Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. 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 new music from Julica Dann, Prom Sex, and Brian Kaplan.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an 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.
Julica Dann – “Side Grit”
Julica Dann is Erica Ann’s indie/electro music-making Gemini Twin. She has been making music and involved with bands for years but wanted to branch out to do completely solo music. She started with an old drum machine making beats along with her bass playing skills and has grown to include computer samples as well. Her song “Side Grit” off of her record On Hold, released in 2019, will be played on EQXposure.
Prom Sex – “The Thinker”
Prom Sex is a DIY noise rock project from Upstate New York. Originally starting as an experimental noise project fronted by Alex Furnia, it has since developed into an electric, rock-oriented group, enlisting the songwriting talent of Alex’s twin brother Nick on later EPs and their most recent album, DEATH OF THE BODY.
Brian Kaplan – ”Harder to Stay”
Award-winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and recording artist Brian Kaplan has fronted his genre-bending original projects since 2001. His original music has made its way onto the playlists of some of the most prominent regional radio stations in the Northeast. His various projects have opened for or shared the stage with such monster acts as BB King, blink-182, moe., Widespread Panic, Jerry Garcia Band, and more.
Independent DIY pop artist and acclaimed NYC-based producer Josh Lumsden has just released his debut EP SCION i just in time for Pride Month. The album features many dramatic hit songs accompanied by a handful of LGBTQIA icons.
For instance, the album starts off strong by introducing Rupaul’s Drag Race Winner Yvie Oddly on first single, “Energy,” multi-dimensional trans icon Cottontail makes their mark on second single, “Holiday,” and Australian pop-sensation Brendan Maclean croons on “Drowning.”
The remaining tracks of the EP mark a close to its collaborative first half, and a start of its visual-album experience. “Right Here,” an industrial house track that takes you right into a Brooklyn warehouse rave was accompanied by a music video that centered around high-fashion by up & coming designers SIKK Designs & SKNDLSS.
The song “Wanna Have Fun” is a Pop/R&B turned Techno earworm features a futuristic AI-infused music video making a statement on the emergence of AI generated art. The final single, “Waiting,” is a downcast pop dream that turns violent, featuring melodic vocals and infectious harmonies. The music video for “Waiting” is currently in production and will be released in the coming weeks.
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, the classically trained musician and self-taught producer Josh reins as NYC’s “Independent DIY pop artist” (Kaltblut Magazine). Thus, for being the sole producer of their entire discography, director and editor of their music videos, and graphic designer of album and singles artwork.
“The ability to produce my own music came from not knowing anyone who made beats, along with my innate apprehensiveness to bother anyone,” recalls Josh. “Being able to create things on my own and not rely on anyone is not only practical, but liberating.” Josh cites their biggest musical influences, as fellow self-producing artists like Grimes and Rosalia, for giving him the drive to continue doing things his own way and on his own terms.
The New York Philharmonic announces Concerts in the Parks, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, will return this June 13-16.
The Concert in the Parks series has become an iconic New York summer experience since it began in 1965. It transformed parks across the city into a patchwork of picnickers and allowed them to hear classical music under the stars. More than 15 million listeners have been delighted by the performances since their inception.
“Music and nature — two vital human needs — come together with the Concerts in the Parks,” said NY Phil Chairman Emeritus Oscar S. Schafer. “More than any other experience, it is a time when New Yorkers can come together to simply enjoy themselves outdoors. Didi and I can’t wait to join tens of thousands of our neighbors and visitors to enjoy this magnificent Orchestra perform in parks across the city.” Music Director Jaap van Zweden will conduct the concerts, which take place at Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx (June 13); the Great Lawn in Central Park, Manhattan (June 14); Cunningham Park, Queens (June 15); and Prospect Park, Brooklyn (June 16).
Jaap van Zweden began his tenure as the 26th Music Director of the New York Philharmonic in September 2018. He has also served as Music Director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic since 2012. He has conducted performances on three continents, and at age 19 he became the youngest-ever concertmaster of Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Speaking about the Concerts in the Parks, Zweden said “This season, I look forward to returning to conduct the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, which are such an important tradition in New York City. These special events give all New Yorkers, as well as visitors to our city, an opportunity to experience the NY Phil in beautiful outdoor settings and at the same time enjoy our New York City parks throughout all the boroughs.”
Jaap van Zweden.
The program will include Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Rossini’s William Tell Overture, J. Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus Overture and On The Beautiful Blue Danube, and works by two New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers. All four outdoor performances will begin at 8:00 p.m. and conclude with fireworks. In addition, musicians from the New York Philharmonic will perform a Free Indoor Concert, on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., at St. George Theatre in Staten Island.
Making their maiden voyage through Albany, Kendall Street Company had fans jumping for joy on Friday, April 28th when they brought their barefoot brand of high energy, jam-infused beach rock, along with their signature sense of humor, to Lark Hall for the first time. As enlightening as it was entertaining, it was the kind of show that sent you home thinking you’d just danced with the stars of tomorrow, today. The type of band that makes sure everyone is having fun, and If you didn’t this night, why were you even there in the first place?
Jumping for Joy: Kendall Street Company brought the fun to Albany for their Lark Hall debut on 4/28/23.
Based out of Charlottesville, VA, the band originally formed in 2013 and has been riding a steady wave of momentum since the end of the pandemic. Thanks in large part to constant touring, dedicated songwriting and finding a balance between humor, business and being the best of buds, Kendall Street Company consists of frontman Louis Smith on rhythm guitar and vocals, the dress wearing Brian Roy on Bass, Ryan Wood on drums, Ben Lederberg on electric guitar, and saxophonist/keyboard player Jake Vanaman. Their sound is often hard to categorize, a melting pot of various styles and influences ranging from soul-searching blues, to jazz inspired bluegrass, to psychedelic yacht rock, to straight up feel-good pop rock. Along with an equally diverse and impressive list of covers in their bag, Kendall Street Company showcased it all on this Friday night in Albany.
Kendall Street Company opened the show on 4/28/23 with their brand new single, “Becca’s Dad.”
Opening the performance with their latest single “Becca’s Dad,” followed by “Wineglass Television,” we got our first cover song of the night in the form of the Grateful Dead‘s “Bertha,” which the Lark Hall faithful happily ate up. Having reviewed several Lark Hall shows in the past, it never once occurred to me what the bird actually sounds like. Thanks to one of the most memorable and educational moments of the night, however, it’s now a chirp I don’t think I’ll ever forget. In deadpan poker face, KSC frontman Louis Smith would take us to school by calling up a Lark sound effect and piping it through the PA system long enough to where it was funny, then unfunny, then hypnotic and then funny again. Amusing themselves and the audience alike, make no mistake, these guys are serious musicians.
Barefoot Boogie: Kendall Street Company rocked Albany’s socks off on 4/28/23.
Continuing on with “Porridge,” “Unwind (Boiler Jam),” and a surprise cover of “Ode to Viceroy” by Mac DeMarco, the band would play another unreleased new song called “Trapeze”. The highlight of the night came next when fans in the crowd approached the stage and gifted the band a few containers of Aged White Cheddar potato chips, clearly a request for the guys to play their song of the same name. After taking a moment for a mid-set snack, as if the knock-off Pringles were communion wafers, not only would the band grant the request, they would jam it out using the chip containers as percussion shakers! While everyone in the audience was legitimately laughing out loud, the guys made note how the chips were a little dry and made them thirsty. Whether it was a planned bit, or spontaneous like I hope it was, it was effective and endeared the guys to the Albany crowd even more.
Shake It Up: Give an artist a can of chips and they’ll get you something out of it. 4/28/23
After “Sweet and Clean,” we got our third cover song of the night with “Doctor Worm” by They Might Be Giants. Speaking from the heart and getting a little sentimental, Kendall Street Company would then play the first song they ever wrote together, the irresistible “Cars.” Showing promise from the very beginning, on this night, KSC took a hard left during the song, detouring to the 5 boroughs and mashing it up with the Beastie Boys classic anthem “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.” “Laura, I’m Sorry About the Cobbler” would bring the main portion of the show to a close and leave the audience hungry for more. Happy to entertain the intimate crowd, Kendall Street Company would get a little sexy on the humorous encore of “Stanley Birddogmouth,” resulting in full audience participation similar to what you might see during a “YMCA” sing-along. As ridiculous as it was fun, it was hard not to get caught up in the charming antics Kendall Street Company provided to the unassuming Albany audience. This unteachable charisma and their innate ability to connect will surely help them go as far as they want to.
Kendall Street Company “cheesed” it up in Albany, Aged White Cheddar style on 4/28/23.
After taking a little time off to celebrate drummer Ryan Wood’s wedding, the band is set to make several east cost appearances later this summer. With upcoming stops in Pembroke, MA, Asbury Park, NJ and a late night Phish after party at The Cutting Room in NYC, Kendall Street Company will also take part in some major festivals like Strangecreek Campout and The Peach Music Festival in Scranton, PA. A band on the rise and one you definitely need to see live, if you’re looking for some good tunes, a good time and good company, Kendall Street has plenty to offer.
Kendall Street Company | 4/28/2023| Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Setlist: Becca’s Dad, Wineglass Television, Betha [1] , Porridge, Unwind (Boiler Jam), Ode To Viceroy [2] , Trapeze, Aged White Cheddar, Sweet & Clean, Doctor Worm [3] , Cars > No Sleep Till Brooklyn (Albany),> Cars, Laura, I’m Sorry About the Cobbler
LI rock band Interstate Island have just released their newest single “Grey Wolf” on May 18th. The single explores the dichotomies of choosing between freedom and companionship.
The track “Grey Wolf” navigates these feelings through the lens of a “lone wolf,” one searching for clarity. Throughout the song, both ideas are celebrated as the singer tries to decipher what he needs the most. Sonically, the track has a similar vibe to singers/band like Elton John, Styx, and REO Speedwagon.
Interstate Island was initially formed by Eddie Andrews, who was born and raised with a firm appreciation for classic rock music. More Inspiration for the project came after seeking to reimagine Electric Light Orchestra’s classic albums of the 1970’s. The first visions of Interstate Island emerged in 2019 when Andrews met with accomplished producer Matt Wallace (O.A.R., Maroon 5, Andy Grammer).
Matt Wallace had listened to a few of Andrews’ demos and expressed an interest in working together on a project. They initially recorded an early version of “Love Song” with a group of rock musicians who have regularly toured and recorded with some of the world’s most successful artists.
While the results were inspiring, Andrews believed there was an opportunity to expand on the concept by incorporating leading (as opposed to background) string arrangements – and perhaps using a live orchestra to perform those arrangements.
After a brief hiatus caused mainly by the Covid-19 pandemic, Wallace and Andrews were finally able to record Brave New World in 2021. Simultaneously, Interstate Island began to scope out the best fit for a leading string arranger.
Since a centerpiece of ELO’s work was the way in which they glistened string arrangements over pop-rock tracks, Andrews felt this was imperative to incorporate. This led Andrews to collaborate with Steve Turner, a well renowned arranger who previously toured with Electric Light Orchestra.
Listen to “Grey Wolf” by clicking the link here.
For more on Interstate Island, click the link here.
For more information on the band, click the link here.
St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater in Syracuse has revealed its 2023 Summer Concert lineup. Among the various artists performing at the venue are Chris Stapleton, Counting Crows, Shania Twain, and Phish.
This summer’s lineup features over 20 headlining acts, from a wide range of genres and musical eras. St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater has a 17,500-person capacity and has been hosting concerts since 2015, originally under the name Lakeview Amphitheater.
Born and raised in Kentucky, Chris Stapleton has earned himself numerous accolades en route to becoming one of the biggest names in country music. The eight-time Grammy winner has captivated listeners since his 2015 debut album Traveller with a blend of traditional country, American rock, and soulful lyrics. In addition to his work as a solo artist, Stapleton has helped to write numerous songs including Adele’s “If It Hadn’t Been for Love”, “Never Wanted Nothing More” by Kenny Chesney, and Darius Rucker’s “Come Back Song”.
Luke Bryan is a country music singer-songwriter and television personality. After moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 2001 the Georgia native quickly became a prominent songwriter. In 2007 Bryan released his hit-single single “All My Friends Say” to go along with his debut album I’ll Stay Me. He has earned over 50 major music awards an featured as a judge on American Idol since 2018.
Counting Crows are an American rock band that rose to prominence during the 1990s. The group’s 1993 album August and Everything After sold over seven million copies and featured hits like “Mr. Jones” and “Round Here”. Billboard ranked the band 8th in its list of the Greatest of All Time Adult Alternative Artists.
Shania Twain is a country music artist, known as the “Queen of Country Pop”. Twain is widely regarded as one of the most popular country music artists of all-time, selling over 100 million records. After four commercially successful albums, the Canadian released her Greatest Hits in 2004, which went quadruple platinum. She was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.
Phish is one of the most well-known and noteworthy American jam bands. Originally created by four students on the campus of the University of Vermont, the group cultivated an intensely loyal fanbase during the late 1980s into the 90s. Phish is known for its live improvisation, fusing together sounds of rock, funk, bluegrass, and jazz, with drummer Jon Fishman hailing from Syracuse.
Matchbox Twenty is a Grammy-nominated alternative rock band formed during the 1990s. The band’s debut album Yourself or Someone Like you has sold over 15 million copies, earning it diamond status. In 2004 the group was awarded the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Musical Group.
Created in Chicago, Illinois, Disturbed is a chart-topping heavy metal band. The group has found large-scale success since its inception in 1994, with five consecutive albums reaching the Billboard 200. In 2017 the band received the iHeartradio Music Award for Rock Artist of the Year. Disturbed released their most recent album titled Divisive in 2022, featuring the hit song “Hey You”.
The Goo Goo Dolls are an American rock group founded in Buffalo. The outfit began to garner attention in the 1990s and early 2000s thanks to albums like A Boy Named Goo and Dizzy up the Girl. The latter features the song “Iris” which spent close to a year on the Billboard charts. The track was named as the top pop song from 1992-2012 by Billboard.
Foreigner is a rock band whose popularity stretches back into the late 1970s. The band helped to define the genre of arena rock thanks to tracks like “I Want to Know What Love is” and “Cold as Ice”. The band boasts an impressive roster of 10 multi-platinum albums and has exceeded over 80 million album sales.
On Sunday, May 14th, The Academic stopped at the Bowery Ballroom. On their “Sitting Pretty Tour,” the young four-man band from Ireland brought their alternative Irish flair to New York City. An intimate crowd dotted the Bowery floor to swallow up any standing space. The venue selection ensured the audience was in for a treat, for the ballroom sound system holds the power of electric guitars and bass incredibly. This deemed important, because The Academic are proven rock revivalists.
Photograph by Tharynn Olson
Alternative/indie band, Summerdrive, opened for The Academic. Their set was short but effective, for their performance livened up the waiting crowd. With intriguing synths and intentional drumming, Summerdrive gave a tasteful while all the same riveting show. They heavily created a similar listening experience that the Bleachers or COIN would.
Not long after Summerdrive left the stage and the instruments were swapped, The Academic made their way onto the stage. Hoots and hollers elevated the band’s excitement as they gazed upon the crowd. Bassist, Matthew Murtagh, and guitarist, Stephen Murtagh sauntered onto stage followed by drummer, Dean Gavin. Lead vocalist, Craig Fitzgerald amped the energy when he approached the mic with an electric guitar slung over his shoulders. “How are you doing New York? It’s been a while!”
Photograph by Tharynn Olson
The setlist rolled by too easily, sewn together by impressive guitar solos and conversation with the audience. They emanated a wildly unique sound that seemed to be in conversation with different decades of alternative music. Accents from melodies of The Talking Heads, guitar riffs from Led Zeppelin, and more modern personal lyricism like that of Cage The Elephant or The Neighbourhood were present in their performance.
Classic-rock married to indie, The Academic has mastered the art of the guitar. Their Irish origin gifted them with the ever presence of rock and roll, and since the U.K. never parted ways with the music genre like America did for a while, they had continuous exposure to the evolution of rock. I look like a million when I play my rock n’ roll.
Photograph by Tharynn Olson
At the end of a drum-heavy song, the guitarists and singer circled around the drumset. They surrendered their instruments’ sound to Gavin while he masterfully annihilated his drum solo and bowed down to him on his throne. The Bowery lights synced up with his percussion, creating a strobed visual. Gavin’s solo was absorbed by the audience as were the multiple guitar solos throughout the evening.
After playing some songs from their new album, “Sitting Pretty,” released February 10th, Fitzgerald took a moment to give thanks to the crowd. He asked if anyone in the audience attended their show last year at Mercury Lounge in the city, and pockets of shouts volleyed amongst the crowd. In this interlude of crowd engagement, he complimented the high energy and inquired, “Any Irish in the crowd tonight?” A strong majority of the hands shot up. He grinned.
Photograph by Tharynn Olson
The Academic hosted a very engaging show. With dramatic dancing and conversational interactions with fans, the atmosphere was endearing. Towards the end of their set, lead vocalist Fitzgerald got onto the floor to be level with the crowd. While he sang, the crowd enveloped him. Phones shot up above heads to capture the moment, and fans sang excitedly around him.
He returned to the stage to finish out the rest of their set. The vivacity was contagious. Small groups of friends merged with strangers. By the end of the show, there were no strangers in the room, only people with a mutual affinity for rock and four Irish musicians. Fitzgerald and his bandmates showered thanks to everyone for attending, and even more gratitude to the staff at Bowery Ballroom. “Give it up for everyone working in this beautiful venue tonight!”
Photograph by Tharynn Olson
The Academic put on a grand show in a small but iconic venue. Their musical future brightened on Sunday, for they collected many new fans. The “Sitting Pretty Tour” is only the beginning for this refreshingly genuine rock-band.
Today is May 18, or, 518 Day. The 518 is a huge region of New York State, an area code established in 1947 and covering 24 counties.
Extending from the Mohawk Valley just west of Utica, to the Vermont and Massachusetts borders, and north to Canada, the 518 includes Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Glens Falls, Plattsburgh and the entire North Country, Saranac Lake and the entire High Peaks region, plus Schoharie, Catskill, Hunter and Caroga Lake.
Among this wide swath of the state is a great deal of music, from bands to venues, festivals to promoters, concert series and figures in the scene, the 518 has a rich amount of music, so much that we thought a great way to celebrate 518 Day (May 18), was to come up with a list of Five Hundred Eighteen things that make the 518 a great place for music.
But we only had a week, so in working with our friends at 518scene.com, we came up with at least a start – 51.8 (rounded up to 52) music venues, bands, promoters, series and more, that make the 518 so great. Read our list below and their list here.
1. Caffè Lena
Founded in 1960 by Lena Spencer, Caffè Lena is the oldest continually running coffee house in the country. Home to an incredible array of folk, Americana, blues and international acts, this Saratoga Springs institution is a must for any music lover in the 518 and beyond
2. The Waterhole
Nestled in the Adirondack town of Saranac Lake, The Waterhole is a staple of the community, with concert series such as Party on the Patio, Saturday Night at the Waterhole, plus a packed calendar of music during Winter Carnival each year. If you’re in the Adirondacks for vacation this summer, stop in to see Eric and Kiki and catch a show at the fabled venue.
3. Tupper Lake Summer Sunset Concert Series
Just west of Saranac Lake on Route 3, you’ll find the town of Tupper Lake, and with it a pair of summer concert series, held on Monday and Wednesday nights. You’ll find unbelievable sunsets on Tupper Lake, a backdrop for music that photos just don’t do justice.
4. Ominous Seapods
A band that calls the greater 518 home, Ominous Seapods have long praised the region with songs like “Leaving the Monopole” and “Pull from Adirondack Blue,” the group have reunited in recent years to great fanfare, including guitarist Dana Monteith flying in from Australia for the shows.
5. The Park Theater
Glens Falls is undergoing a renaissance as of late, with a great deal of businesses, shops and restaurants peppering downtown and Glen Street, with the Park Theater a centerpiece to it all. The venue brings in national artist, comedy acts, jazz acts, Third Thursday and much more, as well as an educational partnership with nearby districts, bringing in a new generation of sound and light technicians.
6. Memorial Meltdown
Coming up over Memorial Day Weekend, the Charles R. Wood festival commons in Lake George will host the second Memorial Meltdown, featuring Twiddle and Frends, Dogs in a Pile, TAUK, One Time Weekend, Annie in the Water and much more. Tickets are on sale now.
7. Palace Theatre
Opened during the height of the Great Depression, Albany’s Palace Theatre shines brightly, entering its 10th decade and continues to host artists from all genres in a beautifully restored venue.
Artwork by Kelly Garrett
8. Annie in the Water
With a fanbase that is spread to every corner of the 518, and well beyond, Annie in the Water have established their catchy Indie/Americana sound all throughout the state, with fresh songwriting and energetic live performances a hallmark of their New York presence.
9. Caroga Arts Collective and Caroga Lake Music Festival
Located northwest of Amsterdam, the quiet town of Caroga Lake has woken up in recent years thanks to the Caroga Arts Collective bringing in music nearly year-round, as well as revitalization efforts on the century old Sherman’s Amusement Park. The lineup for music this year at Caroga Lake Music Festival is eye-opening too.
10. Greg Bell/Guthrie-Bell Productions
Local promoter Greg Bell has established the Albany jam-scene since the early 1990s, giving bands like moe., Ominous Seapods, Peter Prince and Moonboot Lover and dozens (if not hundreds more) a chance to make their name in a town rife with live music venues and crowds.
11. Freedom Park Scotia series
The annual series at Freedom Park in Scotia is flanked by Jumpin Jacks (great ice cream and burgers), the Mohawk River (with waterski performances) and a calendar of music that stretches from May to September each year.
12. Parish Public House
In downtown Albany along Broadway, you’ll find no better place for live music and cajun food than Parish Public House. Housed in a historic building and section of Albany, the legacy of live music in the 518 starts at the Parish door for bands looking to build their name and make fans in Albany.
13. Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Originally opened in the 1870s, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has some of the best sound in the region, hosting artists of all genres who praise the excellent acoustics of the room. The free Music at Noon series has recently returned, and is always worth checking out.
Artwork by Kelly Garrett
14. Mirth Films
The team at Mirth Films has been around for only five years, but in that time frame they’ve established themselves as the premier Audio/Video company, capable of covering shows in all corners of the Capital Region without blinking an eye. Its no surprise they recently won three Eddies Awards for their efforts. Check out their recent interview with harpist Mikaela Davis.
15. Indian Ladder Farming Man Festival
Returning in July for year two, Indian Ladder farms invites you to partake in great beer and cider, as well as great music and farm vibes at Farming Man Festival. This apple picking destination has the perfect summer getaway, well worth a trip towards the Heldeberg Escarpment.
16. moe.
You know moe. has made their name on the 518 when they get a street named after them, which is what happened in February on moe.day in Albany. Add in countless shows at Valentines, two snoe.downs in Lake Placid, and the roots established on Western Avenue in the 1990s, you’ll find members of moe. gigging around the 518 with BlueStar Radiation, Midnight Sun and more.
17. Putnam Place
Saratoga Springs is blessed with a wealth of history, but Putnam Place is where music history is written on a regular basis, as nationally touring bands are seen alongside regional artists, making the venue a must spot for fans looking for a break from the bars of Saratoga or just needing to see what the next big band is that’s touring through the area. Check out their calendar and don’t miss Prince/Bowie on May 20.
18. The Egg
Designed by Wallace Harrison, based on a concept from then-Governor Nelson Rockefeller (picture a half a grapefruit in a bowl, and you can see the origin), The Egg has two venues inside – The 900 seat Hart Theater, and the 450 seat Swyer Theater, both of which offer pristine acoustics for performances of all genres. Notably, Mike Gordon of Phish released a live album, The Egg, from a recording of a December 11, 2011 performance at The Egg.
19. Nanola
Looking for a quiet spot for loud music and great food? Malta is the spot for you, with Nanola located on Route 9, with excellent cajun food and a variety of musical offerings throughout the week and especially in the summer.
20. Lark Hall
The recently opened Lark Hall brings with it a century of music history, and has quickly established itself as a must-stop venue for musicans and fans alike. You’ll be able to catch performances of RENT in June, plus the reunion of Space Carnival on July 6, along with much more.
21. Cohoes Music Hall
Coming up on 150 years, the Cohoes Music Hall has been revitalized in the last 50 years, with renovations and restoration taking place, while welcoming musicals, live music, tribute bands and comedians.
22. MVP Arena
Whether you call it The Knick, The Knickerbocker, Pepsi Arena, Times Union Center, or MVP Arena, anyone in the 518 knows what you’re talking about. The downtown arena that opened in January 1990 and has played host to Billy Joel, Phish, NCAA Tournaments, demolition derbies, and even inaugurations of governors.
23. The Linda
Affectionately known as WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, The Linda is a restored 1926 art-deco bank that welcomes a widely-diverse roster of performing arts, concerts, debates, lectures, and also serves as a recording studio.
24. QE2
While not open under the name anymore, in the 1990s, the QE2 established Albany as a hotbed of the growing Alternative scene in the country. Grunge, hardcore and alternative rock acts could be found performing at the QE2 any given night in the ’90s. The venue has since been sold and renamed The Fuze Box, and continues to bring great music to the 518.
25. The Sembrich
The Marcella Sembrich Opera Museum, also known as The Sembrich, is an historic teaching studio located at Bolton Landing in Warren County. Built from 1922-24 as a teaching studio for New York Metropolitan Opera diva Marcella Sembrich, the 2023 “Trailblazers” Music Festival will celebrate the music of David Smith, Marin Alsop, Alma Mahler and Philip Glass.
26. Proctors Theatre
Originally a vaudeville theater, this Schenectady venue has welcomed legends of the stage and screen, as well as musicians to the stage. Proctors is nearing its centennial year in 2026, and always has the greatest hits from Broadway for fans looking to stay local as they take in a musical or play.
Artwork by Kelly Garrett
Ed note: new area code 838 is popping up in the 518, and we welcome a challenge to find Eight Hundred Thirty Eight things that make this region the best for music, but let’s take this one area code at a time.
Showing in select theaters, exclusively on June 13, across the nation is “Soul Doctor,” a Broadway musical-movie about the relationship between “rock star” Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and Dr. Nina Simone, a music and civil rights icon. The movie version of the musical was filmed during the “Israel at 70” Festival in Jerusalem by writer/director Danny Wise, while the screenings were organized by Fathom Events and Executive Producer Lisa Simone, Nina Simone’s daughter.
“Soul Doctor” is focused on the character of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, from his escape from Nazi Germany at a young age to his friendship with Nina Simone. Simone introduced Carlebach to soul and gospel music, which Carlebach merged with his own roots. This fusion led to a revival of Jewish music and culture.
“‘Soul Doctor’ is a testament to the healing power of music,” said Lisa Simone, “It is medicine for the soul, plain and simple. The kinship between Nina Simone and Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach demonstrates the influence we can have on each other when we look past our differences. Their impact on each other, and the world as we know it today, remains a beacon of what is possible when we follow our heart’s calling no matter the odds.”
The film’s music is by Shlomo Carlebach, with lyrics by David Schechter. Choreography was done by Abdur Rahim Jackson. Josh Young, of Broadway’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Evita,” plays Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Nya, star of “Cleopatra” and Broadway’s “Caroline or Change” revival, plays Nina Simone. Emily Padgett, star of Broadway’s “Side Show,” “Bright Star,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” plays Ruth.
Civil rights activist and sister-in-law to Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Naomi King, spoke on the film, saying, “Any person watching this movie, it’ll shake ’em, move ’em and change ‘em to help make this a better world.”
Albany’s Alive at Five Summer Concert Series has announced its 2023 lineup, featuring a wide variety of artists and bands at Jennings Landing.
Photo provided by City of Albany Office of Cultural Affairs, credit to Andrzej Pilarczyk .
Alive at Five was created in 1990 with a performance by legendary folk artist Richie Havens and has since grown into a staple of the Capital Region. It is Albany’s signature free concert series, featuring eight weeks full of various artists, from big names to up-and-coming acts, and artists from the area. Concerts will take place on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., from June 8 to Aug. 3 (excluding June 29).
Alive at Five Lineup
June 8- Emo Pride Night with Hawthorne Heights and Bad Luck
Hawthorne Heights is a rock band from Dayton, OH formed in 2001. Their lineup currently consists of JT Woodruff, Matt Ridenour, Mark McMillon, and Chris Popadak. Their newest record The Rain Just Follows Me (2021) is out now. Bad Luck is a punk band from Brooklyn consisting of Dominick Fox, Joe Fox, Charlie Caruso, and Michael Sichel. They write music about life, with stories of heartache, growth, setbacks, and personal triumphs, as seen on their most recent album Summer of Pain, a 12-song collection that serves as a bridge between childhood ambition and adult realism.
Hawthorne Heights.Bad Luck. From left to right: Joseph Fox, Dominick Fox, Charlie Caruso & Michael Sichel.
June 15- Jam Night with Mihali and Side-B
Mihali is the frontman of Twiddle, who announced their hiatus last year, and a reggae singer/songwriter. He released his solo debut Breathe and Let Go, in 2020 to great acclaim. His most recent record Effection is out now. Born out of Albany, Side-B is an energetic four-piece alternative rock band that blends influences ranging from classic rock acts like Led Zeppelin and The Police to funk, blues, jazz, punk, folk, and modern alternative. The group has a few singles released, and is now working towards finishing their debut record.
Mihali.Side-B, from left-to-right: Dylan Travison, AJ Horton, Eric Mitchell, Ian Justino.
June 22- Country Night with Matt Stell and Skeeter Creek
Matt Stell has accumulated over 360 million streams across his catalog to date. He is adding to this tally with his newest single, “That Ain’t Me No More,” the follow-up to his back-to-back No. 1, Platinum-certified track “Prayed For You” and Gold-certified “Everywhere But On.” He was the first-ever artist to receive a virtual plaque from the RIAA for “Prayed For You,” one of NSAI’s 10 “Songs We Wish We’d Written,” and performed the National anthem for NASCAR and NFL events. Skeeter Creek is advertised as New York’s #1 Country Band. They were nominated for four awards at the 2005 Northeast Country Music Association awards: Bluegrass Band of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Instrumental Band of the Year, and the Sunrise Award, among many others since their creation.
Matt Stell.Skeeter Creek.
July 6- Rock Night with Plush and Super 400
Plush is an all-girl rock band with a mission to bring rock back to the forefront of the music industry. The band consists of lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist Moriah Formica, lead guitarist Bella Perron, bassist Ashley Suppa, and drummer Faith Powell. Their debut album featured the Billboard Top 40 charting singles “Hate” and “Better Off Alone.” Super 400 is made up of drummer Joe Daley, guitarist Kenny Hohman, and bassist Lori Friday. The Troy-based trio formed in 1996 and their self-titled debut was released on Island Records two years later. They have toured internationally, and Troy’s mayor even declared February 25 as “Super 400 Day.” They opened Troy Music Academy in 2011 and have scored music for many TV shows.
Plush.Super 400.
July 13- Classic Rock Night with Sweet and Sly Fox & The Hustlers
Sweet is a classic rock phenomenon, creating music that will make you want to get up and dance. Sly Fox & The Hustlers is a New York-based rock band formed in 2010. They have been named Best Original Blues Rock Band multiple times by Albany’s Metroland magazine and have released two full-length albums, a live EP, a Christmas cover of the Ray Charles classic “That Spirit of Christmas,” and are finishing up their new album.
Sly Fox & The Hustlers.
July 20- Regose Night with The Skatalites and Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets
The Skatalites were formed in 1964 in Kingston, Jamaica by key studio musicians Tommy McCook, Rolando Alphonso, Lloyd Brevett, Lloyd Knibb, Don Drummond, Jah Jerry Haynes, Jackie Mittoo, Johnny Moore, and Jackie Opel. Since then they have released eight studio albums, including the two Grammy-nominated albums, Hi-Bop Ska The 30th Anniversary Recording and Greetings from Skamania. Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets have been bringing the reggae heat for over 25 years. Their original blend of conscious reggae and jam-band sensibilities have entertained audiences around the globe.
The Skatalites.Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets.
July 27- Hip-Hop Night with Rakim, DJ J-Ronin, and Camtron 5000
Rakim is a rapper from Long Island, widely regarded as one of the most influential and most skilled MCs of all time. He is a solo artist and was one-half of the golden age hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim. DJ J-Ronin is a multitude of things, ranging from a mixtape DJ to a manager, born and raised in Flatbush. He is the founder of the All Elements Crew, an international hip-hop organization that has chapters around the world. Finally, Camtron 5000 is a rapper from Albany, making music that is an extension of who he is as a person.
Rakim, photo by Jill Greenberg.DJ J-Ronin, photo by Jammi York.Camtron 5000, seen left.
Aug. 3- RSB Night with Montell Jordan and DJ TGIF
Montell Jordan is a singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his 1995 single “This Is How We Do It,” and was the primary male solo artist on Def Jam’s Def Soul imprint until leaving the label in 2003. DJ TGIF aka Craig Earle, is one of Upstate New York’s most in-demand DJs, performing regularly to both late-night sold-out crowds and family-friendly events alike. He was recently awarded the honor of the Albany Business Review’s 40 Under 40.
Montell Jordan performs live on stage during the 2023 Freestyle Explosion Throw Back Jam at Watsco Center on March 11, 2023, in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)
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