Editor's Note: We interviewed Greg Ormont following Pigeons Playing Ping Pong's recent show at Pier 17, only to discover that our recording had failed due to technical difficulties. Despite our efforts to recover parts of the audio, we were unsuccessful, which was particularly disappointing as Ormont’s insights were incredibly honest and powerful. As a result, we incorporated our recollections of his words into this review of the show. He’s an incredible individual, and we hope you enjoy this mashup.

The Rooftop at Pier 17 hosted not one but three rising jam bands, creating a festival-like atmosphere on Saturday, August 31st, 2024. It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend the dog days of summer than sipping a fancy cocktail while watching the vibrancy of Manhattan unfold around the venue, with bands like Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & the U.N., and Dogs in a Pile diving into their flavorful jams. Many attended the show for one particular band but left as fans of all three. Though the weather initially looked ominous, it never resulted in rain, which only heightened the joy of 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. With views of the Brooklyn Bridge as a backdrop, the band launched into their original tunes. Notably, they played a righteous cover of "Dancing in the Streets," which seamlessly morphed into "Go Set."

Their set wound down with a high-energy sequence, beginning with guitarist Jimmy Law singing the funky original "Bubble." The music flowed into "EDM Song," which featured some raging synth courtesy of keyboardist Jeremy Kaplan. The band brought it all home by returning to "Bubble," ending their set on a high note.

We asked guitarist Greg Ormont of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong what it was like to play with a young band like Dogs in a Pile. He spoke very positively, mentioning how great they were to tour with. He also highlighted their high level of skill and how much growth they’ve experienced at such a young age.

Andy Frasco & the U.N. took the stage by storm as guitarist Shawn Eckels held his guitar overhead and ripped into "Birthday Song" by Spookie Daly Pride. Dogs in a Pile quickly returned to the stage, joining in for Frasco’s original, the psychedelic-meets-alt-rock track "Talk About It." Frasco and his band treated the crowd to some instrument swapping, with drummer Andee Avilla giving his seat to Babick, Eckels passing his guitar to Avilla, and both Frasco and Kaplan sharing the piano, among other notable exchanges. Frasco then took a moment to introduce everyone, humorously referring to Law as his son, "Jimmy Frasco."

Frasco and his band played a banging version of "Vasoline" by Stone Temple Pilots next, followed by "Waiting Game" from their 2019 album Change of Pace. Frasco delighted fans with his signature crowd surfing and Jameson drinking during the song. The band continued with more '90s nostalgia, playing the final verse of "Killing in the Name." They ended the set 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 U.N., and he had nothing but great things to say, particularly noting how industrious Frasco and his band are. He mentioned that Frasco is always engaged and is one of the hardest-working individuals in the industry. Ormont also had the opportunity to join Frasco on his podcast.

We also discussed what it was like playing on the Rooftop at Pier 17 for the first time and if there was anything he wished he had more time to explore. He unequivocally expressed how incredible the venue was to perform at, a sentiment he shared multiple times on stage. He mentioned not having much time to properly explore the area and described the backstage as a "maze." Ormont also expressed a genuine interest in visiting the ESPN studio 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 day turned into night. The Empire State Building and other surrounding buildings were illuminated behind the band as they played. Ormont expressed their excitement on stage before kicking off the set with the blues rock-inspired "Porcupine." Guitarist Jeremy Schon brought his A-game as they navigated this feel-good opener. Ormont then sang the newer tune "Right Track," with drummer Alex Petropulos firing on all cylinders.

The disco-funk track "Avalanche" followed, with bassist Ben Carry elevating the tune through his funky bass thumping. The Baltimore, MD-based quartet delivered intense tension and release as the jam progressed. The melodic "My Own Way" featured some impressive guitar interplay between Schon and Ormont.

"Poseidon" came next in the set, with an intro reminiscent of the Allman Brothers, quickly giving way to the beloved, bubbly funk tune. A fiery jam ensued, skillfully transitioning into Daft Punk's "One More Time." Played for the eleventh time in their career, this rendition felt like the song was made for the band to cover. Petropulos and Carry were unwavering as their rhythmic foundation allowed the tune to take flight. The epic jam eventually landed squarely back in "Poseidon."

For the next tune, Ormont called for "AC from Tauk" to join the stage as a guest, but he apparently got lost in the maze behind the stage. Ormont also mentioned their recent release, Day in Time, which features the next song, "Beneath the Surface." The heavy-hitting "Horizon" followed, clocking in as the longest jam of their set at thirteen minutes. This Psychology tune had all the funky feels, transforming from a simple melody into a blazing inferno before settling into a highly danceable groove. Schon crushed the guitar as they leaned into a slightly darker, psychedelic vibe. "Celebrate who you love," indeed.

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

We mentioned to Ormont that we’ve encountered his lovely parents at shows over the years and asked if their relatives are able to attend shows and how special it is when they do. He wholeheartedly agreed that their presence is always special, especially since most of them can’t make it to many shows. He also added that his parents like to use the tour schedule as a base itinerary for their travels, which he thought was 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