Opera Saratoga has announced a new festival model for large scale summer performances in 2022. The season will include big performances of the Barber of Seville, Petite Messe Solennelle, Sky on Swings, Sweeney Todd, and many more.
The performances will take place across June and July across multiple venues throughout the region. Opera Saratoga summer season plans on embracing partnerships with the Proctors in Schenectady; The Egg in Albany; Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs; The Round Lake Auditorium in Round Lake Village; The Barn at French Mountain in Lake George Village; and The Mansion Inn in Rock City Falls.
Opera Saratoga’s Artistic and General Director Lawrence Edelson spoke on the new season model saying,
We began asking, with so many remarkable theaters in our region, might we be able to better serve our mission by reconceiving our Summer Festival in a way that doesn’t limit us to a single venue? While we remain committed to producing in Saratoga Springs, as the opera company of the Capital Region, our goal is to provide access to our Summer Festival programming in the same way we are able to do with our year-round programs. We are incredibly excited by the opportunities of this expanded Festival model, and grateful for the opportunity to partner with so many like-minded organizations across the region to make it possible.
Lawrence Edelson
The summer season will start with Petite Messe Solennelle on June 2 and June 3 at 7:30PM. The show will be presented by Opera Saratoga in partnership with The Round Lake Auditorium featuring music by Gioachino Rossini. The season will wrap up with The Barber of Seville – IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA on JULY 8 at 7:30PM and JULY 10 at 2PM. The show will be produced by Opera Saratoga in Partnership with Proctors featuring music by Gioachino Rossin.
Tickets for the 2022 Summer Festival will be available through Festival Passes and Single Tickets. Festival Passes, which provide a 20% discount on single ticket prices and priority seating for all productions and events, will be available beginning February 1, 2022. Single Tickets will go on sale March 15, 2022. Audience members will be required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for all performances, and masks will be required based on prevailing conditions at the time of the Festival. All policies may be adjusted in response to changing conditions, and based on the specific requirements of each venue.
For more information on the Opera Saratoga’s new festival model visit their website.
The full lineup for Opera Saratoga Summer 2022 is listed below:
PETITE MESSE SOLENNELLE
June 2 and June 3 @ 7:30pm
Presented by Opera Saratoga in partnership with The Round Lake Auditorium
Music by Gioachino Rossini
A BROADWAY CABARET
June 12 @ 2pm and 7pm
Presented by Opera Saratoga in partnership with The Mansion Inn
A JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION WITH SIDNEY OUTLAW
JUNE 19 @ 2:30pm
Produced by Opera Saratoga in Partnership with Proctors
SWEENEY TODD – THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET A MUSICAL THRILLER
JUNE 29 and JUNE 30 @ 7:30pm
Produced by Opera Saratoga in Partnership with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
SKY ON SWINGS
JULY 7 @ 7:30pm and JULY 9 @ 2pm
Produced by Opera Saratoga in Partnership with The Egg
Music by Lembit Beecher
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE – IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA
JULY 8 @ 7:30pm and JULY 10 @ 2pm
Produced by Opera Saratoga in Partnership with Proctors
Don McLean is set to embark on his 2022 50th Anniversary Tour celebrating “American Pie,” with 20 additional cities throughout the United States and Canada. A Grammy award honoree, Songwriters Hall of Fame member, and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, McLean will entertain fans across America throughout nearly 30 cities from Honolulu to Toronto and everything in between, including stops in Albany at The Egg, and Town Hall in Manhattan.
As tragic as the backstory behind the song “American Pie” is with the much too early death of the new rock’n’roll-hope Buddy Holly, the track is also magnificent and legendary. “American Pie” still goes to heart as soon as originator Don McLean plays this classic at his concerts. But the 76-year-old McLean has numerous other hits, including “Vincent (Starry Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air,” “And I Love You So,” and “Cryin’,” all of which will be heard and reveled in along with newer pieces on the upcoming tour.
After spending the past 18 months at home, I am thrilled to be getting back on the road with my band. 2022 marks the 50th anniversary from when American Pie landed at the #1 spot on the Billboard chart and we will be celebrating on tour all year long. We will be performing all the songs from the American Pie album plus many of the other hits that fans will be expecting to hear.
Don McLean
The eight-and-a-half-minute ballad “American Pie” has been making history since its release in 1971, leading to the song being voted “Song of the 20th Century,” alongside songs by Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Woody Guthrie, and Aretha Franklin. The handwritten lyrics to the song were auctioned off for more than $1.2 million in 2015, and the composition was added to the Library Of Congress National Recording Registry two years later.
Over the years, the song has been covered again and again by music icons like Madonna and Garth Brooks. Rapper Drake repeatedly sampled McLean tunes and hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur also cited him as an important influence.
In 2018, Don McLean released his 19th studio album, Botanical Gardens, which received rave reviews. Songs from it subsequently proved themselves in a live setting may find their way into the setlist next year, alongside “American Pie” and many others. Tickets for the upcoming tour are available now.
Don McLean 2022 North American Dates
Jan. 28-30 – Honolulu, HI @ Blue Note Hawaii Feb. 3 – Clear Lake, IA @ Surf Ballroom Feb. 5 – Grand Forks, ND @ Chester Fritz Auditorium Feb. 11 – The Villages, FL @ Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center Feb. 12 – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL @ Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Feb. 14-18 – Port Canaveral, FL @ Rock Legends Cruise Feb. 19 – Clearwater, FL @ Bilheimer Capitol Theatre Feb. 24 – Tucson, AZ @ Fox Tucson Theatre April 29 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater May 1 – Indianapolis, IN @ Clowes Memorial Hall May 7 – Toronto, Canada @ John W H Bassett Theatre May 12 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium May 13 – Atlanta, GA @ Atlanta Symphony Hall May 19 – St. Louis, MO @ Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center May 20 – Springfield, MO @ Gillioz Theatre June 2 – Albany, NY @ The Egg June 3 – Boston, MA @ Shubert Theatre June 4 – New York, NY @ Town Hall June 11 – Baltimore, MD @ the Lyric June 12 – Tysons, VA @ Capital One Hall June 17 – Grand Rapids, MI @ DeVos Performance Hall June 18 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Pabst Theater June 24 – San Antonio, TX @ Tobin Center for the Performing Arts June 25 – Houston, TX @ Cullen Performance Hall June 26 – Austin, TX @ Paramount Theatre July 7 – Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre July 8 – Grand Junction, CO @ the Avalon Theatre July 9 – Phoenix, AZ @ Orpheum Theatre
Don McLean 2022 European Dates:
Sept. 11 – Cardiff, U.K. @ St. Davids Sept. 13 – Ipswich, U.K. @ Ipswich Regent Theatre Sept. 14 – Birmingham, U.K. @ Symphony Hall Sept. 16 – Bath, U.K. @ The Forum Sept. 17 – Torquay, U.K. @ Princess Theatre Sept. 18 – Bournemouth, U.K. @ Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre Sept. 20 – Brighton, U.K. @ Brighton Dome Concert Hall Sept. 21 – Southend-on-sea, U.K. @ Cliffs Pavilion Sept. 23 – Manchester, U.K. @ Bridgewater Hall Sept. 24 – Gateshead, U.K. @ Sage Gateshead Sept. 25 – Glasgow, U.K. @ The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Sept. 27 – Edinburgh, U.K. @ Usher Hall Sept. 28 – York, U.K. @ York Barbican Sept. 30 – Leicester, U.K. @ De Montfort Hall Oct. 1 – Sheffield, U.K. @ City Hall Oct. 2 – Liverpool, U.K. @ Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Oct. 4 – London, U.K. @ London Palladium Oct. 7 – Dublin, Ireland @ 3Arena Oct. 9 – Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Concertgebouw de Vereeniging Oct. 10 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Koninklijk Theater Carré Oct. 14 – Bergen, Norway @ Peer Gynt Salen Oct. 15 – Stavanger, Norway @ Stavanger Kuppelhallen Oct. 16 – Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene Oct. 18 – Göteborg, Sweden @ Lorensbergsteatern Oct. 20 – Turku, Finland @ Logomo Oct. 21 – Helsinki, Finland @ Kulttuuritalo Oct. 23 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Göta Lejon Oct. 24 – Malmö, Sweden @ Palladium Oct. 25 – Greve, Denmark @ Portalen Oct. 27 – Hamburg, Germany @ Fabrik Oct. 28 – Neuruppin, Germany @ Kulturkirche Oct. 29 – Berlin, Germany @ Admiralspalast Nov. 1 – Antwerp, Belgium @ De Singel Nov. 11 – Munich, Germany @ Prinzregententheater Nov.13 – Linz, Austria @ Posthof
Puddles Pity Party performed this past Sunday, December 12 for a few hundred engaged fans at The Egg in Albany. You may be familiar with Puddles from his over 800,000 subscriber Youtube Channel, his appearance on America’s Got Talent, or his performances with Post Modern Jukebox. For the uninitiated, Puddles appears as a large and somber clown and sings reimagined covers with his bellowing voice of gold.
Puddles may be a sad clown, but his performance was filled with humor, irony, and a positive outlook on life. The singing clown put his own spin on a number of hits including Billie Eilish’s “When the Party’s Over,” Lorde’s “Royals” and REM’s “Everybody Hurts.” These covers were often accompanied by videos and act outs that gave new meaning to the lyrics. Musician and comedian, Dave Hill, also joined Puddles on stage throughout the night after opening the show.
Puddles and Co. were full of energy and made themselves at home in The Egg. The stage slowly became littered with tissues, glitter, picture frames, and clothes as the show progressed. Puddles Pity Party found themselves running from the mess and into the crowd throughout the night as they sang and soloed with the audience. At one point, Puddles moved from fan to fan while he took their phones, and recorded himself singing before handing the phones off to anyone but their rightful owners. The crowd jumped to their feet at the end of the show to applaud what was a fun and original night of covers.
You can see Puddles Pity Party live at his final New York State show on Dec. 16 at the Tarrytown Music Hall,and you can view all of Puddles’ tour dates on his website.
The Egg was packed this past Wednesday, December 1st, for two legendary groups: The Midnight Ramble Band and Hot Tuna. Fans of both groups were present and full of energy from the moment The Ramble Band took the stage. Throughout the night, these concert-goers cheered on what proved to be a clinic in musicianship.
(Pictured left to right: Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, Amy Helm, and Jim Weider)
There’s a reason most bands have three to five members: because it’s really freakin’ hard to play in large groups. The Ramble Band’s ten members, however, made it look easy. This ensemble had no defined leader, and the crowd’s attention was masterfully directed all over the stage. It seemed as though each and every song featured a different band member taking over lead vocals, while different groups of instruments took the spotlight during breakdowns.
Larry and Jim led the way on guitar while Adam and Tony kept the groove going on bass and drums. Their parts were punctuated by the horn section, who left plenty of room for Amy and Teresa to steal the show with their powerful vocal performances. The crowd appreciated The Ramble Band’s high energy set that showcased each member’s raw talent.
(Pictured left to right: Brian Mitchell, Larry Campbell, Teresa WIlliams, Steven Bernstein, Erik Lawrence, Jay Collins, Amy Helm, Adam Minkoff, Jim Weider, and Tony Leone)
The Midnight Ramble Band and its members can be seen performing at Levon Helm Studios – Woodstock, NY, and across the country. Check out their future shows here.
(Jack Casady: bass, Justin Guip: drums, Jorma Kaukonen: guitar/vocals)
After The Midnight Ramble Band, Hot Tuna took the stage, and the blues rock trio picked up right where the big band left off. Jorma and Jack have been playing together since they were teenagers, and both went on to join Jefferson Airplane in 1965. This close connection was evident from the start of the set as the duo locked into their groove.
The crowd peppered the show with shouts of “WOO!” and “HOT TUNA!” throughout the night as Jorma and Jack showed The Egg just how sharp they are. The duo played through their set with strong intention; Jack’s grooves were full of space, and Jorma’s licks followed suit. Their music seemed to breathe while notes were held, ringing out, allowing their tones to fully develop. By the end of the night there was no question about the fact that Hot Tuna and The Egg are a perfect match.
Hot Tuna are closing out the Northeast leg of their tour on Dec. 4 at The Capitol Theatre, then Dec. 5 at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ, then finally on Dec. 7 at Carnegie of Homestead Music – Munhall, PA. For all dates, visit their website.
Almost four years after his first foray into unfamiliar concert territory with his highly-acclaimed Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour, “Weird Al” Yankovic will return to the road for an extensive cross-country tour, kicking off with two dates in New York.
Weird Al Yankovic in New York, May 17, 2016. Accustomed to a career mix of recognition and indifference, the musical comedian says he’s eager to give IFC’s “Comedy Bang! Bang!”, his first steady television gig in nearly 20 years, a whirl. (Todd Heisler/The New York Times)
Starting April 23 at Bardavon in Poughkeepsie, and heading through Albany the next night at The Egg, “Weird Al” will perform 131 shows over the next six months, with the final show in New York City at Carnegie Hall on October 29.
The tour marks Weird Al’s long-anticipated return to the concert stage after his hugely successful Strings Attached Tour in 2019 where he performed each night alongside a full symphony orchestra at world-renowned venues such as New York’s Forest Hills Stadium, Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Washington D.C.’s Wolf Trap.
Once again drawing from his back catalogue of 14 studio albums, Weird Al promises to deliver a different setlist every night, with no two shows the same. As before, rather than focusing on the hits from his career, the show will feature Yankovic’s non-parody material – the somewhat more obscure pastiches and original songs that have largely escaped the pop culture radar but are adored by his long-time fans.
Like the last Vanity Tour, “Weird Al” will be playing smaller, more intimate venues, leaving behind the high-octane theatrics that he’s known for and going bare-bones – no costumes, no props, no video screens… just Al and his band of almost four decades hanging out on stage, playing music.
Reflecting on his decision to bring back the stripped-down concerts, Al said:
I’ve loved doing every single incarnation of my live show, but honestly the Vanity tour is the most fun I’ve ever had on stage… so I’ve been dying to get back out there and torture everybody with it once again!
“Weird Al” on the return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour
Opening the show each night will be returning fan favorite and Al’s long-time friend (and UHF cast member), the legendary comedian Emo Philips.
“Weird Al” Yankovic first found fame via the Dr. Demento radio show in the late 1970s, before launching a career that would lead to 14 albums, creative and hilarious music videos, and built a following of fans across the globe.
Tickets are on sale Friday, December 10 at 10am local time for all shows. Check Weird Al’s website for more details. Tickets for the “Weird Al” VIP Meet & Greet Experience are available only thru www.ticketmaster.com
Weird Al Yankovic 2022 North American Tour
04/26 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ Bardavon Opera House 04/27 – Albany, NY@ The Egg Center for the Performing Arts 04/29 – New Bedford, MA @ Zeiterion Performing Arts Center 04/30 – Orono, ME @ Collins Center for the Performing Arts 05/01 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom 05/03 – Portland, ME @ Merrill Auditorium 05/04 – New London, CT @ Garde Arts Center 05/06 – Medford, MA @ Chevalier Theatre 05/07 – Medford, MA @ Chevalier Theatre 05/08 – Burlington, VT @ The Flynn 05/10 – Ridgefield, CT @ The Ridgefield Playhouse 05/11 – Rochester, NY @ Kodak Center 05/14 – Wilkes-Barre, PA @ The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts 05/15 – Erie, PA @ Warner Theatre 05/17 – Canton, OH @ Canton Palace Theatre 05/18 – Saginaw, MI @ The Temple Theatre 05/20 – Detroit, MI @ Fisher Theatre 05/21 – Nashville, IN @ Brown County Music Center 05/22 – Springfield, IL @ Sangamon Auditorium 05/24 – Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Performing Arts Center 05/25 – Evansville, IN @ Victory Theatre 05/27 – Pelham, TN @ The Caverns 05/28 – Pelham, TN @ The Caverns 05/29 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium 05/31 – Little Rock, AR @ Robinson Performance Hall 06/01 – Tulsa, OK @ Tulsa Theater 06/03 – Denver, CO @ Ellie Caulkins Opera House 06/04 – Denver, CO @ Ellie Caulkins Opera House 06/05 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Capitol Theatre 06/06 – Boise, ID @ Morrison Center for the Performing Arts 06/08 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre 06/10 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre 06/11 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre 06/12 – Reno, NV @ Silver Legacy Resort & Casino – Reno Ballroom 06/15 – San Francisco, CA @ Golden Gate Theatre 06/16 – San Francisco, CA @ Golden Gate Theatre 06/17 – Los Angeles, CA @ TBA 06/18 – Los Angeles, CA @ TBA 06/20 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Granada Theatre 06/21 – Bakersfield, CA @ Fox Theatre 06/24 – Spokane, WA @ Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox 06/25 – Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater 06/26 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall 06/28 – Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre 06/29 – Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre 06/30 – Eugene, OR @ Hult Center for the Performing Arts – Silva Concert Hall 07/02 – Vancouver, BC @ The Centre 07/04 – Edmonton, AB @ Winspear Centre 07/05 – Calgary, AB @ Jack Singer Concert Hall 07/06 – Calgary, AB @ Jack Singer Concert Hall 07/08 – Regina, SK @ Conexus Arts Centre 07/09 – Saskatoon, SK @ TCU Place 07/10 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts 07/11 – Duluth, MN @ Symphony Hall 07/14 – Madison, WI @ Overture Center for the Arts – Overture Hall 07/15 – Chicago, IL @ Symphony Center – Orchestra Hall 07/16 – Chicago, IL @ Symphony Center – Orchestra Hall 07/19 – Cedar Rapids, IA @ Paramount Theatre 07/20 – Columbia, MO @ Missouri Theatre 07/22 – Lincoln, NE @ Lied Center 07/23 – Mankato, MN @ Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center 07/24 – Minneapolis, MN @ State Theatre 07/26 – Elkhart, IN @ The Lerner Theatre 07/29 – Lewiston, NY @ Artpark Mainstage Theater 07/30 – Ottawa, ON @ National Arts Centre – Southam Hall 08/01 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall 08/02 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall 08/03 – Williamsport, PA @ Community Arts Center – Martin Theatre 08/05 – Northampton, MA @ Calvin Theatre 08/06 – Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theatre 08/07 – Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theatre 08/09 – Newport News, VA @ Ferguson Center for the Arts 08/10 – Richmond, VA @ Dominion Energy Center – Carpenter Theatre 08/12 – Wilmington, NC @ Wilson Center 08/13 – Charlotte, NC @ Blumenthal Performing Arts Center – Belk 08/14 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Gaillard Center 08/17 – Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Theatre 08/18 – Greenville, SC @ Peace Center 08/19 – Huntsville, AL @ Von Braun Center – Mark C. Smith Concert Hall 08/20 – Birmingham, AL @ Alabama Theatre 08/22 – Ashland, KY @ Paramount Arts Center 08/23 – Dayton, OH @ Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center 08/25 – Grand Rapids, MI @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe 08/26 – Benton Harbor, MI @ The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College 08/28 – Chesterfield, MO @ Chesterfield Amphitheater 08/30 – Springfield, MO @ Gillioz Theatre 08/31 – Topeka, KS @ Topeka Performing Arts Center 09/01 – Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion 09/02 – Kansas City, MO @ Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 09/04 – Midwest City, OK @ Hudiburg Chevrolet Center at Rose State College 09/06 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Pikes Peak Center 09/07 – Grand Junction, CO @ Avalon Theatre 09/09 – Greeley, CO @ Union Colony Civic Center 09/10 – Santa Fe, NM @ The Santa Fe Opera – The Crosby Theatre 09/11 – Chandler, AZ @ Chandler Center for the Arts 09/13 – Riverside, CA @ Fox Performing Arts Center 09/15 – Paso Robles, CA @ Vina Robles Amphitheatre 09/16 – Temecula, CA @ Pechanga Theater 09/18 – Thousand Oaks, CA @ Bank of America Performing Arts Center 09/21 – Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery 09/24 – Davis, CA @ Robert & Margaret Mondavi Center for Performing Arts 09/25 – San Diego, CA @ Balboa Theatre 09/26 – San Diego, CA @ Balboa Theatre 09/27 – Tucson, AZ @ Fox Tucson Theatre 09/29 – Lubbock, TX @ Helen Devitt Jones Theater 09/30 – Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre 10/01 – Houston, TX @ Cullen Performance Hall 10/02 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater 10/04 – San Antonio, TX @ Majestic Theatre 10/06 – Memphis, TN @ Graceland Soundstage 10/07 – Shreveport, LA @ The Strand Theatre 10/08 – Lafayette, LA @ Heymann Performing Arts Center 10/09 – Pensacola, FL @ Saenger Theatre 10/11 – Melbourne, FL @ King Center for the Performing Arts 10/12 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Parker Playhouse 10/13 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Parker Playhouse 10/15 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall 10/16 – Orlando, FL @ Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – Walt Disney Theatre 10/17 – Orange Park, FL @ Thrasher-Horne Center 10/19 – Washington, DC @ The Kennedy Center – Concert Hall 10/21 – Atlanta, GA @ Symphony Hall 10/22 – Atlanta, GA @ Symphony Hall 10/23 – Raleigh, NC @ Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts 10/25 – Roanoke, CA @ Berglund Performing Arts Center 10/26 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Carnegie Music Hall – Rose and Gilt Theatre 10/28 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kimmel Cultural Campus 10/29 – New York, NY @ Carnegie Hall – Stern Auditorium
Authentic Americana spirit was alive and well in Albany on Wednesday evening at The Egg, as critically acclaimed singer/songwriter M.C Taylor and his band, Hiss Golden Messenger, unhatched an inspired, genre defying, career spanning stellar performance that fans fortunate to be in attendance won’t soon forget.
Bolstered by a surprise sit-in from Amy Helm (Levon’s daughter) on a barn-burning cover of the Grateful Dead classic “Bertha,” the intimate evening with arguably one of ‘this generation’s most relatable lyricists” was the kind of thing that left you feeling human again. A special kind of show you walked away from thinking perhaps you just had a rare brush with true musical greatness.
If you’ve never heard of Hiss Golden Messenger before, there’s plenty of back catalog to sink your teeth into. Now with 12 studio albums to their credit, it would be inappropriate to merely label HGM as “Indie Folk,” as they so often are. There’s just so much more to it than what that implies. Anchored by smart, deeply personal and vulnerable, thought-provoking lyrics mixed with elements of Southern Rock, Blues, and even some psychedelic Jazz- fueled Funk, M.C Taylor was largely influenced by his friend and mentor, the late great Neal Casal. The two had planned on doing an album together before the tragic news of Neal’s passing in 2019. That same year, Hiss Golden Messenger would earn scores of new fans when Terms of Surrender earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album, but ultimately losing out to Keb’ Mo’s Oklahoma; no shame in that.
Riding a solid wave of momentum, things suddenly came to a screeching halt in 2020. When the scary and deeply fraught reality of the pandemic hit, everything changed and everyone handled ‘the unknown’ a little different. Forced into solitude for the foreseeable future, the ever-prolific and creative Taylor managed to make the most of it. By Looking deep within and somehow turning complex feelings into songs that are highly relatable to “the everyman,” Hiss Golden Messenger ended up writing and recording a wealth of new material, releasing 3 news albums in 2021 alone; Quietly Blowing It, the timely O Come All Ye Faithful and it’s companion album, The Sounding Joy, of which Taylor describes as “a record about community, celebration, faith and grief. It’s a holiday record. And it isn’t. Sinking myself into this music helped me a lot during some hard times.”
With live concerts now back in full effect, Hiss Golden Messenger is finally able to take those songs on the road and play for real people again and for fans looking for a musical elixir to help get over the Humpday blues, The Egg was the perfect place to be Wednesday night. Taking part in the American Roots & Branches series, the evening kicked off with a lovely opening performance by Philadelphia-based female duo Rosali and Emily Robb, before the members of Hiss Golden Messenger would casually take the Swyer stage around 8:30pm. All tuned up and ready to go, the show began with “Rock Holy,” the opening track from 2018’s Virgo Fool. then promptly turned a bit funkier with “Mighty Dollar.” All warmed up now, “My Wing” and “Mahogany Dread” came next before a slight guitar strap snafu resulted in a bit of humorous story time banter.
You see years ago, back with M.C. Taylor was just breaking in, he briefly played in a group called American Music Club, who still has a bit of a cult fowling. During his very first show with them, in an alleged fit of drunken on stage rage, front man Mark Eitzel fired the entire band in the middle of the show. Taylor, who chuckles about it now, remarked, “Seeing your hero have meltdown. I kinda miss those days” before the band launched into the next song, the upbeat “Jenny of the Roses” from 2017’s Hallelujah Anyhow album.
After the next tune “Biloxi,” Taylor addressed the audience once again, saying “He woke up today and was thinking about Levon Helm,” the legendary drummer/vocalist for The Band. “So I decided to call up my good friend Amy who I know lives nearby and see if she wanted to come to the show. She says ‘Where at?’ A place called The Egg. She says, no way, I’m playing at the Egg too!” Indeed she was, as Amy’s Midnight Ramble Band was opening for Hot Tuna across the hall simultaneously at the The Egg’s larger Hart Theatre. By sheer coincidence or not, the undisputed highlight of the evening came next when Amy was called up to the stage to lend her vocal talents to a pair of songs, first was “Sanctuary” and uplifting song about hope and moving on which also contains lyrical references the late John Prine {“Handsome Johnny had to go, child…”).
As incredible as that was, it was Amy’s contribution to the next song that really made the room light up, as the band then launched into the classic Grateful Dead staple, “Bertha.” Keeping the funk-folk vibe alive, HGM would really find their groove on the next number, “Like a Mirror Loves a Hammer” from 2016’s Heart Like a Levee. Afterwards, Taylor would joke how prior to the pandemic, none of them knew how the play a guitar, but it’s amazing what you can learn during a lockdown if you really put your mind to it.
Taking it down a notch, “Passing Clouds” and “I’ve got a Name for the Newborn Child” were up next, followed by “Cat’s Eye Blue,” a stellar version of Bright Direction (You’re a Dark Star Now) before “Southern Grammar” would bring the show to a close.
It’s unclear if Hiss Golden Messenger intended on returning for an encore (though one was written out ahead of time on the setlist), but after a sustained ovation from Albany’s music loving faithful, Taylor and company finally returned to the stage, commenting how he “thinks the art of the encore has slowly been lost, but that’s a discussion for another tim.” and that he could tell our thirst for one more was “real.” With that, “Way Back in the Way Back” was chosen as the final song evening, closing the book on a fantastic, well rounded, poignant night of music filled with impassioned storytelling, top-tier musicianship, a memorable sit in and even a few lighthearted laughs too.
Hiss Golden Messenger – Lewis A. Swyer Theare at the Egg – Albany, NY – 12/1/2021
Setlist: Rock Holy, Mighty Dollar, My Wing, Mahogany Dread, Jenny of the Roses, Biloxi, Sanctuary*, Bertha,** Like a Mirror Loves a Hammer, Caledonia, My Love, Passing Clouds, I’ve Got a Name for the Newborn Child, Cat’s Eye Blue, Bright Direction (You’re a Dark Star Now), Southern Grammar
Encore: Way Back in the Way Back
*Featuring Amy Helm on Vocals **Grateful Dead cover, Amy Helm on Vocals
The Allman Betts Band has announced their ‘Trippin’ into Spring 2022′ tour dates. The run will begin on March 1 in Milwaukee, WI, and will make stops across the country and Hawaii.
Ahead of the Spring tour, the Allman Betts Band will be on the road as part of The Allman Family Revival tour – a 19 date, star-studded celebration of the life, spirit, and music of Gregg Allman.
When The Allman Betts Band released Down to the River in June of 2019, the debut album represented not only the first time the group had recorded together, but, in fact, the first time the seven-piece ensemble had ever played together. If Down to the River was the sound of the band’s combustible sparks igniting, then Bless Your Heart is their bonfire, built for the summer of 2020 and beyond; a double-album follow-up fueled by road-forged camaraderie and telepathic musical intensity, vibrantly reflecting the individual and collective experiences of these seven, all drawing inspiration from the band’s symbolic hometown- a place Devon Allman calls “the United States of Americana.”
All up to date news and tour information can be found at allmanbettsband.com.
The Allman Betts Band ‘Trippin’ Into Spring’ 2022 Tour Dates
3/1 @ Turner Hall Ballroom | Milwaukee, WI 3/2 @ Kalamazoo State Theatre | Kalamazoo, MI 3/3 @ Kent State University | Kent, OH 3/4 @ Riverfront Live | Cincinnati, OH 3/5 @ Robins Theatre | Warren, OH 3/6 @ EXPRESS LIVE! | Columbus, OH 3/9 @ Town Ballroom | Buffalo, NY 3/10 @ The Stanley Theatre | Utica, NY 3/12 @ Garde Arts Center | New London, CT 3/16 @ Lebanon Opera House | Lebanon, NH 3/18 @ Loos Center for the Arts | Woodstock, CT 3/24 @ Hart Theatre at The Egg | Albany, NY 3/27 @ Whitaker Center | Harrisburg, PA 4/1 @ Hawaii Theatre | Honolulu, HI 4/2 @ Maui Arts & Cultural Center | Kahului, HI
The Capital District welcomed Los Lobos once again, as the Southern California Chicano rock group performed at The Egg on Sunday, September 26, 2021.
The group, who recently released Native Sons, an album featuring a selection of covers that serve, as Pitchfork puts it, an autobiography told through other people’s words. The album is a tribute to their hometown of Los Angeles, with songs chosen to represent the soul of the city, and the different sounds and cultures that lie within its wide borders.
A tight show of only 80 minutes was all the band needed this evening. A cover of the Beach Boys’ “Sail On Sailor” highlighted the covers from Native Sons, with drummer Louie Pérez noting they hadn’t practiced that one in a while.
The jump/swing with sax of “I Got Loaded” had the audience engaged, singing “Tonight I might get loaded, on a bottle of wine.” To close the night, the band returned to the stage for “Mas Y Mas” and a jam on their classic, “La Bamba.”
Catch Los Lobos this December as they return to New York City for three nights at City Winery. More info and tickets can be found here.
Los Lobos at The Egg, September 26, 2021 – photos by Chris De Cotis
Finally, nearly a year and a half after the theatres closed due to COVID-19, The Egg is ready to reopen in August for a new extraordinary season of music, dance, and family performances. Performances were recently added to The Egg’s 2021-22 concert series including Kaki King on September 18, The Milk Carton Kids on September 24, and Bruce Cockburn on February 25.
Saturday, September 18 at 8 PM – Kaki King
Considered one of the most unique guitarists of our time, Kaki King combines virtuoso technique, insatiable imagination, and boundless humanity as heard on her most recent recording “Modern Yesterdays” where she continues to deconstruct and redefine the boundaries of the guitar through technique, imagination, and boundless humanity.Tickets for the show cost $29.50.
Friday, September 24 at 7:30 PM – The Milk Carton Kids
The Milk Carton Kids – Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan – combine ethereal harmonies and intricate musicianship into a uniquely powerful brand of contemporary songcraft becoming one of today’s foremost folk duos. Tickets for the show cost $36.
Friday, October 15 at 8 PM – Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro is without a doubt the world’s foremost ukulele virtuoso. Renowned for lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques, Jake will perform his eclectic repertoire of jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, rock, and traditional Hawaiian music.
Saturday, December 18 at 8 PM – The McKrells Holiday Show
Fusing Celtic sounds with American folk and bluegrass for over 40 years, singer/songwriter Kevin McKrell leads a revamped band featuring Frank Orsini on fiddle, Scott Hopkins on banjo, Arlin Greene on bass and Brian Melick on percussion for an evening of original and traditional acoustic music – along with some holiday favorites.
Saturday, February 5 at 11 AM – The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
Three beloved stories by Eric Carle, award-winning children’s book illustrator and author, are retold on stage through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the wonderful adventures of a caterpillar as he eats his way through an amazing variety of foods on his path to becoming a beautiful butterfly. Little Cloud playfully transforms himself into various creatures, including a sheep, and an airplane, a shark and more. The Mixed-Up Chameleon takes an adventurous trip to the zoo, where he attempts to emulate the beautiful animals he sees before coming to the conclusion that there is value in his own unique self.
Friday, February 25 at 7:30 PM – Bruce Cockburn
Bruce Cockburn’s music explores urban, political, and social issues in a poetically and rhythmically unique style that has produced classic songs such as “Wonderin’ Where the Lions Are”, “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” and “If I Had A Rocket Launcher.” Bruce performs his prized songbook solo and acoustic. Tickets for the show range from $39.50 to $49.50.
For safety purposes, The Egg will be following the current guidelines set by the State of New York and CDC for each performance. As these guidelines are subject to change, please check the event on their website a week in advance to see what restrictions are expected to be in place on the date of the performance. Cooperation in abiding by the guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone attending the show is appreciated.
Updated Schedule for The Egg2021-22 Concert Series:
A full calendar of The Egg 2021-22 events can be viewed by clicking here.
A virtual visit to The Egg can be viewed by clicking here.
Tickets are currently on sale online at theegg.org, by telephone at 518-473-1845, or in person at The Egg Box Office Monday – Friday from 11 AM – 3 PM.
The Egg Performing Arts Center announced its plans of reopening with the performance of Swan Lake. The performance will be done by the Ajkun Ballet Theatre on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 7:30 PM EST.
The Egg center for the performing arts.
The Egg Center for the Performing Arts is located in Albany New York and is known for its performances as much as it is for it’s architecture. It’s as much of a sculpture as it is a building. It’s construction took twelve years and finally came into being in 1978. “The Egg” itself is owned by the State of New York and managed by the not-for-profit Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation. Ajkun Ballet Theatre has been a resident every summer since 2000 at The Egg.
The Ajkun Ballet Theatre (AjkunBT) is a professional company that presents classical and contemporary ballets in the Greater New York area, throughout the USA and internationally. Chiara Ajkun the artistic director of Ajkun Ballet Theatre is restaging Swan Lake to Tchaikovsky’s iconic music. The production is currently being rehearsed at The Egg in preparation for the upcoming performance.
Chiara Ajkun spoke on the upcoming performance saying, “We could not be more excited to be in the theater everyday. This long pause has forced us to reflect on the importance of the Arts and the way they shape us as People. I, for one, strongly believe the magic of ballet does not rest in the opulence of sceneries and large ensembles, rather on pure emotion, beauty and magic it creates”.
The performance is taking place on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 7:30PM – 8:45PM. Tickets are on sale now for $35 and can be purchased buy by phone at (518) 473-1845 or online here.
For more information on the Egg visit their website. For more information on The Ajkun Ballet Theatre visit their website.
