The rowdy, piano-playing front man Andy Frasco, along with his skilled band known as the UN, graduated to Irving Plaza on February 28, 2025. After multiple stints at the smaller Brooklyn Bowl, Frasco and the UN sold out this well-known venue near Union Square in New York, New York, with a 1,200-person capacity. There was no shortage of guests on this stop of Frasco's Try Not To Die 2025 tour. Most notably, Mihali and his band sat in for a chunk of the show and also provided their support as the opening act.
The music began with Mihali, better known as one of the co-founders of Twiddle. His band brought a vibrant reggae meets jam rock vibe that could put a smile on anyone's face. The lineup included guitarist Mihali, bassist Zdenek Gubb, drummer Adrian Tramontano, keyboardist Scott Hanay, trumpeter Michael Bafundo, and saxophonist Michael Oehman. Their fans are some of the nicest folks we've ever encountered at jam rock shows, and this show was no exception. The music included a mix of new Mihali solo tunes and a couple of Twiddle classics. Mihali crushed a few jams on the guitar.
Frasco took the stage after a short break, and along with his high-energy band. Tonight's lineup included keyboardist Andy Frasco, guitarist Shawn Eckels, drummer Andee Avilla, saxophonist Sam Kelly, and a bassist who filled in for Frasco regular Floyd Kellogg. Kelly subbed for saxophonist Ernie Chang. It wasn't long before Frasco was standing on top of his custom keyboard that rises in the air, while drinking Jameson.
New York City resident and bassist extraordinaire Karina Rykman joined the band on stage for a tune, while trading rock star moves with Kelly.
Frasco played a number of his original tunes including "Try Not To Die," "Dancing in our Graves," and "Iowa Moon."
Later during his set, he summoned Mihali and his band to join the party, and specifically requested a Twiddle song. They remained on stage for a few songs, and returned to close out the set.
Allie Kral (Cornmeal, YMSB) sat in with the band for about half of the second set. She complemented the band well, and prompted Frasco to utter at one point, "Don't you think she should join our band?"
This talented group played a few covers, including "Killing in the Name Of" by Rage Against the Machine. Frasco also sprinkled inspiring words throughout the show to the fans, encouraging them to keep going, and referenced his own struggles.
Overall, both Andy Frasco and the UN, along with Mihali, delivered a highly entertaining and uplifting night of music. Frasco is up next at the Roxian Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA on March 7, 2025 and at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern in Cleveland, OH on March 8, 2025. Head on over to Frasco's tour page for details about more show dates. Mihali will be at the Reggae Rise Up After Party in St. Pete, FL on March 13, 2025.
Check out more photos from the show!
