NYS Music 202​1

Tag: The Capitol Theatre

  • The Capitol Sessions: Songs from a Rock Palace That Impacted the World, Announced for December 17 in Port Chester

    From the producers of the annual Love Rocks NYC benefit concert comes The Capitol Sessions: Songs from a Rock Palace That Impacted the World. Featuring Jackson Browne and Jorma Kaukonen leading an all-star jam benefiting HeadCount, the star-studded event will take place on Friday, December 17 at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

    Also featured in the show will be Marco Benevento, James Casey, Lisa Fischer, Amy Helm, Connor Kennedy, Eric Krasno, Tony Leone, Grahame Lesh, Adam Minkoff, Karina Rykman, and TheWar and Treaty.

    The Capitol Sessions

    Curating the evening is legendary producer, arranger, songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell, alongside his musical partner and wife Teresa Williams. Universally respected by his peers and fans as a master of music, the three-time Grammy-winning producer/musical director for Levon Helm was a member of Bob Dylan’s Never Ending Tour band, as well as a session and touring musician for artists including Keith Richards, Jackson Browne, Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon and Emmylou Harris, and a recipient of the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award as Instrumentalist.

    The Capitol Sessions celebrates the groundbreaking songs played at The Capitol Theatre by rock royalty like Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Jefferson Airplane, The Chambers Brothers, Mountain, Joe Cocker, the Rolling Stones, Traffic, and Eric Clapton.

    The Capitol Theatre is one of rock ‘n’ roll’s last remaining rock palaces. A place where many of rock’s most beloved legends performed — the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, to name a few. We can’t wait to celebrate the iconic songs that have been played over the years at The Cap. It will be very cool for The Capitol Sessions to happen on the same stage where these songs were originally performed. It’s going to be an epic night!

    Peter Shapiro, DayGlo President and HeadCount board member

    The show benefits HeadCount, a non-partisan voter registration advocacy organization that stages voter registration drives at more than 1,000 live events each year and collaborates with cultural leaders to promote civic engagement on a national scale. Since 2004, HeadCount has signed up over 1,000,000 voters through its work with Ariana Grande, Dead & Company and Beyoncé, as well as events like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Pride Festivals, and RuPaul’s DragCon.

    The Capitol Sessions is the latest in a lineup of standout events by RWE, the company founded by Greg Williamson and Nicole Rechter to bring people together around music, culture, and philanthropy. RWE has realized its vision through charity concerts such as Love Rocks NYC, the Play On CBS primetime TV special, and the annual Tipping Point concert for Tulane University and the city of New Orleans.  

    In addition to honoring some of the most influential artists who played the Capitol during its heyday, we’re proud to highlight the importance of voting rights and democracy. We’d like to extend our thanks to Peter Shapiro, Larry Campbell, and all of the talented artists who agreed to be a part of this benefit concert.

    RWE founder Greg Williamson

    Tickets go on sale Friday, November 19 at 12 p.m. EST at thecapitoltheatre.com. Fans are encouraged to make a donation to benefit voter registration and HeadCount. Tune in on Fans.Live on December 17.

  • In Focus: Gary Clark Jr. at The Capitol Theatre

    Hot off the heels of attending the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where he paid tribute to Charley Patton, Gary Clark Jr. headed back out on the road with a stop at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY on Wednesday, November 3.

    Gary Clark Jr. at
    Gary Clark Jr.

    On night two of a three-night stand, Clark took the crowd on a musical journey traversing a soundscape from sojourns of simplicity through to explosions of sound.  To support this pilgrimage, Gary enlisted King Zapata on guitar, Jon Deas on keyboards, Elijah Ford on bass, and J.J. Johnson on drums.  Their prowess provided the infrastructure for Clark to explore the musical expanse.

    The show opened with the potent “Bright Lights.” Clark is not afraid to update arrangements as “Fellin’ Like a Million” shifted to a beat-based groove while the falsettos in “I Walk Alone” articulated the emotional distress of the piece.

    Gary Clark Jr.
    Gary Clark Jr.

    Throughout the night the tall Texan would step forward and affix himself to a spot on the stage enabling the power and fury of his playing to radiate out to those in attendance.  A well calibrated light show helped fine-tune the aura surrounding the stage which added an exponential element to the show. 

    Opening duties were delegated to hip hop rappers Blackillac.  The duo, who had been taken under Clark’s wing years back, shared what they called “their version of the blues.”  From the first beats you could sense the Austin musicians influence bestowed upon them.  Moving from established tunes to freestyle and back, Blackillac achieved their goal to prepare everyone for the headliner.

    Blackillac
    Blackillac

    To close out the two-hour show, Gary strapped on a Flying V guitar and launched into “Pearl Cadillac.”  A lone spotlight illuminated the man and his guitar as the distinctive notes from the song extended to the rafters. Standing tall and proud, Clark thanked everyone and sent them off into the night as he faded into the darkness at the back of the stage.

    Gary Clark Jr.

    • Gary Clark Jr. Capitol Theatre
    • Gary Clark Jr. Capitol Theatre
    • Gary Clark Jr. Capitol Theatre
    • Gary Clark Jr. Capitol Theatre

    Blackillac

  • Dark Star Orchestra Announce New Years Run

    Dark Star Orchestra will ring in the New Year in Albany. The Palace Theater announced today the band will play two shows, on December 31st and January 1st, at the venue. The band have a warm relationship with the Palace, previously celebrating their 20th anniversary there in 2017.

    Dark Star Orchestra have performed their rendition of the live Grateful Dead experience to rapt audiences for over 20 years. Basing their performances on the Dead’s lengthy and singular live catalog, DSO draws from historic set lists while offering their own interpretations. 

    “Even for Deadheads who say they’ve been to a hundred shows in the 90s, we offer something they never got to see live,” said keyboardist and vocalist Rob Barraco. 

    After over 3000 shows, DSO’s performances have expanded into their own universe. DSO host an annual music festival and gathering, “Dark Star Jubilee,” in Thornville, Ohio. DSO headlines all three nights of the Jubilee, joined by a variety of acts. The band has even brought their experience to Jamaica, hosting the “Jam in the Sand” event at an oceanside stage. Unfortunately, both events were canceled in 2021 due to COVID-19. But “Jam in the Sand” will return January 11-14, while the next “Dark Star Jubilee” is expected for summer 2022. 

    Six members of the original Dead have also made appearances at DSO shows. Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Vince Welnick, and Tom Constanten have all shared the stage with them before. DSO also previously toured with the Dead’s longtime soundman, Dan Healy. 

    Before landing in Albany, DSO will make other stops around New York. DSO will spend two nights at the Capitol Theatre in Portchester on November 12th and 13th. After that, they’ll play two shows at the Paramount in Huntington on December 29th and 30th. 

    Tickets for both shows will go on sale Friday, October 29th at 10:00 A.M. Tickets are available for purchase via ticketmaster.com and the Palace Theater Box Office. 

    Alongside the New Year’s shows, the Palace Theater also announced upcoming performances from The Wood Brothers on January 28th and comedian Bert Kreischer on April 3rd. Tickets for these shows will also be available Friday at 10:00 A.M.

  • Spoon Stirs it up at The Capitol Theatre

    Spoon orchestrated a six show, eight-day “min tour” to prepare for their “Back to Life” live stream from Los Angles at the end of October. The tour, isolated to the Northeast, included a stop at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY.

    Spoon’s set began with the somewhat dark “The Beast and Dragon, Adored.”  The song afforded the band the opportunity to pull the audience in close before engaging them in a full on rock offensive.  Lead singer and founding member Britt Daniel took his position guiding the charge.  But at times during the set, Daniel could be seen dropping to his knees or catapulting into full flight as if the songs were giving the commands.

    Spoon at The Capitol Theatre
    Spoon

    Stage right Alex Fischel was no shy puppy.  Oscillating between guitar and keyboards (and occasional percussion), Fischel would at times be hidden away in the crux of his set up and then erupting into full on guitar assaults with a maladroit style all his own.  Jim Eno, the other founding member of Spoon, set the pulse for the band with his drumming, enabling the band to take music in the direction it wanted to go in.

    Since starting in 1993, Spoon has amassed a trove of songs in their gig bag.  The set was comprised of fifteen songs including: “Don’t You Evah,” “Do You,” and “I Turn My Camera On.”  The encore found Daniel and Fischel alone on stage isolated in spotlights as they harmonized on John Lennon’s “Isolation.”  The band joined mid way and performed three additional songs, closing with “Rent I Pay.”

    Spoon
    Spoon at The Capitol Theatre

    Supporting Spoon on this whiplash of a tour is Nicole Atkins.  Her brassy rock and roll swagger makes her a perfect opening act.  Sporting a blond wig, Nicole strapped on a guitar for most of her time on stage. Rocking through her catalog she was backed by an ad hock band created for this tour.  Currently living in Nashville, Atkins is Jersey born and bred.  She cut her teeth in the Asbury music scene and her take no prisoner demeanor confirmed that. Giving acknowledgement to her rock and roll mentors, Nicole and band finished out with Led Zeppelin’s “What is and What Should Never Be.”

    Nicole Atkins
    Nicole Atkins

    Being such a short tour, those that had the opportunity to catch this combination of acts are much the richer.  Better yet, being a precursor to the live stream from L.A., Spoon fans have much to look forward to. 

    Spoon

    Nicole Atkins

    • Nicole Atkins
    • Nicole Atkins

  • In Focus: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong At The Capitol Theatre

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong were joined by Neighbor on October 15, for the second of a two night run at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. Dogs In A Pile started the party at Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre.

    The atmosphere at “The Cap” felt familiar and comfortable. It was that cool uncle with the cool T-shirts that was very excited about legalization of certain herbs. It was a relaxed vibe that did not take itself too seriously, which helped cultivate pure enjoyment from fans. Most employees resided at the venue since its reopening and seemed to love working there. The rich history of the venue contributed to a feeling of experience and familiarity. For those cautious to attend an indoor concert.

    Pigeons Capitol Theatre

    Fans of Pigeons filled with anticipatory excitement for the next cue in their favorite song. The crowd burst with joy every time their part in the collaboration, and were beautifully illuminated for each moment.

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – The Capitol Theatre – Saturday, October 15, 2021

    Setlist: Pop Off, Fall in Place, Melting Lights > Poseidon, Paperboy, Porcupine > Ocean Flows, My Own Way, Water, Skinner, Dawn A New Day, Snake Eyes, Living for the City (Stevie Wonder), King Kong, Day in Time, Overrun, Doc

    Encore: Horizon, Julia, Doc

    Encore 2: Landing > Totally > Ocean Flows

    • Pigeons Capitol Theatre
    • Pigeons Capitol Theatre
    • Pigeons Capitol Theatre
    • Pigeons Capitol Theatre
    • Pigeons Capitol Theatre

  • More Venues Across New York to Require Proof of Vaccination for Audiences

    More venues across the state of New York are starting to require proof of vaccination for entry. With rising outbreaks of COVID-19 across the country due to the delta variant, the requirement of proof of vaccination to enter premises is becoming more and more normalized. 

    New York Proof of Vaccination
    Photo by Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

    On August 3, 2021 Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that NYC would be moving to require proof of vaccination for indoor dining, gyms and performances areas by mid September. Since then venues in NYC have been rolling out their vaccination proof protocols but more and more venues across the state are following in their footsteps. 

    Madison Square Garden announced that all guests 12 and older must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, meaning they have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.  Guests may also show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, meaning the day of your event is at least 14 days after your final vaccine dose, which, depending on the type of vaccine, may be one dose or two. Fully vaccinated guests are not required to wear a mask. Everyone else must wear a face covering while in The Garden, except while actively eating or drinking. Children under age 12 – not currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccination – can attend events with a vaccinated adult, but please note that children ages 4 to 11 must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test (an antigen test taken within six hours of the event start time, or a PCR test taken within 72 hours of the day of the event.)

    The State Theatre of Ithaca announced on September 2, 2021 that it will now be requiring proof of vaccination for entry. They also stated that results from a negative COVID-19 test will NOT be accepted for entry for individuals over the age of twelve. In addition, masks are required to be worn at all times while at the venue and in any common areas.  People who already have tickets to an upcoming show and are unable or unwilling to adhere to the new policy can request a refund at the following link at any point until end of day, September 16.

    New York Proof of Vaccination

    The Capital Theater in Port Chester announced as of August 18, 2021 they would be requiring attendees to have either proof of their vaccine or a negative test result taken within the last 24 hours at the event. People can use the Excelsior Pass, NYC COVID Safe App, CDC Vaccination Card or NYC Vaccination Record for proof of vaccination.

    On September 11, 2021Nietzsche’s in Buffalo announced that in will now require all patrons to provide full vaccination proof in order to attend a show and will go into effect on Friday, September 17th.

    The KeyBank Center in Buffalo announced that people will need to have received their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or single dose of the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the date of the game for entre. People who are fully vaccinated can show their vaccination card at doors. The venue will also accept Proof of negative antigen Covid-19 test (test must be taken within 6 hours of puck drop) or proof of negative PCR Covid-19 test (test must be taken within 72 hours of puck drop). They will also have Quest Diagnostics as an option that will offer antigen tests for $30 with test results within 30 minutes. Quest will also continue to offer PCR tests for $64 for people who have purchased tickets. 

    Many more venues across New York State will likely be announcing proof of vaccination requirements. For live music to survive, masking up and getting vaccinated are becoming the most useful way to insure it does.