Category: Capital Region

  • Dogs in a Pile Announce Holiday Shows in Asbury Park and Saratoga Springs

    Fast-rising jam band Dogs In A Pile (DIAP) will end their highly successful 2023 year playing two gigs at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs on Dec. 30 and 31. The run will mark the Dogs’ first time playing headlining shows on New Year’s Eve. The band will also perform at the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park on Dec. 15 and 16.

    DIAP fittingly chose the Upstate New York region for this special occasion as it has become a second home to the band over its formative years. This year alone, they’ve sold out headlining nights in Rochester and Ithaca, have played several festivals in the area (Memorial Meltdown, Rye Bread, Catskill Mountain Jubilee, and ADK Fest), and will return to Putnam Place after selling out the 500-capacity space for one show back in March.

    New Jersey-based jam band Dogs In A Pile will begin an extensive national tour in the fall. Starting on Sept. 6, the band will make their inaugural visit to Madison, WI to play at the High Noon Saloon. The next night will see them return to Chicago, IL to play Lincoln Hall following a sold-out show in the Windy City earlier in the year at Martyrs’. They will then support the rambunctious Andy Frasco & The U.N. on Sept. 8 at the Canopy Club in Urbana, IL.

    The Dogs will follow up their Midwest shows with headlining gigs in Nashville, TN at The Basement East with support from talented pickers Airshow. They will round out the first leg of the tour with a High Point, NC date on Sept. 10 at COHAB.SPACE. Support for this show will feature five-piece rock band Tand and blues-groove locals The Wright Ave. The band will play Wormtown Music Festival in Greenfield, MA on Sept. 16 followed by a Sept. 22 slot at Tumble Down aside headliners Twiddle and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.

    The second leg of their headlining Fall Tour will continue in Columbus, OH on Sept. 27 at The Summit Music Hall. Grand Rapids, MI-based Desmond Jones will offer support to the Dogs the next night in Ferndale, MI at The Magic Bag with the following two shows being supported by the versatile Pittsburgh four-piece The Roof. Those dates will be played at Mr. Smalls in Pittsburgh, PA, and The State Theatre in State College, PA, respectively.

    Dogs In A Pile will head east in October to play Higher Ground in South Burlington, VT followed by a headlining turn at the NY Harvest Festival in Trumansburg, NY. They will then make their third stop in Cambridge, MA at The Sinclair. Rounding out the weekend on Oct. 8, they’ll join The Del McCoury Band on The Ramble Festival’s lineup in Darlington, MD. The band will return to the Northeast for their biggest headlining shows in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, PA at The Music Hall of Williamsburg on Oct. 20 and Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia on Oct. 21.

    The five-piece will then embark on a supporting run with jam-funk quartet Pigeons Playing Ping Pong across 16 dates in the South, Rocky Mountain region, Pacific Northwest, and West Coast before playing two dates (Nov. 29 and Dec. 2) to support Andy Frasco & The U.N.

    photo by Nick Codina

    The third and final stretch of headlining dates will see the Dogs return to Virginia for a first-time visit to Roanoke at the 5 Points Music Sanctuary on Dec. 7. The tour will continue on Dec. 8 at The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh, NC once again with support by The Wright Ave. The band will end their 41-date Fall Tour on Dec. 9 at a to-be-announced city and venue.

    To view all tour dates and learn more, visit here

    DOGS IN A PILE TOUR DATES

    9/6 – Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon

    9/7 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall

    9/8 – Urbana, IL – Canopy Club%

    9/9 -Nashville, TN – The Basement East

    9/10 – High Point, NC – COHAB.SPACE

    9/16 – Greenfield, MA -Wormtown Festival

    9/22 – Lafayette, NY – Tumble Down

    9/27 – Columbus, OH – The Summit Music Hall

    9/28 – Ferndale, MI – The Magic Bag

    9/29 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre

    9/30 – State College, PA – The State Theatre

    10/5 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground

    10/6 – Trumansburg, NY – NY Harvest Festival

    10/7 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair

    10/8 – Darlington, MD – The Ramble Festival

    10/12 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27

    10/13 – Richmond, VA – The Broadberry

    10/14 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern Café and Music Hall

    10/20 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg

    10/21 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia

    10/29 – New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s**

    10/31 – Austin, TX – Historic Scoot Inn** 

    11/1 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater**

    11/2 -Fayetteville, AR -George’s Majestic Lounge**

    11/4 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom**

    11/5 – Salt Lake City, UT – Commonwealth Room**

    11/8 – Bozeman, MT -The Elm**

    11/9 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory**

    11/10 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre**

    11/11 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom**

    11/12 – Arcata, CA – Van Duzer Theatre**

    11/14 – Bend, OR – Midtown Ballroom**

    11/15 – San Francisco, CA – Regency Ballroom**

    11/17 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour**

    11/18 – San Diego, CA – Observatory North**

    11/19 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre**

    11/29 – Harrisburg, PA – Midtown Arts Center%

    12/2 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom%

    12/7 – Roanoke, VA – 5 Points Music Sanctuary 

    12/8 – Raleigh, NC – The Pour House Music Hall

    12/9 – TBA – TBA 

    12/15 & 12/16 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony

    12/30-31 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Putnam Place

    % w/ Andy Frasco & The U.N.

    ** w/ Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

  • Park Theater Foundation Announces Upcoming Fall Events Series

    The Park Theater Foundation has announced their upcoming fall programming for the month of October, continuing a few favorite concerts series. Programming includes The Park Presents, Third Thursday Jazz, Rewind at the Park, and Comedy After Dark as the key events series for this fall.

    The Foundation continues the Third Thursday Jazz series, hosting The Matt Niedbalski Trio on October 5. The trio features some of the best jazz music in the Capital Region, with Matt Niedbalski, Eric Zolan,  and Will Gorman performing.

    The Matt Niedbalski Trio

    Rewind At The Park will bring River of Dreams & American Elton on October 7, an authentic Billy Joel tribute. The show features classic rock performed live, with world-class costumes and Bill Connors uncanny resemblance to the iconic Sir Elton John. 

    The Park Presents will feature Americana group Humbird on October 13th. With roots in the midwest, Humbird moves between experimental folk and Americana influences to embrace explorative ballads, narrative folk songs, and more.

    Humbird

    The Park Presents series will also bring Aztec Two-Step 2.0, featuring Rex Fowler, Dodie Pettit and friends live on October 14th. The performance will bring a reimagination of Aztec Two-Step with fantastic musicianship, songwriting, and harmonies not to be missed.

    Finally, Atlanta-based comedian Andy Sandford will grace the stage on October 27. With performances on Conan and The Late Late Show With James Corden, Andy Sandford has made a name for himself in the world of comedy with his hour special, “Shameful Information,” currently featured on Amazon Prime.

    Andy Sandford

    A full list of events and tickets are available at www.parktheatergf.com.

  • Folk Group The Wildwoods Announce Show At Rensselaerville’s Conkling Hall

    The Wildwoods, a folk-americana trio from Nebraska, have announced an upcoming show at Conkling Hall in Rensselaerville, NY. The group’s newest full length record, Foxfield Saint John, released in February 2023, cultivates a unique and captivating sound to their musicianship.

    The Wildwoods

    The Wildwoods is Noah Gose (guitar), Chloe Gose (violin), and Andrew Vaggalis (bass). Hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, and draw inspiration from artistss such as The Decemberists, Peter, Paul, & Mary, Joni Mitchell, and Gregory Alan Isakov. The group was nominated by the Omaha Arts and Entertainment Awards for Top Americana/Folk Artist in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022, and named as the Lincoln Journal Star’s “Best Band” award in 2022.

    The band released their debut album, Sweet Nostalgia, as well as an EP, Birdie & Goose, in 2017, and quickly established a niche in their local music scene. The group’s newest record, Foxfield Saint John, was followed by “Footprints on the Floor,” a new track released in July.

    The Wildwoods' Foxfield Saint John

    The Wildwoods will play Conkling Hall in Rensselaerville, NY, Sunday October 29th at 7:30PM. Tickets are available at www.thewildwoodsband.com.

  • Albany Symphony Lines up First Ever Film Music Festival

    Albany Symphony, a two-time Grammy Award winner, will present a first-of-its-kind Film Music Festival, made to celebrate music made for media. The festival will be held from October 5 to October 9 at venues such as Albany’s Palace Theatre, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, University at Albany Performing Arts Center, and MVP Arena.

    Albany Film Music Festival

    Headlining the innovative new festival are two concerts featuring the Albany Symphony. On Saturday, Oct. 7 at 7:30pm at the Palace, David Alan Miller and the musicians of the Symphony kick off the 2023-2024 season with Soundtrack New York: Musical Scenes from a Cinematic State.

    Inspired by the portrayal of the Empire State in film, and by the incredible composers who call New York home, this musical tour includes classic themes including George Gershwin’s Concerto in F featuring pianist Kevin Cole and Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story suite, as well as music from iconic NY films King Kong (Max Steiner), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Henry Mancini) and Taxi Driver (Bernard Herrmann). Music from contemporary NY composers include Brooklynite Tamar-kali’s work from Mudbound, and Hudson Valley resident Howard Shore’s sweeping landscapes from Lord of the Rings.

    On Sunday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 at the Palace, the Albany Symphony presents Video Games Live! An immersive concert experience featuring exclusive orchestral arrangements of music from some of the most popular video games of all time. Musician, composer and creator of Video Games Live Tommy Tallarico and his band will join the Symphony for this performance led by guest conductor Emmanuel Fratianni. Featured video games include Final Fantasy, Halo, Skyrim, Kingdom Hearts, The Last of Us, Undertake, League of Legends and many more.

    Albany Symphony teams up with the Empire State Youth Orchestra for a free community concert on Monday, Oct. 9 at 3pm at MVP Arena, in a special event presented by the Albany County – MVP Innovation Partnership. Together, the orchestras will perform music from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean and more—a perfect family activity for the day since many kids and families are off on holiday.

    Albany Symphony’s Film Music Festival also includes a special Hollywood Cabaret with pianist Kevin Cole on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7:30pm at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Audience members will be seated on stage to join Cole for a night of classic themes from the Silver Screen. Please note that capacity is limited.

    On Saturday, Oct. 7, the Symphony and partners at the New York State Writers Institute present Scoring Work in Show Business, a free and open-to-the-public symposium at the University at Albany Performing Arts Center featuring panelists working in the industry. Speakers include producer Nathaniel Reichman, composers Gregory Polzak and Troy Herion, Albany County Film Commissioner Debby Goedeke, and Youth FX Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director Bhawin Suchak. The Symposium runs from 10am to 2pm, with lunch provided.

    The Albany Symphony’s Film Music Festival is made possible in part by support through a grant from Market New York and Empire State Development, as well as additional support from the Albany Symphony’s generous partners, patrons, donors and friends. Learn more about Symphony support at AlbanySymphony.com.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvzuF212BcQ&ab_channel=squintyt4e
  • Universal Preservation Hall Announces Fall Lineup with Chris Botti, Paul Reiser

    Universal Preservation Hall added a number of new acts to their list of performances in the upcoming 2023-2024 season. UPH continues to expand its repertoire with classic tribute artists, comedians, international groups, and the return of a Grammy winner, Chris Botti.

    Universal Preservation Hall
    A view of Universal Preservation Hall is seen during the media tour and ribbon cutting of the new concert hall in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (Jenn March, Special to the Times Union)

    Comedian, actor, and author Paul Reiser is one of the acts coming up on October 7 at the Hall. Reiser brings his stand-up tour as one of Comedy Central’s “Top 100 Comedians of All Time.” Reiser also stars in a number of popular TV series including “Stranger Things,” “The Kominsky Method,” and “Mad About You.”

    Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Chris Botti will return to Universal Preservation Hall on October 8 this fall. As a collaborator with the likes of Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, and Lady Gaga, Botti has topped jazz charts with numerous albums over the years.

    Universal Preservation Hall

    Universal Preservation Hall will host a day of Line Dance Lessons, taught by CMA winner Kevin Richards, The Country Kickers, and more popular line dance instructors and choreographers. Join the Country Kickers & Friends “Saratoga Stomp”-Country Line Dance Workshop & Dance Party starting 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12.

    On March 8, the Hall will host The Seven Wonders: A Live Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. This group of accomplished musicians bring a blistering and inspiring show, honoring the classic tunes of rock legends Fleetwood Mac.

    Tickets are available for the upcoming shows through the Universal Preservation Hall Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at (518)-346-6204 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, or online at universalpreservationhall.org.

  • Beard & Glasses, Wes Aldrich and More 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 Beard & GlassesWes Aldrich, and Ciarra Fragale.

    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.

    Beard & Glasses- “War Without Room For an Argument”

    Bears & Glasses is a rock/soul group from Bennington, Vermont. Their song “War Without Room For an Argument” is out now.

    Born at the Wrong Time by Beard & Glasses

    Wes Aldrich- “In a Field with Goats”

    Wes Aldrich writes from the heart with haunting melodies and upbeat pop rhythms. He is the lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter for his bands Hug the Dog and Ballroom Sofa.

    Balance by Wes Aldrich

    Ciarra Fragale -“County Line”

    Ciarra Fragale is an indie pop singer/songwriter, producer, and actor from the Hudson Valley. She blends nostalgia with new-wave songwriting, creating a unique blend. In addition to making her own music, she has also composed many works for theater and film. Watch the video for her single “Country Line” below.

  • Albany’s Historic Palace Theatre Rolls Out Upcoming Fall and Winter Shows

    The Palace Theatre in Albany has announced their lineup of fall shows, with notable events including the iconic Jerry Seinfeld, and Hasan Minhaj, as well as rock group Kansas and the World Ballet Series’ rendition of Swan Lake this spring. The venue is a historic landmark of downtown Albany, with many original features of the building still on display after multiple renovations.

    The Palace Theatre was built in 1931, and opened that year as Albany’s largest movie theatre. It went under major renovations in 1960, and in 1989 was purchased by the City of Albany after briefly shutting its doors. The Palace Theatre was established as a non-profit organization in 1984, and is now part of the Clinton Ave Historic District, as well as the US National Register of Historic Places. 

    The Theatre retains many of its original features, with a striking art-deco, Austrian baroque style. The main lobby maintains the original brass chandelier, and murals throughout the venue painted by Hungarian artists Andrew Karoly and Louis Szanto.

    The Palace Theatre

    As the summer programming winds down, the theatre is planning family events and holiday film series for the upcoming seasons. 

    Summer programs like our Summer in the City Free Movie Series & Community Block Party will be back again next summer and other annual community programs are still coming up, such as our free community Trick-or-Treat event on Halloween and our holiday film series & Family Fun Days. Aside from those, the big concerts, comedians & tours that we are perhaps best known for continue on throughout the year and we are always adding new shows to the calendar.

    Sean Allen, Director of Marketing at the Palace Theatre

    This fall’s comedy lineup includes a show from the legendary Jerry Seinfeld on October 27, known for co-writing and starring in the hit sitcom Seinfeld. In addition, Hasan Minhaj will perform on October 14. Minhaj, known for his work as a correspondent on The Daily Show, has multiple successful stand-up specials on Netflix.

    Music fans can enjoy The Wood Brothers, a NYC-based roots band, with a performance on October 28. The Palace also will have visits from British rock group Jethro Tull, the Albany Symphony Orchestra, and an upcoming show in March from world-renowned vocal group Celtic Woman.

    The theatre recently announced a rendition of Swan Lake, presented by the World Ballet Series, to grace the stage this upcoming February. In addition, rock group Kansas will mark their 50th Anniversary Tour at The Palace Theatre in May. Both shows are now on sale at the Palace Theatre Box Office and Palacealbany.org.

    A full calendar of events and more information are available here. Tickets are available at The Palace Theatre Box Office and Palacealbany.org.

  • Bardavon Announces Holiday Shows – The Nutcracker and A Celtic Christmas

    Bardavon has announced the Catskill Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, set to perform three shows this December at the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) in Kingston. The Nutcracker is a classic two-act ballet by famed Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, written as an adaptation of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s short story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.

    The Nutcracker

    The Catskill Ballet Theatre Company is a non-profit organization, operating throughout the Hudson Valley region. The Company has presented The Nutcracker at UPAC annually for over 30 years. The performance is a showcase of young and local talent, where young dancers are given the opportunity to join a professional company for live performances.

    In addition, Bardavon announced a performance from A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland, following their sold out Australian tour in 2021. The show follows a story of two star-crossed lovers, complemented by award-winning Irish musicians and dancers. 

    A Celtic Christmas

    Choreographed and produced by National Champion and star of Gaelforce Dance and Rhythms of Ireland Brent Pace, and World Champion Ceili Moore, A Celtic Christmas is a spectacular show not to miss.

    Tickets for The Nutcracker and A Celtic Christmas are available now at Bardavon and UPAC box offices, Tuesday-Friday 11am-5pm.

    Contact Bardavon at 845-473-5288 and UPAC 845-339-6088, or email at boxoffice@bardavon.org.  To purchase tickets online 24 hours a day go to ticketmaster (fees will apply). 

  • Wild in the Trees: Skateboarding, Live Music and More in Lake George

    There is something about the village of Lake George that has made this Southern Adirondack town a destination for music festivals and concert series from late spring until mid-fall. Memorial Meltdown, Adirondack Independence Music Festival, Lake George Music Festival, nightly music during the week at the Shepard Park Weekly Concerts (including Fridays at the Lake), Rock the Dock, Jazz at the Lake, Adirondack Bluegrass Festival, Lake George DJ Takeover Music Festival, Rock the Lake Music Festival, and the Lake George Jazz Weekend are just some of the events found on the southern end of Lake George. Now add to this incredible roster of summer music festivals and concerts series a new music festival with a Merlin twist, Wild in the Trees.

    A skateboard/music festival hybrid, Wild in the Trees is a most unique event, held October 7-8, 2023, on the grounds of the Lake George Skate Plaza, adjacent to Charles R. Wood Park. A full two days of music, skateboarding and various competitions will be on hand, with 50% of net proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of the Capital Region. 

    The logo you see above is an homage to skateboard company Spitfire, an evil looking logo worked into the tree, making it wild. The name of the festival derives from the song “Wild in the Streets” by the Circle Jerks, featured in Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland. The first event was held in 2022, and year two looks to be even better with a stellar lineup, highlighted by Mike Gantzer’s Pro Skater, Candy Ambulance, FUNGKSHUI, Victory Soul Orchestra, Hilltop and many more.

    But the festival would not be here without the dedication and perseverance of some local skaters more than 15 years ago.

    Wild in the Trees lake george
    photo by Frank Cavone

    Frankie Cavone, promoter of Wild in the Trees and owner of Mirth Films, has been an avid skater his whole life, but the Village of Lake George did not have a skatepark in his formative years. In 2008, Cavone and Doug Quimby, among others, began a campaign to raise money to carve out a skatepark on the grounds of the former Gaslight Village, a small amusement park that was on the site until 1989 and demolished in 2010. 

    It would take eight years for the dream to become a reality, with the park opening in 2016, with a competition at the grand opening, the first of many such competitions. Shortly after, in 2018, Cavone would begin Mirth Films, a company that creates original video content, winning awards and gaining acclaim and positive reviews across the Capital Region. 

    Videography and skateboarding are intertwined in Cavone’s life, as his love of skateboarding led to him bringing video camera to film tricks and flips, and would lead to beginning to shoot jam band shows in 2015. Getting his friends involved on the video end would be the formation for Mirth Films, which has grown steadily over the past five years.

    With support from local promoter Dave Ehmann – who supported the skate park fundraising efforts as far back as 2010 – inspiration came to Cavone with Ehmann’s ADK Fest being a standard bearer for events in Lake George. This long relationship would spur something the genesis of what would become Wild in the Trees.

    Between skateboarding, live music and videography, Cavone would take his knowledge of these, imbued with a deeper curiosity, led to forming a bond with Mayor Bob Blais of Lake George (the longest serving mayor in U.S. history, at 52 years). Cavone wanted to keep holding skating competitions each year, but also wanted to incorporate music into the event, making for a hybrid music festival concept. Utilizing ‘Bed Tax’ money that hotels in the Lake George region pay (funding events from Americade to Oktoberfest) Mayor Blais assisted Cavone in acquiring a grant for the music festival. With approval, Wild in the Trees was christened in October 2022 and returns for its sophomore grind October 7-8.

    The lineup for this year’s Wild in the Trees builds on the skateboarding aspect of the festival, bringing in a band that is both familiar and has many familiar names and faces included. Mike Gantzer’s Pro Skater is a project led by Aqueous/Death Kings’ guitarist Gantzer and serves as a tribute to the iconic soundtracks featured throughout the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game collection. Joining Mike are Evan McPhaden (Aqueous) Ryan Nogle (Funktional Flow, Aqueous, Dirty Work Steely Dan tribute) Jonny Evans (rapper) Billy Bratek (Maufrey) and DJ Fiorella.

    Ripping through songs that underscored an entire generation’s experience growing up, Mike is a uniquely qualified musician to lead the charge given his longtime passion for skateboarding, his high ranking scores in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater online, and his metal/rock/punk trio Death Kings.

    It’s almost hard for me to overstate my connection to the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games! I was 10 years old when the first one came out and I was already totally obsessed with skateboarding, and the game just solidified what would become a lifelong love of all things skating (and gaming for that matter).

     The soundtrack was iconic and was an early introduction to punk, hip hop, ska, and all kinds of really amazing music and culture. Between skate tapes on VHS and the THPS series, I was getting a fast education, and this timeline happened to be when I connected with guitar playing, too. What was beautiful about some of the punk stuff was that it was accessible enough to approach as a beginner, but also represented a lot of frustration I felt with growing up in an unstable and tumultuous home setting that I could get out in a healthy way. 

    Fast forward twenty years, and music and skateboarding are still two of my biggest passions in life, and I’m grateful everyday for both of them, so you can imagine my joy at getting the chance to do an entire tribute set to the games’ music AT a skate event for Wild In the Trees ’23. Pretty much my ideal situation! I’m also pretty skilled at THPS, and at one point was ranked top 150 in the world on the online leaderboards, I even made a video of one of my runs, because as it is in skating, if you didn’t capture it, did it really even happen?

    Mike Gantzer

    Cavone adds in the viewpoint of a skater, saying “When people in other countries think of skateboarding, they think Tony Hawk – he got millions of people into skateboarding.” The synonymous nature of Tony Hawk, Skateboarding, Mike Gantzer and the overall music festival mesh together in a ripper of an event.

    Cavone first learned of Mike Gantzer’s Pro Skater within the last 12 months, as he was looking to get an artist to headline the festival that would draw in fans of live music and skateboarding, and would be unique to Wild in the Trees specifically. Cavone would end up asking Gantzer about having The Death Kings (a punk/metal trio that pays homage to all things heavy, including Gantzer, Ryan Stasik from Umphrey’s McGee and Michaelangelo Carubba), but the better fit that Gantzer suggested would be his own ‘Pro Skater’ group. 

    The roots of the skate plaza effort are never lost on Cavone. Filling a community need with his team endeavor is the origin of Wild in the Trees, an event for which the promoter is stoked.

    “If it wasn’t for the skaters, we would never have access to do this. If it wasn’t for the stuff that we did when we were kids, we would never have been able to make that bond with the town and the skaters, and seeing people skate the park as we drive by – something we dreamed of when we were younger – is really a blessing.”

    Frankie Cavone

    With half the profits from ticket sales going to Ronald McDonald House of the Capital Region, a full two days of skateboarding competitions and live music, and an idyllic setting in the Village of Lake George, the team behind the festival is ready for year two of their experimental music festival, one that caters to a broad audience with a rad sesh planned out over the weekend. 

    Get tickets to Wild in the Trees here.

  • John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton Announce Joint Schenectady Show With Upcoming Album

    John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton have announced a joint concert in Schenectady on Oct. 27 at the Eighth Step. The duo have been friends for decades, but began writing songs together in the past few years and have an album titled Together coming out October 13.

    John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton
    Credit: Michael G. Stewart

    Grammy Lifetime Achievement honoree Tom Paxton has been a force in the folk music world since the 1960s, writing songs made famous by Peter, Paul, & Mary, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Pete Seeger, and more. John McCutcheon is part of the generation of folk musicians who grew up singing Tom Paxton songs. His own catalog spans forty-four albums, six Grammy nominations, and numerous awards and accolades.

    The duo’s most recent single, “Life Before You,” debuted last month. The track is a sweet ballad, showing the compatibility of the two musician’s immense skills.

    Paxton and McCutcheon’s joint music spans topics from history, baseball, cowboys, love, the remembered, and the forgotten. With McCutcheon’s crew of supporting musicians, including Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Jon Carroll (keys), JT Brown (bass), and Charlie McCoy, the album has full, lively arrangements and stunning performances.

    Tickets to the Schenectady show at the Eighth Step at Proctors are available here.