The Felice Brothers ended their week long New Years run with back to back sold out shows at the brand new Assembly Kingston, to ring in 2025 in style over December 30 and 31.

After a run including Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Rockville Centre, the Felice Brothers were tight as could be and ripped through sets each night that celebrated 20 years together. The sound in Assembly Kingston was on point and played so very well inside this intimate room. It felt as if the floors were spring loaded as the audience bounced and danced to each rocker and swayed together to the sweet ballads, singing along and smiling.

Highlights of the two-night run included “The Kid,” “These Are The Years,” a cover of “Many Rivers To Cross,” as well as “Feliz Navidad,” and “Auld Lang Syne > Wonderful World,” the bands classic hits such as “Frankie’s Fun,” White Limo,” “Wonderful Life” (a perfect opener each night) “Abundance,” which has become a new fan favorite, plus an absolutely ripping version and perfect song of social commentary in the soberness of celebration of “Rockefeller Druglaw.” Suffice to say, the band was in fine form both nights.

“Pretty In Pink,” “Salvation Army Girl,” dedicated to bass player Jesske Hume and “Jazz On The Autobahn,” were also tunes the audience responded to as the new dancehall buzzed and the floors bounced with excitement, the building reborn into Assembly Kingston.

Merce Lemon along with her accompaniment opened each night. Her sets were sweet and poignant with an incredible listening audience hanging on her each word. Local favorite Al Olender serenaded as a special guest each night on “Blow Him Apart.” On night one Wesley Schultz, founder of The Lumineers, joined in and covered “The Ballad of Lou The Welterweight” before performing his “Cleopatra” with the Felice Brothers backing him, the crescendos and voices all together intermingling with everyone singing along. Another very special moment for the opening of this beautiful new venue.

Assembly Kingston is nestled right in the heart of gorgeous Kingston and served as a school house in a previous life, the re-imagining very well executed. The front entrance has a will call before you enter the wonderfully decorated lobby and stairwells, and the basement serves as a coat check. Take the elevator or stairs up to the third floor, where you’ll find the stage and dance hall area, with convenient bathrooms in the back corners, clean and decorated in a fun manner, plus a water refill station and band merchandise area.

“We have been really looking forward to playing here, and it’s already special to the community. We’ve needed a club like this!”
James Felice between songs, speaking about Assembly Kingston

Assembly Kingston has plenty of space, even during these sold out events to work your way easily up to the front of the venue, enjoy the wonderful mix of sound in the middle or walk around the edges and find a seat or a table if you need to back away for a minute. The staff was beyond friendly, knowledgeable of the area and all music lovers in attendance. Within an easy walk, folks can find incredible eateries, taverns, bars, cafes and even a bookstore with coffee and craft beer, parks and lovely walks.

After an incredibly productive first half of the 2020’s with three new records, we can’t wait to see what The Felice Brothers will bring to the table next. The culmination of their European tour and this NYE run was a perfect way to celebrate the times, say goodbye to the old and be hopeful for what is to come.

With a community like this band has created, and the way they capture the spirit of America, no matter how bleak it might look, when together in a room celebrating a new year, one can only hope for what is to come next. Cheers to 2025, one of the best Americana bands of all time and an incredible new music venue.

You can find shows lined up at Assembly Kingston here, and make sure you act quickly as this venue is sure to quickly become a favorite.

Photos by Brooklyn Zeh