Woodstock-formed pop-rock band Orleans has announced two back-to-back upcoming shows across the state.
The first show, in Cohoes, will happen at the Cohoes Music Hall on September 13, and the second show, in Clayton, NY, takes place at the Clayton Opera House on September 14.
Created in 1972 by John Hall (guitar), Larry Hoppen (guitar/keyboard) and Wells Kelly (drums), Orleans has passed the test of time, still remaining intact in 2024. They released their first album in 1973 and have subsequently had numerous best-selling albums over the years, including Let There Be Music, Waking and Dreaming and Forever.
Over the years, Orleans has amassed a catalog of 17 albums and multiple DVDs. Now, celebrating more than 50 years of live shows, Orleans has continued their consistency to this day, already performing 10 times across the country just this year.
Orleans’ smooth blend of melodic pop-rock is a timeless sound. Their classic tight ensemble playing, gorgeous harmony vocals and inspired and well-crafted songwriting always create the perfect storm to dance to, something that visitors to Cohoes and Clayton will be able to experience.
For Orleans’ first show at the Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes on September 13, the band will play as part of a double bill with folk/rock band Aztec Two-Step. The show will run between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. For their second show at the Clayton Opera House in Clayton on September 14, Orleans will take on the stage solo, performing at the historic venue between 7:30 and 9:00 p.m.
The band also has a third show scheduled for October at the Northwest Missouri Moon Festival. Visit here for tickets and more information.
On Friday, August 23, Woodstock-based Americana musician Eddy Lee Ryder released her debut album, Sweet Delusions. The album is a testament to Ryder’s storytelling ability, ironically recounting one of the worst parts of life through playfully catchy tunes that still bring out hers, and our own, deepest emotions.
After releasing a collection of singles and EPs, Ryder amassed a decent following through her emotional storytelling and unique, nostalgic musical style. With the help of musicians like producer Father John Misty, drummer/musical director Dan Bailey, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Chae (Zach Bryan, Kacey Musgraves), and keyboardists Todd Caldwell (Crosby, Stills & Nash, James Taylor) and Dave Shephard, along with harmonies and other help from NYC friends like Rebecca Haviland and pianist Abby Payne, Sweet Delusions is an opus two years in the making.
Throughout the entirety of the album, Ryder wears her heart on her sleeve, showing her anger, bitterness, and frustration in a failed relationship. Yet, even through all those negative feelings, there is a deep sense of romanticism behind the music, as if she’s looking back on these particular events and trying to decide whether they were positive or negative. Despite the ending of the album resembling the end of a relationship, the conflicts presented in the music leave the audience wishing they could be a fly on a wall during any one of these recording sessions.
“I want my music to carry multiple emotions, just like every experience,” Ryder says. “Nostalgia, absurdity, humor, and sorrow.”
Sweet Delusions is no exception. At its core, it is a quintessential breakup album with all the turmoil and heartbreak dripping from each track. With this album, Ryder goes back to the folky sounds of the 70s, with a slight southern twang that she herself admitted was purely accidental. Ironically, it feels like the perfect genre to express those emotions of heartbreak, sadness, and the emotional turmoil of a relationship heading in the wrong direction.
Through tracks like “Highwaymen” and “Only Real Cowboy,” Ryder perfectly depicts a toxic relationship. In the lead single, “Highwaymen,” she compares her relationship to that of Thelma and Louise, knowing something would lead to disaster and terrible consequences but eagerly doing it anyway out of sheer excitement and adrenaline. Through “Only Real Cowboy,” her sense of romanticism comes back full circle, singing about a completely bipolar relationship. Ryder depicts this secretive recluse and the emotional turmoil that comes with that type of relationship in an almost Lana Del Rey-like fashion.
However, leading single “Bad Decisions” expresses the complete opposite. While the romanticization of Ryder’s past relationship is definitely present in other singles, “Bad Decisions” brings us back to reality. The track reminds the audience to be angry at everything that happened, repeating, “Don’t say you love me if you’re here for a good time.” While “Highwaymen” tells us of the excitement of something new and potentially toxic, tracks like “Bad Decisions” and “Joke is on Me” bring us back to those dreadful feelings where the rose-tinted glasses come off and reality sinks in. By “County Fair,” the depression with realizing a relationship must end comes in full swing, and the listener gets to see the path of growth and healing it takes to come to that decision.
Regardless of whether the country music vibes were “accidental”, Eddy Lee Ryder definitely uses it to her advantage. The end of this relationship brought forth plenty of anxiety, anger, and depression that is depicted in a perfect way. As a whole, the intimate nature of country music gives us a deeper understanding of Ryder’s feelings. The intimacy definitely pays off throughout the entirety of the album, and she depicts the whirlwind of emotions in a perfect way.
It’s safe to say that Eddy Lee Ryder’s debut album was a surmounting success. Her goal of carrying multiple emotions was definitely met, and it was almost whiplash-inducing to go back and forth between her emotions. After the release of Sweet Delusions, it’s exciting to see what will come next from Eddy Lee Ryder.
Sweet Delusions is out now on all streaming platforms and fans can visit Ryder’s website for any updates and new releases.
The Adirondack Independent Music Festival has just released the full schedule of performances set for their Lake George extravaganza Friday, August 30 through Sunday, September 1. The stacked lineup features headliners moe. and Melvin Seals & JGB, alongside many other local and nationally touring bands.
For those looking to see some great music this upcoming Labor Day weekend, Adirondack Independent Music Festival (‘ADK Fest’) is the place to be. Returning for its ninth year, the festival will once again take place at the beautiful Charles R. Wood Festival Commons in Lake George.
Headlining this yearâs festival will be Upstate New York jam band moe., who will perform two sets each night on Saturday and Sunday. Hailed by American Songwriter for their âmind-bending musicality,â moe. is treasured for their mesmerizing musical synergy, unfettered showmanship, and smart, resonant songcraft. For three decades, the band has corralled myriad musical forms on a truly original journey rich with crafty, clever songwriting and astonishing resourcefulness. Fueled by an impassioned fan base, moe. has spent much of those thirty years on the road, encompassing countless live performances marked by eclectic wit, deep friendship, and exploratory invention.
The other festival headliner, Melvin Seals & JGB, will be performing two sets on the opening night of Friday. Melvin Seals has been a powerful presence in the music industry for over 30 years, with a long-established reputation as a performer, recording artist and producer. Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited Hammond B-3 organ and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. Melvin spun his B-3 magic with the Jerry Garcia Band for 18 years and, in doing so, helped pioneer and define what has now become âJam Band Music.” From blues to funk to rock to jazz, Melvin Seals serves up a tasty mix with a little R&B and gospel thrown in to spice things up. Continuously on the road with his band JGB, featuring John Kadlecik, John-Paul McLean and Jeremy Hoenig, Melvin Seals continues to spread the music of Jerry Garcia Band and more.
The stacked lineup will also feature performances by GRAMMY-nominated progressive bluegrass act Yonder Mountain String Band, Twiddle frontman Mihali, whose band also features Twiddle members Zdenek Gubb and Adrian Tramontano, and Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime.
Food and craft vendors will be available on the grounds, with the beautiful Lake George sitting as a backdrop to everything. All ages are welcome to attend, and children 12 and under are free for general admission. Visit here for tickets and more information. See below for the show schedule graphic and a full written lineup with times.
Full Adirondack Independent Music Festival Schedule
Friday
One Time Weekend – 1-2 PM
Bella’s Bartok – 2-3 PM
Lucid – 3-4:15 PM
Cool Cool Cool – 4:15-5:15
Lespecial – 5:15-6:30 PM
Mihali (Live Band) – 6:30-8 PM
Melvin Seals & JGB – 8-11 PM
Saturday
Crooked Coast – 12-1 PM
Strange Machines – 1-2 PM
The Frank White Experience: A Tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. – 2-3 PM
The Arthur Miller Foundation holds its annual Arthur Miller Foundation Honors on Sunday, October 27, at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre. This year, the Foundation celebrates 10 years of the Arthur Miller Foundation Theater Education Programs, a program affiliated with NYC public schools.
Each year, the foundation honors those who have made a significant impact in the world of the arts and arts education. This year’s honorees include 16-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, Tony-nominated playwright and Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, and musician and Keys’ former educator Linda Aziza Miller.
The Arthur Miller Foundation is a nonprofit organization that, through its theater education programs, provides access to theater education for over 60,000 New York City public school students. Teachers are provided with certification, training, and resources necessary to build their schools’ productions.
During the ceremony, patrons can attend the 3:00 pm matinee performance of Hell’s Kitchen, the Tony-award-winning autobiographical musical written by Alicia Keys. Following the matinee is the awards ceremony, which closes with a musical number showcasing NYC public school students as a tribute to Keys and the organization’s tenth anniversary.
For her contributions to the world of music, as well as her contributions to providing music education to thousands of public school students, Alicia Keys will receive the AMF Arts & Culture Award. Receiving the award for AMF Excellence in Arts Education Award is Keys’ former instructor and longtime NYC public high school teacher Linda Aziza Miller, for her outstanding commitment to teaching music to thousands of students over the years.
American playwright Kristoffer Diaz will be honored with the AMF Legacy Award. In 2010, Diaz was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his play 2010 play The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, for which he received a Lucille Lortel Award and The New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award. Diaz has also worked on the aforementioned Hell’s Kitchen, as well as several plays and television shows throughout his career.
Tickets and sponsorship packages will soon be available on the Arthur Miller Foundation’s website.
Boston-based rocking quartet Neighbor have announced a fall US tour, with the first show kicking off in Buffalo. To close out the tour, the band will be doing an epic three-night Halloween run in New England alongside powerhouse trio LaMP.Â
Although Neighbor formed in the last half-decade, the band members’ roots began over 35 years ago. Childhood neighbors Richard James (vocals, keys) and Lyle Brewer (guitar) shared fence lines and melodies as they both grew and explored their own musical paths. Decades later, the quartet became complete with the addition of Dan Kelly (bass) and Dean Johnston (drums) in 2019. Their creative incubation began with a weekly residency that grew in large part by the passion of their fans, the âNeighbors,â who continue to inspire the band as the fan base has expanded across the country.
With a diverse catalog of hundreds of songs, Neighbor combines ambitious composition, soulful balladry, and a fearless approach to their lengthy improvisations. Not boxed in by a single genre, their songwriting brings elements of Americana, funk, rock, jazz, soul and more. The band is putting pen to paper once again as they head back into the studio to begin work on their second album.
But before their follow-up project hits streaming services, the quartet has decided to keep busy, announcing a fall tour with 12 stops in 11 cities, the first being Buffalo. Beginning on October 10, Neighbor will hit all 12 shows across the country in just 23 days, with the final three shows being a self-contained Halloween run alongside Burlington, Vermont band, LaMP. The final show in the tour will see Neighbor returning to their home crowd in Boston.
Visit here for tickets and more information. See below for a full written list of Neighbor tour dates.
Neighbor Fall Tour Dates
Thu, Oct 10 – Buffalo Iron Works – Buffalo, NY
Fri, Oct 11 – Woodlands Tavern – Columbus, OH
Sat, Oct 12 – HI-FI Indianapolis – Indianapolis, IN
Sun, Oct 13 – Stache at The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
Tue, Oct 15 – High Noon Saloon – Madison, WI
Wed, Oct 16 – Vivarium – Milwaukee, WI
Thu, Oct 17 – The Taft Theater Ballroom – Cincinnati, OH
Fri, Oct 18 – Martyrs – Chicago, IL
Sat, Oct 19 – Martyrs – Chicago, IL
Thu, Oct 31 – Neighbor with LaMP – South Burlington, VT
The phrase “Creed is back” has dominated music news over the last ten months, as word of the band’s reunion broke last year. On Saturday, August 24, the multi-platinum rockers brought their Summer of ’99 Tour to the Broadview Stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. They were joined by old friends and previous tourmates 3 Doors Down and Finger 11 and were greeted with a sold-out crowd.
Creed rose to stardom in the late 90’s following the release of their debut album, My Own Prison. A prolific set at Woodstock ’99 turned the heads of many in the industry, who were seeking an alternative to the grunge scene. The band released their second album (and smash success) Human Clay soon after. The album’s anthemic singles “Higher” and “With Arms Wide Open” dominated radio, leading to the album being certified diamond status. Creed would go on to release one more album, Weathered (2001) before disbanding in 2004. They would reunite for one more album and almost two years of touring before again disbanding in 2012.
Throngs of rock fans descended upon SPAC early to catch opener Finger 11. The Canadian rockers were a fitting opener for the evening, and delivered a high energy thirty-minute set. The audience had their first of many sing-a-longs for the evening, belting the lyrics to the hit “One Thing” back at singer Scott Anderson.
Up next was 3 Doors Down, a band who rose to stardom soon after Creed. The band’s sixty minute set served as a reminder of the many radio successes the band has achieved over the years, as they performed tracks like “Loser”, “Here Without You”, “Away from the Sun”, as well as their biggest hits “Kryptonite” and “When I’m Gone”. Fans had filled the seated portion and lawn to capacity early on in the performance, and delivered powerful sing alongs to the tracks.
Excitement and energy was palpable by the time the house lights dimmed and the Creed logo shown on the video screens which decorated the back of the stage. A deafening roar greeted the band as they took the stage and opened with the 2001 hit “Bullets”. Singer Scott Stapp paced the stage ferociously as he delivered the spoken-word intro to the track, before a wall of flames erupted, and the band launched full force in to one of its heaviest songs. The band would work their way deeper into their catalog next, performing “Torn” and “Are You Ready”.
Early in the set it and through out the entire evening, it was apparent that the capacity crowd was not just there for trendy purposes. The crowd stood on their feet for the duration of the band’s 105 minute set, belting the lyrics to every track in deafening fashion. The crowd became even more frenzied when guitarist Mark Tremonti revealed he would give one of his guitars to the most passionate fan in attendance, a gesture which saw Tremonti and Stapp gift the guitar to a young child and her father on stage.
For the many in attendance, the set served as a trip down memory lane. Each song took listeners back in time to over 20 years ago, as the band performed a seemingly endless stream of hits, including “My Own Prison”, “What If”, “With Arms Wide Open”, and “My Sacrifice”. Between songs, Stapp spoke of a message of perseverance and overcoming the struggles and challenges faced each day (an achievement he himself can attest to) as well as the need to find unity and common ground in such uncertain times. No matter the struggles and uncertainties we face each day, one thing is for certain.
The Lake George Arts Project celebrates their 40 year anniversary of Jazz at the Lake, a three-day festival featuring renowned and rising jazz musicians. The festival takes course over three days, presenting a wide variety of artists and musical styles. This year’s festival is from September 13 through 15.
Jazz at the Lake features an extensive lineup, including GRAMMY-winning artists and virtuosos. This year’s stellar lineup includes rising star Jahari Stampley, trumpet virtuoso Michael Mayo, GRAMMY-winning artists Ulysses Owens, Linda May Han Oh, Nicole Zuraitis, Danilo Perez, and many more.
Over the years, Jazz at the Lake has become one of Lake George’s most anticipated events, bringing in thousands of fans to the region to celebrate jazz. The multiple-days long festival has proudly showcased some of the greatest regional, national, and international jazz musicians in hundreds of concerts over the last four decades. Now in its 40th year, the festival brings three days of incredible artists, special events, and tribute shows.
The full line-up for this year’s Jazz at the Lake can be found at: www.lakegeorgearts.org
Jazz at the Lake has provided fans with a playlist to all pieces featured during the festival. The playlist is available here.
Friday Night, September 13:
Friday kicks off on Friday night with the 2023 First Place winner of the Herbie Hancock International Competition Jahari Stampley, who is performing with his family trio comprised of 7-time GRAMMY Award nominee Erania Stampley and Miguel Russell.
Friday night also features performances as part of the Jazz Around Town program. They will perform at multiple locations around town. Lineup for these performances include The Arch Stanton Trio, Nook & Cranny, Dylan Perillo and Brad Brose, the Scott Hopkins Jazz Trio, and the Chuck Lamb Trio.
Saturday, September 14
Saturday begins at the Hello Sunshine Bagel Bistro for the Coffee and Jazz program, starting at 10 am and ending at noon. Attendees can grab a free coffee while listening to the music of the Chad McLoughlin Trio.
Michael Mayo, a breakout composer and trumpet virtuoso, takes the Shepard Park stage at 1pm. Renowned saxophonist Ben Wendel brings his lyrical compositions to life at 3 pm. At 5pm, three time Grammy™ Award-Winning Drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., performs with Generation Y, a group of distinct and reputable talent from the top music conservatories in the United States. Finishing the show is GRAMMY winner Nicole Zuraitis, jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger, at 8 pm.
Sunday, September 15
Fans can enjoy Jazz at the Lake’s very own Jazz Cruise on Sunday morning. The cruise ride includes a tour of scenic Lake George accompanied with breakfast and live music.
Taking the Shepard Park stage at 1 pm is The Daniel Kelly Group, who pay tribute to festival founder Paul Pines in a performance that uses Pines’ poetry (read by David Gonzales) as inspiration. At 3pm, GRAMMY award-winning Linda May Han Oh, a highly renowned bassist and composer, takes the stage with her dynamic quintet. Jazz at the Lake ends with the GRAMMY Award Winners and UNESCO Artist for Peace, Danilo Pérez who will be playing with John Patitucci & Adam Cruz beginning at 5 pm.
NEEMFest electronic music festival will return to Homer, NY on September 13th. The annual event continues in its mission of bringing electronic performances and workshops to Central New York.
A Performance from NEEMFest 2019
NEEMFest dates back over 23 years, when Howard Moscovitz organized the Electro-music conference in Philadelphia. The event worked to showcase the versatility of electronic equipment in making music that could be both dreamy and danceable. Following its initial success, the conference evolved into an annual event.
In 2017, the event organizers approached Homer’s Center for the Arts, with the town soon becoming its new home. Since the move, NEEMFest has worked to increase community engagement through cooperation with local school and university music programs.
Since its start, NEEMFest has prided itself in highlighting cutting edge electronic music. In its history, the festival has attracted performers from across the Northeast, each bringing a unique take to the genre. Past artists have utilized modified cellos, industrial fans, synthesizers, and video game consoles in their music. In this large umbrella of electronic music, artists incorporate genres from classical to rock, creating a diverse musical landscape. Aiding these performances are projected visualizations made by a team of video artists.
Homer Center for the Arts
In the past, NEEMFest has highlighted a wide variety of electronic musicians and composers. Highlighted artists include video game composers, planetarium sound designers, and avant-garde musicians. Due to the quality of NEEMFest’s performances, the Philadelphia Inquirer has hailed it as the “Woodstock of Electronic Music.”
NEEMFest 2024 will feature over 40 performances lasting from September 13-15th. On top of its musical performances, the festival offers a number of educational events. Included in these are artist talks & demonstrations and experimental music workshops. These events aid in NEEMFest’s mission of community building and engagement. NEEMFest’s events will take place at the Homer Center for the Arts, located at 72 S Main St.
On top of these scheduled events, a special off-site performance is also planned. The performance is a rendition of William Basinski’s “The Disintegration Loops,” composed in memory of the 9/11 attacks. NEEMFest’s organizers plan to host the event in a meditative space in Homer that best suits the piece. Following NEEMFest 2024, its organizers will release a digital compilation on Bandcamp highlighting performances from the festival.
William Basinski’s “The Disintegration Loops”
NEEMFest 2024 Schedule
Friday, September 13th
3:30pm – Workshop: Ritchie DeCarlo
4:00pm – Ritchie DeCarlo
4:30pm – Giles Reaves
5:00pm – Luciform
5:30pm – Laura Feathers
6:00pm – neon.bev.click
8:00pm – Martin Bisi Collective
8:30pm – Stepwriterun
9:00pm – Beard Farm
9:30pm – VENN SUNG
10:00pm – Bleep Salon: Joe Wall, DORSCHEL, Gianni
11:00pm – BIT.ROT
11:30pm – Bob Lukomski
12:00pm – Deftly Demolition
Saturday, September 14th
10:00am – Workshop: Joel Izquierdo
10:30am – Workshop: Howard Moscovitz
11:00am – Karl Fury R. Doschel
11:30am – F Balducci + E Karp
12:00pm – Dimension Step
1:30pm – Shivasongster
2:00pm – redgreenblue
2:30pm – Twyndyllyngs
3:00pm – Pas Musique
3:30pm – Joel Izquierdo
4:00pm -THOR
4:30pm – Finite Element
5:00pm – VISHWANATH_GI
5:30pm – SPACECRAFT
6:00pm – Dei Xhrist
8:00pm – Mathieu Sylvestre
8:30pm – David Berends
9:00pm – a.drift
9:30pm – Compactor
10:00pm – Bleep Salon: Dan Gitlin, Dei Xhrist, Gianni
11:00pm – Robert Dorschel
11:30pm – MOSC
12:00am – Symmetry
Sunday, September 15th
10:30am – Dave Heineman
11:00am – Dave Heineman
11:30am – Workshop: Dorschel
12:00pm – Workshop: Jeremy dePrisco
1:30pm – Dan Gitlin
2:00pm – Escape Velocity
2:30pm – Michael Victor
3:00pm – Andrew Koenig
3:30pm – Cindy Flowers
4:00pm – John Rose
4:30pm – HURON
5:00pm – Tony Gerber, William Curtis Chang
5:30pm – Jeremy Slater
6:00pm – Final Bleep Salon: MOSC Director
For more information, visit the NEEMFest website here.
Due to the cancellation of Aerosmith’s ‘Peace Out’ tour, legendary rock band The Black Crowes have extended their ‘Happiness Bastards Tour (The Reprise)’ with 14 new shows across North America, ending with back-to-back nights in Port Chester, NY.
2024 marks 40 years since the inception of The Black Crowes, and the Robinson Brothers are claiming this momentous year as their own. Following decades marked by sex, drugs, fights, breakups, and divorce, they are leaving their bullshit behind and coming together to celebrate their mutual love for rock n’ roll.
Since The Black Crowes reunited in 2019, they’ve made a triumphant return to form with over 150 shows spanning 20 countries worldwide, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Shake Your Money Maker, the album that put them on the map. And following their return to shows, the group came back to put out their first record of original music in 15 years and their 10th studio album, Happiness Bastards. Some may say the project has been several tumultuous years in the making, but The Black Crowes argue it’s arriving at just the right time. The band’s mentality toward their return has been simple: no gloss, no glitter, just rhythm and blues at its very best—gritty, loud, and in your face.
Named after their newest record, ‘The Black Crowes: Happiness Bastards Tour (The Reprise)’ kicks off in Northfield, OH, on September 27 and concludes with two nights in Port Chester, NY, on December 22. The upcoming run follows the band’s highly successful 35-date ‘Happiness Bastards Tour,’ which ran through North America and Europe this past spring.
Previously announced show dates have been rescheduled, and tickets for all rescheduled dates will be honored at the new shows.
Tickets are on sale now. Visit here for tickets and more information. See below for a full written lineup of The Black Crowes’ tour.
The Black Crowes Tour Dates
9/27/24 – Northfield, OH – MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage +
9/28/24 – Cincinnati, OH – Hard Rock Cincinnati Outdoor Arena
10/1/24 – Pikeville, KY – Appalachian Wireless Arena +
10/3/24 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
10/4/24 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre *
10/6/24 – St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater *
10/9/24 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion
10/10/24 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center +
10/12/24 – Macon, GA – Atrium Health Amphitheater
10/13/24 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre +
10/15/24 – Southaven, MS – BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
10/18/24 – Gary, IN – Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana
10/19/24 – Milwaukee, WI – Miller High Life Theatre *
10/23/24 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall *
10/25/24 – Rockford, IL – Hard Rock Live Rockford *
10/26/24 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory +
10/29/24 – Moon Township, PA – UPMC Events Center +
10/31/24 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena *
11/2/24 – Rama, ON – Casino Rama Resort *
11/7/24 – Tulsa, OK – Paradise Cove at River Spirit Casino Resort +
11/8/24 – San Antonio, TX – Tobin Center for the Performing Arts +
11/10/24 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater +
11/11/24 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater +
11/14/24 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
11/16/24 – Albuquerque, NM – Legends Theater at Route 66 Casino Hotel *
11/19/24 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater +
11/30/24 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento *
12/3/24 – Stateline, NV – Tahoe Blue Event Center
12/5/24 – Las Vegas, NV – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas +
12/6/24 – Indio, CA – Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Special Events Center
12/19/24 – Oxon Hill, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor *
12/21/24 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre +
12/22/24 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre +
Thursday, August 22 was a night of neon shirts, glow sticks and necklaces, and spandex as New Kids on The Block put quite the performance for fans at Darien Lake Ampitheatre. Joining the adventure were Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff, no strangers to the Gen X fans in attendance.
Formed in 1984, the New Kids recently released their eighth album, Still Kids, and have been on tour in support of it.
Getting the party started was DJ Jazzy Jeff. Half of the famed duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince, Jazzy Jeff scratched the records while his MC, Dayne Jordan, rocked the mic. Playing samples of classics like “O.P.P.”, “I’m a Believer”, and “Jump”, as well as theme songs from both Cheers and Super Mario Bros., this MC and DJ duo had the crowd of mostly middle-aged fans thinking they were still kids on the playground chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin’ all cool. As his set ended, I am sure fans were anxious to see if would get tossed off the stage in the same manner Uncle Phil tossed him out of his house (he did not get tossed.)
Following the famed DJ, fans were treated to a former dancer/cheerleader/choreographer turned talent show judge. 62-year-old Paula Abdul took to the stage playing notable hits from the late 80s and early 90s.
Rising up through the stage, Abdul seems to be portraying herself struggling to write “Straight Up”, scribbling notes, before breaking into song as she is whisked off towards the front of the set. Using her amazing dancers as props, she continues on like it was 1988 all over again. This time around was little different, though, as she immediately takes quick breather, some water, and oxygen. “What?” She asks the surprised crowd. “This is 62, folks!” she quips.
Well known for her dancing and choreography, Abdul wastes no more time in continuing the production. “Vibeology” and “Cold Hearted” were performed flawlessly, as if they were making a new video to air during TRL.
With a hand-picked dance troupe surrounding her, Abdul prances around the stage, utilizing the various wardrobe racks for quick changes, many that were replicated from the heyday of music videos, including a bright yellow fedora style hat.
Only playing for about 35 minutes, the former celebrity crush of many 70s and 80s kids doesn’t forget those who have helped her along the way, including her video partner from “Opposites Attract”, MC Skat Kat, who joined her while she performed the song. For someone who recently came back from a 25-year hiatus from touring, Paula Abdul doesn’t seem to have lost her step.
Danny Wood, Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, and Joey McIntyre were brought together in the mid 80s outside of Boston, MA to create an up-and-coming boy band as counterpart to New Edition. While success wasn’t immediate, it did happen a few short years later after a Florida radio station put “Hangin Tough” on repeat due to listener requests. Fame was on the fast track, and teenage girls buying posters and cassettes, t-shirts and hoodies, and going to shows at malls around the country drove the train on that fast track.
Fast forward to August 22, as many of those young girls are now taking their kids to see the boys who they went nuts for in middle and high school. “Donnie! I love you!”, “Marry me, Joey!”, “Danny is so hot!” were common things heard while among the sparse crowd of around 8500.
Getting the night started with two tracks from their newest release, NKOTB came out with “Magic” and “Summer Love”. Just like 35 years ago, fans were screaming and jumping for joy as they music played. I don’t know if it was because of the songs or because they were seeing childhood idols for the first time. Either way, the crowd was boisterous and enthusiastic from start to finish. Rounding out the first 3 was “My Favorite Girl,” a song they first played in 1989.
It’s the most mature album we’ve ever made
Mark Wahlberg on Still Kids
Cruising through the 28-song set, Wahlberg and company give fans what they want with every song. Nostalgic lyrics, hip thrusts and gyrations that Elvis would be proud of, as well as a little bit where shirts came off and muscle flexes were the show. As teenage heartthrobs of yesteryear, the boys have seemed to take their rizz to new levels now that they are all grown up. I heard zero complaints from the crowd.
Having toured with NKOTB before, DJ Jazzy Jeff once again becomes part of the show, as he appears atop of the huge steps on stage. With a mashup of “Dance With You” and “Love Like This” getting started, each of the singers brings out a ‘selected’ fan and they continue to perform with the guests by their sides. A true moment to remember for these 5 lucky ladies.
Getting Jazzy Jeff more involved, Wahlberg, in roundabout way, demands to play “Summertime”, to wish there is no argument from the DJ. After playing a short clip, Wahlberg stops and asks a young lady on stage who claims to know the song word for word. The 16-year-old made the trip the mid Atlantic region for this show and proceeded to belt out a couple verses from the song made famous by DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince. With her mom by her side, the young lady was elated to get the opportunity. Wahlberg continues on to say that they continue to gain fans through generations by parents still listening to the music of their childhood.
With notoriously bad parking rituals at the venue, I left a little early but was able to hear clearly as “Step By Step” and “Hangin Tough” rounded out the night.
While I will admit the New Kids were never my cup of tea 35 years ago, and maybe aren’t now, but they can sure put on a show, I will never argue that at all. They had men and women up and waving their arms and singing word for word. They had teens singing along with their music, and that is exactly what they want. I watched a group of ladies, probably in late 40s, doing the dances they learned 35 years ago. They were all having an amazing time reliving some of their glory years. Life longs fans that pass on their music and memories.
Follow along with the Kids and check out their first new album in 11 years New Kids On The Block
New Kids on The Block setlist: Magic, Summer Love, My Favorite Girl, Cover Girl, Dirty Dancing, You Got It (The Right Stuff), Remix (I Like The), Block Party, Tonight, Where Do I Go From Here?, Treat Me Right, Call It What You Want, Popsicle/Games/This Is How We Do It/ Stay With Me Baby, Baby I Believe in You, Never Gonna Fall In Love Again/Paradise City, Happy Birthday, Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time), Please Don’t Go Girl, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Dance With You/Love Like This, Summertime (DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince), Kids, I’ll Be Loving You (Forever), Step by Step, Hanging Tough/We Will Rock You (Queen), These Are The Better Days
Paula Abdul Setlist (partial) Straight Up, Vibeology, Cold Hearted, Opposites Attract, Rush Rush, The Promise of a New Day/Knocked Out/Ain’t Never Gonna Give You Up, Forever Your Girl
DJ Jazzy Jeff setlist (partial): OPP (Naughty by Nature), Jump, Eye of The Tiger (Survivor), Jump Around (House of Pain), Let Me Clear My Throat (DJ Kool), Monkees, Cheers, The Fresh Prince theme, Super Mario Bros Rap, Uptown Funk, Living on a Prayer
