Any new concerts you're looking forward to (formerly 2023 concerts)

The cave venue looks cool. I can't help but wonder how it will hold up to loud music over time. It's got to be reinforced or something, surely.
There was a bit of concern on my part as well. The venue doesn't do a lot of heavier stuff. Mostly folk, bluegrass, etc.
But no, no reinforcements. Anywhere. The "ceiling" is one solid slab. Though, it does drip so one does wonder about it's strength long term and what micro cracks may be present.
 
I just scored 2 seats to see Peter Frampton at Hard Rock, Hollywood FL. He is one I've always regretted never seeing - and with his medical condition, never thought I would. Got 2nd row balcony to avoid the assholes who need to stand / record thru a whole show.

Interestingly, they only went on presale today. TM was almost $350 with ridiculous fees over $50, I got virtually the same seats on Stubhub for $100 less than TM, all-in.
 
One of my favorite venues is shutting down this year, sort of. The Hi-Fi in Indy has been having shows outside in their annex for a few years, but next year all the concerts are going to be inside. It's nice that there's going to be room for a larger audience that could bring in bigger artists, but it's been so nice having a smaller outdoor venue. I was trying to find somebody I wanted to see up there for at least one last show, but nothing looks interesting.

Looks like my girlfriend and I are going to see The Darkness in September at the Egyptian Room, which is a cool venue.
 
Just went to Great South Bay festival for the first time last night. It’s an annual 4-day festival about a half hour from me. The lineups haven’t really been my cup of tea in the past, but this year the headliner for Sunday (the classics night) was Men at Work, which is one of my favorite bands of the new wave era and one I’ve never previously had a chance to see.

I stuck to the main stage the whole time I was there, so the acts I saw were
  1. Naked Eyes
  2. Ambrosia
  3. Yacht Rock Revue
  4. Men At Work

I was also pretty psyched to see Naked Eyes since they’re another favorite of mine that until now hadn’t played in the area in quite a while. They were pretty decent, but Pete Byrne’s voice was suffering a bit. He apologized a few times during the set for not being up to his standards, and he was coughing here and there and drinking a lot of water so I’m inclined to believe the absurd heat, humidity and high pollen count were getting the better of him. Fun set though for sure. It was just a bummer that no matter where I went there were groups of middle aged women having loud conversations over the music.

Ambrosia sounded tight AF. I missed a good chunk of the set because the morning’s thunderstorms had blocked out the cell service, so all of the food vendors were cash only and I had to find a working atm. Definitely would like to catch them on their own somewhere so I can hear a longer set.

Yacht Rock Revue was a blast. It’s probably pretty well known here how much of a yacht rock fan I am, so it’s probably no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed them.

Men At Work were incredible. Colin Hay’s voice is in perfect shape, and the band was fantastic. By volunteering to keep people from going in front of the view of a handicapped woman who was front and center, my girlfriend and I were able to be pretty much dead center on the rail, so the view was great too. Took some great photos during the set. I’ll try to get back and upload a few later. The setlist was great. Colin had a little over an hour for the set, so there were a lot more deep cuts than the little 30 minute opening sets him and the band have been doing for the Toto tour going on right now.
 
I got really excited, then confused, then realized I mixed up “Idles” with the band “Idylls” from Brisbane.
 
i know a drummer and a guitar player from the Ataris, they are truly stoked to be playing before Hanson!

I say “a” drummer and “a” guitar player because it’s really just Kris, the lead singer and revolving cast although these guys seem to be playing the bulk of the shows, including Riot Fest.
Right on. Ya, Kris doesn’t really have a “band” anymore since he doesn’t consistently play out lately. Makes sense I reckon. Haven’t seen him for 15 years probably.
 
That’s a packed stage! I went to Riot a few years ago. It’s so large and packed that it can take 45 minutes to use the bathroom, while you miss the music. I did see RTJ and Gogol Bordello which were both awesome. But wasn’t able to see much else because lines.
I coughed up a few extra bucks for the vip tickets for that reason. Figured it would be worth it.

I’m still working on seeing Gogol Bordello! Their shows look so fun
 
I’m still working on seeing Gogol Bordello! Their shows look so fun
Their shows are a blast, I saw them play Stubbs in Austin many years ago. A lot of energy and drinking going on in their shows.

I'm looking forward to Levitation 2025 when I'm taking my two oldest daughters to see Mastodon for a second time and then see The Sword as well.
 
Gonna be a busy week.

Thursday I have Adrian Belew and Jerry Harrison’s Remain in Light show at Webster Hall. This’ll be my third time seeing them do this show, after seeing them in February of 2023 and July of 2024. It’s always the same set, but it’s a truly incredible show so I’m more than happy to keep going each year for as long as they wanna do it.

Friday I have Outlaw Festival at Jones Beach. I caught Outlaw Fest last year at Bethel Woods, so I’ve seen Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan before, but it’ll be my first time seeing Wilco, which has been one I’ve been dying to see for years. Everyone I went with last year though Bob sucked, but I really thoroughly enjoyed his set, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he breaks out this time— I’m all for the deep cuts and new arrangements, so whatever he does will probably be fun to me. I’m not really a Willie listener, but he blew me away last year so I’m looking forward to acquainting myself with more of his material this time.

Saturday I have Lost 80s Live festival at Pier 17. It’s a whole big laundry list of 80s new wave acts (most of which only have 1 or 2 original members, but I’m not picky about that— I’m very much of the Robert Fripp school of a single key member being able to keep the ship of Theseus intact) playing, including A Flock of Seagulls, the Vapors, General Public, and Big Country, among others.

Both Thursday and Saturday are standing-only, and both Friday and Saturday are full-day affairs with doors opening at 3pm and the tests running until 11pm. My feet are already sore thinking about it, and I’ll certainly need all day Sunday to crash and recharge.
 
I was at the train station about to get on the train to the city, but got off at the last second. Bailing on Belew and Harrison tonight. Really bummed about it, but the weather is terrible and I don’t wanna risk getting stuck at Penn station if the flooding makes them halt the trains tonight. Gutted, but I’ve seen them do this show twice already so it’s not the end of the world. Still, in 2023 and 2024 it was probably the best show I’ve seen of the year.

If any of yall are in the city and wanna see Adrian Belew and Jerry Harrison doing Talking Heads stuff at Webster Hall, hit me up. I’ve got 2 tix— paid $130 for the pair after fees and everything. I have them listed on the resale sites, but I’ll let them go to any of y’all for $80 for the pair or make me an offer (money, parts, whatever)— just want them going to someone who will enjoy more than anything else.
 
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