REVIEW: The Alec Lewis Group and The E-Block bring warmth to Lark Hall
11/22/2024 at Lark Hall, Albany
“From the stories within the songs to the vibrations of the sounds, the night revealed the unequivocal magic of live music, bringing smiles and non-stop movement from every corner of the room.”
On a dreary night that left upstaters craving warmth and connection, The Alec Lewis Group and The E-Block delivered back-to-back performances that provided guests of Lark Hall with an electric, illuminating escape. Gone was the weight of worries and bad weather—all that existed was music and joy.
From the stories within the songs to the vibrations of the sounds, the night revealed the unequivocal magic of live music, bringing smiles and non-stop movement from every corner of the room. Even before the guys hit the stage, the energy in the room was undeniable. The crowd was as eclectic as the music to come, their outfits as diverse as their ages—bright shirts, patriotic cowboy hats mixed with wool sweaters and heavy turtlenecks. Conversations were alive with anticipation as people sipped on drinks they got from the friendly bartender who appeared focused and genuinely happy to be there at that moment, serving guests with such blatant excitement for the night ahead.
THE ALEC LEWIS GROUP: OPENING WITH A BANG
Opening the show, The Alec Lewis Group wasted no time getting the crowd moving. From the moment they started, the audience was hooked. Alec Lewis, with his vibrant smile and charismatic storytelling, led his band through a set that blended funk, humor, and showmanship. Songs like “Don’t Cross Me” brought vivid snapshots of Alec’s Catholic school days to life, while “Rocky Racoon” offered a more fictional story.
Couples swayed arm in arm, an older gentleman pumped his fist during a particularly lively song, and one guy danced freely on his own through the entire set, consumed by the sounds and the joy radiating throughout the venue. But what made The Alec Lewis Group stand out wasn’t just the music—it was their interplay. The creative cohesion was both impressive and inspiring, and the trust these guys have for each other was obvious. As bassist Josh Radigan put it, “We trust Alec’s vision completely, and it’s fun to watch it come to life.”
When The Alec Lewis Group finished up, the crowd was alive and ready for more—their vibrant energy laying the perfect foundation for E-Block to take the stage.
THE E-BLOCK: ELEVATING THE NIGHT
When The E-Block came on, it was clear they were ready to bring the crowd even higher. With a soulful sound and an undeniable brotherhood, the band created a magnetic intensity that kept the audience enthralled from the first song to the last. Where Lewis’s set was a bit more playful, The E-Block brought evocative emotion to the stage that gave a nice balance to the evening.
The band’s chemistry was unmistakable. “Being a part of this group, this family, is definitely something I don't take for granted. My brothers hold me down…in every way possible,” bassist Daniel Folds shared after the show. That brotherhood translated to the audience, who swayed, bent at their knees, and moved with the music like they couldn’t stop if they tried.
The E-Block’s set felt both intentional and spontaneous. The anxious excitement of the crowd—what are they going to play next?—was infectious. And it wasn’t only the music that resonated—the band’s warmth and authenticity shone through, too. Their merch table, offering bracelets handmade by vocalist/guitarist Luke Pascarella earlier that night, was another indication of the band’s approach to their craft.
“We just want people to take a piece of the night home with them,” he shared. That sentiment was evident in their performance—every note, every glance, every shared smile among band members felt like a gift to everyone lucky enough to be there.
AN EVENING OF MAGIC
Together, The Alec Lewis Group and The E-Block gave everyone in attendance an unforgettable evening. Lewis’s fun energy and The E-Block’s heartfelt beats complemented each other perfectly, creating a seamless transition between the two performances. By the end of the night, as people made their way back out to cold, rainy Lark Street, there seemed to be a shared sense of appreciation in the air—for the music, the space, and the reminder of how live performances can brighten even the darkest, dreariest days.
