{"id":197335,"date":"2026-04-14T21:10:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T21:10:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/197335\/"},"modified":"2026-04-14T21:10:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T21:10:16","slug":"scarhaven-to-rock-bar-freda-in-ridgewood-for-queens-debut-show-qns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/197335\/","title":{"rendered":"Scarhaven to rock Bar Freda in Ridgewood for Queens debut show \u2013 QNS"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"scarhaven\"\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Scarhaven, a nu-grunge band set to make their Queens debut in Ridgewood.<\/p>\n

Photo by Briana Sista<\/p>\n

\t\t Search our comprehensive guide to things to do in Queens<\/a> for more local events \u2014 or submit your own<\/a>!<\/p>\n

The Ridgewood<\/a> underground scene is about to get an explosive jolt.\n<\/p>\n

Coming off a sold-out Mercury Lounge set<\/a> in Manhattan\u2019s Lower East Side, the four-piece nu-grunge band Scarhaven<\/a> will chime gritty melodies at their first-ever Queens show at Bar Freda<\/a> on Wednesday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. The hypnotic riffs of their newly released EP, Changing<\/a>, pull listeners into a hazy blend of grunge\u2019s past and a unique sound that evokes unapologetic authenticity.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Briana Sista<\/p>\n

The live music venue, located at 8-01 Seneca Ave., is readying their stage for the electrifying rotation of no-frills rock n\u2019 roll. Originally hailing from Washington D.C., the New York City-based band released their EP on Thursday, April 2.<\/p>\n

The band consists of Michael Saint (vocals), Matt Kilroy (guitar), Jared Edson (bass) and Michael \u201cShap\u201d Shapira (drums).
\n\"\"Photo by Matt Akana\n<\/p>\n

Nu-grunge has been described as a post-grunge movement \u2014 a revival that first emerged in the 2010\u2019s (and continues into the 2020\u2019s). This was a response to an increased demand for distorted guitar riffs, pulsing drumbeats and a relentless rhythm that beckons for an emotional response. Some of the genre\u2019s representatives are Return to Dust<\/a> and Dark Sun<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The neighborhood\u2019s underground scene has flourished in the past decade, thanks to its proximity to Bushwick. A few of the venues that harvested the scene are TV Eye<\/a>, a nightclub known for its energetic live sets, The Keep<\/a>, an antique haunt with a homely atmosphere and The Office<\/a>, an after-hours space with a thriving techno scene.<\/p>\n

When asked about the positive response to Scarhaven\u2019s sold-out show on Sunday, March 15, Shapira said that part of the success stemmed from playing alongside Radium Dolls<\/a>, an Australian punk rock band. Their fans showed up in droves for a mosh-filled evening.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Matt Akana<\/p>\n

Edson also shared with QNS about their inspiration for taking up the genre.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it really stems from just our influences growing up [Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains] and kind of going in the direction of that in a way, but kind of making it our own.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

The Scarhaven drummer made it clear that the band wanted to \u201ccarve their own path\u201d in terms of songwriting and music composition.\n<\/p>\n

Heading into some of the songs on their EP, including \u201cBlack is Light\u201d and \u201cDrowned,\u201d Saint said he draws on positive and negative \u201chuman experiences\u201d people go through at different life stages.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Matt Akana<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen the guys sometimes write a piece, I tend to feel whatever that instrumental piece makes me feel, and based on that, I write lyrics also.\u201d Saint continued to share that his art is also pulled from current world affairs and other personal influences that drive his songwriting methods.<\/p>\n

The six-song EP ushers in a raw edge that is rarely seen (or felt) in modern alternative bands. One of their songs, \u201cI\u2019m Not Dead Yet,\u201d creates a heavy listening experience, complemented by the vocalist\u2019s haunting howls against a layer of hard-hitting instrumentals. Judging by their dark, sincere harmonies, the quartet\u2019s first live set in Queens is bound to leave their sound echoing into the ears (and hearts) of rock n\u2019 roll fans.<\/p>\n

Scarhaven will be playing their set with Reach NYC<\/a>, Baby Nothing<\/a> and Holy Vulture<\/a>. Interested attendees can grab tickets for $15, so don\u2019t forget to purchase them<\/a> before the show. Tickets at the door will be priced at $20.<\/p>\n

The doors will open at 7 p.m. Please be advised that the minimum age to enter is 21 and all IDs will be checked for entry.<\/p>\n