BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Lehigh Valley alumni and indie rock darlings Slingshot Dakota makes for a perfect opener for Muskifest's 40th year — a hallmark of the area’s diverse and exciting music scene made material.
They’re heavy pop with a punk rock edge, pairing Carly Comando’s incredible key-work with Tom Patterson’s tightly controlled drum kit to release a product that seems familiar but fresh at the same time.
- Lehigh Valley indie-rockers Slingshot Dakota will kick off Musikfest during Thursday's preview set
- The band, consisting of Carly Comando on keys and vocals and Tom Patterson on drums and vocals, are looking forward to performing the 'fest, which they have done since 2016
- Comando has promised fans their set will contain a new song, along with "the debut of something very special"
So Slingshot Dakota is getting ready to return to Musikfest to kick off the biggest event in the region this summer.
And "kick it off" is an accurate description of what it'll do: The duo will perform at 5 p.m. at Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks as the first musical act of Musikfest's 40th year.
The band has been a mainstay of Musikfest since 2016, dazzling visitors with a touching sense of depth, emotion and energy wrung from their sparse components.
“It feels really wonderful to be kicking off preview day. We’re a very unique band and to me, that’s what Musikfest is all about- welcoming diverse folks and genres into our city and showcasing them to folks who will undoubtedly love them!”Carly Commando, Slingshot Dakota
“It feels really wonderful to be kicking off preview day," Commando said. "We’re a very unique band, and to me, that’s what Musikfest is all about — welcoming diverse folks and genres into our city and showcasing them to folks who will undoubtedly love them.”
'A loving, supportive place'
Slingshot Dakota originally launched in 2003 as a three-piece from Long Island, New York. Eventually, Patterson stepped in on drums before the roster was slimmed down to two with him and Comando.
They they kept going through their album releases “Keener Sighs,” “Their Dreams Are Dead, But Ours is the Golden Ghost!,” “Dark Hearts,” “Break,” and their latest full-length, 2019’s “Heavy Banding.”
Comando and Patterson have been a natural duo since they joined forces, meeting each other through a mutual punk rock community expanding from New York City and the Lehigh Valley.
Comando, a New York City resident, and Patterson, born and raised in Easton, often crossed paths through booking and playing shows in the respective areas.
“It was a very beautiful, symbiotic relationship and one that nurtured a growing, supportive music community outside our own local scenes," Commando said.
"This is the reason Tom was able to join Slingshot Dakota when we still lived in two different states in 2006," Commando said. "It didn’t feel that far because we already knew each other and were very familiar with the drive.
“The Lehigh Valley for me has always been a loving, supportive place.”
'Never something we take for granted'
Though the duo has played each Musikfest since around 2016.
"It’s never something we take for granted — we always get the same excitement and pride when we’re asked to perform,” Comando said.
Playing the ‘fest also gives the pair an opportunity to check out new artists, indulge in some good eats, get some outdoor time, and connect with the community while meeting new friends.
“Folks really feel connected to the community that the art fosters, and it goes beyond liking bands for popularity’s sake."Carly Commando of Slingshot Dakota, talking about the Lehigh Valley
Comando said they’re looking forward to the “eat as Much Aw Shucks as Possible” event, stuffing their faces with poutine from The Flying V, and supporting their favorite acts such as Dina Hall, Cast In Bronze (welcome back), Great White Caps, Fig For A Kiss, and the Musikfest Drag Show.
Being able to live and perform in the Lehigh Valley carries a particularly special nature, Comando said, as folks across the area harbor a strong love for music and artistry.
“Folks really feel connected to the community that the art fosters, and it goes beyond liking bands for popularity’s sake," she said. "Folks love learning about and hearing new music, and they’re very attentive. It feels very wholesome and genuine performing here."
New family member, new music, new surprise
Comando said the band is “slowly” working on new music, though it's prioritizing time with a brand-new family member.
“We finally got our own corgi, named Biff, and to be honest, we are just enjoying our new little family life with him," she said.
"We will be playing one new song, but most importantly, we’re doing something we’ve never done at Musikfest before. It’s the debut of something very special and you’ll have to come to see it for yourself.”Carly Commando of Slingshot Dakota
"He’s met our other favorite corgi, Kevin, who is the star of our merch, and they’re finally becoming friends. Biff loves our band practices — really — and we’re excited to finally focus on wrangling more songs together once Musikfest is over.”
That doesn’t mean Slingshot Dakota has been stagnant though — fans and those unfamiliar with the band will definitely want to swing by the Air Products Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks stage at 5 p.m. to catch something extra-special.
"We will be playing one new song, but most importantly, we’re doing something we’ve never done at Musikfest before," Commando said. "It’s the debut of something very special and you’ll have to come to see it for yourself.”
