NOTE: All photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography 2025
When I shot my last show at NYC’s Mercury Lounge in March 2020, little did I know that it would be 18 months and a move up to the Buffalo area before my next concert. When Nashville-based Halestorm announced a nearby stop at the OUTDOOR amphitheater at ArtPark in Lewiston, I knew I had to break my concert celibacy and attend. QRO (see gallery links below) was good enough to help set me up with credentials but would I remember to bring the right gear? What settings do I use again?
Double masked, I headed for the venue. Turns out I had nothing to fear. Shooting bands is like riding a bike for live music photographers. And even if I blew it, the three bands that made up the lineup for this night would have made it all worthwhile.
Kicking off the evening was Canadian country artist Cory Marks (aka Cory Marquardt). It turns out Marks released a duet “Out In The Rain” with Lzzy Hale a year back. Hale is obviously in great demand! Marks and his band put on a lively show and struck me as much more rock than country. His gregarious on-stage personality quickly made him a favorite with the crowd!
Click on photos to enlarge
Next up was Mongolian metal band The Hu. Even though they have garnered international acclaim, I had never heard of them before this show. What really surprised me were the many The Hu fans that came early to get a space by the barricade. Even in western New York, this band was showing me some surprising popularity. Once their set started, I could see why The Hu has attracted such a following. Their throat singing, traditional Mongolian instruments, and incredible energy made for a completely mesmerizing show! While I’m sure many in the crowd had no idea what was being sung, they chanted and raised their fists in time with the band. In 2020, the Hu had collaborated with Lzzy Hale on an alternate version of “Song of Women” off their 2019 album “The Gereg” and I was hoping she’s come out to join them for that song but it wasn’t to be. Anyway, it was still a very fun set and expect a new record from this intriguing band in 2022!
Click on photos to enlarge
As soon as Halestorm hit the stage, the crowd went berserk! They kicked off the show with “I Get Off”. The band was in fine form as they blew through hit after hit. Lzzy Hale didn’t move around the stage as much as I expected but she fueled the crowd with exhortations. (Ok, she kept out calling out “New York” which threw me off since I come from NYC. She’s technically correct but “Buffalo”, “Lewiston” or even “Niagara Falls” would have been a bit closer). During “Break In”, Hale eased into a cover of Dolly Patton’s “I Will Always Love You”! That was a lovely surprise and she, of course, nailed it! Halestorm pretty much hit all my favorite songs so I definitely left the show a happy camper.
Click on photos to enlarge
Halestorm Setlist
I Get Off
Mz Hyde
Mayhem
Uncomfortable
Chemicals
I Am The Fire
Break In / I Will Always Love You
The Silence
Amen
(Drum solo with giant sticks)
Back From the Dead
Freak Like Me
Apocalyptic
Encore
Here’s To Us
Love Bites
I Miss The Misery
One Reply to “”