I Really Like You” and newer hits like “The Loneliest Time” showcased her enduring appeal. Carly even ventured into the crowd, amplifying the excitement and connection with her fans.
Sabrina Carpenter, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Sabrina Carpenter drew one of the largest crowds of the day on this very same stage. Her performance featured a mix of hits like “Feather,” “Vicious,” and “Already Over,” complemented by talented backup dancers and heart-themed stage decor. Her heartfelt introduction to “Already Over” highlighted her appreciation for New York’s unique musical culture, stating, “New York is one of the best cities in the world to play music because you’ve figured music out in a way that hasn’t been studied by science yet.” This sentiment resonated deeply with the audience.
Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Sabrina’s set showcased a wide range of her musical repertoire, from heartfelt ballads to high-energy pop hits. Fans of all ages, from young teens to older adults, were enthralled by her performance. Before singing “Fast Times,” she urged the audience to “Throw your phones in the river, I want you to be present,” encouraging everyone to fully immerse themselves in the moment.
Sabrina Carpenter, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
One of the most iconic moments however, came before “Because I Liked a Boy.” Sabrina asked the crowd to chant “I’m a slut” on the count of three, creating a powerful, unifying experience. She also teased her upcoming album, Short and Sweet, exciting fans with the promise of new music. The set concluded with a playful faux exit before her signature song “Nonsense.” The crowd eagerly awaited her return, and Sabrina delivered with a unique, city-specific ending that left the audience buzzing.
21 Savage, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
The Killers closed out the night with a stellar rock performance. Celebrating 20 years of coming to New York, they delivered classics like “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine” and “Read My Mind.” A fan summed it up perfectly, saying, “this is some real ass rock and roll.” The night ended on a high note with “Mr. Brightside,” leaving everyone in awe of the surreal experience.
Gov Ball continues tomorrow with a jam-packed Day 3 with acts including Chappell Roan, Renee Rapp, SZA, Kevin Abstract, and much much more. Stay tuned for more of our recaps for Gov Ball 2024!
Sexyy Red, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilQuarters of Change, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilP1Harmony, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilDoechii, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilJessie Murph, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilBakar, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil21 Savage, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilCarly Rae Jepsen, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilP1Harmony, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilBakar, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Governors Ball 2024 took off bright and early on Friday, June 7, launching their second year at the new festival site at Flushing Meadows Park. By the time “New York’s biggest party” opened the gates at 11:45am, music fans had been lined up for hours in anticipation of Friday’s biggest names.
Durry, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
On the GovballNYC Main stage, School of Rock Queens delivered an energetic and diverse cover-filled performance with a setlist that included “Beat It”, “Voulez-Vous”, “I’m Not Okay”, and “Locked Out of Heaven”. The show featured a diverse cast of characters, including a unique tambourine player, and showcased a myriad of covers led by different female vocalists for each song. Following them up, Minnesota rock band Durry delivered a high-energy performance that captivated the audience from start to finish. Their gritty guitar riffs and powerful vocals resonated through the venue, creating an electric atmosphere.
School of Rock Queens, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Early on over at the GoPuff stage, fans were treated to Long Island locals Arcy Drive. They brought their unique blend of rocky indie beach vibes to the stage with a standout performance. Featuring a pioneering female drummer, the band infused their set with a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere. They captivated the audience with a mix of their signature sound and the debut of a mysterious new song from their upcoming album. Right after their set, Qveen Herby dazzled the audience with her striking look and vibrant sound, seamlessly blending hip-hop and pop elements. Her sharp lyrics and dynamic stage presence had the crowd hooked from the first beat.
Qveen Herby, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Following Qveen Herby, the atmosphere shifted once more as Yung Gravy took to the GoPuff stage, sporting a floral detailed suit that perfectly matched his new era. He delighted the crowd with “certified Gravy Classics” like “Betty (Get Money)” and “Welcome to Chili’s,” alongside fresh, unreleased tracks (including “Back On The Horse” and “Lone Ranger”) from his upcoming country-inspired album. During “Oops!!!,” he playfully switched the usual lyric “Tracy with the ass?” to “Tracy from Queens?” in a nod to Gov Ball’s enthusiastic audience, making the performance even more memorable.
Yung Gravy, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Over at the IHG Stage, British pop girl group FLO delivered a performance reminiscent of The Cheetah Girls, complete with stunning vocal runs and harmonies that could go on for days. They brought their set to a triumphant close with their iconic track “Cardboard Box,” leaving the crowd buzzing for when Teezo Touchdown took over.
Teezo Touchdown, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
His electrified set kicked off with “Careful” that was both visually and musically captivating. With a floral-stylized microphone in hand, he delivered a powerful rendition of his hit “SUCKA!” and brought the metaphorical house down with a unique cover of Tyler, the Creator’s “RUNITUP.”
Arcy Drive, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Back over on the GovBall NYC Stage, Ryan Beatty’s performance was a seamless blend of smooth modern rock and indie pop, showcasing his undeniable star potential. With a voice like silk, he captivated the audience, even using a theremin-like instrument to add a unique touch to his set. Sporting his signature headphones, he dedicated a song to his longtime fans, saying, “This one’s for the OGs, if you’ve lasted this long, bless you.” To quote the great Ryan Beatty himself: “We’re just getting started”.
Ryan Beatty, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
As the day kept chugging along, the energy built throughout the festival grounds. Back on the GovBallNYC Main Stage, Dominic Fike rocks up with a performance full of memorable moments and musical highlights. He made his grand entrance with his sister Apple on his shoulders, marking his second Gov Ball appearance. Rocking cool shades and bleached eyebrows, Dominic declared, “NY I am inside you,” and complimented the city’s beauty, especially its women, which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Dominic Fike, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
He reminisced about filming a music video in New York with Paul McCartney for “The Kiss of Venus” and kept the energy high with playful banter. He praised the crowd, saying, “this place rules, you guys are cool as hell,” before performing “Mona Lisa” from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, humorously pointing out his brother in the crowd, telling people to “throw sh*t at him”.
Dominic Fike, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Dominic’s voice shone through as he introduced new tracks from his EP 14 Minutes, including “coast2coast” and “misses.” He shared a vulnerable moment about creating “misses” during a low point, expressing gratitude to his fans for boosting his self-confidence: “Thank you for instilling some self-confidence in me.”
Post Malone, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
As the sun set and the energy peaked, Post Malone absolutely brought down the house with his masterclass in blending classical elegance with modern rock energy. The set began with a captivating cello intro, featuring intricate strings that seamlessly transitioned into electrifying guitar shredding, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
As soon as the opening string chords resonated, festival-goers sprinted from all corners of the grounds to witness the spectacle. The moment Post walked up, the night sky exploded with fireworks and intense pyro, amplifying the crowd’s excitement and creating a visually stunning backdrop for his electrifying set, a fitting end to Day 1 of Governors Ball 2024.
Post Malone, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Day 2 starts back up at noon on Saturday, with sets from Sabrina Carpenter, The Killers, Hippo Campus, 21 Savage, and TV Girl. Stay tuned this weekend for more Gov Ball coverage.
Teezo Touchdown, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilSchool of Rock Queens, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilSchool of Rock Queens, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilRyan Beatty, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilQveen Herby, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilDurry, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilArcy Drive, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
In an industry where so many artists and bands come and go, American rock and roll, country, blues and R&B hybrid band Little Feat has remained ever-present since the late 1960s.
Nearly 30 projects have come out over the course of Little Feat’s 55-year existence, with the band’s most recent full-length record coming out less than a month ago. Following their new record, Little Feat is set to headline the NYS Blues Fest in Syracuse on Saturday, June 15.
Through breakups, regroupings, lineup changes and genre-bending albums, Little Feat has maintained the spirit that gave them an audience in the first place. That of making authentic and passionate music that’s a joy to listen to and feeds the soul.
The band’s new album, Sam’s Place, just came out on May 17 and is their first album in 12 years. The record is also the first Little Feat project to feature longtime percussionist Sam Clayton on lead vocals, and the first to lean heavily into the blues.
Bill Payne, pianist for Little Feat, is the sole founding member of the band who is still actively involved. With a wildly impressive resume of musicians he played with as a session artist, including Pink Floyd, Stevie Nicks, Toto, Jimmy Buffet and many more, Payne is no amateur in the industry.
NYS Music had a conversation with Payne about Little Feat’s recent record, the significance of live music, the future of Little Feat and more.
Bill Payne playing with Little Feat at a 2010 Richie Hayward benefit in Vermont.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Erkan: The gap between Rooster Rag and Sam’s Place was 12 years. What was it like for the band to get back together and record after your longest break between albums?
Payne: It wasn’t that big of a deal. There was an interim right after Rooster Rag where I was playing with The Doobie Brothers. So that time was occupied. I didn’t feel like there was a huge gap in terms of what I was working on. I don’t think it really affected the band all too much.
Erkan: What makes Sam’s Place different from all other Little Feat projects?
Payne: I think it’s unique in a couple of senses. The biggest one is focusing on Sam Clayton for vocals. I wanted to do this many years ago, and it never took place, so I was thrilled. The other thing that I think stands out with this record is that Michael LoBue, or we call him “Bull,” was playing harmonica for us. Also, the record focuses on one genre of music rather than the eclectic mix of things that we normally do.
Erkan: Now that Sam’s Place is out, how has the reception been?
Payne: The reception is excellent. It’s always great when you can project yourself on a project. I had one guy comment saying, “Oh man, I love Little Feat, but when I found you were doing a blues record, I was like, ‘Oh no!’ And then I sat down and listened to it, and my jaw fell to the floor.”
Erkan: Have you been able to play it live yet?
Payne: We’ve cherry-picked a few songs. We were just in Berkeley, and we played one of the tunes that evening.
Erkan: How important to the band are live shows?
Payne: I think to our band in particular, and any band for that matter, especially these days, they are exceedingly important. The music industry has changed so much over the years and selling records is not what it used to be. Streaming is a conundrum in terms of you couldn’t possibly make a living doing it unless you were a star like Lady Gaga. I think all the proponents that have always been there for artists are all important. Live shows, recordings, rehearsals—the whole nine yards.
Erkan: Sam’s Place is the first Little Feat album to be released in the streaming era. What aspects of the album did it affect, if any?
Payne: I didn’t think about it one way or the other. I don’t think anybody did. We just played.
Erkan: You’ve had the privilege of seeing the music industry evolve massively throughout your career. Do you have any words on what it’s been like to exist through the countless changes and evolutions the industry has gone through?
Payne: On certain levels, it’s like a frog being boiled in water. People don’t realize things until it’s too late. On other levels, I’ve felt like Nostradamus at times. Like when I was trying to convince Warner Brothers that the internet is something they might want to pay attention to. Artists don’t write or compose or create because they want to. They have to. In other words, it’s going to come out, whether there’s a platform to present it or not. It’s something that you have in you or you don’t.
Erkan: Do you have any words of advice for people who might want to get into the industry but don’t know what to do?
Payne: If you’re the type of person who’s inquisitive about things, you have to embrace that with all with all you have. As an artist you have in your quiver, so to speak, the ability to share with people not only what you like to listen to or have been influenced by but how you might influence others, which is your own. Those things are important to share, especially in this day and age.
Erkan: Your 1978 album Waiting for Columbus made it to Rolling Stones’ 50 Greatest Live Albums of All Time list. What factors would you say contributed most to that album being so highly praised?
Payne: What exemplifies anything that we gravitate to with musicians and artists is two things: One is the music itself, the compositions. And secondly, there is the craftsmanship. The sonic quality of that record is wonderful. We had some brilliant people working with us. What makes Little Feat Little Feat, is the musicianship and great songs.
Erkan: You’ve mentioned in a couple of previous interviews that you’re actively writing a memoir. Can you tell me more about how that’s going and what stages of the book you’re in?
Payne: I’m approximately 70,000 words into it. I think that Thomas McGuane said the other day that between the musings and the dead ends, writing can often be like starting to fire in the rain. It’s tough, but I enjoy the process. All manner of things are revealed when you write about yourself. I was curious to see if I could tickle my brain and operate on myself, and yeah, it turns out I can.
Erkan: What’s next for Little Feat?
Payne: I was just listening before you called to the last mix of some songs that we have coming out on a record next year. The album is untitled, but they’re all new songs. People settled into Sam’s Place, and we’ll follow up with a punch with this new record. It’s extraordinary. There are some good guests on it. Hopefully, we’ll have another conversation about that.
Stream Little Feat’s new album Sam’s Place on all streaming platforms.
The Bug Jar, located in Rochester, will be hosting a series of events including parties, concerts, and happy hours throughout the month of June.
Bug Jar – PIX11
Having hosted iconic rock bands like The White Stripes, The Black Keys, and Modest Mouse, Bug Jar has made itself an important figure for musicians and music lovers alike. Since 1991, Bug Jar has given local and regional musicians an energetic, lively space to perform.
In the years since its reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue has become dominated by shows in the punk, metal, and hardcore scenes. With an eclectic interior design including two large bugs greeting customers at the door, the venue has been a safe space for creativity, boldness, and originality to shine.
This June, Bug Jar will be hosting a series of concerts and parties for fans of all genres. All events are 21+, with special tickets being sold for guests ages 18-20 for certain events.
6/9 – Jenny Don’t And The Spurs & Jazz Goons – 8pm
For the past 10 years, Country/Western band Jenny Don’t and the Spurs have been cultivating a vast international following through extensive tours across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand and performances in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Mexico. They will play alongside Jazz Goons on Sunday, June 9th.
6/14 – The Thrifts / The Macks / Mary Shelley – 8pm
A night of speaker-blasting rock and roll comes to the Bug Jar on Friday June 14th. Join the three rock bands: Rochester’s own The Thrifts, Portland-based The Macks, and Brooklyn-born Punk band Mary Shelley, who are rocking out in Rochester.
Punk band Mary Shelley
6/15 – University Drive / Anchor / Into the Light – 8pm
University Drive is an Alternative Rock band hailing from Scranton, Pennsylvania. Emulating a sound similar to Nirvana, Weezer, and The Front Bottoms, join them along with local bands Anchor and Into the Light for a night of nostalgic alt-rock at the Bug Jar on Saturday, June 15th.
University Drive – First Avenue
6/21 – MAKEITSTOP / Nobody No One / Shark Arms / picknumber3mylord – 8pm
Following the release of their newest self-titled EP, post-hardcore powerhouse MAKEITSTOP comes to Bug Jar on Friday, June 21 for a night of garage band style nostalgia. They will be joined by local punk bands Nobody No One, Shark Arms, and DJ picknumber3mylord.
Bug Jar takes a trip to Kentucky this June with performances from country/hellbilly groups Belushi Speed Ball and Joe Buck Yourself. Belushi Speed Ball, an emerging thrash metal band, encourages fans to headbang along to their set on Saturday, June 29. Up-and-coming UK DJ Sully follows.
All events for the month of June have been listed below. For more information and upcoming shows and events, visit here.
JUNE EVENTS AT THE BUG JAR
6/1 – SLUTPOP Beach Dance Party / DJ’d by KOPPS – 8pm 6/6 – Clibbus / Radiation Blackbody / Leaking Head / Humiliating Moan – 8pm 6/7 – at 5pm – SAD HOUR: All Sad Songs, All on Vinyl w/ DJ Tim Avery, FREE, 21+ – at 8pm – Depeche Mode vs New Order Dance Party 6/8 – STP: 30 Years of Purple Tribute Show – 8pm 6/9 – Jenny Don’t And The Spurs & Jazz Goons – 8pm 6/13 – Therapy Gun / Luckycaller7 / Dead Pets – 8pm 6/14 – The Thrifts / The Macks / Mary Shelley – 8pm 6/15 – University Drive / Anchor / Into the Light – 8pm 6/20 –Leah Senior / Kairos Creature Club / Georgie – 8pm 6/21 – MAKEITSTOP / Nobody No One / Shark Arms / picknumber3mylord – 8pm 6/22 – Noah Kesey / Bugcatcher / Kitchen – 8pm 6/27 – Messer Chups w/ Harmonica Lewinski – 8pm 6/28 – Head to the Roots w/ TBA – 8pm 6/29 – Belushi Speed Ball / Joe Buck Yourself / Sully – 8pm
Buffalo’s Larkin Square has announced the return of its beloved Live at Larkin and Food Truck Tuesday weekly events this summer. The KeyBank Live at Larkin Summer music series will begin June 5th.
The summer series will include 13 weeks of live shows, ending on August 28th. Larkin’s annual Food Truck Tuesdays season will also begin June 4th, offering a host of curated food trucks and live music until August 27th.
This year marks the 12th season of Live at Larkin, which has become a staple of Buffalo’s Larkinville neighborhood. The site was home to the former Larkin Soap Factory, which supplied the second largest catalog sales business in the country. Since the factory’s closure in the 1940s, there have been many attempts to revitalize the neighborhood. These came to a head in 2012, with the opening of Larkin Square. Since its establishment, the venue has become a community gathering place, offering a host of family-friendly events.
One of the most popular events hosted by Larkin Square is Food Truck Tuesdays. This weekly event begins June 4th, offering around 25 food trucks each Tuesday. Truck offerings range from Italian to Thai to Halal, with each truck offering nutritionist-certified options. The event draws trucks from Buffalo, Rochester, and beyond for visitors to enjoy. Guests can bring their own chairs, but coolers and outside alcohol are prohibited.
In addition to food trucks, the weekly event offers the chance to enjoy live music from local bands. The Walter Kemp 3 will kick off the summer season with their award winning jazz. When not playing with legends like Sun Ra’s Arkestra and Sabu Adeloya, kemp teaches at Buffalo’s Villa Maria College. The event series offers a diverse spectrum of genres, ranging from McCarthyizm‘s garage rock to Dee Adams’ country. With this vast array of music, event-goers are sure to enjoy the performances while enjoying food truck fare.
June 5th also marks the return of the KeyBank Live at Larkin summer concert series. This weekly concert series will feature performances from local groups, as well as other amenities. Concert-goers will be able to purchase bites from a curated array of on-site food trucks each week. In addition, Larkin Square will offer beer, wine, and cocktails for purchase. Larkin Square’s Bratts Hill Restaurant will be open to serve authentic Jamaican cuisine for dinner services during Live at Larkin.
The concert series kicks off at 5pm on June 4th with a performance from John & Mary & the Valkyries. The folk-rock duo is comprised of 10,000 Maniacs members John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey. The series will continue for 13 weeks, until a closing performance by hard rockers Grosh on August 28th. Over the course of the summer series, concert-goers can enjoy tributes to classic groups like Steely Dan, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Fleetwood Mac.
Food Truck Tuesdays Band Lineup
6/4 – Walter Kemp 3 Quartet
6/11 – McCarthyizm
6/18 – Diyené
6/25 – The Fever Pitch String Quartet
7/2 – Stress Dolls
7/9 – Whitford-Klyma Band
7/23 – Sabu Adeyola & Oasis
7/30 – The Britt Band
8/6 – Zak Ward
8/13 – Dueling Pianos Band
8/20 – Dee Adams’ Grand Isle Opry
8/27 – Jony James Band
Live at Larkin Summer Season Lineup
6/5 – John & Mary & the Valkyries
6/12 – Will Holton & Daniel Powell’s Mid-Week Vibe
6/19 – Juneteenth ft. Farrow & Project Access to A-Free-Kas
6/26 – Dirty Work: A Tribute to Steely Dan
7/3 – Blues 4 Vets w/Miller & the Other Sinners & more
7/10 – Songbirds: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
7/17 – Talking Dead Heads
7/24 – Ticketed Event, TBA
7/31 – Big Easy in Buffalo presents: Terrence Simien and the Zydeco Experience with El Batey’s Agua de Liberté”
8/7 – Buffalo’s Last Waltz Band Does Dylan & The Band
8/14 – Handsome Jack Does CCR
8/21 – Stoneflower/ Hollyfeld Does Springsteen
8/28 – Grosh Prime ft. Alex McArthur, Harry Graser & Michael DeLano
Thanks to sponsorship from KeyBank and Independent Health, both Food Truck Tuesdays and Live at Larkin are free events. There will be free parking in lots along Exchange Street and Hydraulic Street.
Larkin Square will continue to announce live events for the summer. For more information and updates, visit the Larkin Square website here.
