Photos and Review by Chris Besaw
“Mac Saturn didn’t just play songs — they built a time machine powered by fuzz guitars, Motown grooves, and pure charisma.”
On a mild, overcast evening in Syracuse’s Salt City, Funk n Waffles hosted Detroit’s 70s-inspired rock-soul revivalists Mac Saturn. The intimate downtown venue was packed with fans enjoying a blistering, high-energy set full of vintage swagger, deep soul grooves, and explosive musicianship.
Local openers The Late Night Playlist warmed up the crowd with a confident, funky hometown set. Their tribute to the late Mac Miller was a highlight that resonated strongly with the audience and perfectly set the tone for the night.
Mac Saturn channeled classic ‘70s rock, funk, and soul with fresh energy. Frontman Carson Macc and co-founder/guitarist Nick Barone, who have been making music together since their teenage years, led the charge alongside guitarist Mike Moody, bassist Ian Lukas, and drummer Angelo Coppola. The tight-knit five-piece turned the small room into a dancing, singing sea of bodies right from the opener “Plain Clothes Gentleman.”
Macc’s smooth, commanding vocals — often likened to a blend of Mick Jagger’s swagger and Harry Styles’ modern flair — owned the stage throughout the night. His magnetic stage presence and effortless charisma had the entire crowd hooked from the first note. Complementing him perfectly, Nick Barone delivered searing, gritty guitar riffs and dynamic leads that gave the band’s sound its raw, retro edge. As longtime musical partners and co-founders, their chemistry was undeniable.
The rest of the band brought serious firepower as well: Mike Moody’s sharp, complementary guitar work added layers of texture, while Ian Lukas laid down a rock-solid, groovy bass foundation and Angelo Coppola’s powerful, precise drumming kept the groove locked in tight all night long.
“Cash on Delivery,” “Sleep,” and “Like Another One” kept the energy surging, while “Get on the Phone” showcased Macc’s powerful delivery and Barone’s fiery guitar work.
“Funk n Waffles felt too small to contain the energy coming off that stage.”
Standouts like “Want Me Too,” “Junkie,” “Ain’t Like You,” and “White Walls” drew huge reactions. The band closed the main set strongly with “Easy,” “Mr. Cadillac,” and “Takes Time,” before returning for a raw, fiery encore of “Boxcutter.”
For one unforgettable night, Funk n Waffles became a gritty Detroit soul club. Mac Saturn’s June 16, 2026 stop in Syracuse proved why they’re one of rock’s most exciting young live acts — and why the deep-rooted partnership between Carson Macc and Nick Barone, backed by their talented bandmates, continues to produce such electrifying results.
Mac Saturn Setlist – Funk n Waffles, Syracuse, NY – June 16, 2026
- Plain Clothes Gentleman
- Cash on Delivery
- Sleep
- Like Another One
- Get on the Phone
- Tournefortia
- Mint Julep
- Persian Rugs
- Want Me Too
- Junkie
- Instrumental
- Ain’t Like You
- White Walls
- Easy
- Mr. Cadillac
- Takes Time
Encore:
- Boxcutter
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