NYS Music 2024

Category: Westchester

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Phil Lesh & The Q Cover Just a Little More Ground: Deep Cuts & Darkstars at The Cap

    Phil Lesh, the legendary bassist of The Grateful Dead, held his annual birthday run at the historical Capitol Theatre for five nights, two of them with “The Q,” made up of Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, Rob Barraco, and John Molo.

    Phil Lesh The Q

    The night began with “The Wheel” chorus and “Night of 1000 Stars.” The first set included “New Speedway Boogie” and classic “China > Rider” that featured Haynes & Herring trading guitar solos. Having two incredibly prolific guitar players with their own prominent style trading the role of lead guitar was very entertaining.

    Phil Lesh The Q

    The second set featured deeper cuts and Deadhead favorites like “Unbroken Chain” and “Dark Star.” The second set also included the funky “Shakedown Street” and ended with “Into The Mystic” – a Van Morrison cover. The band brought the show full circle by encoring with “The Wheel.”

    Phil Lesh The Q

    Phil Lesh is a legend and blessing to The Grateful Dead scene – seeing him and The Q play on stage, now celebrating his 84th birthday is nothing short of inspiring. Not fade away!

    Phil Lesh The Q

    Setlist: Night of 100 Stars, New Speedway Boogie, New Potato Caboose, Bird Song, China Cat Sunflower, I Know You Rider

    Set 2: Dear Mr. Fantasy, Shakedown Street, Unbroken Chain, Dark Star, The Lo Spark of High Heeled Boys, Passenger, Into The Mystic

    Encore: The Wheel

  • The Copland House Begins New Era with Purchase of Vast Additional Property

    The Copland House has purchased a school campus on the New York-Connecticut border, heralding a transformational programmatic and institutional expansion. 

    The expansion will be a home to a vibrant, multidisciplinary creative community centering the arts in ongoing public conversation, the property, known as Bluestone Farm. It will stand as a vital meeting place, both live and virtual, where artists, music lovers, cultural adventurers, and newcomers of all ages, backgrounds, and identities are welcomed into an exhilarating world of continuous exploration, discovery, and innovation.

    Copland House

    The Copland House was formed by Aaron Copland who was one of the most celebrated and profoundly influential musical figures in American history. The composer lived and spent most of his time on a rocky hill atop three acres of woodland in the lower Hudson River Valley hamlet of Cortlandt Manor, less than one hour north of New York City. After his death in 1990, a coalition of local townspeople launched a genuine grassroots movement to preserve and restore this historic residence as the living, enduring embodiment of his seminal artistic and personal legacies and lifelong advocacy of American composers. 

    The Copland House offers public programs throughout the country, the infamous house also provides recordings, broadcasts, webcasts, film screenings, visual exhibitions, and an annual performance series at its vast new satellite venue at the historic Merestead estate in nearby Mount Kisco. 

    Copland House

    In 2020, its music ensemble, Music from Copland House was featured on Tiny Desk (Home) concert where they performed from home, and not so tiny writing desk, of Aaron Copland, one of America’s beloved composers. The $3-million, 24-acre complex nestled in the woods in Brewster expansion will allow the Copland House to substantially extend its artistic support, audience reach, public presentations, educational engagement, and programs that uniquely embrace and champion the entire artistic process. 

    The recently announced institutional extension will be an excellent addition to Rock Hill, Copland’s cherished, long-term home in neighboring Westchester County, which continues to play an important role. Even though a small private property cannot accommodate the demands of a nationally recognized arts organization, Rock Hill will always be Copland House’s indispensable institutional and inspirational home. Rock Hill, a National Historic Landmark and exceptional cultural, educational, and civic asset, embodies Copland’s principles and goals and links him to a location and era, even though his influence well surpasses both.

    This transaction represents a big milestone for the Town of Southeast. Copland House plans on working with the Town to bring a wide spectrum of musical and cultural programs to the community. This will enhance the quality of life for all town residents in Southeast and the surrounding area.

    Thomas LaPerch of Houlihan Lawrence Commercial, the deal’s lead selling broker

    To learn or schedule visiting tours, fans can visit here.

  • JJ Grey and Mofro to Celebrate “Olustee” Album Release with Capitol Bash

    In celebration of the release of the new album Olustee, JJ Grey and his band Mofro will preform on Saturday, March 30 at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

    So who is this North Florida sage? JJ Grey, the brains behind the very anticipated Olustee album is more than ready to live up to the the name “the swami of swamp rock,” given to him by Oxford American. He makes timeless original songs, influenced by his own life experiences in the swamps of Northern Florida.

    “The best songs I’ve ever written, I never wrote. They wrote themselves. The best show I ever played, played itself and had little to do with me or talent. To me, those things come from the power of an honest moment, and I guess I’m trying to live in that power and not force life to cough up what I want.”

    -JJ Grey

    Grey’s gritty baritone brings very deep, raw vocals which passionately deliver his message. Additionally, JJ Grey is said to have always spoken soulfully honest truths. This shows from his early days performing cover songs at a juke joint in Jacksonville, to his sold-out performances at huge venues and festivals around the world.

    Photo by Tom Britt

    Olustee is an emotional rollercoaster of its own. With Grey’s honest storytelling, we see what flows from the introspective opener, “The Sea,” to the upbeat radio hit, “Wonderland”. We are brought on an escape from a wildfire in the title track. The album’s final song, “Deeper Than Belief,” is an inward-looking closer track.

    JJ Grey’s message is very straightforward but powerful. Cherish the natural world and always try to live in the moment. Essentially, Grey believes we should always value our experiences. Olustee is far more than just an album; it’s a deep look through all of Grey’s accomplishments, setbacks, aspirations, and hopes. JJ Grey & Mofro are now going on a massive tour across the nation and beyond with Olustee.

    Photo by Brett Missick

    Grey’s first album in nine years, Olustee, is self-produced and tells his story of inner peace and redemption. Get tickets here.

  • Tedeschi Trucks Band Announce 11 New York Dates on “Deuces Wild” Tour

    Blues rock powerhouse Tedeschi Trucks Band have announced the “Deuces Wild” Summer tour which begins February and wraps up in October. The tour sees multiple dates across New York State. The band has recently added several new shows for this summer and fall.

    Tedeschi Trucks Summer Tour

    Tedeschi Trucks Summer tour will begin on the west coast and make its way east as the tour progresses. Fans can expect to see dates in Saratoga, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Port Chester, and Bethel, along with a few other dates in the Empire State.

    The band’s upcoming tour will feature special guests Little Feat, Margo Price, and Greensky Bluegrass on select dates with shows in Bethel (8/25), Philadelphia (8/28), and Saratoga Springs (8/30-31) having three acts on the bill.

    Tedeschi Trucks Summer Tour

    Tedeschi Trucks is known for having quite a wide reach and powerful, abstract jams. They are simply put a touring machine. The “Deuces Wild” tour is complete with a whopping 63 tour dates across North America.

    Tedeschi Trucks Band 2024 Tour Dates

    Feb 29 – New York City, NY – Beacon Theatre 

    Mar 1 –  New York City, NY – Beacon Theatre 

    Mar 2 –  New York City, NY – Beacon Theatre 

    Mar 5 – Washington DC – Warner Theater 

    Mar 6 – Washington DC – Warner Theater 

    Mar 7 – Washington DC – Warner Theater 

    Mar 9 – Baltimore, MD – Hippodrome Theatre

    Mar 12 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater

    Mar 13 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater

    Mar 14 – Durham, NC – DPAC

    Mar 16 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre

    May 2 – Miramar Beach, FL – Sun, Sand & Soul

    May 4 – Miramar Beach, FL – Sun, Sand & Soul

    May 22 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium

    May 23 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium

    May 25 – Vancouver, BC – Queen Elizabeth Theatre

    May 27 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theater

    May 28 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theater

    May 31 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre^

    Jun 1 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre^

    Jun 4 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra^

    Jun 5 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl^

    Jun 7 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre^

    Jun 8 – San Diego, CA – CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre^

    Jun 9 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre^

    Jun 11 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre&

    Jun 14 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater&

    Jun 15 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field (supporting Chris Stapleton)

    Jul 24 – Grand Junction, CO – Las Colonias Park Amphitheater*

    Jul 26 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre*

    Jul 27 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre*

    Jul 29 – La Vista (Omaha), NE – The Astro Amphitheater*

    Jul 31 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island*

    Aug 2 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory*

    Aug 3 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory*

    Aug 6 – St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox Theatre*

    Aug 7 – Toledo, OH – Toledo Zoo Amphitheater*

    Aug 9 – Milwaukee, WI – BMO Pavilion*

    Aug 10 – Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center*

    Aug 11 – Sterling Heights (Detroit), MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill*

    Aug 13 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center*

    Aug 15 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage*

    Aug 16 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC*

    Aug 17 – Burgettstown (Pittsburgh), PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake*

    Aug 20 – Lewiston, NY – Artpark Mainstage Theater*

    Aug 21 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion*

    Aug 23 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater*

    Aug 24 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater*

    Aug 25 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts*^

    Aug 28 – Philadelphia, PA – The Mann Center*

    Aug 30 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center*^

    Aug 31 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center*>

    Sept 1 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion*

    Sept 20 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond Festival

    Sept 21 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater

    Sept 24 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

    Sept 25 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

    Sept 27 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre

    Sept 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre

    Oct 1 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall

    Oct 4 – Boston, MA – Wang Theatre

    Oct 8 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre

    Oct 9 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre

    ^Special Guest Little Feat 

    *Special Guest Margo Price 

    &Special Guest Joe Purdy

    >Special Guest Greensky Bluegrass 

    The Tedeschi Trucks Summer tour sees 11 dates in New York. The “Deuces Wild” tour in its entirety sees 14 New York dates as it kicks off with three straight Beacon Theatre shows. Fans can expect to see soulful, powerful rock hits from the band at SPAC, Beacon Theatre, Kings Theatre, Artpark MainStage and more. The band has a reputation for being one of the most entertaining and talented live performance powerhouses in the world. Don’t miss it.

    Fan club presale for these new ‘Deuces Wild’ Tour dates will begin on Wednesday, February 28 at 10am local time. The general on sale will be Friday, March 1 at 10am local time. To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit TedeschiTrucksBand.com.

  • Bedbug Releases Catchy New Single “Postcard”

    Multi-faceted alt/pop band Bedbug has announced the released of their new groovy single “Postcard” out everywhere now.

    Westchester County-based Bedbug consists of four members bringing together incredible performance, vocals, and unique songwriting. Their new single “Postcard” is a second single from the band’s upcoming fourth studio record, featuring sweet and nostalgic tones, constant percussion, captivating unique guitars, and catchy sounds. The band succeeds at fully captivating their listeners by evoking all the thrilling and uneasy emotions. 

    Moving further away from their bedroom pop roots, their new record sparkles, shimmers, and shines with that particular PNW indie rock glow that their fans are very fond of. With the release of their single, Bedbag has also announced their new LP pack your bags the sun is growing, released on March 15. 

    The indie-pop band was the acclaimed bedroom pop project of Dylan Gamez Citron (they/them). Their newly expanded full band iteration sees them find new urgency as they channel Cap’n Jazz and Built to Spill on their new record – their first since 2020. 
    Their new single “postcard” is the second single from the album that follows their January surprise “halo on the interstate” available to stream everywhere.

  • Rock The River Benefit Concert to Return to Capitol Theatre

    Sunrise Association has announced the 11th annual Rock The River benefit concert in Port Chester, taking place Thursday, April 11 at the Capitol Theatre.

    photo by Scott Harris

    Rock The River is meant to honor supporters at the “original rock palace” and benefit Sunrise Day Camp-Pearl River. The honorable awards will be presented to owner Peter Shapiro, General Manager Bruce Wheeler, and Head of Special Events, Emily Schmalholz. The awards in question are known as the Sunrise Community Partner Award and the Sunrise Champion Award.

    Money raised from this benefit will support the vital work Sunrise Day Camp–Pearl River does for the community. Sunrise Day Camp brings the simple pleasures of childhood back to children struggling with cancer, changing months of loneliness and isolation into summers filled with sunshine, laughter and happiness.

    The Capitol Theatre welcomes a performance by the legendary Steve Augeri, the former lead vocalist for Journey. In years prior, artists like Wyclef Jean, Melissa Etheridge, Max Weinberg and many more music icons.

    The 11th annual Rock The River sponsored by Sunrise Association sees a wonderful evening of uplifting music by Steve Augeri. Along with this, the wonderful fundraising for ill children in need.

    This is an evening of togetherness, music, and benefits for those in need. It showcases both the power of fundraising and the unity that music brings.

    “We are honored & grateful to be the host venue of Rock The River for 10 years! Live music provides an impressive and organic sense of connection, this event is a natural fit. Over the years, we have formed an amazing partnership with Sunrise which has grown Rock The River year after year, working together to raise money for this incredibly important cause. I play just a small part in the success of this event and will continue to do my best to champion the cause in every way possible. I have no doubt that this partnership between The Capitol Theatre and Sunrise Day Camp will continue to grow so that we can continue to raise as much money as possible to send hundreds more children with cancer & their siblings to this incredible camp.”

    Emily Schmalholz, Sunrise Champion Award Nominee

    Doors to the concert open at 6:30pm, and music begins at 8pm. For more information on the Rock The River Benefit Concert or to make a donation, click here.

  • Dave Solazzo Trio: Breaking Jazz Norms with Unusual Charm

    Dave Solazzo & The Bridge, a trailblazing trio within the Westchester jazz community, has been raising eyebrows and stirring up controversy.

    The “jazz police” have turned their attention toward pianist Dave Solazzo, bassist Matthew Vacanti, and drummer Bill D’Agostino due to their daring distaste for typical harmonies. The trio are set to perform on March 22 in Downtown Mount Kisco, NY at 37 S. Moger Ave.

    Dave Solazzo Trio

    Additionally, the musical outlaw Solazzo enjoys pushing boundaries, making him accustomed to breaking the law. He has studied the greats, exploring the piano trios of legends such as Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Ahmad Jamal. However, the nature of his musical ideas has landed him in hot water with purists of jazz.

    According to co-conspirator Matthew Vacanti, the trio’s Locrian Skye album explores the unusual Locrian mode, which is uncommon in jazz. Despite the controversy, their interpretation of the piano trio is nothing short of intriguing.

    “I think we went for it in the studio, stretching, and taking chances. We wanted to put some of those elements into the music — the elasticity of time, the unconventional harmonies, the group interplay.”

    -Dave Solazzo

    Performers like Giacomo Gates, Martha Reeves, and Kevin Mahogany are offended by Vacanti’s styles, which has exposed minors to questionable jazz methods.

    Drummer and rhythm renegade from Auburn, New York, Bill D’Agostino gained notoriety by copying licks from legendary drummers like Tony Williams and Steve Gadd. He is practically banned from most venues for his politically incorrect use of forbidden rhythms and funky grooves.

    Together, Solazzo, Vacanti, and D’Agostino—each recognized for their partnerships with notable jazz artists—have produced the free-form and improvised debut album “Locrian Skye.” Their music is sure to thrill, challenge, and make lasting impressions on jazz fans, defying the conventions of Post Bop.

    This corrupt yet intriguing piano trio, called “The Bridge,” is scheduled to perform at Jazz on Main despite their antics. On March 22 at 7 PM and 9 PM, the venue—37 S. Moger Ave. in Downtown Mount Kisco, NY—will host two shows. $32 tickets give you the opportunity to see three first-call sidemen collaborate in real time, unfiltered.

    Tickets for Dave Solazzo Trio’s March 22 performance are now available at Jazzonmain.com.

  • The Dead Begin Their Lone Drummer Era at The Cap: February 19, 1971

    Today marks a somewhat somber anniversary in Grateful Dead history as the band’s second show at their final residency at The Capitol Theater this day in 1971 would be the first of many without drummer Mickey Hart. Racked by depression and guilt from his father stealing money from the band, Hart would take a self-imposed hiatus for several years before rejoining in 1974.

    The Dead The Cap
    stub via Ed Perlstein

    As the Dead prepared for some of their last shows ever at The Cap, they were still treating this a short-term absence. They continued to deliver a string of new songs and material, many of which made their debuts at the memorable show from the night before. The music does not seem to suffer at all and takes on a sleeker, more focused sound with only one drum kit now being used. This show was even selected as one for live release by soundman Dan Healy back in the early 90s but never got officially unveiled until 2007 as Three From The Vault.

    Discover Grateful Dead shows from over the years across New York State with our interactive map below

    Unsurprisingly, the recording of tonight’s show begins with some on-stage tuning from the Dead. This actually elicits two distinct warm-up/time wasting songs with quick takes on “The Merry Go-Round Broke Down” and “Spring Song.” The end of the latter paves the way for the band to launch right into a show-opening “Truckin’.” It’s a tight and concise jam to start things off that certainly has a little less “thunder” to it thanks the subtraction of one drum kit. The always emotional “Loser” follows with Jerry Garcia taking the lead on vocals and delivering its powerfully somber guitar solo with ease.

    “Cumberland Blues” swings the emotion right back the other way with a fun, spirited take fueled by some peppy Phil Lesh-produced bass lines before Pigpen gets his first say of the evening with his signature take on the Elmore James blues classic “It Hurts Me Too.” This rounds out a very similar opening to the show from the night before with the three of the four numbers being repeats.

    These kept on coming with the brand new “Bertha” that follows, only the fourth one ever performed after its East Coast debut the night before. Some issues with the early vocals occur on the recording, but they soon get resolved on this fast-paced and energetic take with Pigpen on organ making notable contributions. The second-ever “Playin’ In The Band,” which also debuted last night, comes next although no jam of any merit is produced with the band very much still learning how to tackle this one. The string of repeats gets broken up with an electric take on a song more often associated with acoustic Dead, “Dark Hollow.”

    The music does finally stretch out a bit with a 15-minute take on another blues classic “Smokestack Lightning,” with Pigpen once again manning the lead vocals and playing the part of Howlin’ Wolf as only he can. His improvised lyrics and harmonica play in conjunction with some stirring guitar licks courtesy of Garcia provide all the fuel that this first set highlight needs.

    The Dead then round out the first set at The Cap this evening with a breakneck “China Cat Sunflower” and “I Know You Rider” that features its traditional seamless segue between the two. The new songs then kept on coming in the second set, beginning with the Bob Weir-led tunes “Greatest Story Ever Told” and then only the third ever known performance of “Johnny B. Goode,” a Chuck Berry cover that would continue to be seen on Grateful Dead setlists throughout the band’s touring career.

    After some intricate tuning, a fresh song finally emerges, the brand new “Bird Song,” with Garcia reassuming lead vocals and leading the group through an especially rhythmic early rendition that seems to peter out fairly suddenly instead of being stretched out like it would be in the years to come. This sets the stage for Pigpen to shine once more as then leads the group through the blues-laden and Robert Hunter-penned “Easy Wind.” There would be only two more performances of this vintage Pigpen tune ever played after this one.

    Another Dead classic then makes its live debut at the Capitol Theater as the first ever “Deal” is played with Jerry grabbing the reigns once more and leading the band through a rapid take on another soon-to-be live show regular. The second set “Drums” section may be missing one drummer this evening but Bill Kreutzmann handles this, and the rest of the show, with ease and finesse, paving the way nicely into the percussive-heavy opening of “The Other One.” This offers some of the real exploratory playing of the show as Garcia, Lesh and Kreutzmann all seem to lock in, eliciting tribal-like rhythms and patterns in a jam that slowly crescendos.

    It comes to a pretty abrupt ending, however, as the Dead seem to want to fit in the second ever “Wharf Rat” before things come to a close. This slows the tempo down significantly as Garcia belts out the emotional lyrics on a another future live show staple. After one last extensive tuning session, which serves as an unofficial encore break of sorts, the band launches into one last cover for the night, a rousing, stretched out take of “Good Lovin’” with Pigpen once more adding his signature style to the proceedings.

    The show then wraps up with a standard run through of an “oldie,” in “Casey Jones” as night two of the Dead’s final residency at the Cap comes to a close and the short-lived Mickey Hart-less era of the band begins.

    Grateful Dead – Capitol Theater, Port Chester, NY February 19, 1971

    Set 1: Truckin’ , Loser, Cumberland Blues, It Hurts Me Too, Bertha, Playing In The Band, Dark Hollow, Smokestack Lightnin’, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider

    Set 2: Greatest Story Ever Told > Johnny B. Goode, Bird Song, Easy Wind, Deal, Cryptical Envelopment > Drums > The Other One > Wharf Rat, , Good Lovin’ , Casey Jones

  • Orebolo Make Their Home at The Cap for Three Laid-back Evenings of Acoustic Jams

    Fresh off the band’s highest-profile performance to date at the inaugural Dead Ahead festival, the Connecticut-born acoustic three-piece Orebolo settled into the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester for three laid-back nights of loose acoustic jamming on February 8, 9 and 10.

    orebolo marquee
    photo by Joe Madonna

    If you unwittingly attended an Orebolo show on a whim, learning this was the band’s 17th performance could catch you off guard. 

    From recent sit-ins from Bob Weir and Sturgill Simpson and a line of eager fans who arrived hours early for a coveted rail spot or to purchase the radiant hand-carved AJ Masthay linocut poster, it wouldn’t be misplaced to assume Orebolo is a nationally touring act in their own right. However, it is impossible not to mention Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Peter Anspach (vocals, guitar), and Jeff Arevalo (upright bass, backup vocal) membership in the rising star jam band Goose that has made this success possible. 

    With hairstyles that could be fresh from an “Almost Famous” casting call,  Anspach, Arevalo, and Mitarotonda held audiences captivated across three days with six sets mixed of beloved originals and debuts for the group that was free from repeats across the weekend run.

    The trio was unafraid of embracing their loyal flock of fans. During the first set of the run, Anspach called attention to the night’s guest-of-honor in the audience, the newly anointed Goose drummer Cotter Ellis. When Ellis was quickly met with deep-throated chants of “Goooose,” Anspach quickly reassured Ellis with the band’s usual quip that “they’re just saying Goose.”

    While the crowd was certainly there as Goose fans, and more than a few behaved as if they were seeing an electric five-piece rock show not an acoustic trio, Orebolo’s performance left everyone present thrilled with six standout sets. From the songs on Thursday evening the unofficial theme for the weekend was clear – these shows would be packed with Goose originals and a number of expertly selected and reimagined covers.

    After trading vocals for the opening two songs, the group debuted Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”, which featured a glistening vocal from Mitarotonda followed by an energetic “Turbulence & The Night Rays,” and the debut of two more covers that show the group’s own eclectic musical tastes, Isey Juber’s 2023 “No California” and Chick Corea’s instrumental “Spain”. The second set would see the tempo pick up through a number of Goose originals, as well as a heart-wrenching rendition of Tears for Fears “Mad World” and as a reward for the Capitol Theatre’s usual Deadhead denizens, a rendition of “New Speedway Boogie”.

    orebolo capitol theatre photo by Scott Harris
    photo by Scott Harris

    With Mitarotonda and Anspach playing seated, Arevalo sipping from a glass of red wine, and the stage artfully set with an array of antique studio lighting, the atmosphere of the three shows evoked the theatrical origins of the intimate 1800-capacity venue that has become so known as a palace of rock and roll. That isn’t to say the audience behaved in such a way, with the band frequently chiding overly talkative attendees over the weekend.

    Friday’s show kicked off with a tremendous performance opening with a dual vocal on “Mr. Action”, followed by another nod to the Capitol Theatre’s Grateful Dead adjacent roots with a jangling cover of the band’s version of the traditional “Jack-A-Roe.” After a driving first acoustic performance of Goose’s “Dr. Darkness,” the band turned the folk up further with an uptempo country-hoe-down inspired performance of “Flodown” and a mournful rendition of Dave Van Ronk’s traditional “Hang Me, Oh Hang Me”. The covers kept coming with a debut of Elvis Presley’s “Don’t be Cruel” that put any silver screen rendition of the King’s crooning to shame.

    The first set would close with a joyous rendition of “Animal” that ran through intensity levels bringing the crowd from rapt silence to shout-along. The echo from the crowd would continue into second set opening “Hungersite.” The fast tempo version of “Echo of a Rose” would have a red-wine sipping Arevalo hitting a series of bass-notes that reverberated through the theater. A bust-out of Sharon Van Etten’s “Love More” simmered the crowd to their quietest all night, before returning to a rollicking sing-along with the Dead’s “Tennessee Jed.” The set closed with Goose originals “This Old Sea” and fan favorite “Empress Of Organos.” A howling encore of “Silver Rising” brought the crowd to a tumultuous roar, sending attendees home energized for the final night’s show.

    Saturday would have another dual vocal to open with the group debuting the New Orleans standard “Liza Jane” to the crowd’s delight. After a joyous rendition of Goose’s “The Whales” Orebolo took a first attempt at “Atlas Dogs” that lead into a performance of “California Magic” which featured such strong harmonization from Mitarotonda and Anspach you could be forgiven for assuming this was a Crosby, Stills and Nash cover. The band has been enjoying this run of shows, it’s clear from the crowd banter and how intentional the playing is. Mitarotonda couldn’t help himself but to tease the iconic “Secret Agent Man” guitar riff closing “All I Need.”

    Anspach would take the lead vocal for “Moonrise” before Mitarotonda tore through “I’m Writing A Novel,” a song that has become a staple of the group since they performed it with the author, Father John Misty, at Radio City Music Hall in 2022. The show would take a somber turn for Tom Waits’ “Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis” which gave the audience a much-needed tempo shift before bursting into a version of “Rockdale” that brought the whole room to their feet singing along to one of the group’s most well-known tracks.

    The weekend’s final set would open with a rhythmic “Thatch” that highlighted how strong the group’s harmonization has gotten with time. For fans who struggle with misheard lyrics during intense Goose jamming, it is worth noting that Orebolo shows provide a much different experience (it is “Milo believe” not “my love for thee” ). The crowd hit pin-drop silence during a deeply emotional debut of Radiohead’s “True Love Waits,” which gave Arevalo a chance to show his versatility on the standup bass and skill with the bow. The band returned to the King and got the crowd dancing with a performance of 1957’s “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame” harkening back to Presley’s rockabilly roots.

    To close out the show, in a fitting tribute to the venue, Orebolo bookended their originals with songs from the Grateful Dead. First taking a turn toward syncopated harmonies in “Dripfield,” before performing what a 50-year-Jerry-show-veteran called “one of the best” renditions of “Ship of Fools” they had heard. The set ended with a pounding Madhuvan that was a showcase of the three musicians’ practiced comfort in an acoustic setting. Mitarotonda, Anspach, and Arevalo would return to the stage to express gratitude to fans for supporting the milestone three-night sold-out set of shows and individually thank each member of the Orebolo crew. The encore performance of “U.S. Blues” brought a truly original take to the Grateful Dead tune packed with harmonization that couldn’t hold back a crowd sing-along.

    While Orebolo has played fewer than two dozen shows publicly, it is clear that this trio has spent many more hours crafting a sound distinctly their own, no matter the material. Fans flocked to Orebolo shows for an intimate performance from a group of musicians whose star is on the rise, but they came back night after night because of the unique expression from this talented group of musicians. While Goose is taking flight, here’s hoping we will have more opportunities for these intimate acoustic moments.

    Orebolo’s next show will be in May at Solshine: A Music & Arts Reverie. Goose will be on tour this summer, and will be performing at Forest Hills Stadium on June 29.

    Orebolo Setlists, February 8, 9, 10 

    Setlists graciously provided by the team at ElGoose.net. 

    February 8, 2024 Orebolo, The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY, USA

    Set 1: Lead the Way, Elizabeth, Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright[1], Turbulence & The Night Rays, Not Alone[2], No California[3], Spain[4], Dim Lights, So Ready
    Set 2: Turned Clouds, Arrow[5] > Where Is My Wild Rose[6], Hot Tea, Mad World[7], New Speedway Boogie[8], A Western Sun, Arcadia
    Encore: Arise
    Coach’s Notes:
        [1] Bob Dylan. FTP.
        [2] FTP as Orebolo.
        [3] Ilsey Juber. FTP.
        [4] Chick Corea. FTP as Orebolo.
        [5] Unfinished.
        [6] Chris Thompson. FTP.
        [7] Tears For Fears.
        [8] Grateful Dead.

    February 9, 2024 Orebolo, The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY, USA

    Set 1: Mr. Action, Jack-A-Roe[1], Dr. Darkness[2], Flodown, Hang Me, Oh Hang Me[3], Creatures[4], Don’t Be Cruel[5], Louise[6], It Burns Within, Animal
    Set 2: Hungersite, Red Bird, Seekers On The Ridge Part I > Seekers On The Ridge Part II, Echo of a Rose[7], Love More[8], Tennessee Jed[9], This Old Sea, The Empress Of Organos
    Encore: Silver Rising
    Coach’s Notes:
        [1] Traditional.
       [2] FTP as Orebolo.
        [3] Dave Van Ronk.
        [4] Unfinished.
        [5] Elvis Presley. FTP as Orebolo.
        [6] Bonnie Raitt.
       [7] Fast version.
        [8] Sharon Van Etten. FTP.
       [9] Grateful Dead.

    February 10, 2024 Orebolo, The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY, USA

    Set 1: Liza Jane[1], The Whales, Atlas Dogs[2] > California Magic, All I Need[3], Moonrise, I’m Writing A Novel[4], Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis[5], Rockdale
    Set 2: Thatch, True Love Waits[6], Man of Constant Sorrow[7], Lead Up, (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame[8], Everything Must Go, Dripfield, Ship Of Fools[9], Madhuvan
    Encore: U.S. Blues
    Coach’s Notes:

        [1] Traditional. FTP as Orebolo.
        [2] FTP as Orebolo.
        [3] Slow, melodic version. With Secret Agent Man tease.
        [4] Father John Misty.
        [5] Tom Waits.
        [6] Radiohead. FTP.
     [7] Dick Burnett. FTP.
       [8] Elvis Presley.
        [9] Grateful Dead.

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