“20 years of Lucid, I never thought I’d see the day.” Lowell Wurster shared this sentiment alongside an announcement that on Saturday, May 18, Lucid would gather together at the Strand Center in Plattsburgh to celebrate two decades of North Country funk and soul.
Lucid at The Waterhole – October 2023
The Strand Theater itself is celebrating as well, marking 100 years of performances this year, having opened in 1924 as a vaudeville theatre. In recent years, the venue has undergone renovations and upgrades, bringing the Strand into the 21st Century.
Lowell shared his excitement for the anniversary event. “This show is a celebration of a community and love, The North Country is our home and this is where our hearts lie. To be able to celebrate our 20 year anniversary in our hometown means the world to us. Some of us went to the same high school and had the same teachers.”
“The whole community rallied around us years ago when we went on our first East coast tour. There’s always been such an outpouring of support for us and its been quite humbling. We love the North Country,” added Wurster.
Supporting Lucid is Lowell’s father, George, with ‘When Pigs Fly’ – the name derived from his band Blind Pigs from many years back. In the past year, members of Lucid, the Blind Pigs original drummer, Pat Madix, and Mike Dashnaw from The Shameless Strangers were brought together to create When Pigs Fly for this special occasion.
“I honestly think people are pretty excited to watch my dad’s band. After years of watching him sit in with us now folks can watch him front a whole set, that is exciting for me and a lot of other people are pretty stoked.”
Lowell Wurster, on When Pigs Fly
A perfect band to pair up for the evening, Lucid fans have seen George play with the group over the years, making this a family affair in more ways that one. Expect to see Wurster’s sister, Catherine, of DoomF$ck, also sitting in throughout the evening.
“We’re just so excited to share this experience with everyone. This is a celebration of 20 years of building community, this is about love and the family we’ve built with this community,” said Wurster.
The 20 year anniversary celebration for Lucid takes place on Saturday May 18 at the Strand Center for the Arts, with doors at 6pm and the show starting at 7pm. Tickets and more info can be found here or at the Strandcenter.org
Legendary musician Graham Nash will be bringing his “Graham Nash – More Evenings of Songs and Stories” tour to the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stageat the historicCarnegie Hall on Tuesday, October 1. Set for an 8:00 p.m. start time, Nash, a founding member of both The Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash, will be performing a body of work spanning over six decades that includes a litany of monumental recordings.
Graham Nash to bring ‘More Evenings of Songs and Stories’ tout to Carnegie Hall
Additionally, the Carnegie Hall audience will be treated to a special guest in Judy Collins, whose own legendary body work spans more than seven decades. In light of his special performance tickets have already gone on sale on the Carnegie Hall official website. Ticket prices range from $69, $89, $99 and $149.
Judy Collins’ legendary career has seen her remain active for over seven decades
Moreover, Nash offered a preview to the midtown-Manhattan venue’s crowd making an unannounced appearance at Crosby, Stills, and Nash tribute concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall on Monday, May 13. Although Nash wasn’t officially on the bill, he came out at the end of the night to perform a moving rendition of “Our House.”
For his part, Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who has seen rock history unfold at some of its seminal moments. After all the Blackpool-bred musician began making history during the launch of the British Invasion with his work with CSN, while perfecting his craft during the birth of the Laurel Canyon movement a year later. An extraordinary Grammy Award winning renaissance artist – and self-described “simple man” – Nash has contributed a wealth of songs to the soundtrack of our lives. Moreover, the “I Used to Be a King” singer is a two-time inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, for his work with CSN and his work as a solo artist.
Similarly, the eternal Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism throughout her extensive career. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence continues to shine brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 55-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century.
The 2024 Artpark summer lineup offers concert-goers a wide variety of live performances including everything from jazz to rock. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Artpark, with a host of live shows, art exhibitions and an anniversary gala scheduled for the summer.
Artpark is Located in Lewiston, NY, a short 30 minute drive north of Buffalo. Artpark combines Western New York’s cultural heritage with the natural scenery of the Niagara region. On top of all of this is a concert venue that has hosted tens of thousands of artists.
Artpark was established in 1974, through a partnership between New York State Parks and the Artpark & Company nonprofit. At its inception, Artpark was a haven for experimental and visual arts. Most works placed a focus on public engagement, nature and the impermanence of art. Artpark has hosted theater productions and musical artists from around the world on one of the largest and best-equipped stages in all of New York.
Gary Clark Jr – May 25
Artpark is just one stop for 4x Grammy winning multi-instrumentalist and singer Gary Clark Jr. during his American tour. The tour celebrates Clark’s 2024 album JPEG RAW. The album combines genres ranging from pop, blues and R&B, and social commentary to create a compelling and anthemic release.
Los Lonely Boys – May 31
Brothers Henry, Jojo and Ringo Garza formed Los Lonely Boys, a San Angelo, TX trio. They gained prominence with their take on Texican rock & roll, which tackles themes of brotherhood. The brothers have sold over 2.5 million records, and have won a grammy. They have also received acclaim from legends like Santana, Dr. John and The Who. Their 2024 tour comes in the leadup to a new album.
Sarah McLachlan – June 18
Artpark is just one stop on Sarah McLachlan’sFumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th anniversary tour, celebrating her multi-platinum 1994 album. McLachlan is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of our times, winning 3 Grammys, and 12 Juno Awards. She raised over $7 million through her Lilith Fair music festival, the largest all-female music event of all time.
Bonnie Raitt – June 21
Legendary singer-guitarist Bonnie Raitt, has been captivating audiences with her cross-genre blending of blues, rock and pop for decades. Raitt is a 13x Grammy winner, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. She has also ranked on Rolling Stone’s lists of Greatest guitarists and singers of all time. Artpark is one stop on Raitt’s cross-country 2024 tour.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – June 22
Trombone Shorty, is renowned for his eclectic blend of jazz, rock, fun, pop and hip hop. He has released four chart topping albums, collaborated with everyone from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Pharell Williams and played venues ranging from the Newport Jazz Festival to the White House. Trombone Shorty and his band, Orleans Avenue, will be gracing Artpark with what is sure to be a vibrant performance.
Dispatch – June 28
Vermont roots rock band Dispatch have drawn massive crowds for almost three decades. They rose to fame with their infectious blend of alternative, folk, reggae, and blues. Dispatch’s mix of pointed lyrics and lively instrumentation has consistently drawn massive crowds. They sold out Madison Square Garden three times, and drawing crowds of over 100,000 fans in Boston in 2004.
Orville Peck – July 1
The masked alt-country star, Orville Peck, will perform at Artpark as part of his Stampede tour across North America. Peck combines his smooth voice and vivid songwriting to tackle topics such as his sexual identity. Peck leads a new style of country music, reminiscent of the classics, but also looking to the future. His career has featured musical collaborations with the likes of Shanaia Twain and Diplo.
Norah Jones – July 6
Multi-Grammy winning singer-songwriter Norah Jones will grace Artpark with her acclaimed mix of pop, jazz and folk. This concert is part of a larger American tour in the wake of her 2024 album Visions. Since her 2002 debut Come Away with Me, Jones’s introspective approach to lyrics and intimate production has garnered massive commercial success. Jones has sold over 52 million albums, and received over 10 billion streams worldwide.
Jamey Johnson – July 16
The Washington Post lauded 11x Grammy nominated Jamey Johnson as “one of the greatest country singers of our time.” His vivid storytelling lyrics and rootsy instrumentation evoke classic Nashville. Johnson has received critical and commercial acclaim, thanks to the likes of modern classics like “In Color” and “Give it Away.” Johnson is performing at Artpark as part of his cross-country What a View Tour.
Train – July 19
Pop-radio mainstays Train will be performing at Artpark as part of their larger Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour. The San Francisco pop-rockers have received international renown, selling 10 million albums and 30 million tracks worldwide. Audiences are sure to know mega-hits like “Hey Soul Sister” and “Drops of Jupiter.”
The Flaming Lips – July 22
Alternative rock mainstays, The Flaming Lips, have spent almost four decades releasing critically acclaimed indie classics like “Do You Realize.” The Flaming Lips will bring their signature psychedelic, sci-fi influenced strain of indie rock, accentuated by singer Wayne Coyne’s playful yet profound approach to lyricism.
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo – July 24
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are a singer-producer duo who have been mainstays of pop-rock radio since the 1980s. They rose to fame producing timeless classics like “We Belong,” and “Love Is a Battlefield.” Along with these hits, the duo have produced 19 top 40 hits, and sold over 36 million worldwide. The duo’s success has brought them critical acclaim, receiving 4 consecutive Grammy awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Two Door Cinema Club – July 29
Two Door Cinema Club, a Northern Irish indie band, have made waves across the pond since their 2010 debut Tourist History. Their sophomore release Beacon debuted at number 1 on the Irish charts and number 2 in the UK. The band quickly became mainstays at British festivals like Leeds and Glastonbury ever since, being famous for their live performances.
Slash – S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival – July 30
The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival is short for “Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance.” It is a celebration of the blues headed by legendary guitarist Slash of Guns N’ Roses. The festival features thrilling performances from blues veterans like Keb Mo, ZZ Ward and Robert Randolph. The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival is dedicated to advancing social justice, with $1 of all ticket sales going to charities such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Equal Justice Initiative.
The Machine Performs Pink Floyd with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra – August 3
The Machine are a New-York based quartet who have captivated audiences since 1988 with their faithful renditions of Pink Floyd classics. The quartet will play songs spanning Pink Floyd’s 16 albums, accompanied by a state of the art laser-light show and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Backroads Blues Festival – August 10
The second annual Backroads Blues Festival will stop at Artpark as part of its cross-country tour this summer. The festival is spearheaded by 5x Grammy nominated blues-rock virtuoso Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Shepherd will be joined by blues legends Bobby Rush, Duane Betts and Jimmie Vaughan. The festival will also feature Cirque Kikasse, a Quebecois acrobatic circus show on an operational food truck, offering beer, and fast food to concert-goers.
Gin Blossoms & Toad the Wet Sprocket – August 11
Gin Blossoms have topped the charts with their characteristic brand of jangly alternative rock since 1987. They are known hits like “Hey Jealousy” off of their 1996 platinum selling album Congratulations I’m Sorry. California alt-rockers Toad the Wet Sprocket will join Gin Blossoms on stage. Toad the Wet Sprocket are on tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their platinum selling Dulcinea album. Audiences will recognize them from billboard-charting hits “All I Want” and “Walk on the Ocean.”
Stray Cats – August 13
Long Island rockabilly legends, Stray Cats, have captivated audiences for over 40 years. Their loose, jazzy and energetic guitar playing and crooning vocals from singer-guitarist Brian Setzer propelled them to stardom. Their mega-hits “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town” helped introduce their signature blend of glam and punk-influenced rockabilly to new generations.
Blues Traveler & Big Head Todd and the Monsters – August 16
New Jersey jam band legends Blues Traveler have graced audiences with their blend of bluesy alternative since 1987. Hits like “Run-Around,” off of the 6x platinum Four launched Blues Traveler to fame. Blues Traveler have released four gold selling albumsselling over 10 million combined units worldwide. They will be joined by platinum-selling Colorado Rock band Big Head Todd & the Monsters, who will play their signature hybrid of rock, blues, and country.
Bush – August 17
Bush’s signature style of grunge-influenced alternative rock has captivated audiences for three decades. Their timeless hits “Glycerine” and “Comedown” off of their 6x platinum debut Sixteen Sour have made them one of the most successful bands of the 1990s. Bush will be joined by singer-guitarist Jerry Cantrell of the legendary grunge band Alice in Chains.
Buffalo Jazz Composers Workshop – August 18
The Buffalo Jazz Composers Workshop are an ensemble of Buffalo-based composers and instrumentalists. Joined by a shared love of collaborative performance and writing, the group has crafted a unique improvisational take on contemporary jazz. The group also collaborates with visual and theatre artists to create enthralling live performances.
Tedeschi Trucks Band – August 20
Tedeschi Trucks Band are a Grammy-winning 12 piece band hailed as one of the greatest live acts touring today. NPR hailed the Husband and wife duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi as “two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation.” The band’s seamless blending of American music genres, like blues rock, soul and jazz have brought them renown. With a massive catalog of songs, no two Tedeschi Trucks Band shows are bound to be the same.
O.A.R. – August 27
O.A.R. – Short for “Of a Revolution” – are a platinum-selling alternative band from Rockville, MD. They are known for their mix of indie and roots rock. The band has sold out venues as large as Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks, all while retaining an unseen amount of freedom in the music industry, and a dedication to philanthropy. They will be headlining a US tour this summer in the wake of their 2022 album The Arcade.
Cole Swindell – August 29
Cole Swindell is an up and coming country singer-songwriter, who previously wrote hit singles for the likes of Thomas Rhett and Luke Bryan. He has released four albums, with 8 singles reaching number one on the country charts. 2023 was a big year for Swindell, with him winning 3 Academy of Country Music awards, and releasing a 3x platinum cover of Joe Dee Messina’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”
Cage the Elephant – September 7
Kentucky indie darlings, Cage the Elephant, will grace Artpark on a cross-country tour in the wake of their new album Neon Pill. The band blends an eclectic mix of classic rock, 90s alternative, blues and funk. They are mainstays of alternative radio, with audiences sure to recognize charting hits like “Come a Little Closer” and “Cigarette Daydream.”
The Cobblestoned Vibes festival has announced its artist lineup for its 2024 edition. Buffalo Iron Works will host this year’s event in the historic Cobblestone District of downtown Buffalo on Saturday, August 3. Spanning two stages, the event will feature performances by six artists and DJs.
Cobblestoned Vibes will feature both local Buffalo favorites and national touring groups. Bands like The Hip Abduction and Annapolis, MD’s Bumpin Uglies will play their signature indie-reggae that is sure to keep audiences dancing. California-based The Free Label will also share their take on lush, psychedelic indie pop. For classic rock fans, Dirty Work will perform a soulful tribute to the hits of jazz-rock legends Steely Dan.
The festival will also highlight local groups from Buffalo and Rochester. NYS Music voted Buffalo-based Organ Fairchild as New York’s best emerging band in 2021. They are sure to keep festival-goers grooving with their signature jazz and funk influenced extended jams. Up-and-coming Rochester band The Sideways will also share their lush brand of pop-soul. Backed by singer John Stehle’s soulful vocals and a horn section, their performance is sure to put audiences in a good mood. In addition to these groups, a host of local DJs will perform.
In addition to musical performances, the festival will showcase Buffalo’s character through collaborations with local businesses and restaurants. The event will feature artisan vendors, food trucks, and craft beer from local breweries. Cobblestone Vibes has additionally partnered with Bison Botanics CBD products for an ethical and high-quality “cannabis journey” to elevate festival-goers’ experience.
The event will take place within Buffalo’s historic Cobblestone District. This area of Downtown Buffalo is a snapshot into Buffalo’s history as an industrial hub. The district’s proximity to the Erie Canal made it a hub for metalworking and maritime supplies for the Great Lakes region. Due to this history and scenic brick cobblestone architecture, the National Parks Service placed the district on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. The district is home to Buffalo Iron Works, a brewery, restaurant and live music venue who sponsors Cobblestone Vibes.
Tickets are currently on sale with general admission being $30. There is also the option for a VIP “Get lifted” package for $95. This package contains a free drink, exclusive lineup poster, VIP credentials and a goodie bag from Bison Botanics CBD Products. Day-of festival prices rise to $40 for general admission and $110 for the VIP package so make sure to get tickets in advance.
Tickets can be purchased here. For more information and event updates, visit the Cobblestoned Vibes Facebook and Instagram.
Non-profit organization Live at the Bandstand is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated free music event, All Headliners Festival. The festival takes place on June 8 from 3 to 9pm in Sackets Harbor, New York.
All Headliners Festival takes place at the picturesque Sentinel Bandstand in Sackets Harbor. This celebration promises an unforgettable afternoon and evening of live performances, delicious food, and camaraderie, showcasing the rich diversity of talent and culture in the region. The event features an eclectic lineup of four exceptional bands, representing a wide spectrum of musical genres. Bands include jazz troupe Pando Collective, blues artist Tas Cru, Americana group The National Reserve, and jazz/classical Stephane Wrembel Quartet.
In addition to the stellar musical lineup, attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a delectable array of culinary delights, courtesy of local food vendor Elm Street Taco truck. The renowned 1812 Brewing Company truck serves up refreshing and award-winning craft brews right in the heart of Sackets Harbor/Watertown.
Tas Cru
All Headliners Festival Acts
Pando Collective 3pm: Kicking off the festivities with their soulful jazz melodies, Pando Collective brings a unique blend of talent and camaraderie. They draw inspiration from their roots in the 10th Mountain Division Band.
The National Reserve 4:15pm: Back by popular demand, The National Reserve returns to Live at the Bandstand. They are ready to enthrall audiences once again with their soulful Americana, Rock’n’Roll sound and dynamic stage presence.
Tas Cru 6pm: Tas Cru and his band are sure to captivate audiences with their electrifying blues. Their tunes and infectious energy promise a performance that will have everyone on their feet. He hails from the local scene.
Stephane Wrembel Quartet 7:30pm: Rounding out the evening with a touch of international flair, the Stephane Wrembel Quartet will transport listeners to the streets of Paris with their enchanting gypsy jazz melodies, led by the virtuoso French guitarist himself.
“We are thrilled to bring this vibrant celebration of music and community to Sackets Harbor. Our mission has always been to showcase the incredible talent and diversity of our local and downstate music scene while fostering a sense of connection and belonging within our community. We invite everyone to join us for a day of unforgettable performances, delicious food, and shared experiences on the water.”
Ingrid Cleveland Gori
The festival is free of charge for all. For more information on the All Headliners Festival in Sackets Harbor on June 8, click here.
Dark Star Orchestra, one of the country’s premier Grateful Dead tribute bands, have finalized their U.S. summer touring schedule. The tour will span both coasts and everything in between, and the band’s August slate now contains shows all throughout New York State.
Along the tour, Dark Star Orchestra is going to be performing some special this summer. For the July 21 show at the Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, NJ the band announced today they will be recreating the Dead’s epic 9/3/77 show from nearby Englishtown, NJ. “Its proximity, only 25 miles from Asbury Park, and the fact that it was an epic outdoor show, made sense for us to choose,” notes DSO bassist Skip Vangelas. “Itâs a classic show in the GD world and one that New Jerseyans, whether Deadhead or not have never forgotten!”
A few weeks later, the band is scheduled to play Wonderland Forest in Lafayette, NY on August 9 and 10. The newly established venue located just south of Syracuse will also play host to the Biscoland festival this summer. DSO will also play The Rooftop at Pier 17 on August 11, Innovative Field in Rochester on August 21 and the Frog Alley Summer Stage in Schenectady the following day on August 22.
Special dates are dotted all throughout the summer tour, including the band’s debut at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, CA on July 13. It marks a celebration of 40 years of the Rex Foundation and the benefit performance will see DSO offer a 40-years-to-the-day recreation of the Dead’s 7/13/84 performance from The Greek Theatre.
More information and links to ticketing info can be found here.
Up-and-coming New York City funk-rock band Summer Fling has announced a new single “Blissful Haze” set to release on May 10. The single comes in the leadup to a new album set to release in late Summer.
Singer-keyboardist Eddie Kam originally formed Summer Fling in Larchmont, NY before relocating to New York City. The group mixes chops learned from New York’s jazz conservatories with an eclectic blend of styles, ranging from indie-pop to funk, to forge an infectious sound. With a newly solidified lineup of seven recent college graduates, the band has torn up the live scene. They have played more than 35 gigs, even opening for names like They Might Be Giants and Spin Doctors.
“Blissful Haze” is a delightful song that accentuates Kam’s soulful vocals with wah-wah guitar and jazzy horns. The song’s lyrics explore the joys of a short-lived romance, with instrumentation that lends to the rosy, nostalgic atmosphere. On this track, Summer Fling’s jazz chops are on full display, crafting a smooth, yet complex pop-funk sound, with instrumentation reminiscent of Steely Dan.
This new single comes in the leadup to a very busy season for Summer Fling. The band is currently recording their debut album, which explores pop, funk and yacht rock, for release in late Summer.
The band has also planned festival appearances and tour dates in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. At these shows, Summer Fling are sure to spread their message of inclusivity, and some great music tackling themes ranging from heartbreak to fun romance. In Eddie Kam’s words “Fun, silliness and great musicianship are the only rules at a Summer Fling performance.”
More information can be found at Summer Fling’s website and instagram.
Buffalo Central Terminal has announced the release of their calendar of free events for the 2024 season. The community events take place from May to October at the Buffalo Central Terminal Lawn.
The festival includes a large variety of fun activities and events for all members of the community to enjoy. Events range from live music, plays, and movie nights to fitness bootcamps and car shows. Along with this, there are school giveaways for kids returning to the books along with an all-encompassing fall fest. From summer to fall, the Buffalo Central Terminal Festival keeps the community engaged and entertained.
The historic Buffalo Central Terminal is a prominent feature of Buffalo’s East Side and the Broadway Fillmore neighborhood. The not-for-profit Central Terminal Restoration Corp. has been the caretaker for more than 20 years.
The community driven Master Plan re-establishes the Terminal as a hub of activity. Buffalo Central Terminal is a beacon that attracts people and investment, celebrates, and fosters community voice and connections that contributes to the strong future of the city and region.
This year, the historic landmark boasts 15 free of charge events over the course of five months. The festival sees one event May 18, three in June, five in July, three in August, and two sendoff events in October.
Buffalo Central Terminal 2024 Festival Events
Health is Wealth Fitness Bootcamp A 3-part fitness and cardio bootcamp lead by GCOPE Fitness. The series is held on the Central Terminal Lawn from 9am to 10am on May 18, June 22, and June 29.
Central Terminal Car Show Admire over 100 meticulously restored sport compact and muscle cars Sunday, June 30 from 10am to 5pm at the Central Terminal Car Show.
Movie Night This year we’re hosting two movie nights at the Terminal. Join us July 29 for a taste of nostalgia with “The Goonies.” August 28 shows an animated film that’s perfect for the little ones. More to be announced soon.
Summer Concert Series After the tremendous enthusiasm from our audience last year, we’re excited to announce that our Summer Concert Series has been expanded to four sensational nights! Join us July 11, July 18, July 29, and August 8 from 5pm to 8pm.
Shakespeare in the Park returns to the Central Terminal Friday, July 19 with a “Midsummer Night’s Tour.” from 7pm to 8:30pm.
5th Annual Back to School Giveaway hosted by Leg. Howard Johnson & CM Nowakowski
Get geared up for new school year at our giveaway Saturday, August 17 from 9am to 12pm.
Fall Fest Enjoy our family-friendly Fall Fest Saturday, October 12 from 11am-3pm, featuring music, pumpkin decorating, photog areas, beer & wine vendors and more.
Trunk or Treat hosted by Matt Urban Center The tradition continues Tuesday, October 29 from 4pm to 6pm.
To learn more about each event, and for more information on the Buffalo Central Terminal, click here.
After a six-year hiatus from the road, The Decemberists kicked off their “A Peaceable Kingdom” North American 2024 tour at UPAC on Tuesday, April 30. The band is out touring in support of the soon-to-be-released album As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again. The night’s performance reassured the sold-out house that the band had not lost a step after a six year absence.
The Decemberists
Drawing from lead singer/songwriter Colin Meloy’s college days at Oregon State as an English and theatre major, the show’s structure offered up the feeling of a three-act rock opera.
Act one: a subtly lit stage. Meloy enters from stage right, acoustic guitar in hand. Taking his position center stage, Colin performs “Red Right Ankle” from Her Majesty the Decemberists. One by one, the additional band members make their way to the stage, collectively performing three more songs including the debut of “All I Want Is You.”
The Decemberists
Act two: the stage is fully illuminated and the band plugs in, diving headfirst into the music. While showcasing tracks from their latest album, The Decemberists did not disappoint longtime fans playing favorites from their twenty-plus year career, including “Make You Better,” “Sucker’s Prayer,” and engaging in a sing-along during “16 Military Wives.”
Act three: the encore. Pushing nineteen minutes on the new album, “Joan in the Garden” closed the night out. With the feeling of a prog-rock styled anthem, The Decemberists took their fans on a musical journey, moving through multiple states of intensity, culminating with an explosion of white light encompassing the entire room as the song concluded.
The Decemberists
A bonus for the night was the Chicago-based band Ratboys. Their indie-pop drive proved to be the perfect opening act. A four-piece group, fronted by singer-songwriter Julie Steiner, garnered praise from the crowd as their set progressed.
Raatboys
The tour continues through the spring and summer, closing in The Decemberists’ hometown of Portland, Oregon, on August 3, with Ratboys opening most dates.
On Thursday, May 2, PEAK took the stage at Brooklyn Bowl along side guitarist Ryan Liatsis and P(X3) for a night full of funk, riffed-out blues-rock and music to fuel the soul.
PEAK, a Brooklyn based band consists of guitarist and vocalist Jeremy Hilliard, keyboardist and vocalist Johnny Young, bassist Josh T. Carter and drummer Kito Bovenschulte. The group captivated their audience with melodic songwriting along with psychedelic funk groove that makes your body move. They took on a life of their own as some of the best musicians in the NYC improv rock scene with moody blues-rock and created an atmosphere for their danceable improvisations.
Brooklyn Bowl welcomed fans with an open floor to dance, as fans had an intimate engagement throughout the night with the New York jam band. Quick controlled snare, dominant guitar riffs, upbeat blend of melodies and synthesized sounds from keyboard combined to create PEAK’s ambience of psychedelic, funk variables of rock and roll, a musical narrative that let good-timey clash with poetic guitar.
By the end of the night, the crowd was in their groove and connected with the band, looking forward to their future music endeavors. After this show, PEAK will be on their way to Burlington, Vermont at Nectars on May 4th and 5th. Shortly after, the band will head to Newmarket, New Hampshire to perform at The Stone Church on May 16th.
PEAKSetlist: Forsythia Fills the Wilderness, Little Miss Mary Merry- Go- Round, Woody Guthrie with Ryan Liatsis, Daddy Donât Live in that New York City No More, When the Night Comes Calling You, Pastures of Plenty, It Ainât Over âtil the Credits Roll, Run Me Down
