NYS Music 2024

Category: Rock

  • Alkaline Trio Triumphs Over the Rain at Knockdown Center

    On a rainy Saturday evening, March 9, devoted fans defied the torrential downpour to see their favorite band from their younger years, Alkaline Trio at Knockdown Center in Queens. Despite the onslaught of intense rain and wind, the enthusiasm of the crowd was undeniable, and anticipation soared as opening acts Warriors and Drug Church warmed up the stage.

    alkaline trio knockdown center
    Photos by Taylor Daniel Weinberg

    Originally hailing from Chicago, the band consists of founding member Matt Skiba on guitar and vocals, accompanied by long time collaborator Dan Andriano on Bass, and Atom Willard on drums. Attendance numbers remained unaffected by the inclement weather, with Knockdown Center nearly reaching full capacity. Alkaline Trio is midway through their tour promoting the long-awaited release of their new album, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs, adding another gem to their extensive, decade-spanning discography.

    alkaline trio knockdown center
    Photos by Taylor Daniel Weinberg

    A gathering of longtime loyalists composed of groups of friends, couples, and diehard solo-goers flooded the venue. The audience roared as the lights dimmed and the band graced the stage at 9:45pm sharp. All 3 members, smiling ear to ear, struck the opening notes of “Hot For Preacher”, the first track off their latest album. Obvious highlights of the night included “Armageddon,” displaying shades of the albums’ post-apocalyptic themes, followed by the iconic “Fuck You Aurora”, evoking a wave of nostalgia for those who have cherished the band for decades. After each song, the band shared their gratitude for the audience with a hushed and humble “Thank you!”

    alkaline trio knockdown center
    Photos by Taylor Daniel Weinberg

    As the band exited the stage, chants for an encore could be heard instantly. After a few suspenseful moments, the band eagerly obliged. For a final hurrah, the trio went with the timeless classic “Radio”, and fans got their last crowd surfing in before the band bid their passionate audience farewell. Despite the chilling rain, fans departed with warm hearts. Their latest album, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs is available for streaming on all major music platforms.

    alkaline trio knockdown center
    Photography by Taylor Daniel Weinberg

    Alkaline Trio – Knockdown Center, Queens – Saturday, March 9, 2024

    Setlist: Hot For Preacher, We’ve Had Enough, Take Lots with Alcohol, Bad Time, Versions of You, Mr. Chainsaw, One Hundred Stories, Calling All Skeletons, Cringe, Break, Armageddon, Fuck You Aurora, Mercy Me, Warbrain, Crawl, Blood Hair and Eyeballs, Stupid Kid, Private Eye, Time to Waste
    Encore: Radio

    alkaline trio knockdown center

  • Slightly Stoopid And Dirty Heads Are Set To Tour All Summer Long, Performing at Jones Beach in July

    Slightly Stoopid and Dirty Heads have announced their 2024 “Slightly Dirty Summer Tour,” with a stop at Northwell Health at the Jones Beach Theater on July 20.

    Formed in 1994 by the duo of Kyle McDonald and Miles Doughty, Slightly Stoopid is more than just a band—it’s a musical brotherhood. These childhood friends from Southern California set out to create a genre-defying fusion of punk, metal, folk, blues, rock, and reggae. Slightly Stoopid has dominated well-known festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and New Orleans Jazz Fest. After founding Stoopid Records, they earned platinum and gold singles like “Collie Man,” “2am,” and “Closer To The Sun.”

    These rockers are no strangers to the stage; their ‘Summertime 2023’ tour was a huge success. Now that Common Kings (exclusive to Holmdel) and The Elovaters are joining the fun, the “Slightly Dirty Summer Tour” is sure increase standards. 

    Slightly Dirty

    Slightly Stoopid’s Miles Doughty expresses his excitement, saying “Slightly Dirty Summer 2024 is gonna be nuts!  It’s been a minute since we did a full summer tour with our brothers the Dirty Heads and we are excited to get this party started”. Duddy B. of Dirty Heads chats about being back on the road. “Every time we get together, it’s nothing but good times, and I expect nothing less this summer!”

    Dirty Heads

    General on-sale starts March 8 at 10am on LiveNation.com. However, it goes beyond just the music—Dirty Heads and Slightly Stoopid are also giving back. Your concert experience will be even more meaningful given that $1 from each ticket sold will benefit Maui Food Bank.

  • Porno for Pyros Ignite the Capitol Theatre for the Horns, Thorns en Halos Farewell Tour Finale

    As the curtain falls on Porno for Pyros’ Horns, Thorns en Halos Farewell Tour, the iconic band graced the stage of the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester for one last explosive performance on March 7. Fans gathered to experience a night full of energy, memorable tunes, and a bittersweet goodbye to an era, creating a nostalgic and anticipatory atmosphere.

    The current lineup of Porno for Pyros consists of the visionary Perry Farrell, the powerhouse drummer Stephen Perkins, the talented guitarist Peter Distefano, and the legendary bassist Mike Watt. While Martyn LeNoble left the band in 1995, Watt seamlessly stepped in, contributing to the band’s unique sound until their hiatus in 1998.

    Contributing to the band’s rich musical blend were Etty Lau Ferrell, Perry’s wife, providing backing vocals, and Robin Hatch skillfully playing the keys. This dynamic ensemble left an enduring impact on audiences during their farewell tour, leaving an indelible mark in each city they graced with their performances.

    Opening the night with an electrifying energy was Tigercub, a three-piece rock band hailing from Brighton, UK. The trio, comprised of Jamie Stephen Hall, James Allix, and Jimi Wheelwright, set the stage ablaze with a riveting set that included tracks like “Swoon,” “The Dark Below,” “Control,” and “Stop Beating on My Heart.”

    As the anticipation reached its peak, Porno for Pyros took the stage to a thunderous applause. Launching into their set with classics like “Sadness,” “Meija,” and the eponymous “Porno For Pyros” from their 1993 album, the band immediately transported the audience back to the heyday of alternative rock.

    The setlist highlighted the band’s growth, including their latest song, “Agua,” and a heartfelt rendition of Iggy and the Stooges’ “I Got a Right.” Each song underscored the band’s musical skill and the significant influence they’ve had on the alternative music scene.

    As the night unfolded, Perry Farrell’s signature vocals echoed through the Capitol Theatre, creating an immersive experience for the audience. The climax of the evening came with the performance of Porno for Pyros’ two biggest hits, “Tahitian Moon” and “Pets,” bringing the audience to their feet in a wave of nostalgia and appreciation.

    The Capitol Theatre, with its rich history, served as the perfect backdrop for Porno for Pyros to bid farewell to their dedicated fans. The intimate venue allowed for a genuine connection between the band and the audience, making the farewell tour a truly memorable experience for everyone in attendance.

    As the final notes resonated through the Capitol Theatre, the crowd erupted into a chorus of cheers and applause, expressing gratitude for the decades of music and memories Porno for Pyros provided.

    Setlist: Pets (Partial), Sadness, Meija, Porno for Pyros, Agua, Thick of It All, Cursed Female, Cursed Male, Good God’s://Urge!, Porpoise Head, Blood Rag, Little Me, Wishing Well, Orgasm, I Got a Right, Bad Shit, Tahitian Moon, Pets

  • David Shaw Responds to War Against Women’s Reproductive Rights with Powerful Single

    Acclaimed singer-songwriter David Shaw of The Revivalists has shared his powerful new single, “Alabama,” serving as his deep response to the ongoing battle against women’s reproductive rights.

    David Shaw

    Recorded at the historic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL, “Alabama” also speaks about last week’s Alabama Supreme Court ruling that embryos created during IVF fertility treatments should be considered children. Shaw’s frustration and the recent birth of his daughter inspired his emotional return to the feelings originally captured while recording in Muscle Shoals.

    “Music has always been, and always will be at its core a way for people to come together over a common love and bond,” says Shaw. “It’s the great communicator. It reaches the heart of the unreachable and the voice of the unspeakable. It has the distinct ability to pierce the heart of the hardened. Alabama was written to be a beacon of awareness for what’s going on in the South and our beloved country.

    Known far and wide as frontman for The Revivalists, David Shaw made an extraordinary solo debut with 2021’s David Shaw, exemplifying his hard-working and courageous nature. Produced by GRAMMY Award-winner Jack Splash (Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys, Solange), the album saw the singer, songwriter, musician, and producer following the direction of his internal compass, with rock ‘n’ roll impulses and honesty. Listening solely to his creative impulses, Shaw constructed a studio in his backyard where the songs took shape before recording at The Parlor Recording Studio in New Orleans, LA. Accompanying Shaw on the album is an ensemble of talented musicians and friends including Neal Francis (vocals/guitar), PJ Howard (drums), Mike Starr (bass), and Chris Gelbuda (guitar).

    In addition to The Revivalists’ five studio albums – which have earned close to 800M worldwide streams and include the RIAA Platinum-certified #1 hit, “Wish I Knew You” – Shaw spearheaded the creation of the band’s RevCauses, a philanthropic umbrella fund supporting organizations dedicated to investing in our communities, health, and environment. By donating a portion of ticket sales, through fan donations, and a variety of other fundraising efforts, the band assisted multiple national and local organizations in building a better future. Current organizations benefitting include After School Matters, Mercy Ships, Musically Fed, Trans Lifeline, ACLU of Louisiana, Healing Minds NOLA, New Orleans Family Justice Alliance, and Restore The Mississippi River Delta.

    I adore living in the south. It’s my home. There’s a warmth here to the people and places we inhabit. But sometimes it can feel like you’re swinging upstream without a paddle with an 800-pound gorilla on your back. It’s hard and it hurts to realize where we are and how far we have to go to reach some sort of common ground and understanding. We’re divided in so many ways but bodily autonomy and reproductive rights for women shouldn’t be one of them. We’ve got to stand up and come together on this. I’m hoping with some action we can find a way forward together. I love you all.

    David Shaw

    The powerful and emotional single “Alabama” is out now.

  • Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band and Noah Kahan Headlining Sea.Hear.Now 2024

    Sea.Hear.Now 2024 has announced its lineup, bringing Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band to the beaches of Asbury Park, NJ for a historic headline performance on Sunday, Sept.15, along with another first-time headliner set from Noah Kahan on Saturday, Sept. 14. 

    The Gaslight Anthem, Trey Anastasio Band, The Black Crowes, Norah Jones, 311, The Revivalists, Kool & The Gang, The Hives and more will perform at the world-class two-day festival in North Beach and Bradley Park. Sea.Hear.Now celebrates music, surf, and art with over 25 artists, three stages, a professional surf contest, and art installations throughout the weekend. 

    Fans can watch some of the biggest East Coast surf legends catch waves between the jetties. This year’s surf contest returns with the ocean calling the winner; the “North Beach Sessions” pro surfer who catches the “wave of the day” will take home the prize purse. The 2024 esteemed surf lineup includes surfers: Balaram Stack, reigning champ Cam Richards, Sam Hammer, Cassidy McClain, Rob Kelly, Pat Schmidt, Mike Gleason, Tom Ihnken, Jamie DeWitt, Logan Kamen, Cole Deveney, and Audrey Iglay. Stay tuned for future announcements!

    Stoke Henge, located in the sand just off the boardwalk, is once again the center of all things art. Asbury Park visual artist Pork Chop will return with his iconic jellyfish and surfboard arch serving as the festival’s visual centerpiece.

    Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III.

    Ocean County-based muralists and artists Jasen Mack and Tim Sramowicz are the featured artists on the beach. A special nod this year will be given to legendary surf photographer Dick “Mez” Meseroll.

    Over in Bradley Park, the Transparent Gallery will feature artwork from participating festival musicians, a special surfboard collaboration, and special pop-up performances.

    Presale for one-day or two-day tickets for Sea.Hear.Now 2024 begins Thursday, March 7 at 10 a.m. ET and is the best chance to purchase 2-Day General Admission, GA+, VIP, Platinum, or Ultimate Experience tickets. Fans can sign up now for a presale passcode.  

    GA+ allows unlimited access to the GA+ Lounge with relaxed seating and air-conditioned restrooms, a private bar with drinks for purchase, complimentary water, and a dedicated GA+ Concierge to assist with festival needs. VIP Tickets provide an exclusive viewing area with elevated sightlines of the stages, VIP Lounges, and more. Platinum Tickets offer all GA+ and VIP amenities, plus exclusive front-of-stage viewing at the Surf, Park, and Sand stages, and much more.

  • Circles Around The Sun Perform at Brooklyn Bowl with Mikaela Davis and Southern Star

    On Saturday, March 2, alternative funk band Circles Around The Sun performed at Brooklyn Bowl featuring singer-songwriter and harpist Mikaela Davis and Southern Star.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Mikaela Davis and Southern Star band is made up of harpist and vocals Mikaela Davis, drummer Alex Coté, guitarist Cian McCarthy, bassist Shane McCarthy and steel guitarist Kurt Johnson. The band have been playing together for over a decade, their performance on Saturday included an array of instrumental elements that cohesively created an atmospheric musical landscape. The blend of the harp sounded ethereal, dreamy, celestial and created a harmonic union to accompany a feminine fluidity on psychedelia and folk rock.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Circles Around The Sun was born in 2015 when lead guitarist Neal Casal was invited to compose a handful of Grateful Dead influenced instrumentals to play between sets at the Dead’s ‘Fare Thee Well’ concerts. Since, the Los Angeles-based band formed and influenced by contemporary instrumental rock.

    The tour kicks off for their fourth studio album release, Language, welcoming guitarist John Lee Shannon, a longtime peer who joins bassist Dan Horne, keyboardist Adam MacDougall, and drummer Mark Levy. The six song release builds on a 70s groove with cosmic-disco and synth sounds that compliment extra percussion and bass riffs. This album allowed the band to explore a new-found sound that encourages a psychedelic and hypnotic feel. The audience was floored by the atmospheric presence they brought to the stage this past weekend. The new material harnesses soul-jazz, funk, rock and allows an exhilarating new path for Circles Around The Sun.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Overall, the band blew the crowd away with their incredible stage presence and new tune transformation. Influenced by free-form and fusing transformational instrumental elements to extend their art as musicians. New York looks forward to see what else the group has is in store for upcoming shows in Albany at Lark Hall on March 9, and in Buffalo at Iron Works on March 12.

  • Annual Tibet House Benefit Concert Brings Magical Night of Music to Carnegie Hall

    February 26 saw the magic of the 37th annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall in NYC. The show saw an eclectic lineup of hugely talented acts including Laurie Anderson, Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers, Maya Hawke, Bowen Yang, and many more.

    Joan Baez & Maggie Rogers Perform Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright

    Every year, the annual Tibet House Benefit Concert hosts extraordinary and memorable one-night-only performances. The evening had countless standout moments as the artists celebrated the Year of the Dragon.

    The Tibetan Monks performed to an entranced audience to start the show. The hypnotizing vocals welcomed Tibet House President Bob Thurman who shared his gratitude for the evening’s co-artistic directors and the Tibetan people.

    Various types of arts were played including quartets of strings which backed a guided meditation session. Acoustic melody, grand ensemble, comedy and poetry. The renowned Philip Glass Ensemble captivated concertgoers. At various points throughout the night, the audience was moved to emotion, and moved to their feet for ovations.

    The festivities continued late into the night as the performing artists, VIPs, and Tibet House supporters like Chloë Sevigny, Clairo, Sarah Morris, Jason Weinberg and more enjoyed the elegant post-concert gala at Ziegfeld Ballroom. Proceeds support the work of Tibet House US. Their mission is to protect, preserve, and empower the unique Tibetan culture.

    To learn more about the Tibet House and their upcoming events, click here.

  • Beatles vs. Stones Show Comes to Cohoes Stage This Spring

    Cohoes Music Hall will host the Beatles vs. Stones tribute show featuring the tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show on Thursday, May 9.

    Since their initial chart encounter 61 years ago, there has been a discussion between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The argument at the time, and one that still persists, was that the Beatles were a pop group and the Stones were a rock band, starting  the boys next door vs. the bad boys of rock debate. The two legendary bands will engage in a musical “showdown” this may at historic music hall Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes.

    When sharing the idea of the show, Chris LeGrand, who plays “Mick Jagger” in the show shared that, “Music fans never had a chance to see the Beatles and the Rolling Stones perform on the same marquee…now, music aficionados can watch this debate play out live on stage.”

    The Cohoes show is part of a 125 stop tour of the U.S., Australia and Canada and has been touring since 2011. The show also performs long term residencies for a number of the Harrah’s Casino properties. Their production includes some of the more popular songs from the two rock pioneers and covers the scope of their musical careers, although the set list for Satisfaction usually includes Rolling Stones songs up to the 1980s, “they certainly have more pop songs but we’re a really great live show. The fans are in for an incredible night of music!” shared LeGrand.

    During the two hour show, the bands perform three sets each, trading places in quick set changes and ending the night with an all-out encore involving both bands. The band members have their outfits custom-made, since avid fans know exactly what the Beatles and Stones wore onstage during different time periods in their careers. There’s a lot of good-natured jabbing between the bands as well. “Without Beatlemania, the Stones might still be a cover band in London…there’s no question that the Beatles set the standard.” said Chris Overall, who plays “Paul”.

    The infamous Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the historic Cohoes Music Hall on Thursday, May 9. Tickets are $35/$45/$55, plus ticket fees, and may be purchased online at thecohoesmusichall.org, at the Box Office or by phone at 518.434.0776.

  • Ilya Popenko Releases Music Video For “The Horse is Not Mine”

    Ilya Popenko, lead singer of NYC-based Mad Meg has released a solo track and music video for his new single “The Horse is Not Mine.”

    The Horse is Not Mine Ilya Popenko

    Ilya Popenko is a multi-disciplinary artist, filmmaker, photographer and songwriter, born in the former Soviet Union. In 2011, he formed Mad Meg, a psychedelic progressive rock band plays in an eclectic style they themselves identify as “Punk-Chanson-Noir”. The band has toured extensively in Russia and the former Soviet Bloc, including tours that covered close to 30 cities throughout the vast, frozen expanse of Eastern Europe, and in the course of which they shared the stage with such luminaries as Nogu Svelo!, Brooklyn-based rock band Rasputina, and Emir Kusturica.

    While Mad Meg is on hiatus, Ilya has continued to work on his solo songs. In his new music video for “The Horse is Not Mine,” Ilya performs the song dressed in horse costumes amidst surrealist animation that interacts with live action footage. The lyrics of the chorus may seem like nonsense, but when describing the song, the artist shares that the lyrics are a verbatim translation of the Russian saying, “I’m not me, and the horse is not mine,” which is used to say, “I have nothing to do with that.” Ilya likes to incorporate direct translations of Russian proverbs in his songs, as lost in translation and taken out of context, they lose their original meaning and become an abstract and beautiful combination of words. The music video is directed by Nikolai Metin and incorporates animation by Katya Mezentseva.

    Ilya Popenko’s new single “Horse is Not Mine” is available to stream everywhere and to learn more about the artist and the band fans can visit here. 

  • Sad Summer Festival Returns to Buffalo and NYC

    Sad Summer Festival has announced its fifth-anniversary celebration this summer with an iconic mix of emo and punk bands, coming to The Rooftop at Pier 17 on Aug. 1 and Terminal B at the Outer Harbor in Buffalo on Aug. 6.

    Sad Summer Festival

    Sad Summer Festival was originally launched in 2019 by The Maine and Mayday Parade along with industry personnel mourning the loss of the long-running Vans Warped Tour. It has grown significantly each year, becoming a scene staple. The nationwide run features festival founders Mayday Parade and The Maine along with The Wonder Years, We The Kings, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, and Daisy Grenade, with Like Roses, Diva Bleach, The Summer Set, and Hot Milk at select dates.

    Unlike most major festivals that feature multiple stages and hundreds of bands each day, Sad Summer creates a more intimate experience with one stage and a smaller curated lineup each year, eliminating any competition and the need to decide which act you are going to watch, providing the smaller acts on the bill a real chance to be seen and heard. In addition, festival co-founders Mike Marquis, Josh Terry, and Tim Kirch made it a goal with Sad Summer to create an environment that is inclusive and independent. This conscious choice has been well-received making them one of Pollstar’s “Top Grossing Tours of 2021.”

    Another important theme of Sad Summer is its ongoing commitment to non-profit partnerships and involvement. As they look to celebrate their fifth anniversary, the festival will continue to build upon their dedication to giving exposure and access to causes the artists, founders, and community are passionate about. This year fans can expect to learn more about previously involved non-profits like HeadCount and Reverb, and their new partnership with Calling All Crows. Each organization will have an on-site presence, providing education and resources.

    Ten years ago, a group of friends from Tallahassee, FL formed a band and traveled the country, selling their CD to anyone that would listen in a parking lot at Vans Warped Tour. Building a following from the roots up, Mayday Parade has garnered a lifelong massive dedicated fanbase, in their evolution from a hard-working local band to a global force. With a catalog of six studio recordings, the band released their recent record What It Means To Fall Apart in 2021, taking matters into their own hands and releasing it on their own time.

    Formed in Arizona back in 2007, The Maine have been together for over ten years with an extensive catalog to their name. Over the years, the band has been labeled as pop, alternative, rock, emo, and every style in between. Some of The Maine’s charm lies in frontman John O’Callaghan’s writing style. Their most recent record The Maine came out in 2023.

    Bands The Wonder Years, We The Kings, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, and Daisy Grenade round out the lineup with an electric mix of rock, metal, and hard punk.

    To sign up for first access to tickets on March 1, visit here. On sale is March 8.

    Sad Summer Festival Confirmed Dates

    Friday, July 12, 2024 Sacramento, CA The Backyard%$

    Saturday, July 13, 2024 Santa Ana, CA Observatory Festival Grounds%$

    Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Denver, CO Mission Ballroom%

    Friday, July 19, 2024 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom%$

    Saturday, July 20, 2024 Chicago, IL Salt Shed Outdoor+$

    Sunday, July 21, 2024 Pontiac, MI Crofoot Festival Grounds+$

    Tuesday, July 23, 2024 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE Outdoor+^

    Wednesday, July 24, 2024 Columbus, OH KEMBA Live! Outdoor+^

    Friday, July 26, 2024 Atlanta, GA Coca-Cola Roxy+^

    Saturday, July 27, 2024 Clearwater, FL The Sound at Coachman Park+^

    Monday, July 29, 2024 Cleveland, OH Jacobs Pavilion+^

    Thursday, August 1, 2024 New York, NY The Rooftop at Pier 17+^

    Saturday, August 3, 2024 Worcester, MA Palladium Outdoors+^

    Sunday, August 4, 2024 Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony Summer Stage+^

    Tuesday, August 6, 2024 Buffalo, NY Terminal B at the Outer Harbor+^

    Thursday, August 8, 2024 Philadelphia, PA Highmark Skyline Stage+^

    Friday, August 9, 2024 Columbia, MD Chrysalis at Merriweather Park+^

    %Like Roses

    +Diva Bleach

    $The Summer Set

    ^Hot Milk