NOTE: All photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography 2025
Buffalo loves Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Pigeons love Buffalo right back! The incredible jam band played two sold out nights at Town Ballroom at the end of March and we were there to bear witness! Pigeons had played the Cobblestone Festival in Buffalo last summer so nine months sounds almost too long to welcome them back. Having already been here after the release of their last record “Perspective”, there would be no new music to introduce but that’s ok. We’re just here to jam!
Opening for Pigeons were an indie band out of NYC called Melt. With a trumpet and saxophone creating the soulful sounds, I can hear a little jazz, a little blues, and perhaps even a little funk in the music! This group, led by vocalist Veronica Stewart-Frommer, can jam with the best of them! A fun part of their set was when they all lay down as the drummer performed a massive solo, then the bassist got up and they played together, then the keyboardist and guitarist got up, then the saxophone and trumpet. Under-rated guitarist Marlo Shankweiler performed some amazing solos, including what sounded to me like a fuzzy psychedelic guitar! They had fans dancing and singing along to several of their songs so this crowd was definitely familiar with their music. Melt closed out the set with a rousing cover of Harvest Moon by Neil Young.
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Normally, photographers are told they can shoot the first three songs from the photo pit. Jam bands are a slightly different animal. I was told fifteen minutes which was just about the length of the first song!! How can you beat hanging in front of the stage listening to these guys just go! Lead vocalist/guitarist Greg Ormont was the life of the party as usual but lead guitarist Jeremy Schon and bassist Ben Carrey didn’t disappoint if you happened to be on their side of the stage. Meanwhile, Alex Petropulos was behind the drumkit seemingly having the time of this life! I won’t say too much else other than the crowd had an amazing time! I think that’s what Pigeons Playing Ping Pong shows are all about. Hope to see them back again soon!
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