Hello friends. It's 2025, and Hunnypot is thrilled to be celebrating its 25th Anniversary! Join us as we relive the most memorable moments, well over 500 legendary events and counting. We'll be sharing videos, photos, and classic flyers on our Instagram page. Follow along for all the flashback fun.
Hunnypot is committed to fostering a vibrant community for supervision and licensing professionals, while also introducing you to some of the most talented new DIY artists worthy of your attention. On that note, let me introduce Mystical Joyride!
The band has been featured within the Ecstatic Dance community and played at such Festivals as Lightning in Bottle, Soulplay, and Love Long Beach, as well as featured vocalists like superstar Aloe Blacc and Ghanaian reggae/afro beats artist Rocky Dawuni. They just released their new afro/Indian-house-tinged album House Magic featuring more amazing global artists like QVLN, Evan Hatfield, and Gingee. They provide an unforgettable live experience with positive messaging and dancy vibes.
Mystical Joyride is the genre-fluid Psychedelic World Pop band flying their spaceship between the spiritual and the ratchet; formed in 2015 by married couple Leah and Joel Van Dijk, the band sought to explore Leah’s existential questions with the Wizardry of Joel’s production skills. Leah, born of the musical legacy of The Commodores, and Joel (guitarist for Aloe Blacc and producer for many) put their sounds together to form this new identity.
After their first EP, they added the sensational Bengali singer Arzeen to the band after having him feature on a few of their records and loving the results. Their live set combines electronic music with live instrumentation, sometimes as a duo and sometimes as an ensemble of Joyriders. Mystical Joyride is an experience of contemplation, meditation, and straight-up shaking that ass.
Focus tracks: "Gonna Be Alright", "Get This Fire Started" & "Superpowers"
The Holiday season is here and that can only mean one thing – it’s time for the 29th annual Gary Ho Ho Hoey Rockin Holiday Tour. The hard rock / blues rock guitar icon created his first holiday themed guitar instrumental record in 1995 – Hoey’s balance of classic holiday tones blended with just the right amount of hard rock and metal has created many Christmas classics re-made as well as several of his own compositions. The Ho Ho Hoey Rockin Holiday Tour is as much of a holiday tradition for his fans as are their own rituals.
The 2024 edition of the Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour kicked off in Florida on November 19 and on Sunday night December 22, the last show was played to a capacity crowd at the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Hoey made this year’s tour a true family affair as his son Ian Hoey is also playing guitar and on bass is Mike Dutko who happens to be engaged to drummer Leah Bluestein (who also plays live with Eagles of Death Metal and The Midnight Cowgirls). A bit after 8:00pm the band took the stage and delivered 90 minutes of guitar driven holiday cheer.
The night started with “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and Hoey asked the Coach House How they were feeling and if they were ready for the Ho Ho Hoey Christmas Show and the show was off and running. The Holiday show is just packed with Christmas classics and this year’s band was as tight as ever. There is no doubt Gary Hoey is one of the most skilled and talented players in the music business, but he is also just one of the nicest, most down to earth people you will ever meet and that comes across as he speaks to the crowd in between songs. His son Ian seems to be following very close in his Dad’s footsteps as he demonstrated his guitar skills throughout the night and took center stage on a few leads – its always so rewarding seeing parents work with their children – you could tell Gary was super proud and just having fun.
In addition to all the Christmas music a few Gary Hoey classics were thrown in including “Peace Pipe” and “Linus and Lucy” and Hoey dedicated “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” as well as a few other songs to his late Mom who he was super close with. Hoey also played his new holiday single “Angels We’ve Heard on High”. The rhythm section of Dutko and Bluestein complemented the intense guitar playing and the chemistry between the entire band was infectious and added to the thrill of the show.
The last few songs of the night really took the show to the next level, the Coach House is a seated venue, but all were on their feet at this point with a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire”, a KILLER rendition of “Hocus Pocus” and then “The Star-Spangled Banner” ending with “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”.
If you have never experienced The Gary Ho Ho Hoey Holiday Show – set a reminder now to get tickets for the 2025 version next fall. There is no better way to celebrate the Christmas Holiday than with the extraordinary live performance Gary Hoey and band put on.
Going into 2025 it sounds like Gary Hoey will be a busy man as he has a new album to be released in March 2025, also rumors of a project to be released with Lita Ford and he will be touring with Lou Gramm and then ending the year with more Ho Ho Hoey Holiday shows.
Gary Ho Ho Hoey Holiday Show Set List:
The Twelve Days of Christmas | Deck the Halls | The Little Drummer Boy | The Nutcracker (Sugar Plum Fairy) | Angels We've Heard On High | Peace Pipe | Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree | Winter Wonderland | My Favorite Things | Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas | Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring | Frosty the Snow Man | Still Got the Blues for Christmas | Jingle Bell Rock | The First Noel | You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch | Linus and Lucy | Fire (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover) | God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Greensleeves / Carol of the Bells | Hocus Pocus | The Star-Spangled Banner | Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
On December 17th, Million Miler made his California debut at Genghis Cohen with support from Goldtooth and Brake. All of them are amazing artists. I unfortunately missed Goldtooth, but I got to capture the raw energy that is Million Miler and Brake. Both artists got the crowd excited in different ways. Million Miler is also the debut solo project of lead singer Tom Higgenson from Plain White T’s, aka the band known for the song "Hey There Delilah". The show also celebrated his album release of his debut album TV.
I saw Brake perform a while back at The Shed, and to say he’s gotten better would be the understatement of the century. Brake brings his own blend of charisma, humor, and relatability to all of his performances. Brake’s music isn’t easily defined by one genre, but just imagine Midwest emo mixed with country, alternative, and rock with a lot of ukulele moments, and you’ll get Brake. I also thought it was pretty wholesome how he put his setlist on his hand as well. His smile while performing helped make the energy of the room a happy one. His songs performed that night include "Cigarettes & Black Lipstick", "Like The First Time", "Whiskey N’ Lace", "Dear Everyone", "u jump i jump", and a "Say My Name/Cry Me a River" cover.
During "Like The First" Time, he had the whole audience clapping and dancing along. The whole audience was cheering a good chunk of the time, including during "Cigarettes & Black Lipstick". Brake is also really good at keeping the energy going even during moments when he needs to talk in between songs. The relatability of his music is the kind that people from all different walks of life can connect with. He highly impressed people who were catching him live for the first time, so he’s definitely someone you should check out if you haven’t already.
Now Million Miler, the icon for the night, completely packed the whole space. He performed his new album TV and even had this intro that felt like an older TV commercial ad. It was the kind of set that made you feel like you were going back into the 80s. His music is synth-pop with a nostalgic, playful energy inspired by the 80s. He even had a heart mascot come out at one point. Despite how packed things were, everyone was dancing. The stage was decorated to match the vibes of the set, and there were even heart balloons.
He jumped around the stage like he owned it, and his hand gestures matched the music. He performed his song "Light at the End of the Tunnel" on an acoustic guitar, which I feel made the song that much more emotional. His song "It’s All Happening" will make you feel nostalgic for the bands you grew up listening to. Even his song talking about how this girl wasn’t coming back had a playful energy to it. I really enjoyed how he kept up with the 80s TV-type ads throughout his set. One of the ads talked about believing in a strong connection, and that’s exactly what it felt like the fans have with his music.
He also brought out a bunch of red glow sticks at one point, and everyone was waving them around. The set had an intimate atmosphere that I feel like a lot of stadium shows could not pull off and lack. It felt like one big community. Even if you’re not into 80s or synth music, even if you feel no connection to the 80s at all, Million Miler is the type of artist that it doesn’t matter—you’ll still be dancing to his music anyway. Definitely a completely different vibe from his music with The Plain White T’s, but I’m here for it. One of his songs especially is now stuck in my head.
These were both sets that I swear will live in my head rent-free, and one of the best parts is both artists are incredibly down-to-earth, so you’d find them talking to everyone after the show. Million Miler even had a section where people could leave heart sticky notes that other people would grab. I got someone’s Instagram handle on one of the ones I grabbed. Everyone had a good time, and it was one of those nights that you didn’t want to end. I’m incredibly excited for what Million Miler and Brake do next. In fact, I think a Brake and Million Miler collab song would be a real big hit, honestly.
It was April of ‘92, I was in college at my favorite bar The Lions Den listening to DJ Darryl G spinning on the 1s and 2s when he said you got to hear this new Dr. Dre song “Deep Cover.” I was a huge Dre and NWA fan and was excited to hear his first solo single. And Darryl G said you got to hear this guy with him, I think he’s got some talent (little did we know what Snoop would become), Snoop Doggy Dogg. This song was so good, and Snoop had this super unique sound, but not a gimmick, a unique sound with dope lyrics and flow. Who was this guy? Later that year we got to hear Snoop on Dr. Dre’s The Chronic and then in November of ’93 Snoop released his debut album and hit album Doggystyle. Little did we know at that point that we would get 19 more albums (including a Reggae and Gospel album) from him, that he would become an international star; movies and TV appearances (including a show with Martha Stewart), start a production company, Wrestle at WrestleMania, be involved in political activism, charity work, commentator for the ’24 Paris Olympics for NBC, and so much more; you name it and Snoop has probably dabbled in it. There are not too many people in this word that are relevant to pretty much every age group from 5 to 100 like Snoop is.
This is supposed to be a follow-up to Doggystyle, a part 2, but for those expecting Missionary to pick right up where Doggystyle left off, you will be disappointed. These are not 22 and 28 year old's putting out a debut album, these two have lived a full life, grown in so many ways and are in their 50’s (like me) where life is a lot different. If you go into this with an open mind and are hopeful that two amazingly talented individuals can put out a good Hip-Hop album, you will not be disappointed. Dr. Dre starts us off with “Fore Play” featuring BJ the Chicago Kid, it’s really an intro, but it perfectly sets the tone for this project….”Snoop Dogg makes the world go round, you are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge.” Love the music and sample of the Stylistics “People Make The World Go Round,” but I really wish this was made into a full-length song, it’s that good. Dre’s boombastic beats transitions smoothly right into “Shangri-La.” A great production by Dre, this snaps hard and these are some of Snoops best lyrics and flow we have heard in quite some time. He brings it, we almost forget that he is a really good rapper, but this track reminds us of that right from his first verse. “Outta Da Blue” is a classic throwback 80’s-style beat, and the way Snoop Dogg and Dre go back and forth on this is absolutely awesome. More solid lyrics and flow from both of them and you get that old NWA Dre flow with his lyrics. Next up is almost a two-for-one for the listener, “Hard Knocks.” The first half of the song is reminiscent of Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” with the children’s chorus and flow of the song, but then it slows down a little and we get Snoop just flowing easily through the second half of the song. This song works well but could have also worked as two separate songs.
Another song that Dre takes us back with those 90’s beats is “Gorgeous” featuring Jhené Aiko. Rugged keys flow over that beat for an undiluted West Coast funk sound. Snoops lyrics are solid on this, but honestly what makes this song is Jhené, she sound great on this track. When I saw the next song, “Last Dance With Mary Jane” and who it was featuring, Tom Petty and Jelly Roll, I was intrigued but also thought how is this going to work. Well, Dre made this work and pulled off what I think is one of the better songs on the album bringing us a modern update to ‘93’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” His production is fantastic, and Snoop does a nice job with his flow. I love the Tom Petty chorus and harmonica and while I’m not a Jelly Roll fan (can’t actually tell you any song of his), his style works really well in this song. The catchiest and most fun song is next up with “Thank You.” It's a great West Coast-flavored jam with an awesome sample of Sly and the Family Stone's "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)." I love Snoop's lyrics and he takes us back a few times with some his old school rhymes. “Pressure” comes in next and while it isn’t a bad song, after following “Thank You” it does fall slightly flat. This features K.A.A.N. but even his flow on the chorus is a little flat. Not a bad beat by Dre but it could have been a little more “electrifying.”
One of my favorite tracks, possibly my favorite, is featuring Sting, “Another Part of Me.” Great production from Dre and a really nice flow from Snoop. I love Sting in this, he brings it and I love this Dre, Snoop, Sting combination. Bringing us a silky vocalization, Snoop pours out that laid-back Westside flow over Dre’s production with a variety of strings reminiscent of those 80’s grooves from The Police. Method Man and Smitty join Snoop on “Skyscrappers” and Dre brings us back to that older Hip-Hop flow and another top production, but what this song is all about is three rappers on top of their craft and almost competing against each other on this track. Some great lyrics by all three and that straightforward old school wordplay make this an instant classic. Snoop gave us his alter-Rasta-ego Snoop Lion back in 2013, and while I really didn’t care for that album, maybe because I am a huge Reggae fan, I really only liked “Lighters Up” and “Smoke the Weed” and that was probably because of Mavado, Poopcaan, and Collie Buddz. So, when “Fire” came on I thought, not another Reggae-esque Snoop Lion song. But I love this jam, it’s a nice smooth laid-back groove with some sweet melodic island lyrics from Snoop. Cocoa Sarai gives us a sweet vibe with an irie Rastafarian flow. She is that essential element to complete the song. “Gunz N Smoke” reunites 50 Cent and Eminem with Dre and Snoop, and while not quite as dope as the old days of 2001 or Get Rich or Die Tryin, this is a strong song. While the production is not one of the strongest ones on the album, much like “Skyscrappers” this is about three legends, Snoop, 50 and Eminem, bringing us stout lyrics and vocals. They each take their turn and bring us memorable verses.
“Sticcy Situation” brings us the same idea as “Hard Knocks” with a nice switch-up, but this one feels right as one song. I love the samples of “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistc” (Isaac Hayes), “Tom’s Diner” (Suzanne Vega), and “Raptivity” (Ronnie Gee) by Dre, this song is a masterpiece the way he put it all together. Cocoa Sarai shines again on this track, in fact she absolutely kills it, not only with the hook but also on her verse to end the song. K.A.A.N. brings us a real nice Nate Dogg flow that just takes me back to those early 90’s G Funk era times. BJ the Chicago Kid is perfect on another great track, “Now or Never.” Dre hits us with another nice sample, this time Mobb Deep’s “Survival of the Fittest,” and another solid production. Snoop hits us with some great lyrics, some of the best we’ve heard from Snoop, and then we get Dre on the mic once again, showing us that he’s not only the best Hip-Hop producer but a great MC as well. “Gangsta Pose” featuring Dem Jointz, Stalone & Fat Money is one of those Dre beats that you can’t help but bob the head up and down to. It oozes with that dope, cruising down the street, don’t mess with my energy flow. Good roll from Snoop, changing it up a little throughout the song, and Dem Jointz, Stalone and Fat Money bring this song to the next level, while not huge parts, Dre brings them in just enough. The album is finished off with “The Negotiator” with a great sample of Soul Dog’s “Can’t Stop Loving You.” Not one of the best songs on the album and while I understand why this was chosen as the last song, I actually think “Now or Never” would have been the better choice to finish this off. Snoop hits us one last time with some solid lyrics and a nice flow and Dre finishes off with a solid production.
Hip-Hop has been lacking something for years; meaning, great lyrics, boomin’ beats, dope rhymes, sweet production and intuitive ideas, in my opinion. But over the past few months we have had three (four if you count Dre’s producing) icons stepping back into the ring with some really dope albums; The Force (LL Cool J), Man Down (Ice Cube), and now Missionary. Are these albums as great as my favorites from each of them; Bigger and Deffer, Lethal Injection, Doggystyle and The Chronic, better, no and probably not close, but are they all solid albums, YES! Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre brought us an album, that as my friend Bill just said to me, “it’s growing on me more and more.” Dre has done a fantastic job with the production, including some dope samples along with some great rap flows and Snoop has hit us with some of the best lyrics and vocals since back in the days before he went to No Limit Records. While Snoop has hit international fame and notoriety for so many things other than his music, this album brings Snoop full circle back to the Hip-Hop world and showing the world that he stills got it.
One Love – Todd Judd
Legendary Rock Icons Graham Bonnet and Marco Mendoza Set to Rock the Stage on January 11
On Saturday, January 11, prepare to be transported to the electrifying heights of rock music history as two legends, Graham Bonnet and Marco Mendoza, take the stage for an unforgettable night of pure musical energy. Doors at The Mint open at 7 PM, and this is one event you don’t want to miss.
Starting the evening is Marco Mendoza, the globally celebrated bassist and vocalist whose career has solidified him as one of the most prolific figures in rock. With an impressive résumé that includes working with iconic bands such as Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Ted Nugent, and Journey, Mendoza brings his signature blend of rock, blues, and Latin influences to the forefront. His powerhouse performances combine jaw-dropping basslines, soulful vocals, and unmatched charisma. From original hits to crowd-favorite classics, Mendoza’s set at 9:15 PM promises a wild ride that will leave you craving more.
And then, it’s time for the main event. Taking the stage at 10:50 PM, Graham Bonnet and his band deliver a masterclass in hard rock and classic heavy metal. Known for his soaring, powerful vocals, Bonnet has fronted some of the most influential bands in rock history, including Rainbow, Alcatrazz, and the Michael Schenker Group. With hits like Rainbow’s “Since You’ve Been Gone” and Alcatrazz’s “Island in the Sun,” Bonnet has captivated fans for decades. His live performances, blending timeless classics with fresh material, are a testament to his enduring legacy and unmatched talent.
With ticket options ranging from General Admission at just $25 to intimate VIP experiences like a Booth for up to six for $60, there’s something for every music lover. Whether you’re ready to rock in the crowd or enjoy the show from a table with your crew, this event caters to all.
This one-night-only lineup brings together two icons at the top of their game. Graham Bonnet’s trailblazing contributions to heavy metal and hard rock, paired with Marco Mendoza’s genre-blending mastery, ensure a dynamic night packed with passion, energy, and pure musical genius.
Get your tickets HERE before they’re gone. Music history is being made at The Mint on Saturday, January 11, starting at 7 PM—don’t miss your chance to witness it live!
The Disco Biscuits brought a dynamic close to their fall tour with a trifecta shows on November 22nd and 23rd and 24th, and I was lucky enough to be there to photograph two of them. The first night at the Capitol Theatre in Rome, New York, set the tone with its grand, almost cinematic vibe. The following night at Buffalo’s Town Ballroom brought a raw, intimate energy that only a packed hometown crowd could deliver. These were two of three final shows of the tour that I had the chance to photograph, and there’s something special about that end-of-tour energy—it’s like the band and the fans know these moments won’t come again for a while, so they give everything they’ve got.
The November 22nd show at the Capitol Theatre was magic. The venue itself is stunning, with its ornate details and historic charm, and it felt like the perfect setting for the band’s sprawling jams. They opened with “Magellan,” and from there, it was a masterclass in improvisation. One of the standout moments came in the second set with a seamless transition from “Shem Rah boo” into “Also Sparch Zarathusta.” The band was completely locked in, pushing the music in directions that felt spontaneous and alive. The Capitol’s lighting rig didn’t disappoint either—waves of color and intricate patterns made the music feel even more vivid. Photographing this show felt like a gift; every angle captured a piece of the night’s energy, from the ecstatic crowd to the band in full creative flow.
The next night, November 23rd, brought the tour to Buffalo’s Town Ballroom, my hometown venue. If the Capitol Theater was about grandeur, this show was all about intensity. The Ballroom was packed, and you could feel the anticipation buzzing in the air before the first note. When they opened with a song titled “House Dog Party Favor,” the crowd erupted, and the energy didn’t let up for the rest of the night. The second set featured one of the best jams of the weekend, with “Pimp Blue Rikki” flowing effortlessly into “Munchkin Invasion.” You could tell the band was feeding off the crowd, and vice versa—it was one of those nights where the connection between the stage and the audience felt almost tangible.
Being able to photograph this show in Buffalo was especially meaningful for me. There’s something about capturing those moments of pure joy and connection in your hometown that hits differently. It was also my second time being able to shoot the Disco Biscuits at this very venue. The Town Ballroom’s lighting and intimate setup created a perfect canvas for photography, and the crowd’s energy made every shot feel alive.
These two shows felt like a fitting finale to the tour, at least from my perspective as a photographer. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to shoot the third and final show but I was most defiantly there in spirit. There’s an urgency and excitement that comes with the end of a run—everyone, from the band to the fans, seems to dig a little deeper, knowing the finish line is in sight. For me, it was a reminder of why I love doing this: being part of something fleeting yet unforgettable, and having the chance to capture it so the memories last a little longer.
2024 has been an amazing year filled with some of the best concerts I have been to. From getting to see some of the best up and coming artists like Charlotte Sands, Bailey Spinn, and Senses. To seeing some of the most established bands in the music industry like Def Leppard, Creed, and P!nk. To all the bands in between those levels. But there is always one concert that ends up being the last one you see of the year. For me it was Escape the Fate at the Glass House in Pomona. They were playing three final shows of the year with two being in Arizona, and one in Cali. The Glass House show was the first of their final three shows, and opening the night were some local megastars like Cascade Effect and Tornadic. Fans packed in the Glass House to sing their emo hearts out and rage in the mosh pit one last time in 2024.
The first band I got to experience this night was thrash metallers Tornadic. Within moments of their first song, fans pushed open one of the biggest pits I’ve seen at the Glass House. Tornadic is a thrash metal band, and the fans in the crowd were ready to rage and spin up the pit for their whole set. Vocalist Dylan Castiglione was channeling Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed’s energy with his vocal presence. It also happened to be his 19th Birthday that night, and the band got the whole crowd to sing him Happy Birthday. Guitarist Andres Vaca and JT Sawyer acted as a new form of the terror twins, bouncing riffs back and forth throughout the songs. Drummer River Spijkers was a beast on the double kick, unleashing furious beats that sent the mosh pitters into a frenzy. There tends to be a stereotype that bass players are either the most stoic presence on stage, or they are the most chaotic. Enzo Schifferle embodied the latter. From jumping, to full body head banging, and even throwing in some back bends. Schifferle was all over the place, but never missing a beat. Tornadic even sang us a thrash metal version of the Mariah Carey classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which was a song the moshers probably never thought they would be raging to. Tornadic got the crowd's energy dialed up to 11 and ready to continue rocking out for the rest of the night.
Up next was a band known as Cascade Effect. These guys had a grittier look to them, and I was excited to see what they were about to bring to the people of Pomona. Opening with the tune “My Devil’s Hour,” guitarist Shaun Frude and Alex Peterson played with so much groove to their melodies. Even finding time to throw in solo’s that kept with the flow of the song. Vocalist Dustin Keimig was effortlessly floating between clean melodic singing and guttural screams that unleashed his inner fury. While bassist Bobby Fernandez and drummer Seth Roscamp were locked in with each other, holding up the backbone of the band. Along with the groove metal sound, Cascade Effect carried with them a big bombastic sound and bounce to the music that was infectious to people’s necks. Causing them to bop and headbang to songs like “Squall,” “Embodied,” “Suffering in Silence,” “Fear Romancer,” “Dirge,” and ending with “God Particle.” Cascade Effect was easily the heaviest band of the night, but never felt out of place on the bill.
It was then time to let our inner emo out for the mighty Escape the Fate. As luck would have it, December 19th is also National Emo Day, and the elder emo’s came out to support the band. Vocalist Craig Mabbitt was on top of his game this night, connecting with fans, and singing with such passion. Many times letting the audience take over his vocal duties while he took in our singing and stood there with the biggest smile on his face. He’s been singing with this band for the last seventeen years, and moments like this show he does not take any performance for granted. Lead guitarist Matti Hoffman proves that emo is not a phase, as he embodies the look of a mid 2000’s emo boi. Even playing his guitar with ease and an expression like he could be doing this in his sleep. Rhythm guitarist TJ Bell adds a more aggressive nature to his playing, often whipping his guitar around his body. Bassist Erik Jensen helps provide backing vocals that elevate Mabbitt’s own vocals and adds a dynamic touch to them. While founding member and drummer Robert Ortiz acts like the cool guy at the back of the stage with his sunglasses on in doors. But you can catch him standing and playing or shouting to the crowd, seeing just how much he still enjoys playing his music. Escape the Fate drafted a killer setlist of songs that included so many fan favorites like “H8 Myself,” “Lightning Strike,” “The Flood,” “10 Miles,” “Live Fast,” “Ungrateful,” “Gorgeous Nightmare,” “Low,” “Ashley,” “Something,” “Broken Heart,” and coming out for a three song encore with “Cheers to Goodbye,” “This War is Ours,” and ending with “One For the Money.” With he final song being one of the bands biggest sing a longs, it had the crowd screaming with every last bit of energy they had to give.
This was my final show of 2024, and it was one of the best ways to end my concert season for the year. What helped make this show so special was the people I got to see it with. Some of my best friends like Amanda, whose band has opened for Escape the Fate before, along with Sway and Holli. It was a night of amazing hangs, laughs, making the best memories, maybe a couple drinks, and all of us sing screaming in each other's faces until the music finally ended. When the lights finally came up, I couldn’t be happier than just taking in the show that occurred with the people I was with. There’s nothing like bonding over music and Escape the Fate with these three people was the perfect way to end the year. Here’s to what is to come in 2025.
BIO - GARY HO! HO! HOEY ROCKIN HOLIDAY TOUR
In 1995 Gary Hoey created the first ever full album of rock instrumental holiday classics in his bedroom on an 8-track recorder. His love for Christmas music came from his beloved mother and growing up in Boston set the backdrop for many great holiday memories. Gary’s Ho! Ho! Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour has become a cherished holiday tradition for families and radio stations around the world. His success behind instrumental rock Christmas music started after his version of “The Twelve Days Of Christmas” hit the airwaves with its classical arrangement and metal flavor. The show is a unique fusion of holiday cheer and electrifying rock 'n' roll, masterminded by the virtuoso guitarist. Hoey’s prolific career has spanned over 30 years and 21 albums in various genres. It’s his amazing talent and love for his fans that have made him immensely popular with audiences of all ages.
Hoey’s music is featured in Hallmark greeting cards and "Deck The Halls" which is featured in the movie starring Danny Devito. It has also made him fortunate enough to give back in the process, helping the veterans with clothing drives, Toys for Tots and food drives. Bring the whole family together and celebrate this holiday season as only Gary Ho! Ho! Hoey can.
Discography:
Ho Ho Hoey (1995)
Ho Ho Hoey II (1997)
Ho Ho Hoey III (1999)
The Best Of Ho Ho Hoey (2001)
Ho Ho Hoey; The Complete Collection (2003)
Still Got The Blues For Chrismtas (Single 2013)
Ho Ho Hoey Live In Lowel (DVD 2013)
The Nutcracker Sugar Plum Fairy (Single 2023)
Angels We Have Heard On High (2024)
Every band’s goal is to put out music that holds a special place in fans' hearts. Bands release an entire album of music that they put their heart and soul into, with the hopes that each song resonates with their audience. And though most albums have a few songs that stick with fans for a long time, it's sad to see that many songs can fall to the wayside. Though there are always those albums that each song stands out on its own. You can put that record on and listen to the whole thing front to back without the need to skip a single song. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus’s debut album Don’t You Fake It is one of those perfect albums. Even listening to it today, the whole album still hits. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus held their final show of 2024 at the Parish Room in the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA with support from The Dark. Dedicated fans of the band crammed themselves into this room like sardines for a chance to rock out with them one last time this year.
Opening the night was a band known as The Dark. Now, I have never heard of them before, so I was intrigued to see what they brought to the stage. Right from the start vocalist Craig Johns Jr. stood out with his personality and stage presence. Within moments he was already on the barricade singing into the faces of the fans, making sure they were engaged with the music. Guitarist Alan Ashby wore a fully spiked face mask, giving himself a dark and mysterious energy. You couldn’t help but be drawn into what he was doing on stage. Bassist Nicky G and drummer Derek Vautrinot kept the low end heavy, allowing for the crowd to at least head bang with each song. The Dark made the most of their time being captivating themselves on stage, but also playing music that was accessible to new listeners with songs like “Slip Away,” “Head of the Snake,” “Letting Go,” “In Heaven,” “Shiver,” “Tainted Love,” “Chemicals,” and ending with “Circles.” The Dark is ready to make their mark on the music scene and have a look that can take them far.
Then it was time for our headliner, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. This band has been performing for 21 years, and they continue to show their love and appreciation for their fans, and their fans continue to show up for them. Kicking things off with “False Pretense” I’ve never felt the Parish Room shake as much as it did as fans started jumping and singing with the band. Vocalist Ronnie Winter still sounds as great as he does on their debut album and sings with love and affection that he still has for his music. Guitarist Randy Winter backs his brother up with harsh vocals, while playing those guitar licks we have all air guitared to in our bedroom for the last two decades. Bassist Joey Westwood was lost in the groove of his bassline, as he encompassed his area on stage. Drummer John Espy was all smiles while he kept the beat alive on the back of the stage. Though Red Jumpsuit’s music tends to sound more upbeat and rocking, they did take a moment to slow down the pace with Ronnie handling solo acoustic duty for “Cat and Mouse” and “Your Guardian Angel.” During this moment many fans could be seen swaying in the crowd while accompanying Ronnie on vocals. The shared experience of everyone singing in the crowd added warmth and community to the whole show. While the rest of the setlist had people constantly jumping around with songs like “Waiting,” “Damn Regret,” ‘Home Improvement,” a cover of Blink 182’s “All the Small Things,” and ending with the seminal “Face Down.”
Two decades later and all the music that The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus wrote is still cherished in the hearts of every fan in attendance. We hung on every word that came out of Ronnie’s mouth, singing right there in tandem with him. Don’t You Fake It is a staple post-hardcore/emo album that will go down in history as one of the best in the scene. This was most likely the last concert of 2024 for many fans in attendance and for them this was a great way to send out the year. For those of us that may have another concert lined up before the year ends, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus set the bar high for how a live show should feel and be enjoyed.
The music scene should always be a welcoming place where anyone can find music that speaks to them on an emotional and spiritual level. Many people can get stuck in their ways of listening to the same bands, and only experiencing new music when said bands puts out their latest album. But there are always new bands and artists emerging every day and trying to find their audience. One successful way some new artists have found an audience is through the app TikTok. There is a trend of non-musical TikTokers jumping headfirst into the music scene and using the platform to launch their careers. One of the latest artists to make this jump is Bailey Spinn. So as to not get stuck in only listening to the bands I already love, I wanted to see what kind of new emo and pop punk artists are connecting with the younger generation now. I headed to the Parish Room inside the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA for Bailey Spinn’s Happy Ending Tour, with support from Senses and Glimmers. The front row was lined with girls roughly aged 10 – 12 hanging on the barricade, as well as teens and young adults helped to fill up the room. I knew I was in for a treat seeing emerging bands that have been connecting with the next generation.
Opening the night was a two piece alt pop rock band known as Glimmers. This band consists of vocalist Maggie Schneider and guitarist Alex Downtain. Maggie is a ball of joy dancing around on stage. From her infectious smile to peppy attitude as she sings. While Alex adds the rock flavor to the music. The two could often be seen dancing next to each other with the biggest smiles on both of their faces. You could see the joy that they had getting the chance to perform live every night on this tour, and to all the new people in each city. Glimmers rounds off their sound with bassist Stephen DeFoor and drummer Devin K O’Rourke. Whether you were familiar with their music or not, the entire crowd could be seen dancing and moving to the music. Even seeing the youngest ones in the crowd jumping for joy at the experience of the live music. Glimmers fit as many songs into their set as they could with songs like “False Hope,” “Bad Influence,” “Midas Touch,” “Scared to Lose,” “Bad Romance,” where Maggie even ran into the crowd to sing along with the other Lady Gaga fans, “Back to Hell,” “Not Good At Goodbyes,” and ending with “Jaded.” Glimmers was nothing but a fun show to kick the night off with, and the crowd was amped up for what was still to come.
Up next was the only band I was familiar with prior to this show, that being Senses. I was fortunate enough to see them earlier this year, and they created an instant fan out of me, so I was even more excited to get to see them again when I knew the music. Starting off the night with a high energy song known as “Can’t You Tell.” Vocalist Madison Taylor is probably the most animated person on stage of their entire night. She exudes high octane energy that just pumps up the crowd. Even the kids in the audience could be seen singing along and jumping on the barricade with her. Senses is another dynamic duo with drummer Nick Sampson being the backbone to the band. Not only are his sticks floating around the kit, while tossing some stick tricks in from time to time, but he himself is constantly making faces and being just as entertaining as Madison while stuck behind the kit. Senses also has a guitarist, Jordan Keigher, who helps round out the sound of the band, but Madison herself also grabs an acoustic guitar for a couple songs. Showing just how multitalented of a performer she can be. Senses had the crowd rocking out with songs like “Gonna Make Sure,” “No Fun,” “Every Little Thing,” “Me Against Me,” “Good Luck, Babe,” “Pull me Under,” “Better Than This,” and ending with “Sleepwalking.” Whether feeding the crowd high energy songs or bringing the melody down for a more introspective ballad, Senses captivated every person in the Parish Room.
Finally, it was time for our headliner Bailey Spinn. As the lights dimmed and the intro track played over the speakers, you could see all the young fans in the front row losing their minds with excitement. This reminded me of how happy little girls were when they got to see Britney Spears in her heyday. Before the lyrics to the opening song “Romance is Dead” could be sung, Bailey was already reaching out to her fans on the barricade shaking hands and embracing them. Bailey has amassed 15.6 million followers on TikTok and it was great to see her showing her appreciation to the ones that are transitioning into her music fans as well. A lot of Bailey’s songs have to do with romantic heartbreak and mental health issues, to the point that I don’t know if the youngest fans in the crowd may be able to sympathize with, but the teenagers and young adults certain were connecting with the lyrics of the music. Bailey Spinn also included three cover songs in her set, that of Pierce the Veil’s “Emergency Contact,” Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend,” and Evanescence’s “My Immortal.” With the latter being a challenging vocal song as Amy Lee has one of the most powerful voices in rock. But Bailey took the challenge and created her own beautiful rendition of the piece. Other original songs she performed included “Runner Up,” “Superglue,” “In Loving Memory,” “Front Row Psycho,” “What if I,” “Loser,” “Cheap Motel,” and ending with “Happy Ending.” Bailey Spinn was nothing short of a true performer live on stage, even given how new she is to the medium.
Each and every band to perform on this night brought their new and unique sound to the masses, and the music is fantastic. Glimmers music was filled with pop rhythms and vibes that lifted the energy in the room. Senses is an emo pop punk band to watch, that should already be performing to bigger crowds on their own headlining shows. While Bailey Spinn’s is proving that she is more than just a face on a TikTok video and that she has so much more to offer the world creatively. Each band had a woman singer, and I could only imagine how inspiring these three were to the younger girls in the crowd. If nothing else, these three bands showed the younger generation how much fun live music is, and that they need to go to more concerts. I can already see these kids hit with the concert bug and want to experience this joy more often.
