NYS Music 2023

Category: Capital Region

  • Saratoga Arts Announces “Tis The Season,” Featuring Cassandra Kubinski and More

    Saratoga Arts and local singer/songwriters have teamed up to present “Tis the Season”, a concert event featuring holiday classic songs, original songs, and a VIP reception in the Saratoga Arts gallery and atrium. 

    Saratoga Arts’ mission is to enrich the region by cultivating a vibrant arts community and ensuring the arts are accessible to all. It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, relying on the support of members, friends, and community. In its 30+ years, Saratoga Arts has brought the arts to over one million people through its programs and provided performing and visual artists the opportunity to earn over $3,000,000 in art sales and performance fees.

    The concert features Billboard-charting artist Cassandra Kubinski, who recently released her piano-driven EP, The Saratoga Sessions, with a sold-out show at Caffe Lena. She was described as “very similar to the singer/songwriters of the late 70’s…proves that the genre (singer/songwriter) can still be transcendent,” by Billy Joel. Previous performances include opening slots for the Goo Goo Dolls, 10,000 Maniacs, Dickie Betts, Anna Nalick, and others. Expect song selections from the EP, as well as songs from her Billboard-charting holiday album Holiday Magic.

    “Tis The Season” also features Marcus Ruggiero. With his deep gravelly voice and insistent acoustic guitar playing, he writes thematic songs about love, tragedy, spirit, and redemption. Notable performances include Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie, opening for national bands in Albany, Caffé Lena, the famous Bluebird Café in Nashville, and more. He also has an award-winning song in the movie The New Weapon on Netflix and is currently the lead in The Johnny Cash Express.

    The final performers are Ria Curley with special guest Chuck Lamb, her talented music partner, and her cherished husband. Her music has been described as a “retro-hip mix of poignant, melodic rock and sultry, romantic R&B.” She has 22 of her original songs signed to publishing giant Warner Chappell Music, Int’l, released the critically acclaimed album Take Me, and has airplay in cities such as NYC, Albany, Denver, and LA. She also has appeared on multiple soap operas and taught the legendary actor Jimmy Stewart the finale dance routine for the Night of 100 Stars TV special at Radio City Music Hall.

    Chuck Lamb has been the pianist for the renowned Brubeck Brothers Quartet for two decades and has composed for and played with the Quartet all over the world, including at the Newport Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center, and more. Since 2017, he has been the artist-in-residence for the popular monthly “Jazz at Caffe Lena” series in Saratoga Springs, where he has hosted and performed with jazz greats such as Joe Locke, Chico Freeman, Dick Oatts, and many others.

    Ria Curley and Chuck Lamb.

    Tickets are $35 VIP and $25 General Admission, available here.

  • Hearing Aide: Moments Before…, LikeTheAstronaut

    Four-piece group LikeTheAstronaut released their debut EP, titled Moments Before…. The EP explores electro-pop, folk, and alternative styles throughout the five unique tracks.

    Moments Before... by LikeTheAstronaut

    The title track of the EP, “Moments Before…” includes key talents in the vocal effects, showcasing the band’s effective collaboration. In addition, it features heartfelt and melancholy lyrics, which add powerful emotion to the opening track.

    “Slumber Still” evokes similarities from electronic synth pop, but with a slower beat and swaying melody. Not only does it have a catchy, droning backtrack, it shows promising room for more development in the synth production.

    LikeTheAstronaut’s Moments Before… began with John Glenn, as a passion project following the passing of his father and the birth of his child. The collection explores the emotions coming with those events, through folk, electro-pop, and alternative musical influences.

    LikeTheAstronaut

    LikeTheAstronaut formed in Albany, with the collaboration of Dave Parker (Stellar Young, Weerd Science, Coheed & Cambria), John Glenn (Stellar Young), Josh Eppard (Coheed & Cambria) and Kyle Hatch (Stellar Young). The musicians work together as a seamless group, forming a promising band with an upward trajectory.

  • The Grandstand Jockey’s, Sime Gezus, and Josh Morris Featured on This Week’s EQXposure

    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 The Grandstand Jockey’s, Sime Gezus, and Josh Morris.

    The Grandstand Jockey’s, Sime Gezus, and Josh Morris on EQXposure.

    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.

    The Grandstand Jockeys – “Gun”

    The Grandstand Jockeys are from Waterford, New York, combining hard-edge rock with pop sensibilities. Their newest EP &​$​how is out now. “Gun” from the EP will be played on EQXposure.

    Sime Gesuz -“What’s Your Problem”

    “I’m laid-back, the quieter dude in the room, just chilling,” said Simon Grimes. Since 2004, Grimes has produced and rhymed under the name Sime Gezus. He hosts a weekly radio show on WSPN College-based 91.1 FM to promote local and underground hip-hop. “What’s Your Problem” is out now.

    Josh Morris – “Ready For Your Love”

    Hailing from NYC, Josh Morris has cultivated an identity all his own while taking inspiration from artists such as The 1975, Jeff Buckley, and Pearl Jam. Concealed underneath his playful lyrics are conversations we should all be engaging in. The music itself is consistently supported by thoughtfully executed production and laser-focused performances. His first single “Ready For Your Love” is out now.

  • Hearing Aide: The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Stephen Clair

    Stephen Clair released his newest album, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, on November 17. A one-man recording production, the record showcases 11 songs with complete performances, meaning no edits or post-production re-dos. 

    Stephen Clair's The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life

    Stephen Clair began releasing music in 1997, but his musical career began long before. Citing Johnny Cash as a childhood influence, Clair recorded his newest record as a solo production, with the performances being only him and his guitar or piano. His tenth studio record, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is not one to miss.

    The record’s fifth track, “Days Passed,” shows off Clair’s proficiency in guitar picking and instrumentation. The vocals are a distinct, contrasting note, with a higher melody and Dylan-like tone and rhythm. It stands out as a more confident spot on the album.

    The eighth track on the album, “I Imagined I Was An Elevator,” stands out creatively, with an intriguing title and subject. The melody falters at points, but the vocal style brings flair to a simple singer-songwriter track, with just Clair and his guitar.

    The tenth track, and another one not to miss, “Bubble Bath,” begins with a hopeful chord progression and soothing guitar melodies. Not only is the music soothing, but the lyrics describe an oasis away from the world, with a cozy bubble bath for the listener.

    Stephen Clair Photo Credit: Hillary Clements
    Photo Credit: Hillary Clements

    The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is Stephen Clair’s tenth full length album, available everywhere on November 17.

    Stephen Clair upcoming shows in New York State

    November 17 – Beacon – Howland Cultural Center

    November 18 – Roscoe – Catskill Brewery

    December 20 – NYC – Rockwood Music Hall

    Tickets and more information are available here.

  • Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire 2024 “Heart and Soul” Tour – Jones Beach and SPAC dates

    In an extraordinary musical alliance, the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago, two of the most celebrated and successful bands in music history, are set to reignite the stage with their iconic co-headlining tour across North America, the Heart & Soul 2024 Tour.

    This tour promises an unforgettable night of music that brings together the timeless melodies of Chicago and the iconic repertoire of Earth, Wind & Fire. The tour, spanning 30 cities, kicks off in St. Louis, MO, on July 10, and features a special stop at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY, on Sunday, July 28, followed by an electrifying performance at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, on Saturday, August 3, 2024.

    Earth, Wind & Fire

    This tour is still proof of the timeless appeal and extraordinary talent of two of the most recognizable musical groups in America, having sold over 200 million albums, earned 11 GRAMMY® awards, and received nearly 30 nominations between them. Billboard describes Chicago as “one of the most successful American rock bands of all time, in terms of both albums and singles,” having consistently filled arenas with satisfied fans. Earth, Wind & Fire, a funk-fusion powerhouse, has left an indelible mark on the sound and history of popular music, according to Rolling Stone. Both bands have received the highest honor with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Chicago in 2016 and Earth, Wind & Fire in 2000.

    HEART AND SOUL 2024 TOUR DATES

    – Wed Jul 10 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    – Fri Jul 12 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena

    – Sat Jul 13 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

    – Tue Jul 16 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center

    – Wed Jul 17 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    – Fri Jul 19 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

    – Sat Jul 20 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    – Tue Jul 23 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

    – Wed Jul 24 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC

    – Sat Jul 27 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    – Sun Jul 28 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

    – Tue Jul 30 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater

    – Wed Jul 31 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    – Fri Aug 02 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    – Sat Aug 03 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

    – Mon Aug 12 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

    – Tue Aug 13 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    – Fri Aug 16 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    – Sat Aug 17 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    – Mon Aug 19 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

    – Tue Aug 20 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    – Fri Aug 23 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

    – Sat Aug 24 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

    – Mon Aug 26 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena

    – Thu Aug 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center

    – Sat Aug 31 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

    – Sun Sep 01 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord

    – Tue Sep 03 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

    – Fri Sep 06 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum

    – Sat Sep 07 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena

    Ticket sales kick off with a Citi presale beginning on Tuesday, November 14. Additional presales will run throughout the week leading up to the general on-sale starting on Friday, November 17 at 10 am at EarthWindAndFire.com and ChicagoTheBand.com

    From the infectious beats of “Let’s Groove” to the timeless rock anthems of Chicago, this tour is a celebration of musical history, cultural impact, and the shared memories that these iconic bands have created over the years.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lzgNh9qXdA

  • Sesame Street Live! Say Hello Tour Hits the Road in 2024 with 6 Stops Across New York

    In the world of family fun, Sesame Street has been a go-to for decades. Now, get ready for something extra special as Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and the whole Sesame Street gang hit the road in the brand-new live production, Sesame Street Live! Say Hello.

    This musical road trip is set to hit cities all across the U.S. and Canada, bringing the magic of Sesame Street to life starting in April 2024.

    Sesame Street Live! Say Hello promises more than just a show – it’s an interactive musical adventure. Join in the fun as your favorite characters come to life on stage. Expect surprises, laughter, and all the timeless magic of Sesame Street. This is an experience that goes beyond the screen, bringing the heartwarming spirit of Sesame Street to a live and tangible stage.

    This tour is no small affair, hitting major cities from Portland, ME, to Vancouver, and everywhere in between. The kickoff is at Merrill Auditorium in Portland on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, and the fun won’t stop until it’s made its way through more than 50 cities.

    SESAME STREET LIVE! SAY HELLO TOUR DATES:

    Tuesday, Apr. 16 – Merrill Auditorium – Portland, ME

    Wednesday, Apr. 17 – Lowell Memorial Auditorium – Lowell, MA

    Thursday, Apr. 18 – Palace Theatre – Albany, NY

    Friday, Apr. 19 & Saturday, Apr. 20 – Emerson Colonial Theatre – Boston, MA

    Sunday, Apr. 21 – Toyota Oakdale Theater – Wallingford, CT

    Wednesday, Apr. 23 – The Forum – Binghamton, NY

    Tuesday, Apr. 24 – KeyBank State Theatre – Cleveland, OH

    Thursday, Apr. 25 – Landmark Theatre – Syracuse, NY

    Friday, Apr. 26 & Saturday, Apr. 27 – Benedum Center for the Performing Arts – Pittsburgh, PA

    Sunday, Apr. 28 – Palace Theatre – Stamford, CT

    Tuesday, Apr. 30 – Shea’s Performing Arts Center – Buffalo, NY

    Wednesday, May 1 – Kodak Center for the Performing Arts – Rochester, NY

    Thursday, May 2 – PPL Center – Allentown, PA

    Friday, May 3 & Saturday, May 4 – Kings Theatre – Brooklyn, NY

    Sunday, May 5 – State Theatre New Jersey – New Brunswick, NJ

    Tuesday, May 7 – Appalachian Wireless Arena – Pikeville, KY

    Wednesday, May 8 – Charleston Municipal Auditorium – Charleston, WV

    Thursday, May 9 – Stranahan Theater – Toledo, OH

    Friday, May 10 – Embassy Theatre – Fort Wayne, IN

    Saturday, May 11 – Taft Theatre – Cincinnati, OH

    Sunday, May 12 – Clowes Memorial Hall – Indianapolis, IN

    Tuesday, May 14 – Adler Theatre – Davenport, IA

    Wednesday, May 15 – Rialto Square Theater – Joliet, IL

    Thursday, May 16 – DECC Symphony Hall – Duluth, MN

    Friday, May 17 & Saturday, May 18 – State Theatre – Minneapolis, MN

    Sunday, May 19 – Scheels Arena – Fargo, ND

    Tuesday, May 21 – MetraPark Arena – Billings, MT

    Wednesday, May 22 – Adams Center – Missoula, MT

    Thursday, May 23 – First Interstate Center for the Arts – Spokane, WA

    Friday, May 24 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, BC

    Saturday, May 25 – Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, WA

    Sunday, May 26 – Keller Auditorium – Portland, OR

    Tuesday, May 28 – Toyota Center – Kennewick, WA

    Wednesday, May 29 – Ford Idaho Center – Nampa, ID

    Friday, May 31 – Eccles Theater – Delta Hall – Salt Lake City, UT

    Saturday, Jun. 1 – Orleans Arena – Las Vegas, NV

    Sunday, Jun. 2 – City National Civic – San Jose, CA

    Tuesday, Jun. 4 – Bob Hope Theatre – Stockton, CA

    Wednesday, Jun. 5 – SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center – Sacramento, CA

    Thursday, Jun. 6 – Reno Events Center – Reno, NV

    Friday, Jun. 7 & Saturday, Jun. 8 – The Curran Theatre – San Francisco, CA

    Sunday, Jun. 9 – Kavli Theatre (Bank of America Performing Arts Center) – Thousand Oaks, CA

    Wednesday, Jun. 12 – Mechanics Bank Theater – Bakersfield, CA

    Friday, Jun. 14 & Saturday, Jun. 15 – Terrace Theater – Long Beach, CA

    Sunday, Jun. 16 – Fox Performing Arts Center – Riverside, CA

    Tuesday, Jun. 18 – Saroyan Theatre – Fresno, CA

    Wednesday, Jun. 19 – San Diego Civic Theatre – San Diego, CA

    Thursday, Jun. 20 – Linda Ronstadt Music Hall – Tucson, AZ

    Friday, Jun. 21 – Findlay Toyota Center – Prescott Valley, AZ

    Saturday, Jun. 22 – Arizona Federal Theatre – Phoenix, AZ

    Sunday, Jun. 23 – Abraham Chavez Theatre – El Paso, TX

    Tuesday, Jun. 25 – Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center – Midland, TX

    Wednesday, Jun. 26 – Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium – Amarillo, TX

    Thursday, Jun. 27 – Rio Rancho Events Center – Rio Rancho, NM

    Friday, Jun. 28 – Pueblo Memorial Hall – Pueblo, CO

    Saturday, Jun. 29 – United Wireless Arena – Dodge City, KS

    Sunday, Jun. 30 – Budweiser Events Center – Loveland, CO

    Tickets for this musical journey go on sale Friday, November 17th, with early access starting Tuesday, November 14th. Don’t miss out – head to SesameStreetLive.com to snag your tickets. This event is for everyone, from the littlest fans to those young at heart.

    For the most up-to-date information visit SesameStreetLive.com

  • Sammy Hagar will Drive 55 to SPAC with “The Best of All Worlds” Tour

    Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar today announced the long-awaited “The Best of All Worlds” 2024 tour, where Hagar will be joined by rock heavyweights and longtime bandmates Michael Anthony (bass, backing vocals), Jason Bonham (drums) and Joe Satriani (guitar). In addition to Sammy Hagar, the tour will also feature special guests Loverboy, the 28-date tour will feature a stop at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on July 22, performing on the Broadview Stage.

    Hagar has some history near Saratoga Springs, one that is captured in “I Can’t Drive 55.” The former Van Halen front man shared in 2019 how a drive on I-87 North was the inspiration behind the song after he was pulled over for speeding on a drive from Albany to Lake Placid.

    The tour follows on the heels of the chart-topping success of THE COLLECTION II, the box set released October 6 featuring newly remastered versions of the four consecutive #1 albums released during the Hagar era of Van Halen: 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), FOR UNLAWFUL CARNAL KNOWLEDGE (1991), and BALANCE (1995). A reminder to fans of the arsenal of hits, many which haven’t been played live since the band’s 2004 reunion tour.

    sammy hagar I can't drive 55

    Collectively, Anthony, Satriani and Bonham have played together in nearly every phase of Hagar’s career including Van Halen, Chickenfoot and The Circle, so fans can expect a setlist which draws from some of the biggest rock anthems of the last 4-decades, including, Finish What Ya Started, 5150, Your Love is Driving Me Crazy, Best of Both Worlds, Poundcake, Sexy Little Thing, One Way To Rock, Right Now, Good Enough, Eagles Fly and more. They’ve also enlisted legendary Australian musician, Rai Thistlethwayte on keyboard and backing vocals. The tour represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this band of brothers deliver one of the most legendary hits-packed live shows of their career.

    It’s crazy to think that it’ll be 20 years since Mikey and I played these songs with Van Halen on the 04’ Best of Both Worlds Tour. With Joe on board, we can take a deeper dive into those years. We’re going to touch on some hits from my entire career but seeing fans old and new really embrace the new collection set off something in Mikey and I. We were at my Birthday Bash in Cabo for my 76th and looked at each other and high fived, like ‘let’s do it.’ We pulled out a couple of them and it was an instant lovefest with the fans from our first riffs. The music we created is going to outlive us all. They deserve to be heard so it’s time we go out and serve the fans that music, while we still can.

    Sammy Hagar

    Pre-sales begin Wednesday, November 15 at 10 am. General on-sale begins on Friday, November 17 at 10 am. For tickets and more details, go to RedRocker.com.

    Sammy Hagar The Best of All Worlds 2024 Tour Dates

    July 13 West Palm Beach, FL               iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    July 14 Tampa, FL                                MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre        

    July 16 Alpharetta, GA                         Ameris Bank Amphitheatre                             

    July 19 Charlotte, NC                           PNC Music Pavilion

    July 20 Bristow, VA                              Jiffy Lube Live

    July 22 Saratoga Springs, NY               Saratoga Performing Arts Center                     

    July 24 Bridgeport, CT                         Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater                  

    July 26, Mansfield, MA                        Xfinity Center

    July 27 Holmdel, NJ                              PNC Bank Arts Center                          

    July 29 Cuyahoga Falls, OH                  Blossom Music Center                         

    July 31 Toronto, ON                               Budweiser Stage                                  

    August 2 Clarkston, MI                          Pine Knob Music Theatre

    August 3 Tinley Park, IL                        Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre 

    August 9 Las Vegas, NV                        MGM Grand Garden Arena                                   

    August 11 Morrison, CO                         Red Rocks Amphitheatre                     

    August 13 Spokane, WA                         Airway Heights, WA BECU Live at Northern Quest

    August 14 Ridgefield, WA                      RV Inn Style Resort Amphitheater                   

    August 16 Wheatland, CA                      Toyota Amphitheatre

    August 17 Concord, CA                         Toyota Pavilion at Concord                  

    August 19 Los Angeles, CA                    Kia Forum

    August 20 Phoenix, AZ                           Talking Stick Resorts Amphitheatre    

    August 22 Dallas, TX                              Dos Equis Pavilion

    August 23 Houston, TX                            Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion         

    August 25 Rogers, AR                              Walmart AMP              

    August 27 Cincinnati, OH                         Riverbend Music Center

    August 28 Nashville, TN                           Bridgestone Arena                               

    August 30 Noblesville, IN                         Ruoff Music Center

    August 31 St. Louis, MO                          Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

  • Fingers of Gold: Holly Bowling plays Lark Hall, begins Fall Tour

    A brisk fall night on Lark Street was warm and inviting at The Eleven, celebrating its grand opening with a fitting artist upstairs at Lark Hall, pianist Holly Bowling.

    the eleven lark
    photo by Zak Radick

    Much has changed in the past decade since Bowling began playing solo shows, having transcribed and performed Phish jams (not just songs, the improv sections too) and gave fresh takes on the catalog of the Grateful Dead, even having appearances with Phil Lesh as one of his friends.

    holly bowling lark hall

    Bowling now enters her second decade of live performances with an evolving solo career in the jam scene, having branched out into Ghost Light with Tom Hamilton and company, played regularly with Greensky Bluegrass, taken part in the immersive Musical Sojourns in Portugal this past October, and brought to life the ever unique Wilderness Series – performing at beautiful vistas within and around our National Park System.

    holly bowling lark hall

    The past decade has been a whirlwind of growth and opportunities, including giving birth to her and husband Jeffery’s first child. Holly Bowling has been about as busy as one can, and shares how she has worked towards finding balance with it all:

    One thing I took away from the pandemic was a new acceptance of how to be creative in touring and that there’s a lot of different ways to play music for people. You have to do what makes sense for the situation you find yourself in at that particular time, whether it’s finding ways to create and play music when all the venues are shut down or finding ways to tour that make sense as a parent of a young child. I’m not sure I’d say I’ve figured out how to balance it all. I think finding balance of any kind is a challenge for most touring musicians. It’s a constantly evolving process, and I have to keep reminding myself to find ways to make it work for what my life is today and that what works today isn’t necessarily going to be what worked before or what’s going to work five years from now. And that’s fine – maybe even good.

    Holly Bowling

    On this evening, Bowling took the stage and performed as she always has, with focus and attention to detail, showing no signs of slowing down a well-paced musical career. Bowling last played Lark Hall with Ghost Light in October 2022, and sought out owner Jennifer Miller to plan a show in the future, with November 11th – 11/11 – being the best date for a show, adding in a nod to the Grateful Dead in the process.

    With tube lighting on either side of the stage, a mirror ball above and four colored spots shining down and moving slowly along with the tempo, the stage was set, a grand piano and bench awaiting Bowling.

    The first set featured the entire “Terrapin Station” suite, broken up into two sections, opening up with the first half of the song, “Lady with a Fan” and “Terrapin Station,” deep and layered, neatly falling into Phish’s “Fast Enough For You,” with the addition of looping to give the Rift track a new twist. 30 minutes later, the audience offered rousing applause.

    With the use of effects pedals processing the piano sound, Bowling illuminated the improvisation jam that led from “About to Run”, and found its way into the rest of the “Terrapin Station” suite, “At a Siding” and “Terrapin Flyer,” finally ending the set with an ever-gorgeous “Divided Sky.” The emergence of a greater scope of sounds from the piano – whether it be with mallets, e-bows, fishing line or pedals – adds depth to the music. Said Bowling, “The piano has always been the instrument that can be closest to a full orchestra and I just want to play with as many sounds as possible.”

    The second set opened with a heavy “St. Stephen” where Bowling explored the most familiar parts of the song using a tribal synth sound via manipulation of the inner piano strings, creating a hypnotic trance (accentuated briefly by a police siren wailing down the street.) “William Tell Bridge” developed out of this trance, Bowling playing the inner strings again, the pair of songs harkening the call of “The Eleven,” which would show up promptly at 10:11 (that’s 11:11 without DST). A song very rarely played by Bowling, “The Eleven” gave way to Phish’s “If I Could,” an emotional composition in its own right, and with light internal plucking and looping, Bowling summoned the intro of “Theme From the Bottom,” which took deep turns and twists, eventually fading into “Morning Dew” to close the set.

    “Waste” would fall into the encore slot, with Bowling greeting and talking to fans after the show, everyone filing downstairs through The Eleven where Quantum Cosmic Trio continued on with the celebration of a grand opening, a grand performance and a grand pianist.

    Holly Bowling – Lark Hall, Albany – Saturday, November 11, 2023

    Set 1: Terrapin Station Suite -> Fast Enough For You, About to Run -> Terrapin Station Suite -> Divided Sky
    Set 2: St. Stephen -> William Tell Bridge -> The Eleven -> If I Could, Theme from the Bottom -> Morning Dew
    Encore: Waste

    holly bowling lark hall

  • Free Music at Noon Series Returns to Troy

    The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s Music at Noon series has returned for the 2023-2024 season with The Lost Radio Rounders on Oct. 10. The rest of the year brings an eclectic lineup to the venue, featuring a wide variety of acts.

    Carl Gutowski & Yalin Chi.

    Since 1988, on the second Tuesday of each month from October to May, the free Music at Noon concert series has presented exceptional musicians with diverse musical styles. Returning in full swing on Nov. 14 is Carl Gutowski, a flutist based in the Hudson Valley and Cape Cod who has been performing in solo and chamber music settings for over 30 years. When he isn’t creating music he is a Software Engineer with nearly 30 years of experience developing software systems for air traffic control, publishing, education, e-commerce, and finance.

    Joining him is pianist Yalin Chi from Beijing, China, who made her debut with the Central Opera Orchestra before moving to the United States to study at Interlochen Arts Academy. She has performed and worked with musicians from across the globe, and studied at Julliard for her undergraduate and master’s degrees.

    Other performances at the Music at Noon series include singer/songwriter Alan Goldberg, performing a mix of originals and covers on Dec. 12. On Jan. 9, the Vermont-based Woodwind ensemble Heliand Consort performs, featuring a pre-show workshop titled “Explore Double Reeds & Piano: Demonstration & Instrument Petting Zoo.” Students will learn about chamber music and each instrument: piano, oboe, and bassoon, and how each of them operates. The workshop is free, register here.

    On Feb. 13, Korean classical fusion group CelloGayageum performs, with a free preshow workshop titled “Exploring Cello & Gayageum through Korean Folk Music,” where students learn about Korean culture through sing-alongs and immersive activities. Musicians Yvonne Chavez Hansbrough, Young Kim, and Paul Quigley perform at Music at Noon on March 12, featuring the flute, guitar, and piano.

    April 9 brings Spira, a group made up of Jamecyn Morey, violin, Brittany Zellman, viola, David Bebe, cello, and Chrysi Nanou, piano. There is a free pre-show workshop titled “Explore Bowed String Instruments and Piano: Demonstration & Instrument Petting Zoo,” showcasing their respective instruments.

    The final Music at Noon performance is on May 14 with Findlay Cockrell, an 87-year-old pianist, who taught music and performed at UAlbany and throughout the whole capital District, retiring from the university after 40 years in 2006.

    For more information about Music at Noon or the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s upcoming programs visit here.

  • The Park Theater Introduces November Lineup And New Education Program

    The Park Theater in Glens Falls has compiled an exciting November 2023 lineup for the region’s music-goers, as well as announced the second installment of their education initiative, involving local schools to expand music and technology education programs.

    Education Program at The Park Theater

    November 10 will see the TAKE3 trio at The Park Theater, combining rock and classical music. The group brings their rigorous classical music background, combined with an energetic rock show to music fans.

    The Park Theater Foundation will present the Live & Local series, a run of intimate performances by some of the Capital Region’s most beloved singer-songwriters. The Theater will host The North & South Dakotas, an alternative bluegrass band, on November 9, and folk-acoustic Troy group Hold On Honeys on November 30.

    In addition, the Park Theater will host the Rochmon Record Club in a series of listening parties. On November 29, the club will focus on Bruce Springsteen’s 1978 record, Darkness on the Edge of Town.

    The Third Thursday Jazz series will continue with the Matt Niedbalski Trio on November 16, featuring Matt Niedbalski, Matt Knoegel, and Steven Kirsty playing some of the region’s best jazz programs.

    The North & South Dakotas

    Finally, the Park Theater will welcome Katie Boyle, a NYC-based Irish comedian as part of the Comedy After Dark series. She is the host of The Shift Podcast, and will present her new show, “Terapy,” on her upcoming tour.

    In addition to their upcoming shows, the Park Theater Foundation is launching the second installment of their involvement with the Lake George Central School District, beginning on November 7. The program will complement Lake George High School’s existing music program, and bring comprehensive instruction, demonstration, and teaching of audio technology and instruments. The program will involve local musicians, including Matt Niedbalski, Tyler Giroux, Dylan Perillo, and Chris Reed Jr.

    For more information and tickets to the upcoming performances, visit parktheatergf.com.