It’s finally here! Dubbed the #PBJTour, the inaugural tour of Dogwood Events kicked off in New York City with its first stop at Rockwood Music Hall. Nerds and Beyond was fortunate enough to attend both the VIP and general shows and it certainly did not disappoint. The talent of these individuals alone is astounding, but put them together and it was a catalyst for the perfect blend of talent, music and fun that only this group of people could create.
The VIP show took place on Rockwood Music Hall’s Stage 3. An intimate setting, it really set the mood for the entire night. Paul Carella, Billy Moran, Briana Buckmaster and Jason Manns took the stage together. The group’s witty, friendly banter was the perfect introduction to the evening. Anecdotes mingled with many favorite songs in the small, underground stage as the four passed guitars back and forth and took turns performing in front of the small audience filled with friends and familiar faces.
Jason and Briana started the VIPs off with their soulful rendition of “Have a Little Faith in Me” followed by Paul Carella with “I Tried” and Inside Llewyn Davis’ “Green Green Rocky Road” sung by the one and only Billy Moran. Briana’s “Skinny Love”, with a shoutout to fellow actor/musician Emily Swallow, was next on the set list, with “Soul” by Jason Manns and Paul Carella’s “I’m on Fire” leading up to the debut of a Briana Buckmaster/Billy Moran original entitled “Going Home”. The love in the room was palpable as the duo sang and played what is sure to be a huge hit on an album we are surely all wishing for.
Jason continued the show with his own incredible version of “Cry to Me” from the classic film Dirty Dancing, with Briana following up with “The Ending” from Tedeschi Trucks Band and Paul taking up the guitar once again to perform True Blood‘s theme song “Bad Things”. The VIP show closed out with Jason’s “Perfect Spot” and Briana’s “Gunpowder and Lead”. If you were wondering, Jason did not sing the everlasting “Space Jam”. Not yet anyway… we’ll keep trying.
VIP’s were then treated to on-stage photos with the four performers before heading up to await the second general admission show on Rockwood Music Hall’s Stage 2.
The general show was run with a different format, with each performer doing their own set individually. First out was Jason Manns, who sang “Cry to Me”, “Another Number”, “Who’s Loving You”, “Down,” “Stand By Me” and “Soul”. Next out was Paul Carella, treating us all to “My Little Lady”, “Electric to Touch”, “Hero”, “Chasing Echoes”, “Making Love With Our Boots On” and “Red Sole Woman”. Billy Moran on guitar and Briana Buckmaster with vocals closed us out with “Do I Move You?”, “Ex’s and Oh’s”, “River”, “The Ending”, “Wave”, “It’s Better Than That”, “Carry On My Wayward Son” and “Midnight Train to Memphis”.
This show was certainly a night to remember. Each artist put their heart and soul into every note they sang and played and it did not go unappreciated. This is a must-see if it’s in your area, tickets are still available for some of the tour. Remember, they have said the set list will be different for each show, so while you may not hear some of these songs, you’ll be getting a treat of your own.
