Dogs In A Pile @ Brooklyn Bowl - Night 2 | 3.29.25

Dogs In A Pile @ Brooklyn Bowl - Night 1 | 3.28.25

Beneath the glimmering disco ball of Webster Hall’s iconic theater, Neal Francis delighted the audience with a night of soulful, high-energy rock ‘n’ roll and funk. Francis commanded the stage flanked by two pianos in a V-formation, like the primed jaws of an ivory beast. Each piano was adorned with an electric keyboard resting on top which he played with an infectious energy, alternating between piano and keyboard, while his band provided a rich, electrifying soundscape behind his voice.

The evening kicked off with the sounds of Improvement Movement, a fitting preamble that primed the crowd with a similar ‘ode to the ’70s-style smooth groove, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac. Their blend of soft guitar and evocative lyrics set the tone, gearing the stoked audience for an epic show before Francis himself even stepped into the spotlight.

Opening his set with “Problems,” an ironic title in contrast to the easy vibes of the show, Neal Francis wasted no time captivating the crowd; seamlessly transitioning into “Already Gone,” as he danced stooped over both pianos, showing off his dominant stage presence. The synergy within the band was palpable, each member adding their own flair to the experience. The dual-drummer setup was particularly enthralling – one with a traditional drum kit, the other with an unconventional array that included two oversized bongos, a cymbal, a belt of bells, maracas, and various other percussion elements. The drummers played in tandem, not quite call-and-response but in rhythmic symmetry, weaving a complex, intoxicating backbeat.

The whole band played in sync, feeding off each other’s energy, locking eyes as if to silently agree: "Let’s rock." The music felt lived-in and soulful, each note delivered with passion and a deep love for the tunes. Neal Francis and his band didn’t just play their music; they created an atmosphere, a moment, a groove-laden experience that left everyone longing for just one more song.

The packed floor crowd danced in gentle pods as the deep red stage lights weaved through the room, and eager fans leaned against the balcony railings on the second floor, stretching for the best possible view of the jamming band.

Throughout the set, Neal Francis switched from singing, to piano, to keyboard, to all at once, channeling a sound that blended bluesy rock with honky-tonk piano, funk-laden baselines, and sharp guitar riffs that cut through the steady thump of the drums. The audience swayed, bobbed, and grooved to the music, drawn into the joyful and infectious energy floating up from the stage to the highest point of the overlooking balcony. With some encouragement from the crowd, not yet ready to be done with the show, Neal Francis ended the night with an encore of “BNYLV,” and “150 More Times.” Those in attendance won’t soon forget the night they saw Neal Francis groove out at Webster Hall.

Connect with Neal Francis on Instagram, Spotify, TikTok and their website.

Women That Rock is a movement, a celebration, and a powerful showcase of the incredible talent that’s shaping the future of music. This collective, dedicated to amplifying up-and-coming women in music through curation, discovery, and media, also really knows how to throw a party. The groovement was lucky enough to attend this year’s showcase at Brooklyn Bowl, and it was an absolute vibe – a perfect way to keep the energy high throughout International Women’s Month. Despite the rainy Brooklyn evening, the night was anything but dull, thanks to three incredibly diverse and talented musical acts who took the stage and completely captivated the crowd.

First up was Rose Stoller, whose tender set was an absolute treat. With a delicate blend of whimsical melodies and soft whispery vocals, Rose created an intimate atmosphere that felt like a warm hug on the cold rainy night. Her backing band elevated the sound, adding depth to her already beautiful performance. Expect to hear more from her as she continues to build her presence in Bushwick and beyond – her music is destined for bigger stages.

Then came the incomparable duendita, who completely shifted the energy in the room. From the moment she stepped on stage, she was a force of nature. With her fusion of neo-soul and hip hop, duendita not only showcased her impeccable vocal range, but also brought a level of energy that was impossible to ignore. Despite the heavy topics her music addressed – womanhood, pain, and growth – the Queens-based performer turned Brooklyn Bowl into a high-energy dance party, with infectious drums and bold samples that kept the crowd vibing all night long. Every beat hit with the intensity of someone truly in their element, and duendita showed us all just how powerful, passionate, and unstoppable she is.

And of course, no night of femme-led energy would be complete without the one and only Madame Gandhi! She brought the house down in the most glamorous and fierce way possible. A percussionist turned powerhouse performer, Madame Gandhi doesn’t just put on a show – she creates an experience. With her effortlessly cool blend of drums, brass, and killer vocals, she had the crowd groovin' from start to finish. The live set was pure magic, effortlessly blending funk with socially conscious lyricism, leaving everyone in awe of her unique ability to curate both rhythm and message. It was the kind of performance that makes you want to dance, think, and dance some more.

All in all, the night wasn’t just about amazing music – it was about honoring and amplifying the incredible women who are shaping the future of the industry. These artists represent the heart and soul of NYC’s local music scene, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for each of them. If you haven’t already, be sure to catch them at their next shows around the city – trust us, you won’t want to miss out!

Connect with Women That Rock on Instagram and their website.