Category: The Northeast

Phish Return with New Album Evolve

Legendary Vermont jam band Phish released their new album, Evolve, on July 12. This new album – the band’s 16th studio release – is the centerpiece of a busy year for Phish. It comes following a boundary-breaking four-night run at Las Vegas’ Sphere, a tour across the US, their first music festival since 2015, and appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The ambitious new album finds Phish bringing audiences tons of new material to experience.

In 2020, Phish announced a performance hiatus prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this announcement, fans waited four years for a studio follow up to 2020’s Sigma Oasis. That follow-up arrived on July 12, 2024, with Phish’s 16th studio album Evolve. The band, alongside producers Vance Powell and Bryce Goggin recorded the album throughout 2023 in their Vermont studio “the Barn.”

Evolve is truly a testament to Phish’s staying power, showing that even 30 years into their career, the group still retains a mastery of genre-experimentation and fun jams. The album mostly consists of softer-rock tracks that still contain enough instrumental flourishes and lyrical complexities to keep listeners invested. Whether it is the lush strings of “Mercy” or the vocal harmonies of “Ether Edge” these tracks illustrate a musical prowess and maturity like few other bands.

Although much of the album is more subdued, Phish still knows how to turn up the volume. “Wave of Hope” kicks off with an overdriven guitar riff that sounds straight from Deep Purple before evolving into a rock jam. With energetic guitar solos and a bluesy piano part, the song takes staples of classic rock and imbues them with Phish’s loose playfulness. “Life Saving Gun” really illustrated Phish’s genre-bending prowess. It begins as a funk-rock number, but as the song progresses it morphs into a psychedelic passage, featuring affected guitars and space-age sound effects, with spacey instrumentation before returning to its groovy base.

One highlight of the album is the title track “Evolve.” The song builds off catchy instrumental lines with jangly funk-inspired guitars, upbeat percussion and melodic pianos. On top of all this is Trey Anastasio’s lyricism touching on finding peace with the growing complexity of the world around us. “Then came the people with their problems and hope that don’t mean a thing if they just knew the scope.” Like the lyrical themes suggest, this song was born out of the Covid-19 Pandemic, with Anastasio penning it in the early days of the Covid lockdown.

This original version of the song was much more minimalistic than the final release, but still retained its beautiful ambience with whirling guitar lines and chimes. The album-version of “Evolve” is much more musically complex, evolving throughout its run. As the song progresses, it adds additional layers of strings, guitar lines, and energetic solos.

An early version of “Evolve” recorded by Anastasio during the 2020 Covid Lockdown

Overall, Evolve shows that Phish is still at the top of their game. The band takes their signature psychedelic jams, and imbues them with a toned-down maturity. Whereas for other groups, this could spell disaster, Phish pull it off especially well. As this album shows, “toned-down” is by no means boring, with each track containing complex instrumentation that keeps listeners going back to discover more. The album additionally retains Phish’s iconic genre-blending, knowing exactly when to splice in a harder track and add new flavor to its sonic palate. Evolve is a great testament to Phish’s experience and a sign of things to come in their future.

To celebrate the release of this new album, Phish made a special guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. On top of a performance of “Evolve,” the group took part in the show’s cold open. The skit features Phish, Fallon, and the Roots together in the Elevator of 30 Rock. The group then bursts into a parody of Aerosmith’s “Love In an Elevator,” comedically stopping whenever someone hops on the elevator.

This album release comes as part of a busy year for Phish. They have already sold out four-nights at the Sphere in Las Vegas back in April in the leadup to Evolve’s release. Following inaugural shows by U2, Phish made history as only the second band to play the state-of-the-art venue. The band played extended jams of songs both old and new, all while psychedelic imagery played on a 160,000 square foot screen above the stage. Among the songs performed was “Life Saving Gun” off of Evolve, brought to life by the venues immersive sound equipment.

Now, the band has announced a cross-country tour for the remainder of 2024. Beginning at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA, Phish will snake westward to Colorado. This tour includes many shows in and around New York, including two sold-out nights at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Arena. Additionally, Phish will play three shows at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, at the sight of the historic Woodstock Festival.

Phish Live 2024/2025 Dates

JULY

19 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

20 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

21 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

23 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena (SOLD OUT)

24 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena (SOLD OUT)

26 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Music Valley Music Theatre

27 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Music Valley Music Theatre

28 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Music Valley Music Theatre

30 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena

31 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena

AUGUST

2 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

3 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

4 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

6 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena

7 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena

9 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

10 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

11 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

15 – The Woodlands, Dover, DE – Mondegreen

16 – The Woodlands, Dover, DE – Mondegreen

17 – The Woodlands, Dover, DE – Mondegreen

18 – The Woodlands, Dover, DE – Mondegreen

29 – Commerce City, CO – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

30 – Commerce City, CO – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

31 – Commerce City, CO – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

SEPTEMBER

1 – Commerce City, CO – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

2025

29 – Quintana Roo, Mexico – Phish: Riviera Maya 2025

30 – Quintana Roo, Mexico – Phish: Riviera Maya 2025

31 – Quintana Roo, Mexico – Phish: Riviera Maya 2025

1 – Quintana Roo, Mexico – Phish: Riviera Maya 2025

For more information on Evolve and Phish’s upcoming tour, visit their website here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyNpEcNbZM4

July 16, 2024
Sunshine Daydream: Peach at The Beach Rocks Atlantic City

The Peach Music Festival just had their first “Peach at the Beach” at the Showboat Resort in Atlantic City. Although it was not at the usual Montage Mountain venue, this venue also had a waterpark, reminiscent of the festival people have grown to love, with familiar faces and favorite jams filling the air.

The waterpark sets were mainly DJs including DJ Logic, aside from Dogs in a Pile, who played a funky set for all of the waterpark attendants. The Dogs are quickly solidifying their place within the jam band scene. This set included a masterful “Ship of Fools” and even a cover of Phish’s “Tube.”

The main stage opened up with some reggae vibes from Mykal Rose of Black Uhuru. This featured a different, palette cleansing sound, which was quite different from the other music, yet lively and exciting.

Next up for Peach at the Beach was Karina Rykman who played some tracks off her new album Joyride. The set was filled with high peaks, bass bombs, and lots of jams.

Trouble No More played “Eat a Peach”, a great nod to the Allman Brothers roots of this festival. Highlights included “Blue Sky,” “Melissa,” and “Mountain Jam.” Taz’s guitar playing as a frontman just continuing toi get better with age.

Dogs in a Pile took the stage with a memorable set, putting the crowd into party mode. The set included their hit “Trunk Run” which references Atlantic City within the song, encoring with a face melting “Fire.”

After a longer break than expected, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead took the stage at 9:30 as opposed to 9 and played one long set as opposed to the advertised two. This proved to be rather disappointing but the band played an absolutely stellar set filled with genre-bending experimentation and mind-blowing peaks.

JRAD opened up with “Scarlet Begonias,” a Deadhead favorite, but this group makes it clear that they are much more than a Grateful Dead cover band, pushing the music to new heights and making their unique sound prominent. The set also included a masterful “Estimated Prophet” and a jammed out “Playing in the Band”. They finished with “Uncle John’s Band.”

July 15, 2024
Good Vibes Radiate at the Levitate Music & Arts Festival

Over the weekend of July 5-7, Levitate Music and Arts Festival returned to the Marshfield Fairgrounds in Marshfield, MA for the 11th installment.

This family friendly festival is full of good vibes, art, music and community, featuring three stages, a skate ramp as well as a kids zone.

There were many food and beverage vendors which offered a great variety of cuisines and dessert options, as well as a large number of vendors selling their artwork and handmade items, offering henna, jewelry, glitter hair and make up.

As you walked through festival, you could watch artists work on large murals, an incredible sight to watch them work and create over the three day festival. Large sails were suspended overhead, and a misting tent helped provide shaded areas for festival attendees to take a break from the sun and chill out.

This year there was a stellar line up of performers, as there has been in past years, with every performance a treat to see.

Friday

Kicking off the weekend of music was the Levitate Foundation Winner Blue Light Bandits, playing on the Soul Stage, where fans later caught Lee Ross and Stolen Gin. The Style Stage saw performances from Grace Bowers, Neal Francis and Orebolo, with crowds greeting them with excitement.

The Stoke Stage held performances from Jon Muq, The Moss, Dirty Heads (who played songs “Medusa”, “Bum, Bum”, “Sloth’s Revenge”, “Burn Slow” among others) and Mt. Joy who closed out the music on Friday.

Orebolo

Saturday

The overcast day with off and on misty weather didn’t stop the crowds from enjoying the day. Eagerly awaiting the 12:30pm start time, multiple entrances were filling fast. While in line, attendees chatted about their experiences on Friday and what they were looking forward to doing or what bands they were planning to check out that day. Playing first on the Soul Stage was the band Snacktime from Philadelphia, along with The Mark King Band and Joe Samba later that day.

The crowds swarmed around the other stages through the day, with The Hip Abduction, Iration, and Tash Sultana playing sets on the nearby Style Stage. Staggered set times gave everyone plenty of time to catch many shows throughout the weekend. G. Love & Special sauce, Cory Wong, and The Elovators all had great sets on the Stoke Stage.

Sunday

Sunday was the warmest day of all three days at Levitate Music and Arts Festival but that didn’t stop the crowds from continuing to enjoy the festival. Performing throughout the day was Gracie Grace & All The Good Boys, Little Stranger, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, The Rins, Richie Mitch & the Coal Miners, Ziggy Alberts, Karina Rykman, Oliver Anthony played his well-known hit song “Rich Men North of Richmond.”

Closing the main stage were Charlie Crockett and the highly anticipated performance from Sublime, who drew multiple generations of fans, playing a great selection of hits such as “What I Got,” Pawn Shop,” “Saw Red,” and “Bad Fish.”

July 13, 2024
Electric Forest 2024: A Magical Recap
Electric Forest 2024 friends and family all gathered from thousands of miles away to experience the magic that resides in the middle of the woods in Rothbury Michigan. The festival ran from June 20 to June 23 but people gathered days before this to set up camp and embrace the full forest experience.

DRAMA, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Early arrivers got treated to pre-party sets at the Evolve Afters stage where performances by Super Future and Tripp St. wooed the crowd. Their experimental bass music gave people the perfect hype to kick off this festival weekend.

Day 1 – Welcome to the Forest

First time Forest attendees and vets quickly entered the grounds the first day in a heavy anticipation of what the festival had in store for them this year. Art installations encompassed the scene including beautiful murals, interactive games, light installments, huge statues, and more. So many people are seen embracing their creative spirit from checking out vendor shops, to watching live painting, and exploring the art spread across the trees.

The heat was booming which made The Observatory stage set in the middle of the trees the place to be. It also helped that international electronic producer CloZee’s Odyzey label was doing a stage takeover. This featured performances from Dixon’s Violin, Redrum, Zen Selekta, Super Future, Tripp St., Zingara, and Marsh.

Zen Selekta’s energy at the Observatory was insane. She knows exactly how to handle a crowd and leave them wanting more. Her music intertwines dark vibes with ethereal melodies and ethnic influences.

Zen Selekta, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Over on the Ranch main stage though DRAMA had a soulful performance. This multicultural collaboration is between producer Na’el Shehade’s chic house-infused production style and vocalist Via Rosa’s inspirational delivery. Their dynamic is so complementary it plays on patterns of hip-hop and bossa nova.

Back at the Observatory Zingara made her return to Electric Forest, but this time with a night time set. Fresh off of her Code of Dreamz tour, she gave the crowd tons of new music and remixes to listen to. She performed her tracks, “Unlock Your Keys,” and “Up is Down.” Seeing a Zingara set transports music through the mind and body in a unique way.

Zingara, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

The Observatory stage had a round of insane performances from some of the most talented producers. After countless artists played, the electronic rhythmic figure CloZee came on stage for a secret set. She shared she always wanted to play at this specific stage but with her status now it became difficult with the available capacity around that area. This made her secret performance even that much more special and intimate for the lucky fans who got to experience it.

CloZee, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Day 2 – Bass Rush

It’s a Forest tradition that on the second day bass-heads camp out at the Tripolee stage for the numerous dubstep artists that throw-down hard one after the other. People brought out their chill-bos and flow toys for the hard-hitting tunes.

Up and coming artist Canabliss kicked off this day with her pink visuals. She plays on funky beats and is constantly remixing booming tracks. Canabliss even remixed the latest Irish hit “The Spark” making people go crazy. She did mix in some of her own tunes including “Saudade.”

Canabliss, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

More talented women steam-rolled the crowd with their high energy. The bass that day was flourishing to say the least. Dubstep producers Level Up and ALLEYCVT each had a set that was unbelievable. Level Up brought Subtronics out for their latest collab they’ve been working on together.

ALLEYCVT’s visuals and pyro took her performance to the next level. This was her debut at Electric Forest and it did not disappoint. Headbangers were going wild during her set and moshing at any chance they got. Many people left her performance immediately wanting to see more.

ALLEYCVT, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Later into the night Pretty Lights had their comeback performance at Ranch Arena. After 10 years Pretty Lights came back to the fields in Michigan and they left zero crumbs. They brought their own fusion of electronic beats, poetic samples, and modular synthesizers. This musical project is transformative and definitely leaned into more of a jam experience in the Forest.

Back at the Tripolee stage though the late-night dubstep DJs were still giving hard-hitting performances. Boogie T, ATLiens, Wooli, and BTSM finished the round up. BTSM closed out the stage with their mesh of heavy bass and techno. Lately they have been performing with their new anime visuals from Attack on Titan and watching that from the crowd is insane to see.

Boogie T, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Day 3 – Rain Rain Go Away

Okay maybe it’s not the rain so much as the storms that Forest goers had to undergo this day that needed to go. Many started off their day at the Brainery getting in their daily dose of positive affirmations and good vibes. All week different classes were held there including meditation, yoga sessions, and shuffling courses.

Others who entered the festival grounds early attended a party at the Chapel where people got to celebrate their freaky unique selves. And if some attendees got there at the right time special wedding ceremonies would take place.

Super Future, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Unfortunately though this day ended quite early as everyone inside the festival grounds was told to evacuate to their campsites due to severe storms coming in. The intense thunder storms lasted for hours flooding campsites with heavy rain and creating so many mud pits. Many artists didn’t get to perform their set due to this.

They didn’t open the festival back up until after midnight pushing so many artists to now overlap with one another. When the gates opened back up fans ran to the stages to get a good spot for the few late night producers who didn’t lose their set. Subtronics got to throw down at Ranch. His tesseract visuals are stunning and his mixing is top of the EDM game by a landslide. He got to play his flip of Hozier’s song “Too Sweet” and his latest single “Sploinky Dub.”

Tripp St., Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

LSZEE, also known as the project by LSDREAM and CloZee, made their first ever debut as a duo this night. They performed so many unreleased songs and fun remixes. The euphoric energy these two artists brought is unmatched. The two know how valuable certain sound wave frequencies play on mood and they utilize this to take their audience on a journey. These renowned producers got to perform their songs “FRENCH DREAM” and “CHRYSALIS” for the first time as well. A night that people thought might not happen throughout the day was finished with an absolute breathtaking experience.

Day 4 – The Forest Family

Despite the third day having quite the unexpected journey, so many people were ready to fully embrace what the final day of Forest had to offer. Many who missed out on the scavenger hunt the days before went to the “Time Travel Agency” to receive their quest and start their excursion. Others went inside the Dream Emporium to watch a wrestling match, roller-skate, and even go kayaking.

An absolute highlight of the final day, if not the entire weekend, was the return of Lightcode by LSDREAM. In the afternoon at Sherwood Court, LSDREAM presented his sound healing and ambient bliss-inspired project. This meditative experience is one that no words can do justice. It truly is so transformative that it left so many people in tears. The exercise is unlike no other that sets to reopen peoples’ hearts and minds to what not only the festival, but the human experience should consist of.

Level Up, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Later in the day, the up and coming trio Levity performed a set at the Observatory. This group first started taking off last year at Electric Forest when the festival needed someone to cover a slot at the Honeycomb stage and one member just so happened to bring his USB. Their 2023 last minute set ended up popping off online and caused this group to get so much commotion behind their name. It truly is a full circle moment watching Levity grow from a last minute fill-in to a night time set at forest. This group encompasses what Electric Forest is all about and their performance was nothing short of eccentric.

Levity, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Experimental bass artist INZO also had a performance that was exceptionally moving. He played on Sherwood Court and of course utilized his signature Alan Watts verbiage. Some tracks fans got to hear were “Overthinker” and “Drift Like a Cloud, Float Like Water.”

Into the night, fans gathered at Ranch Arena for GIGANTIC NGHTMRE. This is a project by Big Gigantic and NGHTMRE that has such heavy hitting beats. The layered sound from the drums, saxophone, and mixing on stage blends effortlessly. The trio definitely know how to pump up a crowd and provide that much needed energy boost. The pyro matched with the fun visuals and fireworks were captivating. The group also performed a good amount of riddim which is exactly what the Forest family needed.

GIGANTIC NGHTMRE, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

After GIGANTIC NGHTMRE ended many gathered up for a performance from the dubstep king himself, Excision. However, this was shortly met with an evacuation announcement due to another wave of severe storms that were coming in. Unfortunately there was no re-entry after the evacuation notice and this sudden goodbye left many upset.

As much as the storms were such an inconvenience to people it didn’t ruin the Forest family’s time. You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you respond to the weather. And how people responded to it was by dancing in the rain, creating parties at campsites, and enjoying this time everyone got to spend together in the middle of the woods in Michigan.

ALLEYCVT, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

That is exactly what Electric Forest is all about. As much as you can play out how your weekend is going to go and schedule what artists you’re going to see, you truly can’t plan for everything. Surrendering to those moments of disarray and wonder can lead you to some of the best times. “While timing is everything, the present is where true discovery lies.” Electric Forest has always provided those moments of discovering what is really important and serves as a reminder of why we’re all here on this Earth: to let go and enjoy our time together. Maybe we didn’t get to see an Excision Electric Forest set, but at least we got to dance in the rain with our friends.

DRAMA

DRAMA

Equanimous

Zen Selekta

Zen Selekta

Zen Selekta

Super Future

Tripp St.

Tripp St.

Zingara

Zingara

Zingara

Zingara

Canabliss

Canabliss

ALLEYCVT

ALLEYCVT

ALLEYCVT

Level Up
July 4, 2024
History of the Stone Pony Recorded in New Book

I Don’t Want To Go Home, The Oral History of the Stone Pony, was released in early June. New Jersey native Nick Corasaniti explores the history of the venue and the surrounding community. Complete with a foreword from Bruce Springsteen, Oral History of the Stone Pony documents the community’s resilience in the face of ruin.

In 1974, Asbury Park’s future was uncertain. Recovering from a riot and facing ruin, the Stone Pony offered the gleam of hope the town needed. Bouncers Jack Roig and Butch Pielka, underprepared and minimally funded, were determined to own their own venue. Soon, Bruce Springsteen called the Stone Pony Home. Despite success in attracting notable artists like Stevie Van Zandt, “Southside” Johnny Lyon, and Springsteen, the Stone Pony struggled to get by.

The history of the Stone Pony is emblematic of American life: dogged resistance and big reams, all in the face of decline and neglect. Corasaniti’s insight as a lifelong New Jersian is boosted by his experience as the New York Times’ Jersey correspondent. Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, Southside Johnny, members of the E Street Band and Asbury Jukes, the Ramones, the Jonas Brothers, Pearl Jam, the Kinks, Tom Morello, Kenny Chesney, Jack Antonoff, The Gaslight Anthem, the Bouncing Souls, the Lumineers, Russell Crowe and other legendary musicians have featured interviews. Non-musicians associated with the history of the Stone Pony, including bouncers, bartenders, local bon vivants and politicos, including Govs. Chris Christie and Phil Murphy, are also featured.

The book has already received critical praise: Kirkus Reviews described it as a work with, “charming bits of Springsteen-iana… [with the] theme of a community stubbornly determined to survive amid adversity.” Booklist says the book promises a, “stirring tale of rock ‘n’ roll survival.”

Umphrey’s McGee at The Stone Pony, 2018 – photo by Capacity Images, Chris Capaci

It is difficult to overstate The Stone Pony’s role in rock ‘n’ roll history. During the 70s, Ocean Grove resident Johnny Lyon and Middletown’s Steve Van Zandt named their band for the Pony. With soulful, classic, and horn driven R&B music, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes played the Stone Pony three nights a week. Van Zandt would leave the group to play with Bruce Springsteen and the new version of the E Street Band. Salty Dog, Stir Crazy, Winfield, Holme, Salvation, Mad Dog and the Shakes (featuring local legend and former E Street drummer Vini Lopez), The Shots, Cold Blast & Steel, Cahoots and Acme Boogie Company all played the Stone Pony during the 70s.

The 80s brought a new wave of rock and dance music to the Pony. Legendary performances included stars on the way up such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Elvis Costello, The Ramones, Cheap Trick, Skid Row, Blondie, The Stray Cats and Winger. Other artists who took to the Pony stage included Meatloaf, Todd Rundgren, Jimmy Cliff, Joan Jett, Blue Oyster Cult, Gregg Allman, Dickie Betts, Ace Frehley of Kiss, Levon Helm, Robert Gordon, Johnny Winter, Vanilla Fudge, David Johansen (a.k.a. Buster Poindexter), Mink DeVille, Dion, Ronnie Spector and Mountain. Van Morrison used the club for the shooting of a music video because of its “cool atmosphere.”

The Stone Pony hit a slump in the late 80s and early 90s. With insurance prices and other expenses rising, the Stone Pony came close to ruin. Steven Nasar bought the venue in bankruptcy court, and planned to make it into a dance club. In 2000, Jersey City restaurant owner Domenic Santana promised the Pony would be open by Memorial Day in a press conference.

Credit: Michael Dinger; The Pretenders playing at the Stone Pony

Santana renovated the Stone Pony, adding a permanent exhibition of art and artifacts from the history of the city and the venue itself. With a new state of the art lighting and sound equipment, redesign of the outside Stone Pony Landing area, tenting and a small food facility, the venue was ready to retake its rightful place in popular culture.

Artists did not abandon the Stone Pony: The Pretenders, The Strokes, Interpol, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Patti Smith, Jason Mraz, Third Eye Blind, Sean Ono Lennon, Clarence Clemons, The Wailers, The Backseat Lovers, Indigo Girls, and Ziggy Marley among many others have continued to play at the Stone Pony. New Jersey native musicians continue to play the Stone Pony, and pay tribute to their roots, including Grateful Dead Tribute Band JRAD. The community’s resilience in the face of difficulty is remarkable, and a testament to the strength of music.

In celebration of their 50th anniversary, The Stone Pony is hosting a summer series, more information is available here.

The book is available for purchase here, and a CNN report on a the Stone Pony’s history is below.

June 23, 2024
Peach At The Beach Announces Schedule for July 13

The Peach At The Beach music festival in Atlantic City, NJ has announced its artist schedule. The festival will feature eight artists and DJs. Concert-goers can enjoy shows playing dance, funk, rock, and reggae music.

Peach At The Beach music festival will take place at Atlantic City’s Island Waterpark on Saturday, July 13.

An Aerial View of the 2023 Peach Music Festival

Peach At The Beach spawned from the annual Peach Music Festival in Scranton, PA. The Allman Brothers Band started the festival in 2012. Each Summer, the festival has brought jam bands from around the world to the Montage Mountain Resort for concert-goers to enjoy. Since its beginning, artists such as Santana, the Black Crowes, and Ween have played the festival. This year marks a shift in venue, with the festival relocating to Atlantic City’s Island Waterpark for the Summer. The festival will feature shows for all ticket-holders on the main Peach Stage. Additionally, General Admission+, VIP and Super VIP ticket holders can access early waterpark DJ and artist sets.

The festival will kick off for premium ticket-holders at 11:00am with special waterpark DJ sets. The waterpark concerts will feature sets by DJ King Mega, DJ Logic, and Uncle Jesse. The waterpark set will also include a show by Asbury Park’s Dogs In a Pile. Jersey native guitarist Jimmy Law and drummer Joe Babick founded the band in 2019 with help from a host of Berklee-trained musicians. They combine jazz, rock, and funk to create psychedelic journeys for their audiences.

Doors open for the festival’s Peach Stage at 2:00pm. The Peach Stage is located outside the waterpark, and will host 5 performances throughout the afternoon and evening.

Mykal Rose, from legendary reggae band Black Uhuru, and a staple of the genre since the early 1970s will kick off the festival with a 3:00pm set. In 1984, Rose and Black Uhuru won the first Grammy for Best Reggae Album for their record Anthem. Since the 1990s, Rose has toured the world, spreading his iconic roots reggae stylings.

Rose’s set will be followed by a performance by Karina Rykman. Rykman’s journey into indie and jam rock stardom began in her youth in New York City. By the time of her graduation from NYU, Rykman was playing alongside Vulfpeck, Les Claypool, and Sean Ono Lennon. Rykman is known for her combination of indie pop with scorching distorted rock. Since beginning her career, Rykman has headlined festivals like Bonnarroo, and played on shows like Late Night with Seth Meyers. This performance comes after the release of Rykman’s 2023 album Joyride produced by Phish’s Trey Anastasio. She will perform a 4:00pm set.

The highlight of the Festival is a performance by Trouble No More recreating the Allman Brothers’ iconic 1972 album Eat a Peach. The band includes all-star musicians who are dedicated to recreating the Allman Brothers’ early catalog. Their guitarist Brandon Niederauer has shared the stage with everyone from Buddy Guy to Lady Gaga. The band additionally features vocalist Lamar Williams Jr., son of the Allman Brothers band’s bassist, and 5x Grammy-nominated keyboardist Peter Levin. During their recreation of Eat a Peach, the band will play Allman Brothers hits, including “Melissa,” and “Blue Sky.” The band will begin their set at 5:30pm.

Trouble No More will be followed by a second 7:15pm set by Dogs In a Pile. Joe Russo’s Almost Dead will then close out the festival with 2 sets beginning at 9:00pm. Joe Russo formed Almost Dead in Brooklyn in 2013 to perform classic tracks from the Grateful Dead. Since their start, the band has played with legends like John Mayer, Ween, and Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. Almost Dead has previously sold out shows at venues including Red Rocks, the Brooklyn Bowl, and the Peach Music Festival. Rolling Stone even named their 2018 Peach Music Festival performance as “Best Scene-Stealer,” saying Almost Dead takes “improvisational jam rock to the nth degree.”

Festivities are not limited to July 13th, with special pre and post festival parties. On July 12th, Philadelphia-based jam band the Disco Biscuits will perform at the Showboat Resort’s Bourbon Ballroom. Saturday, July 13th will also feature a special “Peach After Dark” set at the Bourbon Ballroom. This set will include Woodstock-based experimental rocker Marco Benevento, and South Carolina-based synth wave band Doom Flamingo.

Waterpark Schedule

11:00am – Doors Open

11:00am – DJ King Mega

12:00pm – DJ Logic

2:00pm – Dogs In a Pile

3:15pm – Uncle Jesse

Peach Stage Schedule

2:00pm – Doors Open

3:00pm – Mykal Rose of Black Uhuru

4:00pm – Karina Rykman

5:30pm – Trouble No More

7:15pm – Dogs In a Pile

9:00pm – Joe Russo’s Almost Dead

For more information on location, ticketing, and regulations, visit the Peach Festival website here.

June 22, 2024
Abducted by the 80s Tour to Stop in New York & New Jersey

Wang Chung, Naked Eyes, and The Motels are scheduled to play with the Abducted by the 80s Tour in Syracuse and Elmira. The 80’s extravaganza will transport viewers back to the days of MTV and New Wave. The tour promises a journey into the past with iconic sounds and unforgettable melodies.

The 80s extravaganza kicked off in Texas, and will visit New York June 14 and 15.

Motels’ Martha Davis shared her excitement for the tour, The chemistry among the acts is also impressive, with Martha Davis saying, Nick Feldman, Jack Hues, and Pete Byrne are some of her, “favorite people, not to mention amazing musicians!”

Credit: Larry Fagala

I had the honor of interviewing Jack Hues of Wang Chung about the tour. Hues’ enthusiasm for his music and performing was contagious; there was a great deal of care put into the tour. He expressed excitement about the tour and optimism for Wang Chung’s future, including plans for a new Greatest Hits record, featuring demos, re-releases, and remixes. Jack Hues continues to write and release music, and his first solo album, Primitif, was released in 2020. Since Primitif, Hues has kept busy, releasing an acoustic album, a live album, and multiple singles. His love of recording and writing is evident, and a third solo album is in the works.

Hues is a prime example of a musician dedicated to their craft and audience experience. Hues expressed his desire to highlight the bands range, all while playing the hits people love so dearly. The acts were chosen to fit together musically, thematically, and harmoniously.

A teaser of the 80s tour is available below, and tickets are available at the following link.

Abducted by the 80s Tour Dates

Friday 5/17/2024 –
Kyle, TX The Railhouse
WC, Motels, NE

Saturday 5/18/2024 –
Katy, TX Wildcatter Saloon
WC, Motels, NE

Sunday 5/19/2024 –
Dallas, TX House of Blues
WC, Motels, NE

Thursday 5/23/2024 –
St Louis, MO City Winery
WC

Friday 5/24/2024 –
Oak Grove, KY Oak Grove
WC, MWH, NE, Animotion

Saturday 5/25/2024 –
Louisville KY Mercury Ballroom
WC, NE

Thursday 6/6/2024 –
Marion, IL Marion CCC
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Friday 6/7/2024 –
Des Plaines, IL Des Plaines Theatre
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Saturday 6/8/2024 –
Decatur, IL Devon Lakeshore Amp
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Sunday 6/9/2024 –
Fort Wayne, IN The Clyde Theater
WC, MWH, NE

Thursday 6/13/2024 –
Morristown, NJÂ Mayo Performing Arts CenterÂ Â
WC, Motels, NE

Friday 6/14/2024 –
Syracuse, NY Sharkeyâs
WC, Motels, NE

Saturday 6/15/2024 –
Elmira, NY First Arena
WC, Motels, NE

Saturday 6/16/2024 –
Hampton, NH Bennieâs
WC, Motels, NE

Friday 6/21/2024-
Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Saturday 6/22/2024 –
Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Sunday 6/23/2024 –
Ft Lauderdale, FL Broward Center
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

June 14, 2024
Preview: Boston Calling Music Festival 2024

Boston Calling Music Festival returns this Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26, 2024, to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Boston, MA.

The long-running and well-known music festival has a stellar line up for 2024 and lists performances by Ed Sheeran, Leon Bridges, Tyler Childers, Trey Anastasio, Megan Thee Stallion, The Revivalists, Renee Rapp, Young the Giant, The Killers, and Hozier along with many other talented artists.

The Boston Calling 2024 website is a great source of information for all things festival related such as where to stay and you can also purchase your tickets from the website. The different ticket options listed are day and weekend pass for General Admission, GA+, VIP, and Platinum.

You will want to review the FAQ section as you plan. There is no on-site parking, and they do a great job in the article telling you how to navigate. Also be sure to check out the other questions so you can be prepared for the festival.

Don’t forget to check out the website listing of the food vendors which is very handy if you have dietary restrictions or like to plan your meals ahead of time, they list online each vendor and their location during the festival.

Friday, May 24

Saturday, May 25

Sunday, May 26

May 16, 2024
Journey’s “Freedom” comes to a close with a career-spanning show in Bridgeport

The Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is not known for its concerts. The arena typically hosts the American Hockey League’s Bridgeport Islanders and is overshadowed by the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater which sits steps away from the entrance. During the summer months, the Amphitheater gets all the big names like Neil Young, Queens of the Stone Age, Santana and Ghost. But, once or twice a year the Total Mortgage Arena gets one or two “big hitters” in the music sphere to balance it out.

This year, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Journey closed out their “Freedom” tour in Bridgeport ahead of their run of stadium shows with Def Leppard beginning in the summer. Journey’s tour is in support of their new record, Freedom, which was released back in 2022. Fans packed the arena ahead of the 7:30 p.m. start time and the anticipation was high. The last time the band was in the area was last March in the state capital of Hartford at the XL Center.

Photo Credit: Mike Savoia

The Los Angeles native band Toto was again brought out on the road with Journey as their support act. On the first leg of the “Freedom” tour, Toto was also opening for Journey so fans who missed the show last year finally got to see it in a slightly smaller, more intimate venue. As fans were still filing into the arena and finding their seats, the band plugged in their instruments and started with their first song of the night, “Girl Goodbye,” off of their debut self-titled record. Toto played a total of nine songs that had the entire audience dancing and singing along.

Toto has seven band members and brings so much power and energy to the band’s live performances. The band features Warren Ham on percussion and saxophone, Steve Maggiora on the keyboards and Shannon Forrest – who has recorded with the likes of Taylor Swift, and Willie Nelson – on the drums. Joining those three is John Pierce from Huey Lewis and the News on bass, and Greg Phillinganes on keyboard. For those who don’t know Phillinganes, his extensive career consists of touring with the likes of Stevie Wonder and was the musical director for Michael Jackson. The final two and arguably biggest stars of the band is Steve Lukather on guitar who was heavily involved in Jackson’s Thriller album and played on Oliva Newton-John’s Physical album. Lastly on vocals is Joseph Williams who was the adult singing voice for Simba in Disney’s The Lion King.

Photo Credit: Mike Savoia

Toto was an excellent opener for Journey, even if Lukather once screamed “Pittsburg!” instead of Bridgeport. They did a great job readying the crowd for the heavy hitters in the rock and roll sphere. Once the clock struck 9 p.m. the house lights dimmed and lead guitarist Neal Schon appeared on stage with guitar in hand. Immediately after, the rest of the band jumped on stage and jumped into “Only the Young.” The one noticeable thing between Journey and Toto was the excellent vocals and how strong they sounded as a band. It’s not very often that bands from the 80s still sound like they did when they debut but both of these bands still do.

Joining Schon in Journey is Jonathan Cain on piano and guitar, Deen Castronovo on drums, Jason Derlatka on keyboards, Todd Jensen on the bass with Arnel Pineda on lead vocals. Pineda has been in the band for 17 years now after Schon saw him singing on YouTube and asked him to audition.

Photo Credit: Mike Savoia

From the very beginning of the show, it was clear just how energetic the band was. Pineda from the jump was running, dancing and jumping all around the stage. Multiple times throughout the show, he would go up to the front of the crowd and interact with fans in the first few rows. He even hopped off the stage during one song and ran through the crowd high fiving the audience.

Journey delivered all of their greatest hits at this show. Early on they played the smash hit “Don’t Stop Believin’” off of 1981’s Escape. Their powerful set included other hits like “Stone in Love,” “Faithfully,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” At the start of each song, it brought a thunderous cheer from the jam-packed arena.

Photo Credit: Mike Savoia

The band was able to feed off the lively energy from the crowd. From the moment the doors opened, a recognizable buzz ran through the building. During “Lovin, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” two fans tossed a banner that said “The Journey Junkies” to Pineda to signify their love for the classic rock group. During “Open Arms,” strangers and friends embraced each other while other fans in the first few rows took out their lighters and lit them just like in the band’s golden years.

After Cain thanked the service men and women for protecting the country and the band returned to the stage, he was wearing a Bridgeport Islanders hockey jersey that got a cheer from the audience. The band – now in the home stretch of the show – started “Wheel in the Sky.” Pineda again took to the crowd and jumped in front of the guard rail separating the first row from the stage to embrace more fans.

Photo Credit: Mike Savoia

While confetti and streamers were shot from the stage at the end of the last song, “Any Way You Want It,” fans were all cheering and applauding for the band as they will not be returning to the state on their next tour. Journey put on an amazing show and did not miss one fan-favorite tune. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see them yet, you must as they make one stop at Citi Field in Queens, New York. Journey is a band that continues to put on amazing shows and it’s clear why they pack stadiums across the globe. Their energy is unmatched and the fans’ appreciation in response to their hard work and dedication.

Toto setlist: Girl Goodbye, Hold the Line, 99, Dying on My Feet, I’ll Be Over You, Home of the Brave, With a Little Help From My Friends, Rosanna, Africa

Journey setlist: Only the Young, Stone in Love, Keep on Runnin’, Don’t Stop Believin’, Lights, Send Her My Love, Who’s Crying Now, Just the Same Way, Escape, Let it Rain, Lovin, Touchin’, Squeezin’, Open Arms, Faithfully, Girl Can’t Help It, Wheel in the Sky, Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), Be Good to Yourself, Any Way You Want It

May 1, 2024
Dead of Summer Music Festival to Feature Charity Disc Golf Tournament in Vermont this July

Dead of Summer Music Festival announced its featured charity disc golf tournament at Hunter Park in Manchester, Vermont this July. The event spans two days – July 13 and 14 – and sees a stellar lineup of performers from all over.

Saturday July 13 is the main event featuring a one round recreational singles tournament. The following day consists of a doubles match. All entrants will have the opportunity to win some great prizes for the top finishers on both days, all for a good cause. This July is the 5th annual Dead of Summer Music Festival which boasts a large, diverse lineup of bands and solo artists.

Some headliners include Pink Talking Fish Ensemble, Neighbor, Max Creek, and many more. To support the fundraising effort, tee box sign sponsorships are currently available. Now and throughout the festival weekend, raffle tickets for some great band merchandise and other giveaways can be purchased.

The musical acts appear July 12, and continue throughout the disc golf tourney, until its closure on July 14. At least 18 bands see the two stages over three days at Hunter Park. The park is seated on 25 acres in the Green Mountains of Manchester Vermont. The festival features performances as well as RV camping and tent camping, over 25 vendors. This family friendly festival also offers 2 days of yoga, kid’s set, and tie dying. Gates open at 9am Friday July 12th.

For more information on Dead of Summer Music Festival and the charity disc golf tournament, click here.

April 27, 2024