NYS Music 2024

Category: Needs Category

  • Pitbull brings the “Party After Dark” Tour to the Mohegan Sun Arena

    After multiple shows in New York during the summer/fall leg of the “Party After Dark” Tour, Pitbull brought the tour north to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. The sold-out crowd had options to see Pitbull at five locations during the summer and fall legs before he looped back around ahead of a European leg. Unlike the summer, special guest T-Pain did not come for this show leaving Pitbull the lone performer for the evening.

    Before Pitbull graced the stage, one of his DJs hyped the crowd up by playing music and getting the fans in the right mood. With the DJ on stage, there was a rush of fans trying to get inside for “Mr. 305.” The entire audience contained people of all ages. Whether it was people in their 60s or little kids, Pitbull had a diverse audience spanning a generation or two.

    Once Pitbull hopped on stage and began “Don’t Stop the Party,” off of 2012’s Global Warming: Meltdown, the dance party inside the casino arena started. For an hour and a half, Pitbull delivered hit after hit leaving the audience wowed and out of breath. When Pitbull ran on stage in the dark, from the back of the arena you could see a sea of phones leading to the barricade. The last time he was in the general area was Sept. 13 in Hartford and Sept. 12 on Long Island. Even if it was three short months, the excitement was in the air.

    The Mohegan Sun Arena is home to the Connecticut Sun. So the lower bowl seats are pulled out on metal stands. Throughout the night, fans danced with each other or by themselves. They also jumped to the music, the stands swayed back and forth. Like the lower bowl, the upper deck was also having a party. They did not sit down for one second during the show.

    During each song, the screens off to the sides and behind Pitbull and his seven-piece backing band and six backup dancers showed the audience. Each concertgoer had the same surprised and happy look on their faces. They were singing along and dancing to each show and you could just see the raw and pure joy on their faces throughout the night.

    Throughout the show, Pitbull and his dancers would run off stage after certain songs to change into different stage clothes. This led to Pitbull’s on-stage DJ playing music to keep the good energy alive. Whether it was Aerosmith & Run DMC’s “Walk This Way,” or Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison,” the DJ did a great job at not letting the show come to a screeching halt.

    When Pitbull and the dancers returned, they all had corresponding colors. Pitbull looked as snazzy as ever in his black, white, and red suit jacks. He dawned a charming smile each time a new color was debuted. His amazingly gorgeous dancers also had matching colors as they strutted around the stage for the entire 90 minutes. Pitbull was able to cleverly play off the dancers and vice versa to create a cheeky yet mesmerizing show.

    It’s impressive that Pitbull has a backing band behind him. Sometimes popstars and rappers do not carry any other on-stage personnel with them. But the previously mentioned seven-piece band was spectacular. There was guitar, bass, saxophone, drums, keyboards and percussion that all created a beautiful live wall of sound behind Pitbull. Having a band play live enhanced the pop sound that Pitbull has polished off so well. It adds another complex but necessary layer to the live performance.

    It was great to see Pitbull give a nod to other artists. Covering others’ tunes was his way of acknowledging their impact on him. Pitbull rapped a beautiful and clever version of Elic Crespo’s “Suavemente” which had the fans dancing all over the arena. He also included a cover of “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee in his set. Hearing the familiar intro had fans looking at each as to say “I know this one.” It was great to hear Pitbull’s rendition of people’s favorite tracks.

    In between each song, Pitbull would give some advice to the audience and give them a pep talk while also thanking them for coming out to the show. At one point, he talked about how his one teacher, Hope Martinez had changed his life. He then told the sold-out crowd that he had built 12 schools nationwide as part of the S.L.A.M! program. S.L.A.M stands for “Sports Leadership, Arts & Management.” Those schools are “non-profit educational organization supporting the expansion of K-12 tuition-free, public charter schools in underrepresented communities nationwide.”

    Upon hearing this, the crowd roared in approval. It’s hard to imagine what The Beatles at Shea Stadium sounded like back in the 60s. Or, if you’ve never been to a Taylor Swift “Eras” Tour show, you might not be able to imagine what a roaring audience sounds like. A close third is any Pitbull show. He had the audience in a frenzy at the start of each song and at the end of the night.

    At the tail end of the show, the setlist got swapped around slightly. Instead of ending on “ Give Me Everything” off of 2011’s Planet Pit, he ended on the smash hit “Fireball” off of 2014’s Globalization. The quick change in songs at the end of a great subtle switch flowed nicely into the end of the show. When fans left the area, they all had smiles around.

    Pitbull is an entertainer that can easily fill up any arena, theater, or amphitheater. His hard work, drive and dedication for a great show spills out into the audience. It leaves the crowd with a lasting impression. The entire show is perfectly choreographed and the musicianship just doesn’t stop at “Mr. Worldwide.” He also surrounds himself with the best dancers and band to make sure that the show is as best as humanly possible. Seeing Pitbull live is an experience that everyone must do once in their life. Do yourself a favor and see him as soon as possible, you’ll witness one of the best and most pure entertainers on the road.

    Pitbull setlist: Don’t Stop the Party, Hotel Room Service, International Love/Bounce Generation Sweet Child o’ Mine/Rain Over Me (Guns N’ Roses cover), Whoop! (There It Is) (Tag Team cover), I Feel Good, Suavemente (Elvis Crespo cover), The Anthem, Gasolina (Daddy Yankee cover), Culo, I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho), On the Floor/I Like It/DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love, Timber, Time of Our Lives, Give Me Everything, Fireball.

  • Busy’s Dead Collective Hosts Dead Night at Sultan Room on January 11

    Coming to Bushwick on January 11, Grateful Dead/Jerry Garcia Band cover band, Busy’s Dead Collective, hosts their annual Dead Night at The Sultan Room.

    Busy's Dead Collective

    The earliest Grateful Dead/Garcia show in NYC of 2025, this Dead Collective is determined to make this an unforgettable night of music.

    Busy's Dead Collective

    Featuring two sets from Busy’s Dead Collective, the band performs high-energy and experimental Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band cuts, creating a night of psychedelic winter magic at one of Brooklyn’s most exciting venues.

    The show starts promptly at 7pm, with a hard curfew of 11pm. In between these two sets, Eat Records NYC and NYC Dead Club will be spinning to keep the music flow going.

    Get tickets in advance here.

  • Moon Hooch Brings Relentless Energy to Bowery Ballroom

    If you want to rave to a collection of saxophones and woodwinds, then Moon Hooch is the band for you. Yes it’s weird, yes it’s wild, and yes it’s a fun show to dance to. 

    Moon Hooch at Bowery Ballroom 12.7, Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik

    On Saturday, December 7, Moon Hooch brought their energetic mix of Jazz and Electronic music to Bowery Ballroom in downtown Manhattan.

    A truly New York sound, Moon Hooch was born when Michael Wilbur (Horns, woodwind, vocals), Wenzl Mcgowen (Horns, woodwind, synth), and James Muschler (original drummer) met at The New School. The band, now with Cyzon Griffin on drums, started playing together as buskers across the city. Often playing in the subway, Moon Hooch was banned from the Bedford Ave L station for bringing in crowds that were dangerously large. 

    Audience Member; Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik

    That history of busking can be heard in their music, as the trio at times evokes the guttural sounds of an oncoming train paired with high-pitched notes reminiscent of a closing subway door. They even use found objects, like a traffic cone, on stage as a mute to alter their sound. 

    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik

    On December 7, COFRESI opened for Moon Hooch. The drummer and beatmaker brought together modern techniques (looping, drops, Trap and Dancehall melodies) with samples from hits like, “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Stand By Me,” “Mr Sandman,” and “It’s Tricky” to create a sound all his own.

    COFRESI Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomik

    As Moon Hooch took the stage, audience members head banged, grinded, and jumped up and down – emphasizing how many different musical sub-cultures came out to see the band. 

    The band’s physicality is impressive, as Michael Wilbur and Wenzl Mcgowen dance throughout a set that’s over an hour while Cyzon Griffin’s rapid drumming holds down the beat. Throughout the set there wasn’t an idle monument with high energy songs one after another, only rarely bringing in classical music phrases to give the audience a breather before the beat drop.

    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik

    At the same time, that lack of idleness has its own drawbacks. After a while, songs in the set started to run together with limited ability to determine where one song stops and the other begins. This run-on of songs was exacerbated by similar musical motifs and almost identical lighting cues that could cause a listener Deja Vu. While the band sometimes threw their hands up to engage the audience, they never stopped to talk to the crowd. Better performance pacing, verbal engagement with the crowd, and breaks between songs would do the band well. 

    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik

    On this tour the band isn’t just bringing their relentless energy, they’re also trying to do good. At each city, the band is auctioning off a (small) tree and giving away all of the proceeds to replant trees across the country. In NYC they also worked with Support and Feed – a food equity organization that works to address challenges in food desserts and provide information on plant-based food.

    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik
    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik
    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik
    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik
    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik
    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik
    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik
    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik
    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik
    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik
    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik
    Photo Credit: Aidan Lukomnik

  • Avril Lavigne Extends Greatest Hits Tour, Four Shows in New York

    Pop punk icon Avril Lavigne has extended her Greatest Hits Tour into 2025, including four shows across New York State.

    Avril has extended the sold-out run well into 2025, including dates at the Broadview Stage at SPAC in Saratoga Springs, the Empower FCU Amphitheater in Syracuse, Madison Square Garden, and the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

    Canadian-born Avril Lavigne is the pop-punk singer-songwriter credited for paving the way for the female-driven pop punk music that became synonymous with the early 2000s. 

    Ushering in the era with her “Pop-Punk Queen” moniker and skater style with her debut studio album Let Go, Lavigne quickly rose to stardom with hits such as “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi,” charting at the top of the Billboard 200 with her first ever release.

    Since then, Lavigne has released six albums, each to critical acclaim. In addition to her traditional successes, Countless artists from punk to indie rock to emo hip hop have named Lavigne as a major inspiration or influence, creating a legacy extending well beyond herself.

    Avril also earned a Guinness World Record for being the youngest female solo artist to top the UK chart and saw the success of her hit “Girlfriend” emerge as the first music video to reach 100 million views on YouTube just four years after the website’s creation.

    Originally announced at the beginning of the year, Lavigne has spent the majority of 2024 performing her Greatest Hits Tour across the globe.

    Supporting the tour will be special guests Fefe Dobson, Simple Plan, and We The Kings- the latter two of which will perform during all New York Dates.

    Avril Lavigne

    Avril Lavigne will grace the stages of four venues in New York, with shows in Saratoga Springs on May 27, Syracuse on May 28, Manhattan on May 30, and Bethel Woods on June 27. The full list of dates and venues is below.

    For more information on the Greatest Hits Tour and all things Avril Lavigne, be sure to visit her official website here.

    AVRIL LAVIGNE: THE GREATEST HITS 2025 TOUR DATES:

    Sun May 18 – Moncton, NB – Avenir Centre 

    Tue May 20 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre 

    Sun May 25 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheatre 

    Tue May 27 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC 

    Wed May 28 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater 

    Fri May 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden 

    Tue Jun 03 – London, ON – Canada Life Place 

    Thu Jun 05 – Niagara Falls, ON – Fallsview Casino Resort 

    Sat Jun 07 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium 

    Sun Jun 08 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

    Tue Jun 10 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center 

    Thu Jun 12 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis 

    Tue Jun 17 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park 

    Wed Jun 18 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium 

    Fri Jun 20 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Sat Jun 21 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 

    Mon Jun 23 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place 

    Thu Jun 26 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake 

    Fri Jun 27 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts 

    Sun Jun 29 – Burls Creek, ON – Burl’s Creek Event Grounds~ (visit AllYourFriendsFestival.com for ticket details)

    Sat Oct 18 – Las Vegas, NV – Las Vegas Festival Grounds~ (visit WhenWeWereYoungFestival.com for more info)

  • Grateful Dead Take One Last Step Back in the Carrier Dome: 10/20/84

    On Octorber 20, 1984, The Grateful Dead played their third and final show at The Carrier Dome in Syracuse. It would be the last East Coast show of their Fall 1984 tour, following two nights at Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, NJ a few nights prior. Playing to a clearly packed Dome, the Dead throw down a vintage show full of original classic and noteworthy cover songs.

    After a brief warmup, the band jumps headlong into a bubbly and downright perky “Bertha.” Brent Mydland is engaged right from the get-go and peppers this one with soulful organ fills throughout before Jerry Garcia takes his first prolonged guitar solo of the evening. It’s not quite a segue, but at song’s end there is an immediate shift to “Greatest Story Every Told” with Bob Weir taking over on lead vocals and Mydland supplying harmonies. Garcia’s tone, again, sounds immaculate on guitar, providing a thick, funky vibe to this one. Once completed, after a brief tuning lull, Garcia starts up “West L.A. Fadeaway” and the Dead are off and running again in the Carrier Dome. It’s a somewhat slow and moody “Fadeaway” that works nicely in this early slot in the first set and even features some slight vocal effects.

    Things shift back to a bluesy mood with Weir taking back the mic on a classic run through of “C.C. Rider.” The full band soon gets involved and this is a version that reeks of blues and stretches out naturally. At it’s conclusion, Weir plays the role of traffic cop and leads everyone’s favorite crowd instruction for those crammed up front in “Take A Step Back,” replete with super echoey vocal effects for good measure.

    With this seemingly resolved, the band then leaps into a pleasant and lively “Ramble On Rose” with Garcia belting out the lyrics flawlessly. However, afterwards, Weir gets even more dire and serious with a second and third renditions of “Take A Step Back” that seems to be for the benefit of the crowded “bug-eyed” folks up front at the behest of the fire marshal. It’s pretty remarkable that a venue as massive as the Carrier Dome can have the floor fill up to near fire-hazard capacities.

    Grateful Dead in Concert at the Carrier Dome, 20 October 1984

    After a quick jaunt through “My Brother Esau” that almost sounds like it’s cut off preemptively at the end, “Birdsong” then starts the ending sequence of the first set with a poignant version that again sees Garcia up to the task on vocals. This one bobs and weaves for a while enjoyably before eventually straightening out, eliciting a long round of applause from the Syracuse faithful.

    There would be time for only one more number in this set and the Dead make it count and then some with a pristine “Jack Straw.” Garcia and Weir belt out the poignant lyrics from the outset on this one before it slowly intensifies into its usual pace with Garcia leading the charge with some impeccable work on the fret board. Once finished, Weir notifies the crowd that they’ll be right back and makes one more plead for everyone to “take a step back” before they leave the stage. Was the floor just oversold? People sneaking in from the sides? Maybe a little of both.

    The second set later begins with an audio clue of sorts, as some signature funked out tuning licks give way to a full fledged “Shakedown Street.” The Dead rip through the composed section which contains some more echoey vocal effects, clearly taking advantage of the Carrier Dome acoustics. This elicits a thoroughly funked out jam that sees the rhythm section fully engaged and on point, led by bassist Phil Lesh. This leads directly into the drum-heavy intro of “Samson & Delilah” in a true segue that’s executed flawlessly. An extended intro fuels a powerful take on this classic Dead number that features some more timely organ fills from Mydland although it doesn’t get stretched out very far, coming to a fairly abrupt stop. Things then get considerably more mellow with a heartfelt take of “He’s Gone,” a nod to the late Pigpen, one of the founding members of the Grateful Dead. Both the “steal your face right off your head” and “nothing left to do but smile” lyrics get noticeable rounds of applause from the Carrier Dome crowd and Garcia drops some more dazzling guitar licks in the middle of this one.

    “He’s Gone” elicits another soulful, bluesy extended jam which feeds directly into a quasi-bust out of sorts with the return of “Smokestack Lightning.” Before its last performance eleven days ago in Worcester, this one hadn’t been played by the Dead since March of 1972. Some beautiful interplay between Garcia and Mydland highlight this performance which fuels one of the more sizable and extended jams of the evening. Once it begins to dwindle out, this sets the stage for the “Drums” portion of the show with Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart, aka The Rhythm Devils, taking center stage on percussion.

    After the rest of the band returns to the stage, the closing leg of the show kicks off with “The Wheel” whose jam serves as the launching pad for a spirited “The Other One” that features some more sublime work on the piano from Mydland early on. It’s one of the more powerful songs of the whole show with Lesh dominating the rhythm on bass while Garcia throws in a bevy of fast-paced licks on guitar. As the jam lessens in intensity, it slowly funnels into a “Black Peter” with Garcia belting out the soulful lyrics flawlessly.

    Instead of getting stretched out, “Peter” shifts almost instantly to a rousing version of “Turn On Your Lovelight.” It sees Weir doing his best Pigpen impression with some soulful, freeform lyrics towards the end as the second set comes to a close. For an encore, the Dead treat the Carrier Dome to a cover of The Beatles’ “Revolution” with Garcia on lead vocals as the third and final show at this iconic Central New York venue comes to a close.

     View this show and more Grateful Dead shows from across the years in New York State with our interactive map below!

    View this and more Grateful Dead shows from across the years in New York State with our interactive map below

    Grateful Dead Carrier Dome – Syracuse, NY 10/20/84

    Set 1: Bertha-> Greatest Story Ever Told, West L.A. Fadeaway, CC Rider, Ramble On Rose, My Brother Esau, Bird Song, Jack Straw

    Set 2: Shakedown Street-> Samson & Delilah, He’s Gone-> Smokestack Lightning-> Drums-> The Wheel-> The Other One-> Black Peter-> Turn On Your Love Light,

    E: Revolution

  • English Teacher Unleash Their Northern Charm on Brooklyn

    English Teacher showed off their indie oddball talents at a hastily arranged show at Brooklyn’s Market Hotel, September 25. Packing Northern wit, Gen Z rage, sincerity and spilled margaritas into their show, the hour-long headline slot left the crowd excited for what’s next.

    English Teacher at Market Hotel, September 25. Credit: William Shanks.
    English Teacher at Market Hotel, September 25. Credit: William Shanks.

    Having wormed their way through the crowd to get to the stage (Market Hotel seemingly has no backstage), the band opened with an accelerated version of “The World’s Biggest Paving Slab”, a salute for the downtrodden and middle finger to those who tread on them.

    English Teacher come to the city weeks after winning the Mercury Prize, a Very Big Deal in the UK, for their debut album This Could Be Texas. They quickly apologized for canceling their recent headline tour “because they were tired.” This refreshing rejection of toxic expectations of the music industry can also be found in their work: during “R&B” singer Lily Fontaine fights the assumption that she should sing any particular genre because of the color of her skin.

    The music is deeply rooted in experience, and there is sense of territorial ambiguity, or perhaps – despite a palpable attachment to where they are from – a yearning for pastures new. The work is largely rooted in the band’s home of the North of England (songs like “Albert Road” and “The World’s Biggest Paving Slab” reference local landmarks, cultural touchstones, heroes and villains) and yet there seems to be a westward gaze to the work. This is most apparent in the album’s title track, “This Could Be Texas”, which is vaguely set in the Lone Star State.

    Guitarist Lewis Whiting, commenting to NYS Music after the show, said that even though “the music is very English,” its wider messages are still accessible for an American crowd. Members of the audience did seem confused by references to the band’s home county of Yorkshire; while there was general agreement in the crowd that “York’s a city I think, like New York I guess,” British concepts like the council – blamed for environmental destruction in ‘Broken Biscuits’ – seemed unfamiliar. Market Hotel patrons get a close-up view of Brooklyn’s JMZ subway lines directly behind drummer Douglas Frost, which throws English Teacher’s, well, Englishness into interesting graphic relief.

    The band is composed of technically gifted multi-instrumentalists comfortable with complex rhythms and winding melodies. Strong musicality is not always enough to guarantee an edifying live experience, but English Teacher’s performance sidestepped many of the traps that befall successful recording artists when it comes to taking to the stage. They wisely recruited a fifth member to fill out the midrange with keys and cello and, stage access aside, Market Hotel is perfectly set up for high-energy acts like these, its trapezoid shape projecting force and sound out from the band and inviting back the crowd’s energy.

    Singer and keyboardist Lily Fontaine is a convincing frontwoman and the spiritual leader of the group. She drives the performance, now conducting her bandmates, now interrogating them as if willing them further, higher. She waves her hands at each of the things she’s “not” on “I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying”, staring into the middle distance and apparently entirely absorbed in her experience.

    There is rage in this music, with Fontaine seeming at points to dissociate into the memory of whatever transgression or crime has inspired her lyrics. At one point she muses that “maybe the spotlight’s not for me,” but while there is an awkwardness to her performance, it is an awkwardness that she wears comfortably. Fortunately for English Teacher, their bandleader possesses undeniable authenticity, that one quality totally essential to a convincing live act.

    Some of the performance did feel rushed – there are times where you wish English Teacher gave their work some more breathing space. Songs could be extended to incubate their power and anger some before unleashing into the breakdowns that make the band so thrilling. You almost want a member of Phish, those wizened jam-band rockers, to throw a grizzled arm around these kids and remind them that the crowd is here for them; they can take their time; the people here can take it. This Could Be Texas, with its punchy second act math-rock pile-on, seemed primed for an 8-minute treatment.

    The set was closed with the album’s swansong, “Albert Road”. The album’s final act sees Fontaine climb a rousing ladder of pitch-perfect semitone gasps, one final shot at lifting off out of this small, narrow-minded Yorkshire town and into outer space – or perhaps just Texas. Earlier in the show, Fontaine described how the band recently supported IDLES, English Teacher’s equally buzzy indie-rock contemporaries. She engages in some light patter with a member of the crowd, sips her margarita. Then Fontaine’s face drops; she becomes deadly serious. “But this is our show now,” she says. It certainly feels like it.

  • Bad Bloom Releases New Shoegaze Single, ‘onion’

    Rochester-based new wave shoegaze band Bad Bloom has released their latest single, “onion.”

    Bad Bloom

    Described as having a goth, grunge gaze sound, Bad Bloom has been evolving traditional genre patterns since their initial release of the three-track Candle in November of 2019. Since their inception, the band has shared the stage with the likes of Ringo Deathstarr, SUUNS, Greet Death, and Pet Fox, with Kal Marks soon to be added to the list.

    Known for pop hooks tucked underneath a distinct shoegaze distortion and riveting instrumentals, members Kate Rogers, Jay Trovato, Travis Johansson, and Jenn Wameling have dedicated themselves to constantly evolving as they experiment with noise through several pedal boards and a determination meld the conventions of the shoegaze genre to their liking.

    Once more, Bad Bloom has delivered upon this promise with their latest release, “onion.” As the title suggests, the track itself and its significance offers listeners several layers to dissect. Rooted in hazy rock instrumentals and dreamy vocals, “onion” explores the feeling of having a dream so enjoyable it’s almost disappointing to find yourself back in the real world once you’ve awakened.

    Rogers, lead vocalist and bassist, penned the track in the hopes of recreating the feelings of innocence, playfulness, and boundless delight that come with a wandering mind- the magic that happens when one is left to their own devices, bored out of their mind and following whatever weird path boredom leads their thoughts down. 

    “onion” is only the first track of many to come from Bad Bloom, being the initial pre-release leading up to their upcoming EP Pepper, to be released later this year. In addition, the band plans to release the official music video for “onion” in October. 

    Bad Bloom is currently on tour, performing at the Bug Jar in Rochester on October 11 and in Kingston on November 1. For more information on future shows, the upcoming Pepper EP, and all of Bad Bloom’s other happenings, visit their Linktree here.

  • Australia’s Paul Kelly Comes to Le Poisson Rouge on October 14

    It’s been close to a decade since Paul Kelly – Australia’s finest export this side of wombats – has played in the U.S., and he’s coming to le poisson rouge in New York City this fall in support of his brand new album Fever Longing Still set for release on November 1.

    paul kelly le poisson rouge
    Photo Credit: Joe Brennan

    Lovingly dubbed the Land Down Under’s Bruce Springsteen, Kelly’s new LP is a throwback to poetic love, with its title coming from a line in Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 147,” whose writing has thrilled and inspired Kelly ever since schooldays.

    Fever Longing Still Album Art

    Paul Kelly’s Le Poisson Rouge show is at 7:30 pm, with doors at 6:30 pm and are on sale here. Support will be provided by Paul Kelly’s nephew, singer-songwriter-guitarist Dan Kelly.

    Other tour stops currently include the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles, California on October 7, followed by an appearance at the Austin City Limits Festival on October 11.

    Watch the official video for “Taught By Experts” below.

    1. Dave Matthews Band Announces Fall Tour, Hit MSG for Two Nights

      Ahead of Dave Matthews Band induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October, the band has announced a Fall Tour. They will hit many big cities on the eastern half of the country including Madison Square Garden on Nov. 22 and 23.

      Dave Matthews Band
      Photo credit: Sanjay Suchak

      Since 1993 when Dave Matthews Band’s first studio album was released, they have been a power house in the rock world selling 38 million CDs and DVDs. They have also sold over 25 million tickets since their birth making them the second largest ticket-seller in history. After the group’s 2018 album Come Tomorow, they became the first ever band to have 7 consecutive studio albums hit number one on the Billboard 200.

      Dave Matthews Band released a new album, the first in five years, Walk Around The Moon in 2023. The album has been praised by many publications and the band has supported it with many concerts and tours since its release. Most recently, they played their traditional Labor Day weekend concerts at The Gorge in Washington state. They will arrive in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Nov 22 and 23 closing out the six planned dates to take place in November.

      Dave Matthews Band will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 19 in Cleveland, OH. The induction ceremony will stream on Disney+, and will be released on Hulu the next day.

      General on sale for tickets begins on Friday, September 20, at 10:00 a.m. ET. For more information, visit davematthewsband.com.

      DAVE MATTHEWS BAND FALL 2024 DATES

      11/15               Pittsburgh, PA                           PPG Paints Arena

      11/16               Columbus, OH                           Nationwide Arena

      11/19               Uncasville, CT                           Mohegan Sun Arena

      11/20               Uncasville, CT                           Mohegan Sun Arena

      11/22               New York, NY                            Madison Square Garden – The Arena

      11/23               New York, NY                            Madison Square Garden – The Arena

    2. House of Treats: Primus Gets Weird and Wonderful in Saratoga Springs

      It was a night of sonic exploration and psychedelic virtuosity on Monday, August 12, when Les Claypool and the mighty Primus made their return to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. In a concert experience that definitely did not suck, the music was as eclectic as it was electrifying. Along with the ageless and genre-defying Primus, the stacked bill also included the progressive rock grandeur of Coheed and Cambria, and the surreal cabaret experience of Puddles Pity Party. This unlikely combination of acts came together to create a night that was both surreal and unforgettable.

      Here Come The Bastards: Primus frontman Les Claypool performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/12/24.

      Primus has always been a band that defies categorization. Fronted by the inimitable Les Claypool, Primus burst onto the scene in the late 1980s, blending elements of funk, metal, punk, and experimental rock into a sound that is uniquely their own. Their music is characterized by complex rhythms, bizarre lyrical narratives, and, most notably, Claypool’s virtuoso bass playing. Over the years, Primus has cultivated a devoted following, attracting fans of both hard rock and improvised jams, their live shows are known for their deeply hypnotic grooves and intense, energetic peaks. At SPAC, Primus delivered a set that was both nostalgic and forward-looking. After taking the stage to their customary Danny Elfman / Pee Wee’s Big Adventure walkup theme known as “Clown Dream,” the band would immediately surprise fans with an unexpected sit-in from Puddles Pity Party, the 6’8” sad clown with the golden voice.  Delighting fans with a powerful cover of the Dio classic “Holy Diver,” Primus and friends made it clear they weren’t clowning around in Saratoga, and to strap in for a rollercoaster ride of the unexpected.

      Holy Diver: Primus opened the show with a little help from from Puddles Pity Party on 8/12/2024.

      Following things up with the heavy-hitting 1993 Pork Soda favorite, “Nature Boy,” Claypool’s basslines were as thunderous as ever, and his off-kilter vocals added an extra layer of strangeness to the proceedings. “Golden Boy” would be lone song played from The Brown Album before “My Friend Fats” took the honors as first extended jam of night, giving guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde ample time to showcase his dizzying effects pallet and technical chops, while Claypool’s frantic finger work on the high notes echoed through the pavilion in the most surreal and satisfying way.

      C’mon kiddies, gather round: Primus performing at Space on 8/12/2024.

      As the lights dimmed between songs and the fog machine continued working overtime, a hooded figure emerged from the side of the stage. Clutching a glowing skull and presenting it to the crowd as if it processed mystical powers, the identity of the druid was soon revealed as Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria! Teaming up with Primus for the second surprise sit-in of the night, Sanchez’ distinct voice was perfectly suited for the cover of Rush’s “Cygnus X-1.” Bouncing back with the standout song of the night, a deep dive into “Professor Nutbutter’s House of Treats” had all the old school Primates savoring every second.  The crowd, a mix of dedicated followers and curious newcomers, were fully engaged, swaying and headbanging to the complex grooves. The visual experience was equally impressive, with trippy, surrealist animations projected behind the band, adding to the sense of being on a musical journey through the weird and wonderful.

      Claypool for President: Bassist Les Claypool performing at SPAC on 8/12/24. Would you vote for this man?

      Taking a moment to acknowledge the audience, Claypool would remark that it’s been quite a long time since they last played this historic venue. Nostalgic fans were quick to remember the bands appearance at SPAC during the H.O.R.D.E. days in the late 90’s and their many appearances at the Palace Theatre in Albany in the years since, but indeed, it had been awhile since they’ve played a venue of this capacity. Interrupted by a fan requesting “Tommy the Cat,” Claypool would immediately shoot them down by saying, “Did you just say Tommy the Cat? That’s funny because that’s exactly what we’re not going to play.” Instead going with the crunchy punch of “Hamburger Train” anchored by the powerful hands of drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander. Leaving the stage and returning in a horse mask, Claypool would take to his electric standup bass for the particularly poignant cautionary tale of “Jilly’s on Smack.”  Ending the tune on a repeating loop, the band created a dark ambience that felt like it could take you in any direction.  Choosing once again to return to the Pork Soda era, “The Ol’ Diamondback Sturgeon (Fisherman’s Chronicles, Pt 3)” seamlessly picked up where Jilly left off. Sensing a bit of a shift in momentum, Primus would strike back next with one of their most iconic songs, “Jerry Was a Racecar Driver,” which was famously featured over and over on the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skateboarder game. Sending fans into a frenzy every time he shouted “go!” the bolted down seats in the amphitheater where the only thing stopping a full-scale mosh pit from breaking out. Jerry would bring the main portin of the show to close and leave fans screaming for more.

      House of Treats: Primus pleased the SPAC crowd with a tasty Professor Nutbutter on 8/12/24.

      Returning for an encore and with lots of fan favorites still left on the table, Primus would select the title track of their latest EP, 2022’s “Conspiranoia,” which they also played their last time in town at the Palace Theatre. Going all in on the near twelve-minute jam, Claypool would march circles around the stage, stomping his feet to the songs monstrous bass lick while humorous soundbite samples of random conspiracy theories pipped over the PA. Segueing directly into the relentless rhythm of “Here Come the Bastards,” Primus would ultimately send fans home happy with one of their biggest hits, “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver.”   A well-curated mix of classic tracks and deeper cuts, satisfying both long-time fans and newer listeners, Primus never disappoints.

      Watch fan shot footage of Primus performing “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” in Saratoga Springs 8/12/24.

      If Primus represents the quirky and experimental side of rock, Coheed and Cambria bring a sense of epic grandeur to the table. Formed in 1995, Coheed and Cambria are known for their sprawling, concept-driven albums that weave together elements of progressive rock, metal, and emo. Their music often tells the story of *The Amory Wars*, a science fiction narrative that spans multiple albums and has even been adapted into comic books.

      Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/12/24.

      At SPAC, Coheed and Cambria delivered a performance that was nothing short of cinematic. Frontman Claudio Sanchez’s soaring vocals and intricate guitar work were the perfect match for the band’s complex compositions. The set was a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of quiet introspection giving way to explosive, arena-sized choruses. Tracks like “Welcome Home” and “The Suffering” were particular highlights, with the audience singing along passionately.

      Coheed and Cambria opening for Primus on 8/12/24.

      At one point, the band would pause to reflect on their history in the area, with multiple mentions of their early gigs at the since burned down Saratoga Winners venue, even dedicating one of their new songs to the man who booked them way back then. With a sound that still resonates all these years later, there was a noticeable contingent in the audience decked out in sci-fi and comic book-inspired attire, clearly long-time fans of the band and their intricate storylines. Coheed’s set was full of high energy, hair whips and bombastic solos, that at one point even saw Sanchez playing his double-neck guitar behind his head for added showmanship. For the beers drinkers in attendance, the band also brought along their limited edition IPA collaboration with Six Point Brewery called The Liars Club, inspired by the bands album Vaxis II: Window Of The Waking Mind.

      Watch fan shot footage of Coheed and Cambria peforming “Welcome Home” at SPAC on 8/12/24.

      Puddles Pity Party, the opening act of the evening, was perhaps the most surprising element of the night. For the uninitiated, Puddles Pity Party is the alter ego of Mike Geier, a 6’8” tall clown with a melancholy demeanor and a voice that can only be described as stunning. Puddles rose to fame through viral videos and appearances on America’s Got Talent, where his deep, emotive voice and unique takes on popular songs won him a legion of fans.

      Puddles Pity Party performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/12/24.

      At SPAC, Puddles Pity Party delivered a set that was both hilarious and deeply moving. Dressed in his trademark white clown costume, Puddles performed a mix of covers and original songs, each delivered with a combination of deadpan humor and genuine emotion. Highlights included his renditions of “Ring of Fire,” The Who’s “Pinball Wizard” and a version of Ozzy’s Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” mashed up with Adele’s “Let It Go.” After a transformative “Space Oddity” homage to David Bowie was met with resounding approval, things would get downright whacky as Puddles then professed his love for actor Kevin Costner in bizarre hybrid of “Stairway to Heaven” meets Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” while images of the Costner 1995 Hollywood flop Waterworld projected onto the big screens.  Suddenly, the music would bust into Metallica’s “One” for the high-intensity outro to a very fun set. The audience, initially unsure of what to expect, quickly warmed to the sad clown’s unique brand of entertainment. By the end of his set, there wasn’t a frown to be found.

      Puddles Pity Party performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/12/24.

      From die-hard Primus fans wearing vintage tour shirts to Coheed and Cambria followers letting their sci-fi geek flags fly, the audience was a melting pot of music lovers. The diversity in the crowd reflected the broad appeal of the evening’s acts, with each band bringing their own unique following to the venue. Despite the differences in musical taste and style, the atmosphere was one of mutual respect and shared enjoyment, with everyone there to appreciate the artistry on display. Whether you were there to witness Les Claypool’s bass wizardry, Claudio Sanchez’s epic storytelling, or Puddles’ deranged humor, there was something for everyone. Complete with surprise collaborations and stunning visuals, it was another spectacular night a SPAC and one that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who attended.

      Primus | August 12, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY

      Setlist: Clown Dream Intro, Holy Diver *, Nature Boy, Golden Boy, My Friend Fats, Cygnus X-1**, Professor Nutbutter’s House of Treats, Hamburger Train, Jilly’s on Smack, The Ol’ Diamondback Sturgeon (Fisherman’s Chronicles, Pt 3), Jerry Was a Racecar Driver.

      Encore: Conspiranoia, Here Come the Bastards, Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver.

      *Dio cover featuring Puddles Pity Party

      **Rush cover featuring Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria.

      Coheed and Cambria | August 12, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY

      Setlist: In Keeping Secrets of Silent Easrth:3. Ten Speed (Of God’s Blood and Burial), The Willing Well I: Fuel for the Feeding End, Key Entity Extraction V: Sentry the Defiant, A Favor House Atlantic, Blindside Sunny, The Crowing, The Liars Club, Shoulders, Welcome Home.

      Puddles Pity Party | August 12, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY

      Setlist: Ring of Fire, Pinball Wizard, Crazy Train > Let It Go, Space Oddity, Stairway to Heaven> My Heart Will Go On, One Outro.