Weezer, Future Islands and Joyce Manor @ CMAC, Canandaigua, NY 7-3-23

Weezer is smack dab in the middle of their Indie Rock Roadtrip 2023 tour. This is only 1 of 2 NY state shows (Queens being the other) and it’s number 18^th of 36 shows. For this show, they brought out Future Islands and Joyce Manor with them. The show was sold out and one of the highlights on the CMAC concert schedule.

Weezer took the stage with a giant backdrop that had an inflatable car dashboard. The show started with the dial going back and forth until both guitarists Rivers Coumo and Brain Bell danced their way to their respective spots on stage. After drummer Patrick Wilson and bassist Scott Shriner took their positions, the band kicked into “My Name is Jonas.” Things heated up quickly as the band went into one of their biggest hits in “Beverly Hills.” Cuomo went behind the kit and played on top of the dashboard (above the steering wheel) for a few tracks including “Pork and Beans.” Joyce Manor vocalist came out to sing “El Scorcho” and played guitar and sang on “You Gave Your Love to Me Softly.” Cuomo got the fans attention as when he was walking around on top of the dashboard, he did pushups and even did some clapping his hands together while doing pushups. A few songs later, Cuomo talked about how the band has written 484 songs but never performed this one live. He then played solo acoustic on “I’m Just Being Honest.” He also sang half of the next song “Susanne” before the other 3 guys joined up at the front and center of the stage to help finish the song. For the “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived,” Cuomo donned a cowboy hat and matching long back dress shirt to convey the song. A giant inflatable sun came down for the tune “Islands in the Sun.” Rivers got behind the piano for the ditty “Perfect Situation.” Rivers and Bell worse baseball caps for the last track in “Buddy Holly.” The video screen originally showed caricatures of people roller skating then it panned and showed audience members singing along.

Weezer’s set really had everything and the kitchen sink thrown in, you can say. They played all of their hits, incorporated a track never played before and had the visuals and stage interaction to all go along with it. Cuomo did say “were half way through the tour so we are warmed up.” They sure were. The band never sounded better, in my opinion.

Opening the show were two bands in Future Islands and Joyce Manor. Joyce Manor recently came out with a new album titled ‘40 oz. To Fresno’ and focused on mostly playing that material. The power punk style I believe played well to the audience. On the other hand, Future Islands never grabbed the audience’s attention through their 50 minute set. Driven mostly by a synthesizer beat, it was hard for them to build any momentum before Weezer took the stage.

Setlist:

My Name is Jonas

Beverly Hills

Return to Ithaka

The Good Life

Pork and Beans

Pink Triangle

El Scorcho

You Gave Your Love to Me Softly

Blast Off!

Undone – The Sweater Song

I’m Just Being Honest