Live Shows, Artist Spotlights, and Music Photography Tips & Advice
Samantha McKaige talks her Levitate Festival debut, her new album, and a surprise Sting obsession
At this year’s Levitate Music Festival, Samantha McKaige and her band brought a mix of raw earnestness and offbeat charm to their set. They then carried that same energy straight into a backstage conversation that veered between heartfelt reflection and Sting karaoke.
Lily Fitts isn’t just “Getting By.” She’s taking over
Lily Fitts didn’t set out to be a musician. Not really. She was studying microbiology and biochemistry at UMass Amherst. An aspiring doctor with a dog named Duncan and a guitar that mostly stayed off the stage. Music was her escape. A coping mechanism. A hobby.
Now? She’s coming off a headline show at Hyde Park, has just released her debut album Getting By – of which Duncan himself graced the cover – and she’s gearing up for her first sold-out U.S. tour.
Grace Bowers and Gary Clark Jr. light up the lawn at Shelburne Museum
Leave it to Ben & Jerry’s to host a concert that hits every sensory pleasure point. Free ice cream? Check. Golden hour lighting against a backdrop of Vermont’s green mountains? Check. A double bill featuring one of blues rock’s reigning legends and its teenage heir apparent? Big check.
Green River Festival 2025: Good vibes, great bands, and a slight chance of heatstroke
Incredible headliners Mt. Joy, Courtney Barnett, and Waxahatchee anchor incredible music festival in Western Massachusetts, the Green River Festival.
Coral Moons open Green River with a certified BBQ banger and a side of gwummus
The birds were singing backup.
It’s the kind of detail you’d think was poetic license if you hadn’t been there. But as Coral Moons opened this year’s Green River Festival with a breezy, soul-tinged set, actual birds chirped in harmony above the Back Porch Stage.
The Weeknd at Gillette Stadium
It was a Tuesday night in Foxborough. But you’d never have guessed that from the crowd rocking inside Gillette Stadium.
OK Go: Confetti, confetti, and some more confetti
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be inside a snow globe during a technicolor blizzard, OK Go’s show at The Royale last night had your answer: pure, euphoric chaos. The Chicago-born band transformed the downtown Boston venue into a sensory playground of confetti, crowd banter, and joyful absurdity.
Briston Maroney and Peach Pit Co-Headline a Rain-Soaked NYC Night
Peach Pit and Briston Maroney braved the rain and brought the magic to NYC’s Pier 17 with harmonicas, ponchos, and a skyline-streaked encore you had to see to believe.
Foldable Chairs and Indie-pop Flares: Samia and Raffaella Light Up Boston
On May 21, Samia brought her “Bloodless Tour” to Boston’s House of Blues, delivering a performance that blended intimacy with a bit of indie-pop flair. The venue buzzed with anticipation, and the presence of the majority of Boston’s photography scene let those in the know understand they were in for something special.
Cheekface Brings Quirky Charm to The Sinclair
On a vibrant Saturday night, Cheekface transformed The Sinclair into a haven of indie rock eccentricity. The sold-out venue buzzed with fans spanning generations, all eager to partake in the band’s unique blend of humor and melody.
Southern Charm and Powerful Stories: Maggie Antone Delivers at The Sinclair
Maggie Antone’s arrival at The Sinclair in Cambridge on her “Rhinestoned” tour felt less like a typical concert and more like an intimate evening shared among close friends. Known predominantly for her meteoric rise on TikTok, Antone made it abundantly clear that her artistry translates impressively from screen to stage.
FLO and Chxrry22 Bring R&B Revival to Boston’s House of Blues
On a Monday night that felt more like a Saturday, Boston’s House of Blues was packed wall-to-wall for FLO’s “Access All Areas” tour. In five years here in Boston, I’ve never seen a line stretch that far down Lansdowne Street (and even spilling over onto Brookline Avenue a good bit). The energy inside matched the anticipation outside, a fully sold-out crowd ready for a night of R&B and partying.
JoJo is Right Where She Wants to Be
Two decades after her breakout, JoJo proves she’s not just still here. She’s thriving, and finally calling the shots.
A Night of Enchantment and Drama: Cloe Wilder and Spencer Sutherland at Brighton Music Hall
Last Saturday evening, March 22nd, Brighton Music Hall was more packed than I’ve ever seen it. I was shocked, as I wasn’t too familiar with the headliner, Spencer Sutherland, and only recently familiar with opener Cloe Wilder. Turns out, I was in for a treat in what turned out to be my favorite show of the year so far.
Moody Joody proves why openers deserve your attention
Boston’s House of Blues has been facing some stiff competition since MGM Music Hall opened just down the street, but Thursday night’s show was a reminder of why this venue remains a cornerstone of the city’s music scene.
Grace Enger and Jake Minch delight fans at Cambridge’s Sonia
On Wednesday, March 5, Grace Enger and Jake Minch performed to a sold-out crowd at Sonia in Cambridge. Fans lined up hours before the show, eager to experience this anticipated event.
Lauren Mayberry forges her own path at The Sinclair
Performing in front of a packed house at The Sinclair, Lauren Mayberry proved she is more than just the voice of CHVRCHES. On the latest stop of her Vicious Creature Tour, the Scottish singer-songwriter embraced the intimate setting of the sold-out venue, delivering a performance that was both raw and electrifying.
Cyn makes triumphant return at NYC’s Mercury Lounge
After a five-year hiatus from live performance, Cyn returned to the stage on January 15, 2025, transforming Mercury Lounge into an intimate celebration that felt more like a homecoming than a comeback. The Lower East Side venue provided the perfect setting for an artist whose authenticity shines brightest in close quarters.
Family, Stories, and Song: Lawrence's New Year's Eve at City Winery NYC
For a band known for their high-energy shows with an eight-piece lineup, Lawrence demonstrated the versatility of their songwriting with two stripped-down New Year's Eve performances at City Winery NYC.