NYS Music 2023

Category: Saratoga Springs

  • The Quebe Sisters bring Texas Swing to Caffe Lena on June 22

    The late Col. Bruce Hampton once referred to The Quebe Sisters as “un-bee-leivable” with a Texas swing sound, that he remarked was a bright light in music, where he saw “the music of today as horrifying.” With that simple recommendation in 2016, I discovered the sound of The Quebe Sisters, who will make their Caffe Lena return on June 22 in Saratoga Springs.

    quebe sisters caffe lena

    This trailblazing trio offer a modern day take on country and Western Swing, doing so steadfastly and free of frivolous fanfare. Siblings Grace, Sophia, and Hulda are hardly newcomers, but rather harnass sensibilities coalesced as seasoned performers. The Dallas-based trio have spent the last 17 years merging three-part harmony and triple fiddles to put a youthful, jubilant spin on Bob Wills’ classic genre.

    The sisters’ four studio albums – 2003’s Texas Fiddlers, 2007’s Timeless, 2014’s Every Which-A-Way, and 2019’s The Quebe Sisters – serve as sonic proof that these ladies are fearless interpreters and innovators.
    There’s certainly no boxing the Quebe Sisters. Grace, Sophia, and Hulda Quebe see western swing as an ocean of possibilities.

    Bob Wills was all about experimentation – melding just about every style he heard. He hired the best musicians playing regionally traditional instruments, as well as players interested in experimenting on what were the cutting-edge instruments of the day. This spirit formed what we today call western swing, and it needs to be an ingredient in current iterations of western swing to keep the style fresh and vibrant for the present and future. So, for us it’s authentic to the style to introduce our own originals.

    Grace Quebe

    For these trailblazing women, performing before enthusiastic crowds means the deep, connected roots of country and western swing will be in full display. The Quebe siblings grew up in Texas surrounded by fiddles, bows, microphones, stages, and western swing tunes. Texas is the very reason Grace, Sophia, and Hulda Quebe ended up playing triple fiddle, Grace says. But in true trailblazing fashion, Texas couldn’t contain such immense talent and dedication. The Quebe Sisters took their sound beyond the boundaries of the Lone Star state into North America, Europe, and even Russia.

    I think our central ambition in playing music is to touch people’s hearts and souls—to make them feel beauty, to make them hear colors, to make them forget worries and have fun, to make them think about God. There is no time in history or culture that doesn’t need music in this way!

    Hulda Quebe

    Grace sees nothing odd about their progressive brand of western swing connecting with foreign audiences. “Nostalgia and curiosity play some role,” she says, “but particularly the syncopation and dance elements of the music we love and play make it timeless and universal. Everyone resonates with music that has a good feel. If it uplifts you and makes you want to dance, then we are doing our job right.”

    The trio’s current tour, dubbed “Bye, For Now,” wraps up at the end of 2023. After that? Well, as Sophia says, it is, “much-needed R&R and time off the road. For now, we are taking an undetermined hiatus. This isn’t retirement for us, just a nice break.”

    It is certainly a well-earned respite. The Dallas-based Quebe Sisters have steadfastly, completely free of frivolous fanfare, elevated the country and western swing genres for more than two decades. The Quebe Sisters stretched the boundaries of an old-timey style and made it newly relevant for fans of all generations.

    There is still plenty of time to bask in those Quebe originals onstage. Grace, Sophia, and Hulda have dates in the books through October 2023. More dates will be announced soon. For a detailed list of concert performances, check out their website. Do these ladies wish fans would come out in droves to catch them onstage before they take a little downtime?

    “Yes! We hope our fans will have a chance to come out and see us as we wrap up our touring through the end of 2023.”

    Hulda Quebe

    Modern, creative, and talented women that stretch the boundaries of country and western swing music become beacons. They light the path taking audiences on a trip to the past while keeping them firmly in the present and giving them a glimpse into the future.

    Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7pm show on Thursday, June 22. Tickets cost $5-$28 for this all ages shows. Tickets can be purchased here.

    The Quebe Sisters “Bye, For Now” Tour

    6/15: Murfreesboro, TN @ Hop Springs
    6/17: Floyd, VA @ Floyd Country Store
    6/20: New York, NY @ Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2)
    6/22: Saratoga Springs, NY @ Caffe Lena
    6/23: Portsmouth, NH @ The Music Hall Lounge
    6/24: Brownfield, ME @ Stone Mountain Arts Center
    6/25: Shirley, MA @ Bull Run Restaurant
    7/22: Denton, TX @ Dan’s Silverleaf
    7/23: Dallas, TX @ Cafe Momentum
    7/24: Tomball, TX @ Main Street Crossing
    8/22: Berwyn, IL @ Fitzgerald’s
    8/23: Milwaukee, WI @ The Back Room at Colectivo
    8/24 & 8/25: Minneapolis, MN @ Minnesota State Fair
    8/27: Berthoud, CO @ Newell Farm Concert
    9/9: Decatur, GA @ Eddie’s Attic
    9/10: Bristol, TN @ Bristol Rhythm & Roots
    9/11: Nashville, TN @ City Winery
    9/12: St. Louis, MO @ City Winery
    10/21: Greenville, TN @ Greenville Municipal Auditorium
    10/28: Mountain City, TN @ Heritage Hall Theatre

  • Catch Dogs In A Pile at 3 NY Festivals This Summer and Fall

    Dogs In A Pile, a rising funk, jazz, rock, and psychedelia fusion quintet, has announced their Fall 2023 tour dates, bringing their total sound to three music festivals in NY this summer and fall.

    Dogs In A Pile in San Diego, CA. Credit: Dogs In A Pile Instagram / @dogsinapileband

    Hailing from Ashbury Park, NJ, the band began when guitarist Jimmy Law, a student of the Philadelphia University of the Arts, and drummer Joe Babick, a student of the Count Basie Theater program, began to play together.

    They were joined by Berklee School of Music student and bass player Sam Lucid, who recommended Berklee student and keyboard player Jeremy Kaplan. The final addition to Dogs In A Pile came in 2019 with Berklee student and guitarist Brian Murray.

    Their latest work is their studio album “Bloom,” featuring nine tracks by the band. It can be found on Spotify alongside the band’s other works.

    The band has credited a string of local shows with their quick rise in popularity, leading to their tours in the summer and fall. Keeping with the theme, Dogs In A Pile calls their fanbase the Dog Pound.

    Concert Dates

    June 7 – Madame Lous – Seattle, WA

    June 8 – Jack London – Portland, OR

    June 9 – Domino Room – Bend, OR

    June 10 – Hogfarm Hideaway – Laytonville, CA

    June 15 – Weiser River Fest – Weiser, ID

    June 17 – Northlands Festival – Swanzey, NH

    June 23 – Beardfest – Hammonton, NJ

    June 24 – Back Home Festival – New Martinsville, WV

    June 25 – Electric Forest – Rothbury, MI

    June 30 – Peach Music Festival – Scranton, PA

    July 14 – Gambler’s Run Festival – Lake Tahoe, CA

    July 21 – Gathering at Chaffee’s – Girard, PA

    July 28 – Rye Bread Music Festival – Schaghticoke, NY

    July 29 – Weekend at Bertha’s – Wilmington, DE

    Aug. 5 – Flood City Music Festival – Johnstown, PA

    Aug. 11 – Catskill Mountain Jubilee – East Durham, NY

    Aug. 12 – Jam Packed – Richmond, VA

    Aug. 19 – Oxbow Music Festival – Morrisville, VT

    Sept. 7 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL

    Sept. 9 – Basement East – Nashville, TN

    Sept. 10 – Cohab Space – High Point, NC

    Sept. 27 – The Summit – Columbus, OH

    Sept. 28 – Magic Bag – Ferndale, MI

    Sept. 29 – Mr. Smalls – Pittsburgh, PA

    Oct. 6 – NY Harvest Festival – Trumansburg, NY

    Oct. 7 – The Sinclair – Boston, MA

    Oct. 8 – Ramble Music Festival – Darlington, MD

    Oct. 12 – Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA

    Sept. 7 – 5 Points Music Sanctuary – Roanoke, VA

    Sept. 8 – Pour House – Raleigh, NC

    Pre-sale will begin June 7, and tickets will go on sale June 9 for their Fall tour dates. More information on both the band and tickets can be found on their website.

  • Pink Talking Fish Celebrate 10 Year Anniversary With East Coast Fall Tour and “This Must be the Cirque”

    Pink Talking Fish is hitting the ground running this summer as they celebrate their 10 year anniversary with over twenty shows, three of which will be performed on various stages across New York State.

    The Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act spent the first half of 2023 honoring multiple album and concert anniversary’s for the three bands they admire most: Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish. They celebrated Pink Floyd’s staple album “Dark Side Of The Moon” in light of its 50th anniversary by playing it through each night they performed. In addition to that specific album, they included Talking Heads’ “Stop Making Sense” in homage of the 40 years that have passed since the Talking Heads’ concert film that took fans by storm in 1984.

    Throughout this summer and into the fall, however, the band will be commemorating their own success and longevity through concerts, festivals, and other events. To kick off the summer of celebration and music, Pink Talking Fish will play a Dead & Company afterparty in Saratoga Springs where they will sprinkle in songs by Grateful Dead throughout their own setlist. Other highlights include a Southeast run, a Halloween Weekend “Island Tour” in Rhode Island/Long Island, and a stacked festival season that includes performances in New Jersey, West Virginia, Ohio, Vermont, Kentucky, and Indiana.

    The band doesn’t plan to stop there as they will be spending the 4th of July weekend giving their fans another high-energy, holiday weekend of music in New England. On July 1st, Pink Talking Fish will return to Portsmouth, NH on the outdoor stage of Cisco Brewers then continue forward by bringing the act back to Cape Cod for a two-night run at The Wellfleet Beachcomber.

    To fully celebrate the completion of a 10 year run, the band will perform a special anniversary show in their hometown of Boston, Massachusetts at The Paradise. These are only a few of the events that Pink Talking Fish is looking forward to as they commemorate a decade of creating dream setlists and performing the music of three diverse and, to many, iconic bands in a new and fresh way.

    Also announced is the Saturday, October 14th event “Pink Talking Fish Presents: The Must be the Cirque,” at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

    This Must Be The Cirque, the follow-up to 2018’s critically-acclaimed Junta Circus transforms The Cap into a magical circus voyage set to the soundtrack of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish. PTF is teaming up with cirque troupe Modern Gypsies who has worked with Phish, String Cheese Incident and more to enhance the live music experience. Tickets available here

    Pink Talking Fish Anniversary Tour

    June 17 – Saratoga Springs NY at Putnam Place – Dead & Company AfterParty

    June 23 – Hammonton NJ at Beardfest

    June 24 – New Martinsville WV at Back Home Festival

    June 25 – Morrisville NJ at The Homestead

    July 1 – Portsmouth NH at Cisco Brewers

    July 2 – Wellfleet MA at The Beachcomber

    July 3 – Wellfleet MA at The Beachcomber

    July 7 – Manchester VT at Dead Of Summer Music Festival

    July 14 – Cabot VT at Jerry Jam

    July 21 – Garrettsville OH at Gratefulfest

    August 12 – Crown Point IN at Rockopelli Music Fest

    August 25 – Longmont CO at Wibby Brewing

    September 8 – Syracuse NY at The Westcott Theater

    September 9 – Bedminster NJ at Fiddlefest

    September 16 – Morrisville VT at Keep On Growing Festival

    September 22 – Plymouth NH at The Flying Monkey

    September 23 – Boston MA at Paradise Rock Club – 10 Year Anniversary Celebration

    October 4 – Washington DC at Pearl Street Warehouse

    October 5 – Waynesboro VA at Basic City

    October 6 – Raleigh NC at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard

    October 7 – Charleston SC at The Pour House

    October 8 – Asheville NC at Salvage Station

    October 14 – This Must Be the Cirque, Port Chester, NY at The Capitol Theatre

    October 27 – East Greenwich RI at The Greenwich Odeum

    October 28 – Port Washington NY at Landmark On Main

  • The Mansion of Saratoga’s Summer Dinner Concerts

    The Mansion of Saratoga is returning with its “supper club” format of dinner and a show for six Thursdays this summer. Performances range from Joe Posa’s Joan Rivers impersonation comedy show to “Aladdin” Broadway star Adam Jacobs singing songs from various Broadway hits.

    mansion of saratoga supper club
    Credit: Sawicki Studios

    The Mansion of Saratoga was originally built in 1866 by George West. West made his wealth as the inventor of the folded paper bag, and would eventually go on to serve in both the New York State Legislature and the United States Congress’s House of Representatives. The Mansion acted as his primary residence for over a decade before it became his summer home in 1875.

    For the Mansion of Saratoga’s “supper club” format, Executive Chef Rick Bieber will be creating a 3-course meal, with seating beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the tented deck of the mansion. Three entrée choices will be offered.

    At 7:30 p.m., guests will continue to the Mansion Carriage House Theatre for the 8:00 p.m. performances. Prior to dinner, during dinner, and in the rear of the carriage house, there will be a full cash bar available.

    Performances for Summer 2023

    “The B**ch is Back for Her 90th Birthday!” – June 8

    As a tribute to Joan Rivers for what would have been her 90th birthday, award winning actor and celebrity impersonator Joe Posa will be performing a 90-minute comedy concert. Posa was River’s favorite impersonator, and the pair kept in touch after first meeting in 2006. The event is 18+.

    Branden & James – June 22

    A celloist and a tenor vocalist seen on “America’s Got Talent.” Also featured will be Effie Passero, a special guest of “American Idol” fame.

    Stella Katherine Cole – July 13

    Performing covers of Sara Vaughan, Judy Garland, and Ella Fitzgerald, the 23-year-old Stella Katherine Cole first went viral on TikTok.

    Elizabeth Ward Land – July 27

    The event, “Still Within the Sound of My Voice,” features Broadway veteran Elizabeth Ward Land. She has been regarded as a perfect vocal match for the Songs of Linda Ronstadt. The performance includes rock, folk, light opera, and mariachi.

    Morgan James – Aug. 10

    Returning from their performance at the Mansion of Saratoga from last year, Morgan James will be performing fresh off of the release of her new album, “Memphis Magnetic,” alongside her husband, Doug Wamble, a renowned Memphis blues guitar player. The album features new arrangements of Memphis classics by Al Green, Otis Redding, Ann Peebles, Sam & Dave and Elvis.

    Adam Jacobs – Aug. 24

    A family-friendly event with Broadway star Adam Jacobs. Jacobs starred in both the original “Aladdin” on Broadway and as Simba in the “Line King” on Broadway. He will be singing hits from “Aladdin,” “Hercules,” “Newsies,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and more.

    Travers Saturday Wine Pairing Dinner – Aug. 26

    A “bonus” event, taking place on a Saturday instead of the normal Thursday dates. The dinner will feature Edmund Bagnell, a violinist and Broadway singer.

    Beyond the main events, there are more events between these performances at the Mansion of Saratoga. Starting June 4, brunch will be served on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. On Wednesday night, beginning May 17, is “Dog Nights Out” from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering dog-friendly dining.

    Excluding the concert nights and starting in July, Thursdays will have “Thursdays are a Drag,” a trivia night with a drag queen. Starting in June on Friday nights will be a nightclub in the Mansion Carriage House called “Before Midnight.” This is exclusive to those over 30.

    For more information, menus, and tickets, visit the Mansion of Saratoga‘s website.

  • Schenectady Symphony Orchestra Announces Name Change

    The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra in recent years has extended its reach beyond the city where it was founded and as a result has changed its name to Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra (SSSO).

    The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra, now SSSO, also announced its 2023-2024 season. The decision to change the name “was about shifting energy from focusing on administrative concerns to more strategic needs. The announcement today is about building an audience as it has become apparent there is a real opportunity and need in Saratoga,” said Board President Robert Bour. SSSO has performed several concerts at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs since reopening to great acclaim, signaling they needed to expand beyond Schenectady.

    Glen Cortese, artistic director and conductor of the SSSO said “The theme of the 2023-24 SSSO subscription season is ‘Heroes, Legends and Fairy Tales.’ On each program, we’ll explore legendary works, and how composers are inspired by historical and fictional heroes and legends and bring you incredibly talented soloists and guest artists. The repertoire includes traditional works, new works from the classical repertoire, Broadway, and film.”

    SSSO 2023-2024 Season

    Aug. 5 at 7 p.m.-“Legends of Broadway”

    Under the baton of Artistic Director Glen Cortese, the SSSO returns with a selection from beloved Broadway musicals with guest artists Amy Decker and Casey Gray. It is a part of the Music Haven Concert Series at Schenectady’s Central Park.

    Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 22 at 3 p.m.-“American Legends”

    The SSSO launches their season with two concerts featuring guest trumpeter Robert Sullivan in Barber’s “Essay No. 2,” Cortese’s “Concerto for Trumpet Orchestra (Gabriel’s Signal),” music from John William “Lincoln” and the Suite from Copland’s “Billy the Kid.” The first concert is in Zankel Hall at Skidmore College, and the second is MainStage at Proctors.

    Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.-Special Concert: “Poinsettia Pops”

    Join the SSSO in the Great Hall at Universal Preservation Hall to kick off the holiday season as “Poinsettia Pops” returns for the fourth year, with special guests.

    Jan. 21, 2024, at 3 p.m.-“Legends from Around the World”

    The season continues on the MainStage at Proctors with Bethlehem Central High School senior William Lauricella, who won first place in the 2022 Capital District Council for Young Musicians’ Annual Chopin Piano Competition and SSSO’s Parillo Piano Competition. This concert includes Bartok’s “Dance Suite,” Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite” and the great Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto #2 in C Minor.”

    Feb. 24, 2024 at 8 p.m.-Special Concert: Animaniacs In Concert!

    The Animaniacs perform with the SSSO, playing the world-famous songs from the beloved cartoon series backed by the orchestra.

    March 17, 2024, at 3 p.m.-“A Legend of the Opera”

    Join the SSSO at Zankel Hall for another collaboration with Skidmore College for Johann Straus’ English concert version of “Die Fledermaus.” Guest soloists are to be announced!

    April 27, 2024, at 7 p.m. and 28 at 3 p.m.-“Vestiges, Heroes and Legends”

    The SSSO makes an appearance at both Universal Preservation Hall and Proctors for the last concert of the season. Join them for Bernstein’s “Halil,” Mizzoli’s “Opheus Undone” (Proctors), Mozart’s “Ave Verum Corpus” (UPH), and the famous “Requiem.” Featuring special guest flutist Linda Chesis, Saratoga Voices, and the Albany Chamber Choir.

    Subscriptions are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 7., and students (18 and under) are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. For more information, visit here.

  • ESYO Returns to Carnegie Hall this June

    They’ve practiced, practiced, practiced, and Empire State Youth Orchestra’s (ESYO) Symphony Orchestra, a prominent youth ensemble, made it to Carnegie Hall. The concert marks the first time ESYO has performed at Carnegie Hall since the beginning of the pandemic, returning for the first time since 2017. The symphony orchestra will perform a joint concert with Norwalk Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall on June 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

    ESYO aims to inspire young musicians to excel in a progressive learning environment, offering high-level performance opportunities. Over 500 youth from New York’s Capital Region and western New England are selected by audition each year.

    ESYO will conclude their 2022-2023 season at Carnegie Hall with Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary fifth Symphony and Verdi’s Nabucco Overture. Music Director Etienne Abelin described the upcoming performance as “emotional, powerful music,” resonating deeply with the young musicians. The young ensemble eagerly anticipates the incredible opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. Principal double bass Orin Carlson-Lee described the momentus occasion as “not just a concert but a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the magic of music.”

    While The Carnegie Hall concert will close ESYO’s 2022-2023 season, there are no shortage of ESYO events this summer. Encore Stage will celebrate graduating ESYO students on June 17. The event aims to showcase the senior class, their talent, and accomplishments. Senior-led groups will perform throughout the afternnoon, scholarships will be awarded, and an alumni speaker will offer words of wisdom to graduating members. Alum and founer of Bassworks, Colin O’Bryan, will offer the keynote address.

    Additionally, starting on July 31, ESYO’s Summer Sessions begin. The sessions include myriad activities, from week-long intensives to workshops to concert picnic outings. Some events are open to the public, and encourage everyone to come together to make music. More information and registration are available here.

    Another summer highlight involves talented CHIME musicians, selected to participate in National Seminario Ravina. These students will travel to Chicago in July for rehearsals and coachings with renowned conductors and musicians

    Those interested in attending the Cargenie Hall concert or signing up for a summer opportunity can find more information here. Additionally, students interested in applying for the 2023-2024 ESYO season can find more information here.

  • SPAC 2023 Summer Lineup and Schedule

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced its Summer 2023 lineup, with performances from Dermot Kennedy to Guns N’ Roses. SPAC is a prestigious outdoor amphitheater, featuring live performances, arts education, culinary arts, literary arts, and visual arts across its campus. For over 50 years, SPAC has served as the summer home for New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

    In a recent meeting on May 18, the leadership and staff reflected on what they viewed as a “SPAC Transformed.” The scope and depth of SPAC’s programs has “exploded,” with the summer season including the celebration of literary, culinary, and visual arts on top of the 28 performances, 24 debuts, and 11 premieres. Over the past year, work has continued to revitalize the amphitheater’s backstage, and “The Performer’s Road” has been widened, regraded, and repaved.

    The season will kick off with the Summer SPACtacular, a new fundraising event on Friday, June 2. With Live Music, DJ, Dancing, Cocktails, Culinary Delights, Fireworks and Festivities, it is divided into the sold-out “All Access Pass” and the still-available “Party Pass.”

    Orchestras, Ballets, and Operas

    Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

    Performing throughout the summer, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center hails from the largest performing arts complex in the world: the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Their showings in June include “From Classic to Modern” at 3:00 p.m. on June 11 and “Great Quintets” at 3:00 p.m. on June 18. For July, they are performing on July 16 at 3:00 p.m. for “From Vienna to Paris” and on July 23 at 3:00 p.m. for “The Miró Quartet.” They end their summer performances with two showings in Aug., “Spanish Journey” on Aug. 13 at 3:00 p.m. and “New Classics” on Aug. 20 at 3:00 p.m. for their final show.

    New York City Ballet

    Founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, New York City Ballet is one of SPAC’s summer residents. They are performing in the second half of July. “NYCB On and Off Stage” on July 18 at 7:30 p.m. has a “behind the curtain” experience for audiences. On July 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. are the “SPAC Premieres,” which includes several pieces new to SPAC. “Peck & Copland” is on July 20 at 2:00 p.m. and July 22 at 7:30 p.m., and “Swan Lake, Fancy Free & Freebird” is on July 21 at 7:30 p.m. and July 22 at 2:00 p.m..

    The Philadelphia Orchestra

    The Philadelphia Orchestra, another Summer resident of SPAC has a wide variety of performances in the month of August, starting with the “Festive Fireworks” at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 2.

    Other events include: “Schubert’s ‘Great’ Symphony” on Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m., “Pink Martini and The Philadelphia Orchestra featuring China Forbes” on Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m., “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ In Concert” on Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m., “Beethoven’s Seventh” on Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m., “An Evening with Audra McDonald” on Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m., “Rachmaninoff at 150” on Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m., “Rite of Spring & Blessed Earth” on Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m., “The Four Seasons with Gil Shaham” on Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m., “Yo-Yo Ma plays Dvořák” on Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m., “Earth: An HD Odyssey” on Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m., and “Jurassic Park in Concert” on Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m..

    Concerts

    TLC & Shaggy – June 16 at 7:00 p.m.

    As a part of their Hot Summer Nights tour, TLC and Shaggy will be playing at SPAC. TLC is the best-selling American girl group of all time, they have earned 35 Major Awards, and are ranked as one of the greatest music trios. Shaggy is the only diamond-selling dancehall artist in music history, and has sold more than 40 million album units. They are also being joined by special guests En Vogue and Sean Kingston.

    Dead & Company – June 17 & June 18 at 7:00 p.m.

    Formed in 2015, Dead & Company is having their final tour over Summer 2023, stopping in SPAC on both June 17 and June 18. They were created through the merging of Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bob Weir with John Mayer, as well as Allman Brothers’ bassist Oteil Burbridge, and Fare Thee Well and RatDog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti. Dead & Company has completed seven tours since 2015, with 164 concerts.

    Dermot Kennedy – June 19 at 7:30 p.m.

    Dermot Kennedy was nominated for the “Best International Male” BRIT Award in 2020, and has become a platinum-selling artist in over 12 countries through his debut album, the best-selling debut album in Ireland of this millennium. He is known for his unique ability to unify and heal through his music.

    Tears for Fears – July 2 at 7:30 p.m.

    Tears for Fears is an English pop rock band that has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. They are touring with Cold War Kids as a part of their “The Tipping Point Tour Part II.” SPAC is one of the three locations for their tour in New York, with other locations including Madison Square Garden and the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

    Big Time Rush – July 3 at 7:00 p.m.

    Big Time Rush is an American pop boy band, previously starring in “Big Time Rush,” a Nickelodeon-produced musical sitcom. It has four members: Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Logan Henderson, and Carlos PenaVega.

    Counting Crows – July 5 at 7:30 p.m.

    Nominated for both a Grammy and Academy award, Counting Crows is an alternative rock band that has performed for over two decades. Their multi-platinum breakout album was “August and Everything After,” with their most recent album being “Butter Miracle: Suite One,” released in May 2021. Also featured at the showing is guest star Dashboard Confessional.

    adam duritz counting crows

    KIDZ BOP – July 9 at 4:00 p.m.

    The KIDZ BOP performance at SPAC is a part of their “Never Stop Live Tour,” with new songs, choreography, special effects, and the return of the Daddy Dance Off. KIDZ BOP is a family-friendly show, and the group has sold more than 23 million albums and had over 8 billion streams since 2001. The performance will feature songs from the recent “KIDZ BOP 2023” album as well as other pop hits.

    Dave Matthews Band – July 14 & 15 at 7:30 p.m.

    Dave Matthews Band is an American rock band, originally formed in 1991. They will be performing songs from their new album “Walk Around the Moon.” Dave Matthews Band is visiting SPAC as a part of their U.S. summer tour. They are also using the tour to continue their work with The Nature Conservancy, with their partnership resulting in the planting one million trees this year.

    Foreigner – Aug. 1 at 7:00 p.m.

    Foreigner is known as one of the most popular rock bands in the world, with ten multi-platinum albums. Their visit to SPAC is a part of their “Farewell Tour,” with the band being joined by Loverboy, another hit-maker of the ’80s. The show promises more than 20 combined chart-topping songs.

    The Chicks – Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

    The Chicks are the biggest-selling U.S. female band of all time and are the only female group to get multiple diamond selling releases. They have sold more than 30.5 million albums, with their last record-breaking studio album being “Taking the Long Way,” released in 2006. It received five Grammy awards, including “Album of the Year,” “Record of the Year,” and “Song of the Year.”

    Goo Goo Dolls & O.A.R. – Aug. 8 at 7:00 p.m.

    As a part of their “The Big Night Out Tour,” Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. have teamed up for a massive summer tour, including four stops across New York State. Goo Goo Dolls is a multi-platinum, four-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band. The band is partnering with “Joe Torre Safe At Home,” a nonprofit organization offering healing and education to youth who have been traumatized by exposure to violence.

    Zac Brown Band – Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

    Zac Brown Band, a multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning American country band, is travelling to SPAC with their “From the Fire Tour.” This is their 10th North American tour, following the release of their “The Comeback (Deluxe)” album.

    Eric Church – Aug. 24 at 7:00 p.m.

    Eric Church is a country singer, winning AMC awards seven times, CMA awards four times, and being nominated for a Grammy Award ten times. The “Heart & Soul” triple album is his most recent project and has received critical acclaim. It is the result of a month-long marathon in rural North Carolina where he wrote and recorded a song per day. He is visiting SPAC as a part of his “Outsiders Revival Tour.”

    Guns N’ Roses – Sept. 1 at 6:00 p.m.

    Guns N’ Roses is one of the best-selling rock bands of all time, with their 1987 debut album, “Appetite For Destruction” being regarded as the best-selling U.S. debut album ever. Their 2023 tour is the band’s first North American tour since 2021’s “We’re F’N Back! Tour.”

    Guns N’ Roses members, from left to right: Axl Rose, Richard Fortus, Duff McKagan Dizzy Reed, Slash, Melissa Reese, and Frank Ferer. Credit: Katarina Benzova.

    Events

    The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists – June 4 at 2:00 p.m.

    The Festival of Young Artists is an annual free event that is meant to celebrate the Capital Region’s young actors, dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists. The event includes both individual displays and performances as well as large-scale productions.

    Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival – June 24 at 11:00 a.m. & June 25 at 11:30 a.m.

    The 46th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival features 21 artists over the course of the two-day festival. It includes genres from jazz to roots, funk, blues and beyond. It has been one of North America’s largest jazz festivals over the past 45 years.

    Outlaw Music Festival – Sept. 15 at 5:00 p.m.

    The Outlaw Music Festival is the largest-ever Outlaw tour, with Willie Nelson & Family, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros., featuring The Wolfpack, The String Cheese Incident, Los Lobos, and Particle Kid. The festival originally made its debut in 2016, where the festival was well-received and sold-out.

    Also Featured

    Tedeschi Trucks Band – July 1 at 7:30 p.m.

    Goose – July 7 at 7:30 p.m.

    Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – July 8 at 7:00 p.m.

    Garbage – July 8 at 7:00 p.m.

    Jason Aldean – July 16 at 7:30 p.m.

    Gov’t Mule – July 28 at 8:00 p.m.

    Matchbox Twenty – July 30 at 7:30 p.m.

    Richard Russo In Conversation with Joe Donahue: Somebody’s Fool – Aug. 3 at 5:00 p.m.

    Brit Floyd – Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

    Pentatonix – Aug. 23 at 8:00 p.m.

    Noah Kahan – Sept. 2 at 8:00 p.m.

    ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

    Killer Queen – Sept. 16 at 7:30 a.m.

    Tickets for the 2023 SPAC events are available for purchase on their website.

  • In Focus: Prince Bowie & Escaper at Putnam Place

    The temps are heating up outside, and so is the music scene in the Capital District in New York, including two of the most exciting bands on the scene right now. On Saturday, May 20th, New York City-based band Escaper warmed everyone up for the main act, Prince Bowie.

    Escaper

    Escaper is possibly the most appropriate name for a band in the history of band names — after all, it is impossible to ascribe a specific genre to this act. Will Hanza (guitar, vocals), Phil Kadet (keys) Sam Crespo (drummer from Space Bacon), and Luke Bemand from (bassist from Lespecial) have truly escaped a label of any kind. They enjoy being known as “one who breaks free from confinement,” and this comes across in every note that they play. If you haven’t had a chance to check out this band yet, you are truly missing something special. If you want to get right on it, you can check out their music on SoundCloud.

    Prince Bowie

    Prince Bowie is one of the most unique acts I have ever seen, covering the songs of Prince and David Bowie like you’ve never heard before. Prince Bowie almost never has the same lineup twice. This has no effect whatsoever on their level of talent, however, it is impossible to tell that they rarely play together as they gel quickly on stage.

    Saturday Night’s Lineup

    Saturday’s lineup included some local favorites as well as some glorious out-of-town guests. Featuring Eric Gould (Bass, Pink Talking Fish), Cal Kehoe (Guitar, Pink Talking Fish), Alric “AC” Carter (Keys, TAUK), Rory Dolan (Drums, lespecial), Chris Brouwers (Trumpet, The Horn Section / Cool Cool Cool), Greg Sanderson (Tenor Saxophone, The Horn Section / Cool Cool Cool, Josh Schwartz (Baritone Saxophone, lead vocals, The Horn Section / Cool Cool Cool) and Matt Wayne (Alto Saxophone, Bobby Deitch Band), they were joined for a few songs – “Under Pressure” and “Kiss” among them – by local legend Shannon Lynch (Saxophone, vocals, Midnight Sun, Conehead Buddha).

    Prince/Bowie – Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs – May 20, 2023

    Set: Let’s Go Crazy, Let’s Dance, Delirious, Ziggy Stardust, 1999, Starman, KISS, Under Pressure, DMSR, Young Americans, I Wanna be Your Lover, Fame > Cream, Space Oddity, I Would Die For You, Controversy, Moonage Daydream
    Encore: Life on Mars, Purple Rain

  • Dead and Company to Auction Custom Signed Guitars for Charity on Final Tour

    The final Dead & Company tour, stopping in Saratoga Springs on June 17-18 and Citi Field June 21-22. will include a traveling charity auction featuring ten one-of-a-kind D’Angelico guitars designed by contemporary rock music artist AJ Masthay.

    Each guitar features designs using images from Masthay’s Dead & Company poster art, creating an anthology of his work with the band, dating back to 2016. 

    dead and company final tour guitars for charity

    The auction is part of the “Participation Row” activism village organized by HeadCount, a non-profit organization that promotes voter registration and civic participation, along with REVERB, which promotes environmental responsibility. Since 2015, Participation Row has raised more than $2.8 million dollars for nearly two dozen “Dead Family” charities through auctions and activity at over 180 concerts. Participation Row’s impact also includes over 25,000 fans registering to vote or signing up for election alerts, and over 100,000 single use water bottles being eliminated.

    Masthay has this to say about his collaboration with HeadCount:

    I’m a firm believer that if our democracy is going to function as intended, we all as citizens have an obligation to be informed and participate in said democracy, that’s why I am and will continue to be a supporter of HeadCount and their mission. My relationship with HeadCount started over a decade ago and out of our partnership has come some of the most cherished pieces in my portfolio.

    Masthay is most well known for his unique style of reduction block printing in the concert art arena. His blend of traditional techniques and love of live music has made him one of the most prominent figures in the rock art industry. Masthay established his own letterpress studio in 2001 and is currently based out of Hartford, CT. He has also done work for Black Sabbath, Foo Fighters, South Park, Queens of the Stone Age, Umphrey’s McGee, Widespread Panic, and many more. 

    Dead & Company Summer ‘23 Tour Dates

    05-19 Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

    05-20 Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

    05-23 Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion

    05-26 Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

    05-28 Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

    05-30 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    06-01 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

    06-03 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    06-05 Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

    06-07 St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

    06-09 Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field

    06-10 Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field

    06-13 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

    06-15 Philadelphia, PA – Citizen’s Bank Park

    06-17 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    06-18 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    06-21 Queens, NY – Citi Field

    06-22 Queens, NY – Citi Field

    06-25 Boston, MA – Fenway Park

    06-27 Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    07-01 Boulder, CO – Folsom Field

    07-02 Boulder, CO – Folsom Field

    07-03 Boulder, CO – Folsom Field

    07-07 George, WA – The Gorge

    07-08 George, WA – The Gorge

    07-14 San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park

    07-15 San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park

  • Spafford Sizzles in Saratoga Springs Debut

    Making their Saratoga Springs debut, the force was strong with Spafford on Thursday, May 4th. Delivering an awe-inspiring, booty shaking performance full of type-II improvisation, buttery smooth segues, spacey textures and more dynamic soloing than even Han could handle, the highly talented quartet proved once again that when it comes to pure jams, Spafford is light years ahead of the pack.

    Putnam Place served as our cantina for the evening, and while you will surely find a more wretched hive elsewhere, on this evening there were no villains here, only friends with plenty of character. You see, despite it being Spafford’s first time in ‘Toga, the electro-funk jam band has been around for more than a decade now. Developing a strong following via old-fashioned word of mouth and fan interaction, frequently sharing high quality live streams and relentless touring, those that already know, know, and these so-called “Spaff-Nerds” will happily travel far and wide to see these jam band Jedis play. For many in attendance, it was a no-brainer making the trip to Putnum Place, a venue with an almost mythical status as being a “rite of passage” for improv acts.

    Originally formed in a place far, far away in Arizona, Spafford is comprised of Brian Moss (Guitar), Jordan Fairless (Bass), Corey Schechtman (Keys), and Nick Tkachyk (Drums), and have actually orbited around the Capital Region numerous times, previously playing venues like the defunct Lucky Strikes in 2017, the Palace Theatre (supporting Umphrey’s McGee) and headlining “Jam Night” at Albany’s Alive at 5 concert series last summer, thus making their long awaited Putnum debut all the more surprising and overdue. Making up for lost time and determined to leave a lasting impression, the evening with Spafford kicked off with a spunky version of “Left on the Runway” from their latest album, 2022’s Simple Mysteries.

    Acknowledging the familial vibe early and flowing straight into “All My Friends,” the collective buzz in the room immediately went up a notch. That’s because longtime Spafford fans know “All My Friends” is almost always paired up with “Bee Jam,” one of their most coveted improv vehicles. Sure enough, the Bee would take flight on this night, soaring through Saratoga with an absolutely stellar, 18 minute rendition that contained everything from head banging grooves, crunchy funk-drenched breakdowns, the first huge guitar solo from Brian Moss and sonic exploration that effortlessly dipped into a murky type-II atmosphere, only to emerge on the other end with “Mind’s Unchained.” Corey’s Schechtman’s tasteful piano textures really came through here, adding a layer of beauty that made you want to close your eyes and live in the moment for as long you could. Slowly building to the song’s blissful crescendo, the song would cap off an impressive 40 minutes of uninterrupted music to start the show. Little did anyone know the biggest jam of the first set was still yet to come.

    As bassist Jordan Fairless slapped away at the intro of “Dog House,” his voice was in top form and so was his playing. Picking up the pace as the song shifted into “Part II,” we’d get another tasty organ solo from Corey, before the song would showcase some of the bands more jamtronic and improg influences with “the human metronome” Nick Tkachyk navigating the ship. Taking you along for a colorful, sonic journey into the musical unknown, the song would ultimately clock in at the 19 minute mark and bring the scorching first set to a close.

    After a smoke-filled intermission, Spafford would stay on target and turn the heat up even higher for set two. Once again choosing a song from their latest studio album to kick things off, the band came out of the gates swinging for the fences with a 21 minute “Diesel Driver” that was, simply put, a home run. Despite being a relatively recent song, Spafford played the ever-loving snot out of it, showing a maturity and patience well beyond their peers. Then working their way through the Braveheart-esq sounding “Pursuit of Madness,” for me, it was all about the “Broken Wing” that would follow. An absolute showcase of what this band is capable of, if you were able to stand still during this song, sorry not sorry, but you might want to check your pulse.

    Going with dank grooves for days and yielding an all-out dance party that reminded you of what the Putnum Place was like before the pandemic, the energy here was through the roof. Yet another 20 plus minute jam, it was around this time I realized, “holy smokes, they haven’t stopped playing this entire set!” Maybe that was their plan all along? Almost on que, as if they could hear my thoughts, “Broken Wing” then melted into “Plans” in the most buttery-smooth way. Giving guitarist Brian Moss and his custom Raven one last chance to shred, every time I get a chance to watch this man play is awe-inspiring. The entire second set alligatored together as one frame of music, I’ve been saying it for years, but if that didn’t make you a believer in this band, then I give up trying to convince you.

    Thanking the audience for packing out the place despite it being their first time there, Moss would speak from the heart and address the crowd by saying, “What a blast we had this evening. What a beautiful town, great food, great people. Should we come back?” After a resounding cheer, minus the one guy who jokingly gave a thumbs down, Spafford would cure us all and send everyone home happy with a 13-minute encore of “The Remedy.” While it may have taken them several years to find their way to Saratoga Springs, east coast jam fans won’t need to wait nearly as long to see the guys again. With the promise of planning something spectacular and unique, up next the band is preparing for an intimate three-night run of shows at NYC’s famous Blue Note Jazz Club beginning May 29th. Later in June, you can catch Spafford performing at the picturesque Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua, NY.

    Spafford | May 4, 2023 | Putnum Place | Saratoga Springs
    Set 1: Left on the Runway, All My Friends > Bee Jam > Mind’s Unchained, Doghouse > Part II
    Set 2: Diesel Driver > Pursuit of Madness > Broken Wing > Plans
    Encore: The Remedy