Category: Capital Region

Lark Hall ‘Window Sessions’ on Juneteenth features Victory Soul Orchestra and Jordan Taylor Hill (Stream)

Window Sessions, the first official performance series presented and hosted by Lark Hall, will continue on Friday, June 19 with a performance by Victory Soul Orchestra, in commemoration of Juneteenth.

The ongoing series will also serve as a fundraiser with funds collected to be donated to local organizations such as Voix Noire, Urban Grief, African American Cultural Center, All of Us, and Citizen Action of New York, all of whom continue the upward mobility of communities of color in the Capital Region.

“As every venue and theater has had to identify ways to recalibrate, as a new venue, we decided that this would be a great way to introduce our space to musicians and artists,” said Justin Miller, co-owner.

“Through Window Sessions, we’re able to support not just a great cause in that of Feed Albany, but to add some much needed vibrancy back to Lark Street,” noted Jennifer Miller, co-owner.

The innovative performance series will simulcast performances to YouTube and Lark Hall’s social media channels, in addition to amplified through the venue’s historical windows. In compliance with state guidance regarding entertainment, only the musicians and essential personnel will be allowed. On-street listeners at the corner of Hudson Avenue and Lark Street may listen, so long as they are social distancing and not impeding upon sidewalk right-of-way.

The fourth installment of Window Sessions features Victory Soul Orchestra and Jordan Taylor Hill & Friends, in a performance centered around uplifting black voices and bringing awareness to social justice causes.

The performance takes place on the historic date that commemorates the emancipation of slavery. Victory Soul Orchestra as well as Hill & Friends perform in efforts to heighten awareness of social injustice and to recognize the groups in our community that highlight the voices and needs of black people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNc8qJ-HnPY

Viewers and listeners can visit Lark Hall on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the Window Sessions feed starting at 5PM on Friday, June 19. Additional performances will be announced on social media. Stay tuned to NYS Music for weekly updates.

Located in the heart of Albany’s Lark Street neighborhood, Lark Hall is a multi-use performing arts and community-oriented venue. Owned and operated by Justin and Jennifer Miller, Lark Hall provides an unparalleled live music and performance experience for both fans and artists alike.

The venue, previously a dance studio for the last 80 years, recently underwent renovations and was slated to open its doors in Summer 2020 before mass gathering events including live music were cancelled. Lark Hall will fill a void when it does officially open, providing Lark Street, Albany’s ‘Village in the City,’ with a large music venue able to hold 400 plus attendees.

May 28, 2020
Caffe Lena to celebrate 60th anniversary on May 21 with online streams

Caffe Lena, the storied venue for folk and indie music in Saratoga Springs will celebrate its 60th anniversary on Thursday, May 21 with festivities adapted for social distancing guidelines.

Early in the day from 12-1pm, a two-part event will include Bonacio Construction’s flatbed trucks as they roll around Saratoga Springs with bands playing music on the back. These artists include gypsy jazz group Hot Club of Saratoga, soul singer Garland Nelson and jam band Let’s Be Leonard on a route that includes Broadway, Lake Avenue, and Circular Street in Saratoga Springs. Attendees are encouraged to park along the route, decorate their cars, and cheer out the window as the parade rides along.

In the evening starting at 7pm, there will be a live stream at CaffeLena.org, featuring stories, songs, and photos from the Caffè Lena community.

The evening broadcast will feature artists such as humorist Christine Lavin, Vermont folk duo Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen, celebrated blues guitarist Rory Block, singer-songwriter Don Armstrong and Colorado folksinger John Winn, who joined the venue’s roster in 1960.

“Each of these performers have played the Caffè Lena stage many times and represent the breadth of our programming,” said marketing manager Carolyn Shapiro.

The celebration marks six decades of Caffè Lena, which opened its doors on May 21, 1960. Actress Lena Nargi Spencer opened the doors of a new coffeehouse at 47 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs with a goal to create a venue with a “continental atmosphere,” complete with espresso, folk music, poetry, fine art, and plays.

Artists and curious customers made their way to the top of Lena’s narrow stairs and the venue quickly became an off-the-beaten-path mainstay in the burgeoning world of folk music. Lena passed in 1989, but not before making her venue a landmark.

When COVID-19 collided with Caffè Lena’s spring season, the venue, recognized as the longest continuously operating venue of its type, pivoted almost immediately to an online schedule of “Stay Home Sessions” that have reached thousands of YouTube viewers across the globe with nightly live or pre-recorded performances. Tips donated by viewers have put more than $25,000 into the pockets of these musicians since March 14.

Viewers may make donations during the broadcast to sustain Caffè Lena through the shutdown.

In addition, the nonprofit organization is using the occasion to launch the Lena Legacy Society, a new endowment fund that is expected to grow over the coming years.

May 21, 2020
Hearing Aide: TIP ‘Full Swing’

Back with their second full length album is Albany based TIP. They’re an alternative rock group that skips across congruous genres, creating another in depth, unique collection worth diving into. TIP is Chris Caimano, Conor McDonald, Mike Cesario, Terence McDonald shared the responsibility of writing songs on their release Full Swing, while also constantly switching instruments, which would explain the eclectic styles we see across the album. In an interview with CT Verses, the band explains their intentions for the album and their goals to grow as a band. “We are constantly riding the line between trying to improv but also (try) not to lose the power of the song.” said Chris Caimano. In this album, it seems like they have found a good balance between those two sides of music, and it pays off.

Throughout this album, we hear a number of different influences that pair perfectly with their instrumentation. The groups pulls influence from Steely Dan, (“the best pop band that ever lived,” according to Caimano), The Beatles, John Mayer and James Brown. In their interview, they spoke so passionately when it came to who inspired them. Surprisingly, the iconic sounds of their beloved influences do not come through in an obvious way. They manage to be original and unique, a sign of an impressive group and an even more impressive album.

Throughout the album, the group flaunts their ability to be powerful but reserved, thanks to their instrumentation. We see this on “Five Becomes Seven,” “Canadian Coins” and “Me & My Girl.” Their tone is a little gritty, their time signatures are unique and their tone is ever-flowing. But their songs have power, direction and energy, without overwhelming the listener with overly-abstract tones ideas. And most importantly, they create a space for improvisation. But the licks that lead them to that space are unique and graspable, ensuring that they don’t “lose the power of the song” that Caimano had mentioned.

“Lavender Burns” is their jam-heavy hit that has lots of potential to blow people away on stage. The group creates a mysterious but comfortable space that could go absolutely anywhere. On the record, this song is reserved and a bit predictable but has a lot of live potential. As straightforward as it is, there are still some delicious layers laced within the track that make it spectacular.

“Caravan” is a straight up flex and a testament to their skills as musicians. This is a cover of a song written by Duke Ellington in 1937. It became a jazz standard over the years and was widely recognized as a song that changed the rules of jazz, due to its avant garde times signatures and key changes. So it only makes sense for TIP to go off and create their very own, remarkable version of their own. It’s rocking, it’s dissonant, it’s edgy – it’s awesome.

“Spreading Mud” is their example of how they execute acoustic grunge. It almost sounds like a missing track from Alice in Chains’ Unplugged album – and illusion sold by the unbelievable vocal harmonizations on this track. It’s hard to give credit to the singer, because they whole groups shares the mic throughout the album – regardless, it works and it makes for an ethereal track with an ebb and flow of tones and attitudes.

This whole album is like an open world for listeners to explore. There are layers and layers of sounds and events in each track that give it depth and replay-ability, that will hopefully shoot TIP into the limelight. But once again, we stumble upon a band that would really flourish in a live setting. Each track is a launching pad into an improvisational wonderland of opportunities. Hopefully, we will get to witness them soon. Find the album on all major streaming platforms, or here for a list of their information.

Key Tracks: Canadian Coins, Brainfreeze, Spreading Mud

May 20, 2020
518 Day Celebrates Local Music across Eastern New York

May 18th may be just any other day of the year for most of the world, but for the extended Capital Region in New York, it is a day of celebration. 518 Day highlights the variety of local music that has been a defining part of this expansive region of New York State.

The 518 region stretches all the way from the Canadian border to the Mid-Hudson region, borders with Vermont, and covers more than 12,000 square miles across 17 counties of New York. Area code 518 was established on January 1st, 1947 and has a population of more than 1.3 million residents, with major cities that include Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, Lake George, Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake, and Troy among others.

The 518 has become it’s own cultural hub and is known particularly for it’s great local music scenes. A great deal of artists come from the 518 region and call it home, including Blotto, Madison Vandenburg, Wild Adriatic, Blind Owl Band, Sawyer Fredericks, Eastbound Jesus, Ominous Seapods, moe., Glass Pony and many, many more.

518 music is being celebrated by Radio Radio X who are running an all day show from 5AM to midnight tonight featuring local music from the 518 area. There will be a pause for Big Ed’s Little Rock and Roll show at 7PM and a new CD by Off The Record Trio which will be played from start to finish. You can listen live online here.

Check out some videos of local 518 talent over the years

May 18, 2020
Watch Jerry Garcia Band from November 1991 at The Knick in Albany

For todays Jerry Sunday installment, we look back at the November 16, 1991 performance by Jerry Garcia Band at The Knickerbocker Arena (aka The Knick) in Albany. Now known as The Times Union Center, this show brought Deadheads back to Albany eight months after the Grateful Dead’s three-night run in March.

Jerry was joined by John Kahn (bass), Melvin Seals (keyboards), David Kemper (drums), and Jaclyn LaBranch and Gloria Jones (backing vocals).

As noted by Colin Parsons, you can observe Garcia’s having technical problems with his guitar Tiger during “Lay Down Sally” and leaving the stage. Steve Parish worked on teh guitar with a visibly upset Garcia, who eventually went back out on the stage with his Wolf guitar. The band didn’t miss a beat and kept playing while waiting for Jerry to rejoin them.

Jerry Garcia Band at The Knick, Albany, NY – November 16, 1991

Set One: Cats Under the Stars, Stop That Train, You Never Can Tell, Run For the Roses, Money Honey, My Sisters and Brothers, Let’s Spend the Night Together

Set Two: Lay Down Sally, Waiting for a Miracle, Think, And It Stoned Me, Ain’t No Bread In the Breadbox, Shining Star, Tangled Up In Blue

May 17, 2020
Tanglewood cancels 2020 season; announce Online Festival
The Berkshires will be a little quieter this summer, as the Boston Symphony Orchestra has announced they will not hold live performances and educational programs at Tanglewood this summer. The 2020 Tanglewood season was set to kick off on June 19 and run through August 27.

In an effort to keep the spirit of the storied music season alive, Tanglewood will be offering a wide range of newly created and retrospective content with the Tanglewood 2020 Online Festival.

The festival will include both free-of-charge archival offerings as well as newly created content available for purchase. Video and audio streams begin on Tanglewood.org July 1, with the ability to purchase starting on June 15. The groundbreaking digital series of audio and video streams includes newly created content to be recorded at Tanglewood’s Linde Center in June and July.

Ticket holders to Tanglewood performances this summer who donate more than $100 worth of tickets to the BSO will receive complimentary access to the complete selection of paid and archival Tanglewood digital content and a tax receipt for the total ticket value contributed. Donations made by August 31 will also be matched by a group of generous donors who have joined together to help support musical artists and programs in these unprecedented times, amplifying your impact.

Tickets for this year’s performances will be honored for the postponed date next year. Reschedule dates include:
- Ringo Star (6/19/20), rescheduled for Saturday, June 19, 2021
- Trey Anastasio with the Boston Pops and Keith Lockhart (6/20/20), rescheduled for Friday, June 18, 2021
- Judy Collins and Arlo Guthrie (6/21/20), rescheduled for Sunday, June 20, 2021
- Brandi Carlile (6/26/20), 2021 date TBA
- Patti Labelle and Darlene Love (6/27/20), 2021 date TBA
- The Mavericks with Los Lobos (6/28/20), 2021 date TBA
- James Taylor (7/4/20), rescheduled for his annual July 4th performance during the 2021 season
- Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me! with Peter Sagal and Bill Kurtis (8/27/20), rescheduled for Thursday, August 26, 2021
- John Legend with special guests The War and Treaty (8/28/20), 2021 date TBA
An overview of Tanglewood’s 2020 Online Festival programming can be found here.
May 16, 2020
2020 City of Albany Tulip Festival Moves to Virtual Celebration

The 72nd annual 2020 City of Albany Tulip Festival is moving to the virtual field as many festivals and performances are due to the COVID-19 outbreak sweeping across the world. The festival will be presented by Citizens Bank and kicks off on Saturday, May 9th at 12p.m.

The virtual 2020 City of Albany Tulip Festival will feature musical performances from local artists like Sawyer Fredericks, The Age, Hartley’s Encore, Caity Gallagher and many others. There will also be City of Albany Gardeners who will be taking the viewer on a tour of the Tulip beds with their expert knowledge. Local businesses will also be joining the celebration with take-out specials. There is even something for kids during the festival with a performance from Melvin the Magnificent.

The festival will premiere on the Albany Events YouTube Page at noon on Saturday, May 9th. It’s also available to be found on Albany Events social media channels under @AlbanyNYevents! The festival can also be viewed on Open Stage Media’s Art’s channels: Channel 1302 on Spectrum Cable and Channel 37 on Verizon Fios.

People are encouraged to watch live and celebrate the Albany community in the live chat accompanying the streaming. Media sponsors for the event are WEXT Radio and Albany.com.

For more information on the 2020 City of Albany Tulip Festival please visit Albany Event’s website.

May 8, 2020
Proctors Collaborative Produces High School Musical Theatre Awards to be broadcasted on TV

Throughout the many closings due to COVID-19, one that has particularly affected students interested in the arts is the cancellation of school musicals. The Proctors School of the Performing Arts, a celebration of regional scholastic productions, has decided to do something about it during their fourth annual High School Musical Theatre Awards. They plan to broadcast the awards over TV at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 16th.

Unfortunately many of the original participating schools were unable to stage their performances before schools closed due to state COVID-19 executive orders, making it impossible to complete adjudication and award student actors, technicians and ensembles. However there will be 27 schools participating in the 2020 HSMTA, represented by 1,400 students participating in musicals.

The televised broadcast features videos submitted by the schools showcasing rehearsals, solos, dance numbers and backstage activity. This televised event will end with a performance of “Finale B (No Day but Today)” from the musical Rent that will include at least one artist from each participating school. There is also a red-carpet-component on social media where students are also encouraged to participate from home in a virtual red carpet. Students can post a photo beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16 using the tag #HSMTAatProctors on Instagram to “walk” the red carpet on Proctors Instagram page.

The High School Musical Theatre Awards can be viewed live at 7 p.m. Saturday on May 16 several ways. Spectrum subscribers can view it on Channel 1302 in Albany and Schenectady. It will be rebroadcast at later dates. Verizon Fios subscribers in the Albany area can view it on Channel 37. And a livestream will be available at openstagemedia.org/channels/live-stream. There is a suggested donation of $10 per household for the event, and viewers can text HSMTA to 41444 to donate.

The hosts of the show are Philip Morris, CEO of Proctors Collaborative, and Rex Smith, editor at large of the Times Union, HSMTA’s presenting sponsor. The event is produced by the School of Performing Arts at Proctors and Collaborative Studios, an affiliate of Proctors Collaborative.

For more information please visit Proctor School’s Website.

May 8, 2020
Queens Rapper Kyngjo Drops Music Video for ‘Calling Me’

On the heels of a run of successfully executed song releases, Lefrak City rapper Kyngjo has unveiled the official music video for his most popular record “Calling Me,” continuing to build buzz with the prospects of a debut project drawing ever closer. His journey as a rapper dates back to just over two years ago – as hopes for a future in basketball became bleak, thanks to an injured knee – now with his mind fully focused on being a successful rapper, he hopes to etch his name amongst a list of legendary Queens natives.

Produced by Multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated producer TheBeatPlug – who gained notoriety with producer credits on Joyner Lucas’ viral record I’m Not Racist – “Calling Me” follows the classic adage that as a rapper, women will follow, and so too will interminable and deceit-filled adventures bound to leave those involved with querulous significant others. The record sees Kyngjo divulge tales of his experiences playing the side piece to a spurned woman who has now fallen for him and… won’t stop calling. The Dream of Dre directed music video brings to life the tension between significant others when Kyngjo is involved with the women having to convince their man that he is indeed “just a friend.”

May 6, 2020
Saratoga Springs Welcomes New Venue: Universal Preservation Hall

Saratoga Springs’s new venue, Universal Preservation Hall, will have its first full month of shows in March, ranging from jazz to comedy to an evening with the celebrity housewives. The venue is a former 1871 Methodist church which has been renovated into a state-of-the-art performance facility.

Universal Preservation Hall Press Photo.

The March lineup will start on the 4th with Sounds of the Hall which will be an evening of jazz music from Chuck Lamb and Friends and the Dylan Perrillo Orchestra. The schedule will wrap up on the 27th with Joey Alexander who is the youngest musician to ever be nominated for a Grammy Award® in a jazz category. There will be performances from a family circus, the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame Ceremony, an award winning Broadway actress, and many more acts.

Universal Preservation Hall Press Photo.

For more information or tickets visit the Universal Preservation Hall’s website. Tickets are also available by phone at 518- 881- 4500 or at the Box Office at 25 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs.

Full venue lineup bellow:

Sounds of the Hall

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4. The Great Hall at UPH, $20.

Sounds of the Hall opens the month with an evening of jazz music from Chuck Lamb and Friends and the Dylan Perrillo Orchestra.

Louie Anderson Live!

8 p.m. Thursday, March 5. The Great Hall at UPH, $29.50 – $69.50.

Stand-up comedian and star of the show Baskets, Louie Anderson, will bring many laughs to The Great Hall at UPH.

An Evening with Chris Botti

7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6. The Great Hall at UPH, $79.50 – $179.50.

Grammy Award® winner for Best Pop Instrumental Album, Chris Botti will enchant UPH patrons with his trumpet playing.

An Evening with the Celebrity Housewives

7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7. The Great Hall at UPH, $30 – $109.50.

Don’t miss Brandy Glanville, Carole Manzo and Caroline Radziwill as they discuss their sensational personal lives, cherished families, amazing businesses and how fame changed their lives forever.

The Marvelous Marquise Family Circus

2 p.m. Sunday, March 8. The Great Hall at UPH, $10.

Think you know circus? Think Again! The Contemporary Circus & Immersive Arts Center presents a unique family unlike you’ve met before.

Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame Ceremony

6 p.m. Monday, March 9. The Great Hall at UPH, $50.

A member of the Grand Ole Opry, a woman who founded an iconic American coffeehouse and two local connections to MTV are among the six 2020 inductees.

Megan Hilty

7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13. The Great Hall at UPH, $32.50 – $109.50.

Known for her role as Ivy Lynn on NBC’s Smash, Megan Hilty brings her Tony-Award® nominated talent to the Saratoga.

Howard Jones Acoustic Trio presented by Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady

7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14. The Great Hall at UPH, $29.50 – $69.50.

This show will provide the opportunity for the audience to hear first-hand about the inspiration behind Howard Jones’ beloved material as well as stories from his touring career.

Irish Hooley with the Screaming Orphans

7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15. The Great Hall at UPH, $25.

These four sisters from County Donegal, Ireland are bringing the party to Saratoga on St. Patrick’s Weekend with a good old-fashioned Irish Hooley.

Rochmon Record Club presents: Paul Simon’s “Graceland”

7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. The Great Hall at UPH, $25.

The Rochmon Record Club will converge to listen and learn about Paul Simon’s 7^th solo album “Graceland” which feature some of Simon’s most beloved songs.

One Night in Memphis

7:30 p.m. Friday, March 20. The Great Hall at UPH, $30 – $65.

This rocking concert tribute pays homage to legendary Sun Records recording artists Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley.

Journeyman

7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21. The Great Hall at UPH, $19.50 – $39.50.

Fronted by Shaun Hague, Journeyman is the only nationally touring tribute to Eric Clapton.

Joey Alexander

7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27. The Great Hall at UPH, $39.50 – $89.50.

Don’t miss the youngest musician to ever be nominated for a Grammy Award® in a jazz category.

February 28, 2020