Author Archives: Special to TVD

WORDS AND IMAGES: SEAN McKRACKEN | Picture this: the sun dips into the Pacific, a rum punch sweats in your hand, and somewhere on the lido deck, WAR rips into the opening notes of “Low Rider” while eight thousand fans, arms in the air, belt every word back at the band. That is not a daydream. That is a Tuesday on the Old School Cruise, and after sailing back-to-back voyages this past April, I can tell you with full confidence that this is the most fun you can legally have on a boat.

At the end of April, Concert Cruise Events ran back-to-back sailings of the Old School Cruise—the first, a three-day trip to Ensenada, and the second, a five-day run to Cabo San Lucas. Between the two cruises, roughly 8,000 fans were partying and soaking in one of the most unique music experiences around. By the time the gangway closed on the second sailing, most of us were already plotting how to get back on board for the 2027 voyage.

As you board either of the two cruises, the trip kicks off with a party in the Atrium where cruise staff pass out rum punch so everyone can start the party off right. As we pulled away from port, WAR launched the cruise with every hit they’re known for, including “Low Rider,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” and so many more. Later that night, Lisa Lisa, Heatwave, Bloodstone, Club Nouveau, and The Intruders kept the party going late into the night. The final show of the evening was a fun, intimate set with Big Mountain.

The next morning started early with the Funky Brunch, where the Mike Torres Band played covers while everyone tucked into mimosas and ocean views. Daytime sea-day performances included Club Nouveau, who were joined by nine-year-old Oliver Kai—a kid who absolutely killed a cover of Prince’s “1999.” Other old-school favorites that played that day included Lighter Shade of Brown, Bloodstone, and many more.

Day three of the first cruise was the stop in Ensenada. Things kicked into high gear later with The Miracles, followed by Keith Sweat in front of a crowd that was packed wall to wall. The rest of the night rolled on with sets from WAR, Trinere, and more.

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WORD & IMAGES: MATT MARTINEZ | Sick New World returned to Las Vegas, NV, for its third official installment, after an unfortunate cancellation of last year’s festival. Sick New World is a heavy metal festival that favors the nu metal and industrial side of the genre, featuring approximately 50 bands performing across four stages in a single day, with nonstop music and excitement. Metal fans descended upon Las Vegas for another year to raise heavy metal hell in Sin City.

Doors opened at 10 am for fans to enter the festival grounds, and we were held in one of the main food court areas for a short while while they finished setting up. While we waited, stilt performers and The Street Drums Corp performed under the iconic welcome arch to keep fans entertained before the music started. At 11 am, the ropes dropped, and fans quickly ran towards the stages they planned to camp at for the entire day, to be as close to the headliners as possible.

The four stages, all featuring the bands, were the Green and Purple Stages, which were our headline stages, as well as two side stages, the Diablo and Spiral Stage. Kicking off the entire festival was Los Angeles locals Speed of Light on the Purple Stage. I was fortunate to see them a couple of years ago on a small club stage in LA, and I was excited to see the recognition they were getting, being trusted to open the entire festival.

The Diablo and Spiral stages featured continuous bands and were positioned so that the music from one stage never overpowered the other. The Diablo stage features the heavier side of Sick New World, with hardcore, beatdown, and metalcore bands sending fans into an intensely raging circle pit throughout the day. Some of the featured acts included Flatwounds, Showing Teeth, The Dark.FM, Bloodywood, Norma Jean, Speed, Sunami, Health, Terror X Pain of Truth, Wage War, Poison The Well, and closing out the stage was Underoath.

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WORDS AND IMAGES: TODD JUDD in HARRISBURG, PA | Three acts, one sold-out room, and a night that had absolutely no chill from start to finish. Tobyraps set the tone early—a rapper doing push-ups mid-verse will do that—before Artikal Sound System locked down the room with thick riddims and Logan Rex’s powerhouse vocals, leaving the crowd in disbelief. Then Ballyhoo! did what Ballyhoo! does best: delivered their signature chaotic, high-energy party that reminded everyone in the building exactly why live music is worth every penny.

The night’s music kicked off with Tobyraps (real name Ryan Tobbe), and I’ll admit I hadn’t heard his music before. That quickly changed. Toby is a rapper, songwriter, and motivational artist from Cleveland, Ohio, known for his upbeat, community-focused music and freestyle skills. His style has been described as Lil Dicky meets Watsky, and that comparison fits well.

He had the crowd engaged from the start—dropping push-ups, sit-ups, and sprinting across the stage while delivering his verses. His energetic performance and playful flow made him the perfect warm-up for what would become a great night of music.

Next up was Artikal Sound System (A.S.S.). Chris Montague, Fabian Acuña, and Christopher Cope came running onto the stage with a hilarious, choreographed dance to the cheers of the crowd. At the same time, Adam Kampf stepped behind the drums and Logan Rex strolled onstage as the band launched into “Self Sabotage.”

I’ve seen A.S.S. twice before, both times at festivals—Cali Vibes and Reggae Rise Up—so I was excited to experience them in a more intimate venue like XL Live. The question was whether their high-energy festival performance would translate into a smaller room. It absolutely did.

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WORDS AND IMAGES: DANA WALSH in AUSTIN, TX | The air was electric, the crowd buzzing with anticipation, and the stage set for an unforgettable evening. Billy Strings brought his signature blend of bluegrass mastery and heartfelt storytelling to ACL, delivering a performance that felt as intimate as a front porch jam session and as grand as a theater spectacle.

From the moment the first note of “Ridin’ That Midnight Train” filled the room, the audience was transported into a world of raw emotion, impeccable musicianship, and a connection that only live music can create. This wasn’t just a concert—it was an experience, a celebration of music, memories, and the magic of being present in the moment.

Billy Strings playing at ACL was a night to be remembered. Just arriving at the show was an experience all on its own, but the music he and his band delivered, along with the way the show was set up, was nothing short of spectacular in the most simple, down-to-earth kind of way. It didn’t matter where you were in the theater; it felt as though you were sitting across from them in his living room or on his front porch while he and his buddies were having a good time playing music. It felt free and personal at the same time.

Before I arrived, I already knew there would be a large crowd waiting to get in, and I was right. Except, they weren’t just people waiting for a show; I would have to say that most, if not all, were hardcore Billy Strings diehards. Of any show I have ever gone to in my life, I saw more pure joy and excitement than I have ever witnessed. It was beautiful and so exciting to be in that vibe.

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WORDS AND IMAGES: DANA WALSH IN AUSTIN, TX | Joe Bonamassa’s set at ACL Live flowed effortlessly, moving between loud, gritty, electrifying numbers and slower, more introspective, deeply emotional moments. But one thing remained constant: the music moved you. Surrounded by fellow blues-rock enthusiasts and musicians, all soaking up every note, it was easy to feel part of something bigger. Whether sitting or standing, everyone seemed fully immersed in the moment. It felt good—really good—to be there.

The night had it all: warmth, soul, and a musical pulse you could feel in your chest. If you were looking for a show that lifts the spirit and gets you grooving, this one delivered in full force. As someone who isn’t originally from Austin, nights like this remind me how lucky I am to live in a city where live music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a way of life. Every show feels like opening an extraordinary gift, and tonight’s performance was every bit as captivating. Music is alive in Austin in a way that feels constant and rare; it is the heartbeat of the city.

Being given the chance not only to attend the show but also to photograph it and write about it genuinely blew me away. Everything about the night felt as though it was meant to be. Despite forecasts of rain, the weather was perfect—cool air, a gentle breeze, and a clear sky. From leaving home to settling into my hotel afterward, the night flowed seamlessly.

Joe opened with “Breakthrough,” the title track from his latest album. The song bursts to life with bold, driving guitar, keys, and a tight rhythm section, combining to create a vibrant, catchy groove. His clear, confident vocals carry an uplifting message that immediately draws the listener in. A highlight was when Sue Foley joined him for “See See Baby.” She’s a powerhouse, and watching them trade energy on stage was electrifying, creating one of the night’s standout moments.

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WORDS AND IMAGES: DANA WALSH IN AUSTIN, TX | It was a night of nostalgia, energy, and pure joy as Devo and The B-52s took the stage at Germania Amphitheater in Austin. From the stormy build-up to the electric atmosphere inside, the evening was a rollercoaster of emotions that culminated in unforgettable performances by two iconic bands that helped define an era. Whether you were there to shimmy to “Love Shack” or lose yourself in the chaotic brilliance of “Whip It,” this show was a celebration of bold, unapologetic music that still feels as fresh and fun as ever. Curious how the night unfolded? Let me take you through the highs, the surprises, and the moments that made it magical.

Let me set the scene. The drive to the venue was a stormy adventure—rain on and off for nearly an hour and a half. When I finally pulled in (a solid three hours early), the sky looked ominous, heavy clouds rolling with flashes of lightning in the distance. Dread started to creep in, but I tried to stay hopeful.

About an hour before showtime, the storm hit full force. Then it stopped. Then it threatened again. So, we all waited it out in our cars, refreshing social media for updates. I got a text saying the show was delayed and that they’d keep us posted. A little relief, but still that nervous “what if” feeling. Half an hour later, I noticed a few people walking toward the stairwell where we were supposed to enter. I got out and crossed the lot to check with security. I’d barely been standing there thirty seconds when someone came over the guard’s radio: “They’re letting people in.”

Instant excitement. From our spot, you couldn’t see the main entrance, so it felt deserted—like maybe the storm had scared everyone off. Nope. Once inside, the place was packed. The air was electric, the crowd buzzing with relief and anticipation. The speakers blasted tracks straight out of my high school years, and the nostalgia was real. The anticipation built, and I couldn’t help thinking how much The B-52s and Devo had really helped shape that era. They were bold, bizarre, and utterly unapologetic about being different. We could use more of that today.

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WORDS AND IMAGES: TODD JUDD IN HARRISBURG, PA | Hirie’s Phases Tour Phase III kicked off with an unforgettable performance at XL Live in Harrisburg, PA, delivering a night of sweet island reggae infused with love, positivity, and vulnerability. The show was brilliant on so many levels, blending upbeat rhythms with deeply personal lyrics that took the audience on a journey of resilience and growth—with a killer setlist that seamlessly wove together fan-favorite classics and fresh tracks from her latest album, Phases, Hirie and her extraordinary band created an energetic and emotional atmosphere that had the crowd singing, swaying, and smiling all night long.

The evening began with an electrifying set from Mr. Mota, a Colorado-based band that brought a unique fusion of reggae, rock, grunge, and blues. Their feel-good anthems, such as “Touch the Sky” and “Stuck in ‘82,” had the audience grooving from the start, while new tracks like “On My Mind” showcased their evolving sound. Frontman Max’s versatile voice and Rosen’s standout guitar work made their performance unforgettable.

Next up was Wilmington, DE’s own Signal Fire, whose laid-back, rootsy reggae vibe set the perfect tone for the night. With Sean’s soothing vocals, Kenneth’s impressive drumming, and Tristan’s mesmerizing saxophone solos, the band captivated the crowd and built anticipation for the main act.

When Hirie finally took the stage, the energy in the room was electric. She opened with “I’m High,” a track from her new album, setting the tone with smooth reggae rhythms and her effortlessly chill vocals. The crowd was immediately hooked, swaying and singing along as she transitioned into “Boom Fire” and “Elevation.” The connection between Hirie and her fans was palpable, with the audience belting out lyrics and dancing to every beat.

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WORDS AND IMAGES: CODY CRULZ IN LAS VEGAS, NV | Under the crisp Las Vegas sun, the When We Were Young Fest 2025 brought together fans of emo, punk rock, and hardcore for a day of unforgettable performances. With four stages and a lineup of iconic bands, the festival was a celebration of the music that shaped generations. From emotional anthems to chaotic pits, the day was packed with energy, nostalgia, and moments that will live on in fans’ memories forever.

The day kicked off at the Ghost Stage with The Amity Affliction, whose anthems of heartache and resilience energized the early crowd. Singer Joel Birch delivered raw emotion, giving fans hope through their powerful lyrics. Over at the Main Stages, The Story So Far brought their signature blend of Pop Punk and angst, with Parker Cannon leading the crowd in a cathartic singalong.

Yellowcard followed, delivering summer anthems like “Ocean Avenue” with Ryan Key’s soaring vocals and Sean Mackin’s iconic violin melodies. Their set was a core memory in the making, perfectly capturing the festival’s nostalgic spirit. Simple Plan kept the energy high, playing hits like “Addicted” and “Welcome to My Life,” while surprising fans with Travis Clark of We The Kings for “Where I Belong” and a Scooby-Doo-themed performance of their iconic theme song.

Taking fans back even further, The Starting Line transported the crowd to the early 2000s with their Drive-Thru Records-era classics. Closing with “Best of Me,” their set was a heartfelt reminder of the band’s pivotal role in shaping the Pop Punk scene.

The energy shifted as Knocked Loose unleashed mayhem on the crowd. Bryan Garris’s piercing vocals and the band’s crushing breakdowns turned the pit into chaos, culminating in a wall of death that left no one unscathed. Meanwhile, All Time Low brought a lighter vibe to the Seven Eleven Stage, celebrating the release of their new album Everyone’s Talking. With hits like “Weightless” and “Dear Maria, Count Me In,” plus a guest appearance from Blackbear for “Monsters,” their set was a highlight of the day.

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