The YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts in Bay Shore, NY is definitely a venue you do not want to pass up on. This intimate, 261 seat, stadium-style theater brings audiences and the musicians up-close and personal unlike any other music hall on Long Island. On the evening after a snowstorm, Wednesday January 22nd, a happy crowd gathered to see vocalist of multi-platinum band Tonic ,Emerson Hart, and alternative rock band Sister Hazel team up for a show that no one wanted to miss.
Captivating from the start, with stunning intimate sound quality, Emerson Hart’s crystal clear vocal delivery opened the evening on the right note. Performing at the Boulton Center in 2011, Hart is no stranger to the venue or the audience here. Playing quite a few songs from his upcoming new album Beauty in Disrepair, it has been over six years since his first solo album Cigarettes & Gasoline, it was a pleasure to hear some new material. Those in attendance were lucky enough to witness one of his latest songs “Hallway”, about old memories in photographs that you have hanging up in the hallway. Though simplistic in concept, the meaning behind the words is poetic, nostalgic, strong, and truly takes a hit at your heart making it breathtaking to seeing him play this powerful song live.
The atmosphere was very relaxed and as always Hart was full of comical entertainment between songs. Towards the end of Hart’s performance, Andrew “Drew” Copeland of Sister Hazel walked on stage and poured Emerson a glass of wine, shortly followed by Ken Block of Sister Hazel creeping out as well. With the three of them in the spot light, they performed one of Tonic’s classic hits “If You Could Only See”. With only an acoustic guitar and three vocalists, the song was the perfect closing to Hart’s hour long set. His music amazed the crowd with his charm and beautiful voice, keeping everyone engaged from beginning to end. If you regrettably missed this performance, Hart will be heading out on tour with Tonic in the coming months.
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With the mood set, Gainesville, FL alternative rock band Sister Hazel kept the evening flowing in the right direction. Recently celebrating their 20th anniversary as a band in 2013, Sister Hazel’s blend of folk, pop, and rock was one which stood out in the alternative rock scene during the late 1990’s. Sustaining their original line-up all these years, Ken Block (vocals), Jett Beres (bass, vocals), Andrew Copeland (rhythm guitar, vocals), Ryan Newell (lead guitar, vocals, and Mark Trojanowski (drums) took the stage for an soothing and calm acoustic set.
Clearly affected by the venue, Sister Hazel took a low-key approach which was smooth and chill. The intimate vibe made it feel almost as if you were watching the band jam from the confines of their own home studio. Their set of tunes kept the audience moving off their seat, clapping and singing along to old and new material. Each song took the audience away from the troubles which may follow them throughout the day and allowed them to be care-free, even if it was for a little while. Having been together as long as they have, each member’s personality gelled together, translating into the musical performance. Through the offering of memorable tracks one of the most magical moments for fans was the performance of the hit single “All For You”. Hearing this song live leaves you feeling optimistic and happy about life.
The evening closed out nicely and Sister Hazel’s jam-like set really hit the spot. While the weather may have been cold outside it was warm and inviting within The YMCA Boulton Center. It is memorable evenings like these which keep the musicians and fans coming back to this hidden gem of music and art on Long Island.
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