Imagine it now; the year is 2016 and you’re a freshman in college again. It’s a different time, the world is not what we know it to be today. You and your buddies grab a 30 of Rolling Rock and head out to what has been deemed the party of the semester. As you approach the door, almost hypnotically, you become entranced by the infectious melodies and thunderous grooves that envelop the house.
You are immediately captivated by this overwhelming ethereal energy and urge to dance like you’ve never experienced before. These complex, yet memorable arrangements provide the soundscape for an auditory journey of a lifetime.
You turn to the person next to you because you have to know, “Who is this band?!”
“No dude … What?”!
What? is a funk sextet hailing out of the Hudson Valley of New York. Although commonly confused with the international sensation known as ‘The Who,’ What? has been pioneering their own path to success despite being put on second base by Russ Abbott in 1938. The band found their roots in 2016 when Ryan Perrone and Dan Steen met while studying at SUNY New Paltz. They developed and honed their early sound, rehearsing weekly in bassist Jeremiah Mahoney’s lakeside living room. Drawing influence from the serene landscape of the Catskills that inspired the likes of The Band and Donald Fagen, What? bridges the gap between R&B groove and improvisational jam. Compared to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Lawrence, Phish and Snarky Puppy, What?’s eclectic taste in music lays the framework for a night that spans multiple genres. The New Paltz Oracle writes, “the band emphasizes spontaneity and staying boundless.” Rock & roll, jazz, hip-hop, and pop only scratch the surface of what the New York based band might bring at any given show. But what is for certain, is that they will keep the party going all night!
What? consists of Ryan Perrone on trombone, keyboard and lead vocals; Dan Steen on guitar; Jared Nelson on guitar, keyboards and percussion; Jeremiah Joseph Mahoney VI on bass; Alex Endres on drums; and Owen Moore on Tenor & Baritone Saxophone.
With a growing following in the Hudson Valley, What? is known to bring high-energy, soulful grooves with their power-house horn section each time they grace the stage. They have performed at notable venues throughout the area including Dutchess Stadium in Wappinger Falls, NY with Gideon King; Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, NY; Rockwood Music Hall in New York City; The Colony in Woodstock, NY; The Falcon in Marlboro, NY; and live on Radio Woodstock. Their debut album, ‘Lavender Lounge’ is set to release on June 10th, 2022. They have a heavy catalog of originals and choice covers ready for the road, with a busy schedule ahead consisting of dates up and down the East Coast in support of their first release.
To find more about What?, their music, tour, and more, please visit: http://what.band
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Tickets: $15 in advance / $20 at door
Seating/Bar: 7:00PM Show: 7:30PM
This event is indoors.
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Parking is limited at the venue so please utilize the three public parking lots in Town. One is across from the Post Office, one is behind Berkshire Bank and the other is just off Main Street. They are clearly marked. Do not park at Trúc Orient Express Restaurant or the Post Office or you might receive a ticket.