Magic Power Still Burns Bright: Triumph Closes Spring Tour in Boston

June 12, 2026

June 6, 2026

Leader Bank Pavillion, Boston

Selling Out on the Last Stop, Twice!

On the second of two sold-out nights at Boston's waterfront Leader Bank Pavilion, fans packed the venue for what would become far more than a concert. Triumph's final stop of their 2026 spring tour felt like a celebration of classic rock, musicianship, and the songs that have become part of the soundtrack of multiple generations.

With the Boston skyline glowing behind the stage and a crowd eager from the opening notes, both April Wine and Triumph delivered performances that reminded everyone why these bands continue to matter decades after their first hits climbed the charts.

April Wine Opens the Night with Unexpected Heat

April Wine hit the stage first and immediately raised the energy level.

For many in attendance, the veteran Canadian rockers may have been viewed as the opening act. By the end of their set, they had become one of the night's biggest surprises.

Photographing from the pit offered a close-up view of a band firing on all cylinders. Their musicianship was exceptional, but it was the lead singer's magnetic stage presence that kept the audience engaged throughout the nearly hour-long performance. Brian Greenway (guitar), Richard Lanthier (bass), Roy Nichol (drums), and Marc Parent (lead vocals, guitar) brought all the favorite fan hits including "Gypsy Queen" and "Just Between You and Me".

They had fans singing along, while newer material blended seamlessly into the set. Rather than simply revisiting the past, April Wine proved they remain a vibrant and relevant live act.

By the time they left the stage, the crowd was energized and ready for the night's main event.

A Reinvented Triumph Takes the Stage

At first glance, many fans may have expected the traditional Triumph lineup they remembered from arena tours decades ago.

What they received was something even bigger.

With bassist Mike Levine unable to participate in the tour, original members Gil Moore and Rik Emmett assembled an all-star lineup featuring bassist Todd Kerns of Slash's band, guitarist Phil X of Bon Jovi and former Triumph member, and multi-instrumentalist Brent Fitz on drums and keyboards.

The result was a five-piece powerhouse that elevated Triumph's already impressive catalog.

From the opening song, it was clear this wasn't a nostalgia show. The band sounded massive.

Emmett joked during the evening that he was thrilled to finally have musicians around him who could sing the harmonies Triumph's music demands. The chemistry between the players was evident throughout the night.

   

The Musicianship Was Extraordinary

One of the evening's highlights was watching Rik Emmett perform the extended solo during "Rock & Roll Machine."

His guitar work remains breathtaking. Decades after first becoming one of rock's most respected guitarists, Emmett still plays with the precision, emotion, and technical brilliance that made him famous.

Todd Kerns was equally impressive. His bass playing anchored the band's sound while his vocal contributions helped recreate the layered harmonies that have always been a hallmark of Triumph's music.

The addition of Phil X and Brent Fitz brought fresh energy while honoring the band's legacy.

A Journey Through Triumph's History

The light show was spectacular, but it was the video production that truly elevated the experience.

Throughout the performance, the massive screen behind the band transported fans through Triumph's history. Images of youthful band members with long hair and unmistakable 1970s style gave way to modern footage and futuristic visuals.

The journey felt symbolic.

It reminded the audience where Triumph began while celebrating how far they've come.

For many in attendance, it was impossible not to reflect on their own journeys alongside the music.

Magic Power Lives On

As the band launched into "Magic Power" near the end of the night, something special happened.

Thousands of fans rose to their feet, waving their arms and singing every word.

For a few minutes, age disappeared.

Sixteen-year-old versions of ourselves returned.

The crowd became one voice, celebrating songs that have carried them through decades of life.

By the time the final notes rang out, it was clear that this wasn't simply another stop on a tour. It was a reminder of what great live music can do.

It brings us together.

It helps us remember.

And on a perfect summer night in Boston, Triumph and April Wine delivered both in abundance.

Whether this spring tour proves to be a farewell or simply another chapter, the sold-out crowd at Leader Bank Pavilion left hoping it won't be the last time these legendary musicians take the stage together.

Bonnie M. for WSCA FM 106.1

 

 


YUNGBLUD Ignites a Sold-Out Boston Crowd at Leader Bank Pavilion

June 12, 2026

June 9, 2026

Leader Bank Pavillion, Boston

On a beautiful summer night in Boston, thousands of fans packed the sold-out Leader Bank Pavilion on June 9, 2026, for one of rock’s most energetic young performers. But before YUNGBLUD ever stepped onto the stage, the evening offered a powerful reminder that the future of rock and roll is alive and well.

The Warning Opens New Doors for Rock Fans

Before the show, I found myself across the street talking with fans making their way into the venue. One of them, Jon from Natick, Massachusetts, couldn’t stop talking about the opening act, The Warning.

“They’re starting their set with something poppy,” he joked.

As it turns out, there wasn’t much “poppy” about what followed.

The Warning, a three-piece rock band from Monterrey, Mexico, hit the stage and immediately delivered a powerful set that felt much bigger than three musicians should be capable of creating. Their sound filled every corner of the pavilion with heavy riffs, driving rhythms, and a confidence that comes from more than a decade of performing together.

What makes The Warning unique goes beyond their musicianship. The trio consists of sisters who have literally been playing together since childhood.

Imagine spending your entire life creating music with the same people. Every rhythm, every movement, every subtle cue becomes second nature. Watching them perform, you could see that connection in action. Their timing was flawless. Their chemistry was effortless. Their musicianship was incredibly tight.

By the third song, drummer Paulina Villarreal had the crowd completely engaged, and by the end of their 35-minute set, the audience response was deafening.

For many Gen X rock fans in attendance, The Warning represented something exciting: a new generation of rock musicians creating music that feels fresh while still honoring the power and energy that made classic rock so enduring.

YUNGBLUD Brings the Chaos

If The Warning lit the fuse, YUNGBLUD detonated the explosion.

Long before the lights went down, excitement was building. The British rocker had spent the day documenting his Boston adventure on social media, giving fans a glimpse into his visit while building anticipation for the night’s performance.

One thing was immediately obvious as fans filled the venue: this wasn’t just a local crowd.

The closest stop on the tour would be the following day in New York, and fans traveled from all over New England and beyond to be there. Among them were five young men from Scotland, proudly wearing kilts and happily posing for photos with what could only be described as the YUNGBLUD “cougar crowd.” The mix of ages, backgrounds, and personalities was remarkable.

That’s part of YUNGBLUD’s appeal.

His fans don’t fit neatly into one demographic. They come from all walks of life, connected by the feeling that they’re part of something bigger than a concert.

A Performer Built for the Stage

As the opening strains of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” blasted through the speakers, the crowd erupted.

YUNGBLUD made his entrance in classic fashion, appearing first on the video screens before charging onto the stage in his signature look: black sunglasses, leather vest, leather pants, and enough charisma to power the entire pavilion.

Within minutes he was climbing onto the drum riser, pouring water over his head, whipping his hair through the air, and tearing off his leather vest as fans screamed in approval.

From that point forward, there was no slowing down.

Songs like “Hello Heaven, Hello,” “Lovesick Lullaby,” “Lowlife,” “Wild Side,” “The Funeral,” and “Loner” kept the energy level at maximum throughout the night. His performance of “Changes” showcased a more reflective side, while newer material proved that his audience is willing to follow him wherever his musical evolution takes him.

One of the most anticipated moments of any YUNGBLUD show is “Fleabag,” where he often invites a fan onstage to play guitar. Boston didn’t get that moment this time, and there may have been a few disappointed faces in the crowd, but it hardly dampened the excitement.

The audience remained fully invested from beginning to end.

More Than a Concert

What makes YUNGBLUD different isn’t just his energy.

It’s his sincerity.

Every movement, every interaction, every song feels emotionally invested. He isn’t simply performing for fans. He genuinely seems grateful they’re there.

Throughout the evening he celebrated the music that helped shape him while also embracing collaborations that have expanded his audience, including songs connected to both Steven Tyler and Lainey Wilson.

The result was a night that felt equal parts rock show, community gathering, and emotional release.

As the encore arrived with “Ghosts” and a powerful rendition of “Zombie,” the sold-out crowd sang every word back to the stage.

Rock and roll has always evolved by finding new voices willing to carry it forward. On this night in Boston, The Warning and YUNGBLUD proved that future is in very capable hands.

Bonnie M. for WSCA FM 106.1

 


Turnpike Troubadours Bring the Heat to Boston

February 08, 2026

Braving Boston’s arctic chill, fans packed the MGM Fenway Music Hall on February 7, 2026, for a night of pure Americana magic. The legendary Robert Earl Keen opened the show, playing from 8 to 9 p.m., his set filled with classics that had the crowd singing and dancing. Taking center stage, Robert Earl Keen was highlighted by a incredible back up band and multi-talented guitarist on fiddle and strings, made the set really stand out and warm up the stage for the headliner. 

By 9:30, Turnpike Troubadours took the stage to a full house (and probably a sell-out). From the youngest fans to longtime Robert Earl Keen followers, the crowd embraced every note. Their phenomenal guitar and bass players, along with a fiddle and steel lap guitar, created a tight, electrifying sound. Their keyboard player added depth, but it was the fiddle that truly thrilled. The Troubadours left nothing on the stage...just like their fans, who were clapping and dancing all the way to the last note.

 

 


Right on Time for New Year’s Eve: Adrienne Mack-Davis Releases “Late to the Party”

December 25, 2025

Today on Bonnie’s Mixtape, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Adrienne Mack-Davis — a classically trained singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose voice carries soul, intention, and lived experience. Originally from Rochester, New York and now rooted in Maine, Adrienne has spent years shaping a sound that blends hard-hitting R&B, infectious hip-hop, and a deep sense of purpose.

Her journey has taken her across the globe — more than 1,700 live performances, collaborations with legends, and work that extends far beyond the stage through global service, women’s empowerment, and creative activism. And now, she’s stepping into a powerful new chapter with her upcoming project Late to the Party, arriving this New Year’s Eve.

In our conversation, we talk about inspiration, evolution, healing, and everything she’s building toward in 2026. This is music with meaning, presence, and heart — the kind that stays with you long after the last note fades. Let’s get into it… this is my conversation with Adrienne Mack-Davis.

Bonnie for WSCA FM, Portsmouth Community Radio

Instagram: @photographybybonnie and @bonniesmixtapemedia

Tiktok: @photographybybonnie

 

 


King Kyote Sold Out Night #2, Press Room, Portsmouth, NH

December 21, 2025

King Kyote Sold Out Night #2, Press Room, Portsmouth, NH
 

Setlists & Snapshots: Fall Stage Storm 2025

As the grand finale of the “Setlist & Snapshots: Fall Stage Storm Tour 2025,” The Press Room in Portsmouth, NH played host to a night that was all about intimate vibes and musical connection. King Kyote, wrapping up his two-night sold-out stint, didn’t just perform...he turned the room into a cozy gathering of fans, friends, and first-timers who all felt like part of his musical family.

Before King Kyote took the stage, Surfing for Daisy, an indie, folk, surf-vibe jam band with roots in New Jersey kicked things off with a laid-back, cool vibe. There were plenty of folks in the audience discovering both bands for the first time, and it was clear from the start that everyone was in for a night of amazing music and community. Surfing for Daisy’s six-piece lineup, brought some great tunes to the stage and later joined King Kyote on stage for a “not sure what’s going to happen here” moment that made the crowd go crazy for more. 

Once King Kyote hit the stage, it was all about those personal touches. He gave a heartfelt shout-out to his keyboard player, who’s heading out west, and you could feel that genuine gratitude and camaraderie with every band member on stage. He didn’t just play his heart out, he made everyone feel like part of the show. And yes, after leaving it all on the stage with those final songs, he was just as cool and down-to-earth at the merch booth, chatting with fans and soaking in the community he’s building.

Final Thoughts

All in all, it was the perfect way to close out the tour. We’ll definitely miss King Kyote on the East Coast, but we know he’s off to spread that same intimate magic out west. And as for Surfing for Daisy, keep an eye on them too, they’re definitely a band to catch live.

 

Review: Bonnie for WSCA FM, Portsmouth Community Radio

Instagram: @photographybybonnie and @bonniesmixtapemedia

Tiktok: @photographybybonnie

Mixtape with Bonnie’s Stage Storm: Fall 2025