In a town known for its storied musical legacy, The Colony was bursting with a fresh jolt of funk-fueled Bourbon Street energy on August 13th, when Albany-based ensemble The NolaNauts delivered a performance that felt more like a New Orleans block party than a midweek concert in the Catskills. With two high-octane, horn-laced sets, the Woodstock crowd was majestically transported straight to the heart of the Crescent City , no plane ticket required.
An 8-piece powerhouse inspired by the rich musical heritage of New Orleans, The NolaNauts brought the funk, soul, and swampy grooves to life with an electrifying performance that honored tradition while keeping the spirit of the genre fresh and alive with wall-to-wall dancing. From the opening notes of “Hey Pocky Way,” the group set the tone for a night of joyfully reckless abandon, showcasing tight musicianship, vibrant brass, and an infectious sense of fun that never let up.
Fronted by the dual guitar/vocal talents of Tom O’Connor and Ben Moss and bolstered by a searing horn section featuring Brian Brancato (trumpet) and Bill Ringwood (sax), The NolaNauts wasted no time locking into a deep Big Easy groove. Backed by the rock-solid rhythm section of Matt Girtler on bass, Joe Sobero on drums, and Tim Fiato on keys, the band moved seamlessly through a setlist blending classic New Orleans staples, contemporary funk, and original compositions. Highlights from the first set included soul-stirring covers of the Neville Brothers’ “Yellow Moon” and “I Got Loaded,” as well as the band’s own funk anthem “Neutral Ground,” which had the entire room bouncing in unison. Vocalist Brianna Nicola then joined in on the fun, delivering a show-stopping turn on Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady” and “It’s a Man’s World,” her commanding presence and powerhouse voice adding an extra layer of depth to the band’s dynamic sound. Girtler took the mic for the quirky “Papaya,” while Moss closed out the set with a scorching take on “Treme.”
After a quick break, The NolaNauts returned from the swamp, ready to take the grooves even higher. Resuming the party at full steam with a spirited rendition of “Iko Iko,” O’Connor, clearly enjoying the hometown feel of the evening, gave a nod to his mother in the audience before joking, “Hey mom, aren’t you proud that after all those piano lessons I ended up playing guitar in a funk band?” It was that kind of warmth and humor that permeated the evening, a sense that this wasn’t just a show, it was a family affair.
Brianna Nicola would make another appearance on “Knockin,” before Ben Moss would lead the band through “Who’s Gonna Help a Brother.” The always playful “Zulu Coconuts” had the crowd in stiches, while the swampy spotlight once again turned to Matt Girtler for “Matter of Time,” proving once again that each member of this group has something special to offer.
Following the cleaver combination of “Voo Caray” and “Voodoo” that felt pulled straight from a French Quarter voodoo shop, O’Conner would once again lead the band through a rocking rendition of “Cayman Review,” and another original NolaNauts song called “Early Warning.” After Ben Moss fought off the blues with a stellar cover of Allen Toussaint/Little Feat’s “On Your Way Down,” the band brought the night to a climactic close with “Fire on the Bayou.”
In an era where live music can sometimes feel overly polished or programmed, The NolaNauts are a breath of fresh, funky air. Their ability to channel the raw spirit of New Orleans while still making the music their own is a testament to their musicianship, chemistry, and deep respect for the traditions they draw from. Whether they’re reinterpreting classics or introducing their original material, The NolaNauts make it impossible to stand still. If you missed this show at The Colony, consider this your Early Warning: the next time The NolaNauts roll through town, don’t miss the chance to dance in their second line.
NolaNauts | August 13, 2025 | The Colony | Woodstock, NY
Set 1: Hey Pocky Way, Devil’s Dream, Yellow Moon, Late at Night, Neutral Ground, I Got Loaded, Rock Steady, Food for Thought, It’s a Mans World, Papaya, Treme.
Set 2: Iko Iko, Knockin, Who’s Gonna Help a Brother, Zulu Coconuts, Up Until the Morning, Matter of Time, Get on Outta the Way, Voo Caray, Voodoo, Cayman Review.
Encore: On Your Way Down, Early Warning, Fire on the Bayou.
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