Skyloft, which opened in early 2019 in at Crossgates Mall near Albany, has closed permanently. Announcements were made via the establishment’s social media.
With rising “concerns and restrictions brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic” it left the operators no choice but to close according to the post.
The statement from operators on Facebook said:
“Although endings are bittersweet, we are forever grateful for the support we have enjoyed since opening our doors. Our mission was to reignite musical tastes across the vast genre spectrum, and provide a full scale home for the area’s live music community. We were welcomed with open arms, and for that we thank each and every one of you. Without our patrons, our artists, and our staff, we would not have been able to accomplish our goals, and we wish to acknowledge our deepest appreciation for all three.
What comes next, we do not know. Rest assured the beat will play on and in some capacity or another and we will meet again on a dance floor somewhere soon. Until then, be excellent to each other, to yourselves, be safe, and party on.”
Since March the pandemic has forced the closures of venues nationwide in attempts to control the spread of the virus. The sudden end to business threatened a number of the region’s entertainment businesses, which were forced to furlough or lay off an unknown number of employees.
Skyloft opened in April 2019, offering a menu that featured barbecue food and a space for concerts with a capacity of 600-800 people.It was the second venue of its type to open at Crossgates Mall. Lucky Strike Social, the large bowling alley, concert venue and bar and grill that opened in 2016, closed just months after Skyloft opened.
The Palace Theatre, the City of Albany and Mirth Films have announced that rock band Wild Adriatic will be featured on the next episode of “The Palace Sessions”. Wild Adriatic’s performance will stream for free on October 28 at 7 p.m. on The Palace Theatre’s Youtube channel.
The Palace Sessions began over the summer due to COVID restrictions in place that prohibited the Palace Theater from continuing their scheduled performances. The monthly sessions feature live music performances from some of the favorite regional acts. The series kicked off on July 15th wih a performance by Wurliday. Other previous performers include Eastbound Jesus (August Session) and The Amico-Barady Quartet (September Session).
During the performances donations are being accepted which will assist the Palace Theatre in continuing its mission to bring world-class arts and entertainment to New York’s Capital Region. During The Palace Sessions featuring Wild Adriatic, donations can be made directly through the Palace Theatre’s Text To Give program, by texting Palace2020 to 44321.
Wild Adriatic is a six member rock band who formed in Saratoga Springs in 2011. Rooted in the rowdy spirit of rock & roll, Wild Adriatic has built an international audience on a combination of groove, grit, and guitar-heavy swagger. In April 2019, the band won Rock/Pop Artist of the Year and Album of the Year at the inaugural Eddies awards.
Built in 1931, The Palace has remained Albany’s iconic downtown landmark over the past eight decades, bringing the biggest names in entertainment to the Capital Region. Offering top notch performances along with culture enhancing programs to residents the Palace has a significant imprint on the region. Economically it brings in $3.5 million in ticket sales and 180,000 patrons each year.
The Capital Region’s OmniZen Studios has announced a brand new album from founder Shane Morris. Dubbed Memories of Life, an album release party is set to occur at the historic remodeled Madison Theatre in Albany. The show is free with the purchase of food on October 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Joining Morris will be Capital Region songwriter Corry Loveday.
Memories of Life is Morris’s first album in nine years. Previously he had released Waves of Inspiration in 2011 while a student at the College of Saint Rose in Albany. Since graduation numerous musical ventures have taken place for Morris including the formation of OmniZen Studios in 2017. NYS Music spoke with Shane Morris on how life has changed for OmniZen particularly during the pandemic.
Jessica Sherman: What pulled on you to create music?
Shane Morris: The thing that really got me into music was the guitar. A childhood friend and I would listen to his mother play the guitar. So one day I told my mom that I really wanted a guitar for my birthday. They got me guitar lessons from a music shop in Walden, NY and off we went.
In two years I went through two guitar teachers with the latter turning into a future jam buddy. Then I started singing in choir during middle and high school. Through conversations with my choir director I realized that having a career as a musician was plausible.
Now I own OmniZen Studios with a Latin Grammy nomination under the name, thanks to work completed with Alex Torres y Su Orchestra in 2018.
JS: What drove you to record the album?
SM:The inspiration for this album actually came from the feelings and experiences I had during COVID-19. Specifically, during this time I actually fostered a new friendship. Six of the songs on this album are based on this friendhsip. I also chose to re-release a few of my older songs from my previous album, ‘Waves of Inspiration’. This album came out after my graduation from The College of Saint Rose in 2011.
JS: How do you think the pandemic has affected the music industry specifically?
SM: I think COVID has impacted the music industry in, honestly, one of the worst ways imaginable. My business has taken an approximate revenue loss of about 50% during this time period when compared to last year. It put me in a few really uncomfortable positions, and I’ve had to make some tough choices along the way. Usually during the summer months I’m out doing live sound reinforcement for festivals and shows while my other employees produce music back at the studio. With COVID, that side of my business basically doesn’t exist.
For example, it took OmniZen Studios three venue changes just to put on a fundraiser for my friends whose house burned down in June. The two venues I was considering in Albany for the fundraiser eventually just ran into too much red tape to host my event, and I came to the decision that the best place for it would be Stable Gate Farm and Winery in Schodack, NY.
JS: Any dream collaborations in the future?
SM: I’m always very open on who I collaborate with! It’s actually part of my musical philosophy that music is part of the human spirit, and it helps us all to connect to each other. I love to host jam sessions in my space and make music with whoever is really interested in what we’re doing. One of the main focuses of OmniZen from its inception was to bring an open forum and space to the musical community where lower income artists can come together and help raise up and promote the entire Capital Region music scene.
Some of my favorite collaborations include a roots/reggae album produced for Joseph Fleuriot, also known as Papa Joe, and most recently, my re-recorded version of “I’ll Be There Soon”, featuring the super talented Stephanie Gettys on backup vocals, which is also included on ‘Memories of Life’. In the future, I really hope to collaborate with some of the up and coming hip hop artists such as area native Freedom Stratton, who recently released his album titled The Future.
OmniZen Studios Jam Session
JS: What does the future hold for OmniZen and Shane Morris?
SM: That is really an open ended question at this point. COVID has brought me to a point where I’m currently re-organizing the way my business operates to make sure it’s still profitable in the future, which involves taking on more remote and voice over type work.
Also, I’m currently enrolled in a certificate program with the NYU Clive Davis Center for Recorded Music. After that is complete, I’m planning on applying to masters degree programs. I might even end up on the west coast in the next year or so. Of course, OmniZen will still exist in some capacity.
On October 16, indie-rock band El Modernist released their newest single, ‘Evolution,’ proudly played as an LGBTQ+ Fight Song. All proceeds from the track will be donated directly to The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to providing crisis intervention and counseling to America’s LGBTQ+ youth.
Both Elton John and Freddie Mercury were able to be successful, even with the stigma that came with being queer. They were able to lay a path for future queer artists. More recently, Lil Was X, Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator, and many others have taken what Elton and Freddie gave them and ran. In today’s time of social upheaval, more and more queer artists are fighting for the rights they deserve.
According to their lead singer, Will Freddette, “This is an anthem for the queer artists that have been contributing and pushing the boundaries of art since the beginning of time, while more often than not having to hide their true selves while doing so.”
El Modernist deliver a new take on the world of indie-rock, notably with ‘Evolution.” The band combines upbeat, catchy garage-rock with a modern alternative hip-hop sound. They are a very high-energy group, and bring that to their performances, resonating with fans of all ages.
All members come from diverse musical backgrounds and find great joy in blending various influences. This allows them to create something entirely new and entirely their own. Featuring a concoction of acoustic and electronic drums with screaming guitar riffs, every El Modernist show is a party that you do not want to miss.
El Modernist, founded in 2018, is based out of Albany and have played various venues in the Capital District. Additionally, they help to curate the “We Are Albany NY” Spotify playlist which features music from any and all Albany-based who wish to be a part of it.
The single will be released on all streaming platforms on Friday, October 26.
We have entered the beginning weeks of October, and Halloween is coming very soon. In sight of this, Proctors and the Capital Repertory Theatre are presenting two haunted walking tours in Schenectady and Albany. theREP have partnered with the Original Albany Ghost Tour’s Maeve McEneny-Johnson for their outdoor “City Séance” ghost tour.
The walking ghost tour paints a mystifying lore of some important people in Albany’s history. Dates are scheduled for Oct. 14, 16, 21 and the 23 at 7 pm. There is an alternative date of October 28 at 7 pm, in case of any inclement weather.
Proctors will also close the month with a two-day interactive event. The event will take place on the October 23rd and October 24th. The event titled “F.F. Proctor & the Case of the Missing Deed,” leaves guests with the task of saving Proctors from rival greedy bank.
Per the site, “guests have the mission of saving Proctors from certain destruction by a greedy bank due to a missing deed that Mr. Proctor himself hid. Locked in the building, guests scour the dark corners and passageways of the historic venue in search of cyphers and clues left behind over 90 years ago. “
The tour is part escape room and part haunted tour and will allow guests to explore and experience areas of Proctors. Guests also have the chance to look for clues and solve puzzles on the interactive tour.
The event list the tours will run in 90-minute increments with scheduled tour times on October 23rd, at 6 and 8 pm, and October 24th, at 4, 6, and 8pm. Each tour will accommodate 10 people. Participants are also required to wear a mask due to CO-VID 19 regulations for both tours.
For more information regarding either event, visit the City Séance and the Proctors event sites for ticket prices, event information, and safety protocols. A great alternative for those who want to leave the house, but also desire a safe, fun, Halloween experience.
Derek Discanio, lead singer of pop-punk band State Champs, celebrates his birthday today, October 9th.
State Champs – Upstate Concert Hall – March 2013 – Jenny Caulfield
State Champs originated in Albany and made a name for themselves in the local punk scene playing regular shows at legendary Albany venue Valentines, which has since closed down. Derek founded the band in 2010 with current guitarist, Tyler Szalkowski.
State Champs – Upstate Concert Hall – March 2013 – Jenny Caulfield
State Champs have come a long way in a short time. After self-releasing a string of acoustic singles and EPs, State Champs garnered the attention of Pure Noise Records in 2012 which eventually led to the band being picked up by the label and given loads of promotion opportunities.
After teaming up with Pure Noise, State Champs released remastered versions of “Critical” and “Remedy” which opened the band up to a whole new audience.
The band’s first full-length studio album, The Finer Things, arrived on October 8th, 2013. It sold over 3,000 copies the first week and landed at Number 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Following the release of the band’s debut album, State Champs were a staple in any pop-punk kid’s playlist, fulfilling the prototype of skateboard-centric music videos, stage dives, and appearances at the Vans Warped Tour.
Since then, State Champs has gone onto release two more albums, Around The World and Back, debuting the hit single “All You Are Is History” and Living Proof, both of which were praised heavily by fans.
Aside from his involvement in State Champs, Derek has also featured on other prominent Albany pop-punk bands, notably in 2016 when he brought Young Culture’s “Bedroom Floor” to their repertoire, which has become a fan favorite.
State Champs are one of those bands that kids interested in punk music look up to in Albany, making a name for themselves and always remember Albany as their home. Join NYS Music in wishing Albany native Derek Discanio a Happy Birthday!
The Low Beat, located on Central Avenue in Albany, has permanently closed. This marks the first music venue in the Capital District to officially not reopen due to the economic shutdown caused by COVID-19, and no relief coming from Congress.
Having opened in 2014, The Low Beat was a relocation of sorts for Valentine’s, which closed in February 2014 due to expansion of Albany Medical Center. Owner Howard Glassman oversaw both venues, both of which played host to waves of jam, punk, hardcore and indie artists who passed through the Capital Region, with live music nearly every night of the year.
photo by Sarah Winner
At Valentine’s in the 1990s, bands like moe., Ominous Seapods and more built followings that last to this day. Wednesday nights with The Deadbeats were infamous among local Grateful Dead aficionados, and those nights continued at The Low Beat with bands like Ampevene, Glass Pony and others gracing the ‘No Pepper Games’ stage.
Glassman said opening up a new venue in the wake of the closing of Valentine’s,
It’s gonna be a little different, only because it’s going to be our bar. It’s going to be our building. We can do whatever we want and not have to worry about getting kicked out. This is what I do, so this will be around as long as I’m around. I think people need to feel like they have their place. Think about all the bars that have closed. CBGB’s, Maxwell’s, think about when the Palais Royale was still open. It’s not the same (as Valentine’s) but it’s not the same for different reasons. But once we open up, hopefully the first Wednesday when The Deadbeats play, and people come in and they’re like “Ah there’s Grumpy and there’s Chris,’ and they settle in, and I think when their ass makes an indentation in the seat, they’ll be cool and say ‘Alright. This is where we’re gonna hang for the next 20 years.’ I think it’s the vibe. It’s totally a vibe thing.
March 9 was the final night of music at The Low Beat, which saw The Deadbeats perform ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping through the country and closing music venues, shopping malls, bowling alleys and other communal places of leisure.
This past weekend Glassman opened the doors to The Low Beat and invited people to come down to the venue and pick up anything they wanted before the doors were permanently closed. All Glassman asked in return was a little money to help pay off his final bills, as reported by the Times Union.
Starting Monday, September 14 from 9am-5pm, stop in and get what is left of the venue’s memorabilia, just be sure to bring your own screwdriver, boxes and cash.
When asked for his final thoughts on The Low Beat, Glassman simply said “It was never EVER boring.”
The Amico Barady Quartet, a jazz band started 15 years ago by Vinnie Amico and Jay Barady, are the featured performers. The band members include Vinnie Amico (moe., drums), Jason Barady (Floodwood, mandolin), Rich Williams (saxophone/flute) and Zach Fleitz (bass).
photo by Frankie Cavone
The Palace Sessions is a monthly live music series featuring local regional musicians performing at the Palace Theater in Albany, NY. The Palace Theatre’s mission is to enhance the Capital Region’s cultural and economic development with world-class arts and entertainment. Like many other live music events, The Palace Sessions had to postpone and revamp their previous musical events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are thrilled to be able to welcome live music back to the hallowed halls of the Palace Theatre. This historic building exists to entertain and create memories and after a nearly four-month absence due to COVID-19, it is a thrill to know that it will again. We hope that our patrons will enjoy these performances as much as we do!”
Billy Piskutz, Executive Director of the Palace Performing Arts Center.
Donations to benefit the Palace Performing Arts Center can be made here or directly through the Palace Theatre’s Text to Give program by texting Palace2020 to 44321.
The Palace Sessions are sponsored by KeyBank, CDPHP, St. Peter’s Health Partners, 102.7 WEQX, Albany.com & High Peaks Event Production. Check out a preview of what’s to come with photos from Frankie Cavone of Mirth Films.
PearlPalooza Music Festival will go virtual for their 2020 celebration on September 19. It will feature exclusive performances, interviews, and more. PearlPalooza will be free and available to everyone via live-stream.
PearlPalooza generally takes place on Pearl Street in downtown Albany. The festival hosts musical performances, food, and more and organizers calculated that in 2019 over 10,000 people attended the festivities. This year’s Virtual PearlPalooza is presented by 102.7 WEQX – The REAL Alternative, Sugar Productions, Downtown Albany, New York BID, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, High Peaks Event Production, and media sponsor Albany.com.
This year’s Virtual PearlPalooza will feature performances from some of Albany’s favorite musicians. The performances will start with a performance from MIRK at 1:00 PM. Then Victory Soul Orchestra will take the virtual stage at 2:15PM. The Wild Adriatic will then perform at 3:30PM. Then wrapping up the live performances Eastbound Jesus will take the stage 4:45PM.
PearlPalooza is teaming up with MVP Health Care to present YogaPalooza 2020 on September 19, 2020 at 11AM. People can join for a free, socially-distanced outdoor yoga class celebrating wellness and community at two Downtown locations. On the lawn at the SUNY System Administration Building at 353 Broadway and at Tricentennial Park at Broadway & Columbia Street.
For more information on the virtual 2020 PearlPalooza Music Festival visit Downtown Albany’s website.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm on 102.7 FM, you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear music from Sydney Worthley, The Sweats, and many more!
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to a ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
From the Finger Lakes who just released their full-length debut album Caught in a Wave recorded at Pyramid Sound Recording Studios in Ithaca. You can pick up the album for contributions on BandCamp. Singer Travis Durfee says they hope to sell a few digital copies to make up what they’ve lost this year in live shows and that they are already working on material for a new album. Check out their quaratine videos on Facebook.
In February, Worthley went to Nada Recording Studio in Montgomery, NY to record five new songs in five days and you can hear them all on the new album Rose Colored Glasses. Worthley is a notable advocate for mental health awareness, having performed in Saugerties at the annual Hope Rocks Festival.
