Editor's Note: We interviewed Greg Ormont following Pigeons Playing Ping Pong's recent show at Pier 17 , only to find out that our recording failed because of technical difficulties. We tried to recover parts of the audio without success, and this hurt because Ormont's comments were so honest and powerful. Instead, we integrated his words from our recollection into a review of the show. He's an incredible human, and we hope you enjoy this mash up.

The Rooftop at Pier 17 hosted not one but three rising jam bands, which created a festival-like environment on Saturday, August 31st, 2024. It is hard to image a better way to spend the dog days of summer than sipping a fancy cocktail while watching the liveliness of Manhattan swirl around the venue with bands like Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & the UN, and Dogs in a Pile diving into tasty jams. Many attended the show for one particular band, and walked away a fan of all three. The weather initially looked ominous, but ultimately never resulted in precipitation, which only uplifted this special three set event.

The youthful Dogs in a Pile kicked off the festivities. Originally from Asbury Park, NJ, this band blends elements of blues rock, funk and jazz to create their unique sound. Drummer Joey Babick is barely of legal drinking age, but that didn't stop him from leading the charge behind the kit. Views of the Brooklyn Bridge emanated behind the band as they dove into their original tunes. Notably, they played a righteous cover of "Dancing in the Streets" that morphed into "Go Set."

Their time wound down with a high energy sequence, starting with Guitarist Jimmy Law singing the funky original "Bubble." The music flowed into "EDM Song," which included some raging synth care of Keyboardist Jeremy Kaplan. The band brought the music home by returning to "Bubble," with Dogs ending their set on a high note.

We asked guitarist Greg Ormont, from Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, what it was like playing with a young band like Dogs in a Pile. He was very positive and mentioned how great they were to tour with. He also highlighted their level of skill and how much growth their band has had at such a young age.

Andy Frasco & the UN took the stage by storm, as guitarist Shawn Eckels held his guitar over head, and ripped into "Birthday Song" by Spookie Daly Pride. Dogs in a Pile quickly returned to the stage, and joined for Frasco's original, the psychedelic meets alt rock "Talk About It." Frasco and his band gave them the instrument sharing/swapping treatment. Drummer Andee Avilla gave his seat to Babbick, Eckels gave his guitar to Avilla, and both Frasco and Kaplan shared a piano, among other notable exchanges. Frasco took a moment to introduce everyone, and humorously included Law as his son, "Jimmy Frasco."

Frasco and his band played a banging version of "Vasoline" by the Stone Temple Pilots next. This was followed by "Waiting Game," from their 2019 album Change of Pace. Frasco obliged the fans with his ceremonial crowd surfing and Jameson drinking during this tune. The band went for more 90's goodness by playing the final verse of "Killing in the Name." The set ended on a positive note with their catchy, original tune, "Dancing in Our Graves."

We asked Ormont what it was like touring with Andy Frasco and the UN, and he had nothing but great things to say, though namely how industrious Frasco and his band are. He said that Frasco himself was always engaged, and is one of the hardest working individuals in the industry.  He was also able to join Frasco on his podcast.

We also discussed what is was like playing on the Rooftop at Pier 17 for the first time, and if there was anything he wished for more time to explore. He unequivocally professed how incredible the venue was to perform at, which he also shared several times on stage. He mentioned not having much time to properly explore, and described the area back stage as a "maze." Ormont also expressed a genuine interest to visit the ESPN studio that is located in the South Street Seaport district where Pier 17 resides. Perhaps an ESPN team member-fan out there can help make this a reality.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong emerged for their set as the day had turned into night. The Empire State Building, as well as others, were illuminated for the evening behind the band as they played. Ormont expressed the their excitement while on stage, before kicking off their set with the blues rock inspired "Porcupine." Guitarist Jeremy Schon brought some A game as they navigated this feel good opener. Ormont sang newer tune "Right Track" next, with drummer Alex Petropulos firing on all cylinders.

The disco funk "Avalanche" followed. Bassist Ben Carry elevated this tune by a factor of his funky bass thumping. The Baltimore, MD based quartet dispatched some intense tension and release as the jam progressed. The melodic "My Own Way" featured some nice guitar inter-play between Schon and Ormont.

"Poseidon" hopped into the set next with an intro that was reminiscent of the Allman Brothers. This quickly gave way to the beloved, bubbly funk tune. A fiery jam ensued, which skillfully transitioned into Daft Punk's "One More Time." Played for the eleventh time in their career, this was certainly an engaging rendition that almost felt like the song was written for this band to cover. Petropulos and Carrey were unwavering as their rhythmic base facilitated this tune taking flight. This epic jam landed squarely back in "Poseidon."

For the next tune, Ormont summoned "AC from Tauk" to the stage to sit in as a guest, but he apparently got lost in the maze behind the stage. He also mentioned their recent release Day in Time, which features the next tune, "Beneath the Surface." Heavy hitter "Horizon" proceeded, and clocked in at the longest jam of their set at thirteen minutes. This Psychology tune has all the funky feels, as it transformed from a simple melody into a flaming inferno, before settling into a very danceable groove. Schon crushed the guitar, as they dug into a slightly darker, psychedelic vibe. Celebrate who you love, indeed.

Kaplan from Dogs joined the band for "Show Me" and added a nice touch on the synth. The set closed out with the upbeat "Dawn a New Day." The band left the stage and returned with both Dogs in a Pile and Andy Frasco & the UN for one final tune. Ormont announced, "the rumors are true. This place rules." They all collaborated on the classic Stephen Still's "Love the One You're With." Both Ormont and Avilla provided great vocals while saxophonist Ernie Chang, from Andy Frasco & the UN, really tied everything together during this encouraging encore.

We mentioned our encounters with Ormont's lovely folks through the years at shows to him. We asked if their relatives are able to join them at shows and how special it is when they are there. He very much agreed that their attendance is always special given that most can't aren't able to make many shows. He also added that his folks like to use their tour schedule as a base itinerary for traveling, which is pretty cool.

Speaking of their tour schedule, Ormont discussed a number of exciting future dates, beginning with their Halloween show in Indianapolis, ID at the Vogue Theater on October 31, 2024. This band adores blending other bands like no other, such as their 2022 performance as the Who Fighters in New Haven, CT. He mentioned multiple three night stands coming up, such as their December 5-7 stint at Infinity Music Hall in Hartford, CT. They will end 2024 with a two night run in Pittsburgh, PA to ring in the new year. The band will take to the sea in February 2025 when they set sail on Jam Cruise 21.

We certainly enjoyed the show and speaking with Ormont. In addition to the dates discussed, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are up next in Naperville, IL at Howlin' at the Moon on October 25th. Dogs in a Pile are headlining a two night stand at the legendary Brooklyn Bowl in Philadelphia, PA on October 25-26th. Andy Frasco & the UN are going full throttle into fall with their next date on October 3rd at Miramar Theater in Milwaukee, WI.

Check out more photos from the show!

Dogs in a Pile Set: You Didn't Hear It From Me, My Disguise, Go Set, Dancing in the Street¹ > Go Set, Men of Steel, Spun, Bubble > EDM Song > Bubble
Notes: 1. Martha Reeves and the Vandellas

Andy Frasco & the UN Set: Birthday Song¹, Talk About It², Vasoline_³, Waiting Game, Killing in the Name⁴, Dancing in Our Graves (set list incomplete)
Notes:
1. Spookie Daly Pride
2. with Dogs in a Pile
3. Stone Temple Pilots
4. Rage Against the Machine, final verse only

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Set: Porcupine, Right Track, Avalanche, Poseidon > My Own Way, One More Time¹ > Poseidon, Beneath the Surface, Horizon, Show Me², Dawn a New Day
Encore: Love the One You're With³⁴
Notes:
1. Daft Punk
2. with Jeremy Kaplan
3. Stephen Stills
4. With Dogs in a Pile and Andy Frasco & the UN