Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Dogs In A Pile pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong concluded the main stage activities on the opening day of the Flood City Music Festival with an exceptional set that featured a multitude of guests. The band, known for their energetic performances, went on to bring fellow festival acts Andy Frasco & The U.N. and Dogs In A Pile on stage for a special tribute to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. This performance took place at Peoples Natural Gas Park in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and marked a highlight of the event.
The Baltimore-based quartet, who recently announced an upcoming two-night show at The Capitol Theatre in New York with support from Spafford and Great Blue, treated the Flood City Music Festival audience to a compelling two-hour set. Jennifer Hartswick, the event’s Artist-at-Large, made a guest appearance midway through the set, adding her trumpet talents to the song “Avalanche.” Additionally, Dogs In A Pile’s keyboardist Jeremy Kaplan joined Pigeons Playing Ping Pong on stage for a vibrant rendition of “Overtime.”
As the set progressed, Pigeons continued to dazzle the crowd with hits like “Horizon,” “Spacejam,” and “The Hop.” Later, Hartswick and The U.N.’s saxophonist Sam Kelly rejoined the band for a memorable performance of “F.U.,” incorporating a cover of Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved” into the closing song. The ensemble of musicians displayed unmatched chemistry and musicality throughout the evening, delighting the audience with their impressive talent and unwavering passion for their craft.
For the encore, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Dogs In A Pile, and Andy Frasco & The U.N. came together to pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with a rendition of Black Sabbath’s classic track, “War Pigs.” The emotional and powerful performance honored the late rock icon just days after his passing at the age of 76. Frontman Greg Ormont, along with Andy Frasco and guitarist Shawn Eckels, took turns channeling Osbourne’s iconic vocals, while the instrumentalists delivered a fiery and dynamic interpretation of the song, showcasing their instrumental prowess and deep admiration for the music they were paying homage to.
The heartfelt tribute to Osbourne was met with thunderous applause from the audience, who undoubtedly appreciated the passion and dedication with which the musicians approached the performance. The rendition of “War Pigs” served as a fitting and poignant tribute to a rock legend, highlighting the enduring influence and impact of Osbourne’s music on generations of fans and musicians alike. The collaborative spirit and camaraderie displayed by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Dogs In A Pile, and Andy Frasco & The U.N. exemplified the power of music to unite and uplift, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness this unforgettable moment at the Flood City Music Festival.