NYS Music 2023

Category: Capital Region

  • Bob Dylan Heads To Proctor’s Theatre, Rochester’s Auditorium Theatre, Capitol Theatre and Kings Theatre

    Legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan has announced that he and His Band will be making a pair of appearances in New York State this fall, with a show in Rochester on October 24 at Auditorium Theatre, and at historic Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady on October 30. The dates are part of the musicians’ “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour.

    Dylan has added more dates in November to his tour calendar, with shows on November 7-8 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, and November 14-15 at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn.

    Dylan has been an iconic figure in American music for well over five decades. Born and raised in Minnesota, it was in Greenwich Village where the artists’ career started to blossom. Boasting an unparalleled writing style, Dylan rose to prominence for his ability to blend elements of folk and rock. Within just a three year span Dylan released the ever-influential albums Bringing It All Back Home, Highway 61 Revisited, and Blonde on Blonde.

    Read about Bob Dylan’s ‘Talkin’ New York’

    Widely recognized for crafting some of the most poignant and significant protest songs, Dylan is known for his social and political beliefs. The singers’ tracks became a symbolic part of the 1960s, touching on issues like segregation, authority, and societal norms. In 2016 Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his contributions to American poetry and music. Dylan has sold over 100 million records, won 10 Grammy Awards, and has been inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

    Proctor’s Theatre was built in 1926 and hosts Broadway shows, cutting-edge film festivals, and music performances. The Arts Center & Theatre of Schenectady (ACT) stepped in to revitalize the theatre when the building faced destruction in the 70s. Since then, Proctor’s has become an integral part of the Capital Region’s arts scene. Past performers include Mariah Carey, Brittany Spears, Duke Ellington, and even comedian George Burns. 

    Here for tickets and more information about the Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour.

    Announced Tour Dates

    1 OCT- Kansas City, MO The Midland Theatre  

    2 OCT- Kansas City, MO The Midland Theatre  

    4 OCT- St. Louis, MO Stifel Theatre  

    6 OCT- Chicago, IL Cadillac Palace Theatre  

    7 OCT- Chicago, IL Cadillac Palace Theatre  

    8 OCT- Chicago, IL Cadillac Palace Theatre  

    11 OCT- Milwaukee, WI The Riverside Theater  

    12 OCT- Milwaukee, WI The Riverside Theater  

    14 OCT- Grand Rapids, MI DeVos Performance Hall  

    16 OCT- Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre 

    20 OCT- Cincinnati, OH The Andrew J. Brady Music Center  

    21 OCT- Akron, OH Akron Civic Theatre  

    23 OCT- Erie, PA Warner Theatre  

    24 OCT- Rochester, NY Auditorium Theatre  

    26 OCT- Toronto, ON Massey Hall  

    27 OCT- Toronto, ON Massey Hall 

    29 OCT – Montreal, QB Place des Arts – Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier  

    30 OCT- Schenectady, NY Proctors Theatre

    Nov. 1, 2023 — Symphony Hall — Springfield, MA

    Nov. 3, 2023 — Orpheum Theatre — Boston, MA

    Nov. 4, 2023 — Orpheum Theatre — Boston, MA

    Nov. 5, 2023 — Orpheum Theatre — Boston, MA

    Nov. 7, 2023 — The Capitol Theatre — Port Chester, NY

    Nov. 8, 2023 — The Capitol Theatre — Port Chester, NY

    Nov. 10, 2023 — Providence Performing Arts Center — Providence, RI

    Nov. 11, 2023 — Palace Theater — Waterbury, CT

    Nov. 14, 2023 — Kings Theatre — Brooklyn, NY

    Nov. 15, 2023 — Kings Theatre — Brooklyn, NY

    Nov. 19, 2023 — The Fillmore — Philadelphia, PA

    Nov. 20, 2023 — New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Prudential Hall, Newark, NJ

    Nov. 21, 2023 — New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Prudential Hall — Newark, NJ

  • Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop Event To Feature at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

    The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall announced an addition to their fall schedule: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop. The night on Friday, October 27 at 7:30 PM will feature performances to highlight the history of hip hop with classic tracks and the genre’s favorite artists.

    Live shows feature JB!! aka Dirty Moses, Ohzhe, KATANI, DJ Nate da Great, Shiloh the Messenger and Mundy.

    The performers will be joined by Albany’s Victory Soul Orchestra. The horn funk favorite cites influence from classic New Orleans brass bands, as well as artists including Galatic and the Dap Kings.

    alive at 5 soule monde

    The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is thrilled to celebrate a half century of rhythm, rhyme, and revolution, with the beats of our local, talented artists in a timeless tribute to our community’s cultural evolution.

    Jon Elbaum, Executive Director, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

    JB!! aka Dirty Moses

    Capital Regions 2022 & 2020 Eddies award winner for HipHop/Rap Artist of the year. JB!! aka Dirty Moses is on a mission to educate and enlighten others through music. This is your invitation to JB!! aka Dirty Moses World: a world of rhythm and rhyme; a world of love and inspiration: and a world of energy and music. This is where you’ll find JB!! aka Dirty Moses’s photos, music, videos and much more. For over twenty years JB!! aka Dirty Moses’s unique and methodical style has awakened the joy of music in thousands, young and old, all over the world.

    Ohzhe

    Albany native rapper with southern roots is marking his territory in the rap game with powerful lyrics, a diverse flow, and confidence that is undeniable.  From being Eddie award nominated as best HipHop artist in his city, to creating opportunities for the youth Ohzhe stands true to his goal, to inspire the world and push forward the culture.

    KATANI

    Anti-misogyny, pro-black, community uplifting raptivist duo comprised of Amani O+ & Kat SoPoetic. Kat + Amani = KATANI.  Best friends who began collaborating in 2016 as a response to the corruption, abuse and silence we experienced and observed locally and nationally. We found ourselves alchemizing our rage and disappointment into visionary medicine and inspiration.

    DJ Nate da Great

    DJ, turnt-tablist, thinker, maker, coder, etc… Been doing this DJ thing for 30+ years. Been doing this human-being thing for 40+ years. First and foremost I’m a creative thinker. I appreciate artistry, thinking outside the box and the creative process. I prefer to take the path less traveled. That actually happens sometimes.

    Shiloh the Messenger 

    Located in Upstate New York, Shiloh The Messenger is a rapper, producer, and writer who pours his soul into his musical passion. Originating with a background of reggae and calypso, he’s found solace in hip hop, and over the years has continued to hone his skills and elevate his mastery of the craft.

    Victory Soul Orchestra

    Victory Soul Orchestra is a hometown horn funk favorite. The dirty sounds of New Orleans brass drive their sound with some influences including Galactic as well as the Dap Kings. You can also find them fronted by Albany’s own JB aka Dirty Moses and singer Dali Soto.

    Tickets for Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop are on sale via phone at (518) 273-0038, in person at the box office, or online at troymusichall.org. The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Box Office is located at 30 Second Street, Troy. Hours are Monday through Thursday 10AM-3PM. 

    More information on the venue and other upcoming programs area available at troymusichall.org.

  • toriendofstory and B.Chaps/Freedom Stratton Featured on This Week’s EQXposure

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 pm 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 toriendofstory and B. Chaps/Freedom Stratton.

    toriendofstory and B. Chaps/Freedom Stratton

    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.

    toriendofstory- “Cool For Now”

    toriendofstory is an indie-pop songwriter and singer from Albany. Some of her musical influences include Adele and Maggie Rogers, tying them into her music. She fuses powerful ballads and indie-style production to create a universally loved sound. She takes her listeners on a journey through relatable emotions, bringing people together with her range and strong vocals.

    B.Chaps/Freedom Stratton– “Sundaze”

    B. Chaps and Freedom Stratton are both MCs, born and raised in Albany. B. Chaps comes from an instrumentalist background with experience as a songwriter, producer, and engineer. Additionally, he has experience working in Albany’s premier studio. Freedom Stratton comes from a performance background. He is a trained actor, dancer, and vocalist with formal education in performing arts schools. Together the two have amassed millions of streams and worked with many reputable labels and artists.

  • In Focus: Albany Latin Fest 2023

    The 2023 Albany Latin Fest was held on Saturday, August 26 in Washington Park, with the day-long family-friendly community event hosting music and fun activities for children and adults alike. All throughout the park, families and friends celebrated Latin American culture while enjoying games, dominoes, food trucks, and live music performances.

    Photo by Mabou Riddick

    Live music and cultural performances were presented by Legacy Women, Son Latino, Lulada Club and Puncho & The Boricua Legends. Sibie LaVoz paid homage to Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary, being celebrated in 2023. During the live performances, crowds were growing, dancing and grooving to the variety of Latin music on hand this afternoon. Sponsors, Congressman Paul Tonko and Organizers of Latin Fest spoke on Latin Culture and their yearly involvement with Latin Fest, and efforts within the Latin community of the greater Capital District.

    Photo by Mabou Riddick

    For many years, Albany Latin Fest has established itself as a unique platform in the Capital Region, providing the local Hispanic population with deserved recognition as a vital element of the community. At Latin Fest, the showcasing of local, regional and international performing artists provides commercial and non-profit businesses and organizations access to the local Hispanic population and engaging in coalition building efforts to address recent disaster relief efforts.  All photos by Mabou Riddick for NYS Music.

    The Crowd at Latin Fest

    The Food at Latin Fest

    The Speakers

    Latin Fest 2023

    Sibie Lavoz

    Vendors and Non-profits

    Lulda Club

    Legacy Women

    Puncho and The Boricua Legends

    And more of the Crowd at Latin Fest 2023

  • Trans-Siberian Orchestra Announces Tour, Coming to Albany, Rochester, Buffalo and Elmont

    Prepare for a Christmas rock experience as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) has announced its annual holiday tour. The multi-platinum rock group, which has consistently hit the touring charts for the past 15 years, unveiled the details of their highly anticipated 2023 winter tour, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More.”

    This year’s tour promises a new and larger presentation of the beloved holiday tradition, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” which has captured the hearts of multiple generations. TSO will visit 62 cities, including Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and Belmont Park (the only New York Metro area show for the season).

    Stage with large crowd and red lasers with Trans-Siberian Orchestra logo and tour name.

    A product of the imagination of TSO’s late founder Paul O’Neill, and based on TSO’s CD and TV special, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, follows the journey of a runaway who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater on December 24. While seeking shelter from the cold, the teen is discovered by the theater’s caretaker who uses the ghosts and spirits from the building’s past to turn her life around. Following the performance of the rock opera, 2023’s tour also boasts a rocking, blazing, and laser-lit second set containing more of TSO’s greatest hits, fan favorites, and surprises. If you are unable to attend, fans at home can watch a digitally restored The Ghosts of Christmas Eve on their local PBS station.

    For 27 years you have helped make Paul O’Neill’s TSO stories a part of your holiday tradition. And, for 27 years, our tradition has been to make every year’s tour better than the last for you. 2023 is no exception as this year’s tour will be the best ever. I can’t wait to see our ‘repeat offenders’ out at the shows and look forward to seeing the new faces as well.

    TSO music director and lead guitarist Al Pitrelli

    For New York TSO fans, TSO will be touring in Albany on November 29, Rochester on November 30, Buffalo on December 2, and Elmont on December 20. Be sure to grab tickets before they sell out if you plan to attend.

    Presales for TSO fan club members will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. local time and Friday, Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. local time. The public on-sale is set to begin on Friday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. local time. Beginning with the public on sale, special $39 tickets will be available for one week or while supplies last. Keeping with O’Neill’s character, TSO will give at least $1 from every ticket sold to charity. To date, more than $18 million has been donated by the group.

    Photo by Jason McEacher.

    For more details on tour dates and ticket sales, visit here.

    Nov. 15 – Green Bay, Wis. @ Resch Center – 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
    Nov. 15 – Council Bluffs, Iowa @ Mid-America Center – 7:30 PM
    Nov. 16 – Lincoln, Neb. @ Pinnacle Bank Arena – 7:30 PM
    Nov. 17 – Charleston, W.V. @ Charleston Coliseum – 7:30 PM
    Nov. 18 – Greenville, S.C. @ Bon Secours Wellness Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Nov. 18 – Denver, Colo. @ Ball Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Nov. 19 – Greensboro, N.C. @ Greensboro Coliseum – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Nov. 19 – Colorado Springs, Colo. @ Broadmoor World Arena – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Nov. 21 – Salt Lake City, Utah @ Delta Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Nov. 22 – Allentown, Pa. @ PPL Center – 7:30 PM
    Nov. 24 – Manchester, N.H. @ SNHU Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Nov. 24 – Spokane, Wash. @ Spokane Arena – 7:30 PM
    Nov. 25 – Worcester, Mass. @ DCU Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Nov. 25 – Seattle, Wash. @ Climate Pledge Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Nov. 26 – Uncasville, Ct. @ Mohegan Sun Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Nov. 26 – Portland, Ore. @ Moda Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Nov. 29 – Albany, N.Y. @ MVP Arena – 7:30 PM
    Nov. 29 – San Jose, Calif. @ SAP Center – 7:30 PM
    Nov. 30 – Rochester, N.Y. @ Blue Cross Arena – 7:30 PM
    Nov. 30 – Fresno, Calif. @ Save Mart Center – 7:30 PM
    Dec. 1 – Toledo, Ohio @ Huntington Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 1 – Sacramento, Calif. @ Golden 1 Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 2 – Buffalo, N.Y. @ KeyBank Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 2 – Ontario, Calif. @ Toyota Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 3 – Toronto, Ontario @ Scotiabank Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 3 – Phoenix, Ariz. @ Footprint Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 6 – Nashville, Tenn. @ Bridgestone Arena – 7:30 PM
    Dec. 6 – Wichita, Kan. @ INTRUST Bank Arena – 7:30 PM
    Dec. 7 – Knoxville, Tenn. @ Thompson-Boling Arena – 7:30 PM
    Dec. 7 – Oklahoma City, Okla. @ Paycom Center – 7:30 PM
    Dec. 8 – Columbia, S.C. @ Colonial Life Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 8 – Ft Worth, Texas @ Dickies Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 9 – Charlotte, N.C. @ Spectrum Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 9 – San Antonio, Texas @ AT&T Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 10 – Atlanta, Ga. @ Gas South Arena – 2:00 PM 7:30 PM
    Dec. 10 – Houston, Texas @ Toyota Center – 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 13 – Raleigh, N.C. @ PNC Arena – 7:30 PM
    Dec. 13 – New Orleans, La. @ Smoothie King Center – 7:30 PM
    Dec. 14 – Washington, D.C. @ Capital One Arena – 7:30 PM
    Dec. 14 – Memphis, Tenn. @ FedExForum – 7:30 PM
    Dec. 15 – Hershey, Pa. @ Giant Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 15 – Tulsa, Okla. @ BOK Center – 7:30 PM
    Dec. 16 – Pittsburgh, Pa. @ PPG Paints Arena – 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 16 – Kansas City, Mo. @ T-Mobile Center – 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 17 – Philadelphia, Pa. @ Wells Fargo Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 17 – St Louis, Mo. @ Enterprise Center – 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 20 – Elmont, N.Y. @ UBS Arena – 7:30 PM
    Dec. 20 – Birmingham, Ala. @ BJCC – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 21 – Wilkes-Barre, Pa. @ Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza – 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 21 – Jacksonville, Fla. @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena – 7:30 PM
    Dec. 22 – Cleveland, Ohio @ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 22 – Orlando, Fla. @ Amway Center – 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 23 – Detroit, Mich. @ Little Caesars Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 23 – Tampa, Fla. @ Amalie Arena – 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 26 – Grand Rapids, Mich. @ Van Andel Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 26 – Indianapolis, Ind. @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 27 – Milwaukee, Wis. @ Fiserv Forum – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 28 – Dayton, Ohio @ Nutter Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 28 – Chicago, Ill. @ Allstate Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 29 – Cincinnati, Ohio @ Heritage Bank Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 30 – Columbus, Ohio @ Nationwide Arena – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
    Dec. 30 – St. Paul, Minn. @ Xcel Energy Center – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM

  • Adirondack Independence Music Festival Continues to Bring the Jams Year After Year

    This year’s annual end-of-the-summer celebration of music in Lake George at the Adirondack Independence Music Festival saw two evenings with moe. and a one evening with Dark Star Orchestra. The three-day festival held over Labor Day Weekend saw day-long music with bands alternating between two main stages.

    Adirondack Independence Music Festival
    photo by Allison Marie

    The festival is always a smooth event, and as attendees we get to see the machinations of soundchecks and the work of loading and off-loading a stage, thanks to side-by-side stages. Emcee Jeff Morad from WEQX gave hourly hydration reminders as he thanked each band and announced the next act. The organization has it down, and it’s great to be there catching all the jams.

    Photo by Derek Java

    Day One saw a mix of regional and national acts. Standouts during the day were the always jammy Dogs in a Pile, a super fun band, and if you haven’t seen them, consider New Years Eve at Putnam Place. Keller Williams was blissful as always, starting his set with a great version of “Breathe.” Throughout a great loop-filled set (he is a master at building songs solo using loops), he dropped covers and originals, and standing out was a fun-filled “Freeker by the Speaker.” You can’t count any of the daytime bands out, though, as all day was filled with fun jams, people dancing, and bubbles floating through the air. Other daytime acts included Hilltop, Sophistafunk, Eggy, Lucid.

    Photo by Derek Java

    Headliners on Friday were the always incredible Dark Star Orchestra (DSO). Bringing an authentic sound to the date they reinterpreted, DSO channeled the Grateful Dead’s show on April 16, 1978 show from Huntington, WV, with clarity and wisdom. The sound was spot-on and the crowd danced and sang along all evening. We know the term “nostalgia act” gets some negative connotations, but for DSO, that is the mission, who make every show fun for spectators to guess the date of the show, and the more knowledgeable in the crowd can guess the direction the show is taking by the equipment being brought out by the players. Super fun evening with a classic Dead show performed by DSO.

    Photo by Derek Java

    Saturday of Adirondack Independence Music Festival saw more attendees and a continuation of killer music. Star-on-the-rise Karina Rykman brought the jams throughout her set, working off her new album, Joyride.

    For listeners at ADK Fest, the first half of her 60 minute set saw only three songs, as she and her two bandmates, Adam November on guitar and Chris Corsico on Drums, set the festival alight, taking risks and diving deep into the jammy sections of her bass-led compositions.

    Photo by Derek Java

    Saturday also had a particular reggae vibe to it. Roots of Creation brought their fiery dub-ska, blending a mythos of Bob Marley-esque roots with Grateful Dead covers including “Row Jimmy” and “Fire on the Mountain,” lots of fun for all seeing this band.

    Mihali brought his reggae vibe, too, bringing out a new tune or two, with Twiddle fans all smiles singing reggae-tinged Twiddle songs and Mihali’s own songs from his album Effection.

    Photo by Derek Java

    There was also a “foodie” aspect to the daytime bands on Ssaturday, with a blend of rock and jam by Creamery Station, Baked Shrimp, and stretching the metaphor, Melt. Fans of these bands and new listeners alike had a great day of music. Rounding out the daytime acts were Dumpstaphunk.

    photo by Chris De Cotis

    moe. has made ADK Fest the spiritual successor to moe.down, with a feel of Labor Day weekends spent in Turin at Snow Ridge Ski Resort throughout the weekend. Opening up with a pair of tunes usually played in reverse – “Okayalright” and “Wormwood” – moe. could have opted for “Not Coming Down” to complete the Wormwood trilogy, but shifted to “Downward Facing Dog” before inviting Ivan Neville from Dumpstaphunk to the stage for “Happy Hour Hero.”

    photo by Dave Decrescente

    Set 2 saw Mihali come to the stage for an intense and exploratory “Recreational Chemistry” (see video below), and moe. breaking out a set nearly full of old school songs, capped off with a classic “Jazz Wank” > “Buster.” For an encore, the addition of Nate Wilson to the lineup has led to the fresh covers making their appearance in the last two years, this evening including Traffic’s “Light Up or Leave Me Alone.”

    Set 1: Okayalright > Wormwood > Downward Facing Dog, Happy Hour Hero^, Yellow Tigers -> Mar-Dema > Brent Black
    Set 2: Recreational Chemistry* > Sensory Deprivation Bank > Seat Of My Pants > Ups And Downs, Jazz Wank > Buster
    Encore: Light Up Or Leave Me Alone, Spaz Medicine
    ^ With Ivan Neville on keys.
    * With Mihali on guitar.

    photo by Chris De Cotis

    Sunday saw Jimkata keep the crowd swaying in the sunshine and get pumped up for moe. later that evening. What made Jimkata’s performance even more remarkable was the fact that they had performed in Virginia for a late night show the evening before, making the seemingly impossible journey from Virginia to Adirondack Independence Music Festival for a mid-day performance a testament to their commitment to their fans.

    photo by Allison Marie
    photo by Allison Marie

    Neighbor graced the stage and dropped an instrumental cover of The Beatles/Joe Cocker’s “With a Little Help from my Friends. Prince Bowie featured Twiddle/Marble Eyes/Breakfast/Kung Fu drummer extraordinaire Adrian Tramontano on drums along with the Cool Cool Cool horns. Luke Bemand from lespecial joined the all star tribute group for Prince’s “Controversy.”

    For moe.’s weekend closing sets, they opened up with “Water” as a nod to Lake George, and closed the set with “Meat” featuring Schleigho guitarist Suke Cerulo joining his one-time bandmates. Set two had no let up, opening with a slow burn of “Tubing the River Styx” > “The Pit”, a cover of Allman Brothers Band’s “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” – featuring Neighbor/Pink Talking Fish keyboardist Ricky James – followed by “Silver Sun” and a solid 1-2 punch of “George” and “Lazarus.” An encore of “Gone” and “Plane Crash” capped a fantastic weekend of music in Lake George, an annual affair made for a band like moe. and live music fans from across the Northeast.

    photo by Frankie Cavone

    Set 1:Water, ATL, Don’tcha Know, In Stride, Skrunk, Meat^
    Set 2:Tubing The River Styx > The Pit, In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed2, Silver Sun, George, Lazarus
    Encore: Gone, Plane Crash
    ^ With Suke Cerulo on guitar
    * With Ricky James on keys

  • Albany’s 21st Annual Riverfront Jazz Festival Returns this Weekend

    The City of Albany’s 21st Annual Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival will kick off on Saturday, September 9th. The all-day free event will begin at 12 pm at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch under the 787 bridge. Five live acts will take the stage throughout the day, concluding at 8 pm with a fireworks display. 

    Albany Jazz Festival

    Since the debut event in 2002, the City of Albany Jazz Festival features an eclectic array of musical greats, acclaimed up-and-coming artists, as well as local favorites. The festival features food, beverages, and great vendors for all ages. Admission is free.

    Local favorites include Kevin McNeal, an Albany native, who excels in the local jazz scene. He leads his group, BluesWing, for the first live performance of the event.

    Kevin McNeal

    In addition to music, the Henry Johnson Award for Distinguished Community Services will be presented to Valerie Alexander-Moseley. Alexander-Moseley is a local community leader with a passion for economic and social justice throughout West Hill and the city of Albany.

    Ground rules for the event include no glass, animals, or recording of performances. All City of Albany parks are now curb-to-curb tobacco-free and marijuana-free. In the event of inclement weather, the Jazz Festival will be held at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch. More information and updates are available at albanyevents.org.

    2023 Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival Lineup

    12:30pm – Kevin McNeal & BluesWing

    2:00pm – Ashley Keiko

    3:30pm – Roni Kaspi

    4:30pm – Henry Johnson Award Presentation

    5:00pm – The String Queens

    6:30pm – Rebirth Brass Band

    8:00pm – Fireworks Show

  • Fall Out Boy Announce 2024 Co-Headline Tour with Jimmy Eat World, Coming to MSG and MVP Arena

    Fall Out Boy has announced the second leg of their “So Much For (Tour) Dust,” now named “So Much For (2our) Dust,” with rockers Jimmy Eat World, coming to MSG and the MVP Arena in March 2024.

    Fall Out Boy is one of the biggest-selling rock bands. The group is comprised of vocalist Patrick Stump, bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz, drummer Andy Hurley, and guitarist Joe Trohman, who after taking a short hiatus from the group, is back full-time.

    Formed in Chicago in 2001, the group has released several albums over the years that have become a staple in the emo community. Their seventh studio album MANIA debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in January 2018 and garnered a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Album. Other records that have done well on Billboard charts include 2015’s AMERICAN BEAUTY/AMERICAN PSYCHO and 2013’s Save Rock and Roll, whose song “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)” went multi-platinum.

    Photo by Joshua Davis for NYS Music.

    Their first U.S. run over the summer celebrating the release of their newest record So Much (for) Stardust, proved to be a success, coming to places like Darien Lake and Forest Hills. Much like the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, which featured surprise songs every night, FOB did their own rendition, adding the Magic 8 Ball to their set. The ball would pick a song the band would play that night, and many of them hadn’t been played in over a decade, or never played live before.

    fans were eager to see what came from the group next. After fans spotted the group dropping merch with “So Much For (2our) Dust,” on it a few weeks ago, the tour announcement didn’t come as much of a surprise, however, the addition of rock band Jimmy Eat World was unprecedented, yet equally as exciting.

    Jimmy Eat World has just come off of a joint tour with Manchester Orchestra, and they released the single “Place Your Debts” in 2022. Also joining FOB on this momentous tour are rock bands The Maine, Hot Mulligan, Daisy Grenade, Games We Play (who was also an opener on the first leg), and Carr.

    The group will stop at Madison Square Garden on March 22, and surprisingly at MVP Arena in Albany on March 24. Those lucky enough to be in the official Fall Out Boy discord server (which only opens up for seconds at a time for fans to join) will receive a presale code at 9:30 a.m. local on Sept. 13 to purchase tickets. Don’t fret though, you can join the group’s mailing list, receiving a code to purchase tickets at 10 a.m. local on Sept. 13. General sale is on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. local.

    For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit here.

    Fall Out Boy 2023-2024 Tour Dates:
    10/17 – Warsaw, PL @ COS Torwar
    10/18 – Prague, CZ @ Sportovni Hala Fortuna
    10/20 – Milan, IT @ Mediolanum Forum
    10/21 – Munich, DE @ Zenith
    10/23 – Paris, FR @ Zénith
    10/24 – Amsterdam, NL @ AFAS Live
    10/25 – Brussels, BE @ Forest National
    10/27 – Leeds, UK @ First Direct Arena
    10/28 – Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro
    10/29 – Manchester, UK @ AO Arena
    10/31 – Birmingham, UK @ Utilita Arena Birmingham
    11/02 – London, UK @ The O2
    11/03 – London, UK @ The O2
    11/04 – Cardiff, UK @ Cardiff International Arena
    11/06 – Oberhausen, DE @ Rudolf Weber-Arena
    11/07 – Hamburg, DE @ Barclays Arena
    11/08 – Berlin, DE @ Max-Schmeling-Halle
    12/01 – Melbourne, AU @ Flemington Racecourse
    12/02 – Sydney, AU @ Centennial Park
    12/03 – Brisbane, AU @ Brisbane Showgrounds
    12/06 – Bangkok, TH @ Thunder Dome
    02/28 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center *
    03/01 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena *
    03/03 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center *
    03/04 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center *
    03/07 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena *
    03/08 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center *
    03/11 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center *
    03/13 – Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at The BJCC *
    03/15 – Orlando, FL @ Amway Center *
    03/16 – Jacksonville, FL @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena *
    03/19 – Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena *
    03/20 – Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena *
    03/22 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden *
    03/24 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena *
    03/26 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena *
    03/27 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena *
    03/29 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center *
    03/30 – Lexington, KY @ Rupp Arena *
    03/31 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena *
    04/02 – Milwaukee, WI @ Fiserv Forum *
    04/03 – Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena *
    04/05 – Omaha, NE @ CHI Health Center Arena *
    04/06 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center *

    * = w/ Jimmy Eat World

  • Elemental View Boasts Innovative New Instrument At EMPAC’s Concert Hall This October

    “Elemental View,” an innovative orchestral piece performed by Ellen Fullman and The Living Earth Show, will host a performance on October 24 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s EMPAC Concert Hall.

    Ellen Fullman and her Long String Instrument
    Photo: Robert Szkolnicki

    “Elemental View” is a work in six movements by pioneering composer Ellen Fullman. She wrote it for her Long String Instrument, which she designed in 1980. The instrument is installed in an industrial sized space with 136 strings, tuned and configured precisely for this piece. Through this instrument, the piece immerses the audience, akin to standing inside a giant musical instrument. The result is music both ancient and utterly new, environmental, and with a folk-like orchestral sound. Fullman performs the piece with The Living Earth Show, who hold a multi-season residency at EMPAC.

    Fullman’s Long String Instrument boasts strings from wall-to-wall of the gymnasium-like space. She plucks, bows, and glides her fingers across the strings lengthwise to create sound, as it reverberates through the hall. As she walks along the strings, tones unfold at different rates in proportion to string length, creating a wave of different musical undertones. Further, the notation for the Long String Instrument consists of indications of both tempo and spacial movement for the artist, as specific harmonies and tones emerge at different locations along the length of the strings.

    Invention and discovery are key features of Fullman’s display, as she shows off multiple custom tools to produce new sounds. Fullman designed and created the box bow, shovelette, and shoveler, which play three, six, or nine strings at once. Varying techniques with these tools produce ringing or closed sounds, as Fullman and her ensemble move through the instrument.

    Ellen Fullman and The Living Earth Show perform Elemental View

    In addition to the Long String Instrument, Fullman and The Living Earth Show include more traditional musical techniques. In movements such as “Environmental Memory,” the group uses Travis Andrew’s guitar, as well as Andy Meyerson’s native percussion skills on pieces of the Long String Instrument.

    The presentation continues The Living Earth Show’s multi-season residency at EMPAC, showing engaging, large-scale art and working closely alongside artists. The Living Earth Show functions as a megaphone and canvas for the world’s most progressive artists, pushing the boundaries of technical and artistic possibility. The group amplifies voices, perspectives, and bodies previously excluded while showcasing exciting art to the community.

    “Elemental View” will be performed at EMPAC Concert Hall on October 24 at 8PM. Tickets and more information are available here.

  • Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band Reschedule Albany Date

    Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band have postponed all performances currently scheduled for September 2023, beginning with Thursday’s show scheduled for the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse.

    Mr. Springsteen is being treated for symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and the decision of his medical advisors is that he should postpone the remainder of his September shows. 

    Springsteen made the following comment:

    “Over here on E Street, we’re heartbroken to have to postpone these shows. First, apologies to our fabulous Philly fans who we missed a few weeks ago. We’ll be back to pick these shows up and then some. Thank you for your understanding and support. We’ve been having a blast at our US shows and we’re looking forward to more great times. We’ll be back soon.  
    Love and God bless all,
    Bruce”

    Ticketholders will receive information regarding rescheduled dates for the postponed shows, which are listed below. 

    The new date for his Albany show is for April 15, 2024.

    Thurs, September 7 – Syracuse, NY @ JMA Wireless Dome
    Sat, September 9 – Baltimore, MD @ Oriole Park at Camden Yards
    Tues, September 12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
    Thurs, September 14 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
    Sat, September 16 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
    Tues, September 19 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena
    Thurs, September 21 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
    Fri, September 29 – Washington, DC @ Nationals Park