Still echoing with patriotic pride from the 4th of July, Troy’s Riverfront Park sizzled under summer skies as the city’s beloved Rockin’ on The River concert series continued its electric run on Wednesday, July 9. Bringing the Collar City to life through the amplified rumble of classic blues rock and a heavy dose of the American spirit, local powerhouse Ginger Geezus proved that fireworks don’t always go off in the air, sometimes they happen on stage, too.
Opening the night was the Deb Zep Duo, whose blend of heartfelt originals and timeless covers warmed up the crowd with authenticity and grace. Clearly aware of the moment, the pair took a lighthearted approach to their biggest stage yet, laughing off their nerves before settling into a smooth and soulful groove. Highlights included elegant renditions of Etta James “At Last” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” both of which shimmered with vocal control and emotional depth, showing that sometimes less is more and setting the perfect stage for the sonic storm to follow.
Then, like a scene from a movie, Ginger Geezus arrived. Not from backstage, but by boat as lead singer Matty D emerged waving an American flag, donning an Uncle Sam hat, and carrying the kind of over-the-top energy that lets you know you’re in for a wild ride. From the first riff, the band unleashed a set that was equal parts homage and celebration to the city, to rock n’ roll and of the spirit of summer.
Leaning heavily into the electric psychedelia of Hendrix with blistering takes on “Purple Haze,” “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” “Manic Depression,” and “All Along the Watchtower,” Ginger Geezus brought attitude and groove in equal measure. The Hendrix tributes alone could have carried the night, but they went further, way further, into southern rock territory with ZZ Top’s “La Grange,” Mountain’s “Mississippi Queen,” and a goosebump-inducing rendition of The Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post.”
The band didn’t just play these songs, they testified through them, layering southern-fried swagger with classic rock grit. Their sound struck that rare balance between tight musicianship and reckless abandon. The guitarist was in full shred wizard mode, bending notes into other dimensions and conjuring solos that defied gravity. The bassist, decked out in a Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem tee, laid down grooves that were both funky and ferocious, bouncing across the low end with flair and a permanent mischievous grin. Behind the kit, drummer Alex Riddell held it all together with pounding authority and a casual cool. And then there was Matty D—frontman, showman, and certified ringleader. Armed with a golden KING goblet and charisma so high-voltage it could power a stage light, he kept the crowd laughing, dancing, and fully engaged.
There was a sense of occasion and community throughout the performance. Matty D took a moment to share how long the band had dreamed of playing Rockin’ on The River, and with friends and longtime fans in attendance, the set took on the feel of a long-awaited homecoming. From start to finish, Ginger Geezus didn’t just play a show, they delivered a sermon of high-octane American rock that left the faithful converted. With lyrical nods to Troy’s industrial past, tributes to Uncle Sam, and a rock-n-roll attitude soaked in sweat and American spirit, the band gave the people more than a performance, they gave them a night to remember. Troy may be known as the birthplace of Uncle Sam, but on July 9th, it was the capital of rock and roll.
As the sun dipped behind the Hudson and the final notes rang out, it was clear this was one of those you-had-to-be-there kind of nights. But if you missed it, don’t worry, salvation comes in the form of even more free music. The Rockin’ on The River series continues July 23 with Side B, Shannon Tehya and Hunter Frost, and wraps up August 6 with Lucid Street and the Ky McClinton Duo, but good luck topping July 9th because Ginger Geezus didn’t just rock the river. They baptized it.
Ginger Geezus
Deb Zep Duo
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