Owego’s Strawberry Festival will run from June 13 to 15 with a 5K, a block party, a parade, various musical acts, and a lot of strawberries.
Over the past 42 years and in many forms, the community of Owego has worked together to bring the Strawberry Festival to fruition and make it the spectacle it is now. In its current form, the celebration takes place over 3 days, two venues, and 27 performances.
Thursday, June 13
At 5 PM the festival will begin with a Rock and Run. The event consists of a one-mile kidsâ fun run starting at 5:15 as well as a 5K Run and Walk starting at 6 PM. The event held at Hickories Park in Owego, is presented by Tioga State Bank and the Historic Owego Marketplace. Hi-Way Fruit Market and The Dean Goble Band will play during throughout the day.
For more details and to sign up for the race, visit here
Friday, June 14
At 5 PM, the festival will move to downtown Owego for the Block Party. There will be musical acts throughout the day on three different stages. Namely, the Nate Gross Band, fronted by Nate Gross, a Syracuse Area Music Award recipient, will play the Courthouse Stage at 6:30 PM. Following the Nate Gross Band is Stone Senate. The band, who are returning to the Strawberry Festival will hit the stage at 8:15.
Other performances will include bands, Foggy Maloon, Making The Band, Crossing the Line, and others. Additionally, there will be other forms of entertainment including jugglers, busking, and the Kidz zONe, hosted by the Owego Nazarene Church. The Courthouse Square will have the Wine & Beer Tasting Tent open from 5:30-8:30 PM
Afterwards, A firework show sponsored this year by the Pumpelly Estate will take place in Draper Park at 9:30 PM.
Stone Senate
Saturday, June 15
At 9:30 AM the annual parade will begin. Coordinated by John Loftus, and led by Grand Marshals Jim Raftis Sr. and Dick Franz, the parade will travel through Downtown Owego. The celebrations will include Hose Teams, Inc., Owego Little League, and veteran organizations.
After the parade, music will begin at 11 AM with 17 acts playing throughout the day across four stages, with additional shows at the M&T Bank Lawn, Pumpelly Estate, and Belva Lockwood Inn Lawn. The bands include Randy McStine with a 3-hour performance, the Waverly High School Band, Junkyard Heights, and many others.
 Nate Gross – Photo by Hajo Müller.
The complete lineup of music and events can be found at www.owego.org
Music legends united for the first time on Saturday, June 8, as Billy Joel welcomed Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio during his 149th lifetime show at Madison Square Garden.
Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez
For two guys who have performed at MSG more than any others – 149 times for Joel, and at least 89 times for Anastasio between Phish and TAB shows (not including guest appearances for either) – you’d think the collaboration was bound to happen, eventually at least. So the night before Billy Joel says farewell to MSG with his 150th career performance and the end of his monthly residency.
Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez
Billy welcomed Trey to the stage for “Sleeping with the Television On,” with Anastasio riffing on Eric Clapton’s “Layla,” getting Joel to join in for the ending sequence.
Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez
Later in the encore, Trey was invited back up for the encore, joining in gleefully on “You May Be Right” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.”
Central New York boasts a vibrant music scene with a diverse array of venues, offering everything from intimate live performances to large-scale concerts. These venues contribute to the region’s rich cultural tapestry, providing platforms for both local and national acts.
Glimmerglass Festival is found at Alice Busch Opera Theater as a professional non-profit summer opera company dedicated to producing new productions each season. The company continues its tradition of four new fully staged productions, now including three operas and one work of American musical theater, performed with full orchestra, large cast and no sound amplification. These four productions are supplemented by special performances, cabarets, concerts, lectures and symposiums throughout the season.
A 112-year-old orchard located just south of Syracuse in Lafayette, Beak and Skiff offers a tasting room, distillery and general store, plus a summer concert series that garnered great attention during the social distancing of 2020 and has continued to bring a strong number of artists to a scenic location in southern Onondaga County.
Black Oak Tavern has been a staple for the Central New York social scene for almost 50 years, priding itself on great drinks, a friendly atmosphere, and fantastic live events.
Crouse Hinds Theater – Mulroy Civic Center At Oncenter(Syracuse)
The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater contains one of the largest stages in Upstate New York. Symphoria performs concerts on its Masterworks and Pops series at this theater.
Cortland Beer Company has been a part of the scene in Historic Downtown Cortland for over a decade, serving as a popular music venue with indoor and outdoor stages.
Deep Diveâs mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space for artists, patrons, and staff, a neighborhood joint for all walks of people, showcasing a calendar of top-class, unique, and inspiring musicians and performers
This state-of-the-art facility comfortably seats up to 17,500 avid music lovers. The venue, managed by ASM Global and promoted by Live Nation, opened its gates on September 3rd, 2015.
The Folkus Project brings high-quality live acoustic music to Central New York audiences and nurtures the experience of community that live music creates.
Address: May Memorial UU Society, 3800 E. Genesee St., Syracuse 13214
The Hangar Theatre is a non-profit, regional theatre. Its mainstage season and children’s shows occur during the summer, but the Hangar, and other organizations, utilize the space year-round for special events.
The Homer Center for the Arts is known for hosting national music concerts, feature film screenings, a community theater program (Center Players) and showcase artwork by regional, national, and international visual artists in the art gallery. The Center also hosts classes, workshops and programs throughout the year, and adds to the economic vitality of Central New York.
Founded in 1976 by Greg Italiano, The Lost Horizon is one of the longest operational club-sized concert venues in Central New York, playing host to hardcore, hip-hop and variety acts on an irregular basis.
McGirks Irish Pub is a great restaurant for lunch, dinner, take-out, catering, with specials on beer, wine, spirits, and live music on Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
The Other Side is a Utica-based, not-for-profit organization committed to providing space for community initiatives. In addition to sponsoring its own musical, cultural, and social events, The Other Side is available to members of the community who wish to utilize it for yoga classes, musical gatherings, craft fairs, used-record sales, meditation groups, reading groups, and the like.
During the summer months, Saranac Brewery welcomes bands to perform on their outdoor stage, offering live music in the heart of downtown Utica. F.X. Matt Brewing Company is the fourth oldest family-owned brewery in the United States and serves up tasty beers during the shows, with an array of food options for each show.
Seven Of Jazz Lounge opened its doors on Jan. 5, 2023 with the goal of offering a ârelaxing environmentâ for those who want to listen to live music or even just hang out with friends. It is currently under renovations.
Having opened in 1969 as a small corner bar, Shifty’s has maintained its presence in the Lincoln Hill section of Syracuse, offering live music five nights a week, along with award winning wings and veteran staff.
Amid evergreens that create a cozy campground and the backdrop for incredible music, the home of Sterling Stage music festivals and other concerts since 1995, are offered on two unique stages. Welcoming families and kids of all ages, dogs, grills and coolers are permitted at Sterling Stage, with overnight camping included with all tickets.
The State Theatre of Ithaca is a historic, 1600-seat theatre located at Ithaca in Tompkins County, New York that hosts various events from bands, to plays, to comedy acts, to silent films, and more. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996
Located in the Southern Tier and close to the Pennsylvania border, this diamond in the rough serves a desert of live music, with rock and country acts performing each summer at Tag’s Summer Stage.
A 1920s speakeasy-style bar that is located in the cellar of Oh My Darling restaurant in Downtown Syracuse, The Fitz offers a variety of music to pair with craft cocktails in a unique space, located close to the Landmark Theatre for pre and post show music and libations.
A classic hunting lodge, now offering weddings and event space, The “G” Lodge welcomes events hosted by Hey Dude After Hours, who bring community-driven and family friendly music events, as well as summer and fall music festivals.
Upstate Medical University Arena at Onondaga County War Memorial (Syracuse)
The Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial is a multi-functional 7,000 seat venue with event space available on three levels, and home to the Syracuse Crunch, hosting concerts around the year.
The Westcott Theater is a 700-person multi-purpose concert venue in Syracuse’s Westcott neighborhood. Known for its cinema-style setting, the venue accommodates various genres but has particularly expanded its electronic music acts in recent years.
Wonderland Forest is more than just a forest: it has hiking trails, campgrounds, a wedding venue, and more recently, an outdoor music venue with various bands, food vendors, and other activities from across the United States. They have played host to the 50th anniversary of Summer Jam, Biscoland, Trey Anastasio, and many more concerts on tap for 2024.
Built on the site of Dopps Run, Dave Woods started Woods Valley in 1964, and Woods Valley Ski Area has been teaching families to ski for 60 years. Plenty of music can be found year round in the lodge, with performances by touring and regional bands peppering the calendar and warming up the nights after skiing the slopes at Woods Valley.
Rochester-born McKinley James released his debut album, Working Class Blues, on June 7. With classic sounds reminiscent of Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Buddy Holly, the album takes us back to the first days of modern rock’n’roll.
Through stories of love and heartbreak, McKinley James celebrates the early days of soul and rock while simultaneously giving it a modern, personal twist.
McKinley James – Official website
Since 2015, James has been making a name for himself in the soul and blues scene. At the age of 13, he appeared on the cover of the platinum-selling Eric Church album Mr. Misunderstood. In the two years between the album’s release and James’ arrival in Nashville, he had gained enormous amounts of popularity and recognition. Nine years later, at only 22 years old, James has headlined gigs and events all across North America and Europe. Although this is only his debut, Working Class Blues paves the way for up-and-coming McKinley James‘ inevitable soul stardom.
Originally from Rochester, McKinley James has been making music with his father and fellow bandmate, Jason Smay, since he was a child. Inspired by nearly every genre, from country to R&B, James became a guitar prodigy as a child. The father-son duo shared an admirable passion for the vintage sounds, and were committed to recreating them themselves. The two were so dedicated to the genre, that the album was recorded with older instruments and technology. Jason played a vintage Ludwig drum set from 1970. McKinley played a vintage ’54 Stratocaster through a Peavey Pacer. Neither band member wore headphones, and microphones were minimal.
The “archaic” methods of recording were an essential part of the album’s production. Without it, replications of the old-fashioned sound would be artificial and inauthentic. There is a sense of originality to the production, especially when juxtaposed against the modern music scene and genres, that this kind of recording gives to the album.
When your band is only two people, there’s no hiding. It keeps you honest, and that was the goal with this album, tooâto be as honest as possible about who we are and what we do.
McKinley James
However, the method of production is not the only element of this album that gives it its key sound. James’ vocals, instrumentation, and singing style all emulate key figures of the era. With his gritty tone, calming guitar grooves, and swing-style approach, the album is not just a tribute to what rock was built on. In fact, Working Class Blues is an original, deeply personal piece that gives us a perspective as to how the genre has progressed. Its outreach to younger generations ignites a passion for music and storytelling previously unthought of.
Many of the tracks on Working Class Blues are stories of falling in love, heartbreak, and dealing with the aftermath. James’ melancholy about his own loneliness, captured in tracks like “Call Me Lonesome” and “Movin,” is something every listener can relate to. Yet, there is an undeniably personal tone to these tracks. James has shown, through each track, that this album is not just a collection of songs, but a story that he wants us to listen to. Despite his age, the voice James uses reminds us of tales as old as time.
Following the release of his album, McKinley James has announced upcoming shows. Tour dates are listed below.
JUN 8 – Orpheum Theater @ 7:30 PM, Madison, WI
JUN 9 – Rialto Square Theater @ 6:00 PM, Joliet, IL
JUL 25 – Robinson Center @ 7:00 PM, Little Rock, AR
AUG 1 – Brown County Music Center @ 7:30 PM, Nashville, IN
AUG 15 – Cleekwood @ 6:30 PM, Nashville, TN
AUG 24 – Minnesota State Fair 2024 @ 7:00 PM, St. Paul, MN
AUG 27 – KEMBA Live! @ 7:00 PM, Columbus, OH
SEP 29 – Amphitheater at Quarry Park @ 7:00 PM, Rocklin, CA
Fans can listen to Working Class Blues on all streaming platforms, as well as with this link, on June 7th. For more information, songs, albums, or tour announcements, visit here.
The Egg, Albany’s Center for Performing Arts will host a new free series, OPEN House, starting Friday, August 2. The event is in partnership with the NYS Office of General Services, Black Arts & Culture Festival, and First Friday.
The Egg is holding a new series of events, opening their unique venue up to the community and anyone who wants to attend. Attendees who RSVP will get a preview of the space while being able to enjoy a night full of various forms of entertainment, all free of cost.
To commence the series of visual arts and music, entertainment starts at 6 PM as doors open in the lobby. Guests will be greeted by projections by B.A. Miale, a psychedelic visual and projection creator from the Hudson Valley. Additionally, the projections will be accompanied by music from a DJ set by Intell Hayesfield.
At 6:30, there will be a screening of Black Panther in The Egg’s Swyer Theatre. The movie will be followed by a performance from Ghost-Note at 8:30, to close the night out.
Ghost-Note is an 8-piece funk band headed by two members of the Grammy-winning band Snarky Puppy. The band is made up of talented musicians whose combined repertoire includes the bands of Prince, Snoop Dogg, and Erykah Badu to name a few.
Ghost-Note
Members and new patrons alike are invited to the Open House series to experience what The Egg has to offer.
For more information visit theegg.org To acquire tickets and donate to The Egg, RSVP here.
Classical chamber music ensemble Musicians of Ma’alwyck presents Pulitzer Prize winner Dominick Argento’s 1975 mono-opera “A Water Bird Talk,” paired with Anton Chekhov’s one-act monologue “On the Harmful Effects of Tobacco,” on which the opera is based.
The performance will take place on June 15 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, with a pre-opera talk with the performers scheduled at the Hart Cluett Museum, both located in Troy.
“A Water Bird Talk” is a sharp-witted piece that follows a gentleman lecturer presenting a scholarly talk on water birds in a late nineteenth-century ladies’ club. His descriptions of each bird serve as metaphors for his own dejected life, portraying him as an inherent victim of constant ridicule from his domineering wife and daughters.
In 1962, Paul Newman directed an Oscar-nominated film adaptation of Chekhov’s play featuring music by David Amram, and Musicians of Ma’alwyck intend to pay tribute by using Arman’s score to provide musical interludes to the play. The opera boasts a 12-piece orchestra, including core Musicians of Ma’alwyck personnel: Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz, artistic director and violin; Norman Thibodeau, flute; and André Laurent O’Neil, cello. Internationally acclaimed baritone Joseph Han will also be part of the opera, with direction by Brian Sheldon, known for his work on plays like “Minutes” in Albany, and musical conducting by Micah Gleason.
“A Water Bird Talk” stands as a testament to Musicians of Ma’alwyck’s mission to cultivate and promote an understanding of American life in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, particularly in New York. The opera follows the legacy of the ensemble’s previous nationally recognized opera “Shield’s The Poor Soldier,” and other remarkable productions like “Blum’s The Ship’s Captain” and “Max Caplan’s Aleda.” They have also been in residence at the Schuyler Mansion in Albany for over twenty years, and currently hold a residency at SUNY Schenectady.
This collaboration with Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, NY promises a mesmerizing evening of musical brilliance.
Tickets are available for purchase by calling (518) 273-0038 or online here.
Governors Ball 2024 took off bright and early on Friday, June 7, launching their second year at the new festival site at Flushing Meadows Park. By the time “New York’s biggest party” opened the gates at 11:45am, music fans had been lined up for hours in anticipation of Friday’s biggest names.
Durry, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
On the GovballNYC Main stage, School of Rock Queens delivered an energetic and diverse cover-filled performance with a setlist that included “Beat It”, “Voulez-Vous”, “I’m Not Okay”, and “Locked Out of Heaven”. The show featured a diverse cast of characters, including a unique tambourine player, and showcased a myriad of covers led by different female vocalists for each song. Following them up, Minnesota rock band Durry delivered a high-energy performance that captivated the audience from start to finish. Their gritty guitar riffs and powerful vocals resonated through the venue, creating an electric atmosphere.
School of Rock Queens, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Early on over at the GoPuff stage, fans were treated to Long Island locals Arcy Drive. They brought their unique blend of rocky indie beach vibes to the stage with a standout performance. Featuring a pioneering female drummer, the band infused their set with a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere. They captivated the audience with a mix of their signature sound and the debut of a mysterious new song from their upcoming album. Right after their set, Qveen Herby dazzled the audience with her striking look and vibrant sound, seamlessly blending hip-hop and pop elements. Her sharp lyrics and dynamic stage presence had the crowd hooked from the first beat.
Qveen Herby, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Following Qveen Herby, the atmosphere shifted once more as Yung Gravy took to the GoPuff stage, sporting a floral detailed suit that perfectly matched his new era. He delighted the crowd with “certified Gravy Classics” like “Betty (Get Money)” and “Welcome to Chili’s,” alongside fresh, unreleased tracks (including “Back On The Horse” and “Lone Ranger”) from his upcoming country-inspired album. During “Oops!!!,” he playfully switched the usual lyric “Tracy with the ass?” to “Tracy from Queens?” in a nod to Gov Ball’s enthusiastic audience, making the performance even more memorable.
Yung Gravy, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Over at the IHG Stage, British pop girl group FLO delivered a performance reminiscent of The Cheetah Girls, complete with stunning vocal runs and harmonies that could go on for days. They brought their set to a triumphant close with their iconic track “Cardboard Box,” leaving the crowd buzzing for when Teezo Touchdown took over.
Teezo Touchdown, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
His electrified set kicked off with “Careful” that was both visually and musically captivating. With a floral-stylized microphone in hand, he delivered a powerful rendition of his hit “SUCKA!” and brought the metaphorical house down with a unique cover of Tyler, the Creator’s “RUNITUP.”
Arcy Drive, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Back over on the GovBall NYC Stage, Ryan Beatty’s performance was a seamless blend of smooth modern rock and indie pop, showcasing his undeniable star potential. With a voice like silk, he captivated the audience, even using a theremin-like instrument to add a unique touch to his set. Sporting his signature headphones, he dedicated a song to his longtime fans, saying, “This one’s for the OGs, if you’ve lasted this long, bless you.” To quote the great Ryan Beatty himself: “We’re just getting started”.
Ryan Beatty, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
As the day kept chugging along, the energy built throughout the festival grounds. Back on the GovBallNYC Main Stage, Dominic Fike rocks up with a performance full of memorable moments and musical highlights. He made his grand entrance with his sister Apple on his shoulders, marking his second Gov Ball appearance. Rocking cool shades and bleached eyebrows, Dominic declared, “NY I am inside you,” and complimented the city’s beauty, especially its women, which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Dominic Fike, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
He reminisced about filming a music video in New York with Paul McCartney for “The Kiss of Venus” and kept the energy high with playful banter. He praised the crowd, saying, “this place rules, you guys are cool as hell,” before performing “Mona Lisa” from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, humorously pointing out his brother in the crowd, telling people to “throw sh*t at him”.
Dominic Fike, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Dominic’s voice shone through as he introduced new tracks from his EP 14 Minutes, including “coast2coast” and “misses.” He shared a vulnerable moment about creating “misses” during a low point, expressing gratitude to his fans for boosting his self-confidence: “Thank you for instilling some self-confidence in me.”
Post Malone, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
As the sun set and the energy peaked, Post Malone absolutely brought down the house with his masterclass in blending classical elegance with modern rock energy. The set began with a captivating cello intro, featuring intricate strings that seamlessly transitioned into electrifying guitar shredding, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
As soon as the opening string chords resonated, festival-goers sprinted from all corners of the grounds to witness the spectacle. The moment Post walked up, the night sky exploded with fireworks and intense pyro, amplifying the crowd’s excitement and creating a visually stunning backdrop for his electrifying set, a fitting end to Day 1 of Governors Ball 2024.
Post Malone, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Day 2 starts back up at noon on Saturday, with sets from Sabrina Carpenter, The Killers, Hippo Campus, 21 Savage, and TV Girl. Stay tuned this weekend for more Gov Ball coverage.
Teezo Touchdown, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilSchool of Rock Queens, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilSchool of Rock Queens, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilRyan Beatty, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilQveen Herby, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilDurry, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilArcy Drive, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
On Thursday, June 6, the humid New York City air blew in hard rock band The Dead Daisies. With a new record titled, Light ‘Em Up, slated to be released in September, the band kicked off their US tour at Racket NYC.
The band consists of Tommy Clufetos on drums, Michael Devin on bass, Dave Lowy and Doug Aldrich on guitars with John Corabi on lead vocals. The former Mötley Crüe lead vocalist is replacing former singer and bassist Glenn Hughes. Prior to the night’s show, Corabi joined me via Zoom to talk about the new release. Watch below for the full interview.
Before The Dead Daisies hit the stage, there were two supporting acts. The first act was a local New York group called Tempt. The quartet played a total of seven songs and made it memorable. Between the power pop rock and catchy tunes, their set was enjoyable and they quickly won the crowd over with their charisma and young energy. Tempt promptly set the pace for the rest of the evening.
Sometimes it’s difficult for a new band to win a crowd that is there solely to see the headliners. Yet, this didn’t seem to be the issue. From the first note of “Living Dangerous” which was released as a single in 2021, their well-oiled rock and roll machine seemed to run without any sign of slowing down. It was great to see such a young band take the 650-person venue – who at the time were still filing in – and treat it as Madison Square Garden. Their energy was the most notable and they never seemed to be bored, they fully were in the moment and treated it as such.
After a beautiful rendition of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” another New York City band, Killcode jumped on stage. The five-piece band brought a different style from Tempt. Killcode’s sound consisted of hard rock with a southern twang. The band played a total of seven original songs throughout their set. Two songs in their set appeared on their newest record, 2023’s Life, Death, Rock n’ Roll. While the smaller stage was crowded with the five members, they were able to use the small piece of real estate to put on a captivating show.
Throughout the set, the band prowled along the stage and after a song or two, won the crowd over. For the members of the audience that knew the band, they were cheering for their favorite songs, singing and dancing while the band played deeper into their set. The duel guitars on stage created a monster wall of sound yet complemented each other at the same time. The last song that Killcode played was “Kickin’ and Screamin’” off of 2018’sThe Answer. By the time the last chorus swung around, the audience was singing along with the band before they took their final bow.
After a brief load out of Killcode’s gear, the house lights dimmed and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” blasted into the speakers. In a matter of minutes, the band jumped on stage and blasted into their first song of the night and newest single, “Light ‘Em Up.” With a record set to be released in September of the same name, the band played multiple songs off of the forthcoming record in addition to a blues number that was recorded during the sessions at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.
Throughout the evening the band crisscrossed through their entire discography and played songs throughout their entire career. This included several songs from the Hughes era. Three songs total were played from Radianceand Holy Ground including, “Born to Fly,”“Unspoken” and “Bustle and Flow.” It was great to see the band, especially Corabi acknowledge Hughes. Corabi’s vocals were excellent. Throughout his classic raspy register, his vocals pierced through fans while he was perched at the edge of the stage.
Aldrich and Lowy were the guitar masters flanking the stage and throughout the evening, they brought the energy. Lowy was running around the stage the entire night and never stood still. Aldrich plowed through solo after solo. At one point, Aldrich crept to the edge of the stage, kneeled and soloed right in front of the general admission section.
Rounding out the rest of the group was Devin on bass who officially joined the band when Hughes left. Hammering away on the drums the entire night was Clufetos who, most recently, filled in for Tommy Lee in Mötley Crüe when Lee injured himself. At one point, a fan turned to another and said “he [Clufetos] is a monster on the drums.” It seemed that no matter how hard Clufetos beat the drums, he never seemed to break a sweat. Clufetos during his drum solo was hitting them so hard that the vibrations could be felt in fans’ chests as they watched in awe.
It was amazing to see how interactive the band was with the fans, throughout the night, in between songs and jokes from Corabi, the band tossed guitar picks and waved to familiar faces in the audience. As the band was introducing themselves, they would quickly jam in between announcements to tunes like “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” and “Seven Nation Army.” Each jam session was met with thunderous applause from the fans who sang along with Corabi and sang the guitar riffs as well. The band was as versatile as ever as they played multiple covers including the final song, “Helter Skelter,” by The Beatles.
Throughout the 17-song set, if they could, it seemed like the band would never stop. They rarely stopped in between songs – which were accompanied by a giant video screen behind them. Throughout each song, a different video was played which further enhanced the audience’s experiences as they showed the band throughout the years. Despite the venue only holding 650 people, the band treated it as if it were a festival or stadium. Their energy and charisma on the stage seemed like they could have blown the doors off the venue and after the encore, fans still stuck around the stage just in case the band came back on.
New York City was the perfect city to host the first night of the band’s tour. The energy of the band mixed with the energy of the fans – which grew over the night – created a rock and roll cathedral. Some fans were making the trek to the group’s next show while other fans immediately flocked to the merch table. After the legendary Rolling Stones show at Racket NYC, The Dead Daisies followed up with a legendary show of their own.
The Dead Daisies Setlist: Light ‘Em Up, Rise Up, Dead and Gone, Make Some Noise, I Wanna Be Your Bitch, Unspoken, Bustle and Flow, Lock ‘n’ Load, Born to Fly, Take a Long Time, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap / Seven Nation Army / Heaven and Hell / D’yer Mak’er / Join Together, I’m Ready, Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover), Mexico, Midnight Moses (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band cover), Long Way to Go, Helter Skelter (The Beatles cover)
Killcode Setlist: Show Me, Ride, OTP, Let’s Get Back to Rock n Roll, Phenomenon, Shot, Kickin’ and Screamin’
Tempt Setlist: Living Dangerous, Roses, Burn Me Down, Company, Cold Blood, Golden Tounge, We Will Rock You (Queen cover)
The Battery Park City Authority announced the River and Blues lineup for this year’s Summer Concert Series held in Rockefeller Park, Manhattan.
For 25 years, the Battery Park City Authority’s River and Blues concert series has served as a fun, classic summer tradition. Fans of folk, soul, blues, and rock’n’roll alike gather in one of many of Manhattan’s parks and enjoy its free live performances. Since its inception, it has served as an opportunity to host a series of both legendary and recently emerging musicians.
This year, the concert series will be at Rockefeller Park, located in Battery City, Manhattan. To travel via public transit, use the 1, 2, or 3 train and exit at Chambers Street, or the E train, exiting at the World Trade Center. Following your stop is a 5-8 minute walk.
During the entire month of July, the River and Blues concert series features four free live performances every Thursday evening. The concert series hopes to bring together fans of multiple genres, including Tejano, rhythm and blues, country, folk, and soul music. This summer’s River and Blues lineup features an astounding collection of diverse, talented up-and-coming musicians.
Below is the information regarding the performances. All shows are free to the public and welcome all ages. Doors open at 6:00 PM and feature an opener from DJs Reganomics and Suzan D Anthony.
July 11 – Los Lobos
Multi-Grammy-winning artists Los Lobos‘ music embodies the idea of America as a melting pot, combining Tejano, son jarocho, and norteño with folk, country, and rock ‘n’ roll. Together, they create a sound that’s greater than the sum of its parts. For more than 50 years, this East L.A. band has been wowing audiences with daring and diverse recordings and legendary live shows.
6:30PM – DOORS
7:00PM – DJ REAGONOMICS
7:30PM – LOS LOBOS
July 18 – Hooray for the Riff Raff
Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, is the folk band Hurray for the Riff Raff. Combining elements of traditional American folk with elements of 90s punk-rock, Hurray for the Riff Raff offers a unique sound for listeners of all genres and generations. Join them on July 18 at 7:30 PM.
6:30PM – DOORS
7:00PM – DJ SUZAN Z ANTHONY
7:30PM – HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF
July 25 – Leela James
On July 25, Get soulful with singer Leela James for her live performance at Rockefeller Park. Without a doubt, James has remained an important figure in R&B, still topping the charts with a discography of quality soul music spanning nearly two decades. Leela’s music is a constant reminder of what it is to be human — to love, to regret, and to dream.
6:30 PM – DOORS
7:00 PM – DJ SUZAN Z ANTHONY
7:30 PM – LEELA JAMES
August 1 – Abraham Alexander
Finally, A night of folk-pop fusion awaits with Abraham Alexander’s performance on August 1st. The final performance of the series is a refreshing genre fluidity at play as elements of folk, pop, rock, R&B, gospel, and even electronic music intertwine into a cohesive whole that is simultaneously warm and cool.
Summer is here, and Western New York amusement park Six Flags Darien Lake has announced its lineup of shows coming to their 21,600-capacity amphitheater. The stacked lineup includes countless stars, including but not limited to Janet Jackson, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Avril Lavigne and Creed.
HARDY with special guests Kip Moore, Travis Denning and Stephen Wilson Jr. – Quit!! Tour – June 8, 6:45 PM
Country Rock veteran HARDY will open up Darien Lake’s summer lineup with the second New York show on his Quit!! Tour. Fellow country artists Kip Moore, Travis Denning and Stephen Wilson Jr. will open up the show as special guests.
Niall Horan with special guest Del Water Gap – The Show Tour – June 22, 7:30 PM
Former One-Direction member Niall Horan will be stopping by Darien Lake for his The Show Tour. Brooklyn-based indie-pop artist Del Water Gap will join as a special guest.
James Taylor and His All-Star Band – June 25, 8:00 PM
Six-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee James Taylor and his all-star band will arrive in Darien Lake on June 25. Some of the all-stars from Taylor’s band include The Blues Brothers saxophonist Lou Marini and Steely Dan and Bee Gees drummer Steve Gadd.
Kenny Chesney with special guest Megan Moroney – Sun Goes Down Tour – June 27, 7:30 PM
Grammy-nominated and Country Music Association award-winner Kenny Chesney will play in Darien Lake as a stop for his Sun Goes Down Tour. The Academy of Country Music Awards’ 2024 New Artist of the Year, Megan Moroney, will join Chesney.
Third Eye Blind with special guests Yellowcard and ARIZONA – Summer Gods Tour – July 3, 6:30 PM
American rock band Third Eye Blind will be coming to Darien Lake as the first of three New York stops for their Summer Gods Tour. Similarly-popular band Yellowcard will be the featured opener, alongside pop-rock band ARIZONA.
Janet Jackson with special guest Nelly – Together Again Tour – July 5, 8:00 PM
Iconic pop star Janet Jackson is set to appear in Darien Lake on July 5 before playing in Brooklyn later in the month. Rapper and singer Nelly, known for hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Ride Wit Me,” will appear as a special guest.
Kidz Bop Kidz – July 7, 4:00 PM
The renowned family-friendly pop song cover group, Kidz Bop Kidz, will perform in Darien Lake for an early show on July 7. This child-friendly concert is perfect for any younger children looking to hear clean versions of some of their favorite modern pop hits.
Chris Stapleton with special guests Marcus King and Nikki Lane – All-American Road Show – July 11, 7:00 PM
Ten-time Grammy Award winner Chris Stapleton will come by Darien Lake for a stop on his All-American Road Show. Fellow country singers Marcus King and Nikki Lane will contribute opening performances.
Red Hot Chili Peppers with special guest Wand – Unlimited Love Tour – July 12, 7:00 PM
Genre-defining American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers will arrive in Darien Lake the day after Chris Stapleton for their Unlimited Love Tour. Psychedelic rock band Wand will open up the set.
Jason Aldean with special guests Lauren Alaina, Chase Matthew, Austin Snell and Dee Jay Silver – Highway Desperado Tour – August 1, 7:30 PM
Country musician Jason Aldean will kick off August with a performance at Darien Lake as a stop on his Highway Desperado Tour. Lauren Alaina, Chase Matthew, Austin Snell and Dee Jay Silver will all appear as special guests.
The Queens of R&B: Xscape and SWV with special guests Mya, Total and 702 – The Queens of R&B Tour – August 6, 7:00 PM
Known for their active reality television series, The Queens of R&B, Xscape and SVW, will be performing at Darien Lake for their last of three New York shows. Mya, Total and 702 will join as special guests.
Avril Lavigne with special guests Simple Plan and Girlfriends – The Greatest Hits Tour – August 20, 7:00 PM
Pop-punk idol Avril Lavigne will play nothing but the best in Darien Lake for her new tour focusing on her greatest hits. Rock bands Simple Plan and Girlfriends will open up the show.
New Kids On The Block with special guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff – Magic Summer Tour – August 22, 7:00 PM
Classic boy band New Kids On The Block is celebrating the release of their brand new album, Still Kids, with their Magic Summer Tour. The Darien Lake performance will be opened by Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Pitbull with special guest T-Pain – Party After Dark Tour – September 6, 8:00 PM
Mr. Worldwide, aka Pitbull, will perform some of his classic pop hits to the Darien Lake crowd on September 6 for his Party After Dark Tour. Fellow 2000s and 2010s hitmaker T-Pain will appear as well.
Falling In Reverse with special guests Black Veil Brides, Dance Gavin Dance, Tech N9ne and Jeris Johnson – The Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination – September 10, 5:45 PM
American rock and pop-punk band Falling in Reverse is set to perform at Darien Lake for their Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination. The packed night of performances will also feature Black Veil Brides, Dance Gavin Dance, Tech N9ne and Jeris Johnson.
ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd with special guest The Outlaws – The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour – September 12, 6:30 PM
American rock bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top will perform at Darien Lake for their last of four New York shows as a part of their collaborative tour. Fellow American rock band, The Outlaws, will open up the show.
Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss and Celisse – The Outlaw Music Festival – September 17, 5:00 PM
American folk legends Willie Nelson & Family and Bob Dylan will play together in Darien Lake as part of the traveling “must see music festival of the summer,” Outlaw Music Festival. Robert Plant, Alison Krauss and Celisse will perform as well.
Creed with special guests 3 Doors Down and Finger 11 – Summer of ’99 Tour – September 27, 7:00 PM
Post-grunge American rock band Creed will cap off Darien Lake’s summer lineup with a performance for their Summer of 99′ Tour on September 27. 3 Doors Down and Finger 11 will open up the show.
Tickets for all of the shows shown can be found here.
