Downtown Albany will host Pearlpalooza on Saturday, September 16, 2023 on North Pearl Street, with a day full of music, yoga, vending from local businesses and much more in store.
The free, all-ages music festival, returns for its 14th year, presented by Remarkable Liquids, and co-hosted by WEQX, The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, and Sugar Productions, running from 11am to 7pm.
photo by Steve Malinski
Starting off the day will be MVP Health Care Presents YogaPalooza 2023, a street-wide mass yoga gathering event, beginning at 11am. A team of instructors from The Hot Yoga Spot will instruct and assist this free 60-minute yoga class that is perfect for all levels.
Music begins at 12pm with Sly Fox & The Hustlers, followed by The Rob Beaulieu Band at 130pm, B Chaps at 3pm, ALEXSUCKS at 4pm, and headliner Fishbone at 6pm.
Surrounding the music will be the shops and businesses of North Pearl Street, as well as high-quality local vendors, fine dining, retail, and entertainment establishments.
Parking is available at ParkAlbany’s Riverfront, Quackenbush, and Green-Hudson Garages for $8
Basic ground rules to keep in mind: no outside alcoholic beverages or glass containers; no dogs or pets, with the exception of service animals; no recording performances, and security has the right to inspect any bags brought into the event.
PearlPalooza 2023 is also presented by Nine Pin, Rare Form Brewing, Zero Gravity, Silver Therapeutics, MVP Health Care, New Scotland Spirits, ParkAlbany, O’Connell & Aronowitz, Global Partners, Putnam Place, CDTA, Homestead Funding Corp., Hampton Inn & Suites, the City of Albany, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, and The Hot Yoga Spot.
Pearlpalooza Schedule
11:00 AM | Yogapalooza Noon | Sly Fox & The Hustlers 1:30 PM | The Rob Beaulieu Band 3:00 PM | B Chaps 4:15 PM | ALEXSUCKS 6:00 PM | Fishbone
Colorado band Magic Beans has announced a span of fall tour dates, including a stop in Albany on October 26. Spanning all along the East Coast, this is the group’s most extensive tour yet, with more dates to be announced and a New Year’s Eve event in the works.
The self-described funk-soul-rock group has released a number of new singles this summer, including “Northland,” “Memory,” “You & Me,” and “Better Man.” Their latest album, Unzipped, released in 2022, takes significant influences from lo-fi recording techniques, hip-hop, and 90s neo-soul.
Magic Beans currently operates out of Colorado, where they will play hometown shows to begin the tour. Bassist Chris Duffy hails from Brooklyn, and the group will stop at Albany’s The Hollow on Oct. 26. Magic Beans is Scott Hachey (Guitar/Vocals), Casey Russell (Keyboard/Vocals), Chris Duffy (Bass/Vocals), and Cody Wales (drums).
Seize Atlantis, an energetic rock band formed in Glens Falls, released their remaining show dates for their tour, Ruins Rebuilt.
They started as a mere jamming project way back in 2018, with different band members and a different name. But just after a few shows crawled the demanding COVID-19, forcing the band into a 7-month hibernation, where they took this time to rebrand themselves as Seize Atlantis. Since their COVID hiatus, they’ve been on a steady incline of music production.
Seize Atlantis is made up of four music lovers: Mike Dardas (bass and backing vocals), Cody Platt (drums), James Mullen (lead vocals and guitar), and Luc Bourgault (lead guitarist).
With only 10 shows left, you won’t want to miss them. Seize Atlantis will be visiting Glens Falls, Albany, and Lake George.
RUINS REBUILT TOUR DATES
9/2 Glens Falls Charles R Wood Theater
9/9 Glens Falls Mean Max Brew Works
9/16 Albany Fuze Box
9/23 Lake George The Lagoon
10/6 Glens Falls The Grateful Den
10/14 Lake George The Lagoon
10/27 Albany Empire Underground
11/18 Glens Falls Mean Max Brew Works
11/25 Albany Empire Underground
12/31 Glens Falls The Grateful Den
For more information on Seize Atlantis, including announcements, tickets, and upcoming tour dates, be sure to check out their Instagram, FaceBook, and LinkTree.
Legendary Grateful Dead singer/guitarist Jerry Garcia touched many lives in his brief 53 years on Earth. Regarded as one of the most influential musical figures of all time, even 28 years after his passing, Garcia’s legacy and words continue to inspire and resonate with a whole new generation. An artist in every sense of the word, his creativity, curiosity, kindness, vulnerability, sense of humor and his unique ability to collaborate with almost anyone make him one of the most revered players of any era. Relatable to millions and a limitless source of inspiration for countless Grateful Dead-inspired tribute acts, while Jerry’s journey may be one of the greatest stories ever told, you could easily argue that even though he’s gone, the music never stopped.
Jerry Garcia’s Birthday Bash: NYS Dead Coalition featuring Organ Fairchild and Vinnie Amico of moe. performing at Lark Hall on 8/1/23.
Born Jerome John Garcia on August 1, 1942, in 1965 he would become one of the founding members of The Grateful Dead and from there, go on to become one of the most recognizable figures of the last century. One of the most recorded musicians in history, he’s also said to have played in over 25 side projects while releasing more than 30 studio albums. Since his passing on August 9, 1995, Deadheads around the world have respectfully anointed the “days between” his birth and death as a time to honor Garcia’s life and legacy. Fortunate to be living in a place both rich in local talent and Grateful Dead history, this year I wanted to try something a little different to convey my appreciation. With multiple venues across the area holding special Jerry-themed celebrations during the first 9 days of August, I charged up my camera, cleared out my memory cards and set off to hit as many of them as I could. If I told you all that went down, it would burn off both of your ears, but as best as I can remember, here’s how the Capital Region celebrated the Days Between in 2023.
Moe. drummer Vinnie Amico sat in with NYS Dead Coalition at Lark Hall on 81/2023.
Kicking off the weeklong celebration was New York’s own Organ Fairchild. Stopping by Albany’s Lark Hall on August 1st as part of “Jerry’s Birthday Bash,” the Buffalo-based band would pull double duty on the night. First playing a set that mixed originals songs in with Grateful Dead covers like “Picasso Moon,” “Cream Puff War,” and “He’s Gone,” Organ Fairchild would return later in the night with a few friends for an extra special NYS Dead Coalition set. Featuring Vinnie Amico of moe. on drums along with Tom Mahoney and Ron Permoda from the Utica-based Dead band Into The Now, the memorable performance featured stellar renditions of uptempo rockers like “Let The Good Times Roll,” “After Midnight,” “Cumberland Blues,” and “New Speedway Boogie,” while the back half the set was far more tender and introspective with our first “Bird Song” of the week, along with “Peggy-O,” “They Love Each Other” and a lengthy dose of “Love Light” that even Jerry Garcia himself would have been moved by.
Rockin’ on the River: It was all ‘Sunshine Daydreamin’ with Neon Avenue on 8/2/2023.
The next stop on our “Days Between the Capital Region” tour took us down by the riverside of Troy, where it was all ‘sunshine daydreaming’ with Neon Avenue. Headlining perhaps their biggest show yet as part of the Collar City’s annual Rockin’ On the River’ concert series, the energetic Clifton Park band more than rose to the occasion, delivering a phenomenal set of improvised jams on some of the Grateful Dead’s most beloved material.
Wharf Rats: Neon Avenue’s thoughtful setlist had fans dancing in the Collar City streets until sundown on 8/2/2023.
The picture-perfect weather brought out a huge crowd and songs like “Shakedown Street,” “Sugaree,” and “Scarlet Begonias” > “Fire on the Mountain” had both fans new and old on their feet and dancing all the way to sundown. Also mixing in hits like “Touch of Grey,” “Truckin,” and “Casey Jones,” for good measure, it was Neon Avenue’s thoughtful placement of songs like “Wharf Rat, “Sugar Magnolia” and “Magnificent Sanctuary Band” that yielded the most sentimental moments. Playing off their surroundings to great effect, perhaps the biggest cheers of the night came during the set closing “U.S. Blues.” Troy is said to be the original home of Uncle Sam after all.
View Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia shows from across the years in New York State with our interactive map below!
Our third stop of “Jerry Week” took us back to Lark Hall for another milestone performance, this time for legendary Hudson Valley rockers The Deadbeats who were celebrating their 30th anniversary. After playing around the area nearly every week for the last three decades, the highly respected group of local musicians have amassed a devoted following and they came out in full force on this Friday night in August. Blasting off with “Bertha,” the energy was there from the start and never let up. Working their way through a nice combination of “Beat it on Down the Line” and “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” other highlights of the first set included our only “Candyman” of the week, as well as “Dire Wolf,” and another smokin’ rendition of “Cumberland Blues” before “Scarlet Begonias” > Fire on the Mountain” took us to halftime.
The Deadbeats celebrated Jerry and a milestone of their own at Lark Hall on 8/4/2023.
Returning for a lengthy second set that included an impressive ride through “Help on the Way” > “Slipknot” > “Franklin’s Tower,” The Deadbeats also managed to throw in a few Jerry Garcia Band surprises too, like “Rubin and Cherise,” “Midnight Moonlight” and “Ride Mighty High.” “Truckin” and “Not Fade Away” had the whole room moving and grooving, but really, anyone who was there will tell you the second set was all about the funked-out version of “Throwing Stones” that essentially stole the show and helped make the band’s 30th anniversary party so memorable. Kudos to all members of The Deadbeats, past and present, for helping keep Jerry’s spirit alive in Albany all these years.
The Deadbeats Mike Johnson has been ‘playing in the band’ for an astonishing 30 years.
The next show we had the privilege of attending was a special stripped down acoustic performance by 3 members of The Wheel. Taking place on the 28th anniversary of the day Jerry Garcia passed, the intimate cocktail hour gathering, also at Lark Hall, was easily the most unique and sentimental performance of the week-long celebration. Consisting of Bryan Gautie on guitar and banjo, Andy Morse on guitar and mandolin and Woodstock’s Misty Mountain Ramblers’ keyboardist Kenny Schneidman, all three members jelled together nicely and would take turns singing and cracking jokes between songs. Opening up with “Dark Hollow” and our only “Deep Elum Blues” of the Days Between, other highlights of the set included gorgeous renditions of “Friend of the Devil, “Black Peter,” “Catfish John,” and “Must Have Been the Roses.”
Ripple Effect: The Wheel Trio unplugged for a sentimental cocktail hour set at Lark Hall on 8/9/23.
With no rhythm devils or soaring electric guitar solos during the set, the real beauty was being able to fully concentrate on the actual songwriting and Robert Hunter’s timeless lyrics. Perhaps the trio’s biggest strength, however, was the combination of their voices together. Using three-part harmony to great effect, there were moments during the set that simply gave you the chills, particularly on “Bird Song” and the set closing “Ripple,” which you can watch below.
Watch fan shot footage of The Wheel Trio performing “Ripple” at Lark Hall on 8/9/23.
Afterwards the buzz was all about “the other” Grateful Dead-inspired show that was also happening in the area that night. Full of heart and still daylight outside, those who couldn’t get enough Jerry packed up the party and trucked on over to the Cohoes Music Hall where two sets of Bearly Dead was just getting underway.
Bearly Dead’s Dynamic Debut: The Boston-based band buzzed with high energy during their Cohoes Music Hall performance on 8/9/23.
Walking into to the historic (and allegedly haunted) Cohoes Music Hall is always a vibe, but I admit I wasn’t very familiar with Bearly Dead beforehand. Kicking off their show with our first “Here Comes Sunshine” of the week, right away you could tell these guys “really cook” and I could feel a sense of ease come over me as I knew after all this poking around, I ended up in exactly the right place. Working their way through fiery renditions of “Passenger,” “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo,” and the crowd favorite “Ramble on Rose,” it was clear that Bearly Dead were diligent students at Grateful University and they had done their homework. Bringing a fresh and energetic approach to these ageless tunes, the band first came of age in Somerville, MA in 2015 and would go on to do a 5-year Wednesday Night Residency at Thunder Road before the venue closed in the midst of the pandemic. Now taking their show on the road and touring nationally, Bearly Dead brought their A-game to Cohoes on August 9th. Immediately making a good first impression with first set staples like “Black-Throated Wind,” and “Tennessee Jed,” by the time the band linked together a monstrous “Terrapin Station” > “China Cat Sunflower” -> “I Know You Rider” jam sandwich to close the opening frame, no one needed further convincing that these guys are the good shit.
Sharing the Weight: Bearly Dead paid tribute to both Jerry Garcia and Robbie Robertson on 8/9/23
On the same day the world learned that legendary singer/songwriter Robbie Robertson of The Band had passed away, the second set began with a touching moment of acknowledgement to one of their other musical heroes. Introducing the first song by saying, “I think Jerry wanted a buddy to jam with today,” Bearly Dead then broke into a heartfelt rendition of “The Weight.” Stragglers still smoking outside must have been kicking themselves as they quickly rushed in to fill the noticeably empty floor, so in an effort to help them out a little, I quickly pulled out my phone and hit the record button. That footage can be seen in the clip below.
Watch fan shot footage of Bearly Dead covering “The Weight” during their Cohoes Music Hall debut on 8/9/23.
One of the most striking things that helps separate this band from others like it is that every member can really sing and with convincing passion. Perhaps Jerry’s most well-known solo song came next with “Cats Under the Stars,” before “Rhapsody in Blue,” and “Easy Wind” flowed beautifully into the iconic Grateful Dead anthem “Dark Star.” Seamlessly working in “Miss You” teases by The Rolling Stones, “Dark Star” would continue to burn straight into a poignant take on “He’s Gone,” and even further into “Uncle John’s Band,” before reeling in the 40 plus minute frame of uninterrupted music with the gorgeous bluesy b-side “Death Don’t Have No Mercy.” Picking up the pace once again, the dance party resumed one final time with a proper and appropriate “The Music Never Stopped” before segueing into one of the most powerful versions of “Morning Dew” I’ve heard in a long time. Simply cathartic.
Watch fan shot footage of Bearly Dead performing “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” at the Cohoes Music Hall 8/9/23.
As the Days Between celebrations came to a bittersweet close, a flood of emotions ran through my mind. Pardon the obligatory pun, but I couldn’t help but feel grateful and for so many different reasons. Reinvigorated and inspired. Even 28 years after Jerry Garcia’s passing, it’s clear the music he made is as relatable and as relevant today as it ever was and that Jerry’s contributions will never be forgotten. Over the course of the 5 shows, you were bound to hear some repeats, but considering how few there actually were is quite a testament to just how deep GD’s songbook is. I’m grateful for the musical community I live in that continues to play these songs, the talent that it takes to get up there and actually do it and to the amazing local venues that provide a platform for them to do it on. There will never be another Jerry Garcia, but if this 9 day period taught me anything, it’s that this music is absolutely timeless, “Weir everywhere” and that the Capital Region still has plenty of heart, I can hear it beat out loud.
Check out full setlists and photos of each show courtesy of NYS Music correspondent Zak Radick.
Organ Fairchild ft. NYS Dead Coalition | August 1, 2023 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Set 1: Morning Coffee, Over the Handlebars, Yum, Picasso Moon > Cream Puff War > He’s Gone, Chamelonious Monk with Layla tease
Set 2: Let the Good Times Roll, After Midnight, Cumberland Blues, New Speedway Boogie, Bird Song, Peggy-O, They Love Each Other, Love Light.
*Set 2 featured members of Into The Now and Vinnie Amico of moe.
Neon Avenue | August 2, 2023 | Riverfront Park | Troy, NY
Setlist: Shakedown Street, Touch of Grey, Sugaree, Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain, Truckin > Wharf Rat > Sugar Magnolia > Casey Jones, Magnificent Sanctuary Band, U.S. Blues
Encore: Brokedown Palace.
Deadbeats | August 4, 2023 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Set 1: Bertha, Beat It On Down the Line > Greatest Story Ever Told, Hard To Handle, Candy Man, Cumberland Blues, The Buzz, Dire Wolf, Scarlet Begonias > Fire On the Mountain
Set 2: Help on the Way > Slipknot > Franklin’s Tower, Crosstown Traffic, Truckin, Rubin and Cherise, Throwing Stones, Not Fade Away, Midnight Moonlight, Ride Mighty High
Encore: Ripple, US Blues
The Wheel Trio | August 9, 2023 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Setlist: Dark Hollow, Deep Elum Blues, Oh Babe It Ain’t No Lie, Jack A Roe, Dire Wolf, Rosalie McFall, Friend of the Devil, Deal, Black Peter, Bird Song, Catfish John, Must Have Been the Roses, On the Road Again, Uncle John’s Band, Midnight Moonlight, Cumberland Blues, Ripple
Bearly Dead | 8-9-2023 | Cohoes Music Hall | Cohoes, NY
Set 1: Here Comes Sunshine, Passenger, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Ramble On Rose, Black-Throated Wind, Tennessee Jed, Terrapin Station > China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Set 2: The Weight[1], Cats Under the Stars, Rhapsody in Blue, Easy Wind > Dark Star[2] > He’s Gone -> Uncle John’s Band > Death Don’t Have No Mercy, The Music Never Stopped > Morning Dew
[1] Dedicated to Robbie Robertson [2] Contained Rolling Stones “Miss You” teases
Ahead of their new album, Ghost of Vroom 3 releasing on Sept. 1, 2023, critically-acclaimed band Ghost of Vroom has announced its dates for the group’s North American Tour. From Nov. 3 to Nov.19, including three stops in New York, the band will play past hits and new singles from the forthcoming project.
Comprised of singer-songwriter Mike Doughty, bassist Andrew “Scrap” Livingston, and drummer Madden Klass, Ghost of Vroom’s newest album will additionally include producer Mark Caldato Jr.
Having previously worked with acts such as the Beastie Boys and Jack Johnson, Caldato’s talent brings a wide variety of positive expectations heading into the project’s release.
First known for his solo work and as the lead singer for Soul Coughing, Doughty’s experience with the band did not start until 2020, making their official debut with 2020’s GHOST OF VROOM 2 EP.
Highlighted by the hit single, “Rona Pollona,” the group’s debut piece attracted the attention of the industry, including Rolling Stone, who applauds the “laid back groove of shuffling drums, twisting guitar and lazy cello strokes” on the song.
Ghost of Vroom 2 album cover
Known to deliver a unique, funky sound, much of this can be heard through their most recent track “Pay The Man,” the lead single ahead of September’s release. Arriving via Mod y Vi Records on Friday, Sept. 1, pre-orders are available now for the second album in Ghost of Vroom’s catalog.
Tour Dates & Ticket Information
The North American tour dates begin Nov. 3 and travels through mid-November, making three stops in New York (New York City, Rochester, and Albany).
All general on-sale tickets for the announced dates will be available Friday, August 18 at 12:00 pm est. For full details and ticket information, you can also visit www.ghostofvroom.com.
November –
3 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s
4 – Minneapolis, MN– Fine Line Music Cafe
5 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
7 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
8 – Detroit, MI – El Club
10 – Toronto, ON – Longboat Hall at Great Hall
11 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
12 – Rochester, NY – Flour City Station
14 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
15 – Amherst, MA – The Drake
17 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
18 – Albany, NY – Lark Hall
19 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry at the Fillmore
There is perhaps nothing more synonymous with hip-hop than New York City. The genre was birthed, nourished, and has continuously evolved thanks to the five boroughs. From hip-hop’s Jamaican influence to its eventual inception on the streets of the Bronx, NYC has helped to propel hip-hop into the mainstream giant that it is today.
New York City has produced an endless list of iconic and influential hip-hop figures, from the all important Grandmaster Flash, to The Notorious B.I.G, and even to groups like Wu-Tang. The city has been a hotbed for rappers and hip-hop artists throughout much of the genre’s history. Acts like Nas, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Nicki Minaj have not just become rap superstars, but have elevated to some of the biggest names in all of music.
NYC Rapper Nas performing
NYC DOMINANCE
Part of the aura and mythos surrounding New York is not just the artists that are associated with the region, but also the way that the city itself has influenced the music. Having originated in the Big Apple, hip-hop was inherently New York. From its embryonic stages in the ’70s to its “gangsta” personality in the ’90s, the genre’s identity has been linked to NYC for much of its lifespan.
For close to 30 years the “sound” of hip-hop was the “sound” of New York. Characterized by confident flows, lyrical versatility, classic samples, and an atmosphere of authenticity, “East Coast Rap” was the ultimate standard.
Historically, hip-hop acts from the city have dominated, whether it be commercially or critically. Seven of the top 25 highest selling hip-hop albums belong to New York artists, a mark higher than any other city . Additionally, of the twelve rappers/hip-hop artists currently in, or scheduled to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, seven come from NYC, with two more representing Long Island.
Hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash
The popularity and success of hip-hop in NYC led to the genre’s diaspora throughout much of the United States. By the mid to late ’90s Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta were all major players in the scene. Artists like Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Outkast, Lil Wayne, Common, etc. all had tremendous success being outside of NYC, however up until the last 10-15 years it was still the Empire City that really moved the needle.
A CRUMBLING EMPIRE
Despite NYC’s hip-hop pedigree, the “East Coast” sound that made it so influential has become quieter and quieter in recent years. Instead, influences of trap, drill, cloud rap, and even reggaeton have filtered into the city to create a diverse, intricate, and hard to pin down sound from many NYC artists. Even with the likes of rappers like Joey Badass, Fabolous, and Roc Marciano, the often grimy, word play heavy, and sample laden sounds of the ’80s through early 2000s East Coast rap has largely dissipated from the city.
As NYC has lost its sound, other cities have refined theirs. Today, avid hip-hop fans will easily be able to identify where certain artists are from within seconds of hitting the play button. Acts like 21 Savage, Lil Baby, and Migos all have a distinct sound and atmosphere that connects them with Atlanta. Other artists like GloRilla, Moneybagg Yo, Key Glock, and the late Young Dolph boast specific features and elements that represent Memphis.
On Complex’s 2023 list of “The Best Rap Cities Right Now”, NYC sat at #2, yet there was no city with more of a musical or even social disconnect between its most prominent artists. In terms of musicality, and apart from maybe an accent, there is very little that artists like Ice Spice, A$AP Rocky, Fivio Foreign, and Nicki Minaj have in common.
Nicki Minaj
“As a whole town we’re losing… I’m talking about the new New York, who do they have to look up to? We’re losing identity and it’s crazy because we was the treadsetters,” Queens legend N.O.R.E. said in a 2013 interview with DJ Vlad.
Not only has there become a stylistic schism in NYC but there has been a long standing adversarial attitude amongst many of its biggest artists. Of course there’s the well publicized beef between Jay-Z and Nas, then there’s 50 Cent taking on all of NYC, and in the 2010s it was Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. While other places were fostering and supporting new sounds, promoting upcoming artists, and building together, many New Yorkers were divided.
“The older rappers that were already situated in the city didn’t pay up-and-comers no mind if they didn’t sound like the old sound. Bobby Shmurda was the first one with a newer sound, a different sound, that was accepted by New York City hip-hop culture,” Jamel Robinson, the host of Brooklyn rap Youtube Channel Melz TV said in an interview with Complex.
The mention of Shmurda’s name also shines a light on another troubling aspect of NYC’s identity crisis. Controversy and tragedy have plagued the city’s biggest and brightest stars. Shmurda burst onto the national stage after the release of his mega-hit “Hot N*gga” in 2014. Proudly repping NYC, the then 19-year-old became an internet star, spawning viral trends and memes all around social media. Just two years later however, Shmurda would be sentenced to seven years in prison after facing conspiracy and weapons charges. The rapper helped to pave the way toward a renewed New York sound and image, but his untimely removal from the game left NYC without another trailblazer for years.
Bobby Shmurda
Unfortunately, the artist that would garner the same kind of attention as Bobby would also have a short run at the top. Fellow Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke took hip-hop by storm in 2019. Blending Chicago and UK Drill with a distinctly New York attitude, the artist was hailed as one of the next Brooklyn legends. But, while renting a house in LA in February of 2020, Pop Smoke was tragically shot and killed during a botched home robbery. Once again the city was left without an artistic talisman.
Warning signs of NYC’s eventual fall from hip-hop have been there for years. Even New York’s own have referenced the influence of other locations and subgenres. In A$AP Rocky’s 2011 song “Palace”, he sings “Harlem N*ggas gon’ be feelin’ this, East Coast n*gga but how trill is this?” alluding to the Houston slang term “trill”. Rocky goes onto praise the Texas city later in the track rapping “Influenced by Houston hear it in my music, a trill n*gga to the truest, show you how to do this”.
The Harlem’ native’s love for Southern sounds helps to demonstrate the way in which New York artists have grown to accept and incorporate other attributes of hip-hop. While New York’s current sound may represent the diversity within music and the area’s population as a whole, it diverges from the hip-hop legacy that was crafted there. Without identifiable qualities and features, it makes it hard to discern a “New York City” artist from any other act.
Perhaps New York’s current lack of identity is due to the natural evolution of genres, especially in a place that has such deep roots in one specific kind of music. It may be the normal progression of any artistic originator to eventually move on from the elements and features that made it so special to begin with.
Whether it be because of a natural artistic change, tension between artists, or even just “bad luck”, New York City’s reputation in hip-hop has faded over the last 10-15 years.
Pop Smoke
UPSTATE IS THE NEW “EAST COAST”
But, as the longstanding “East Coast” sound has begun to leave the blocks of New York City, a refurbished sound has traveled upstate, seeping into cities like Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, and most notably Buffalo. These cities have partially curated their own subgenre of hip-hop, characterized by many of the same ideas, trends, and themes that helped to establish NYC as a mecca.
The most notable of these artists hail from Buffalo and are a part of the “Griselda” collective. Spearheaded by Benny the Butcher, Conway the Machine, and Westside Gunn, the three have helped to carry the torch for the “new wave” of hip-hop coming out of Upstate New York.
While they all certainly have their own individual characteristics, like Westside’s unique flow or Benny’s confident delivery, their music all shares similar themes and perhaps most apparent, a certain atmosphere. Defined by lyrics about drug dealing, street smarts, high fashion and systematic failures, their content is the musical offspring of acts like Wu-Tang, Mobb Deep, Onyx, and even early Jay-Z.
“I just do me and if you like it, you like it, if you don’t, you don’t… me being a real individual, people love that. It’s enough to build a cult following. It’s not a gimmick, this is just what we do for real, ” Westside Gunn said in an interview with Complex.
Westside Gunn
Conway’s authenticity and edge mirrors much of the sentiment that ’90s and traditional East Coast rappers were known for. The success of Griselda has helped to provide sustenance for a section of hip-hop fans who have been starving for a more gritty and dark sound.
It’s all the way left [west] from the City but the mindset is similar, very similar
It’s not just the lyrics and attitude of Griselda that calls back to the boom-bap era of East Coast rap, it’s also their production. For years the trio has enlisted the help of the producer Daringer, who has seemingly managed to hold onto all the unused samples, sounds, and techniques that legends like DJ Premier and RZA would’ve craved for.
In an era where hip-hop production is full of cheap snares, 808s, synths, overdone bass, and half-baked samples, Griselda and Daringer combine to create beautifully violent, vivid and foreboding records. Even lacking drums at times, their tracks provide a listening experience unlike anything in contemporary hip-hop.
Streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music can easily expose lovers of Griselda to other similar artists. And after some quick research it’s clear to see that a lot of these “similar artists” come from Upstate New York.
Whether it’s Syracuse’s Stove God Cooks, Rochester’s 38 Spesh, or the plethora of other Buffalo artists, there is a blossoming of rap talent in Upstate New York. While this vibrant and nostalgic subgenre has been making waves in and amongst hip-hop heads for years, it has yet to make a big splash in the mainstream.
“It’s more about being creative, making dope music, and just solidifying my name. I don’t give a fuck about none of the other shit,” Stove Good Cooks told Peter Rosenberg in a conversation with Hot 97.
Despite the individual success of some artists in the subgenre, there has yet to be a track or album that has crossed over into popular music. Benny The Butcher gained notoriety for having J.Cole on “Johnny P’s Caddy” while Conway and Westside appeared on Ye’s Donda. With that being said there is still a disconnect between mainstream hip-hop lyricists like Cole, Kendrick, Cordae, JID and many acts from the grimier subgenre.
Buffalo rapper Che Noir
Although widespread commercial success has evaded the subgenre as a whole, the influence and inspiration that it has supplied cannot be ignored. Back in 2021 Tyler, The Creator credited Westside Gunn for “making me want to rap again”. Additionally, legendary comedian Dave Chappelle has gone on stage to shout out Griselda.
Thanks to the ground covered by some of the larger acts in the subgenre, rappers like Rome Streetz, Che Noir, Mach-Hommy, plus producers like Conductor Williams have all been able to shine. Even without large-scale commercial backing, the subgenre has provided some of the most talented and innovative artists in contemporary hip-hop.
As hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, the genre has never been more accessible, popular, or accepted. While the future trends and sounds that will define New York hip-hop are unknown, it seems all but certain that artists outside of the traditional NYC metro will have an impact. Amongst a flurry of sonic changes and social media fads, there’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the style of hip-hop emanating from Upstate. Although NYC has relinquished its throne as the genre’s king, the state of New York is still an important thread in hip-hop’s cultural and musical web.
As colleges are preparing to welcome back students, the University at Albany is anticipating the music as its Department of Music and Theatre has announced its upcoming performances for the 2023-2024 season. The performances will begin on Sept. 19 and will take place at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center.
The Music and Theatre programs have prepared for a year jam-packed with incredible musical talent. The Music program itself will present twenty-three performances while the Theatre Program will prepare three full productions offering five to six performances of each show plus its annual festival of new plays written and conducted by students.
Tickets for all shows are now available for purchase here.
Full 2023-2024 Schedule
Viva Mexico
Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 7 pm
Pianist Max Lifchitz celebrates the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month performing a recital featuring music by Mexican composers.
Tangos & More
Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 7 pm
Pianist Max Lifchitz marks the ending of Hispanic Heritage Month performing a recital featuring dance-inspired music from the Americas.
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
• Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 8 pm
• Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 8 pm
• Friday, October 20, 2023, at 3 pm
• Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 2 pm & 8 pm
• Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 3 pm
This poetic drama, about the choices in the life of a young artist, made the yet-unknown playwright an overnight sensation. It’s an American classic: envisioned for our world today and our unique theatre in the round.
UAlbany Symphony Orchestra & Concert Band
Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 1 pm and Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Two of the University’s large ensembles present a shared program.
The Choral Hour
Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 3 pm and Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 3 pm
The UAlbany Chamber Singers and Community Chorale perform separately and combined in a program of music from a wide array of styles and cultures.
Senior Recital
Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 7 pm
This program of guitar music features solo classical pieces as well as jazz ensemble selections arranged by Sam Piazza.
Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage
• Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 8 pm
• Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 8 pm
• Friday, November 17, 2023, at 3 pm
• Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 2 pm & 8 pm
• Sunday, November 19, 2023, at 2 pm
The most produced play in America in 2022, this comedy, by the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Sweat and Intimate Apparel, is set in the kitchen of a truck stop where the art of making a sandwich is perfected by a group of formerly incarcerated individuals.
Bach to Broadway
Friday, November 17, 2023, at 7:30 pm
Students in the vocal program perform staged versions of classical and contemporary song repertoire.
Miolina: The Dueling Violinists
Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 4 pm
Mioi Takeda and Lynn Bechtold perform music for two violins by contemporary composers including Capital District composers Hilary Tann, Max Lifchitz, and Rain Worthington.
Student Recitals
Friday, December 1, 2023, and Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 6 pm
A host of performers showcase their vocal and instrumental talents as part of their departmental studies.
Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 3 pm
Music Program ensembles (Chorale, Chamber Singers, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra) are joined by student groups (Serendipity, Pitch Please) for a concert celebrating the season.
UAlbany Percussion Ensemble & Jazz Band
Monday, December 4, 2023, at 7 pm
Two of the University’s large ensembles present a shared program.
American Romantics
Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 7 pm
Pianist Max Lifchitz performs piano music by American composers.
Albagli & Friends
Friday, February 16, 2024, at 7 pm
Faculty member Richard Albagli and his top students perform a percussion recital.
“To Refresh Their Spirits” – Keyboard Music of Bach and Handel
Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Pianist Kuok-Wai Lio presents two great works side by side: the Handel Chaconne in G Major, HWV435, and Bach’s Goldberg Variations, BWV 988.
The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
• Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 8 pm
• Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 8 pm
• Friday, March 8, 2024, at 3 pm
• Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 2 pm & 8 pm
• Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2 pm
Unfolding with music and merriment, a nearly all-female cast of players takes on Shakespeare’s classic comedy about the politics of empowerment and who wears the pants when two fabulously headstrong individuals fall in love.
Festival of Contemporary Music
Monday, March 11, 2024, at 7 pm
This concert of percussion music features four ensembles.
Music by Women Composers
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 7 pm
Pianist Max Lifchitz marks Women’s History Month by performing music by women composers.
Fresh Acts
• Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 8 pm
• Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 8 pm
• Friday, April 12, 2024, at 3 pm
• Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 2 pm & 8 pm
This spring festival of brand-new plays is written, directed, and performed by students, the future of American theatre.
Showcase Concert
Friday, April 12, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Vocal students complete their study of the operatic and oratorio repertoire with this staged production.
Youth Movements XVI
Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 3 pm
The annual festival includes musicians of all ages from around the Capital Region.
UAlbany Jazz Band
Monday, April 22, 2024, at 8 pm
Directed by Keith Pray, this student and community ensemble presents a concert featuring classic and contemporary jazz.
UAlbany Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 3 pm
With conductor Christopher David Neubert, this large ensemble performs works representing outstanding repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The Sound of the Trumpets, The Roar of the Drums
Monday, April 29, 2024, at 7 pm
The UAlbany Concert Band and UAlbany Percussion Ensemble present a shared program.
It’s 2023 and there’s nothing wrong with the Earth’s gravitational pull, but you don’t need to be a scientist to calculate The Heavy Heavy is going to be huge someday. With a delightful chemistry and a decidedly sun-soaked pop sound that feels almost like stepping back into the glory days of the British Rock Invasion, the buzz-worthy UK-based rock quintet is quickly earning a reputation as one of music’s “next big things.”
They have an uncanny knack for focused songwriting, brilliant four-part harmonies, and energetic live shows. On the eve of making their Newport Folk Festival debut, the band stopped by Albany for one final tune-up. Headlining Lark Hall on Thursday, July 27, not only did The Heavy Heavy deliver a heady heady dose of old-school rock n roll, but they also delivered perhaps the “feel good” performance of the summer.
Brighton, UK-based band The Heavy Heavy made their Albany debut at Lark Hall on 7/27/23.
3,382 miles. That’s how far Brighton, UK is from Albany and for a band that only played two gigs before the Covid-19 pandemic shut down live music, The Heavy Heavy have come a long way in a short amount of time. Not to be confused with the other English band known for their “How You Like Me Now?” hit single, these redundant retro-rockers have set out to put a new spin on the kind of music the 1960s forgot.
Festival-ready from the very first note, the group was first put together by musical companions Will Turner and Georgie Fuller and have since been living the real-life version of their song “Miles and Miles” since coming to America in September of 2022. Expanding their lineup to include talented multi-instrumentalist Frank Fogden, happy-go-lucky bassist Tom Holder and Houston Matthews on drums, the charismatic quintet has been touring the States all summer long and earning rave reviews everywhere they play.
Will Turner (guitar) and Tom Holder (bass) of The Heavy Heavy perform at Lark Hall on 7/27/23.
Rolling into the intersection of Lark and Hudson on a warm Thursday night, The Heavy Heavy casually took their positions on the darkened stage that was adorned in flowers. Gracefully getting the intimate crowd warmed up with a bit of a surf-rock-styled instrumental called “Parakeets,” the groovy vibe and luscious guitar tone of Turner’s vintage white Fender quickly made a splash with the Lark Hall faithful and it would only sound better and better as the night went on. Frontwoman Georgie Fuller would pause to welcome everyone to the show by saying, “We are The Heavy Heavy, but you already know that because you’re here. Thanks for coming out. We’ve got a fun one planned for you and we’re gonna have a good time tonight!”
The Heavy Heavy’s Georgie Fuller mesmerized the Albany audience on 7/27/23.
Launching into the opening track from their debut album Life and Life Only, “All My Dreams” highlighted the band’s signature blues-rock sound paired up with gorgeous full-band harmonies that help make this group so special. Following it up with a reverb-drenched tribute to Turner’s Malvern homeland, the irresistible hook of “Man of the Hills” saw the energy in the room reach new heights as the band took the song on a ride into psychedelic territory; the crowd gleefully swaying to the chorus before Fuller would steal the spotlight with her powerful Joplin-like “singing from the depths” bravado in the song’s peak.
No stranger to the performing arts, Fuller is also a classically trained actress and appeared as comfortable on the Lark Hall stage as any back home in Brighton. After “Why Don’t You Call?” The Heavy Heavy would surprise the audience with arguably their most popular song next, confidently delivering “Go Down River” early in the set as fans scurried to get out their phones and hit the record button. An original song that sounds like it could have been written by The Mommas and the Papas, you couldn’t help but be swept up in the feel-good groove of the folksy singalong.
Watch fan-shot footage of The Heavy Heavy performing “Go Down River” live at Lark Hall on 7/27/23.
After working their way through some unreleased material like “Dirt” and a laid-back rendition of “All I Need” that featured beautiful keyboard work from multi-instrumentalist Frank Fogden, The Heavy Heavy then treated the audience to a well-received cover of “Lonesome LA Cowboy” by The New Riders of the Purple Sage. Keeping it colorful, “Purple Flowers” was next followed by another stellar cover selection in the form of Father John Misty’s “Real Love Baby.”
Frank Fogden of The Heavy Heavy performing at Lark Hall on 7/27/23.
After a little bit of “Everything,” The Heavy Heavy would then take us to “the garden of our mind” on the upbeat Jefferson Airplane-esq love song “Because You’re Mine.” The slow build-up intro to “One of a Kind” had fans clapping their hands and stomping their feet as the band really let it rip with their magnetic stage presence and carefree confidence. Despite this, the band was having none of the usual “walk of the stage before the encore” wankery. Announcing they only had time left for one more and that they’d be hanging out in the back signing merch if you wanted to meet them, The Heavy Heavy closed with the song that helped put them on the map, “Miles and Miles.”
Despite their unfamiliarity with many of these tunes, the always attentive Lark Hall audience knows a good thing when they hear it. Embracing the up-and-coming British band wholeheartedly, virtually everyone who was there, it seemed, ended up getting in line to say “hello” and take selfies with the group. While most of their studio cuts are short and suited for radio airplay, in the live setting where there is room to breathe, the songs really cook and are quite suited for jamming, something the band demonstrated they do very well.
Tastefully drawing upon their 60’s influences of acid rock and sunshine pop, The Heavy Heavy is weaving together a modern sound that is undeniably their own. Combining colorful riffs, danceable rhythms, and stunning harmonies that reach the depths of your soul, the “timeless quality” of this fresh new act is off the charts and it’s easy to see why they are garnering such attention. For those who were fortunate enough to be at Lark Hall for their Albany debut, soak it in, because something tells me the next time The Heavy Heavy comes around, they’ll be playing in a much bigger room.
Setlist: Parakeets, All My Dreams, Man of the Hills, Why Don’t You Call?, Go Down River, Dirt, All I Need, LA Cowboy, Purple Flowers, Real Love Baby, Everything, Because You’re Mine, One of a Kind, Miles and Miles.
The night’s theme was R&B, and DJ TGIF brought them rhythm with him. Opening the show with some of the best R&b from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, there was not a body that wasn’t grooving to the beat. As a local favorite, he vibed with the crowd well for his two hour set. There were plenty of free t-shirts given out after his set by Alive at 5 volunteers and Overit Studios.
The summer series was closed out with the highly anticipated Montell Jordan. Locals came in a bit anxious from the previous week as Rakim had cancelled an hour before his set. Montell Jordan did show up and show out for the large Albany crowd.
Montell’s set was the shortest of the season at 45 minutes, about half of all the other main acts this series. His set had a lot of ups and downs as he cut many of his hits short. Montell said that since he had recently become a pastor, he could not sing any more of his songs that were more sexual in nature. He commonly started a track and cut it off after about 30 seconds, leaving some of his adoring fans with a look of dissatisfaction.
To fill the void of those unsung songs, he performed a lot of covers. Showing love to the East Coast, he covered Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize.” He also represented his West Coast Roots with a spin of “California Love.”
The show ended on a high with him singing his most well known hit “This is How We Do It.” The crowd couldn’t get enough of him. He had already performed different versions of the song to open his set, and they were finally left with it played the whole way through. He stayed behind after the show to sign autographs for fans.
The Jonas Brothers’ “The Tour” has expanded with new dates internationally, bringing the total number of shows to 90. “The Tour” kicks off with two sold-out shows in Yankee Stadium this August, with future performances in Buffalo this November and Albany this December.
Visiting 20 countries, many of which for the first time, and 86 cities, “The Tour” is the largest tour the band has ever put together. Earlier this year, the Jonas Brothers released a new album, titled similarly to their tour as The Album. It was produced by Jon Bellion and released with Republic Records.
The Jonas Brothers themselves are one of the most successful groups of this century, with over 20 million sold albums, two Grammy Award nominations, and three consecutive #1 debuts on the Billboard 200. Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Kevin Jonas have not only had successful careers in music, but also in TV, film, and other business ventures. 2019 saw the band’s comeback with the Platinum-certified album Happiness Begins.
For more information and for tickets, check out the Jonas Brothers’ website. For information on VIP packages, check out the link here.
Old Tour Dates
Aug. 12 – Yankee Stadium – Bronx, NY
Aug. 13 – Yankee Stadium – Bronx, NY
Aug. 15 – TD Garden – Boston, MA
Aug. 16 – TD Garden – Boston, MA
Aug. 17 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
Aug. 19 – Rogers Centre – Toronto, ON
Aug. 22 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, IN
