AN EVENING WITH MATISYAHU AND ADAM WEINBERG

12.25.24 | written by ; Penny Piper

On November 21st, the historic Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, New York, served as the perfect backdrop for an evening of music that transcended the ordinary. This stunning venue, with its elegant architecture and rich history, has hosted some of the greatest performances in Troy’s history. Walking into the hall is like stepping into a time capsule of artistry, and on this night, it was filled with the echoes of countless musical legends, as Matisyahu, accompanied by an incredible lineup of talent, brought the crowd together in a celebration of faith, music, and connection. 

The night opened with Adam Weinberg, whose set of original songs provided a warm, soulful introduction to the evening. Weinberg’s voice, coupled with his skilled guitar playing, created an inviting atmosphere that made you feel like you were settling into a conversation with a friend. His witty humor and engaging stage presence drew us in, making it clear that his music was not just a performance, but an invitation to share in his creative world. His songwriting was thoughtful, reflective, and deeply rooted in emotional honesty, setting a perfect tone for the night ahead.

Joining Adam Weinberg was Aaron  Dugan, on  electric guitar whose contribution to the performance was nothing short of ethereal. Dugan’s rhythm work seemed to come from another plane entirely—his grooves felt like they were plucked straight from the heavens. As Matisyahu guided us through a range of musical styles and spiritual journeys, Dugan’s rhythms added a dimension of mystery and energy, creating the perfect balance between space and intensity. His electric guitar melodies navigated the complex layers of Matisyahu’s music with a steady hand, grounding the performance while lifting it to new heights. It was a true partnership between him and Matisyahu, with Dugan’s rhythms saying, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

When Matisyahu took the stage, from the first note, it was clear he was going to give us everything we had hoped for. With a deep connection to his audience, Matisyahu’s voice rang out in the historic hall, delivering the songs we love, and I held on to every beat. He sang every song I had hoped to hear, including “Fireproof” from his newly released album, Hold The Fire, a track that resonated deeply with me. Matisyahu’s music has always been an integral part of my life, offering messages of courage, faith, love, and bravery. His songs, for me, are not just melodies—they are tools of healing, able to drive away demons and breathe life into wounded souls. To hear my child sing these songs with such conviction is a joy beyond words, a testament to the power of music to shape, guide, and uplift.

One of the most beautiful moments of the night came when Matisyahu invited the crowd into a conversation, creating an intimate and interactive experience. In his usual friendly and unassuming way, he asked us who we rooted for in the NFL.  At first, it seemed as though the crowd could not come together on a favorite. Then, the unmistakable roar of the Buffalo fans erupted, and with that, Matisyahu rewarded us with “Searchin” a song that has “buffalo” woven through the lyrics. It was a playful moment that reminded us that despite our differences, we all have something in common—something to root for.

As if the night couldn’t get any better, Laura Melnicoff, a world-renowned cellist, joined the stage for the final songs,”I Will Be Light” and “One Day.” Melnicoff’s performance was stunning—not just technically, but in her sheer stage presence. With a captivating beauty and a commanding energy, she completely filled the room with her sound. Innovative and current, she blended classical techniques with modern beats in a way that was nothing short of groundbreaking. At one point, Matisyahu, clearly in awe of her presence, asked the soundboard to put her in his monitor so that he could better experience her incredible sound. Melnicoff effortlessly transitioned from sampling Bach to dropping sick beats while being accompanied by beatboxing and guitar. The way she seamlessly fused genres and styles showed that she wasn’t just a performer—she was an artist pushing boundaries with grace and ease.

This night was a moment of pure joy for me. I met the Lewis Family and I know they are kindred spirits of mine. Their two young daughters danced with me with reckless abandon, they took to the front, uninhibited by anything but the music. Together, we stood —dancing, singing, and baring our souls to the music. For a few moments, there were no worries, no heaviness in the world. It was just the power of music and movement, transcending everything else. In a world full of heaviness, this was a reminder that the innocence of a child is pure and untainted. It was a beautiful expression of the fact that beneath all our experiences, we are still those children—craving connection, creation, and joy.

That night was a powerful reminder: the world is still beautiful, and the only way forward is through love. We can use dance, song, and creativity to drive away the darkness. We must raise the vibrations of this world with every step we take, every note we sing, and every movement we make. Matisyahu, Laura Melnicoff, Adam Weinberg, and Aaron Dugan showed us that music has the power to heal, to unite, and to remind us that, even in the face of turmoil, we can always choose to create joy.

As I left the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, I felt uplifted, as though the vibrations from that sacred space had penetrated deep into my soul. In a world that often feels divided, Matisyahu’s performance was a beacon of light—a reminder that we all have the power to make the world better, one song at a time.

All the best,

Penny Piper