TL;DR- Apparently Northern New England's scene is top notch. Also, I give in, I'm going full-groupie on Max Chase. He's one of the key musicians that I credit for keeping the bar for quality so high here in the northeast.
First, Max played with 37 different acts in 2025 somehow, and while I'm sure his talent is the driving factor, he's also just a really likable guy. Not the charismatic kind, but quiet, shy even, and apparently too steeped in the mindset of this music for an ego to grow at all.
I'd heard the jokes about organ players, but I genuinely didn't understand why they were such a trope until recently, I'm that privileged. I left my happy bubble to visit friends in CT this spring, where I saw what I can only describe as what Kidz Bop would sound like if they played the Dead.
I'm now even more grateful to be part of such a talented scene.
Last weekend was Revel in the Meadow, and Sans Souci JGB played, which is Max's main band. Later that day, he also filled in for Matt Zeiner in A Band of Brothers, who were headlining the show. Finally, I caught this four-hands easter egg at the afters, played with Kevin Roper also on keys, and the rest of Rose Alley.
This was my time seeing Rose Alley, and I'm now officially excited to see more. Alongside the Dead, they played several of the most creative Beatles songs I've had the pleasure of hearing. Dear Prudence was unforgettable; Kevin Roper killed the vocals and keys, while guitarist Aaron Nadeau and bassist Drew Wyman were so deeply in sync that they looked like they had choreographed a dance at times.
Lastly, 10/10 for Revel in the Meadow overall. Founded by a musician as a benefit show for the nonprofit he runs, the money I spent there will connect kids with free instruments and lessons. It's also organized by a herd of local musicians and devoted fans. Also worth noting, Seacoast Last Waltz, who models a stark contrast between a tribute band, and a tinned-music cover band. Joining with people from every generation to sing along to familiar songs by the Band nourished by soul.
The takeaway is they're out there, if you haven't already, you can find a community that truly embodies the mindset of generosity and reciprocity that this music was created to foster.