Two Sasami’s exist in harmony. First is Sasami Ashworth, the conservatory-trained classical French horn player, producer, and composer—an artist with a studious approach to craft. And then there is all-caps SASAMI, the fearless performer and protagonist of her three increasingly audacious albums. For Blood On the Silver Screen, these two sides fused for her most epic and realized music to date: the all-out Sasami pop record. “This album is all about learning and respecting the craft of pop songwriting, about relenting to illogical passion, obsession, and guiltless pleasure,” Sasami says. “It’s about leaning into the chaos of romance and sweeping devotion—romanticism to the point of self-destruction.”
After establishing herself with the poised melancholia of her eponymous 2019 debut, Sasami embraced volume and control on 2022’s Squeeze, but her goal on Blood On the Silver Screen was to speak her truth with conviction by singing. Working with producers Jenn Decilveo and Rostam, with Sasami as sole writer, each Blood On the Silver Screen track viscerally captures a different thread of love, sex, power, and embodiment. “Pop music is like fuel,” Sasami says. “It’s just invigorating.”
She came to that fact while training to tour Squeeze—shows that required her to run around with her Mockingbird guitar, mosh, leap off amps—at the gym. Sasami found herself fascinated by the high-octane music that sustains physical activity. “The gym became this place where I would exercise and be studying the music,” Sasami says. Eschewing today’s pop zeitgeist, Sasami gravitated towards late aughts and 2010s pop a la Britney Spears’ Femme Fatale and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way, plus Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Sia. She was influenced by modern country storytelling, mixing vulnerability with humor, and the mood board also included Prince, Japanese city pop, and the stadium-sized, denim-clad iconography of Bruce Springsteen.
“I wanted to go all out with this album,” Sasami sats. “I wanted to, in my tenderness and emotionality, have the bravery to undertake something as epic as making a pop record about love. I hope it makes people feel empowered and embodied, too. It’s important to not box yourself in.”
Sasami is making heavy metal that you can to meditate to
[Dazed] The LA-based artist talks to Dazed about growing up in a cult, Carly Rae Jepsen, and her aspiration to one day make ‘swoooosh plinky pop’ Text Halima Jibril I was meant to see Sasami live in 2022 when she opened for Mitski at her Laurel Hell Tour at the Roundhouse in London. An hour late for the show, my […]
Sasami Embarks on an Epic Quest for Love on New Song ‘Honeycrash’
[Rolling Stone] The track marks the Los Angeles-based musician’s first release since her acclaimed 2022 album, Squeeze By Jon Blistein With a guitar as “my sword and my steed,” Sasami puts it all on the line for love on her massive new song, “Honeycrash.” In a statement, the Los Angeles-based musician described “Honeycrash” as an attempt to “write a […]
Opening portals to higher realms has long been the meandering path of experimental pop artist Mood Killer (they/them) culminating last year in their debut album “ABRACADABRA.” Bursting onto the effervescent LA scene in 2019 with pioneering EP “Liquify”, Mood, aka Michael Zarowny, quickly drew in a circle of collaborators and fans across the pop and alt spectrum, crafting a pioneering and unique blend of theatrical electronic pop and mystical panache.
Their EP “Solidify” saw collaborations with Slipknot’s SID, The Garden’s Enjoy and Pussy Riot amongst others whilst Mood has performed with alt-pop greats Charli XCX, Caroline Polachek and Dorian Electra.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah celebrate the 20th anniversary of their landmark self-titled debut album throughout 2025 with a worldwide tour performing the album in its entirety alongside other surprises, and an exclusive new reissue.
A heady blend of leftfield pop and melodic, exuberant indie rock, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is unquestionably among the finest and most influential independent releases of the 2000s. The celebration officially gets underway with the premiere of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s original 2004 version of the fan favorite, “Heavy Metal”. The newly remixed and mastered track was recently discovered among the original project files and captures what Clap Your Hands Say Yeah founder and frontman Alec Ounsworth calls “a special moment in time – a young group of guys all piling into one hotel room to wake up and go to a real studio (!) to try to come up with something special just for the fun of it.”
In addition to the digital anniversary release featuring the original version of “Heavy Metal,” a special deluxe reissue will arrive on limited edition vinyl LP in early 2025, released on CYHSY’s own label via Secretly Distribution, the defiantly independent home to over two decades of Alec Ounsworth’s music.
Knifeplay is a band that eludes definition, existing somewhere between the nihilistic detachment of shoegaze and the emotional honesty of folk songwriting. They’ve made a slow and careful shift from being the solo bedroom recording project of songwriter, Tj Strohmer, to a collaborative, production-focused studio-recorded band. Through their ever-expanding genre palette, range of fidelities, and a long list of collaborators runs a unique mood that ties everything together.
Informed by his experiences living in Philadelphia and their contrast with his rural southern Maryland upbringing, Strohmer’s sometimes straightforward, sometimes dreamlike lyrics feature scenes of darkness from many different aspects of life. He deals with themes of death, drugs, heartbreak, abuse, and self-destruction, all expressed through an androgynous vocal style, which, combined with the band’s lush, often dense orchestral instrumentation gives a beautiful lightness to the heavy subject matter.
Knifeplay has earned a dedicated cult following since their 2017 debut with their home-recorded Eps, acclaimed debut album Pearlty (2019), a lengthy B-Sides Compilation (2020), and an EP Hurt Someone (2021 Born Losers Records). The latter of which was a part of their 2021 studio work with acclaimed Philadelphia engineer/mixer/producer Jeff Zeigler.
Knifeplay is: Tj Strohmer (guitar, vocals, songwriting), Alex Stackhouse (bass), John Scortino (drums), Max Black (keys), John Klein (lead guitar)
Attendees 21+ with valid ID can purchase craft beverages from official beer sponsor Common Roots Brewing. A wide variety of food, non-alcoholic drinks, handmade goods, and art will be available from 30+ vendors, with even more to explore at Downtown businesses located just steps away from the festival footprint.
Performances will take place at the PearlPalooza stage at N Pearl Street & Sheridan Avenue. This year’s lineup features a spectacular mix of new and returning artists:
Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens said: “This year’s PearlPalooza not only welcomes fan-favorite Rubblebucket back to the stage—bringing their signature blend of funk, psychedelic, and indie rock that perfectly captures the spirit of the festival—but also debuts four dynamic DJ sets, highlighting just how much the event has evolved over the years. We’re incredibly thankful to our sponsors for helping us carry this tradition into its 16th year, and deeply appreciative of our co-organizers, WEQX and Sugar Productions, who helped create this annual event. PearlPalooza is a love letter to Downtown—celebrating our district not just as the backdrop for this unforgettable event, but as a vibrant destination filled with thriving businesses, historic charm, and scenic beauty. We can’t wait to welcome thousands of fans back to the core of the city.”
Albany Mechanical Operations Manager Jason Bethon: “We’re thrilled to return as presenting sponsor of PearlPalooza — an incredible day of music and community in the heart of Albany. It’s events like this that make us proud to call the Capital Region home. Albany Mechanical is proud to once again support PearlPalooza, a celebration of music, community, and the energy that makes downtown Albany so unique. As a local business serving the Capital Region for over 45 years, we believe in giving back and being part of events that bring people together. We’re excited for another unforgettable day of live music and local pride!”
Common Roots Brewing Co-founder Christian Weber said: “Common Roots Brewing Company is thrilled to extend our support for PearlPalooza 2025 as the official craft beer sponsor! We’re proud to be part of the vibrant Downtown Albany community and can think of no better way to celebrate than by bringing great music and great beer to Pearl Street in September. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!”
Mr. Good Vybz CEO Amin Cowan said: “We are pleased to collaborate with our long-standing partner Curaleaf and the Downtown Business Improvement District to bring this important community event to residents of the city of Albany. As a business whose future is heavily intertwined with Albany’s downtown, we welcome any opportunity to add our motto — Vibe High. Feel Good. Live Well — to its expanding character.”
WEQX Program Director Jeff Morad said: “Every year we are stoked to put together the lineup for PearlPalooza and this year all the magic fell into place as we get to see Rubblebucket with their artsy, indie display of musicianship. I wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t get some fan-participation moments during their headlining set! Grammy Award winning musician Dave Gutter has been a staple, holding the many chapters of EQX together for the past few decades so we are definitely excited to see him perform – his new album “The Music Industry Is Trying To Kill Me” is one of the best albums to come out this year, expect to hear a bunch of music from that in addition to some Rustic Overtones / Paranoid Social Club tunes! The Happy Fits will make the drive up from New Jersey to put on a high energy set. It’s said that The Happy Fits are never unhappy while performing and that energy spills out into the crowd. Beginning the day of free live music will be the talented local musician, Ky McClinton from Troy, NY. You’ve probably seen Ky perform at Lark Hall, Bellstock or numerous local stages, but never on a big ole stage in the middle of Pearl Street in downtown Albany! Be sure to get there early so you don’t miss him – maybe even early enough to participate in YogaPalooza!”
Owner of Sugar Productions Shane Spillenger said: “Rubblebucket has been known to put on some of the most fun interactive concerts I have produced. The Ky McClinton Band is one of the most talented in the area and impresses everyone who sees them. This year’s PearlPalooza is one not to miss!”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said: “Once again, WEQX, Sugar Productions, and the Downtown Albany BID have delivered an incredible PearlPalooza lineup for 2025. This annual tradition has become one of the most anticipated events in our city, bringing high-energy performances and a vibrant atmosphere to the heart of downtown Albany. There’s nothing quite like experiencing nationally recognized bands live—and for free—while enjoying the best our local craft beverage producers, food vendors, artists, and small businesses have to offer.”
$8 event parking is available at ParkAlbany‘s Riverfront, Quackenbush, and Green-Hudson Garages, just a few blocks from the action! Find more at downtownalbany.org/parking.
Event Ground Rules: no outside alcoholic beverages, glass containers, dogs or pets (with the exception of ADA-certified service animals), recording of performances, or bad attitudes will be allowed at PearlPalooza. Security personnel have the right to inspect any bags brought onto the premises.
Please do not attend the event if you have tested positive or display any symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been in close contact with anyone that has tested positive in the past 5 days. COVID-19 is still a risk and attendees acknowledge that they are responsible for their own safety at the event.
Kris Delmhorst brings a blend of folk, indie, and Americana with poetic lyrics and rich, soulful vocals to The Coffee Bar in downtown Bennington, Vermont on Saturday, May 3rd.
VENUE CHANGE: The Kaleo show originally scheduled for August 5 at Frog Alley Brewing Summer Stage will now take place at Empire Live in Albany, NY. All previously purchased tickets will be honored at the new venue. Empire Live is located at 93 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207
Catch Vampire Weekend on their “Only God Was Above Us” Tour Part 2, along with special guests Geese, as the take the Midway Lawn stage at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Juntion, Vermont on Tuesday, May 27th.
***THIS EVENT HAS BEEN MOVED INDOORS***
But, outdoor activities will still take place in between musical sets which will be inside
Join us for a fun day for the entire family as we help raise funds
in support of West River and MTR youth sports
Live music from The Weight Band feat. members of The Band
and Levon Helm Band plus Jatoba!
It’s the return of the snow farm and XC ski race!
Kids games, food, drinks and more!
Fourth Annual WRSA June Concert at Magic Mountain: A Celebration of Community and Collaboration
Magic Mountain, VT May 31, 2025 – West River Sports Association, in collaboration with Mountain Towns Recreation, is thrilled to announce the third annual WRSA June Concert at Magic Mountain, set to take place on Saturday, May 31st, 2025. We are excited to bring back our tradition of hosting an on-snow Nordic event, and will follow with last year’s precedence of two incredible bands and a DJ! Additionally, there will be games for the kids.
THE SNOW!:
The snow is back and we are harvesting a massive pile in our capsule of hay, to be spread out for our May event – come watch this uncanny experience of snow in Vermont in May. We plan to feature a nordic sprint with gates and race heats, including world cup international level elite skiers. The race is open to all so come test your skills against the best in the world!
THE LINEUP!:
Our opening act is local Vermont band called Jatoba, whose self proclaimed genre is “GROOVEGRASS.” “Their music consists of high-energy bluegrass-tinged covers and originals with thumping upright bass lines and soaring vocal harmonies.”
Our headliner this year is The Weight Band, featuring members of the original The Band and The Levon Helm Band. We are so excited to welcome this 5 piece ensemble of talent to rock the Magic house! It will be a show not to miss!
Over the past three years, the WRSA spring Concert at Magic Mountain has brought together our community while providing vital financial support to the West River Sports Association. For the second year, we are excited to expand our reach and impact by including MTR as an important benefactor. This will help ensure that our amazing comprehensive youth sports program continue to thrive.
Mountain Towns Recreation program is over a year into its existence. We know how effective and important the creation of this has become, which happened because of the collaboration of five towns, dedicated to handling the logistical and administrative aspects of youth sports and beyond. WRSA and FBAA, both longstanding volunteer non-profits, have been champions of youth sports for decades, organizing a wide range of activities including K-6 basketball, baseball, softball, t-ball, soccer, and Nordic skiing.
Together, these three organizations are committed to providing top-notch experiences for our youth, from updating equipment to maintaining fields, all while fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Join us for an afternoon of music, fun and great food, and support our youth sports programs. Let’s come together to celebrate our community and lay the groundwork for a bright future for our young athletes!
For more information and tickets, visit: www.westriversports.org
The groundbreaking rapper, singer, songwriter, musician, poet, writer, and actor Saul Williams, who burst into the public consciousness as Nuyorican Poets Cafe’s Grand Slam Champion in 1996 and then the star of the 1998 independent hit Slam, has since toured the world with his band, opened for Nine Inch Nails, and had records produced by Rick Rubin and Trent Reznor. His performance at MASS MoCA celebrates the opening of Vincent Valdez’s major exhibition Just a Dream… The two artists’ politically charged work interrogates the American experience with a furious rigor and dynamism that our historical moment cries out for.
About the Artist: Saul Williams came to public attention after the release of the internationally acclaimed film Slam (dir. Marc Levin), which he co-wrote and starred in, introducing the world to the Slam Poetry movement, and winning Sundance’s Grand Jury Prize and the Cannes Camera D’Or, in 1998. Williams has performed in over 30 countries and read his poetry at over 300 universities, with invitations that have spanned from the White House, the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, the Louvre, the Getty Center, Queen Elizabeth Hall, to villages, townships, community centers, and prisons across the world. Saul has published five books of poetry which have been translated into several languages. His writings and lesson plans surrounding his work have been added to the curriculum of schools and universities around the world. Saul Williams has released six albums and toured or collaborated with dozens of artists including Kanye West, Nas, Janelle Monae, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against The Machine, The Roots, Mos Def, The Mars Volta, David Cross, Allen Ginsburg, Amiri Baraka, Gil Scott-Heron, Jose James, Arthur H, Camille, Ayo, TV On The Radio, System Of A Down, KRS ONE, DJ Krust, DJ Spooky, Cold Cut, Matisyahu, Blackalicious, K’naan, K-OS, and Erykah Badu.
Guster and The Mountain Goats take to MASS MoCA’s Courtyard D stage. Hear why Boston.com says rock group Guster is “back in a big way,” and Pitchfork declares that “Few working artists have accumulated a richer body of lore than the Mountain Goats,” at this unmissable summer show.
$1 per ticket supports 501c3 nonprofit Reverb, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable music industry and empowering millions of individuals to take action toward a better future for people and the planet.
About the Artists: Guster
Not long before the making of their new album Ooh La La, Guster celebrated three decades together as a band—a journey that’s included landing a series of hits on the Billboard charts, working with luminaries like Steve Lillywhite and Richard Swift, launching their own music festival, and amassing an ardent fanbase partly on the strength of their relentless touring and deeply communal live show. But despite reaching a milestone few musical acts ever come close to attaining, Guster’s ninth studio LP reveals a band fully in touch with the voracious creative energy that first inspired their formation. A major leap forward for lead vocalist Ryan Miller, guitarist Adam Gardner, drummer Brian Rosenworcel, and multi-instrumentalist Luke Reynolds, Ooh La La ultimately matches that wide-eyed spirit with a newly heightened sense of confidence, conviction, and commitment to the raw sincerity that’s made them so beloved.
The Mountain Goats Jenny from Thebes began its life as many albums by the Mountain Goats do, with John Darnielle playing the piano until a lyric emerged. That lyric, “Jenny was a warrior Jenny was a thief Jenny hit the corner clinic begging for relief,” became “Jenny III,” a song which laid down a challenge he’d never taken up before: writing a sequel to one of his most beloved albums. This is what a follow-up to All Hail West Texas entails. But if you think about the Mountain Goats as they were in 2001, when Darnielle wrote and recorded that album on his own, mostly into his Panasonic RX-FT500 boombox, and how they are now as the recording and touring outfit of Darnielle, Peter Hughes, Matt Douglas, and Jon Wurster, you may find yourself asking how. That occurred to Darnielle, too. “If we’re going to do a sequel to a record that was recorded almost entirely on a boombox,” he asks,“why not do the opposite and make it as big as possible?”
Make a Plan
This performance is standing-room only and will take place outside, in MASS MoCA’s Courtyard D rain or shine. All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges.
No outside food or beverages will be allowed in the venue during the event. Food and drinks are available for purchase during the show.
This performance is standing-room-only. For ADA accommodations, please contact the Box Office at (413) 662-2111 x8121 or email boxoffice@massmoca.org.
Please note, museum admission is not included with your event ticket unless indicated. Purchase museum admission here.
By purchasing a ticket to join MASS MoCA’s visitors, staff, and artists on the museum campus, you agree to follow a Courtesy Code, detailed here.
Primus make their way to the Midway Lawn at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction, Vermont on Saturday, July 19th as a part of their Onward & Upward Tour, along with special guest Ty Segall.
