A Look Back: July 19

By Mike Stampalia on July 19, 2025

50 years ago: Joan Baez / Hoyt Axton @ Music Inn

The songs did not seem to come from an organized program, but appeared to be decided spontaneously. She sang the haunting “Long Black Veil” and an incredibly beautiful “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and closed her set with one of Bob Dylan’s most powerful songs, “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall.” One of the reasons Baez is great is because she can switch moods from song to song without sounding machine-like or uninvolved.

– Richard S. Taskin for the North Adams Transcript

30 years ago: The Roches / Franklin Micare @ Empire State Plaza

1 year ago: Nas / DJ TGIF @ Palace Theatre

Although KRS-One has the song “The Bridge is Over” that dissed Queens rappers with the line “Queens keeps on fakin’ it.” But Nas has the retort song “The Bridge is Over” with the lyrics “the bridge is over” Nah, this is a time we destroy and rebuild it.”

– Rob Smittix for RadioRadioX

1 year ago: The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival @ Walsh Farm

Throughout, attendees navigate a bustling schedule, often catching artists multiple times on different stages, sometimes with special guests. By late afternoon, the energy crescendos with larger crowds gathering at the main stages, where the tents strain to contain enthusiastic fans.

– Chris Bobillo for NYS Music

1 year ago: Millington / Goalkeeper / Side-B / Sunday Morning @ Empire Underground