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Forecastle Festival 2017

Forecastle Festival   

July 14-16, 2017

Louisville, Kentucky

Review: Belinda Vasquez

Photos by: Tony Vasquez of Vasquez Photography

 

Cage the Elephant at Forecastle Festival 2017 in Louisville, KY. Photo by Tony Vasquez

The Forecastle Festival on the Louisville water-front in its 15th year featured headliners Odesza, LCD Soundsystem, and Weezer. The range of music that could be enjoyed over the three-day festival ranged from hip-hop to EDM, folk to indie rock.

Louisville’s Twin Limb opened up the festival Friday afternoon on the Mast Stage. The three piece featuring Lacey Guthrie, Maryliz Bender, and Kevin Ratterman played through some audio technical difficulties like true professionals. The Quiet Hollers another Louisville based band opened the 91.9 WFPK Port Stage. The bands sound was a blend of alt country and indie pop. The Los Angeles based band, Chicano Batman electrified the crowd with their blend of Latin, and 70’s soul. Cage the Elephant lead by the dynamic Matt Shultz are no strangers to the festival. Matt was dancing all over the stage in his full green suit. It was a shame their set suffered from a busted speaker since the Bowling Green, KY band was trying their best to entertain the crowd.

Repeat Repeat at Forecastle Festival 2017 in Louisville, KY. Shot by Tony Vasquez.

Saturday’s lineup was up and going on the Port Stage with the Nashville, TN based band Repeat Repeat. The trio featuring front man Jared Corder, drummer Andy Herrin, and keys/vocalist Kristyn Corder played an energetic set performing the single “Girlfriend’ off of their unreleased new lp Floral Canyon. Be sure to catch the band as they tour with Beach Slang in September. Over on the Mast Stage, Sturgill Simpson performed a blistering rendition “It Ain’t All Flowers” and his genuine cover of Willie Nelson’s “I’d Have to Be Crazy” was unforgettable. The New York duo Phantogram of Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel had the crowd bobbing their heads to the electro trip hop rhythmic beats.

Sunday was off to fast start with the indie pop band Coin. Their high energy and fun musical hooks was an excellent start to the final day of the festival. Under the interstate on the Ocean Stage STRFKR along with help from their astronaut dancers opened their set with “Tape Machine” and performed one of my favorite tracks “Open Your Eyes.” Later in the set, they performed their version of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” capturing the overall feeling of the weekend. The Austin, Texas band, Spoon who has been on tour with their recently released Hot Thoughts LP delivered a great set on the Boom Stage. Lead singer Britt Daniel’s recalling being at forecastle the same year the Flaming Lips were there when they dedicated a song to the band. The setlist included songs from several of their albums. Some personal highlights were “I Turn My Camera On” off of Gimme Fiction and “Do You” from They Want My Soul.

The evening was finally cooling down as the sun was setting on the blistering hot day. You could feel the excitement in the air as the crew was setting up the stage for Weezer. The crowd ranging in age from young to old raised the hands in the shape of “W’s.” The sky filled with glow sticks, as the party atmosphere of the crowd was awe-inspiring. The crowd could be heard singing along with “Hash Pipe,” “My Name is Jones,” “Buddy Holly,” and the cover of Outkast’s “Hey Ya!” It was a bittersweet ending to the festival and weekend.

PHISH destroys Madison Square Garden 7/30/01

Words and Photos by Roger Patteson

Photo Credit: Jesuis Aimee

So far, the only thing repeating over the course of the Baker’s Dozen run has been a very significant, well played, superbly executed night of music, anticipation, and excitement.  And, doughnuts, of course.  The longtime, iconic symbol of the band has now made it’s way into full fledged branding with its 13 show/13 doughnut theme.  Adding to the usual assortment of fan garments and Fishman’s mu mu donning the circle, we’ve been blessed with a different flavor and style of actual food each night spawning not only a theme for the show, but also free doughnuts being passed out to those who got in line early and were inside the venue once doors opened.

Night 8’s style was a traditional cake doughnut with white icing and sprinkles…errrr, jimmies. Let the arguments fly.  Is it “jimmies” or “sprinkles”? Is it “doughnuts” or “donuts”?  Philadelphia based Federal Donuts, supplier for each night of Phish’s tasty treats, prefers “jimmies” and “donuts”.  And, being a fan base rich in theory, lore, hype, and obsessive assumptions, consumers of the Bakers Dozen quickly chose ‘jimmies” as it coincided quite well with the idea of a Harpua showing its face.  Among fans, it’s widely known that Trey has a fondness for Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page and there’s a certain Runaway Jim that had not been played yet since the first show of the NYC run, so the rumor and conviction mill was buzzing loudly way before the doors opened.

Keeping up with a ferocious momentum that began the first night in Chicago ’17, BD8 would set the bar even higher.  A solid combination of big set openers, newer originals, new covers, dance party material, and rare gems was soon to be digested.  Runaway Jim crushed and Story Time did, in fact, occur wherein Jimmy stated he did not want a goldfish AFTER the entire Garden crowd was given a large dose of cocktail knowledge on the universe and how it is actually shaped like a doughnut.

After 30+ years of making incredible moments in time, Phish still has it.  They’re still developing it.  They’re still getting better; tastier each night.

SET 1: The Curtain With > Runaway Jim, Waking Up Dead, Esther, Home, Brian and Robert, Nellie Kane, Colonel Forbin’s Ascent > Fly Famous Mockingbird > David Bowie

SET 2: Drowned > A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing , Harpua > Also Sprach Zarathustra[1] > Golgi Apparatus, In The Good Old Summer Time

ENCORE: The Wind Cries Mary[2]

[1] With donut references.
[2] Phish debut.

 

 

Sloss Music and Arts Festival 2017

Sloss Music and Arts Festival 2017

Review and Photos by: Caspian Roberts

Saturday, July 15 I once again ventured up to Birmingham, Alabama to spend the weekend at Sloss Furnaces for their 3rd annual Sloss Music and Arts Festival. This year’s lineup headlined with Widespread Panic on Saturday and Alabama Shakes on Sunday, with tons of other great bands scheduled throughout the weekend. I was fortunate to photograph Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires, Spoon, and Widespread Panic on Saturday, followed by  Judah and The Lion, Phantogram, Sturgill Simpson, and Alabama Shakes on Sunday.

Saturday began as a lovely day full of sun and fun, with the large crowd ready for another great year. I first went to Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires. While Charles Bradley may be 68 years young, he stunned the crowd with some of the best dance moves I have ever seen. His soulful, funky music was contagious to the crowd, and Charles coerced the crowd into dancing along with him. His set was a testimony to what he believes in; that music can change the world. He talked to the audience as if we were all part of his family, and he shared intimate stories with us. Charles Bradley was diagnosed with stomach cancer last year in 2016, and it is truly a blessing that he has continued on with his music, touching all those who can hear it. Next up on my to-see list was Spoon, an American rock band from Austin, Texas. Spoon has taken quite the following in the indie crowd lately, with hit songs including “Hot Thoughts,” “I Turn My Camera On,” and “Can I Sit Next to You.” While Spoon was performing, and I was dancing along to “I Turn My Camera On,” I felt several rain drops hit my head, and looked up to see ominous clouds rolling in. I took shelter under the bridge and enjoyed the rest of his set in safety. The rain continued to pour for several hours, until it finally (sort of) cleared up for Widespread Panic’s set. I was able to cover Widespread at 420 Fest earlier this year, and it was great to be able to do so again at Sloss. Their set began with “Old Neighborhood,” and went into one of my, and the crowd’s, favorites “Chilly Water.”

 While taking pictures, I felt all of the beer, water, and other various drinks being thrown up in jubilation to the song. Their set was full of crowd favorites, including “Porch Song,” into “Space Wrangler,” which the band jammed out to for a while. Their set continued with “Honky Red,” and they closed the show and Saturday out with “Climb to Safety.” Saturday was rainy and muddy, but was beautiful none the less.

Sunday began with a message from Sloss fest that said the grounds may still be a little muddy, but no one cared as we all entered the venue ready for the second and final day of the festival. The first band I covered was Judah and the Lion, who felt particularly happy to be playing in Birmingham. They introduced themselves and told fond stories of playing all over Birmingham while they were a growing band, and were thrilled to be playing there once again. Their blend of bluegrass, alternative rock, and folk is infectious and entices you to jump and dance around. They played their hit songs “Suit and Jacket,” “Take It All Back,” and also did a great cover of “Mr. Brightside.” Next up was Phantogram,  an American music duo from Greenwich, New York, formed in 2007 and consisting of Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel. Their electronica brand of music brought quite the crowd, and was a pleasure to sit back and listen to. Next was Sturgill Simpson, an American country music and roots rock singer-songwriter from Jackson, Kentucky. His soulful set was amazing to witness, as he poured his soul into the music he sang and performed. He did a great rendition of Rihanna’s “Desperado,” which was quite a pleasant the surprise to see. Finally was the last band of the weekend, Alabama Shakes. Alabama Shakes is an American blues rock band formed in Athens, Alabama in 2009. The band currently consists of lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard,

guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell, and drummer Steve Johnson. Brittany payed great homage to Birmingham, and all of Alabama, dedicating the set to the state where she and the band began. Their soulful blues and southern rock sound fit perfectly to the environment we were in, and everyone sang along to their hit songs including “Future People,” “I Ain’t The Same,” and “Don’t Wanna Fight.” They encored with my favorite song “Sound and Color,” and perfectly closed out yet another great year at Sloss Fest.

 

This was the third annual festival for Sloss, and also the third year that I have attended. Each year has been fantastic, and I look forward to going again next year. This is a great environment for people of all ages, and I highly encourage anyone, near or far, to come check out Sloss Music and Arts Festival in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

Umphrey’s McGee

Umphrey’s McGee

with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

July 22, 2017

Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park

Indianapolis, IN

Photos by: Tony Vasquez of Vasquez Photography

Photo Gallery: Umphrey’s McGee

 

Setl 1: Jekyll & Hyde, Phil’s Farm, Wellwishers, No Diablo, North Route, Blue Echo, Red Tape, Wife Soup

Set 2: Bridgeless, Ocean Billy, Kimble, FF, Draconian, Bridgeless

Enocre: August

 

Widespread Panic at Red Rocks 2017, Studio 54 Gets Greased.

 

Words and Photos by: Phil Santala

Studio 54 as, it was known, happened Sunday at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It was Widespread Panic’s 54th consecutive sold-out show at Red Rocks. This year has seen a shift for the band, and many of the fans. Gone are the days of 30 and 40 show summer tours. This summer finds the band holding court at a few select festivals and multi-night runs. At least for now John Bell has stated that the band is “trying it on for size.” What the future holds for touring is unknown to all at this time.

The worry might be that given such limited engagements over such long stretches that the band might not be as cohesive on stage. Over the course of 3 shows in Colorado none of the multitude of fans I spoke with shared this concern or thought after Friday’s 1st set. The opposite seemed to be true. The band seemed as tight as ever, perhaps the best they have sounded during the Duane Trucks era. They sounded fresh, well rested, and ready to ride till the last note fell. Numerous die-hards commented that JoJo Hermann seemed to be lighting the keys up all weekend, while others felt they had never seen bassist Dave Schools smile more on-stage. John Bell was of course the consummate John Bell. The steady captain and cool leader that he has become known to be.

The speculation as to where the weekend run would take us was blown out the window after chord one of night one’s first song. “Postcard” opener?! The band would show that not only were they rested and ready to play, but that all bets were off all weekend. They also are no longer constrained to the proverbial “what have we played for 3 shows.” Sure Postcard has opened shows, even the storied 2011 Red Rocks run. But still, wherever it does, you know you’re in for a hell of a time. The often seen 1st set opener “Let’s Get Down to Business” seemed to further this point as a second set opener. Other standouts from the opening night included a “New Speedway Boogie” rap by Dave during “One Kind Favor” and the Machine>Barstools and Dreamers.

 

Saturday’s show featured a eloquent rendition of the Bob Dylan classic “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.” In it’s 9 appearance at a Panic show, this ballad does well. It pairs nicely with JB’s whiskey-smooth growls and gruffs. It allows the full range of his baritone to tenor to be shown. Earlier in the set a “Walkin’”, without it’s distinct pause, capped the Colorado mandated “Surprise Valley” sandwich. The encore Saturday night really lit the engines, almost literally. 4 massive Disco balls had graced the stage for the Studio 54 run. Coming out the the encore break they would be put to good use. A recorded video with audio of a rocket launch shook the stadium as the band came back onstage and launched the venue into orbit with a “Disco> Low Spark> Tie Your Shoes> Low Spark.” Jaws hit the floor, feet hit the air, whiskey ice wasn’t the only thing being melted.

Sunday was the day of bust outs. The 1st set the boys took “Galleon” back off the shelf. Still just as smooth as ever and showing no signs of rust or age after 1,092 shows gathering dust. It sounded so good I heard people commenting: “I don’t know why they ever put that one up on it.” Not to be outdone by themselves Panic wedged an “E on a G” onto “Last Dance.” during the second set. Another 2001 shelved song, this one 1,052 shows ago. It worked wonderfully as a musically interlude to the Neil Young song. Normally I find that song played late enough during an encore or second set that it has found it’s way into what is technically your “monday morning” already. This time, with the early Sunday shows at Red Rocks, you’re far more likely to “make it home by sundown, feeling that the day is through as you return back to where you come from.”

But before you wake up in the mornin’ Widespread had one last bust out to take break off. The band returned to the stage for the encore with the Studio “54” numbers behind them. A closer look at the members had found a pretty distinct wardrobe change had taken place. Every member of the band, including Edie Jackson, had changed into a black shirt with white “GREASE” emblazoned on it, with “Home Team” and a picture of the late-great Col. Bruce Hampton on it (You have to assume Jimmy  Herring had his on, under the top unbuttoned button of his long sleeve). Grease you ask, WTF is that? Is it a reference to the Late Col. Bruce Hampton’s Band: Hampton Grease Band. Sure is! But it’s more than that. Grease, you see, it’s a way of life. An attitude about living…and music…and well death. In 2014 the late Hampton said: “See, our main ambition in life aside from growing a bosom on top of our heads is to die on stage and when we die on stage that will be when we ultimately reach Grease.” Poster artist printers at Ruby Sue worked up the shirts for the band and the crew. The band put them on and launched into the most fitting tribute possible. The last bust out of Sunday was the last full song the Late-Great-Grandfather of Jambands ever sang/played before he greased his way off of this mortal coil and into the cosmos beyond. In it’s 1st appearance since 7/8/2003, 955 shows ago, the band absolutely killed the Cream song: “I’m So Glad.” John Bell and could not have done any better. 52, no 54 shows into their tenure at Red Rocks the band showed why they are always ready to ride. The stalwart encore song “Can’t Find My Way Home” closed out the run. I’m a huge fan of this cover. John Bell’s vocals are always shine thru on this, and the song sums up so much. Sorrows and hardships, big joyous sounds and low rumbling waves, window panes and open roads. Widespread Panic carries us, their fans through it all. They do it for themselves, because it’s what they love to do. But in doing so they do it for us as well. Man, do they do it for us! When we’re tired of weeping, tired of moaning, tired of being wasted, tired of not finding our way home they remind us of all that is possible. To be glad, to be sad, to be so far from home, yet so close to it. Cheers to finding your way home!

Full Photo Album can be found HERE

Wheels of Soul Tour 07-05-2017 Wolf Trap, Vienna Va.

Wheels of Soul Tour 07-05-2017 Wolf Trap, Vienna Va.

Hot Tuna ~ The Wood Brothers ~ Tedeshi Trucks Band

We arrived at Wolf Trap to be greeted by some of the kindest Park Police that you’d ever want to meet and that set the tone for what was about to be an amazing evening of great vibes and great music!

Jorma Kaukonen said: “What an honor to be playing with Susan & Derek and The Wood Brothers”!

Oliver Wood said: “Every night is just a little bit different, that’s pretty magical and inspiring to us”!

These comments, made by the musicians themselves, speaks volumes about what the audience had the pleasure to experience. The show began with Hot Tuna playing a rocking 7 song opener to get everyone’s blood flowing.
01. Ain’t In No Hurry

  1. I See The Light
  2. Day To Day Out The Window Blues
  3. I Can’t Be Satisfied
  4. Roads And Roads And
  5. Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man
  6. Hit Single #1

This was basically a hometown show for Jorma and Jack and that, in and of itself, adds to the positive vibe of their performance. However, it was obvious by all of the musician’s interactive smiles throughout the evening, that this vibe was way deeper than just a homecoming!

Jorma’s playing and singing were right on point. The fans’ expectations were exceeded by his vocals and precise and awesome guitar work. Then there is Justin Guip on drums. Justin’s drum skills were not only there to keep the tempo, they really added to the excitement of the performance.

And then we come to Jack Casady, consistently one of the best dressed bass players to ever come out of the San Francisco scene! Jack’s decisive bass came through at all of the crucial moments, rhythmically and harmonically, to solidify the musical marriage of this entire project! The energy of these three musicians on stage was just electrifying!

 

Next Up ~ The Wood Brothers

Oliver Wood – Guitar and Vocals, Chris Wood – Bass and Vocals, and Jano Rix – Drums, vocals (and anything else that makes noise)

  1. Keep Me Around
  2. Shoofly Pie
  3. Sing About It
  4. Payday
  5. One More Day
  6. Spirit
  7. Postcards From Hell
  8. Honey Jar

Often called “The Masters of Soulful Folk” there is no question in my mind why Derek & Susan chose The Wood Brothers to join them on “The Wheels of Soul” tour! For over a decade Chris and Oliver Wood played very different music, in very different bands, and as a result of that, they did not see each other much at all! Chris was playing Jazz and Exploratory Music with Medeski, Martin, and Wood. Oscar was performing with Tinsley Ellis, while also writing songs and performing in his own band King Johnson. In 2005, Oscar was invited to sit in with his brother in Medeski, Martin, and Wood. After that show they both knew that they needed to be playing music together. In 2006 they released their 1st album “Ways Not to Lose” and they have been winning ever since! Their charismatic presence and chemistry is sure to captivate you.  It certainly captivated the Wolf Trap audience and really set the stage for the Tedeschi Trucks Band to come on next!

It was only a short 7 years ago that the Tedeschi Trucks Band was formed and 8 of the 11 original band members are still in the band today! Today the band consist of:

Susan Tedeschi – lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar (2010–present)

Derek Trucks – lead guitar (2010–present)

Kofi Burbridge – keyboards, flute (2010–present)

Tyler Greenwell – drums, percussion (2010–present)

  1. J. Johnson – drums, percussion (2010–present)

Mike Mattison – harmony vocals (2010–present)

Mark Rivers – harmony vocals (2010–present)

Kebbi Williams – saxophone (2010–present)

Tim Lefebvre – bass guitar (2013–present)

Ephraim Owens – trumpet (2015–present)

Elizabeth Lea – trombone (2015–present)

Alecia Chakour – harmony vocals (2015–present)

This type of longevity in a band that tours as extensively as they do, is indicative of a relationship more like family than anything else. While on stage, the playful interactions and smiles from everyone were infectious throughout the entire venue!

 

  1. I Want More
  2. Do I Look Worried
  3. Midnight In Harlem
  4. Don’t Know What It Means
  5. Get What You Deserve
  6. How Blue Can You Get
  7. Will The Circle Be Unbroken
  8. Bound For Glory
  9. Key To The Highway  (Hot Tuna Sits In)
  10. I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free)
  11. The Storm >
  12. Whipping Post
  13. E: A Song For You (Carey Frank on Keyboard and Susan Sings)
  14. You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere  (The Wood Brothers Sit In)

               As the set began with amazing force, “I Want More” into the more soulful “Do I Look Worried” and “Midnight in Harlem” I began to wonder… where did this keyboardist come from? Who is he? Who is Carey Frank?

As the set continued the band began to take a turn down blues alley with a great version of “How Blue Can You Get” and when they started to play “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” which was the song that just recently concluded the service for Gregg Allman’s funeral, my heart began to ache! “Bound for Glory” began to lift the spirits… and then they invited Hot Tuna out to sit in on “Key To The Highway” which quickly became a highlight for many! Watching Derek and Jorma on guitars, and Susan and Jack’s smiles and interactions, you could not help but love this!

The set ended with a gripping rendition of “The Storm” going into “Whipping Post” where Derek became one with the spirit of the music! An awesome tribute to Gregg Allman! But it did not stop there. As the crowd cheered for an encore, Susan and Carey Frank returned to the stage to perform a beautiful version of Leon Russell’s “A Song For You” and then the entire band returned along with the Wood Brothers to end the show with “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere”!

Now let’s review some things that really had me thinking:

June 20th the news hits; Kofi Burbridge has suffered a heart attack! (I hear that Kofi is now doing much better and is on the mend!)

July 1st is the first show on the “Wheels of Soul Tour” is scheduled!

I was so impressed with lots of things during this show. I was completely enamored by all of the smiles and the feelings of love! It really impressed me when Susan came out alone with Carey Frank to perform a song. I was so curious that I contacted Carey to find out how he knew Susan and Derek, because obviously they were connected somehow! When I asked Carey, much to my surprise, this is what he told me: “I got a call less than a week before this tour to last minute sub for Kofi while he recovers. I didn’t know them at all but I have been a huge fan for years. The bassist, Tim and I know each other through his girlfriend, who’s also a keyboardist. They got me into the hat for the gig and then my videos on YouTube and Facebook were my audition.

Then I had 4 days to learn all 60 TTB songs by ear with no sheet music. And now, here I am!”

This, to me, is The Wheels of Soul!

 

Thank You to all who were involved in making this night so special and thank you to the staff at Wolf Trap for such a great vibe!

Peace & Blessings,
Stuart Dahne

 

Here is what some of the attendees had to say:

“Once again TTB shows why they are the best band on the road today. Add in a smoking Tuna open and some fun Wood Bros and you have a great night. I was curious to see how they would be without Kofi and they shone.” ~ Andre Moshenberg

 

“A highlight of the evening was the powerful jam “Key to the Highway” with Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady.” ~ Roland Ray

 

“Your soul and mind were brought to a higher ground from the opening notes of Jorma/Jack/&Justin to last one by the TTB.  Those who made the trip to Wolf Trap saw an incredible night faces were plastered with smiles despite the dreadful wind and rain.” ~ Jason Greenberg

 

“Dancing in the rain rolling down the Hill! Ha” ~ Kathleen Prugsawan

 

“Loved the show. The whole night had a great energy from all 3 bands.” ~ Dave Howard

 

 

Solid Sound Festival 2017 Review

Solid Sound Festival

June 23-25, 2017

MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts

Photos by: Tony Vasquez of Vasquez Photography

Review by: Belinda Vasquez

Full Gallery: Solid Sound Festival 2017

The fifth biennial Solid Sound Festival featured three days of music, art, comedy, and activities for kids on the grounds of MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. MASS MoCA was once a factory complex that was transformed into one of the largest centers for contemporary art in the United States back in 1999. The large mill buildings with their history of fabrication and spacious courtyards all nestled in the Berkshire Mountains provided the perfect setting for the festival.

June 24, 2017, Day two of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

The museum staple exhibitions ranged from the Wall Drawing Retrospective by Sol LeWitt to the Tree Logic by artist Natalie Jereijenko, which is on display prominently outside the main entrance. Also on display over the weekend included works by James Turrell, Tanja Hollander, Robert Rauschenberg, and Chicago artist Nick Cave. Cave’s work entitled Until was astounding in scale to witness in person.

June 23, 2017 Day one of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

The weekend’s musical lineup included two headlining performances by Wilco, their side projects, and a variety of acts hand selected by the band. Friday was kicked off with Nick Offerman introducing Nancy and Beth, which included his wife Megan Mullaly and Stephanie Hunt. Brother’s Dave & Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones followed them on the main stage on Joe’s Field.

The crowd could be heard all afternoon conversing about the special evening that was in store. The band has made it a staple of doing something special on the opening night of the festival. In 2013, they performed an all-cover set of songs that were submitted by fans, and in 2015 the band did an entire acoustic concert. So keeping in tradition, they performed the band’s 1996 sophomore release, Being There, which was audience chosen. As if that wasn’t special in its self for an encore they played the critically acclaimed Yankee Hotel Foxtrot in its entirety.

June 23, 2017, Day one of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

Saturday was the most heavily attended day of the sold out weekend. Festival goers had plenty to choose from which helped the overall experience. There was a full lineup of comedians at the Hunter Center along with Pop Concerts occurring at various locations within the galleries if someone wanted to cool off from the heat.

June 24, 2017 Day two of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

Jeff Tweedy collaborated with Darin Gray and Chris Corsano of Chikamorachi in the new building 6 for an experimental noise session. Pat Sansone and John Stirratt had play dates with some lucky children on the Gunnar Schonbeck’s instruments. Kacy & Clayton and Joan Shelley both had an intimate pop-up concert in the art galleries.

June 24, 2017, Day two of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

Kurt Vile and the Violators performed a great opening set before Wilco took the main stage. Their Saturday night set started off with “At Least That’s What You Said” off of the Ghost a Born. Tweedy joked that the band wasn’t going to play the whole album, but that they did play that song on purpose to make the audience wonder. Unlike the first night, Tweedy was way more talkative which provided some great banter moments. The band played a more standard set with a few rarities such as “A Magazine Called Sunset,” “Can’t Stand It,” and “Candyfloss.”

Sunday was a heavy lineup of Wilco’s side projects. The Nels Cline Four performed a stimulating set in the outdoor courtyard. Drummer Glenn Kotche’s group On Fillmore played with a sextet. The band blew away the mostly standing crowd with “Illusionismo da Arvore da Cerebracao” off their new album Happiness Of Living. The Autumn Defense played the album Circles in its entirety ending their set with an epic Love cover of “A House Is Not A Motel.” Mikael Jorgensen performed in the Hunter Center with James Merle Thomas as Quindar. The group’s audiovisual performance, which included film archive footage from NASA, was a mesmerizing electronica experience.

June 25, 2017, Day three of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

The day concluded with a performance by Tweedy and friends. It started off with the band Tweedy, and then a solo performance with Jeff. Then the entire Wilco band and friends joined the stage to perform various covers. The special set included Sammy Tweedy’s Solid Sound debut, which he sang Graham Nash’s song “Military Madness.” The conclusion came with a Band cover of “I Shall Be Released.”

Wilco and MASS MoCA have created a unique festival that goes beyond the music. Its theme is rooted in a community which encourages us to inspire one another.

June 25, 2017, Day three of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dispatch

Dispatch 

with special guest Guster

June 28, 2017

Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park

Indianapolis, Indiana

Photos: Tyler Muir 

 

Ghost

Ghost

with special guest

Royal Thunder

June 14, 2017

Louisville Palace

Louisville, KY

Photos by: Tony Vasquez of Vasquez Photography  

Full Gallery: Ghost

 

Setlist: Square Hammer, From the Pinnacle to the Pit, Con Clavi Con Dio, Per Aspera ad Inferi, Body and Blood, Devil Church, Cirice, Year Zero, He Is, Absolution, Mummy Dust, Ghuleh/Zombie Queen, Ritual

Wilco Schmilco Tour

Wilco with

Kacy and Clayton

WTTS Presents

Indiana Farmer’s Bureau Insurance Lawn

Indianapolis, IN

Photos by: Tony Vasquez of Vasquez Photography 

Entire Photo Gallery: Wilco

Setlist: Ashes of American Flags, Normal American Kids, If I Ever Was A Child, Cry All Day, Company In My Back, I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, Art Of Almost, Pickled Ginger, Sunken Treasure, Someone To Lose, War On War, Via Chicago, Impossible Germany, We Aren’t The World (Safety Girl), Box Full Of Letters, Theologians, I’m Always In Love, Heavy Metal Drummer, I’m The Man Who Loves You, Hummingbird, The Late Greats

Encore 1: Random Name Generator, Jesus, etc., Locator, Spiders (Kidsmoke)

Encore 2: California Stars (with Kacy & Clayton)

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