Spotlights – Fear The Riff Expo, Echo Courts, & More!

Bringing Americana to the Mercury Lounge
by Debra Kate Schafer

  From the cold city of Toronto, Canada comes Wild Rivers, a band known for their Americana and their start of the truly memorable “Folk n’ Roll & County Soul” sound. Wild Rivers’ style is so lovely and unique that it seems as though everyone who listens to them becomes an instant fan. Falling in love with this four piece band is something that you will surely do, as have millions of others — seriously, they have over 30 million streams on Spotify due to their immense talent, out of this world songwriting, and kindred spirit. Their can’t-miss tour is stopping in New York City on August 8 and you, too, can get tickets by going to ticketfly.com.

 

Courtesy of the band

Mind-bending Live Music From Impuritan
by Debra Kate Schafer

  The sounds and influences of Greece, Peru, and El Salvador are coming together on August 14 at The Bowery Electric. This experimental rock trio hails from the Bay Area, a place known for cranking out some of the most interesting and talented musicians. Their music focuses on loops, ambient live sounds, psychedelia, and alternative/post-rock instrumentation. Impuritan create live shows that take their sounds and feelings and visualize them to make them more sonic and life-altering than ever. It’s an experience of a lifetime and you can get tickets at ticketfly.com.

 

Courtesy of Nick Loss Eaton Media

Bluegrass, Cowboys, and Dom Flemons
by Debra Kate Schafer

  He’s known as “The American Songster,” was a founding member of the Grammy Award-Winning group The Carolina Chocolate Drops, and now he’s coming to the Hopewell Theater to bring his ‘Black Cowboys’ show to life. The 18-song set has struck a chord in each and every audience member since the tour started in June. Flemons puts on a live performance filled to the brim with history, music, and creativity; for he sings traditional and original cowboy songs, plays revolutionary blues music, and reads poetry. For more information on his August 8 stop in New Jersey, head to hopewelltheater.com.

 

Courtesy of the band

Enter Castle Black in Brooklyn
by Melanie Wedemeier

  Wrapping up their Midwest/Eastern U.S tour, post-punk grunge rockers, Castle Black, will be performing at The Pharmacy in Pennsylvania on August 31, and at Brooklyn Bazaar on September 6. Debuting their fourth studio EP, the gods that adored you, the band not only showcases their signature grunge hooks, but explores new sonic elements and challenges societal norms. More than just an album, the trio meticulously created a work that is reflected within the album title — a lack of capitalization. Castle Black characterizes this album as that: a lack of capitalization, for an improper format is to express their non-conformity to irrational standards. Best said by New Noise Magazine, “the trio seamlessly blends ‘80s punk with the heyday of grunge across powerful tunes that roar with a gritty melody.” Be sure not to miss!

Fear The Riff Expo Comes to Brooklyn
by Melanie Wedemeier

  New York City’s second annual, Fear The Riff Effects, Pedals, and Guitar Gear Expo will be held at the Brooklyn Expo Center on Saturday, August 11. Different from other expos, Fear The Riff attendees are able to test and purchase the latest gear from vendors, including Marshall Amps, Fender Guitars, PRS Guitars, Daredevil Pedals, Ibanez Guitars, Ernie Ball, and more. More than just an expo, industry experts will be hosting panels and demos, artist signings will be taking place, and craft beer, whiskey, and barbeque vendors will be on site. Be sure to look for Zakk Wyde of Ozzy Osbourne, Mark Holcomb and Jake Bowen of Periphery, Eddie Ojeda of Twisted Sister, and John Petrucci of Dream Theater. With a full line-up of live performances coming soon, be sure to grab your tickets before they’re gone: feartheriff.com/tickets.

 

Credit – Jean Luc Swift

Echo Courts Gets Wicked
by Melanie Wedemeier

  Recently slimmed down from a six-piece group to a quartet, Echo Courts explores their new found artistic freedom in their most recent album, Room With A View. Departing from their sunshine ‘60s-esque sound, guitarist Kelly Fahey describes the album as “a refreshed perspective.” As the band toured throughout the region, their songs have evolved to a more seasoned and focused sound. Now touring the East Coast, Echo Courts will be performing at Our Wicked Lady in Brooklyn, NY. For tickets to their August 10 show, visit: ourwickedlady.com.