Fri, 06/07/2024 - 6:38 pm

For the last 20 years, Lake Street Dive has proven to be not only a perfect fixture for Rachael Price to display her instantly recognizable vocals but also a standout in modern pop culture. Forming in 2004 in Boston, they have come a very long way. Spending their younger years inside a dive bar on Lake St. in Minneapolis, the Bryant Lake Bowl inspired their clever and catchy name. This band has been something special since the beginning. They really started to grab the public eye (including my own) with the record "Bad Self Portraits" released in 2014. That groundbreaking album featured some of their most memorable tracks. “You Go Down Smooth” sits at the top of all-time Lake Street Dive singles. The third tune, “Better Than,” is one I’ve always considered a personal favorite. Ten years and a few more albums later, it’s time for us all to experience their next monumental production, "Good Together."

The opening track shares the name of the record and is a perfect opening song. Simultaneously, it’s a flawless mix of what makes this band so good and why we all feel the way we do when hearing Price sing. The album could end there and it would already be five stars. As it rolls on, "Good Together" presents exciting opportunities to dance with those around you and share the great feeling of harmonizing alongside the band.

This album is the first of theirs to benefit from all band members involving themselves in the writing process under the same roof. It’s easy to hear the camaraderie felt while constructing songs such as “Help Is On The Way” and “Party On The Roof.” The lyrics and feel of “Dance With A Stranger” and “Get Around” immediately take you into the crowd grooving to Mike Calabrese’s drum kicks. What is initially apparent on this new album is that the whole band was clicking on all cylinders during its construction. One thing’s for sure: the collaborations, vibrations, and lyrics have reached the mark set by previous recordings.

Lake Street Dive - photo by Backstage Flash

If Lake Street Dive has always made you want to shake and move, then you will be satisfied when you hear the tracks “Better Not Tell You” and “Seats At The Bar.” These types of songs define what all the instrumentalists can really do within the band. You’ll want to move graciously from the bar stool to the dance floor as you hear Bridget Kearney’s eclectic bass lines. And that is exactly why Lake Street Dive’s fan base features so many types of people. It’s tough to rope them into one genre, and that’s what’s truly remarkable about them.

With this release, Price was able to get personal and dive into the feelings surrounding long-lost love from a younger age in “Twenty-Five.” Along with that, she unearthed passages from early journals of hers in the haunting but pride-filled “Walking Uphill.” Finally, the last song “Set Sail (Prometheus & Eros)” takes a page straight out of a Disney number as Akie Bermiss duets with Price over an ensemble of bowed instruments. It comes to a climax that can only make me think of how it felt to watch my favorite characters performing on screen as a child. Either way, the album tops off with a powerful sensation of joy during its fleeting moments.

As a final thought, Lake Street Dive is once again proving that they are at the top of their careers. This album and this tour are truly landmarks for all members. Once it’s over, the world will be left with reminders of what Price and her gang can do. Be prepared for when this album hits the stores and streaming sites. June 21st is so close, and when you get your hands on it, you’ll have a part of musical history. One day, this band will be recognized as one of the greats, if they are not already. For now, you’ll have to figure out when they’re coming to a city near you. These folks are pushing the limits of what’s possible, and you should make sure you catch the spectacle while you can!

Tue, 10/01/2024 - 8:33 am

Lake Street Dive brought their new album Good Together to life in full force at Breese Stevens Field in Madison, WI, on a Tuesday night that felt anything but ordinary. The weeknight didn’t deter anyone from showing up, eager to experience the band’s latest offerings live. They kicked things off with the album's title track, a natural opener that immediately pulled the crowd into the groove. Throughout the night, they treated the audience to every song from the fresh release, sprinkling in some gems from their earlier albums that thrilled the crowd (and me!) alike. One of the standout moments came a few songs in, when they delivered "Better Than," one of my personal favorites, with a special assist from the incredible Katie Pruitt, whose vocals perfectly complemented the band's soulful sound.

Lake Street Dive | Madison, WI

Rachael Price | Lake Street Dive

About halfway through the set, Lake Street Dive shifted gears and huddled together for a more intimate, acoustic session. The result was pure magic, kicking off with the monumental “Bad Self Portraits,” which had the crowd hanging on every note. They kept the surprises coming with a lively rendition of the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back," followed by a soulful Shania Twain cover, delivered with grace by Akie Bermiss. Then, the spotlight turned to Rachael Price, who cleared the stage for a deeply personal solo performance of her song "Twenty-Five." Her heartfelt introduction about the song’s significance brought an emotional weight to the moment, creating a beautiful and moving experience for everyone in attendance.

Lake Street Dive | Breese Stevens Field

James Cornelison | Lake Street Dive

Mike Calabrese | Lake Street Dive

As the set drew to a close, Rachael Price invited the entire crowd to rise to their feet and follow the command of "Dance With a Stranger." No one hesitated, and the field erupted with energy as people moved to the music, some even forging new friendships in the process. They capped off the main set with another crowd favorite—and one of my personal highlights—"You Go Down Smooth." Hearing that song live was the perfect way to tie a bow on an already stellar night. There’s something magical about those timeless classics that made you fall in love with the band in the first place, and this performance only deepened that connection.

Rachael Price | Lake Street Dive

Lake Street Dive | Breese Stevens Field

The band eagerly returned for an encore, treating the crowd to three extraordinary songs back-to-back. First up was a stunning duet between Rachael and Akie, their voices intertwining beautifully in a performance that was nothing short of masterful. They followed with "Set Sail," the final track from Good Together, which was a perfect choice to launch the encore. But the real show-stealer was their beloved cover of Hall & Oates' classic "Rich Girl"—and judging by the way the entire crowd sang along, I’d wager there wasn’t a single person who didn’t know every word. To wrap up the night, they delivered one last crowd-pleaser, "Good Kisser." As one of the first songs I ever heard by Lake Street Dive, it was a special moment to experience it live, a fitting end to an unforgettable show.

Lake Street Dive | Madison, Wisconsin

Rachael Price - Breese Stevens Field

Downtown Madison was truly gifted the night Lake Street Dive took the stage. For me, covering this show was a dream come true. If you’ve never experienced Rachael Price’s voice live, it’s something you absolutely must hear in person—it’s pure magic. Their latest album, Good Together, sounded even more fantastic live than on record, and it's well worth experiencing. So, the next time you hear they’re coming to your city, don’t hesitate—grab those tickets. Trust me, you won’t regret it for a second.

Thu, 10/31/2024 - 8:35 am

For the fourth consecutive year, Madison locals, Armchair Boogie, hosted the best Halloween party in town. On Friday, the 26th, the stage was set. The entire setup, including props and costumes, was masterfully crafted by Schnitzel Bear Studios. The band brought some of their friends to The Majestic Theatre on King Street for an unforgettable night filled with thrills and excitement. Wurk kicked things off with an electrifying opening set, with each member sporting a unique costume. Following them, Henhouse Prowlers took the stage dressed in matching alligator costumes, building the anticipation for the main event. Both openers did an excellent job of warming up the crowd for what the Boogie Boys had in store.

Armchair Boogie | Madison, WI

Armchair Boogie made their entrance in style, donning freshly made swamp-themed costumes. Whether portraying a deep-sea creature or an alligator hunter, each band member looked the part. The show opened with swamp-inspired tunes, featuring classics from their early days and fresh new covers. A highlight of the night was their rendition of “Born on the Bayou,” which fit seamlessly with the evening’s theme. Midway through the set, Ben from Henhouse Prowlers joined them on stage for a jam session featuring “Goin’ Down the Road,” a song often associated with the Grateful Dead. The dual banjo performance was a treat for the audience.

Armchair Boogie | Madison, WI

Armchair Boogie | The Majestic Theatre

The band then transitioned to a selection of Armchair Boogie originals. Fan favorite “All My Friends” perfectly encapsulated the joy of being surrounded by friends at The Majestic. The set concluded with a standout performance of the Smash Mouth classic “I’m a Believer,” evoking imagery straight from Shrek’s swamp. However, the night wasn’t over yet. The band returned for a two-song encore, delivering an energetic “Amos Moses” and finishing with a monumental rendition of “Livin’.” It was the perfect end to an incredible Halloween celebration.

Armchair Boogie | Madison, Wisconsin

Armchair Boogie is truly a sight to behold. Whether performing in costume or not, their shows are always a blast, and they only continue to improve with time. It has been an honor to witness their journey over the years, and I hold deep affection for them as brothers. I highly recommend their music to anyone reading this. Armchair Boogie tours nationwide, so be on the lookout for a show near you. With plenty of studio tracks to choose from, you're bound to find some new favorites. Do yourself a favor and check them out as soon as you can.

Wed, 01/29/2025 - 4:19 am

That’s right. The disco banana went all the way to the Majestic Theatre in Madison, WI on Saturday, January 25th. Your favorite indie-pop-psychedelic-art-alt-dance group, Rubblebucket, brought Year of the Banana to the fine folks of Wisconsin. Whether you already know, that is the title of their newest hit album. YOTB is a monumental record for the masterminds behind Rubblebucket. Alex and Kal put the best of their brains together on this one. They’ve been producing catchy hits since the early 2000s but something about this album feels different. They really pushed the boundaries of their sound and songwriting with the latest release. Stemming from a book of poems Kal wrote a decade ago, Year of the Banana is a masterpiece and must be in your queue if it isn’t already. 

Kal of Rubblebucket | Majestic Theater | Madison, WI

Hello Stella the Begonia! | Photos by Tony Mueller

In my opinion, the new album starts with one of the greatest songs that Rubblebucket has ever made. “Stella the Begonia” is a poppy, feel-good track that gets things rolling along greatly, which is why it also makes a perfect opening song for a set. Everybody at the Majestic that night was beyond happy this was the beginning of their night. The fact that they were even in the building was a miracle. Kal told us quickly that they almost didn’t make it to Madison because of a van failure back in Indiana! We were all truly blessed to be in their presence on Saturday. 

Alex & Kal of Rubblebucket | Madison, WI | 1/25/25

They played pretty much the entire Year of the Banana throughout the show. Alex made sure we all knew the lyrics to the song “Boomerang” before we helped him sing along. You better believe everyone in attendance went all the way during “Go All the Way With Me”. We also received many fan favorites from past albums such as “Lemonade” and “Sweet Spot”. The moment that summed up the entire night for me, though, was when they played “Geometry”. There’s a reason this is one of their most popular songs and I was brought to tears whilst singing along to the beautiful chorus. 
   When you're far out to sea in your personal hill
   Draw a line to me
   And I'll draw a line to you
Let's make geometry
Let's make geometry

Singing, swaying, and maybe even a few happy tears

The show was filled with fun gimmicks and theatrics. There were multiple props involved including, but not limited to, their own instruments. Every moment of Rubblebucket’s performance is filled with something fun to look at or be involved in. Lots of dancing and movement occurred on stage and that made for some great shots. The band brought their own stage display that showcased their best climbing abilities, along with heaps of surprises coming straight out of the massive piece. I can’t even find adequate words to describe what was going on. You’ll have to let my photos do some of the talking. One of the best props they had was their massive disco banana. The shimmering work of art was proudly displayed during the whole encore. 

From van troubles in Indiana to absolute magic in Wisconsin | Rubblebucket

Alex on Parade | Madison, WI | 1/25/25

The concert ended with a parade through the crowd straight to the merch booth. All members of the band stopped along the way and Alex even got up on a stool to play his trumpet above everybody. It made for an extremely memorable moment and I know that everybody there left with a huge smile on their face.

Rubblebucket is only getting better and that is something to be happy about. I cannot wait until the next time I get to see them and if you haven’t already, make sure you put these guys on your radar as I promise you there is something here for everybody. It’s an easy 10/10 for me and I truly cannot recommend them enough. Check out Year of the Banana streaming everywhere you can listen to music. 

Check out more PHOTOS from the show!

 

Wed, 06/04/2025 - 9:21 am

There’s only one place in the world where you can play six completely unique disc-golf courses and see three nights of fantastic music—all over the course of one weekend. Write down these dates, because you don’t want to miss this one: July 10–13, 2025 is when it’s going down at the beautiful Highbridge Hills Disc Golf Megaplex in Wisconsin. This plot of land truly has it all. Not only does it feature six beautifully groomed disc-golf courses, but there are also plenty of places to set up camp and enjoy the weekend of fun-filled activities. This festival is completely family-friendly (including your K-9 companions!). Come and enjoy workshops, yoga, vendors, bonfires, food, and much more all weekend.

Highbridge Hills Jamboree - photo by Glasseye

The lineup speaks for itself—headliners include Keller Williams, Armchair Boogie, and Squeaky Feet, along with many other outstanding acts. This is truly the best lineup they’ve put together to date! This is not a festival you should miss. Even if disc golf isn’t your passion, you’ll surely have a blast—who knows, maybe this will be the weekend you discover your new favorite sport! Make sure you stay up late for the bonus sets each night; it looks like a few bands may have some tricks up their sleeves as well.

Armchair Boogie | Photo by Tony Mueller

photo by Glasseye

Highbridge Hills Jamboree - photo by Glasseye

So we know the music will be great, but let’s not forget about the discing. Each day will showcase a different course during tournament play. There are five total rounds, including a glow round. Play for trophies, plenty of prizes, and cash, of course! There are three divisions: A, B, and Women. Expect ace races, skills contests, and much more disc-golf fun all weekend long. Highbridge Hills is home to two pro-level courses—the Gold Course and the Bear Course. Come see what your arm can handle on these monsters: nine holes will be available on Gold, and the Bear is considered the hardest course in Wisconsin. On the grounds there are also three beginner-to-mid-level courses that prove to be both exciting and challenging—Granite Ridge, Blueberry Hill, and Woodland Greens are sure to be a fun test for any disc golfer. Lastly, the newest course in the Highbridge family is the Playground, a small par-2 layout designed to sharpen your short game. Whether you’re warming up or cooling down, this is a great little play-through.

Catch yours truly taking photos, playing disc, and taking in the vibes

photo by Glasseye

Boogie On! | Photo by Tony Mueller

So it’s settled: you’re going to make the trek to northern Wisconsin and have the disc-golf weekend of your life. Highbridge Hills is a place that everyone who has ever thrown a Frisbee needs to visit at some point; it’s truly a bucket-list destination. This may be your best opportunity yet to experience it. Everyone who has walked these grounds knows how special they are—there’s really nothing like it in the world, and so much heart and soul go into making sure every guest has the best weekend possible. Mark your calendar and go show some love to the HH family. Hope to see you there!

Wed, 06/25/2025 - 4:16 pm

There’s something undeniably special about a weekend tucked away in the hills of Driftless Music Gardens, and this year’s Bonfire Music & Arts Festival was no exception. From June 12 – 14 in Yuba, Wisconsin, music lovers gathered under sunny skies and starry nights for three days of pure, unfiltered joy. With a fantastic lineup headlined by Railroad Earth, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, People Brothers Band, and Heatbox, the weekend became one long, beautiful jam session. Each evening was punctuated by laughter, hugs, dancing, and sunset shows that felt pulled from a dream.

Bonfire Music & Arts Festival

Feed the Dog | Bonfire Music & Arts Festival

Heatbox | Bonfire Music & Arts Festival

The fest kicked off Thursday night with a warm welcome from the land itself. Rolling green hills cradle the grounds, and the weather played nice all weekend. The vibe was light, open, and buzzing with excitement. Feed the Dog got the groove flowing early, blending folk, rock, and Americana with jam-band improvisation. Next up, Heatbox unleashed his signature beat-box wizardry and hilarious comedy, packing the set with those “you had to be there” moments that longtime fans know so well.

Horseshoes & Hand Grenades

People Brothers Band

Night 2 featured bands many consider family at DMG. Horseshoes & Hand Grenades had everyone singing along during a perfect golden-hour set. Sun Stereo followed with a performance nobody should have missed, and People Brothers Band delivered a show equal parts heartfelt and high-energy—truly a family reunion in musical form. Salty Dog then closed out Friday’s fun on the Campground Stage in style.

The Foxgloves | Bonfire Music & Arts Festival

Sugar Lads | Bonfire Music & Arts Festival

People Brothers Band | Bonfire Music & Arts Festival

Saturday brought the most anticipation, and the whole day was filled with heavy hitters. The Foxgloves opened, and Sugar Lads followed with one of the weekend’s most entertaining sets. As the sun dipped behind the hills, People Brothers Band stepped into the golden-hour glow and delivered a second set that felt like storytelling in stereo. After a tent-jamboree from Mr Blotto, the main headliner, Railroad Earth, took the stage. Their mix of bluegrass, Americana, and jam-band magic cast a spell over the valley—people swayed, arms around friends, hearts wide open. It was everything the crowd had hoped for.

Todd Sheaffer | Railroad Earth

Every band brought homegrown charm and a deep love for music, grounding the weekend in the spirit that makes Bonfire special: connection, release, and a reminder of what it means simply to exist. Nothing compares to sitting around a Driftless bonfire at the end of a festival day.

Bonfire Music & Arts Festival

Bonfire Music & Arts Festival

Between sets, festivalgoers lounged at campsites, danced in the grass, blew bubbles with kids, and wandered between food trucks and art installations. Everywhere you looked, smiles bloomed, spontaneous hugs erupted, and strangers became friends. Bonfire kicks off the legendary summers at Driftless Music Gardens—so be sure to catch one of their many upcoming shows and festivals this year. Don’t miss out!

Dilly Dally Alley

Bonfire Music & Arts Festival

Bonfire Music & Arts Festival

Spooklights | Bonfire Music & Arts Festival

Long Mama | Bonfire Music & Arts Festival

Lavendar Project | Bonfire Music & Arts Festival