BANDED

WHERE ARTISTS AND FANS BAND TOGETHER.

KALEO Captivates Empire Live in Albany

Madison Scisci

That feeling when you’ve been waiting for a show to start and the lights go out is like no other. The air in the room shifts and all you can hear is your own heartbeat.

Icelandic rock band KALEO, which you may know from their most notable hit, Way Down We Go, kicked off their MIXED EMOTIONS tour this month. Fans of all ages buzzed with anticipation as they packed into Empire Live in Albany, NY. The night started out mellow and focused. It quickly progressed into a high-energy set that knocked everyone off their feet. Lead singer and guitarist, Jökull Júlíusson (JJ Julius Son) had these old soul and gritty vocals that reverberated around the room.

One of the more memorable moments was when the band’s keyboardist, Thorleifur, brought out his harmonica and walked to the front of the stage to play for the crowd. It was unexpected and everyone lit up with excitement.

If you get the chance to see KALEO live, prepare to feel every beat and note in your bones. This is more than just a concert, it feels like a soul-stirring shared experience that stays with you long after the encore.

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Alt/rock band, Edgehill, opened for KALEO at Empire Live in Albany on August 5th with an electric set that had the crowd dancing from start to finish. They played their newest single, Doubletake, which was a relatable tune about the confusion of being young and not knowing who you are. Their passion was prominent for every song and their energy was contagious. Between the guitar solos and powerful belts, this was a show Albany won’t forget.

Don’t miss KALEO on tour! View dates here.

A cozy evening with Young the Giant At Woodstock's Bearsville Theater

Madison Scisci

If you’ve seen Young the Giant before, you know that no matter where they play, it’s an intimate and spiritual experience that leaves you feeling whole again. On July 15, fans gathered at Woodstock’s Bearsville Theater for a preview show launching their In the Open tour. Throughout the evening, the band answered questions about life on tour, upcoming albums, and how their songs have evolved over the past decade. The performance was transcendent from beginning to end, evoking a deep emotional response from everyone in the room. This is a band you see once and then never miss again.

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Mirador Captivates at Sold Out Show in Detroit

Rebecca Potzner

In the middle of downtown Detroit, a line swirled around Saint Andrew’s Hall. Dressed in pirate garb, fans waited to see the musical odyssey that is Mirador. 

Co-founded by Jake Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet and Chris Turpin of Ida Mae, Mirador is a four-piece band harnessing the spirit of rock 'n' roll, blues, and folk traditions. Joining Kiszka and Turpin are Mikey Sorbello on drums and Nick Pini on bass and keys. 

For a band with absolutely no music released, the connection was instant. The show was sold out and it was clear the crowd knew they were witnessing something special.

So, what do they sound like? Mirador’s sound is gritty and cinematic. Kiszka and Turpin’s voices blend so harmoniously, it feels like something straight out of a dream. They’ve evoked something timeless without sounding derivative. It’s blues for the modern age, rock with a backbone of folklore, and a kind of haunted soul that lingers well after the amps go quiet.

As a fan first, I find myself utterly captivated by their songwriting and the way their harmonies intertwine. It feels almost beyond words. This is what live music is meant to stir: fire in the soul, ache in the heart, truth in every note. To be in the year 2025 and witness a band breathe such life into the bones of blues and rock 'n' roll is truly something to behold.

This was just one stop on their first headlining tour, but if this show was any indication, Mirador is a band to watch closely.

The story contines to unfold….. 

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For ticket info, visit MiradorBand.com

PHOTOS: Lissie At Ludlow Garage in Cincinnati

Rebecca Potzner

The incredibly talented singer-songwriter, Lissie, played an intimate acoustic show at Cincinnati’s Ludlow Garage on May 1, 2025. No backing band, just her and her guitar. It was a beautiful evening listening to her belt out songs spanning her career.

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Disturbed, Daughtry, and Nothing More Pack Out Heritage Bank Arena

Rebecca Potzner

Celebrating 25 years of The Sickness, Disturbed are out on tour with one hell of a bill. Nothing More and Daughtry open up the show leading up to Disturbed’s two sets featuring The Sickness in it’s entirety plus their greatest hits.

Cincinnati was lucky # 13 on the run, but the tour is still well on it’s way! Check the dates here and catch them on their next stop.

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Like what you see? Follow Becks on instagram.

PHOTOS: Explosions In The Sky at Old National Centre in Indianapolis

Aaron Doster

Check out photos from Explosions In The Sky’s show at Old National Centre in Indianapolis.

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Dream Theater Brings Prog Perfection to Brady Music Center

Rebecca Potzner

Fans of all ages dawning their Dream Theater tees, made their way into downtown Cincinnati on March 19th for Dream Theater’s sold out show at Brady Music Center. 

Celebrating their 40th anniversary as a band, they treated each city to about 3 hours of pure Dream Theater. No openers. One intermission. Pure prog metal bliss. It was an unforgettable night of technical brilliance, emotional depth, and sheer musical power. From the start, the band showcased why they’re the undisputed titans of progressive metal. 

With the anniversary celebration came Mike Portnoy’s return to the band, a celebration in its own right. What a treat to witness the drum powerhouse that is Portnoy alongside John Petrucci’s flawless guitar work. Jordan Rudess brought pure magic to the mix on the keys, John Myung on the bass, and James LaBrie on vocals. 

I couldn’t help but notice throughout the show both Petrucci and Portnoy acknowledged the two younger men rocking out front row. Simple and genuine gestures like that can make fans for life and open the genre to a whole new generation.

This was my first time experiencing Dream Theater live and I hope it wasn’t my last. 

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PHOTOS: Stephen Wilson Jr. Is On Fire - Plays Sold Out Show in Cincinnati

Rebecca Potzner

Stephen Wilson Jr. brought his sold out tour to Bogart’s in Cincinnati on March 6th. Check out photos from the show below.

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PHOTOS: Baby Metal Sells Out The Andrew J Brady Music Center

Rebecca Potzner

Japanese kawaii metal band, BABY METAL, played a sold out Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati this past weekend. The venue was packed with fans who sang along and rocked out with the band with incredible enthusiasm. Check out shots from the show below and scope out tickets for upcoming tour dates here.

PHOTOS: Asking Alexandria + Memphis Mayfire play Cincinnati

Rebecca Potzner