If you ask any Hudson Valley local music fan, there’s a pretty good chance they can tell you about Doors at Seven, the New Paltz based booking company that provides so many local artists with the opportunity to play live shows.
Each year they host a multi day DIY music festival, Door Daze, showcasing the area’s many small artists, including some from other regions. Now in its sixth year, what was originally a two day festival has now expanded to five. This year’s annual Door Daze, taking place from August 18-23, visited Troy, Poughkeepsie, New Paltz, and Kingston, with music and other events.
The five day event began last Wednesday, August 19 in Troy. The stacked lineup of locations also included a songwriters’ workshop in Kingston (postponed due to weather), a basement show in New Paltz, a day of music in Poughkeepsie, an after party in New Paltz, and finally concluded with shows in Kingston on Sunday. The festival, which is in its sixth year, serves as a way for fans up and down the Hudson to find community in music. One especially electric show was Friday night’s event, which served up a night of female-fronted alt in one of the Valley’s most vibrant towns.
On Friday the 21st, Door Daze stopped at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Paltz to host Killer Film, Trash Rabbit, Sophie’s Body (of Boston), and Sir Echo. The show was completely sold out. Those who were lucky enough to purchase a ticket in advance were excited for a night of music and community. The crowd packed in as tightly as they could, and fans that were unable to get a ticket sat outside on the grass to watch through open windows.
The night opened with Killer Film. They quickly set the tone for what was going to be a fun night. They played a fantastic set, including their brand new single “come around,” which was released earlier this month. The gritty indie rock track has a certain sort of groove that had the audience nodding their heads along with it. The band was a very impressive opening to a great night.
Trash Rabbit was second to take the stage. They played a few songs without percussion, sharing that their drummer became unable to attend at the last minute. Later, they welcomed Sir Echo’s drummer to the stage to fill in. Immediately, the pit opened, and the guitarist even jumped in once or twice. Also playing a double set was the bassist, who is an active member of both bands. The set was impressively punchy, and although the venue was getting progressively warmer, the audience’s energy only got stronger.
The Boston-based band Sophie’s Body took the stage for their first ever show in the area. Each member of the band provided a visceral performance, and they were quickly welcomed into the New Paltz community. With powerful vocals, controlled guitar feedback, and a new town to impress, the band made their first Hudson Valley performance one to remember.
The evening closed with an explosive set from Sir Echo, who is recently coming off of a string of tours, including stops at SXSW and Australia in recent months. They played songs from their EP, To Fly With Clipped Wings, which was released this past May. The already loyal audience sang along to lyrics detailing political corruption and other various grievances. Before leaving the stage, the band shared how important New Paltz is to them, and the personal significance of playing in their hometown region.
Friday’s Door Daze show was a very special (albeit slightly humid and sweaty) night. Year round, Doors at Seven provides small artists with opportunities to be discovered by their community, and it provides audiences with a third space. Everyone is there for one reason: music. Doors at Seven knows that music plays a very important part in building community, and the Door Daze music festival proves it.
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