The 2024 Great South Bay Music Festival kicked off its first day with a spectacular lineup. Held at Shorefront Park in Patchogue, the festival’s opening nightset the stage for an unforgettable weekend of music. An eclectic night of music featured a blend of blues, rock, and eclectic performances,
The headliner for the night, Joe Bonamassa, delivered a powerhouse performance. Known for his virtuosic guitar skills and soulful voice, Bonamassa brought his signature blues-rock sound to the festival. He captivated fans with hits like “Twenty-Four Hour Blue” and “I Want to Shout About It.” Moreover, his set was a testament to why he remains one of the most revered guitarists in the world, as his performance was a fitting climax to an evening of exceptional music.
Stellar Supporting Acts
However, before Bonamassa took the stage, the crowd was treated to a series of impressive performances. Jim Messina, a founding member of Buffalo Springfield and Poco, brought a blend of folk, rock, and countr. His classic hits and engaging stage presence were a perfect warm-up for the night’s main act and resonated with the audience.
In like manner, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, the teenage guitar prodigy who has been wowing audiences nationwide, delivered an electrifying performance. Youthful energy and remarkable talent on full display, Niederauer shredded through a setlist that showcased his impressive range and skill.
Additionally, local favorite Kerry Kearney Band brought their unique style of blues to the stage, with Kearney’s slide guitar work and the band’s tight, dynamic sound setting the tone for the evening. Their performance was a hit with the crowd, many of whom are long-time fans of the band.
Five Towns College Stage Highlights
Likewise, the second stage at the Great South Bay Music Festival, known as the Bandshell – Five Towns College Stage, offered a diverse lineup that added to the festival’s eclectic vibe. Chloe Halpin opened the stage with her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, captivating the audience with her intimate performance.
Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers followed, bringing a mix of blues, rock, and Americana that was both raw and powerful. Grey’s commanding presence and the band’s gritty sound were a standout of the night.
MJT closed out the second stage with a high-energy set that had the crowd dancing and enjoying the music. Their blend of rock, funk, and jazz was a perfect ending to the night’s performances on the Bandshell stage.
Jim Messina Setlist: House at Pooh Corner, Your Mama Don’t Dance, New and Different Way, Peace of Mind, Be Free, Angry Eyes
Bloomington, Indiana’s own Dizgo put out their third official studio LP, Melt on February 2nd. This follows the studio release of 2019’s Deeper, and their 2021 release of The Quarantine Compilation, an official live album.
Since its release, the on-the-rise electro-jam-funk band has been extensively touring in support of the new album, playing 40+ shows so far this year alone across the entire US. Dizgo has also made a name for themselves on the festival circuit, with appearances at major festivals like Peach, Summer Camp and Resonance. They’ve also supported acts such as Goose and Parliament-Funkadelic.
The quartet is made up of Andrew Pickel on guitar and vocals; Kevin Hinnefeld on bass, keys and vocals; Justin Clark on drums; and Jake Evatt on keys and vocals.
Photo Courtesy of dizgoband.com
One of the band’s strong suits and allures is their live improvisation; their ability to spontaneously communicate with each other in the moment is up there with the greats of the genre. With a melting pot of musical styles at their disposal, you never know what direction they’ll take their songs. Dizgo is effortlessly able to weave between musical styles at the drop of a hat. According to their biography, “Dizgo redefines the live experience by blending jamtronica with funk, deep-groove soul, and psychedelic rock, taking the audience on a musical journey that includes intricate compositions and extended improvisation. The result is something both danceable and introspective: soulful vocals, interweaving analog synths and shredding guitar all of which join forces under the banner of Dizgo.”
Melt does a great job at capturing elements of everyone’s favorite jamband and turning that unique blending of genres into a style and sound completely of their own. These influence’s shine throughout the record. When speaking on the album, the band shares, “When everything goes right, we all ‘melt’ into one collective unit, experiencing time & space together. The special moment where music connects and creates community – melting together a bond between the music, musician, and listener.”
Melt begins with the extremely funky “It’s Alright” right out of the gate. A catchy melody, synthesizer funk, grooving bass and the positive message that “it’s gonna be alright” lead into a tremendous guitar solo that brings the song to its peak.
Melt continues with this trend of up-beat danceable synthesizer funk. “Rainbow Lightning” keeps the energy high, and contains an extremely tight composed middle section. Dizgo composed harmonies in regard to the vocals and instrumentation are well executed and with intention. Even their prog influenced tracks, such as “Liquefaction” keep things spontaneous and danceable, despite its heavy nature at times.
Throughout the multiple genre-bending piece, the band is able to immediately bring us into a world of heavy metal and then at the snap of a finger transition into a buttery funk groove. Eventually this leads into a tranquil bliss that grows into a blistering guitar solo to end the tune. Their songwriting also has pop influences, notably on their tracks “Honey” and “Help Is On the Way”. Both of these songs were released as official singles. The album ends with one final bang, “Whiteout” a slow-building spacey introduction leads us into an ear-worm hook that you don’t want to end.
Dizgo’s studio LP Melt is currently available on all streaming services here.
Greenwich Village’s annual Village Trip Festival will return on Saturday, September 14th. The 2024 edition will feature two full weeks of musical performance, comedy, and lectures.
Village Trip began in 2018, as a way to celebrate Greenwich Village’s countercultural history and spirit. Dating back to the 1910s, Greenwich Village was a hub for boundary-pushing thought. Village Resident and anarchist writer Hippolyte Havel described the village as “a spiritual zone of mind [with]…no boundaries.” In addition to spearheading the movements for women and LGBT rights, Greenwich Village was at the hub of musical innovation throughout the last century.
The 1930s saw legends of jazz and blues, like Leadbelly and Billie Holliday play at its many nightclubs. By the 1960s, its taverns and parks had become hubs for young songwriters in Manhattan. At the center of this musical movement – and Village Trip – was the Music Inn instrument shop. Throughout the 60s and 70s, legends like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and George Harrison frequented the shop.
In addition to performances and instrument shopping, Greenwich Village played an important role in inspiring classics of the rock and folk genres. The neighborhood is said to have inspired Joan Baez’s “Diamonds and Rust” and The Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” among others.
The Village Trip’s first year featured a free concert by the legendary singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega. Since 2018, the event has expanded to neighborhood wide block parties, concerts, and events for both NYC locals and visitors to enjoy. In addition to music, past festivals have included writing seminars, book talks, and walking tours of the village.
Beginning on September 14, the 2024 Village Trip promises 13 different events for visitors to enjoy. A Block Party on West 4th Street will kick off the festival beginning at 2pm. Centered around the Music Inn, the party will feature performances by artist-emeritus David Amram. With a set featuring percussion, guitar, and bouzouki, the festivities are sure to spill out into the neighboring areas. During the block party, visitors can walk the same streets as Bob Dylan during the writing of The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.
September 15 will feature two events: a concert and a film screening. First is a performance by Janis Siegel and Yaron Gershovsky titled Colors of My Life – A Cy Coleman Songbook. Siegel and Gershovsky were both previously members of the legendary vocal jazz group The Manhattan Transfer, as vocalist and keyboardist respectively. This show will highlight the works of legendary Broadway composer/pianist Cy Coleman. With four decades worth of compositions under his belt, critic Clive Barners called Coleman “a permanent gem in Broadway’s musical crown.” The time and location of this performance are not finalized. Tickets will be $30.
September 15 will feature two screenings of Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll. The film follows legendary bluesman Lead belly through his troubled life, career, and imprisonment. It features interviews with countless rock legends, tracing how Lead Belly’s compositions were key in developing early rock and roll. The film screenings will take place at 4pm and 7:30pm. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with Alvin Singh II, Director of the Lead Belly Foundation. Tickets start at $25.
September 16 will feature The Music of the Bard: Words & Music of Shakespeare in the Park 1956-1967. This event traces the work of Joe Papp, the visionary behind Shakespeare in the Park and the Public Theatre. The Music of the Bard will feature selections from David Amram’s scores from Shakeapseare in the Park productions. In addition, actors will reenact their favorite scenes, and Gail Merrifield Papp will read excerpts from her memoir Public/Private: My Life with Joe Papp at The Public Theater. The event will last from 7:00-8:15pm, with tickets being $30.
September 17 and 18 will feature talks regarding the history of Greenwich Village. First, Rolling Stone senior writer David Browne will discuss his new book Talkin’ Greenwich Village: The Heady Rise and Slow Fall of America’s Bohemian Music Capital. This talk will discuss how such a small neighborhood fostered so much musical talent, and how government forces acted to subvert that musical innovation. This talk will begin September 17 at 6pm. This will be followed by a talk from Rutgers University history professor Ruth Feldstein. Feldstein’s talk will discuss how Black female entertainers in Greenwich Village impacted the larger pushes for civil rights and women’s liberation. Her talk will begin September 18th at 6pm.
September 17 will also feature a musical celebration of the works of three pioneering New York artists: Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Jackson Pollock. The event will feature a number of compositions for piano, flute, viola, cello, and vocals inspired by these artists’ works. A screening of PBS documentary on Pollock’s life will precede the performances, with a special talk by the film score’s composer. This event will take place 7-9pm, with tickets starting at $20.
September 19-22 mark the festival’s “American Primitive & Inventors of Genius Weekend.” This stint of events celebrates Greenwich Village artists that have pushed the boundaries of their field. The weekend places a specific focus on the genre of American Primitivism, a classically-inspired strain of acoustic guitar compositions. Throughout the weekend, composer Agustin Castilla-Avila will host free conferences with a host of musicologists analyzing microtonality in the genre.
September 20 will feature a performance from Grammy-winning guitarist John Schneider. His performance will explore the works of pioneering American Primitivist composers Harry Partch and Lou Harrison. Included in the performance are Partch’s December 1942 and Barstow, as well as Harrison’s Just Guitars. The performance will take place from 7-9pm, with tickets starting at $17.50.
Also on September 20, 8x Grammy-nominated drummer Bobby Sanabria will perform his renowned Latin jazz. For over 50 years, Sanabria has mixed free jazz with elements of Cuban and Brazilian folk to craft his award winning brand of jazz. In 2018, his album West Side Story Reimagined (2018) won the Jazz Journalists Association Record of the Year award. Afro-Latin jazz band Ascensión will accompany Sanabria during the performances. Bobby Sanabria & Ascensión will perform at 7pm and 9pm. Tickets start at $25.
September 21 will feature a tribute to Laura Nyro by vocalist Diane Garisto & the Laura Nyro Project. Garisto has made a name for herself signing backup for some of the biggest names in music. She has previously sung with Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, and more. Since the 1990s, Garisto has performed tributes to the late Laura Nyro. Across her 22 studio albums, Nyro established herself as one of the most prolific singer-songwriters in history. She mixed pop, gospel, and rock to write dozens of classic songs. This performance will begin at 7pm, with tickets starting at $25.
Also featured on September 21 is a performance by pianist Eliza Garth. Garth will play Sonatas and Interludes by the legendary New York composer John Cage. Cage’s minimalist compositions helped revolutionize 20th century classical piano. The performance will take place at St Mark’s Church, a historic meeting space for many of the village’s artists, including Cage. Garth’s performance will be from 2-4pm, with tickets starting at $17.50.
September 22 will feature yet another performance from Janis Siegel, this time celebrating the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. This performance will honor the compositions of Ellington and Strayhorn, as well as recognize the hardships of their lives in such a deeply racist and homophobic era. Pianist John di Martino will join Siegel using his grammy-nominated piano chops to bring the Ellington and Strayhorn compositions to life. Tickets for this performance are $30.
On September 23, Village Trip will feature the special event The Parting Glass – A Drop of the Irish. The purpose of this event is to recognize the deep influence of New York’s Irish community on its musical tradition. In addition, the event will remember NYU professor Mick Moloney and singer Dan Milner who recently passed. Following a concert, there will be a special event at Wicked Willy’s pub, where attendees are encouraged to bring instruments and join in on the festivities. The event will begin at 6:30pm, with tickets starting at $25.
September 24 will feature a celebration for the centennial of James Baldwin’s birth. His writings, including his 1953 novel Go Tell It On the Mountain are literary giants, discussing the issues of racial discrimination in the US. Following his early life in New York City, Baldwin joined civil rights leaders in the Selma March and used his platform to call for political change. This celebration will feature readings by actor Daniel Carlton, as well as performances of music enjoyed by Baldwin. The event will begin at 7pm, with tickets at $25.
In contrast to the musically focused events of the festival, September 25 will feature a night of comedy. The Grisly Pear comedy club will feature established and up-and-coming comedians performing observational jokes about modern life. In the past, this venue has featured legends like Lenny Bruce, Jon Stewart, and George Carlin. The night of comedy will begin at 8pm, with tickets starting from $15.
September 27th will feature a special concert titled “From the Courtyard.” This concert seeks to recreate the sounds of an 1890s tenement courtyard, which housed immigrant families in the city. Much like the scene it will recreate, the concert’s performers come from many cultural backgrounds, each offering their own influences. Among the many pieces performed are Yiddish klezmer pieces, Mexican folk, and the Afro-American Suite by Undine Smith Moore. This special performance will take place from 7-9pm, with tickets starting at $20.
Village Trip will conclude with a free concert in Washington Square Park, featuring female musicians. Among the artists playing are the Washington DC-based alt-rockers BETTY. Founded in 1986, the trio’s music has been featured in countless tv shows. Along tours, they used their platform to call for equal rights for women and LGBTQ Americans, gaining feminist icon Gloria Stenem as their biggest fan. BETTY will be joined by Janie Barnett, who will perform her brand of Americana. Barnett got her start in Virginia’s bluegrass scene, before settling in New York where she continued to hone her folk chops. Her work has led to collaborations with legends like Linda Rondstadt and Bonnie Raitt.
The final act to play will be Tish and Snooky Bellomo. The glam-punk duo traces their roots back to the heyday of punk rock at New York’s CBGB club. As singers and owners of the punk boutique Manic Panic, the duo were icons of the Lower East Side, endearing themselves with members of Blondie and the Ramones. The concert will take place on September 28 from 4-7pm.
For more information regarding the Village Trip festival, visit their website here.
Multi-platinum-selling duo, for KING + COUNTRY, is continuing their annual holiday tradition, with the announcement of “A Drummer Boy Christmas | The 2024 Tour Experience,” a series of holiday performances around the country, including a show in New York City. The pair will land in Manhattan for a December 9 show at the Beacon Theater.
The annual high-octane show that the brother duo has become known for, “A Drummer Boy Christmas,” will showcase an extraordinary production, blending festive visuals with stunning lighting and staging effects. Spanning from December 1 – December 20, the highly anticipated holiday spectacle will come to Los Angeles, California, at The Peacock Theater; New York, New York, at The Beacon Theatre; and Nashville, Tennessee, at the Grand Ole Opry House. In its fifth consecutive year, for KING + COUNTRY will perform at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House, marking their second concert residency at the historic venue.
Additionally, this fall, the duo will embark on a 31-city U.S. tour titled “for KING + COUNTRY Live: The Unsung Hero 2024 Tour,” which kicks off on September 19 in Evansville, Indiana. The tour, which will feature music from their current album “Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack,” continues through November 10 in Dallas, Texas, with stops in Milwaukee, St. Louis, Kansas City, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Boston, Oklahoma, and many more. The show promises to give audiences an innovative new production unlike any other for KING + COUNTRY show to date. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased here.
Ticket presales for “A Drummer Boy Christmas | The 2024 Tour Experience” will go live on July 23 at 10 a.m. local time, and public sales will follow on July 26. Fans can text the word DRUMMER to 615-257-9555 to receive a unique password.
Visit here for more information about for KING + COUNTRY. See below for all the “A Drummer Boy Christmas | The 2023 Tour Experience” dates.
On July 15, Lotus released their newest studio album, How to Dream in Color, embarking on a nationwide tour starting this past week, ending on New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia. This energetic, unique, and funky album is another hit for their discography, combining easy-listening funk with hip-hop and pop that gives it a perfect retro feel.
With a musical style as unique as Lotus, it can be hard to grab the attention of listeners and keep them interested. The opening track, “How Do I Come Down,” immediately captures the listener with a hypnotic drum beat and steady guitar riffs but quickly differentiates itself with funky, distorted vocals scattered throughout. It truly sets the tone for the rest of the album and may not be something that you’re used to, but it’s just as groovy nonetheless.
Throughout the album, Lotus manages to keep the listener on their toes. The album acts as a tribute to longtime percussionist Chuck Morris, following his and his son’s passing in 2023. During this transitional period, Lotus embraced a new approach to recording, including the use of layered drum sounds and a collage-based style that shows how far they’ve come their first few albums like Nomad (2005) or even their 2011 self-titled album.
With each track’s style, there is still a signature electronic spin one would expect from Lotus. How to Dream in Color puts the spotlight on the instrumentalists and gives them a chance to truly shine and show off their talents and experimentation through multiple genres. Most of the album is dedicated to the music itself, giving their musicianship a chance to shine. Songs with vocals like “Can You Hear the Sound” and the opening track “How Do I Come Down” are great introductions to the album, and elegantly juxtaposed against the full-instrumental tracks that surround it.
Lotus Album Release Show at Johnny Brenda’s. 7/11/2024. Photo: Jordan August
How to Live in Color is available on all streaming platforms. Lotus kicked off their tour in Lake George on Saturday, July 13, but the fun doesn’t stop there. The full tour is listed below. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit lotusvibes.com.
Lotus How to Dream in Color Tour
July 18 – Secret Dreams – Thornville, OH
August 15 – The Big E – Springfield, MA
August 30 – September 1 – Summerdance – Garrettsville, OH
October 2 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
October 3 – Toad’s Place – New Haven, CT
October 4 – State Theatre – Portland, ME
October 5- Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
October 9 – Jefferson Theater – Charlottesville, VA
North Creek’s Tannery Pond Center (TPC) is hosting the Indigenous Gifts Festival. The festival began on July 16th, and will continue until September 14th. Each week, TPC will highlight works from indigenous artists of the Adirondacks, including music, dance, film, and more.
For centuries, the Adirondacks have been home to the Haudenosaunee, or “People of the Longhouse.” This confederation includes the Mohawk, Cayuga, Seneca, Oneida, Onondaga, and Tuscarora peoples of New York. Prior to European arrival, the Haudenosaunee were one of the premier political and cultural forces of the region, with their form of representative government going on to influence America’s founding fathers.
Haudenosaunee culture – then and now – has a deep connection to the natural environment of the Adirondacks, with their art reflecting this. Tannery Pond Center’s Indigenous Gifts: Tradition, Today and Tomorrow Festival celebrates these artistic works, and the culture of the 81,000 members of the Haudenosaunee nation in the US.
Since its start, the Tannery Pond Center has been dedicated to bringing diverse arts programming to the North Country. Operating out of the Johnsburg Community Center, TPC has presented countless art exhibitions, musical performances, and arts workshops for local children. At the center of TCP’s mission is a deep respect for the community, with the center striving to provide the highest quality programming, all while fostering the creativity of those who visit.
As part of its dedication to community involvement, TPC is hosting the Indigenous Gifts Festival until September 14th. For this festival, TPC has closely collaborated with local Haudenosaunee artists to highlight their vibrant arts and culture, as well as further educate the public on their history. This two month-long festival will feature 14 special events highlighting different aspects of Haudenosaunee arts and history. Included among the events are art exhibitions, musical performance, and crafts workshops.
For the entirety of the Festival, TPC’s Widlund Gallery will feature an exhibition of local indigenous art. Local artist David Fadden curated the exhibition, using art to break down stereotypes and foster accurate understandings of Haudenosaunee culture. Fadden grew up in Onchiota, NY with close ties to Haudenosaunee and Mohawk culture.
Of special note are the festival’s many musical performances. On July 25, the Akwesasne Women Singers will perform from 7:30-9:30pm. The group will perform Onhwentsiakehkha music, traditionally sung at longhouse social dances. Each year, new lyrics to these songs are penned, ensuring that the language will thrive. The Akwesasne Women Singers have performed together since 1996, mixing song and dance into their performances. Before each dance, the singers explain its cultural significance and invite audience members to join in.
August 11th will feature a performance from the Allegany River Indian Dancers. Since their start in 1979, the group has become one of the premier indigenous dance groups in the US and Canada. Their performances include a number of “pow wow” dances, including the hoop dance. This performance involves 30 hoops used to form nature-inspired designs. Since their start, the troupe has taught countless people about Seneca culture through audience participation and lectures. This performance will take place from 3-5pm.
The final musical event is a Social Dance with the Travel Troupe from the Native North American Traveling College. The event will begin at 3:00pm with a youth-only dance at the Outdoor Stage Riverside Park. This event will educate children of all ages on the importance of indigenous dance. A 7:30pm event at Tannery Pond Center will follow. This is an all-ages event, inviting families to learn about the significance of indigenous social dance. During the 90 minute program, audience members will be able to participate in dances, while learning how these events involve all members of the community. These social dance events will both take place on August 22nd.
In addition to these music and dance events there are a slew of other cultural activities to be enjoyed. Among these are workshops on traditional wampum bead bracelets and moccasins, film screenings, and academic lectures.
For more information on events and ticketing, visit the TPC website here.
Despite at least five confirmed tornadoes and a microburst of nasty weather, the show went on as planned Wednesday night, July 17th at SPAC in Saratoga Springs. Making good on their name, Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, not only weathered the storms, but delivered a surreal night of nostalgia and note-for-note precision that had fans both young and old twisting and shouting for more.
Hitting the mark with spot on impersonations of the Fab Four – from the iconic haircuts and replica outfits, to the playful mannerisms and distinct personalities, the career retrospective performance encapsulated everything music fans know and love about The Beatles, arguably the most important and influential rock n’ roll band of all time.
Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.
Transporting fans back to the heyday of Beatlemania as Rain, the acclaimed tribute band took the Broadview Stage at SPAC by storm shortly after 7:30pm. Dividing up the show into distinct eras of The Beatles, the throwback party kicked of with “Please Please Me” from the 1963 debut album of the same name. After working their way through “ I Want To Hold Your Hand” and a pair of love songs that included “This Boy” and “P.S. I Love You,” Rain transitioned into the A Hard Day’s Night portion of the show.
After an exciting rendition of “Can’t Buy Me Love,” fans were treated to some lesser-known cuts like the surf-rock inspired “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Tell Me Why” and “I Should Have Known Better.” Briefly pausing to welcome the audience to the show and inviting them to sing along with the next song, a poignant version of “Yesterday” had the entire pavilion on the cusp of tears.
Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.
After an entertaining video package chronicled The Beatles rise to international superstardom, the show then entered the iconic “Shea Stadium” era of Beetlemania. Featuring a distinctly harder edge than earlier in the night, songs like “I Feel Fine,” “Day Tripper,” and “Drive My Car” sounded just as good today as they did nearly sixty years ago. While I personally found it hard to sit during this part of the show, fans needed reassurance that it was “OK” to get up on their feet for the next number, “Twist and Shout.”
Rain would break character a bit after “Eleanor Rigby,” by introducing the mysterious “5th Beatle” lurking in the back of the stage, their version of legendary record producer George Martin, who played all the string and horn parts via keyboard. Prominently featured on the potent “In My Life,” the first half of the show came to a close with “Got to Get You into My Life.”
Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.
After a brief intermission, things were about to get a little weird in Saratoga. Entering the experimental/psychedelic era of The Beatles, from the moment the opening chords of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” filled the air, the audience was spellbound. Now dressed in vibrant Edwardian military officer outfits, Rain both looked the part and sounded it. Flowing directly into “With a Little Help From My Friends,” the lysergic loving anthem “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” and “Lovely Rita,” the transitions between the early mop-top era, the psychedelic phase, and the mature later years were seamless, showcasing the band’s versatility and deep understanding of the Beatles’ evolution.
Rain’s meticulous attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the show, from the authentic period costumes to the spot-on Liverpudlian accents. Each band member perfectly embodied their respective Beatle, not just in appearance but in musical prowess and stage presence.
Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.
One of the standout moments was their performance of “A Day In The Life.” Featuring all the complicated bells and whistles of the original, Rain pulled it off flawlessly. The chilled out “Flying” instrumental went largely unappreciated, but fans got back into it for the remainder of the Magical MysteryTour portion of the show that included stellar renditions of “Penny Lane” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Complete with vibrant visuals throughout, the multimedia aspects of the show added an extra layer of immersion, with historical footage and colorful animations enhancing the live performances.
While not necessarily a “pavilion only” show, the somewhat relaxed security allowed most fans inside, leaving only a handful of people to linger on the lawn. Perhaps that’s why I felt so seen when Rain played “Fool on the Hill” and “Come Together” as I made my way across the notorious slope. “Get Back” was the lone song played from the Let It Be album, while “Revolution” and “The End” closed out the second set to a bittersweet ovation of gratitude.
The Fool on the Hill: Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.
The setlist was a well-curated journey through the Beatles’ illustrious career, featuring beloved hits and deep cuts alike. Rain’s musicianship was impeccable. The harmonies were tight, the instrumentation was faithful to the original recordings, and the energy was palpable. When the band returned to the stage for the obligatory encore, the crowd couldn’t resist singing along to the ever appropriate “Give Peace a Chance” and finally the show closer “Hey Jude,” creating a communal experience that felt both nostalgic and celebratory. A vivid and heartfelt homage to the Beatles, it was a night of pure musical joy and a chance to relive the magic of one of the greatest bands in history.
Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.
Rain (Beatles Tribute) | July 17,2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Set I: Please Please Me, I Want to Hold Your Hand, This Boy, P.S. I Love You, Roll Over Beethoven, A Hard Day’s Night, I Should Have Known Better, Can’t Buy Me Love, Tell Me Why, Yesterday, I Feel Fine, Day Tripper, Drive My Car, The Word, Eleanor Rigby, In My Life, Got to Get You Into My Life
Set II: Sgt. Pepper’s Loney Hearts Club Band, With a Little Help From My Friends, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Sgt. Pepper’s (Reprise), A Day in the Life, Flying, Magical Mystery Tour, Strawberry Fields Forever, Penny Lane, I Am the Walrus, The Fool on the Hill, Tomorrow Never Knows, Come Together, Get Back, Revolution, The End
Alexandria Bay’s Riverboat Bar is one of the premier spots for live music in Jefferson County. Throughout the Summer, the bar hosts a number of concerts each week, bringing audiences performances of indie, Americana, and more.
Summer 2024 sees 13 artists from New York State and beyond performing at the Riverboat Bar, bringing audiences plenty of variety.
Friday, July 19th will feature two sets by Utica’s The Old Main. Led by songwriter Seth Becker, the indie-folk quartet has toured across New York for over a decade. The band combines influences of John Prine and Wilco with stripped down instrumentation to create intimate Americana. Their set will begin at 10pm, with attendance being free.
Continuing with folk music, July 20th will feature a free show by CNY group The Rollin’ Rust. Singer-songwriter James VanDeuson leads the group, bringing an edge to traditional Americana. Their evocative songwriting and polished instrumentation has taken them around the country, performing across 45 cities in 2023 alone. Their debut Road Rats was nominated for Best Americana Album at the 2023 SAMMY Awards. They will play two sets beginning at 10pm.
On July 26th, the Riverboat Bar will host Syracuse’s Vaporeyes. Vaporeyes plays progressive rock heavily influenced by classic psychedelia. With lush keyboard textures, guitar, and rhythms, the band crafts dreamy musical soundscapes. Vaporeyes will play two free sets, beginning at 10pm.
August 2nd will feature a “Local Legendz Showcase,” featuring performances by a host of local musical artists. Holdown Upstate organized this event as part of their mission to increase community involvement in music throughout Upstate New York. This event represents a live version of Holdown Upstate’s “Local Legendz ” radio program highlighting up-and-coming artists from across New York. This free show will begin at 10pm.
On August 3rd, Joey Collins and the Creatives will perform at the Riverboat Bar. The trio originates from Watertown, but has played at shows and festivals across the state. Their sound incorporates influences of soul and folk into Indie rock. As part of their return to the Riverboat Bar, Joey Collins and the Creatives will play two free sets, beginning at 10pm.
August 9th will feature two sets by Syracuse’s Mike Powell and the Echosound. The band began during the Covid-19 lockdown, as Powell decided to go back to his roots while listening to his record collection. As soon as touring was possible, Powell enlisted musicians from Suracuse’s blues and folk scenes to start the Echosound. All five members collaborate to write lyrics and music for their Americana and rock influenced songs. This show comes after the release of their debut Plastic Spoon Honeymoon in 2023. The show will begin at 10pm, with a $5 cover at the door.
On August 10th, Albany’s Hilltop will perform two sets at the Riverboat Bar. The four-piece band began jamming at Mercy College in 2018. The quartet has 100 shows under their belt, blasting out funk-influenced rock numbers for their audiences. Their show will take place during Alexandria Bay’s Pirate Days festival, featuring events and exhibitions across town. Hilltop’s two sets will begin at 10pm, with a $5 cover charge at the door.
Connecticut-based funk band One Time Weekend will perform two nights of shows on August 16-17th. Across their two studio albums, One Time Weekend have made a name for themselves as a premier modern funk band. Their sound combines groovy pop melodies with progressive instrumentation. Their live shows bring an unmatched energy, with face-melting riffs and smooth vocals. One Time Weekend will play two sets each night, beginning at 10pm. Guests can buy tickets for $10 at the door each night, or a weekend pass for $15.
August 23rd will feature a free concert by Felix Free & the Rxcketeers. Born in Southern California, Felix Free moved to rural Upstate New York, where he honed his craft as a rapper. Free’s intimate lyricism and stage presence can conquer crowds both large and small. With the live band the Rxcketeers behind him, Free will bring his trademark Golden era hip hop stylings to the Riverboat Bar. This free show will begin at 10pm.
On August 24th, Connecticut’s Legalized will play two sets with DJ Nick Balkun. Legalized’s music defies genre, combining everything from funk and jazz to punk and psychedelic. With rock instrumentals and saxophone, their music is noisy and experimental yet infectiously groovy. Connecticut’s DJ Nick Balkun will join Legalized, playing a DJ/drum set. This free show will feature two sets starting at 10pm.
Double Barrel Blues Band will return to the Riverboat Bar for a weekend residency from August 30-September 1st. The Syracuse quartet plays all types of blues, including more traditional acoustic, and modern amplified styles. With the guitar chops of Mark Cloutier and John Hart, the group are regular nominees at the SAMMY awards blues category. Their residency will feature special guests making for a weekend-long blues-stravaganza. Each residency show is free, beginning at 8pm each night.
Organ Fairchild will kick off September at the Riverboat Bar with two free sets on September 6th. Beginning as a Buffalo-based Grateful Dead cover band in 1983, Organ Fairchild’s members honed their live music abilities in extended jams. In 2020, they rebranded themselves as an instrumental trio, featuring guitar, drums, and organs. The trio’s brand of instrumental funk has brought national renown, playing shows across the East Coast with legends of the jam band genre. Their sets will begin at 10pm.
September 7th will feature two free sets by Buffalo-based rock group Johnny Hart & the Mess. The band’s sound can loosely be defined as “alternative,” but combines influences of pop, blues, country, and more. With releases like Moonlite Motel and Neon Eyes the band has established itself as an up-and-comer in New York’s rock scene. Their sets will begin at 10pm.
Shapes will close out the Riverboat Bar’s summer season with a September 13th performance. Hailing from Toronto, the band’s music combines rock with influences of funk and afrobeat. The band never takes itself too seriously, including witty lyrics and humorous stage banter into their shows. With their groovy instrumentation and funny stage presence, Shapes is sure to keep audiences dancing and laughing all night long. Their two free sets will begin at 10pm.
For more information on the Riverboat Bar’s upcoming shows, visit their website here.
Barbie Barker of Troy’s Candy Ambulance, is embarking on a new solo project with debut single, “Unread” on July 19. The single comes ahead of an EP titled C. dropping July 26. As Barbie shifts her focus musically, she explores realms of vulnerability, emotions, and authenticity.
Barbie Barker stumbled upon this entirely new terrain when she started channeling immense genuity inspired by certain events in her life that deeply affected her. During the music-making process, it became apparent that the songs wouldn’t fit Candy Ambulance’s image. So instead, Barker, whose first name is Caitlin, choosing to take on the name Barbie after her grandmother, made the decision to undertake this era independently.
Her debut single off of C., “Unread” tells the story of becoming so passionate about something to the point where it becomes all-consuming and affects more than yourself. It’s about remembering how things used to be, the transitions that took place, and the choices that need to be made. The lyrics are intimate, admitting the feelings that Barker had such a hard time bringing to light.
Candy Ambulance is my first band and I put so much of my self worth into my role there. It was my salvation, the reason I go to therapy and work really hard to be a good person. I wrote about some really intense traumas I was working through and we toured the record where I bore my soul.
Barbie Barker on “Unread”
Against the backdrop of simple guitar and percussion, her voice guides the instruments along with the sentiment she’s expressing. The music starts slow and progressively picks up as more truths spill out. The words truly are the main attraction, combatting the feelings of pressure that Barker sings about, while the music submits to them. Put together by Barker and Tummy Rub Records, local musicians Joe Taurone (drums), Sam Walzyck (bass), and Dan Carr (guitar and production) understood and respected her vision.
The song is the result of pushing forward while still needing to heal from deep traumas as well as the defense mechanisms put in place to cope with that life. Through the words, Barker comes to terms with the fact that are all doing life for the first time, and trying to navigate it and mend ourselves as we go.
“Unread” is just one of five heartfelt indie-rock products of Barker’s writing journey. The upcoming EP C. is full of personal songs and anyone who listens can know they’re taking part in Barker’s healing. As a body of music, C. exemplifies the value of songwriting for artists and the solace that they can find. In Barker’s case, she uses it as an outlet that is less accessible when trying to appease everyone else.
This EP is a short and (bitter)sweet account of my vulnerability in songwriting as I move through my life. The songs didn’t fit my band and it was scary to branch out and do a project of my own. I worked with the incredibly talented folks at Tummy Rub Records and the experience was effortless. We even used my scratch guitar tracks because the vibe was so comfortable. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.
Barbie Barker on C.
Additionally, to celebrate the release of her new music, Barker and the folks at Tummy Rub are holding a release show on Friday, July 19 at The Hangar on the Hudson in Troy. She will be joined by her collaborators as well as special guests toriendofstory and Canella, who also contributed to the E.P. The two bands will open for Barker with their own original music on a night full of authenticity and creative expression.
Pre-save and listen to “Unread” and C. on your preferred streaming platform. Purchase tickets for the release show here.
moe. has been performing in Buffalo for over 30 years and the fans are always ready for the group to come back to the band’s birthplace. So on a breezy summer evening, moe. put on a nostalgic homecoming show at Buffalo’s new Outer Harbor venue, Terminal B. It is offically summer now that moe. has paid Buffalo a visit.
Terminal B, an intimate yet festival-like venue, welcomed Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country to start the night, opening with “Broadside Ballad” and “Hangman’s Reel,” which brought the crowd of all ages into rhythmic heartbeats satisfying their musical expectations. An improvisational approach to country carried the whole crowd to groove into finale tune, “Two Hills.” If you missed Daniel Donato and Cosmic Country, they have just been announced for Borderland Music Festival in September.
moe. launched their set with “Spaz Medicine” and followed by moe.’s homecoming song, “Skitchin’ Buffalo,” paying homage to local bass legend Rob Derhak’s memories of Buffalo, including references to lost venues like Broadway Joe’s. Fans were delighted to have heard “Not Coming Down,” “Wormwood” and live favorite “Kids.”
As the sun went down over Terminal B at Outer Harbor, moe. played covers like “Fearless” by Pink Floyd and “In Stride” by Nate Wilson Group, transitioning into “Deep This Time” which included impressive solos and twisted interplay. The fans went ablaze for “Bear Song,” with moe. bringing out Daniel Donato to help finish the show in perfect summer fashion with Jerry Garcia’s “Deal,” leaving the crowd eager for more from moe..
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country Setlist: Broadside Ballad, Hangman’s Reel, Translation, Got my Mojo Workin’, Gotta Get Southbound, Two Hills.
moe. Setlist: Spaz Medicine, Skitchin’ Buffalo, Not Coming Down, Wormwood, Fearless(Pink Floyd cover), Deep This Time, In Stride (Nate Wilson Group cover), ZOZ (Zed Nought Z), Kids, Time Ed, Kids, Bearsong, ZOZ (Zed Nought Z) Encore: Deal (Jerry Garcia cover) with Daniel Donato
