Driftwood is no stranger to the road. The Americana-folk-rock outfit has spent years carving out a sound that’s as eclectic as their travels, fusing delicate fingerpicking with explosive fiddle solos, heartfelt storytelling with punk energy. Ahead of their March 7th show at Photo City Music Hall, organized by Hey Dude After Hours, we sat down with bassist Joey Arcuri to talk about life on tour, the magic of The G Lodge, and what fans can expect at their upcoming show.

The Road’s Wild Turns

Touring is the lifeblood of Driftwood, and for Arcuri, that means far more time on highways than on stages.

“We always joke that we’re full-time drivers and part-time performers!” he laughs. “The percentage of time spent actually performing versus being on the road is probably 10%—probably less. But all that time together has made us into a family. I actually think it enhances the music.”

That bond might explain why the band has lasted over a decade, but their travels haven’t always been seamless. Take, for instance, the time they unknowingly broke into a stranger’s house in Michigan.

“Somebody at the show offered to host us, gave us an address, and said the front door would be open,” he recalls. “We got there late, and as we tiptoed in with our sleeping bags, we noticed a framed quote on the wall that said, ‘A house isn’t a home without a Golden.’ Someone whispered, ‘Wait, didn’t she say she’s allergic to dogs?’ That’s when we realized—we were in the wrong house.”

The band quickly retraced their steps, stifling laughter as they slipped out the door.

“Somehow, we found the right house. It’s hilarious looking back, but man, that could have gone south real quick!”

Music & Evolution

Over the years, Driftwood has crafted a signature sound, blending folk, indie, and rock in a way that feels both timeless and immediate. Their most recent album, December Last Call, was recorded at Yellow Bike Studio, the same basement where the band began.

“There’s so much history there for us,” Arcuri says. “It’s our rehearsal space, our creative home. Being there makes us feel in rhythm with each other. Joe [Kollar] has these cool lights and adjusts them to create a vibe—it’s like stepping into a creative bubble.”

With multiple songwriters in the band, Driftwood’s music is a true collaboration.

“Everyone writes on their own and then brings songs to the band,” Arcuri explains. “But we arrange them together—figuring out harmonies, tweaking structures. That part of the process is just as important as writing the song itself.”

The band’s members bring distinct influences, from Joe Kollar’s intricate fingerpicking to Dan Forsyth’s raw rock energy and Claire Byrne’s country and pop sensibilities. Yet, everything they touch still feels undeniably Driftwood.

“We have a like-minded spirit and a love for lyric-driven tunes,” Arcuri says. “That’s what ties it all together.”

Driftwood & The G Lodge Connection

Driftwood’s connection to The G Lodge runs deep. They’ve played The Fall Down festival there multiple times, and it’s become something of a second home.

“There have been so many great shows there for us,” Arcuri says. “One standout moment was having Richie Stearns sit in with us at The Fall Down. We had never played with him before, so that was really special.”

The venue, nestled in the woods of Central New York, offers a unique experience.

“The Gaugers have built something really special. The property is gorgeous—big open spaces for camping, a great pond, and two killer stages. Their hospitality is top-notch, and I always make new friends whenever I’m there.”

Driftwood’s upcoming show at Photo City Music Hall is being organized by Hey Dude After Hours, the same team that puts together festivals at The G Lodge.

Beyond Driftwood: Who is Joey Arcuri?

When he’s not on tour, Arcuri is deeply embedded in the music scene.

“I have two albums coming out this year,” he shares. “One is a jazz record called The Newhouse Sessions, which I recorded live at Syracuse University. The other is my first singer-songwriter album, which I recorded at Yellow Bike Studio with Joe Kollar.”

Beyond music, Arcuri has another passion that might surprise fans.

“I’ve played soccer my whole life and still do. I think people would be shocked at how fast I actually am—I come off pretty laid-back, but I’m fierce on the field,” he laughs.

He also recently took on a new role as an elementary orchestra teacher in the Ithaca City School District.

“That’s been a whole new adventure, but it’s been really rewarding.”

An image from Winter Village Music, which hosts two winter music camps featuring Old Time, Bluegrass, Celtic, New England

The Upcoming Show & What’s Next

With Driftwood’s March 7th show at Photo City Music Hall just around the corner, Arcuri is excited to bring their energy to a new venue.

“We love playing Rochester. Every venue has its own unique sound and energy, and we’re excited to pour ourselves into this one. The crowd should feel that fresh energy, too.”

For those new to Driftwood, Arcuri suggests starting with “December Last Call.”

“That song captures so much of our high energy. It gives you an honest look at what to expect from our live show.”

Driftwood has been together for over a decade, and according to Arcuri, the band has never been stronger.

“We’ve grown so much as musicians and as a band. You can hear it in our albums, in our live shows. I feel super grateful to be part of this group.”

Catch Driftwood Live at Photo City

Driftwood takes the stage this Friday, March 7th, at Photo City Music Hall in Rochester, NY. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time listener, this show promises to be one to remember.

More Info on This Event: https://www.heydudeafterhours.com/events/2025/3/7/driftwood-at-photo-city-music-hall

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