New York City’s historic The Bitter End will host a night of seasoned musicianship on Wednesday, April 1, as Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes take the stage. The performance brings together a collective of veteran players whose resumes stretch across decades of classic rock, blues, Americana, and Memphis soul.
Led by guitarist, songwriter, and producer Michael Ward, Dogs and Fishes is less a traditional band and more a deeply connected ensemble shaped by years of collaboration. The group features an impressive lineup, including Prairie Prince (The Tubes, Journey, Tom Waits), Richard Howell (Etta James, Earth, Wind & Fire), and a cast of players whose collective experience spans generations of influential music.
Their sound pulls from multiple traditions, blending West Coast rock sensibilities with deep-rooted blues and soul influences. That fusion is on full display in their latest single, “Animal Magic,” a track that reflects both their technical precision and their commitment to organic, analog recording.
The single was recorded at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco, formerly known as Wally Heider Studios—a space synonymous with some of the most iconic recordings in rock history, including American Beauty by Grateful Dead and Déjà Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Now owned by Ward, the studio remains one of the last major analog recording facilities still operating, bridging the gap between classic recording techniques and modern production.
With more than two decades of shared history, Dogs and Fishes perform with a level of cohesion that allows their songs to expand and evolve in real time. Their live shows emphasize feel and interplay over rigid structure, creating a dynamic experience rooted in both tradition and exploration.
Tickets for the April 1 performance at The Bitter End are available here:
https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/michael-ward-with-dogs-and-fishes-2026-04-01-the-bitter-end-new-york-7c6c71
For fans of musicianship-driven rock and the legacy of analog sound, this is a rare opportunity to see a group of seasoned artists continuing to push forward while staying grounded in the foundations of American music.
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