NYS Music 2024

Category: Regions

  • Bring Out Your Dead: Megadeth Destroy All Enemies in Albany

    It’s had many names over the years: The Knickerbocker, The Pepsi, The Times Union Center and currently the MVP Arena. But on Tuesday, September 10, the storied building was transformed into a cathedral of heavy metal.  Playing host to the legendary Megadeth and their “Destroy All Enemies” tour featuring Mudvayne and All That Remains, the scorching night of thrash, prog, punk, speed and metalcore music bludgeoned downtown Albany like a 10-ton hammer in a way that hasn’t been felt in years.

    An epic evening of arena sized anthems and a career-spanning setlist packed with deep cuts and fan favorites alike, Dave Mustaine once again proved why his band remains one of the cornerstones of metal’s “Big Four.”

    Thrash metal icons Megadeth returned to the MVP Arena for the first time in 17 years on 9/10/24.

    For anyone familiar with Mustaine’s storied career, the sight of him on stage, shredding through riff after riff, felt like witnessing history in motion. After being famously ousted from Metallica in the early ’80s, Mustaine forged his own path by forming Megadeth in 1983, determined to make his own mark on metal. His fierce ambition and relentless work ethic paid off—Megadeth has since sold over 38 million albums worldwide, earning their place alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax as the pioneers of thrash metal.

    But the show in Albany wasn’t just about Megadeth’s past. It was a testament to the present power of Mustaine, who at 63, plays with the same ferocity that marked his early years, if not more. This resilience is all the more impressive considering his 2019 battle with throat cancer, which threatened to sideline him permanently. Instead, Mustaine emerged victorious, his unmistakable snarl and masterful guitar work as sharp as ever. His playing style—technical, lightning-fast, and rhythmically complex—defines Megadeth’s sound and was on full display during songs like “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due,” “Peace Sells,” and “Symphony of Destruction.”

    Fuck Cancer: Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine was back in Albany on 9/10/24 after beating a life-altering diagnosis.

    Megadeth would also play selections from their most recent album, 2022’s The Sick, The Dying…and the Dead! which featured the eerie visual aid of an old plague doctor pushing a wagon cart full of corpses across the stage.  Also from the same album, “We’ll Be Back” stood out as a new favorite for its relentless power groove and over-the-top shredding, further proof this band still has plenty of gas in the tank. Adding fuel the frenzy, time-tested staples like “Washington is Next!,” “Hangar 18” and “Sweating Bullets” sounded massive and just as potent as they were decades ago.

    Destroy All Enemies: Megadeth performing at the MVP Arena on 9/10/24.

    The crowd, a sea of black-clad fans with fists pumping and heads banging in unison, responded with a fervor that could only come from decades of loyalty. For many, Megadeth’s music represents something deeper. Their songs, often steeped in political themes, war, chaos, and personal demons, strike a chord with listeners who revel in metal’s intensity and cathartic aggression. This is why heavy metal endures—its primal power, complex musicianship, and dark themes speak to a primal part of the human experience.

    Symphony of Destruction: Watch fan shot footage of Megadeth performing at the MVP Arena on 9/10/24.

    As much as the night belonged to Megadeth, it was far from a one-band show. Mudvayne, co-headlining the tour, brought their own brand of chaos to the MVP Arena. Rising to prominence in the early 2000’s, Mudvayne, known for their groundbreaking debut L.D. 50, has a reputation for blending nu-metal with progressive elements, and their set did not disappoint. Musically tight, they delivered heavy grooves, complex rhythms, and a raw power that paired perfectly with Megadeth’s thrash fury. Known for their theatrical costumes and high-energy performances, frontman Chad Gray worked the crowd with ease, demonstrating an innate ability to connect with fans. Dressed in his trademark face paint and blood splatter, Gray’s commanding presence and guttural screams during songs like “Not Falling,” “Death Blooms,” “-1,” and “Internal Primates Forever” were highlights of the night.

    Dressed to Kill: Mudvayne’s Chad Gray painted the MVP Arena red on Tuesday, 9/10.

    Speaking candidly to the audience after ”Dull Boy,” Gray gave a heartfelt speech about the importance of staying true to yourself. Saying how this is the place to leave your baggage at the door. The problems at work, in your relationship, at school, with your family, with the law—they will all still be there tomorrow, but here at the arena, this is a safe place to let it all out. Demanding the fans make enough noise to satisfy him before they continue playing, Gray talked about the honor it is to be playing with Megadeth, one of the big 4 that inspired and empowered him as a kid we he came from nothing.  Addressing the elephant in the room, i.e. the amount of people at the show, he would tell us “Anyone who knows metal is here, and if you’re not, that’s probably a good thing. Because once metal is in you, it never leaves. It doesn’t matter if you’re 6 of 65, you’re a metal kid for life.”

    Ryknow Power: Mudvayne bassist Ryan Martinie was dropping bombs all night long on 9/10/24.

    After delivering a standout version of “Nothing to Gein,” and working their way through “Happy?” Gray would reflect once again. Talking about how to him, this tour represents the passing of the torch. From one generation of metal to the next, he’s made an oath to carry it forward from here.  Referencing influences like Metallica and Slayer, and later Pantera and Korn, he said heavy music will always keep evolving and it’s up to the fans to keep showing their support, no matter who the current torch bearer may be. Wanting the audience to know that he’s proud of each and every person who came out to see the show, he says it’s important to remember to reward yourself every once in a while, and to not be ashamed tomorrow for liking heavy music today. Asking if Albany can dig what he’s putting down, the band then launched into their biggest hit, “Dig” to close out their set. What a performance!

    Dig This: Watch fan shot footage of Mudvayne performing “Dig” in Albany, NY 9/10/24.

    Kicking off the night was Springfield, Massachusetts’ All That Remains, a metalcore band whose blend of melodic and brutal elements set the tone for the evening. No stranger to the Capital Region, the band has been playing various Albany clubs since forming in the early 2000’s and clearly have developed a loyal following in the area.  Their impressive guitar solos, particularly from lead guitarist Jason Richardson, caught the attention of the early crowd.

    Opening up with “Now Let Them Tremble,” and working their way through songs like “Six,” Divine,” and a massive rendition of “This Calling” from their beloved 2006 album The Fall of Ideals, All That Remains have a style that leans more into metalcore than traditional thrash. Making sure to bring a balance of aggression and melody, by the time the band reached their set closing number and biggest song, “Two Weeks, anyone who was on the fence was converted. Showcasing the band’s ability to fuse heavy breakdowns with catchy hooks, All That Remains was the perfect choice for an opening act.

    All That Remains kicked off the night in Albany on 9/10/24.

    Despite the aggressive sounds emanating from the stage, the Albany crowd remained surprisingly tame. While many die-hard fans in the front row headbanged and moshed in sync with Mustaine’s riffs, a significant portion of the audience seemed content to take in the spectacle from their seats, perhaps a testament to the older demographic that Megadeth now commands. Even so, the energy in the arena was palpable, and the night felt like a celebration of heavy metal’s enduring legacy.

    As the tour rolls on through the rest of North America, including this upcoming Friday the 13th at Bethel Woods, it’s clear that the “Destroy All Enemies” tour is more than just a trip down memory lane—it’s a reminder that Megadeth and their fellow metal titans still have plenty left to say. For those in attendance in Albany, it was a night that highlighted the power of heavy metal to bring people together, proving that, even in 2025, metal is far from dead.

    Megadeth | September 10, 2024 | MVP Arena | Albany, NY

    Setlist: The Sick, The Dying…and the Dead!, Dread and the Fugitive Mind, Kick the Chair, Hangar 18, Washinton is Next, Countdown to Extinction, Sweating Bullets, Angry Ain, Trust, Tornado of Souls, We’ll Be Back, Symphony of Destruction, Mechanix, Peace Sells

    Encore: Holy Wars…The Punishment Due

    Mudvayne | September 10, 2024 | MVP Arena | Albany, NY

    Setlist: Not Falling, Silenced, Internal Primates Forever, Fall Into Sleep, -1, Death Blooms, Dull Boy, Nothing to Gein, World So Cold, Happy?, Dig.

    All That Remains | September 10, 2024 | MVP Arena | Albany, NY

    Setlist: Now Let Them Tremble, Chiron, Six, Divine, Let You Go, This Calling, Two Weeks.

  • Doom Flamingo and SunSquabi to Co-Headline Putnam Place on Sept 14

    Electric funk group SunSquabi and rock band Doom Flamingo will be performing a co-headlining show at the Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs on September 14, both with 90 minute sets.

    Doom Flamingo SunSquabi

    Bands Doom Flamingo and SunSquabi are teaming up for this double bill show Saturday, September 14. Both incredible performers in their own right, the show is sure to be a sonic adventure.

    The first of two acts for the evening, Doom Flamingo is self-described as “80’s guilty pleasure vampire stripper rock.” Forming through friendships and previous collaborations, the band boasts a multitude of sounds and skills. With an energy that channels Miami Beach poolside lounges and the eerie sounds of old John Carpenter films, Doom Flamingo has carved their own corner of the music world out in the ever-admirable intent of simply making people dance.

    The second act of the evening, SunSquabi has made it a habit to bend the rules of genre and sound to their own will. Best described as an “Electronic Hydro Funk Experience”, SunSquabi offers a unique live performance experience with their improvisational works that are performed so seamlessly it almost feels rehearsed. It’s no wonder why their shows are described as an atmospheric trip through space.

    Tickets for this incredible evening at the Putnam Place are on sale now, priced at $22 in advance or $25 on the day of the show. For more details and ticket purchasing, please visit here.

  • Unreleased Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young “Live at the Fillmore East” Hits in October

    Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young’s 1969 Live at the Fillmore East performances are set to release this October as a double live album. The album boasts recordings from the group’s 1969 concert at the Fillmore East in NYC.

    Crosby Stills Nash and Young Fillmore East

    A newly discovered multi-track recording of the band’s September 20, 1969, concert at the historic Fillmore East in New York City captures an early moment from that first tour is releasing as a double live album on October 25.

    Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young were heavily involved in the creation of this never-before-heard live show. Stills and Young compiled and mixed the original eight-track concert recordings at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles.

    The album was recorded only a month after Woodstock. The concert was the band’s fourth in two days at the Fillmore East and featured both acoustic and electric sets. The setlist spotlights soon-to-be classics from CSN’s self-titled debut and Young’s Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere. “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Helplessly Hoping,” and “Down By The River” to name a few.

    Stills delivers a stunning solo acoustic performance of his introspective ballad “4 + 20.” Nash follows, alone at the organ, singing “Our House” to its inspiration, Joni Mitchell, who was in the Fillmore audience.

    “Hearing the music again after all these years, I can tell how much we loved each other and loved the music that we were creating. We were four people reveling in the different sounds we were producing, quietly singing together on the one hand, then rocking like f**k for the rest of the concert.”

    Graham Nash

    The electric set is powerful and intense, highlighted by expansive versions of “Wooden Ships,” “Long Time Gone,” and “Sea Of Madness.” The band closes the show with “Find The Cost Of Freedom.” This song by Stills would later be released as the B-side to the protest anthem “Ohio.”

    Live At The Fillmore East, 1969

    LP Tracklist

    Acoustic Set

    Side One

    1. “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes”

    2. “Blackbird”

    3. “Helplessly Hoping”

    4. “Guinnevere”

    5. “Lady Of The Island”

    Side Two

    6. “Go Back Home”

    7. “On The Way Home”

    8. “4 + 20”

    9. “Our House”

    10. “I’ve Loved Her So Long”

    11. “You Don’t Have To Cry”

    Electric Set

    Side One

    1. “Long Time Gone”

    2. “Wooden Ships”

    3. “Bluebird Revisited”

    4. “Sea Of Madness”

    Side Two

    5. “Down By The River”

    6. “Find The Cost Of Freedom”

    CD Tracklist

    Acoustic Set

    1. “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes”

    2. “Blackbird”

    3. “Helplessly Hoping”

    4. “Guinnevere”

    5. “Lady Of The Island”

    6. “Go Back Home”

    7. “On The Way Home”

    8. “4 + 20”

    9. “Our House”

    10. “I’ve Loved Her So Long”

    11. “You Don’t Have To Cry”

    Electric Set

    12. “Long Time Gone”

    13. “Wooden Ships”

    14. “Bluebird Revisited”

    15. “Sea Of Madness”

    16. “Down By The River”

    17. “Find The Cost Of Freedom”

    To pre-order the CD of “Live at the Fillmore East” click here. To learn more about the vinyl record, click here.

  • New York City Opera Installs Constantine Orbelian as Executive Director & Music Director

    The board of New York City Opera announces the appointment of Constantine Orbelian as the organization’s new Executive Director & Music Director. Constantine succeeds General Director Michael Capasso.

    Constantine Orbelian

    Four-time Grammy-nominated conductor Constantine Orbelian has been called “the singer’s dream collaborator” by Opera News. He has toured and recorded with some of the world’s greatest singers, such as American stars Renee Fleming, Sondra Radvanovsky and Lawrence Brownlee. He also toured with the great Dmitri Hvorostovsky and other renowned singers in European, North American, and Asian music centers.

    Orbelian’s accomplishments include being Music Director of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia of Russia. He founded the annual Palaces of St. Petersburg International Music Festival and was Chief Conductor of the Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra in Lithuania. He was the first American to become music director of an ensemble in Russia.

    NYC Opera’s 2024-25 season is poised to captivate and inspire with dynamic repertoire that celebrates resilience, history, and community. The season also features the long-awaited revival of William Grant Still’s Troubled Island. It is presented 75 years after its 1949 premiere at City Opera.

    “I am honored and excited to take on the role of Executive Director in addition to my current role as Music Director and Principal Conductor of the New York City Opera, a company with such a rich legacy and profound history in the world of music. This opportunity allows me to blend my passion for artistic excellence with mindful and positive stewardship, ensuring that the cherished traditions of this great institution continue to thrive. Together with this wonderful community, we will embark on a journey that honors the past while boldly shaping the future of this iconic opera company.”

    Constantine Orbelian

    To learn more about NYC Opera’s new executive director and music director Constantine Orbelian, please click here.

  • Good Neighbours Bring Us Home at Bowery Ballroom

    Alternative UK Duo Good Neighbours performed at Bowery Ballroom on Wednesday, September 4 as part of their headlining North American Tour.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Who Are Good Neighbours?

    Good Neighbours is a band born out of a small town in East London. The duo is made up of Oli Fox and Scott Verrill and first began making music together out of the desire to create something positive from their love for music. The UK duo had an urge to rekindle the excitement of the early 2000s music scene, and apply the ideas of friendship, life and optimism to a cinematic approach to music.

    After releasing their breakout debut single Home, it became the most streamed debut single globally from a new artist in 2024. The first viral success of the year amassing over 350 million streams led to their first ever North American Tour. Following the upcoming release for their debut album EP Good Neighbours.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Good Neighbours apply Nostalgia and connection to their emotive indie influences, creating a euphoric dreamscape of sound and vision. During this past Wednesday’s show, the band created an inclusive atmosphere. Fans were jumping back-and-forth as the band and audience serenaded each other. The familial feel left fans “homesick”, thinking of loved ones and enjoying the positive side of life.

    Since their ascension, Good Neighbours have wasted no time capturing our attention and refreshing us with a new outlook on alternative indie rock, as their debut single charted throughout Europe. Thus, most left the show looking forward to what was next for the innovative British duo as they continue their North American Tour.

    Perri Sage Photography

    NORTH AMERICAAN TOUR DATES

    09/11 – Troubadour – Los Angeles, CA

    09/12 – Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA

    09/14 – Marquis – Denver, CO

    09/15 – Marquee – Tempe, AZ

    Perri Sage Photography
    Perri Sage Photography
    Perri Sage Photography

  • Saratoga Magic: Goose Scintillates in SPAC Return

    Soaring to spectacular heights for two nights in Saratoga Springs, indie-improv groove sensation Goose delivered a pair of performances that felt more like a homecoming celebration than rock concerts. After playing to their largest ever crowd (at the time) during their debut at SPAC last year, this time around, the colorful band decided to bet on themselves and make a weekend out of it.

    Playing four sets over two consecutive nights, the Norwalk, Connecticut-based band showcased just how far they’ve come from their humble beginnings. Not too long ago, Goose was cutting their teeth at smaller venues like Albany’s former Parish Public House and Putnam Den. Now, they’re packing out massive venues and headlining some of the biggest festivals on the circuit. It’s been a meteoric rise that underscores the band’s extraordinary talent and their magnetic draw for fans.

    Goose performing in Saratoga Springs on 9/6/2024

    Since their ascent in the pandemic era, Goose’s fan base has exploded, thanks to their intoxicating blend of groove-based improvisation, catchy melodies, heartfelt vocals and relentless touring. For the family and friends who have supported them since the early days, this SPAC run was a full-circle moment—an intimate celebration amidst their ever-growing fame. In just a few short years, Goose has gone from playing bar gigs to headlining stages like Red Rocks and major festivals such as Bonnaroo and Peach Fest. Their rise has been both organic and rapid, fueled by the band’s tight-knit musicianship and a growing, fervent fanbase.

    Live streams during the pandemic introduced their genre-bending sound to a global audience, which quickly transformed them into one of the most exciting acts on the modern jam and indie circuits. Luckily for fans, despite their growing fame, the band continues to maintain their down-to-earth, hardworking ethos and have continued serving up plenty of free high-quality content and live streams to keep casual fans and new ones interested. Whatever the secret to their success is, it’s clearly working, as evidenced by the massive applause the band received while walking out on the Broadview Stage at SPAC on Friday, September 6th.

    Kicking off the festivities with a nod to the OG-honkers in the audience, multi-instrumentalist Peter Anspach strapped on his guitar for one of the few times of the night and led the band through “Elizabeth,” a song that was first played in Saratoga Springs in 2018 to a mostly empty Putnam Place down the street. Now performing it on the big stage at SPAC, you somehow always knew this is where Goose was destined to be. Their signature sonic sound has been arena and amphitheater-ready from the very start. Keeping it old school, Goose then unleashed a pair of longtime favorites next with their version of the Wood Brother’s “Atlas,” followed by “Turned Clouds,” the opening track from the bands 2016 debut album Moon Cabin.   

    The Great Handini: Multi-instrumentalist Peter Anspach performing with Goose at SPAC on 9/6/2024.

    At the core of Goose’s sonic magic is the unspoken chemistry between the band members, each with their own signature style and endearing nicknames. Primary vocalist and axeman Rick Mitarotonda, or simply “Snakes,” leads the charge with his soulful vocals and dexterous guitar work. The always smiling Peter Anspach, affectionately known as “Handini,” handles keys and rhythm guitar, adding a layer of infectious good-natured energy. Trevor Weekz, or “Tweekz” holding down the bass, is the quiet powerhouse of the group, while percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Jeff Arevalo helps bring the rhythm to life with a cool confidence in the back.

    Making his SPAC debut on drums was the newest member of the band, former Swimmer timekeeper Cotter Ellis who joined the band early in 2024. Injecting fresh energy into the band’s live performances, Ellis’ dynamic drumming has found a seamless place in Goose’s sound, adding new textures to their already eclectic mix of indie rock, funk, and improvisational jams. On Friday, Goose would really open things up for improvisation on the fourth song of the night, “Borne.” Taking the hypnotic track for an impressive 17-minute joyride, you knew exactly what Mitarotonda meant when he crooned out the lyrics,  “I’m not tired / I’m not worn at all / I’ve just started / Now I’m shown around / Just what we were born to be.”

    Rick Mitarotonda shredding his custom guitar, the Empress, at SPAC on 9/6/24.

    Serving up a sweet treat to the many Grateful Deadheads in the crowd was a surprise bust-out of the Monroe Brother’s “Rosa Lee McFall,” a song Jerry Garcia often played with his side projects. This was the first time Goose has dusted it off in 76 shows. Switching gears to a more contemplative vibe next, Mitarotonda had complete command of the audience as he serenaded SPAC with the introspective “Bob Don” before Peter would take over on an impressive 18-minute version of “Pancakes,” a song he wrote with his band Great Blue before joining Goose. Taking on new life in recent years, the Anspach-penned tune has since become a staple of the Goose live show, becoming both a fan favorite while simultaneously paying homage to his early roots.  The high octane jam sent the crowd into intermission buzzing with excitement for what was still yet to come.

    Goose performing in Saratoga Springs on 9/6/2024.

    Opening the second set with the longest jam of the night, “Arrow” has long been a major improvisation vehicle for Goose. Featuring some of Rick’s most heartfelt singing of the weekend, Goose went reaching for the stratosphere on this one and found it, yielding an unforgettable 26-minute journey of pure musical bliss. Following it up with the first “Everything Must Go” since their hometown Westville Music Bowl summer tour closer, this stellar version clocked in as the fourth longest version of the song the band has ever played.  Locked in and firing on all cylinders, the energy in the pavilion was through the roof.

    A key ingredient in Goose’s captivating live experience is the mesmerizing stage lighting, expertly crafted by lighting director Andrew Goode. Goode’s use of vibrant colors, synchronized patterns, and dramatic builds complements the music’s improvisational nature, elevating each song to a visual feast. His lighting design doesn’t just illuminate the stage, it creates an immersive, otherworldly atmosphere that draws fans deeper into the performance. The interplay between Goose’s jams and Goode’s lighting transforms each concert into a multi-sensory experience that lingers in the minds of fans long after the final note.

    Lighting director Andrew Goode mesmerized in Saratoga Springs.

    Following another nod to Great Blue, “Jeff Engborg” was played for the first time since October of 2023. But the biggest bust-out of the weekend came next when Goose dipped into a beautiful, soul-wrenching cover of Tom Waite’s “Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis.” Played for the first time in a staggering 254 shows, Goose last covered it during their now-legendary Swanzey, NH drive-in show in October of 2022. There’s a sticker on one of Peter’s keyboards that says, “Phone Down, Eyes Up, Heart Open,” but on “Hooker,” I simply couldn’t resist taking my phone out. I had been chasing that one for a while, and in that moment, it was everything I needed and I didn’t want it to end.

    The only thing that could top it was the song that got me hooked on Goose in the first place and as Rick crooned out the final words, “I’ll be eligible for parole come Valentine’s Day,” you could faintly hear the buttery-smooth transition into exactly what I was craving– a nice, dank 15-minute “Arcadia.”  Hell yes. With time left for just one more, Rick would offer a nod to his previous band Vasudo as “Hot Love & the Lazy Poet” was chosen as the lone encore. As the band walked off stage to a howling ovation, you knew all the people you told about Goose years ago are finally starting to get it. Goose is special. This band is the real thing.

    To my friends that inexplicably turned down miracles, I hate to beat a dead horse, but you simply missed out. For anyone lucky enough to catch Goose live, whether it’s their first or fiftieth show, it’s an experience that stays with you—a reminder that great music, like the fans that support it, is always evolving.

    Watch pro-shot video of Goose performing “Big Modern!” on Night 2 at SPAC

    Creating good vibes and blowing minds and returning to SPAC for Night 2 on Saturday, Goose would do it yet again. Opening up with a unique “indie-groove” arrangement of “Atlas Dogs” for the first time in 133 shows, the band also surprised folks with their cover of The National’s “Bloodbuzz Ohio.”  After debuting the massive new track “Big Modern!” at the tour opener six days earlier in New Jersey, SPAC fans would get the second version ever played, this one coming in at nearly half the length of its predecessor at only 18 minutes. A beautifully performed “This Old Man’s Boat” made the hairs on your neck stand up, while the OG fan favorite “Hot Tea” had the entire place on their feet and dancing up a storm.

    Saratoga Bust Out: Goose played the “indie groove” version of “Atlas Dogs” for the first time in 133 shows on 9/7/2024.

    One thing that sets Goose apart is their deep connection with their fans. With the audience as much a part of the show as the band itself, the SPAC crowd was an eclectic mix of fans, from dedicated “poster collectors” lining up early for limited-edition artwork to first-timers eager to experience the Goose magic. The atmosphere was energetic yet laid-back, with people dancing freely, sharing stories of past shows, and reveling in the moment.

    With a veritable and organic pre-party and post-party scene emerging around the band, there was plenty of excellent music to be heard outside of SPAC all weekend too, notably with sets by the Prince-Bowie supergroup Annie in the Water and Grateful Dead cover band The Wheel. Prior to the show on Saturday, members of Goose would hit the links for a good cause, teaming up with the Western Sun Foundation for “Goose on the Green” to help raise money for local charities. And while it was all smiles before showtime, when the band came out for the final set of the run, they put their game faces on and were all about getting down to some serious improvisational business.

    Goose opened their 4th and final set at SPAC with a 25-minute rendition of “Hungersite” on 9/7/2024.

    Kicking it off with a huge 25-minute rendition of “Hungersite,” the ‘wow’ factor was off the charts. Weaving their way through multiple tension and release peaks and even flirting with some type II jamming, the song’s massive crescendos made SPAC come unglued. Diving deep into their roots once again, Goose would show more love to Vasudo with “Give It Time,” a song that seems to be in steady rotation since Cotter Ellis took over on drums.  After cracking the 20-minute mark on the always epic “Drive,” the song that had everyone talking afterwards was the cover of Nina Simone’s “Sinnerman.” Played for the first time in 87 shows, Peter would describe it as “one of the craziest dance parties he’s ever seen,” with even the lawn getting down.  Closing out the triumphant SPAC run with a 2-song encore, “So Ready” gave way to just the second ever performance of “Zalt.”  

    Watch pro-shot video of Goose performing “Drive” on Night 2 at SPAC

    After the show, the question on everyone’s mind loomed large. Will Goose follow in the footsteps of their jam band elders like Phish, Tedeski Trucks Band and Dave Mathews and make Saratoga Springs an annual stop on their touring schedule? After two mind altering, life affirming nights that showcased their unique ability to weave intricate jams with fan-favorite songs and positive energy, one thing is clear—they’re a band that thrives on the live experience. From their early days in the club scene to headlining the biggest stages in the world, Goose is a testament to the power of grassroots success. Their story is still unfolding, but if these shows at SPAC are any indication, the best is yet to come. Up next, the band plays three nights at Chicago’s Salt Shed before heading to the West Coast for the remainder of September. Until then, keep and eye on the bands Youtube channel for tons of free music and full-show performances. We’ll be watching and can’t wait to see what these guys do next!

  • NY Harvest Fest Returns October 11-13 In Bainbridge

    The 27th Annual NY Harvest Festival & Freedom Fair Returns to the Electric Echo Lake in Bainbridge October 11-13, 2024.

    Originating as a “protestival”, the Harvest Festival is a celebration of cannabis culture and the community it brings. Now, 27 years into the festival, it has grown from an event under the shadow of prohibition to an annual cornerstone of community, togetherness, and all-around good times.

    This year, visitors can expect multiple stages, a diverse musical lineup, a vendor village and fine art gallery, the return of the country’s longest running public and celebrity cannabis and edible cups, workshops, activist and educational speakers, a drum circle, a dedicated kids/family space, a farmer’s market, onsite camping, and much more. 

    The soundtrack for this year’s Harvest Festival will be provided by artists Dr. Jah and The Love Prophets, Black Sabbath Tribute EARTH, Gratefully Yours, Steal Your Face, Grateful Upstate Toodeloo, Ramona Lane, Papa MUSE, Patchwork Down, Spunday Morning, CC-13, Trapper & Friends, and BlahsuM.

    In addition, there will be laser light shows featuring the music of the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, and the sounds of Woodstock 1969.

    To learn more and take part in community, education, and celebration, you can visit the Harvest Fest’s website here. Tickets are on sale now.

  • Phish to Play MVP Arena in October; Shows Benefit Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program

    Phish surprised fans today with the announcement of a trio of fall shows at MVP Arena in Albany, slated for Friday, October 25, Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27. The fall weekend shows will benefit The Divided Sky Foundation.

    photo by Derek Java

    Phish has a storied history in Albany, having played 17 shows in the city since 1989, starting at Pauly’s Hotel, and last having played in the Cradle of the Union in 2018. There are of course a history of shows in Saratoga Springs, both at Skidmore along with shows at SPAC, most recently in 2023 when Derek Trucks showed up, which was also a benefit, in that case for flood victims and recovery in Upstate New York and Vermont.

    These October shows, however, will be the first ever three night run for Phish in Albany. Read more in our history of Phish in Albany – Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

    shirt design by Drew Suto

    100% of profits from the two shows will benefit the Divided Sky Foundation, which was established in 2020 during the Beacon Jams (held by Trey Anastasio at the Beacon Theatre over eight weeks during quarantine), to build and support a residential recovery program created for people who want recovery. With a non-clinical model, Divided Sky Foundation is designed to motivate and inspire without judgment, recognizing that addiction is a disease and not an absence of willpower.

    Housing up to 46 guests, the Divided Sky facility is a newly-remodeled former hotel with a stunning view of nearby Okemo Mountain, offering a non-clinical program anchored in the 12 Steps, emotional sobriety, and mindfulness. The Albany benefit concerts will enable Divided Sky to continue to make its immersive Residential Recovery Program affordable to all, with partial scholarships available to those who demonstrate need. 

    A limited number of complimentary “Gratitude Tickets” will be made available to recovery professionals, recognizing their essential work helping individuals and families affected by addiction. Anyone who works in recovery or a related mental health field may request tickets at DividedSky.org/benefit. (Priority will be given based on geographic location, with an emphasis on New York State and New England.)

    The Phish shows will take place at Albany’s MVP Arena (née Knickerbocker Arena, a.k.a. Pepsi Arena, Times Union Center), in downtown Albany on South Pearl Street. The weekend shows, while just before Halloween, are not implied to suggest any Halloween shenanigans as Phish is known for, but you can never rule out surprises with a pair of fall shows like this.

    A ticket request period is open here until Monday, September 16 at 12pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 20, at 12pm. Travel packages are available here starting on September 11. A special pre-show reception will be held on Saturday, October 26. Tickets will be available for this event both during the Phish ticket request period and during the public on-sale.

    Stay tuned for plenty of pre and post-show events lined up for October 25-27 when Phish returns to Albany.

  • Dawoud Kringle Returns with “Bedtime Stories for Musicians and Other People”

    Can a collection of short stories that delves deep into the hearts and souls of musicians be both entertaining and inspirational?  The answer is yes, and New York City-based musician, author, artist, and producer Dawoud Kringle proves it with his new book Bedtime Stories for Musicians and Other People.

    Dawoud Kringle (aka Dawoud the Renegade Sufi) is a musician and published author whose first two books, “A Quantum Hijra” (a Sufi science fiction novel) and “A Mansion with Many Rooms” (a collection of poetry and short stories) received critical acclaim. His writing appears in several online magazines, including doobeedoobeedoo.info and others, as well as his Substack page.

    dawoud kringle

    Dawoud’s music has been described as sounding like “Hans Zimmer and Jimi Hendrix fighting over a beautiful princess from another galaxy.” A fan said of one of his performances “This is the moment when the beings of Mount Olympus allowed us to hear their chief musician.” He has performed in the US and Europe, appeared on many recordings, including 13 self-produced solo albums. A skilled improviser who often improvises entire concerts, he also has experience composing for film, theater, dance performances, and his own neoclassical compositions. Recently, Dawoud had introduced the Dautar into his music, an instrument he designed and commissioned to build that combines the guitar, sitar and cello. 

    With this experience, Dawoud is uniquely qualified to execute this literary project. His first book in almost nine years, Bedtime Stories for Musicians and Other People is a captivating collection of fictional short stories that takes you on a journey through the lives of musicians across all genres and periods. This eclectic mix of drama, adventure, humor, tragedy, fantasy, mysticism, science fiction, and experimental literary form explores the power of music and the trials and rewards of life itself.

    The variety of tales in this collection is truly inspirational. “Kamaludeen and the Djinn” is the story of the 13th-century Moorish equivalent of Niccolo Paganini and his tragic love affair with a djinn. “The Talking Drum” follows the history of a magical drum from its beginnings in the Songhai Empire, to a hip-hop club in Houston in 2012. “The Scroll and the Five Poisoned Animals” explores a similar theme, beginning in pre-dynastic China and concluding in present-day Chongqing. “Chatbot” is a science fiction story that starts in 2042 and tells the story of a musician whose AI assistant achieves sentience with unforeseen consequences. “An American Drama” is a story in three parts, each narrated by the main characters: a dying outlaw country singer, a blues guitarist, and a Native American bassist. “Professor Hieronymus Peabody and the Dead Musicians” is a humorous story of a mad scientist who builds a time machine and sets up “reaction” sessions with deceased musicians such as Mozart, Liberace, and Jimi Hendrix.

    dawoud kringle

    These and many other immersive and enchanting storytelling make “Bedtime Stories for Musicians and Other People” a fascinating read. Each story speaks from the hearts of musicians as they navigate the tumultuous waters of creative expression and their lives.

    Kringle’s writing demonstrates his deep knowledge of the full scope of music history, literally from the days our Cro-Magnon ancestors first learned to beat a drum.  His imaginative tales are related with a melodic flow that makes this complex and inspired collection a surprisingly breezy read.  Kringle’s latest is his most accessible to date – one that marries his profound musical scholarship with a world of wildly imaginative premises that will delight and inform music-lovers.

    Additionally, Dawoud Kringle is a multi-discipline visual artist, audio engineer, and occasionally does stand-up comedy as a hobby. He is a member in good standing with Musicians For Musicians, and the New York Composer’s Circle.

    Amazon link: https://a.co/d/2RcEBPh

    Online presence: https://linktr.ee/dawoudtherenegadesufi

  • In Focus: Cigarettes After Sex at Madison Square Garden

    On Friday, September 6 American dream pop band Cigarettes After Sex performed a sold out show at Madison Square Garden.

    Perri Sage Photography

    The band formed in 2013 in El Paso, Texas and are made up of lead vocalist and electric guitarist Greg Gonzalez , drummer Jacob Tomsky, and bassist Randall Miller. The band explores a celestial soundscape using a unique approach to the dream pop genre.

    The trio blew up internationally in 2016 when their first debut EP “I.” launched. Their music enters an ethereal and dreamlike haze that’s soothing and romantic. Best known for top hits “Apocalypse,” “Cry,” “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” and “K.” Their songs include riffs of the guitar, a steady drum beat and synthesized swells which creates a sound you could almost fall asleep to.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Their lyrical composition is drawn heavily from Greg’s personal memories and allude a cinematic and emotive response. Each song describes moments of romance and the feeling of falling in love. Similar to a black and white melancholic film with a lingering sadness that reminds us of our past.

    Cigarettes After Sex beautifully allows their audience to connect with them on a deeper more personal level. The atmosphere of the show was full of people who could relate to one another emotionally and connect to another’s experience.

    Perri Sage Photography

    The band continues to amaze their fans and fulfill the hope to bring forward ethereal, imaginary and a calming space to soothe their audience. As of recently, the ambient band released their third studio album “X’s” this past July including three singles Tejano Blue, Dark Vacay and Baby Blue Movie. While they continue to bewitch listeners with lust and longing, the band conquered a night to remember.