On Saturday, September 28th, radio giant Audacy once again filled New Jersey’s Prudential Center, marking the second consecutive year they’ve sold out the venue for their “We Can Survive” benefit concert. Now in its 13th year, the event continues to support mental health awareness and raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
The concert is a cornerstone of Audacy’s mental health initiative, “I’m Listening,” which amplifies the importance of mental well-being.
The star-studded lineup featured performances from Justin Timberlake, New Kids on the Block, Tate McRae, Benson Boone, Khalid, and rising star Isabel LaRosa. Proceeds from the event help AFSP save lives, provide hope for those impacted by suicide, and fund educational programs and resources for survivors and those affected by suicide loss.
Isabel LaRosa opened the show with a powerful debut, demonstrating a stage presence that belied her inexperience in front of such large crowds and sang a few of her favorite tunes like “i’m yours.”. Next, Benson Boone delivered a captivating set with his soulful voice, dynamic energy, and stunning vocal range, punctuated by one of his signature backflips that left the crowd in awe. He thrilled fans with TikTok hits like “Beautiful Things” and “Slow It Down,” solidifying his place as a breakout talent.
Khalid kept the momentum going, sprinting across the stage to engage with fans while performing his catalog of hits that have become the soundtrack for many, including “American Teen,” “Better,” and “Young Dumb & Broke.”
Then, Tate McRae lit up the stage, mesmerizing the audience with both her vocals and high-energy choreography. The pop sensation performed her smash hit “Greedy,” which has racked up over a billion streams, along with her latest single, “It’s okay I’m okay,” in only its second live performance.
The excitement continued as New Kids on the Block got the entire arena on their feet. Fans of all ages were dancing in anticipation, with DJ Andrew Hypes building the energy before the iconic group took the stage. The group sang their familiar favorites, including “Step by Step,” “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever),” and “You Got It (The Right Stuff).
The night concluded with a headlining performance by Justin Timberlake, whose set—though closed to the press—was the perfect grand finale to an unforgettable evening in support of an important cause of Mental Health Awareness.
Iconic English rock band Oasis has announced the North American Leg of their historic OASIS LIVE ’25 world tour which features two shows at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
The North American leg, produced by Live Nation and SJM, will see Oasis play stadiums in Toronto, ON; Chicago, IL; East Rutherford, NJ; Los Angeles, CA; and Mexico City, MX, next summer with Cage The Elephant as the special guest across all dates. Currently, the Oasis Live ’25 tour boasts shows in at least five countries – UK, Ireland, US, Canada, and Mexico. This historic world tour plans to go to other continents outside of Europe and North America later next year.
The previously announced dates on the Oasis Live ‘25 tour sold out immediately culminating in the biggest concert launch ever seen in the UK and Ireland, with over 10 million fans from 158 countries queuing to buy tickets. Days after their return, the band claimed their 8th UK No. 1 album with the 30th anniversary of their electrifying debut album Definitely Maybe, while at the same time occupying two other spots in the top 5 UK albums chart.
Oasis Live ’25 Tour Dates
JULY 2025
4th – Cardiff, UK – Principality Stadium (SOLD OUT)
5th – Cardiff, UK – Principality Stadium (SOLD OUT)
11th – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
12th – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
16th – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
19th – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
20th – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
25th – London, UK – Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
26th – London, UK – Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
30th – London, UK – Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
AUGUST 2025
2nd – London, UK – Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
3rd – London, UK – Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
8th – Edinburgh, UK – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT)
9th – Edinburgh, UK – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT)
12th – Edinburgh, UK – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT)
16th – Dublin, IE – Croke Park (SOLD OUT)
17th – Dublin, IE – Croke Park (SOLD OUT)
24th – Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium*
25th – Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium* (JUST ADDED)
28th – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field*
31st – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium*
SEPTEMBER 2025
1st – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium* (JUST ADDED)
6th – Los Angeles, CA – Rose Bowl Stadium*
7th – Los Angeles, CA – Rose Bowl Stadium* (JUST ADDED)
The 11th Annual We Can Survive benefit concert is set to be hosted by the radio giant Audacy this Saturday, September 28th at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
The one and only Justin Timberlake will be headlining, preceded by the American boyband New Kids on the Block, pop superstar Tate McRae, “Beautiful Things” singer Benson Boone, R&B singer Khalid and Cuban-American singer and songwriter Isabel LaRosa.
We Can Survive contributes to AFSP’s vital work by providing education, support for those affected by loss, and organizing community programs and events nationwide. A portion of this year’s show proceeds will go towards their initiatives, including their new public service campaign, “Talk Away the Dark,” which aims to raise awareness about suicide prevention, especially how to spot warning signs and connect others to valuable resources.
“Music is a driving force in so many of our lives. Having an event like We Can Survive that features artists our fans love while supporting mental health just shows how powerful songs and lyrics can be,” Michael Martin said, the Senior Vice President of Programming and Head of Music Initiatives at Audacy. “We look forward to welcoming all of the extraordinary artists and can’t wait to see them light up the night.”
Additionally, join Audacy’s 2024 “I’m Listening” broadcast special on Wednesday, September 25th, at 7 PM on any Audacy station. This annual event, part of Audacy’s ongoing mental health initiative, brings together artists, actors, medical professionals, and others to raise awareness and foster open conversations around mental health. In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the program will offer valuable resources, highlight the importance of communication in mental wellness, and create a supportive environment for those facing mental health challenges. Listeners are encouraged to share their stories and explore tools for well-being, reinforcing that no one has to navigate their struggles alone.
Hosted by radio personality Carson Daly, co-host of NBC’s TODAY and The Voice, along with Audacy’s nationally syndicated Country host, Katie Neal, the broadcast will feature expert insights from Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, psychologist and founder of The AAKOMA Project, and Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, AFSP’s Chief Medical Officer.
There are still a few tickets up for sale at Ticketmaster.com, don’t miss this stellar lineup, all for a fantastic cause.
On Saturday, September 7, the PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey was treated to a powerhouse lineup of rock and industrial legends, featuring Filter, Ministry, Alice Cooper, and Rob Zombie. The diverse crowd, a mix of metalheads, goths, and rockers, gathered for a night of electrifying performances, each act bringing its signature style and energy to the stage.
Filter Opens with Grunge-Industrial Anthems
Filter kicked off the evening, setting the tone with their grunge-tinged industrial sound. Opening with “You Walk Away,” the band immediately captured the crowd’s attention. Their setlist included fan-favorite hits like “Take My Picture” and the iconic “Hey Man, Nice Shot,” which sent waves of nostalgia through the audience. Richard Patrick’s intense vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation delivered a strong start, with plenty of sing-alongs and headbanging from the early crowd.
Ministry took the stage next, delivering a relentless barrage of industrial metal. Al Jourgensen and company wasted no time diving into their gritty catalog with tracks like “Stigmata,” “Just One Fix,” and the iconic “Jesus Built My Hotrod.” The band’s machine-like precision and pounding beats had the crowd entranced, while Jourgensen’s snarling vocals added an extra layer of chaos to the performance. With their dark, aggressive sound and pulsating light show, Ministry left a lasting impact, keeping the energy at a fever pitch for the next act.
Alice Cooper’s Theatrical Horror Show Steals the Spotlight
The legendary Alice Cooper, at 76 years old, proved he’s still the undisputed king of shock rock. Entering the stage through a massive “Banned in New Jersey” newspaper, Cooper launched into “Lock Me Up,” immediately immersing the crowd in his signature blend of rock and theatrical horror. Backed by a stellar band, Cooper’s set was filled with classic hits like “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “I’m Eighteen,” and “Poison,” each song complemented by a dizzying array of visual spectacles.
From impaling a paparazzo to draping a boa constrictor around his neck and battling a Jason Voorhees-style monster, Cooper’s showmanship was on full display. The crowd was particularly captivated by “The Ballad of Dwight Fry,” where Cooper, in a straitjacket, met a chilling end at the guillotine – only to return for an explosive rendition of “School’s Out” to close out his set. His energy, despite his age, was awe-inspiring, leaving fans thrilled and cheering for more.
Rob Zombie’s Horror Extravaganza Caps Off the Night
Rob Zombie closed out the night with his high-octane, horror-infused set. Bursting onto the stage with “Demon Speeding” Zombie’s performance was a technicolor feast for the eyes, featuring scenes from his horror films and retro visual effects flashing behind him. The crowd was treated to a wild ride through Zombie’s discography with songs like “Living Dead Girl” and “Superbeast.”
Though longtime guitarist John 5 was absent, having joined Mötley Crüe, Zombie’s current lineup – Mike Riggs on guitar, Rob “Blasko” Nicholson on bass, and Ginger Fish on drums – delivered a blistering performance that kept the energy sky-high. Zombie’s stage presence, with his high kicks and dramatic flair, kept the crowd engaged, dancing, and screaming for more until the very end.
Rob Zombie Setlist: Demon Speeding, Super Charger-Heaven, Feel So Numb, Well, Everybody’s Fucking In A UFO, What Lurks on Channel X?, Superbeast, The Lords of Salem, Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown, The Triumph of King Freak, Drum Solo, The Satanic Rites of Blacula, More Human Than Human, Living Dead Girl, Thunder Kiss ’65, Dragula
Alice Cooper Setlist: Lock Me Up, No More Mr Nice Guy, I’m Eighteen, Under My Wheels, Billion Dollar Babies, Hey Stoopid, He’s Back, Snakebite, Feed My Frankenstein, Poison, Guitar Solo, Black Widow Jam, Ballad of Dwight Fry, Killer/I Love the Dead, Elected, Schools Out
After a successful tour opening in Brooklyn, Clutch and Rival Sons brought their duel headlining tour dubbed “The Two-Headed Beast” tour to the College Street Music Hall in New Haven, Connecticut.
Joining the two bands was the Orange County California band, Fu Manchu. The night was summed up perfectly by Rival Sons lead singer Jay Buchanan when he said “What a rock and roll evening it’s been.” Clutch closed the evening playing the entirety ofBlast Tyrant. It’s always cool to see when artists play their records all the way through.
The rock and roll festivities started when the doors opened at 6:30 and fans began to file into the theater. When Fu Manchu jumped on stage, fans had parked themselves in front or upstairs to witness the headbanging set. Despite Fu Manchu only playing for half an hour, they left their mark on the audience. Their heavy set featured new songs off their new record The Return Of Tomorrowas well as classics.
The powerful quartet featured the duo of Scott Hill on vocals and guitar along with Bob Balch on guitar. Also, Scott Reeder was behind the drums kits with Brad Davis at stage right on the bass. The band created such a heavy sound that fans in the audience could feel the power through their speakers. They were so heavy that they could feel the thumping in their chests during the 30-minute set.
As is tradition with co-headlining tours, it was Rival Sons’ night to play as the middle band. With the lights dimmed, the five-piece band slithered on stage and jumped right “Mirrors.” For the entire time that they were on stage, they blew away the audience with amazing guitar chords and excellent songwriting.
It’s amazing that during the show, Buchanan didn’t lose his voice. His powerful screaming left the entire crowd in awe. While Buchanan pranced around the stage in his bright red, Scott Holiday was dressed and looking as cool as ever. Holiday was suited up with a beautiful teal jacket, hat, sunglasses and scarf. It made him look like the perfect rock and roll outlaw. Throughout the night, his guitar tech would continue to bring out colorful guitars that would sound just as they looked, amazing.
Rival Sons played a total of 13 songs that spanned their discography. They showed their versatility when they jammed during “Open My Eyes” and played a ballad off their 2014 record. Fans got their money’s worth at this point as it was easy to tell that Rival Sons is a tightly rehearsed band. They didn’t miss a beat and had a stage chemistry that was apparent to the audience with each passing song.
Joining Buchanan and Holiday on stage was Dave Beste on bass, Jesse Nason on keyboards and Mike Miley on drums. Miley was drumming so hard that you could see how sweaty he was while on stage.
As the night slowly got later, fans refused to go anywhere until Clutch played their entire record. It wasn’t till after 9:30 hit until they hit the stage but, like Rival Sons, the minute they started their first song, there was no turning back. Their set felt like a train that would not stop. The constant rhythm of their music and their high level of energy made for a great night of music.
Like with any hard rock band and a general admission audience, mosh pits are bound to happen. During Clutch’s set, one did appear. But, in one moment between songs, lead singer Neil Fallon announced to the crowd that there were “young people against the barricade.” He that they were able to continue to mosh but to be respectful of the people around them. What Fallon said is what a true lead singer should do. It was a very respectful move on his behalf. The moment certainly won over a few fans who might have stayed after the Rival Sons set.
During the set, Fallon was the only member of the band to come within three inches of the edge of the stage. Throughout the entire night, he was running back and forth from one side to the other giving it his all. Bassist Dan Maines and guitarist Tim Sult flanked drummer Jean-Paul Gaster on both sides and didn’t move for the entire show. Sult shredded the entire time and stared down at his guitar barely looking up once as if he was possessed by his guitar.
Their set was amazingly heavy, a perfect blend of rock music. With each song coming to a close, the entire place erupted with joy and filled the theater. Their style of hard rock was the perfect way to end the night. People excited the College Street Music Hall with smiles on their faces. It’s not very often that acts will play an album of theirs front to back and straight through. So when they do, it’s an extra special night.
Clutch & Rival Sons “The Two-Headed Beast” tour is not to be missed. Between Rival Sons’ classic 1970s rock and roll style and Clutch’s hard rock, despite their styles being different, they make for a spectacular night. Despite the tour not swinging back into New York, fans need to try and catch them on one of their other upcoming dates. This late summer/fall tour is one to be remembered for both styles of rock meeting in the middle for a night of thrilling music between multiple bands.
Fu Manchu Setlist: Eatin’ Dust, Evil Eye, Hands of the Zodiac, Hell on Wheels, King of the Road, Loch Ness Wrecking Machine, Saturn III
Rival Sons Setlist: Mirrors, Nobody Wants to Die, Tied Up, Sleepwalker, Too Bad, Get What’s Coming, Open My Eyes, Pressure and Time, Feral Roots, Where I’ve Been, Do Your Worst, Electric Man, Secret
Clutch Setlist: Mercury, Profits of Doom, The Mob Goes Wild, Cypress Grove, Promoter (of Earthbound Causes), The Regulator, Worm Drink, Army of Bono, Spleen Merchant, (In the Wake of) The Sollen Goat, Subtle Hustle, Ghost, (Notes From the Trial of) LACurandera, Burning Beard, Slaughter Beach, Nosferatu Madre, D.C. Sound Attack!
It’s been just over two weeks since Phish’s Mondegreen music festival in Delaware, the band’s 11th in their more than 40 year career, and a reunion of fans as the band’s 2024 summer tour wound down.
Phish Mondegreen photo by Filip Zalewski
Spread out widely across the grounds of The Woodlands and Dover Motor Speedway, fans found themselves walking miles at a time to make it into the festival. And that’s before you’re dancing and driving your step count up and up. If you walked around 30 miles in those four days, you seem to fall in the median of the 40,000 attendees, based on anecdotal data.
Amid the huge jams and festival Phish that was heard over eight sets, there were plenty of non-musical highlights as well, particularly the art installations that peppered the festival area.
Over four days time, you’d have had the opportunity to see Luke Jerramâs Museum Of The Moon, where a 21-foot recreation of the Moon was suspended in mid-air, shining brightly through the trees at night. Just past the security checkpoint, you could see Lars Fiskâs Dodge Ball (a dodge caravan reimagined in the shape of a ball) and on the far side of the concert field, Henk Hofstraâs Eggcident installation.
The Cerealist Bowl photo by Taylor Weinberg
There was the parallel reality of Nova Heat, Olivier Grossetête’s Cardboard City Hall (which had to be dismantled a day early on Saturday, due to expected high winds) and Leigh Fordham Hall, which doubled as a game show stage before and after Phish each day.
Standing out as the most memorable and unique was The Cerealist Bowl, which was a speakeasy that required a password, featuring costumed servers and strange performance art, uniquely, a man who sat in front of a cotton candy machine, slowly covered in stringy pink sugar fibers.
Heliosphere photo by Brian Ferguson
Centered in the festival field was The Heliosphere, a beacon of light that bumped late-night music post-Phish, and served as a way to find yourself in these expansive grounds, making the immense festival feel much smaller, manageable even.
There were of course some downsides, including fan complaints during and after the festival citing ADA shuttle issues and accommodations. Add in communication issues between production team and staff in the campgrounds (also with shuttles) and there were some things that could have been done better. But nothing on the music or art end was lacking at any point of the weekend.
Museum Of The Moon photo by Derek Java
Even though the threat of severe weather on the final day led to a single afternoon set of Phish instead of two evening sets, fans took this in stride, rejoiced at the idea of afternoon Phish at a festival (something scrapped for Mondegreen, but a staple of all 3.0 fests, Magnaball, Superball and Fest 8.
While some who lived proximate to Delaware and were home Sunday night, others had time to rest before they ventured home, as planned, on Monday. For a four day run, the idea of music ending a little earlier was welcome to some older fans, allowing time to soak in these few days of Phish before heading back to civilization.
While the severe weather never materialized, the band made a smart call to plan for safety, to ensure the music was not impacted, and informed fans with plenty of advance notice, a notification going out on the Mondegreen app around 5pm on Saturday evening.
Overall, the festival was a huge success by all standards, with fans left wondering how long until they return to Dover for Phish Festival #12.
Below, view photos from Phish’s Mondegreen via four NYS Music photographers, each with a different style and eye for the band over the four day music festival.
Wallows, the Los Angeles-based indie rock trio, has been captivating audiences since their formation in 2017. Made of Braeden Lemasters, Dylan Minnette, and Cole Preston, Wallows boasts a signature blend of nostalgic 90s alt-rock and modern indie-pop. Over time, they’ve consistently delivered infectious hits that have earned them both critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Their live performances are where Wallows truly shine. Known for their electric energy and dynamic stage presence, each member of the band brings something unique to the table. Their individual contributions combine to create a show that is both sonically and visually captivating. Their shows are more than just concerts—they are experiences that leave fans with lasting memories.
The Show
Wallows’ show at The Mann in Philadelphia was spectacular, showcasing the band’s growth and their connection with their audience. They created memorable moments throughout the evening, making it a night that Philly fans won’t forget.
As the show kicked off, Wallows took to the main stage with “Do Not Wait,” immediately drawing the crowd in. Braeden kept the crowd engaged throughout the night, seamlessly transitioning from talking about Philly’s national treasures to introducing “Quarterback” by joking, “If Benjamin Franklin was alive right now, I think he’d be into football. Speaking of football…” Cole then took over on vocals, and the crowd was loving every minute.
The Mann, with its expansive and almost boat-like feel (as noted by Cole), provided the perfect backdrop for Wallows’ dynamic setlist. From fan favorites like “Scrawny” and “These Days” to deeper cuts like “Drunk on Halloween,” the band delivered a performance that had the audience singing along and dancing throughout the night. One of the standout moments of the night was when Dylan made his way through the crowd during “She’s an Actress,” holding hands with fans and bringing an extra layer of intimacy to the show.
The guys surprised the crowd on the B-Stage by performing “Ground,” a song they hadn’t played on the Model Tour until now. They followed this with a haunting rendition of “Drunk on Halloween,” which further cemented the band’s ability to captivate their audience with both their sound and their presence.
As the band transitioned back to the main stage, they brought the night to a close with a powerful sequence of songs, including “Worlds Apart,” during which Braeden made his way back through the crowd, and the crowd-favorite “Are You Bored Yet?” The energy in the venue was palpable, with fans singing every word and savoring every moment.
Looking Forward
If you missed Wallows on this tour , don’t worry—you can catch them when they’re in New York. Their live shows are an unforgettable experience, and this band is only getting better with time. Catch them live, and be prepared for a night full of incredible music, memorable interactions, and an atmosphere that will stay with you long after the last note has been played.
Setlist:
Main Stage Do Not Wait, Your Apartment, [Anytime, Always], Scrawny, Don’t You Think It’s Strange, Quarterback, Bad Dream, These Days, You (Show Me Where My Days Went), At the End of the Day, Just Like a Movie, A Warning, Uncomfortable, She’s an Actress
B Stage Pictures of Girls, Ground (Tour debut), Drunk on Halloween Main Stage Worlds Apart, Pleaser, Calling After Me, Remember When, I Don’t Want to Talk, Are You Bored Yet?
Article photos by Emma Wannie, Gallery photos by Chloe Dugord
Phish has kicked off their eleventh festival, Mondegreen, at The Woodlands in Dover, Delaware, welcoming 40,000 fans for a 4-day musical and visual odyssey. The modern day music festival landscape has evolved from Phish being the progenitor of the 90s festival resurgence, the one with the most success despite only a single band on the lineup, to a landscape where festivals are failing, canceling, being too big, or underattended, and generally going the away after two decades of success. Yet here we are with Phish keeping their success with fests going even as bigger and “better” ones continue to fall by the wayside.
In a concert bowl full of art installations with surprises around each corner and tucked into the woods surrounding the fans, Phish fans find themselves in a real life choose your own adventure book, where every turn and decision leads to even more action and escapades.
Likewise, Phish onstage rose to the occasion, opening the festival with a mondegreen of a song, ‘The Moma Dance’ (the moment ends), dropping a first set that was highlighted by a 19-minute “Wolfman’s Brother” and a 30-minute combined 1-2 punch of a closer with “A Wave of Hope” and “Sand.”
Set 2 opened with the true Phish debut (sans Billy Strings on vocals) of “What’s Going Through Your Mind” that clocked in at a surprising 25 minutes. Energetic versions of “Chalkdust Torture” and “Light” followed, with both jams eclipsed by a mid-set highlight in “Prince Caspian” that featured healthy teases of “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley” from Mike Gordon with Talking Heads’ “Crosseyed and Painless” later providing a continued burst of energy. A brief “Lonely Trip” was the only respite this set, as a 15-minute “Everything’s Right” closed the set.
A triple encore of the all too infrequent “Saw It Again” had added lyrics referencing the festival, with “Possum” and “Slave to the Traffic Light” closing night 1 on a high note.
Phish – Mondegreen Festival – The Woodlands – Dover, DE 8/15/24
Set 1: The Moma Dance, Back on the Train, Wolfman’s Brother, Funky Bitch, Roggae, NICU, A Wave of Hope, Sand
Set 2: What’s Going Through Your Mind -> Chalk Dust Torture -> Light > Prince Caspian, Crosseyed and Painless, Lonely Trip, Everything’s Right
Encore: Saw It Again > Possum, Slave to the Traffic Light
Night two of Phish’s Mondegreen Festival is now in the books with the band delivering two sets of nearly seamless originals and a brilliant “not-so-secret” third set of musical improvisation that ran the gamut from ambient to explosive psychedelia.
photo by Derek Java
The show began almost promptly at 7 pm this evening with an old school opener in the harmony-laden “Bouncing Around The Room.” This was followed by a “Kill Devil Falls” that set the tone for the rest of the night with an exploratory, groove-intensive jam that technically left the song unfinished. Instead of rounding it back into form, Phish threw out their signature take on Frank Zappa’s “Peaches En Regalia,” the only cover song played all night. “Free” then built on the momentum with an ebullient, free flowing jam before a perfectly placed “Divided Sky” with the sun slowly beginning to set helped create a brilliant aural landscape. The “Tube” that followed elicited another thick jam that had some certifiable meat to it before “Mountains In The Mist” served as a suitable first set “breather” song. “Reba” brought with it all the feels and emotion with a super blissed out jam that further cemented the already immaculate first set vibes. Bypassing the traditional “whistling” ending, Phish instead rounded off the first set with a fun “Twist” > “Character Zero” closing musical salvo.
photo by Derek Java
The second set kicked off with another monstrous “My Friend, My Friend,” a song the band has really stretched out and added some extensive jams to as of late. The traditional “Myfe” ending was skipped over on this one as well with the music instead flowing right into “No Men In No Men’s Land,” a song that typically features some heavy exploratory improvisation on the band end and tonight’s performance was no exception. From here, it was a non-stop runaway train of high end musical improvisation as the band shuffled seamlessly through segues into “Ruby Waves” and “Pillow Jets.” Keyboardist Page McConnell then dove in the sample bin for “Your Pet Cat,” spicing up another intense jam with sounds of cats screeching and screaming, giving a real back alley brawl feel to this rarely played instrumental number. WIthout ever fully stopping, Phish then circled back with ease to revisit both “Ruby Waves” and “No Men” while throwing a hearty “Story Of the Ghost “ right in between them. A flawless “Fluffhead” then closed out the set in grandiose fashion, featuring some amazing drumming and light hearted singing from Jon Fishman.
photo by Derek Java
Prior to the encore, Trey Anastasio facetiously mentioned to “one guy in a white shirt” that there may be a secret set tonight and it may not be wise to head right back to the campground after the show. First, however, was an appearance from “Harry Hood” and its typical powerful, blissful jam before a thunderous and feedback-heavy “First Tube” with Anastasio going full guitar god mode ended things….for now. With many taking heed to Trey’s suggestion and sticking around, a sheer screen descended in front of the stage, turning it into a veritable movie screen. Phish then proceeded to pull a “reverse Sphere,” with the band playing behind the screen as it proceeded to show a series of brilliant images that seemed to grow more intense and vivid as the 50-minute set went on. It was a legitimate question to wonder if the music was dictating the images or the other way around. Either way, it made for one of the more legendary secret sets in the band’s rich festival history as Phish touched on everything from the ambient to thrash metal and seemingly everything in between, dazzling the audience and capping off a special second night at Mondegreen.
Phish – Mondegreen Festival – The Woodlands – Dover, DE 8/16/24
Set 1: Bouncing Around the Room, Kill Devil Falls > Peaches en Regalia, Free, Divided Sky, Tube, Mountains in the Mist, Reba, Twist > Character Zero
Set 2: My Friend, My Friend > No Men In No Man’s Land > Ruby Waves > Pillow Jets -> Your Pet Cat -> Ruby Waves > Ghost -> No Men In No Man’s Land > Fluffhead
Encore: Harry Hood > First Tube
Set 3: Woodlands Jam
photo by Filip Zalewski
The third day of Mondegreen was as hot as any of the previous two, with little in terms of shade or escape from the heat. Phish fans pushed through – we do train for this – and rallied to be inside and take in the art installations, food offerings and stand up comedy that took place in the hours before the music began.
Opening the afternoon with “Mike’s Song” gave Lemonwheel vibes, but the classic combo of “Mike’s > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove” was the fuel and fans needed to get down. A lofty “Theme From the Bottom” followed, along with a Mondegreen of a song, “Blaze On” (Nice Shades/Night Shades) to follow. Perhaps compelled by a sign featuring Paulie Walnuts saying “Gaba Jibbool,” “Gotta Jibboo” ended up being a top jam of the set, stretching for more than 12 minutes. All that followed was setting the table for the second set – the funk rock of “46 Days,” the title track off Phish’s latest album, “Evolve,” Phish fest classic “Meatstick” and “David Bowie” to round it out.
photo by Filip Zalewski
By the time second set rolled around, fans were dialed in and preparing themselves mentally and physically for the unexpected news of Sunday’s show being held earlier in the day, with the field opening at 11am for a 1pm set. While the weather never was a factor on Sunday, the preparation by fans was not just on the day of the show, but also the night before.
An errant beat preceded the opening notes of “2001” which beckoned the crowd for a heavy night to come. And while “Oblivion” has been a road tested song since 2023, the lack of segue here stood out, and could have easily been “Tweezer” or “Life Saving Gun,” but the jam still delivered, working towards “Down with Disease,” which, like the “Tweezer” that did follow, clocked in at over 19 minutes each. “Scents and Subtle Sounds” appeared in full form (not the shortened Magnaball version) for more than 16 minutes, a mid-set-ridge that was an abject success on the collective dance floor. When “Boogie On Reggae Woman” began (one of the limited covers of the weekend by this point) the timing couldn’t have been more perfect, nor could it have been for the “Carini” that followed. With an exclamation point, Day 3 of Mondegreen featured the top set of the weekend, by a wide margin of conventional wisdom.
A trio in the encore began with “Backwards Down the Number Line” and then an always huge “You Enjoy Myself” that closed with “Tweezer Reprise,” putting a bow on Saturday and leaving fans wondering what was in store for Sunday’s weather-rescheduled set(s).
Phish – Mondegreen Festival – The Woodlands – Dover, DE 8/17/24
Set 1: Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove, Theme From the Bottom > Blaze On, Gotta Jibboo, 46 Days, Evolve, Meatstick > David Bowie
Set 2: Also Sprach Zarathustra > Oblivion, Down with Disease[1] > Tweezer > Scents and Subtle Sounds > Boogie On Reggae Woman, Carini
Encore: Backwards Down the Number Line, You Enjoy Myself, Tweezer Reprise
[1] Unfinished.
This was the third show of the Mondegreen festival. Mike teased Passing Through in David Bowie. DWD was unfinished. Trey teased La Grange and Eleanor Rigby in DWD and Eleanor Rigby in Tweezer.
photo by Filip Zalewski
Phish closed out the final night, or rather day, of Mondegreen with some more explosive jamming that took place a little earlier due to a change in schedule. An announcement was released on Saturday night that music would be starting at 1:00 pm instead of the usual 6:30 pm due to inclement weather that was expected in the local area. Although it never really opened up or downpoured on Sunday, Phish clearly erred on the side of caution instead of letting festival attendees, vendors and workers potentially get stuck in a storm that had the potential for strong winds and lightning.
Both the band and crowd made the most of the situation, and the near two-hour single set started off in joyous fashion with “Party Time” and the sun still shining bright. “Axilla” followed and kept the energy levels high, even after plodding through a “Part 2” ending, before “Maze” kicked things back into high gear with its typical ferocious solos from Page McConnell on organ and Trey Anastasio on guitar. A mid-set “AC/DC Bag” didn’t quite reach the heights of the one featured at Bethel Woods last weekend, but still featured some significant improvisation on its back end. “Sigma Oasis,” another new number from the band’s recent Evolve album followed very much in suit before segueing into the classic Phish tune “Rift.”
photo by Filip Zalewski
“Stash” found the Mondegreen crowd still very much engaged and elicited another probing and expansive jam and the “Ya Mar” that followed served as a perfect daytime set selection. As some cloud coverage slowly began to make an appearance, Phish closed out the jumbo-sized set with one last progression of songs that flowed seamlessly into one another, starting with a “Bathtub GIn” that, like its brethren from this summer tour, produced yet another deep and exploratory jam. At its conclusion, Anastasio started frantically vamping for the intro to the still-rare cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Isabella.” The set could have ended here and few would take issue with that, but instead Phish launched into “Simple” before a rousing cover of TV On The Radio’s “Golden Age” properly closed out the set, as the band definitely seems to be in the midst of one of these.
One last high octane jam that had the whole festival grounds moving took place in “Fuego,” another proper song in both placement and name due to the quality and intensity of music displayed all week long. A brief DJ set afterwards gave those sticking around one last chance to dance and enjoy the venue grounds before skies darkened even further and announcement was made for everyone to return to their campsites, a dour ending to an otherwise memorable and festive Mondegreen.
Phish – Mondegreen Festival – The Woodlands – Dover, DE 8/18/24
Set: Party Time, Axilla->Maze, Steam. Martian Monster, AC/DC Bag, Sigma Oasis->Rift, Stash, Ya Mar, Timber (Jerry the Mule), Bathtub GIn > Izabella > Simple > Golden Age
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Five for Fighting is going on a show-stopping String Quartet tour this upcoming September and October. Joining him on tour is a quartet of renowned stings players with heavy experience on Broadway and as touring musicians, showcasing decades of Five for Fighting’s beloved music.
The mastermind behind Five for Fighting, John Ondrasik will bring his music to life on a whole new level with the extravagant ensemble accompanying him on his forthcoming tour. On violin is Katie Kresek, a Tony winner and co-orchestrator of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Melissa Tong, who toured with Post Malone will also join Ondrasik’s show on violin.
The rest of the quartet includes Chris Cardona playing viola. Cardona has been a part of countless Broadway orchestras. Lastly, cellist, Peter Sachon contributes to music all over New York City. Having not only played on Broadway and on Broadway artists’ records but also in classical, jazz, and rock ensembles, Sachon continuously proves that he can flourish in any genre.
Even without the quartet, Ondrasik’s band is monumental. Made up of drummer Randy Cooke (Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart), guitarist Peter Thorn (Chris Cornell, Melissa Etheridge, Don Henley), and bassist Whynot Jansveld (Matchbox Twenty, The Wallflowers, Sara Bareilles), audiences are undeniably in for a show.
To share the stage with such incredible musicians every night is a gift that keeps giving. Such an intimate format allows me to share the stories behind the songs, and the adventures along the way.
John Ondrasik
Attendees will get to indulge in six albums, and many hits such as “100 Years” and “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” which are now considered classics. By bringing new light to these songs, Ondrasik can present them more profoundly than ever before.
New York City-based roots singer/songwriter Danielia Cotton has released “So Afraid of Losing You Again,” the third single off of her upcoming Charley Pride tribute album: Charley’s Pride: A Tribute to Black Country Music.
Cotton’s passion for the late Pride’s music largely came from early life inspirations, which will be fully shared with the world when the album releases on August 29.
Danielia Cotton began her musical journey in Hopewell, NJ, influenced by classic rock icons like AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. Her passion for music was ignited at age 12 when her mother gifted her a guitar. Cotton made history as the first in her family’s three generations to attend college, graduating from Bennington College before launching her career in New York City’s vibrant music scene. With experience opening for iconic artists such as Gregg Allman, Bon Jovi, Robert Randolph, and Aimee Mann, Cotton has shown time and time again that her artistry translates to success and respect from the industry.
Cotton is set to release her Charley Pride tribute EP, Charley’s Pride: A Tribute to Black Country Music, on August 29th. Known for her soul-stirring voice described as “soulful enough to fill a revival tent” by The New York Times, Cotton draws inspiration from Charley Pride’s timeless songs that resonate with everyday life. This project holds a profound personal connection, inspired by a conversation with her 103-year-old grandmother about her late grandfather’s secret admiration for Charley Pride during a time when it was uncommon for Black people to openly listen to country music. In fact, Cotton considers this album to be not only a tribute to Pride but also to her family, especially her grandparents.
The newest single from the EP, “So Afraid of Losing You Again,” perfectly encapsulates the magic of Pride’s 1969 original while also showing off Cotton’s powerhouse vocal range. It’s difficult not to get goosebumps when hearing Cotton belt out “I’d love to wake up in your arms tomorrow” in the song’s main chorus. In the verses, she wonderfully emulates Pride’s smooth and flowing melodies with her own personal touches. Overall, Cotton perfectly toes a fine line between simply redoing Pride’s original and altering it too much to where it comes off as a remix, which will hopefully translate into her upcoming full-length later this month.
Stream “So Afraid of Losing You Again” on all streaming platforms. For more information on Cotton and her upcoming shows and music, visit her website here.
