Dogstar takes Stroudsburg to 'Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees '

October 10, 2023

A day after the release of their third album, Dogstar brought their 'Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees' tour to one of the smallest markets on the tour but easily on off the largest sold out rooms - Stroudsburg, PA at the Sherman Theater. In the hours leading up to the show social media was a buzz about the band's arrival in town and things were sent into a frenzy once reports that bassist, Keanu Reeves, was out on the town that morning. The night before the band celebrated the release of their new album with a small show and Reeves made an appearance at Main Street Jukebox to seemingly sign a few copies of the new record, grab a t-shirt for the show and take a few selfies with lucky fans who saw him out on the town. At 11AM Dogstar fans were already taking over the small Pennsylvania town ahead of the show and by an hour before doors the line for the venue stretched down the block as the venue prepared themselves for a truly sold out performance from the reunited rockers.


Dogstar's surprise reunion and new album announcement took over social media earlier in 2023 when it happened and the first round of tour dates sold out almost instantly as the band routed their way through major markets like Tokyo, Washington DC and more. Luckily Pennsylvania fans of the 90's rock legends were treated to a surprise announcement of the Sherman Theater performance when the band announced an additional round of dates. While Stourdsburg may not be a major market in a traditional sense it is certainly a mainstay of the touring rock world and the fans stepped up selling out this show well in advance. As doors opened to the venue fans flocked to the merch both to grab the band's new LP on vinyl, cd (or both) and many were grabbing one of the really well designed tour shirts as well. After a quick stop at the bar fans began to back the venue to capacity and get ready for the rock show of the year in town.


The rock trio consisting of movie superstar Keanu Reeves on bass, actor and drummer Robert Mailhouse behind the kit and Bret Domrose on guitar and vocals took the stage to a roaring ovation from the Stroudsburg crowd. Slowly but methodically the band took their places and quickly exchanged small smiles with each other as the lights around them began to burst to life. With a smirk on his face Reeves struck the first bass notes of "Blonde" as the band dove into a powerhouse and impressive 18 song setlist. While it has been a proverbial "minute" since Dogstar was on the road the band hasn't missed a day when it comes to the live performances with Reeves, Mailhouse and Domrose all still embodying the rockstar energy they had nearly two decades ago when they were fresh on the scene.


From a technical stand point the show was flawless and the vibe within the sold out Sherman Theater was truly remarkable from start to finish of the band's set. Reeves worked the crowd from time to time while he remained focused on the bass lines that kept the entire band rolling along. Bret Domrose shined bright through out the set both vocally and performance wise as he captivated the audiences attention every time he stepped away from his microphone stand to riff on the guitar for a bit. 'Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees' is one of the strongest albums released in 2023 and just a day after it's official release the crowd was singing along to many of the songs. From "Glimmer" to "Everything Turns Around" and beyond the band's artistic vision translated masterfully into a live set.


With many bands it's easy to predict that they'll be back and supporting new music but there is a genuine chance that Dogstar's sold out show in Stroudsburg may have been a once in a lifetime gig. Whether or not it goes down in history as that way is up to fate at this point and fans can at the very least be grateful for the amazing night they spent with the iconic rockers 'Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees' in the middle of nowhere, Pennsylvania.

Dogstar

"Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees Tour"


Sherman Theater - Stroudsburg, PA

October 7, 2023

Article Written By:

Matt Christine

Jack's Mannequin return to Philadelphia for another SOLD OUT show

By Matt Christine • June 13, 2025
On June 8, Jack’s Mannequin swept into the Fillmore Philadelphia for the hometown stop of their Made For Each Other 20th-anniversary tour, turning the storied ballroom into a reunion between new Andrew McMahon fans from his solo era and the fans who grew up with his songs in Jack's Mannequin. A burst of lights and the band made their way to their places on set as the massive LED screens behind them flicked to life with the roar of the crowd—almost before the crowd could catch its breath—the band dove head-first into “Bruised,” instantly launching a full-room sing-along for the first time of the night. The family style sing-alongs would continue all night long because a Jack's Mannequin show is more than just a concert, it's a gathering of fans of all walks of life. Rather than lean solely on radio favorites, McMahon built a career-spanning arc that kept veterans and newcomers guessing. Early standouts “The Mixed Tape” and “Amy, I” landed with arena-sized fervor, while deeper cuts like “Spinning,” “Television,” and the introspective “Cell Phone” offered welcome detours for die-hard listeners. Mid-show, the tempo dropped for a surprise, lights-down, almost-whispered rendition of “Hammers and Strings (A Lullaby)”—performed nearly a cappella, save for a few plaintive piano chords. It was McMahon’s first time revisiting the lullaby in years, and the silence that followed its last note spoke louder than any applause. The final stretch was a one-two-three knockout: “I’m Ready,” “The Resolution,” and the soaring “Dark Blue,” each chorus louder than the last. After a brief exit, the band returned beneath a single spotlight for the encore. McMahon tipped his cap to the tour’s namesake, easing into the gentle “Restless Dream” before the full ensemble erupted into the sprawling suite “MFEO: Pt. 1 — Made For Each Other / Pt. 2 — You Can Breathe,” turning the title track into a communal vow to keep moving forward together. Twenty years on, Andrew McMahon and company showed how to honor a past without getting trapped in it: by laughing at the room you’re in, risking a fragile ballad in the middle of the party, and playing every song like it still belongs to today.

Shakira brings the 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour' to Atlanta

By Matt Christine • June 4, 2025
After a rocky start to her U.S. leg, with technical issues forcing the postponement of both the Washington, D.C. and Boston dates, Shakira delivered an electrifying, glitch-free performance in Atlanta that more than made up for the delays. The sold-out show at State Farm Arena proved why the Colombian superstar remains a force in global pop music: it was a spectacle of raw emotion, razor-sharp choreography, and dazzling stagecraft. Every moment felt polished and purposeful, yet deeply personal, a balance only a veteran performer like Shakira can pull off. The night opened with La Fuerte, a powerful declaration of intent that set the tone: this tour is about resilience, evolution, and feminine power. With minimal delay, she launched into a fierce rendition of GIRL LIKE ME, originally with the Black Eyed Peas, injecting it with her signature moves and vocal style. The audience, many of whom were adorned with glittering wolf ears and flashing LED bracelets, responded instantly, roaring as she transitioned into a nostalgic medley of Las de la intuición and Estoy aquí. It was a clever juxtaposition—early-career Shakira meeting her modern self, both artists occupying the stage in harmony. One of the most emotionally potent sequences came with Empire blending into Inevitable, where her vocals took on an operatic, almost volcanic intensity. The screen behind her exploded with elemental visuals—lava flows, crashing waves—mirroring the emotional crescendo on stage. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a catharsis. Later, Acróstico offered a softer moment, featuring a touching video of her children Sasha and Milan singing along, which visibly moved many in the crowd. You could hear a pin drop as Shakira sat on a stool, wiping away tears mid-performance. In terms of showmanship, the middle of the setlist was where Shakira proved her mettle. Copa Vacía, La Bicicleta, and La Tortura formed a seamless trinity of reggaeton and cumbia-infused pop, each song melting into the next with smooth transitions and high-energy dance breaks. She momentarily disappeared backstage during Chantaje, only to reemerge in a vibrant new costume and launch into a salsa version of the hit that transformed the entire arena into a nightclub. By the time she reached Whenever, Wherever, complete with a dramatic belly dance introduction using knives, Shakira had the entire arena in the palm of her hand. Her hips truly didn’t lie, and neither did the crowd, erupting into a thunderous sing-along. That energy spilled right into Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), which featured a thrilling Champeta breakdown and pulsating rhythms that was the infectious anthem of the 2010 World Cup. Shakira left the stage like a mythic figure—part woman, part legend—having proven once again that she isn’t just a performer. She’s a storyteller, a mother, a rebel, and above all, a she-wolf with a story still very much in motion.

The All-American Rejects kick off a new era at Parx Casino in Bensalem

By Matt Christine • April 1, 2025
On March 29, The All-American Rejects brought a whirlwind of nostalgia, energy, and surprise to the Xcite Center at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. With the crowd already buzzing, the band made their entrance to the iconic "Gonna Fly Now" from Rocky, setting the tone for a night that would blend theatrical flair with heartfelt musicianship. Tyson Ritter and crew wasted no time launching into “Dirty Little Secret,” immediately turning the venue into a singalong haven for fans of all ages. The evening’s setlist was a well-balanced mix of crowd favorites and deep cuts, keeping both longtime fans and newer listeners on their toes. From upbeat anthems like “Fallin’ Apart” and “Beekeeper’s Daughter” to early classics like “My Paper Heart,” the band showcased their full range. But one of the night’s most emotional moments came from an unexpected fan request: an acoustic, acapella performance of “Heartbeat Slowing Down.” Tyson delivered the first verse and chorus with just his voice and a dim spotlight—his first time performing the song live since 2013. The crowd, stunned into silence, erupted with cheers at the final note. Throughout the show, Tyson Ritter kept the mood light with his signature irreverent humor. He poked fun at the convention center-style room, joking, about what other events were hosted in the room including a furry convention before launching into a riff about Parx Casino’s not-so-subtle encouragement to gamble. “They want you to leave this show... and immediately hit the slots. Don’t let them down!” he quipped, drawing laughs from every corner of the venue. That excitement rolled perfectly into a performance of their brand-new single “Sandbox,” which blended the band’s classic melodic hooks with a fresh, heavier indie-pop edge that had fans filming the moment for social media. One particularly fun surprise came when Tyson improvised a short, comedic song inspired by fans in the front row called “Chrysanthemum.” The details of this moment will be left behind lock and key for anyone not at the concert but just know it was one of the most obscene moments of the set and was a perfect way for the band to launch into "Sweat" after the moment wrapped up. The band also took time to acknowledge their recent appearance at Jonas Con, where they teased their upcoming role as special guests on the Jonas Brothers’ 20th Anniversary Summer Tour. The crowd cheered at the announcement, and Tyson grinned, saying, “We’ve officially joined the Jonas extended universe.” As the show neared its finale, The All-American Rejects rolled out a trifecta of hits—“Swing, Swing,” “It Ends Tonight,” and “Move Along”—each met with raucous applause and heartfelt singalongs. The encore, naturally, closed with “Gives You Hell,” sending the audience out into the casino with their voices hoarse and spirits high. Fans could be heard raving as they exited, calling it “everything I could have hoped for” and praising both the band and the intimate, high-energy setting. In the end, The All-American Rejects proved that they’re far from just a nostalgia act. With clever banter, emotional surprises, a killer setlist, and a brand-new single to boot, their performance at Parx Casino was a reminder that great bands don’t just survive the decades—they evolve, engage, and keep giving fans reasons to fall in love all over again.