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Riot Fest 2024 Announces Lineup, New Venue, and RiotLand

Riot Fest has announced the lineup of its 2024 festival, along with a new venue and adventure experience, “RiotLand.” The festival is located in Chicago and, for the first time, will be held at the SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.

This year, over 90 performers will take the stage over the span of three days. From September 20 through the 22, Riot Fest brings a top-tier lineup of punk-rock and alternative powerhouses and a fun, fully immersive theme park to the village of Bridgeview.

Headlining performances include hometown favorites Fall Out Boy, who make their first return to Riot Fest since their performance in 2013, Beck with special guest Pavement, and a reunion show from metal legends Slayer, who will be closing out the festival on Sunday, September 22.

This year, Riot Fest hosts about 90 different artists, ranging from some of the biggest names in rock to up-and-coming artists. Rock band NOFX will be celebrating their last hoorah with Riot Fest, putting on show-stopping performances for the entire weekend. Something Corporate will play their first Chicago show since 2010. Attendees will also get to experience the reunion of the iconic hip-hop group Public Enemy. Also making a comeback this year is Slayer, who will be closing out the show on Sunday. Fans can also witness a rare live performance from Dr. Dog, who retired from full-time touring in 2021.

For fans of reggae and ska, The Marley Brothers, featuring Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani, and Damian, are performing a full Bob Marley tribute set along with original music. The full album plays this year are The Offspring playing “Smash,” Manchester Orchestra playing “Cope,” and Mastodon performing their classic, “Leviathan.”

For the first time, Riot Fest will also be including the aforementioned “RiotLand,” an immersive “Choose Your Own Adventure” experience. Activities include a casino, a gay punk and dance club, carnival games, and more. RiotLand also features a wide variety of concessions, including the World’s Largest Festival Bar, Professor Pizza, and Nihilist Arby’s. RiotLand features fan favorites from years past, including the Wedding Chapel, the Riot Pop!!, Skate Ramp, free arcade games, Professor Pizza, the rock-n-roll circus freak show Hellzapoppin Circus, mini golf, and more.

Founded in 2005 by Mike Petryshyn and Sean McKeough, Riot Fest showcases the best and biggest names in the alternative rock scene. In the almost 20 years since its inception, the fest has brought in crowds of thousands each day. This year, the festival expects to draw in approximately 50,000 people each day.

Tickets are now on sale for Riot Fest 2024 and can be purchased through the festival’s website. Options for 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day tickets are all available.

June 16, 2024
In Focus: CMA Fest Takes Over Nashville

Country music’s biggest party invaded downtown Nashville June 6-9, as CMA Fest returned for its 51st edition. The four day long event featured hundreds of musical acts performing on one of nine official stages, with many other performances and events lined up across town.

Music ran daily from 10am until almost midnight with most of these performances free to those in attendance. Only the night time performances at Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater charged admission. Stadium performers included Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Old Dominion and many others.

Ascend Amphitheater during CMA Fest

CMA Fest kicked off under Thursday June 6 under beautiful blue skies and typical warm southern temperatures. Early arrivers were treated to a special Q&A session at the CMA Close Up Stage with country legend Dolly Parton, while the Riverfront Stage opened the music portion with a set by Dylan Scott (who would perform at the Ascend Amphitheater later that evening). Warren Zeiders packed the Riverfront Stage Thursday afternoon, showcasing his gritty country rock. Early on it became clear that the CMA talet valued the fans in attendance, as it was common to see acts hop off stage and meet fans following their performance.

Warren Zeiders

As the sun set on day one, fans made their way across the Cumberland River to Nissan Stadium for sets by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thomas Rhett, Shaboozey and Chapel Hart (among many others). The night also featured surprise performances by Post Malone and Blake Shelton.

Brett Young

A not so quick walk down the famed Broadway on Friday morning and one would realize the packed Thursday crowd had grown enormously for Friday’s festivities. Shortly after noon, the Reverb Stage reached audience capacity, as fans flocked to see rising sensation Shaboozey perform his blend of hip hop and country sounds, in high energy style. The Riverfront Stage would follow suit and reach capacity soon after, in anticipation of performances by Niko Moon and Collie Caillat. Those waiting in the hot sun were treated to sets by Alana Springsteen and BRELAND. Moon, dressed in neon green and a sun hat, radiated messages of love and positivity, themes that would reoccur through out the weekend.

Alana Springsteen

The party ramped up Saturday, with The War and Treaty kicking off the festivities on the Riverfront Stage, while Dasha, fresh off a stadium performance the previous night, opened the Chevy Vibes Stage. Shaylen would draw quite the crowd early afternoon, mixing country and alternative styles in a display of angst and passion. The afternoon would also see performances form acts such as Restless Road and Ingrid Andress. Perhaps the star of the afternoon was Tucker Wetmore, who filled the Hard Rock Stage to capacity, and saw fans spill on to Broadway and surrounding streets to try and catch a glimpse of the set.

The War and Treaty

CMA Fest marked a pinnacle moment in the careers for many of the performers who took the stage over the four day festival. The War and Treaty preached the need to be your “authentic self” as you strived to achieve whatever goals you set for yourself. Country-rocker Shaylen became visibly choked up and moved to tears during “What If I Don’t”, a song she wrote soon after moving to Nashville to give her music career one last chance. Jelly Roll, a Nashville native, lamented on trips to Nissan Stadium with his late father to watch the Titans play and cherished how he was now performing in that same stadium. In all, it was a weekend dedicated to celebrating and honoring both the successes and rising stars in country music, all the while placing the fan at the forefront.

Ascend Amphitheater, CMA Fest

Chayce Beckham

CMA Fest

50 Years at the Opry, CMA Fest

Dasha

Drew Parker

Dylan Scott

Ella Langley

Ella Langley

Gavin DeGraw

Gina Venier

Ingrid Andress

The Kentucky Gentlemen

Lee Brice

Lee Brice

CMA Fest

Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest

Restless Road

Shaylen

The War and Treaty

June 16, 2024
Jerry Garcia Band Glides Down Music Mountain: June 16, 1982

As the Grateful Dead found themselves in between tours in the early summer of 1982, side projects were apparently the name of the game in order to stay musically limber. And a new music venue in South Fallsburg, NY was more than happy to have them. Jerry Garcia Band kicked off a string of shows in the Northeast at Music Mountain on a co-bill with Bob Weir’s Bobby and the Midnites. This new venue in Sullivan County at a revamped hotel lodge that never quite made it actually played host to the first permissible concerts in the area since Woodstock in its very brief existence.

One of the last of the few shows ever played here was this heralded Jerry Garcia Band show on this day in 1982 that’s loaded with classic cover song selections and a few JGB “originals.” This particular iteration of the band features some of Garcia’s closest and longtime collaborators playing together and it certainly comes through in the sound. Bill Kreutzmann, his Grateful Dead cohort, is on drums with John Kahn manning the bass guitar. Longtime JGB member Melvin Seals is joined on keys by Jimmy Warren. And Julie Stafford and Liz Stires provide the backup vocals.

Jerry Garcia Band ticket stub – June 16, 1982

The show begins with a vintage take on Smokey Robinson’s “How Sweet It Is,” a staple in the Jerry Garcia Band songbook. A sizzling early guitar solo sets the stage for responses from Melvin Seals and Warren on keys with everyone in the band getting a chance to shine right from the start. The harmonized vocals add a layer of authenticity to this cover. Bill Kreutzmann then starts up the next number on the bass drum by himself as the rest of the band patiently merges into the beginning of “Catfish John,” a much lesser known cover song that JGB has also made one of its own. Garcia takes the wah pedal/effect out for a spin much to the delight of the Music Mountain crowd with the rhythm section maintaining a steady pocket of groove throughout. After some fun interplay with Seals, Garcia then fires in one last funky guitar solo on this well cooked “Catfish.”

Music Mountain – South Fallsburg, NY

In the three-spot is another Jerry Garcia Band regular, “That’s What Love Will Make You Do.” Originally credited to Little Milton in 1971, the song was played numerous times by Legion Of Mary, an all-too-brief previous side project of Garcia’s from the 70s that also featured Kahn, Martin Fierro on saxophone and flute along with Merl Saunders on keys. Their familiarity with this number comes through in spades as Garcia and Saunders take turns ripping through their respective solos on another groove-heavy funk vehicle that has Music Mountain in full swing.

Things finally cool off a bit with “Valerie,” a Robert Hunter-penned song that would go on to appear on Garcia’s Run For The Roses which would be officially released later this year. It’s got elements of “Loser” woven throughout and all the feel of an early 70s Dead song dressed up in a JGB jacket that fits perfectly in this spot. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Grateful Dead-related show without a nod to Chuck Berry and the band takes care of this in the form of a ripping cover of “Let It Rock” that sees Garcia unleashing another bevvy of scintillating guitar runs. This funnels right into a set-closing “Deal” that’s as tight as any GD version with the harmonized backup vocals from Stires and Stafford adding some additional flavor to it.

A spirited Music Mountain crowd welcomes the Jerry Garcia Band back for a second set that starts with another cover, this time it’s “(I’m A) Road Runner,” a song first recorded by Junior Walker and the All-Stars in 1965. This would become another JGB live show staple throughout the years. Seals and Garcia get into some heavy interplay on this one as the the band stretches this “pop” hit into a fun, relaxed jam. “Love In The Afternoon” then follows, another Robert Hunter-penned song that first appeared on Garcia’s Cats Under The Stars album from 1978, his first LP using the band name Jerry Garcia Band and his first LP on the Arista label.

The real meat and potatoes of the second set, and perhaps the show itself, is the “Don’t Let Go” that comes next. It’s a near 20-minute joy ride of deep funk and some of the more exploratory jamming of the evening. The rhythm section of Kahn and Kreutzmann is hard at work once again and develop a deep groove that Garcia plays off of effortlessly. With Seals adding additional layers of sound atop it all, it makes for a lively jam that’s rife with musical cohesion and craftsmanship. Almost suddenly, the rest of the band then eases up that allows for a brief Kreuztmann drum solo that then turns into a bass duel with Kahn before Garcia slowly reenters the mix. It’s a loose, acid jazzy type jam that’s one of the show’s true highlights.

Although there would be no traditional encore tonight, the rest of the set almost feels like one, starting with a super slow take of The Band’s “The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down.” With the tempo dialed down to an absolute crawl, this gives one of the last Garcia guitar solos of the night some added poignance and emotion. The beautiful backup vocals from Stires and Stafford certainly doesn’t hurt either. The show then comes to a close with “Run For the Roses,” the title track of the soon to be released album and another classic Garcia-Hunter collaboration. And with that, Jerry Garcia band puts the finishing stamp on one of the last shows to ever take place at the ill fated Music Mountain.

An apparently rain-soaked show from Bobby and the Midnites that went well into the night then followed – check out the audio here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE27loWjRq0

Jerry Garcia Band – Music Mountain, South Fallsburg, NY – June 16, 1982

Set 1: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), Catfish John, That’s What Love Will Make You Do, Valerie, Let It Rock > Deal

Set 2: (I’m A) Road Runner, Love In The Afternoon, Don’t Let Go, The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down, Run For the Roses

June 16, 2024
In Focus: Kris Davis & Lutosławski Quartet at Dizzy’s Club

On Thursday, June 13 the 8th Jazztopad Festival kicked off with performances from composer and pianist Kris Davis accompanied by the Lutosławski Quartet at Dizzy’s Club of Jazz At Lincoln Center.

The Jazztopad Festival, running from June 13 to 27, will have shows across New York, Philadelphia, and Canada. The Polish festival celebrates Jazz music and the talents of musicians worldwide. By bringing Jazztopad to North America and legendary venues like Dizzy’s Club, the music and artists featured are exposed to new audiences. Its partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute New York makes the festival possible.

Thursday’s performance included the premiere of Kris Davis’ new piece “The Solastalgia Suite,” written for the Lutosławski Quartet. Specifically, this show marks the first time she composed for strings. The quartet includes Roksana Kwaśnikowska on 1st violin, Marcin Markowicz on 2nd violin, Artur Rozmysłowicz on the viola, and Maciej Młodawski on the cello.

The first piece played, “The Solastalgia Suite,” started slow and bitter, as the audience patiently anticipated the brand-new composition. The music eventually built up to the extravagant song everyone was waiting for. Undeniably, attendees’ genuine respect and appreciation for the music echoed throughout the room. As Davis led on the piano and the Quartet responded accordingly, their synchronization exemplified their talents.

Set to the backdrop of the sun setting on the iconic Columbus Circle view, the performance began the festival with a heartwarming and celebratory experience.

June 16, 2024
Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams Make a Perfect Pair at Caffe Lena

At Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, a captivated audience was on hand for the June 9 performance from Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams.

The second of two nights for the Woodstock couple at the historic venue, each night was opened by Jenna Nicholls, who brought a unique voice to the stage, one that is tailor made for Caffe Lena. With Jon LaDeau on guitar alongside her, Nicholls opened with a ukulele song that had an old timey radio sound, making horn sounds via bilabial fricative while she plucked away.

A resident of Saugerties, Nicholls cited the Jalopy Music Hall scene for her folk/Americana sound, one that is as unique as it is intriguing. Add in some cowboy songs and a little yodeling, and Nicholls rightfully has earned her first headline show at Caffe Lena on January 18, 2025.

Woodstock locals Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, fresh off the release of All This Time earlier this year, took the stage around 9pm for a mesmerizing set. Joined by former Hot Tuna drummer (and longtime Midnight Ramble production manager) Justin Guip and bassist Branden Morrison (whose tone was on point all night), the band opened with the lead single from All This Time, “Desert Island Dreams.”

During the show, Campbell was impressively augmenting his guitar sound to have that of a slide guitar, minus the slide. He mentioned that his father grew up in The Bronx, while Williams mentioned her home of Peckerwood Point, TN, in a dry county, just north of Memphis.

Performing much of their new album in order – “All this Time,” “Ride with Me,” “The Way You Make me Feel” and others, Campbell and Williams would pause between songs to share stories, including those involving legendary drummer, Levon Helm. Sharing a story from the recording of Electric Dirt, Campbell recalled that Levon suggested the duo start their first record, which would be recorded at Levon’s barn in Woodstock. One of those tracks would end up on their recent release, the George Jones/Gene Pitney composition, “That’s All it Took.”

A mid show cover of Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” was time for all four on stage to shine, as seen below.

A deep cut of American comedy and vaudeville came to light with “A Little Better,” a song referencing Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, bringing to mind the simple joys of life that can make you feel better, by watching ‘Stan and Ollie Dance.’

Stories from Williams of ‘pew jumpers’ at revivals down south peppered the set, noting the spirit of the music that compelled even the most devout to rise from their seats in joy and exultation. A cover of “Long Black Veil” by Lefty Frizzell featured Larry Campbell on mandolin and tugged at your emotions as Teresa Williams belted out the lyrics in the small confines of Caffe Lena.

A cover of Helm’s “Poor Old Dirt Farmer” off Dirt Farmer, which featured Campbell as producer and on multiple instruments and was engineered by Guip, was presented as a ‘cajun waltz’ but had a distinct sound of having Irish and Appalachian roots.

The penultimate song, “When I Stopped Loving You” was a highlight of the night, as was the Julie Miller penned “I Love You.” The encore of “Down on My Knees” was followed by a rousing rendition of the Grateful Dead classic, “Sugaree.” The duo spent time meeting fans in the lobby of Caffe Lena, discussing songs and their show and taking photos, a treat to close out a spectacular performance.

On July 20, 2024, catch Larry Campbell and Teresa WilliamsÂ with musical friends old and new at their inaugural July JamÂ atÂ Arrowood FarmsÂ in Accord. Get tickets here.

June 16, 2024
Dreamer Boy at Baby’s All Right

Dreamer Boy is the alter ego of Zach Taylor, a rising star in the indie pop scene known for his dreamy soundscapes and heartfelt lyrics. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Dreamer Boy blends elements of lo-fi pop, bedroom pop, and indie rock to create a unique musical experience that resonates with listeners across various genres. His music often explores themes of love, self-discovery, and nostalgia, wrapped in lush, atmospheric production.

Dreamer Boy released his debut album Love, Nostalgia in 2018, receiving praise for its introspective lyrics and innovative sound. Following this, he released All the Ways We Are Together in 2021, further establishing his presence in the indie music world. Dreamer Boy’s ability to craft emotionally resonant songs with a laid-back vibe has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Dreamer Boy’s performance at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn on June 11th was nothing short of magical, marking his triumphant return to New York City with a late-night show that left the audience enchanted and wanting more.

Eager fans filled the intimate venue to capacity, creating an electric atmosphere that perfectly set the stage for Dreamer Boy’s unique blend of indie pop. As the lights dimmed and the first notes filled the room, Zach Taylor, adorned in a painted clown face with a giant star over his eye, cowboy hat, and cowboy boots, took the stage with an infectious energy.

A Cowboy’s Charm

One of the most endearing aspects of Dreamer Boy’s performance was his playful and carefree demeanor. Throughout the night, he delighted the crowd with goofy little dance moves, his cowboy boots adding a whimsical touch to his already charming stage presence. His lightheartedness was contagious, and the audience couldn’t help but smile and dance along with him.

Audience Participation

Dreamer Boy’s interaction with the audience was a highlight of the night. He exclaimed early in the set, “We made it to the big city!” which the crowd met with enthusiastic cheers. His genuine excitement and gratitude for being in New York City were palpable, adding a layer of authenticity to his performance.

At one point, he playfully asked the crowd, “Can I get a yeehaw?” The audience responded with a resounding “Yeehaw!” that echoed through the venue, solidifying the bond between the artist and his fans. Later in the night, he expressed his appreciation by saying, “Thanks for having us yâall, this is too fun, this is too fun,” capturing the joyous spirit of the evening.

Dreamer Boy’s setlist for the night included a mix of fan favorites and newer tracks, each performed with an emotional depth that drew the audience in. His vocals, layered over dreamy instrumentals, created a sonic landscape that transported listeners to a place of introspection and bliss. Songs like “Falling for the Wrong One” and “Crybaby” showcased his lyrical prowess and ability to connect with the audience on a personal level.

The intimate venue allowed a close connection between Dreamer Boy and his fans, making the performance feel shared. Dreamy visuals and ambient lighting enhanced the show’s ethereal vibe, creating a captivating atmosphere that perfectly complemented his music.

Dreamer Boy’s show at Baby’s All Right showcased his growth as an artist. His playful personality and engaging presence stood out. Heartfelt music and fun moments made the performance emotionally resonant. As he rises in indie music, Dreamer Boy’s unique sound and genuine audience connection shine. Fans left the venue smiling and with hearts full of his dreamy melodies. They eagerly anticipate his next visit to the big city.

June 16, 2024
Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” Certified 5x Platinum

Ahead of the release of the live album LOUIS IN LONDON, the RIAA has announced that Louis Armstrong’s legendary track “What a Wonderful World” has been certified 5x Platinum, marking the original recording’s cumulative US sales of more than 5 million since its first release in 1967.

To coincide with this milestone moment, Verve Records is releasing the official performance video of the track, along with a live recording of his GRAMMY-Award-winning Hello, Dolly!

left to right: Jamie Krents – President, Verve and Impulse; Wynton Marsalis – President of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation / Managing and Artistic Director at Jazz at Lincoln Center; Jackie Harris – Executive Director of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation; Ken Druker – Senior Vice President, Jazz Development at Verve and Impulse; Oliver Schrage – Senior Director, Marketing and Jazz Development at Verve and Impulse

Recorded at the BBC in 1968, Louis Armstrong’s live rendition of “What a Wonderful World” marked his last great live performance. He had done the recording just weeks after the song hit #1 on the UK’s top charts, and afterward, it became the biggest song in the country for that year. Along with his biggest hit, Armstrong had recorded an entire concert in London with the BBC.

An iconic figure who transformed the world of music, Louis Armstrong continues to be honored by the Recording Academy and celebrated worldwide. Born in New Orleans, Louis Armstrong rose to prominence in the world of jazz and eventually moved to New York City. He quickly became an iconic figure at The Cotton Club, the most famous jazz club in Harlem. He lived the rest of his life in New York City and was buried in Flushing Cemetery in Queens.

The Louis Armstrong House Museum, located in Queens, holds hundreds of collected items that document his life, both in and outside the world of music. The upcoming album includes insider-exclusive liner notes by Armstrong’s biographer and Director of Research Collections for the Louis Armstrong House Museum, Ricky Riccardi.

The posthumous live album Louis In London contains 13 live performances recorded in London in 1968. In addition to the live recordings, the collection features six previously unreleased tracks, including “(Back Home Again) In Indiana,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Ole Miss,” and “Blueberry Hill.” The album will be released on July 12, 2024.

The Louis in London album will be available for purchase and download on July 12, 2024. Pre-orders are available here.

June 16, 2024
Levitt AMP Utica Announces 2024 Concert Series Lineup

The Levitt AMP Utica Concert Series in Kopernik Park has announced its summer 2024 lineup, running June 17 through Aug 19.

Concerts will happen every Monday starting the 17th of June, welcoming artists from around the world to play in downtown Utica. These free performances are family friendly and sponsored by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, which encourages communities to take advantage of underused public spaces for concerts. Utica is one of 33 cities that have been awarded the Levitt AMP $30,000 grant to fund the concert series. Utica Monday Nite, founded by Lynne Mishalanie, is the fiscal sponsor for the concert series.Â

The series involves young musicians in the community as well. With the Letter internship program, kids can perform after the opener, sometimes as their first paid musical gig.

While the majority of the artists performing are from the United States, Utica has international guests as well. Kommuna Lux from Ukraine will be playing what they call âOdesa Gangsta Folkâ on June 24. They combine Eastern European Melodies combined with Gangster music from the multicultural community of Odesa.

OKAN, a Cuban born duo from Toronto will perform on July 1. They are also genre benders, infusing their Afro-Cuban roots with jazz and folk.

Levitt AMP 2024 Lineup

June 17: Shamarr Allen

June 24: Kommuna Lux

July 1: OKAN

July 8: Joslyn & the Sweet Compression

July 15: The Mallett Brothers Band

July 22: Joe Samba

July 29: Larry & Joe

August 5: Laura Rain & the Caesars

August 12: The Sensational Barnes Brothers

August 19: Angie K

For More information on the series you can visit Levitt.org.

June 16, 2024
Apocalyptica Announces U.S. Tour Including a Brooklyn Date.

Finnish orchestral rock group Apocalyptica, announces “Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 Tour” including a performance in Brooklyn on Feb. 11, 2025.

The North American tour will make a pitstop at Brooklyn Paramount. Additionally, they will travel to surrounding areas like Boston, Montreal and Philadelphia.

Apocalyptica formed in 1993 at Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. At First, the group started as a nod to Metallica with their cello talent. Their first album in 1996 was titled Plays Metallica By Four Cellos. Their niche style of music would eventually send them on tour, gaining international attention. Shortly after they released their debut record, they opened for Metallica themselves.

“We just loved Metallica and we wanted to play it with the instruments we were able to play, which just happened to be cellos,” band leader Eicca Toppinen explained.

They went on to not only play Metallica inspired songs, but original music as well like Reflections in 2003, which was made up entirely of originals. Currently, Apocalyptica has three members, Toppinen, Perttu Kivilaakso and Paavo Lötjönen. Since 1996, they’ve released nine more albums including their most recent Plays Metallica Vol. 2 which was released June 7.

Tickets go on sale on June 14 on citientertainment.com.

Tour Dates:

Feb 06 – Washington, DC @ Warner Theatre

Feb 07 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore Philadelphia

Feb 08 – Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre

Feb 11 – New York, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount

Feb 12 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS

Feb 13 – Toronto, ON @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Feb 14 – Cincinnati, OH @ The Andrew J Brady Music Center

Feb 15 – Chicago, IL @ Athenaeum Center

Feb 16 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit

Feb 18 – Minneapolis, MN @ Uptown Theater

Feb 19 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre

Feb 20 – Saskatoon, SK @ Coors Event Centre

Feb 21 – Edmonton, AB @ Midway Music Hall

Feb 22 – Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Event Centre

Feb 24 – Vancouver, BC @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Feb 26 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom

Feb 27 – San Francisco, CA @ Palace of Fine Arts

Feb 28 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Orpheum Theatre

Mar 01 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren

Mar 03 – Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre

Mar 05 – Austin, TX @ ACL Live – Moody Theater

Mar 06 – Dallas, TX @ The Majestic Theatre

Mar 08 – Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center

June 15, 2024
Albany Funk Rock Band Lake Effect Releases First EP

A new face in the Albany Music scene, Lake Effect, released their first six-song EP, Drifting on May 17.

The band formed in 2022 with Lenore Aldi-Snow, who writes all the original music. The other three members come from the funk band, NoLaNauts, also based in Albany. Ben Moss is on Guitar, Brian Brancato is on drums and background vocals and Matt Girtler is on bass and backing vocals. The group played for what they thought was just one performance on New Year’s Eve 2022 at Jive Hive Live, a small venue in Albany.

Lake Effect came together again at Christ’s Church in Albany in April 2023 as an official band this time. They played 23 of their original songs including the tracks from Drifting. The EP was mixed and produced by Alec Lewis at his studio, Honey Home.

The EP is full of Aldi-Snow on the keys playing classic funk rhythms. “Trouble” has an uncanny resemblance to Bill Wither’s “Use Me.” The band uses neo-soul and funk sounds but mixes them with Aldi-Snow’s crisp jazz vocals. “EDGE,” the last track on the EP features Brancato’s and Girtler’s vocals with a blues-rock end to Drifting.

Although Lake Effect is currently on a break due to other musical commitments, they plan on recording more music in the future – listen to their EP Drifting on any streaming site.

June 15, 2024