Tag: albany

Best Of NYS 2018: Might Never Leave
New York Only. That’s right – this all access pass explores the thriving music sub-cultures of New York State. We are submerged in, arguably, the most musically-rich and booming areas. It would only be appropriate to cap the Best Of series with a full fledged anthem – waving our NYS-Flag, with immense pride. These highlights hardly encompass our staff’s passion for all things music, because like our readers, we too are musicians and music-junkies, through and through. Strap-in for this wild Trip-acid-visor tour of our states thriving music towns and venues – along with the bands who invigorate them with sound.

Keep rocking out, exploring music and loving one-another this holiday season. Make sure to catch up with all of the Best Of series – and from our family to yours, thank you for supporting New York State Music.
- Day 1: New Bands On The Block
- Day 2: You Have to Hear These Albums
- Day 3: Sickest Festivals Around
BUFFALO

From Eminem’s “Without Me,” (two Buffalo gals go round the outside) to the longest-serving music venue, Nietzsche’s. Buffalo is home to a plethora of venues including hot-spots; Sportsmen’s Tavern, Town Ballroom, Colored Musicians Club, various boutique concert-series and Buffalo Musicians Hall Of Fame. The city is packed with music – from classical to jazz and, of course, our free-wheeling mashup jam-bands featured on this series. Buffalo is thriving.

In 2018, Buffalo has seen anyone from John Medeski’s Mad Skillet, Tauk and Turkuaz to Everyone Orchestra and Funktional Flow. Buffalo hosts the boutique Cobblestone Live Festival isolated to bars and venues neighbouring Illinois and Columbia street, which was seen on our Best Of Festivals edition, yesterday.

Buffalo Iron Works

One vote shy from winning the best of crown for New York State’s favorite music venue, Buffalo Iron Works is a must visit. If you stumble upon it for a quite lunch or attack the stage for a weekend of live music, you will not be disappointed. The venue was voted ‘Best in Buffalo’ last year by Buffalo Spree Awards. Iron Works is closing out the year with future dates featuring Canada’s After Funk – for a hyped James Brown Tribute, Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra, Kung Fu and Doyle (ex-Misfits guitarist). The Venue is walking distance from the Key Bank Center, Lockhouse Distillery, Canalside and the metro station.

ALBANY

Albany packs a powerful punch. The state’s capitol is blooming with rich culture, which means, a vibrant music community. Music is the power to manipulate and supersede time, but with greater feeling. As one of the original thirteen colonies there is no telling the vast musical exchange throughout the centuries. Each moment is captured by sound and song, which our contemporary world must pay homage to. Just look at all of the great bands pouring out of Albany. The Low Beat, Jupiter Hall, The Hallow Bar + Kitchen and The Egg are just some of the spectacular venues that twine music throughout the city.

The Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre was voted Best Music Venue in all of New York State for 2018 by NYS staff. As the name implies, the Palace meets and exceeds all of your expectations. The 1930’s built venue was originally a movie theatre and is now run by the city as a non-profit for music, plays, educational events and more. It is the beating heart. Plus, you can’t help but drool when you see your favorite band up in lights, spread across the breathtaking marquee. From Umphrey’s McGee to The Disco Biscuits, the Palace Theatre transforms the concert phenomenon. It blends popular music with the vast architecture and warm arms of the city.

The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester

Despite Port Chester having few votes for best music town, it’s evident the ones whom cast, placed their ballots for one reason: Capitol Theatre. Wedged between the southern tip of New York, Long Island, Connecticut and Northern Jersey, it is a jam-band magnet. The thriving seaport transforms when doors open and dead-heads roll into Garcia’s for a pre-celebratory drink. Shall we go? The Capitol Theatre is your gateway.

If you live within an hour of The Cap, consider yourself spoiled. Built in 1926, the Capitol Theatre began hosting Vaudeville shows and movies – long preceding its reputation as one of the best music venues. Since, music’s biggest names have paved way for the Capitol’s concrete-esteem: Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, BB King, The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd and Phil Lesh, among others. True legends – exceeding expectations and musicianship.

There was no common-weight for Best Shows Across The State – lets be honest, you’re lying if you have only one best show. It’s impossible. The list had only one thing in common, New York State. The year has surpassed our expectations, but at least we now know where to find them in 2019. Buffalo, Buffalo Iron Works, Albany, Palace Theatre and the Capitol Theatre are at the backbone of the best music around.
December 21, 2018
Dave Matthews Mixes Favorites and Covers in Albany

Dave Matthews Band has been on an extensive fall tour this year, making stops all across the United States, sounding tighter than ever and brought an incredible show to the Times Union Center in Albany, NY on December 5.

Usually, the band makes their way to the Albany area in the summer for their legendary SPAC runs in Saratoga Springs. The group opened up with “You Never Know” into “One Sweet World,” followed by “Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin).” Next, Dave Matthews and his band played crowd favorite “Everyday” followed by a cover of Aerosmiths’ “Sweet Emotion.”

The night was filled with crowd pleasers and hits like “Where Are You Going,” “Don’t Drink The Water” and of course “What Would You Say.” The Dave Matthews Band ended the night with a two-song encore featuring “Granny” and the Bob Dylan cover “All Along the Watchtower.” The group continues their tour through December 28 when they close in Miami, FL. Check out photos from their Albany performance below provided by Vinny Otto:

Setlist: You Never Know, One Sweet World, Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin), Everyday, Sweet Emotion (Aerosmith cover), Minarets, Where Are You Going, Burning Down the House (Talking Heads cover), Crush, Kill the King, What Would You Say, Here on Out, Don’t Drink The Water, Dancing Nancies, Come On Come On, Grey Street, She, You Might Die Trying

Encore: Granny, All Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan cover)

December 10, 2018
A Spectacle at The Palace: The Disco Biscuits Return to Albany

The Disco Biscuits visited Albany’s Palace Theatre for a 2-night run this past weekend, the band’s first time in the Capital District since 2010’s show at The Egg. Opening up the night was the local and nationally touring band Formula 5 making their debut at the Palace. Though the weather was quite brisk, fans came out in droves to see both bands work their magic at the famous venue.

Formula 5 kicked the night off with an hour-long, all original set, opening with a newer tune “In The Sand,” into “Sad Bed,” a rocking cut from the group’s recent studio album All Points North. “Sad Bed” was left unfinished as the band transitioned into “Booher’s Pass,” a more somber instrumental tune that featured the best jam of the set, leading the group into some experimental type-2 territory. After another original “Gettin’ Tough Again,” the group closed out their set with another new song, “Breaking Glass.” The song mixes lyrical sections with synth-heavy, prog-like riffs and does it well, as the crowd was responding very positively to what F5 was laying down.

To open up the Palace show, The Disco Biscuits played the rocking “7-11,” an older song that was met with open arms by just about every fan in the theater. “7-11” was just the beginning of what became an incredible first set, which was foreshadowed by the band absolutely nailing the composed section of the tune. The jam was extremely fast-paced, featuring lots of drummer Allen Aucoin hammering away on his drum pad laying down an untzy groove for the rest of the group to build a heavy jamtronica groove off of. “7-11” was left unfinished so that the group could transition into the ending of “Above The Waves,” signaling to the fans that the band was inverting the song. Following the quick peak of “Waves” the group started working through the song’s composed section, another tune from the early days of the band.

The “Waves” jam continued the uptempo jamming from “7-11” before dropping back into the song’s chord structure and bringing the jam back to the peak it had opened with. Following a heavenly solo from Barber, the group dropped into “Minions,” a more recent tune that had a mysterious feel to it. Keyboardist Aron Magner utilized the full extents of his rig during this tune, looping a funky clavinet part during the verse and singing the chorus through a vocoder on one of his synthesizers. The majority of the “Minions” jam was the band flexing their funk muscles before they started lifting the jam into the last song of the set, “Voices Insane.” This version of “Voices” was superb, the band locked in and smoothly transitioning between each composed section, allowing some of the movements to breathe a bit before moving onto the next part.

After a quick set break, the group came out and opened the second set with “Sweating Bullets,” a grandeur tune that had a medieval feel to it during the composed section. The jam was fairly short and featured a somewhat dub reggae feel before coming to a close. The group then took a quick pause and dropped into “Resurrection,” which had an R&B feel to it and allowed for the group to show off a different side of their musical capabilities. The “Resurrection” jam was slower than most of the night’s previous jams, and served more as a jumping off point for the segue into “I-Man,” which is where the second set started to pick up.

The band very suddenly dropped into the fan favorite “I-Man” during the “Resurrection” jam, beginning with Barber singing out the opening lyrics of the tune, which was met by loud cheers from the entire crowd. Following the lyrical sections, the group started into the jam of the night, a supernatural peak that was incredibly patient in its build up, delivery, and subsequent redelivery as the group started back into the song’s chorus. Following “I-Man,” the group broke into Muse’s “Knights of Cydonia,” a song that has only been performed three times prior by the Biscuits. The “Knights” jam was full of untz and dove back into the jamtronica side of the Biscuits, before a very dramatic drop back into the song’s lyrics and main riff. To close out the set, the group broke into the upbeat “Story of the World,” which rounded out the stronger second half of the set. After the main composed section, the group broke into some more funk-themed jamming, bringing back some of the musical flavor that “Minions” was offering during the first set. The peak was pretty quick and brought the tune back into the melody of the tune before one last chorus and ending the set. For an encore the group played an extremely short, “World is Spinning.”

Saturday night was a spectacle of its own, with the crowd revved up from the night before and ready to rage the Palace. Opening with “The Tunnel,” which has found its way back into the rotation in the last few years took a journey that ended up in the latter section of “Spectacle,” which would also open Set 2 with the first portion of the song. “M.E.M.P.H.I.S.” brought the energy level even higher through the composition and eventual jam, which worked into Biscuits anthem “We Like To Party,” a statement that encompasses the tone of the crowd over the weekend. “Rock Candy” and “Save the Robots” took it back old school for a tight pairing to close the set.

To keep the party going in the second set, a 45-minute pairing of “Spectacle” -> “spacebirdmatingcall” made for a sweaty run of energetic of the Biscuits signature trancefusion jams. A brief “Hope” was a well placed breather, if you consider the flowing peaks of the song a place to rest. “Reactor” featured an inverted “Crickets” sandwiched inside, a crunchy progression of classic Biscuits jam vehicles that brought the set to a tremendous finish. “Portal to an Empty Head” closed the night in the encore slot, wrapping up the first multi-night Biscuits run in the Capital District since Camp Bisco was held in nearby Mariaville.

The Disco Biscuits have been on fire as of late, and have a few more runs you can catch them at before their NYE run at The Fillmore in Philadelphia. Check out photos from Filip Zalewski for a taste of what the the evening was like.

Setlists

Formula 5, Friday, November 23, 2018

Set: In The Sand > Sad Bed*# > Booher’s Pass, Gettin’ Tough Again, Breaking Glass
*”In the Sand” tease
# Unfinished

The Disco Biscuits, Palace Theatre, Friday, November 23, 2018

Set 1: 7-11* > Above the Waves (Inverted) > Minions > Voices Insane
Set 2: Sweating Bullets, Resurrection > I-Man, Knights of Cydonia**, Story of the World
Encore: World is Spinning
*Unfinished
**Muse Cover

The Disco Biscuits, Palace Theatre, Saturday, November 24

Set 1: The Tunnel -> Spectacle, M.E.M.P.H.I.S.-> We Like to Party-> Rock Candy, Save the Robots
Set 2: Spectacle-> Spacebirdmatingcall, Hope, Reactor-> Crickets (inverted)-> Reactor
Encore: Portal to an Empty Head

November 26, 2018
Phish Break a Record and Kick off Fall Tour in Albany

Two nights into their Fall Tour kick off, Phish is already breaking records to make up for their harsh Curveball fallout. Ousting Billy Joel with all time attendance at Times Union Center, a brand-new, celebratory banner welcomed the deep grooves and thoughtfully selected set lists to come from the Albany double-header.

Moma Dancin’ their way back into the NY state capital after nine lingering years, a delicious take on the The Story of the Ghost tune got the packed party underway as Kuroda quickly proved his light show came to steal part of the opening show. “Tube” followed next as phans waited to see what territories the experimental track would wander into. It’s foundation was uprooted in its entirety and before you could predict it, the quartet threw you right back into familiar grounds. While all four members rode the high-energy wave of the tour opener, Page kicked it into high gear, grabbing the reigns throughout the course of the jam and foreshadowing his exuberant and demanding presence throughout the night.

“Theme From the Bottom” emerged to ignite smiles as the crowd recited lyrics near and dear to their hearts. “Keep what’s important and know who’s your friend,” chimed throughout the TUCenter and hit home for many of the North Easterners who suppressed low spirits following the demise of Curveball. At its pinnacle of a capella entertainment, a quick segue picked the crowd up and placed them a the light-hearted “Free.” Kuroda offered up some tricks and treats with new patterns and Pac-Man looking motion lights. The rigs swirled above like rolling waves, at times mesmerizing the sold-out dance party over the action on stage.

Short and to the point, “Halley’s Comet” made a fleeting appearance before finding its way into summer tour favorite “Everything’s Right.” Gordon took the opportunity to bask in the glory of psychedelia among his moments in the spotlight, bold slaps and bassy vocals. An appropriate rendition of the Talking Heads’ “Cities” rang through the pulsating downtown venue, making locals pretty happy that Albany’s the city they’ve found themselves living in. A heavy hitting “Walls of the Cave” closed out an exemplary start to fall tour to an approving arena.

Appealing to the October chill in the air and Halloween peaking around the corner, “Ghost” corralled the crowd for set two before leading into pleasantly welcomed Big Boat number, “No Man in No Man’s Land.” The duo opened up the set with high energy that continued with “Piper.” Wandering down a evil tunnel, a gritty “Twenty Years Later” welcomed three rounds of raging applause and earnest praise. The metal leaning performance conjured devil horns proudly raised in the stagnant, smoky air. After a brief “Show of Life” interlude, Phish came out guns blazin’ again with a classic “2001” -> “Character Zero” close to the set, the latter a frequent set closer in Albany going back to 1997. A favored “Harry Hood” encore sealed the deal on a wild fall tour opener, notching a high-bar for Wednesday night’s gig to follow.

Setlist via Phish.net
Set 1: The Moma Dance, Tube, Theme From the Bottom > Free, Army of One, Halley’s Comet > Everything’s Right -> Cities > Walls of the Cave

Set 2: Ghost > No Men In No Man’s Land > Piper > Twenty Years Later > Show of Life > Also Sprach Zarathustra > Character Zero

Encore: Harry Hood

Night 2 offered up a second helping of Phish, with fans filling into the arena earlier this evening due to the on and off wind and rain that peppered downtown Albany. The first set opened with “Crowd Control,” which was hardly an issue at the Times Union Center this run, as compared to past Phish shows where maneuvering around the sold out crowd can be harrowing.

The first set was the highlight of the night, with a 16-minute version of “Chalkdust Torture” leading the way for Jam of the Run honors in the same spot where “Tube” shone the night before. “Wolfman’s Brother,” “Steam,” and a set closing “Bathtub Gin” each took a lengthy spin, with energetic numbers found in between with “Scent of a Mule,” “NICU,” and “Gumbo.” Throw in a few minutes of Jon Fishman on the electrolux vacuum for “I Didn’t Know” and you have a throwback to the “Bathtub Gin” jam on 9/8/00 where Fishman led us in an ambient vacuum-laden jam.

Set 2 kicked off with the new “Set Your Soul Free,” which has already found its place as a set opening jam vehicle in only five appearances. A rusty “Birds of a Feather” followed, along with the misplaced “Mercury,” which has its moments in the middle improv section but otherwise fell flat as the set tried to pick up steam. It did just that with a 11-minute “Light” but “The Wedge” failed to capitalize on that energy, and by the time “Wading in the Velvet Sea” started, not even “Wilson”->”Slave to the Traffic Light” could find the initial energy from the set’s beginning.

As always, “Julius” got the crowd up and dancing for the encore, and then Trey took a moment to remark that these shows in Albany were like hometown shows, and with that, the band threw in “Rocky Top,” a song of home-sweet-home, to close it out.

Phish heads to Hampton, Nashville, Chicago and Las Vegas for the rest of their tour. Stay tuned to NYSMusic for updates!

Setlist via Phish.net
Set 1: Crowd Control, Chalk Dust Torture, All of These Dreams > Wolfman’s Brother > Scent of a Mule, NICU > Gumbo, Steam > I Didn’t Know, Bathtub Gin

Set 2: Set Your Soul Free > Birds of a Feather, Mercury > Light, The Wedge, Wading in the Velvet Sea, Wilson > Slave to the Traffic Light

Encore: Julius > Rocky Top

October 19, 2018
Phallbany: Get Phishy in Albany as Fall Tour Kicks Off!

A 48-hour, tie dye wave will splash over downtown Albany just in time for Phish’s back-to-back opening Fall Tour gigs. The famed jam quartet’s October 16 and 17 shows will appropriately notch their 16th and 17th shows ever played in the state capital of ‘Phallbany’ and the buzzing city is chock-full of opportunities to celebrate the mid-week shakedown while quickly exploring historic and artistic surroundings. NYS Music is here to give you the rundown on all things Phish, including helpful navigation tips and how to make your mid-week visit to Albany as smooth as possible.

No strangers to the Times Union Center, some notable moments have come out of their many meetings with the 28-year old Albany venue. Over the years, Phish entertained crowds in some cozier quarters just around the corner at the Palace Theatre.

With Albany’s extensive history of Phish, we went to IHOZ – the International House of ZZYZX and looked up some stats from all past shows in NY’s capital, aside from Pauly’s Hotel in 1989 where there is no known setlist.

October 16th marks the first ever Tuesday show. In the last five shows there have been four debuts: Windora Bug and Mellow Mood (2000) and Golden Age and Tomorrow’s Song (2009). Given the frequency of songs below, “You Enjoy Myself” is quite a safe bet, as are “Bouncing Around the Room” and “Guyute,” and while “Jam” isn’t a song, that much is guaranteed over the two nights.

Phish has yet to play “Divided Sky” in Albany, and we have yet to have a proper “Mike’s” -> “I Am Hydrogen” > “Weekapaug Groove,” with the H2 never showing up in the Capital District.

Most commonly played since 1992, “You Enjoy Myself” holds the heavyweight title with a total of seven plays, while “Bouncing Around the Room,” “Guyute” and “Jam” come in second at five plays. “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” “Chalk Dust Torture,” “Ghost,” “Good Times Bad Times,” “Harry Hood,” “Maze,” “NICU,” “Possum,” “Prince Caspian,” “Sparkle,” and “Stash” tie at four performances each.

Tuesday, October 16:

Pre Shows: If you’re looking to get the party started early, join The Deadbeats around the corner from the venue at town-favorite gastropub, City Beer Hall. They’ll get you bouncin’ round the room from 5PM-8PM before Phish takes over.

10/16 Afterparty: Dynamic Albany outfit Wurliday will host a Phunk Night at Parish Public House, just one block away from the show! The Phish after party will be hosted by Albany’s own Wurliday, featuring Natalie Cressman (Trey Anastasio Band), Chris Bullock (Snarky Puppy),Beau Sasser (Kung Fu), Adrian Tramontano (Kung Fu), Chris DeAngelis (Kung Fu), Justin Henricks (Wurliday) and Ilana J. Morris (Wurliday).

Wednesday October 17:

Phish Pre-Show Yoga Jam: Phans are generally all about the love and light, which means many of them crossover as yogis. Two of Albany’s newest ventures, Lark Street Yoga and Lark Hall are teaming up with Heartspace Yoga and Healing Arts for a for two hour, donation based yoga event. “Sharin’ in the Groove” proceeds will benefit the Waterwheel Foundation and the phun vinyasa class will be set to live phish tunes and taught by John Smrtic, E-YRT, JD from Heartspace. When sacred movement, jammin’ music, elevated intention, and connection to the spirit through breath comes together in ceremony and celebration, the potential exists to step into the groove. Book your spot from 12:30AM-1:30PM for $25 and check out Albany’s latest phan-friendly yoga studio and music hall.

Peakin’ at the Knick: Acting as the mullet of Wednesday’s activities, PEAK Builders Network will keep business in the front of the mind and partying safely tucked in the back. The conference filled with networking and mutual love of music will take place at the Hampton Inn, five guest speakers will share stories of their personal business and career empires and what goals they’re working towards next. The interactive conference encourages attendees to join the conversation and bounce YOUR ideas around the room with like-minded business professionals. Goodie bags, light snacks and a free drink await your 1PM arrival.

Pre Show: Starting at 5pm, the Left Ear trio keeps the second day momentum rolling for a jazzy pre-show get down at City Beer Hall.

Post show: Funky Albany ensemble Hartley’s Encore will bring it on back to City Beer Hall for a night sponsored by Fiddlehead Brewing Company while Pearl Street Pub hosts Tweed, Desolation Angels and McZwang for $10.

Phish Food: Albany is buzzing with local restaurants at your disposal, spanning all types of cuisine, diets and cravings. For a morning wake up call and your AM fix of coffee and donuts, stumble over to Cider Belly Doughnuts for some of the most delicious and creative flavors imaginable.

If you believe Herbivores ate well cause their food didn’t ever run, then you might want to check out Berben and Wolff’s and Healthy on Lark, both serving up tasty vegan meals to the public on Lark Street. For the carnivores ready for a meatstick and a beer to help wash it down after, look no further than Albany Pump Station, a brewery that boasts hearty meals and tasty craft beers. The Hollow and Ama Cocina each have a wide array of American and Mexican fare respectively, adding to the downtown Albany hustle and bustle with their energetic atmospheres and love for live music.

Honorable mentions go to Steuben Street Cafe, with grab-n-go, delicious smoothies and sandwiches just down the road from the venue. For classic late-night, greasy grub, Pizzeria Sapienza usually stays open for a quick slice while crowds are flooding out of the arena.

Parking tips: Don’t be a slave to the traffic light and be sure to consider your parking game plan beforehand. Aside from fighting for competitive street parking, garages are sprinkled throughout downtown Albany with fluctuating event pricing. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, there’s a parking garage attached to TUCenter with entrances on both Market Street and Beaver Street for a price. Throughout the downtown blocks you’ll stumble across Riverfront Garage, Green-Hudson Garage and Osborne Street Garage that are all reasonable parking options for the weekend. And of course, Albany has Uber and Lyft for access to downtown from your hotel.

In its most natural habitat, Albany is thriving in its own glimmer of a golden age with up and coming professionals, passing artists and growing businesses. Add phans funneling down Pearl Street into the TUC like quicksand and we’ve got quite the mid-week renaissance to look forward to in six short days. The countdown continues…

October 10, 2018
Albany Latin Fest Celebrates Cultural Diversity in Upstate NY

There’s nothing better in the world than good music, food, and dancing to make an event successful. The 23rd annual Albany Latin Fest had no problem delivering on those three markers and much more. The event was proudly presented by the Albany Latin Fest Association (ALFA) at Washington Park in Albany, NY. The event was a cultural mashup celebrating the best of the best of the Latin culture and influence in the world around us. Thousands of attendees from all backgrounds banded together to destroy barriers and appreciate the contributions made by Hispanics in an international scale. With live performances from Bachata Heightz, Don Sonero, Cuboricua, and local acts, the event was one of the largest turnouts the organization’s history.

August 27, 2018
Celebrate 23 Years of Albany Latin Fest this weekend

Culture and nationalism are often based around beloved traditions, zany family, tasty food and festive music alike. For its 23rd year in operation, Albany LATIN FEST calls on the diversity and flavor of Hispanic culture in the Capital Region to come together for a family-oriented day filled with live talent, traditional recipes, arts and craft vendors, child entertainment, information booths and more.

Albany’s Washington Park acts at the event’s annual stomping grounds from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25. LATINFEST celebrates the widespread diversity and beauty of Hispanic cultural heritage and pinpoints the contributions made by Hispanic Americans on all levels from local and state to national and international. Through this non-profit organization and event, the community is given a unified voice to speak for an often under served and underrepresented group of people.

Having already created a name for themselves in the Capital Region, the annual celebration is chock-full of musical acts both local and international and provides the ability for patrons and businesses to engage with one another in an effort to address world issues and disaster relief aid.

In 2017 after hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, ALFA crafted Una Noche Espléndida where all proceeds went to the Puerto Rico Disaster Relief Fund as well as a Benefit Concert where all money would go to Puerto Rico Disaster Relief. Over $10,000 were raised in an extremely rewarding effort.

This year, attendees can look forward to letting loose to the Latin flavor from three well-known acts. Bachata Heightz began as four men in Manhattan, veering away from the streets and towards their musical passions. Climbing the ladder of success, they’re sure to bring tropical hip hop vibes while the south Bronx’s Don Sonero welcomes salsa beats to the stage paired with creative lyricism and social messages. Also making an appearance on the lineup is the seven-piece, Conjunto Cuboricua, ready to unleash the mixed musical stylings of Cuba and Puerto Rico with meringue and Caribbean nods as one of the Hudson Valley’s favorite acts.

Past festivals have displayed talents such as Tony Vega, Ray de la Paz, Jorge Blanco, Raulin Rosendo, Hector Tricoche, Alex Torres & his Latin Orchestra, Tito Rojas, Tony Swing, Anissa Gathers, Michael Stuart, Ismael Miranda, Jose Alberto ‘El Canario’, Chembo Corniel, Puerto Rican Power, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Frankie Negron, Kevin Ceballo, Luisito Carrion, Nestor Torres, Jimmy Bosch, Brenda K. Starr, Choco Orta, Larry Harlow and the Latin Legends, Joe Cuba, and many others.

Check out the Albany Latin Fest musical schedule below:

August 25 at Washington Park:

11 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. – Washington Park Rumberos

11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Triquis Sin Fronteras

12 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. – SUNY Albany Great Danes Marching Band

12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Salsa Class

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Cuboricua

2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Local acts

2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – DJ

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Don Sonero

4 p.m. – 5 p.m. – DJ

5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Bachata Heightz

August 23, 2018
Photo Gallery: Alive at Five Welcomes Matisyahu and Mirk

On the first day of summer, June 21, Albany’s Alive at Five summer concert series was fortunate to have Matisyahu perform to a packed crowd at Jennings Landing. Matisyahu had just wrapped up his 16-stop Strength to Strength Tour with Stephen Marley, and if you weren’t able to see him this past Thursday, he has a full schedule of shows through September, including 6 stops across New York State in July and August. Matisyahu was joined by Upstate NY natives Mirk, a 6-piece powerhouse band that got the party started with originals and familiar covers.

June 27, 2018
Taina Asili is Shaking Up the Status Quo

Taína Asili is a rising Puerto Rican musician and social justice activist from Albany, NY whose music is breaking into the mainstream while bringing forward a powerful message of justice. One of the ways she is accomplishing this is by performing at several prominent festivals in New York, Rhode Island and Michigan this summer.

Taina Asili courtesy of her website. Photo by Kiki Vassilakis

With her recent performance at The Women’s March on Washington last year and her latest music video “No Es Mi Presidente (Not My President),” which was premiered in Rolling Stone and called the 2017 International Women’s Day anthem by Latina Magazine, she’s growing more and more awareness from the general public not only on social justice issues but on the way music can be a platform to bring those issues forward.

Asili works either as a solo artist or with her dynamic eight-piece band which combines powerful vocals with an energetic fusion of Afro-Latin, reggae and rock. They offer a sound that spans continents, inspiring audiences to dance to the rhythms of rebellion. Taina Asili has been creating music for social change for 23 years and has toured all of the world.

Asili is dedicated to using her art, specifically her music, as a tool for personal and social transformation. Asili’s writing is based off of liberation themes and so is her activism in political prisoner liberation, prisoner justice, climate justice and food justice movements. She has an MA in Transformative Language Arts from Goddard College and is known for, in addition to her performance and activist work, facilitating arts workshops for both youth and adults.

She has an array of projects this summer you don’t want to miss which can be found below:

– June 8 and 9 -Asili will premier her new documentary “Resiliencia”, about Puerto Rico’s resilience after last year’s hurricanes, at Providence’s largest festival, PVD Fest and performing on the City Hall Stage with her full band – Providence, RI
– June 10 -Performing for over 45 thousand people at Motor City Pride – Detroit, MI.
– June 14 – Participating in The Human Rights Conference – NYC Pride
– June 22 – Participating in The Rally – NYC Pride
– July 14 – Joining the lineup of performers for Hamilton at the Hill Art Center 50th Anniversary celebration “Sankofa, The Legacy” at Proctors Theater – Schenectady, NY.
– July 18 – Asili will be offering two songwriting workshops at the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance pre-festival conference, Culture Camp located just outside of Ithaca – Trumansburg, NY.
– July 21- Performing for her third time at the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance located just outside of Ithaca – Trumansburg, NY.
– July 22- Asili and her band will be opening for Chilean musician Pascuala Ilabaca at the well-known Music Haven Concert Series – Schenectady, NY.

For more information visit her website.

June 6, 2018
NYS Music Presents: Live Music All June Long

Albany

June 1st – On the release date of their new album, From The Light, the Upstate New York local band, The Sea the Sea, will be playing at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Kick off your month the best way possible with a live performance of the album that you are sure to be listening to the whole month long. Event link.

June 14th – Making Moves has received praise from big publications such as Rolling Stone and NPR for their politically charged anthems that stay true to their Latin American roots by incorporating traditional instruments and forms of dance. The group will be performing their highly acclaimed music on June 14th at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen along with The Eastern Highs. Event link.

June 23rd – Come experience the Bee Gees in a way you never have before. For fans of metal and disco, this is everything you could have asked for and more. Do not miss Tragedy as they tear it up at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen with opener Hot Cousin. Event link.

June 29th – Commonly referred to as “genre rebels,” The Mallett Brothers Band has mastered their unique style and, “musical melting pot.” They have something for fans of genres ranging from country, to alternative, jam, Americana, and hard rock. Come find out why their fan base grows with every show on the 29th at The Hollow with The North & South Dakotas. And keep an eye out for their sixth album, Vive l’Acadie!, scheduled for release on June 15th! Event link.

Cohoes

June 2nd – For the Talking Heads tribute experience of a lifetime, don’t miss Start Making Sense as they take over The Cohoes Music Hall on the second of the month. Presented by Guthrie Bell Productions, this show is sure to transport you back to the 80s and you’ll be dancing along to all your favorites from the new-wave punk band’s career. Event link.

Buffalo – Nietzche’s

Nietzche’s will be hosting Jazz Happy Hour from 5:30-7:30 PM every Monday, to start your weeks off right all summer long.

June 4th – Andrew Nixon Trio will be returning to Nietzche’s to kick off the summer full of jazz-loving Mondays. Event link.

June 11th – The Buffalo-native act, Saranaide Duo, will be bringing an eclectic mix of all their musical influences including soul, R&B, reggae, folk, and of course, jazz. Event link.

June 18th – To keep the good times and jazz music going, Ohlson Jackson Campbell Trio will be at Nietzche’s on the 18th. Event link.

June 25th – To wrap up the month of June, John Bacon Trio will be taking over happy hour. Event link.

Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

June 2nd – A returning favorite, Dirty Blanket will be bringing their bluegrass/newgrass sound to Funk ‘N Waffles, joined by Rochester-native band, A Girl Named Genny. Event link.

June 8th – Jonathon Scales Fourcestra will be coming all the way from North Carolina to deliver artistic and complex jazz fusion music. Event link.

June 9th – Come out to see the Grammy Award winning jazz, funk, and hip-hop duo, Ghost Note, joined by the funky jazz fusion group, Chiggin, who are sure to rustle your feathers. It is sure to be a high energy and high quality night. Event link.

June 12th – She is the winner of the Contemporary Blues Female Artist Award at the 39th Annual Blues Music Awards and she is coming to Syracuse to show you why. Come out for the highly-acclaimed, incredible sounds of Samantha Fish. Event link.

June 13th – Praised for his unique and easily recognizable sound, JP Soars has finely tailored his blues sound from his extensive musical experience. He is bringing his group, JP Soars & The Red Hots, to Syracuse for a show you don’t want to miss.  Event link.

June 16th – The metapop mastermind, Kurt Riley will be performing with folk rock group, View Finder, and progressive roots group all the way from Florida, The Ellameno Beat. There is sure to be something for everyone in this genre-diverse lineup. Event link.

June 17th – Skunk City Presents Funky Knuckles. This jazz and funk group embodies the soundscapes of Dallas and takes them to a whole new level.  Event link.

June 20th – It is a reggae kind of night on the 20th as the Syracuse-native group, Root Shock, performs with special guest Buddha Council. Event link.

June 21st – After Dark Presents is bringing singer/songwriter Mike Love for a night full of roots, rock and reggae sounds. Reggae, jamrock group Annie in the Water will be opening along with Clam the Great. Event link.

June 24th – Skunk City Presents the award winning singer/songwriter, Quincy Mumford, and his live band, The Reason Why, who are sure to bring a feel-good attitude to Syracuse with their music. Event link.

June 27th – Grass is Dead will be bringing their bluegrass takes on Grateful Dead classics with special guest Charley & Epic from another favorite and local Grateful Dead tribute band, Pearly Baker’s Best. Event link.

June 30th – Jazz is Phish is a Phish tribute band that features an all star cast of band members, and they will be bringing an extra special group on the 30th, featuring Felix Pastorius, Doni Degalle of Ghost Note, Alicia Aubin of Big Mean Sound Machine, and Dave Grippo of Giant Country Horns, just to name a few. Do not miss out on this one of a kind performance. Event link.

Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

June 1st – Everyone Orchestra will be bringing a new rotation of incredible musicians from different bands to the Music Hall on June 1st. As always, conducted by Matt Butler, this performance will feature musicians such as Mike Gantzer and David Loss of Aqueous, Mikey Carubba and Josh Schwartz of Turkuaz, Ben Carrey of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and many more! Event link.

June 4th – After completing the European leg of his “The Lone Wolf and Cub Tour,” R.A. Rugged Man will be performing in Rochester with special guest A-F-R-O+Mooney Faugh of the psychedelic hip-hop band, Subsoil.  Event link.

June 7th – Before Jonathan Scales Fourcestra hits Syracuse, come out to see them joined by the funky jam band, Baker Street, in Rochester. Event link.

June 10th – The End Men, a group who is no stranger to the stage, having toured everywhere, “from Bushwick to Berlin,” and captivating audiences with their heavy blues and rock sound, will be stopping by Funk ‘N Waffles with Moho Collective. Event link.

June 13th – The OXtet always is a fan favorite due to their energetic deliveries of rhythmic complexities, funky stylings, and obvious display of technique throughout their performances. Do not miss this opportunity to see them live with Sam Nitsch. Event link.

June 20th – Singer/songwriter Max Muscato will be showcasing his rock ‘n roll stage delivery with the folks/roots group, The Forest Dwellers and Stocklyn.  Event link.

June 21st – Another opportunity to catch this reggae powerhouse pairing of two musical groups! After Root Shock and Buddha Council hit Syracuse, they will be headed to Rochester for this performance. Event link.

June 23rd – Ponder, formerly known as Ponder the Giraffe and Buffalo-native band, is a can’t miss for fans of alternative rock music. They will be joined by Mother Funkin’ Planets, as well as Southern rock and funk group, The Freeway Revival Event link.

June 24th – Roots and folk musician, Trevor Hall, will be performing with the one-man acoustic act, Mihali, at the Music Hall. Event link.

June 28th – Wild Adriatic, the psychedelic soul band known for their explosive, high-energy shows, will be rocking Rochester along with another spectacular psychedelic act, Haewa. Event link.

Plattsburgh

June 16th – The name says it all. Be sure to come out for the Guitar Extravaganza presented by Plattsburgh Blues & Jazz at the Retro Live, featuring JP Sours and the Red Hots and Duke Robillard. Grab your tickets online and come ready at 7 PM for a night full of spectacular music. Event link.

June 2, 2018