Lake Street Dive started as a group of New England Conservatory students who bonded over a shared love of classic soul, pop, and jazz, and they’ve grown into one of the most compelling live bands in contemporary music. Rachael Price’s voice — powerful, precise, effortlessly soulful — anchors a band that plays with the kind of tight, joyful interplay that only comes from years of playing together. They hit Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards on August 5 for what promises to be a highlight of Central New York’s summer concert season.
The band’s catalog spans funky grooves, blue-eyed soul, indie pop, and jazz-inflected rock, all held together by exceptional musicianship and songwriting that’s catchy without being shallow. Songs like “Bad Self Portraits” and “Hypotheticals” showcase a band equally comfortable with introspection and dancefloor energy, and their live shows consistently deliver both.
Beak & Skiff in August is gorgeous, and Lake Street Dive is exactly the kind of band that thrives in an outdoor setting — warm, inviting, musically adventurous, and guaranteed to leave the crowd smiling. This is a perfect summer evening out for Upstate music fans who appreciate real musicianship and great songs.