Photos by Dave Descrecente

This past Saturday, June 17, music enthusiasts at the Northlands Music & Arts Festival in Swanzey, N.H., were treated to a spectacular showcase of talent as Vermont-based reggae singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mihali took the stage for his highly anticipated Mihali & Friends set. The event turned into a mesmerizing collaboration with musicians from various bands on the festival’s lineup, resulting in an unforgettable night of music and camaraderie.

As rain poured down on the packed outside stage, Mihali and his core band–consisting of Zdenek Gubb and Adrian Tramontano of Twiddle, along with Scott Hannay from Mihali’s personal band–unleashed an electrifying performance that left the audience in awe. However, it was the numerous guest appearances that truly elevated the evening’s entertainment.

The excitement first ignited as the TOO MANY ZOOZ horns joined Mihali on stage to deliver a captivating rendition of the Talking Heads’ classic “Burning Down The House.” Right off the bat, the crowd erupted with enthusiasm as the Mihali’s interpretation and brass instruments filled the air. Next, Dogs In A Pile’s Jimmy Law hopped on stage, joining Mihali and his band for a performance of the soul-stirring Mihali original, “Carved Lines.” After Law showcased his high-octane inclinations, Mihali and his ensemble treated the audience to a rendition of his track, “All Day.”

The next friend to join the mix was Rob Compa of Dopapod, who stepped onto the stage to assist with a rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb.” Compa’s scintillating guitar prowess seamlessly blended with Mihali’s soulful vocals, resulting in several spellbinding segments. To the delight of fans, the group continued to launch into exhilarating medlies and territory in the form of “Open House,” followed by “Plush,” a vibrant “Strongest of Our Kind,” and “Glycerine Medley.”

The night reached new heights as Rick Mitarotonda joined Mihali on stage to lend his musical prowess to two originals: Mihali’s introspective “Breathe and Let Go” and Twiddle’s crowd-favorite, and perfect for the day, “When It Rains It Pours.”

As the set drew to a close, Jeremy Schon of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong joined the ensemble on stage to shred his guitar alongside Mihali during a remarkable rendition of Los Lobos’ timeless classic, “La Bamba.”

Mihali and his talented friends delivered a remarkable performance that highlighted their individual and collective abilities to improvise and unite on stage – their seamless collaborations, dynamic stage presence, and undeniable passion for music demonstrated the power of unity and the boundless possibilities that arise when musicians come together to create magic.

Mihali & Friends
Northlands Music & Arts Festival – Swanzey, N.H.
June 17, 2023

Set: Burning Down The House*, Carved Lines^, All Day, Comfortably Numb#, Open House, Plush, Strongest of Our Kind, Glycerine Medley, Breathe and Let Go@, When It Rains It Pours@, La Bamba”

Notes:
All songs performed with Zdenek Gubb (Bass), Adrian Tramontano (Drums), and Scott Hannay (Keys)

*w/ TOO MANY ZOOZ Horns

^ w/ Jimmy Law (Dogs in a Pile)

#w/ Rob Compa (Dopapod)

@ w/ Rick Mitarotonda (Goose)

” w/ Jeremy Schon (Pigeons Playing Ping Pong)