Overall, 2025 was a very good year of concerts for me.
I won't include every concert as quite a few were smaller acts, but here's a list of the more notable shows I went to this year in chronological order.
JRAD, May 23rd, Westville Music Bowl: First time seeing them. Fun time and I enjoy their unique way of covering The Grateful Dead with their level of energy.
Matt Beringer, June 1st, District Music Hall, Norwalk, CT: One of the many shows I saw at District Music Hall, a venue that I am very happy that has gotten nicer and under better management. Awesome seeing The National lead singer in a small venue. His band was excellent and I love his stage presence.
Goose, June 29th, Westville Music Bowl: Second time seeing Goose (first time was there show at Wilton High). Meh, it was fine, and as local kids I wish them good fortune and success, but their shows don't interest me very much.
Phish, July 22nd, Forest Hills Stadium, NY: I think the 8th time I've seen Phish live and the first time I've seen them since Baker's Dozen. Extra special since Forest Hills is probably my favorite venue. I really enjoy this current chapter of Phish's career arch.
Beck, July 15th, Westville Music Bowl: My wife took me to see Beck for the first time for my birthday. The show was with a full orchestra of CT residents. A beautiful evening and a very interesting show, especially when it went a little off the rails later on as it got funkier.
Neil Young, August 23rd, Jones Beach, NY: My first time seeing Neil Young, so pretty epic to finally see him live at such an intriguing venue and probably my first time there in 20 years. It rocked and was such an honor to see him live, albeit basically from the last row, lol.
David Bryne, October 7th, Oakdale Theater: My third time seeing Bryne sold, but my wife's first as we went there for her birthday. An all-around performance and one of those multimedia shows where time flies and when it ends, you're like it's over?!? Maybe my favorite concert of the year.
Jeff Tweedy, October 17, District Music Hall, Norwalk, CT: Such a treat. Honestly, one of my favorite shows I've gone to this year, great to see Tweedy play with his sons and generally just seeing him healthy and doing well.
Quick hits of smaller shows: William Tyler at FTC this May was intimate/meditative/psychedelic...finger pick guitarist but a totally improved set list. Geordie Greep at District Street Music Hall was a fun solo show, snuck up to the luxury box seats, but a little too out there for me, but I dig that he does whatever he wants to do. LaMp last month at Park City Music Hall was another banger. Arguably my favorite local jam band...imagine if Soulive with a little more grit and musical genre versatility. Awesome venue.
