New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


?>

 

Lotus at Union Transfer in Philadelphia


By Chris Paul

originally published: 01/22/2023

Lotus kicked of their 2023 winter tour on 1/21/23 and the horizons for this tour and beyond are soaring. The energy entering Union Transfer in Philadelphia was electric heightened by the Philly faithful out to enjoy a hometown show even as the Eagles prepared to continue a playoff run against rival NY Giants. Yes, the Eagles won and as a Giants fan, I was not fazed by this blow-out, thanks to having my mind blown by such an energetic effort by the hometown favorite band. Echoes of fly Eagles fly filled the air as Lotus struck fast with a first set that features some known bangers with a slow hypnotical journey through the precision that is Lotus’s technique and structure.

I recently spoke to Mike Greenfield about the addition of guitarist, Tim Palmieri, and as set 1 took lift off, Tim’s smile and the early exchanges of all the musicians on stage was the real prize. The music tapestry that the band wove from 1st notes shown bright, and the heart on Tim’s new hat mirrored the love felt by the band for their passionate performances and the love that wove the crowd together with this incredible night of music. All the hard work adding Tim to the band rooted an incredible exchange of melody and all I could think about was this is just night 1 of a 4–5-week tour! Mike Greenfield had told me that this was also the first time since Tim’s addition they would be playing nightly shows for an extended period of time. I can only imagine where this time will take Lotus and the inner glow I felt throughout the 1st set magnified exponentially through the large grin on my face.

2nd set was no exception, Lotus again launched at a super-sonic pace delivering a set that was essentially an endless segue-way of songs and rhythm. Adding to the enjoyment was the musical back-to-back of brothers, Luke and Jesse Miller. Luke and Jesse are the leaders of Lotus as their enjoyment for their musical creation serves as a magnetic force behind Lotus’ appeal. 2nd set was no different, but this enjoyment was increased further by the musical dialogue that was Lotus’s frontline made up of Luke, Jesse, and now Tim!

This was the 1st Lotus show I have seen in over 20 years that Luke crossed the stage, guitar in hand to bask in the currents that he and Tim were now creating together. This was also the 1st Lotus set I have seen that featured Luke on his guitar primarily (he also plays synth and keys), a metaphor to me of the limitless possibility and joy the addition of Tim brings. The backline of course would not be outshined, and Mike Greenfield and percussionist Chuck Morris’ crescendo was a power packed drum solo/duet during the show’s encore, Shimmer.

The icing on the cake for tonight too, was the mesmerizing light show by lighting director, Scott Houston. It seemed as if the renewed tour meant bigger and brighter, combined with demonstrated harmony and symmetry with the energy on-stage and in the crowd for the lights. He even peppered in some green and white specifically for the home team birds.

 




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



Lotus at Union Transfer in Philadelphia, PA 

Set 1-Expired Slang, Transfixed, MacGuffin, Caywood, Move To Fast> Flower Sermon

Set 2- Bubonic> Mink & Shoes> DM> triplet D’n’B> Arupa> Em> ½> Greet the Mind, Tar Pits> Bm> Intro to a Cell

Encore: Shimmer (drums)

Lotus is Jesse Miller (bass), Luke Miller (keys/synth/guitar), Tim Palmieri (guitar), Chuck Morris (percussion), Mike Greenfield (drums)

Here are more photos from the show.

 

More information about 2023 winter tour and Lotus available at https://lotusvibes.com/

PHOTOS by Chris Paul




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



EVENT PREVIEWS

An

An Interview with Dan Kurtz of The New Deal

Formed in 1999, Toronto, Canada based trio The New Deal, is a pioneer in jam-based electronic music. The group was founded by remaining members Dan Kurtz (bass) and Jamie Shields (keys), along with Darren Shearer (drums) who left tND in 2011. Since its inception, tND has remained committed to its improvisational roots and has served as a model for other jamtronica bands bridging the gap between multiple music genres as well as the border between Canada and the United States.



Rick

Rick Springfield, John Waite, Wang Chung, and Paul Young to bring the "I Want My 80s Tour" to NJPAC

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Get ready to revive the spirit of the 1980s! Iconic rock star and eternal heartthrob Rick Springfield, a true emblem of the '80s music scene, is set to take the stage on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Showtime is 7:00pm.



Young

Young the Giant to Play Tropicana Atlantic City

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum selling band Young the Giant announces the In The Open 2025 Acoustic Tour. An intimate concert experience performed in beautiful spaces and venues around the country, the band will be supported by Cassandra Coleman (debut album produced by Jack Antonoff out June 6 via Warner) throughout. Locally, the tour comes to Tropicana Atlantic City on Saturday, July 12, 2025.



West

West Windsor Arts presents Summer Music and More: Channel Collective

(PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ) -- West Windsor Arts presents Channel Collective on Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Dan Kassel and Friends, featuring Gregg Merkle, will open the night. This is the first of three in their free summer concert series sponsored by Site Centers. Admission is free.



Asbury

Asbury Lanes presents There, There - A Tribute to Radiohead

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Lanes presents There, There on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 8:00pm. They are the premier Radiohead tribute act, playing songs from throughout the band's iconic multi-decade catalogue.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Frisson

Frisson Winds

Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

Candlelight

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

Damn

Damn The Torpedoes - The Music of Tom Petty

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

There,

There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead)

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Asbury Lanes
209 4th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
category: music


 

Band

Band Infusion Musical Night by GG

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 7:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: music