The Grooving Classic Rock Legends Tribute band provided an intimate performance at The Egg’s Swyer Theater on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
The show featured tribute bands playing classic rock and pop hits from the 60s and 70s from artists such as The Beach Boys, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Grooving Classic Rock Legends plays at major theaters and festivals throughout the Northeast, recreating those sights and sounds.
This group of veteran musicians have been playing classic rock for decades, specializing in songs from the era. They perform their songs with authentic instruments, costumes, and stage presence, and even recreate some of their legendary live performances. Proceeds from the show went to local non-profit organizations in the community.
The show was a blast for fans of classic rock, who enjoyed singing along, dancing, and reminiscing about the good old days when they played at Yezzi’s. The bands delivered high-quality performances that captured the spirit and sound of the original artists. The band also honored veterans and first responders who attended, by dedicating some songs to them and thanking them for their service. The three hour show was a success, despite the low attendance due to Thanksgiving weekend. The venue was cozy and comfortable, and the staff was friendly and helpful.
Jim Anderson and Gary Weinlein served as promoters, with Weinlein also performing in the show, which had ‘appearances’ from Jim Morrison, Grace Slick. The Doors, Santana and Linda Ronstadt, who brought back memories of Governor Moonbeam, and all the craziness of that time. The night closed with Eric Clapton, a standing ovation and the crowd getting a chance to meet the performers in the lobby.
Over the past 8 years Groovin’ Legends has performed at Proctors, The Palace Theatre and The Egg, donating over $30,000 to local Veteran groups through ticket sales. The Veteran groups include The Gold Star Mothers, Blue Star Mothers, Gold Star Families Memorial at Lafayette Park in Albany, NY, Tri County Council Vietnam Era Veterans, and the Veterans Miracle Center.
The vibrant dance scene in Albany is set to be illuminated once again as The Egg and the University at Albany join forces to present the groundbreaking Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company on Saturday, December 2 at 8 pm, part of the Dance in Albany series.
The performance promises to captivate audiences at The Egg at the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany, marking a return to the Capital Region since their last appearance in 2015.
Founded in 1982, the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company emerged from an extraordinary 11-year collaboration between Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane (1948–1988). This partnership not only redefined the duet form but also foreshadowed themes of identity, form, and social commentary that have left an indelible mark on American dance. With a global footprint encompassing over 200 cities across 40 countries, the company stands as a beacon of innovation and power in the dance-theater world.
The company’s repertoire is a testament to its diversity, exploring various subject matters, visual imagery, and stylistic approaches to movement, voice, and stagecraft. Collaborating with an eclectic array of artists, including Keith Haring, Cassandra Wilson, and Jenny Holzer, the company’s intensely collaborative creation process has yielded a rich tapestry of performances.
The upcoming program by the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company will showcase “Love Redefined” from 1996 and “Story/” from 2013.
“Love Redefined,” inspired by the 1992 commission for the Lyon Opera Ballet titled “Love Defined,” is a powerful ensemble work that embodies Jones’ distinct and poetic style. Set to Daniel Johnston’s whimsical music and featuring décor by Donald Baechler, the performance is an energetic reflection on love and human relationships.
“Story/” is a reworking of “Story/Time” (2012), where chance plays a central role in choreography, music, lighting, set elements, and costumes. Set to Schubert’s String Quartet #14, Death and the Maiden, “Story/” draws from a trove of choreographic material spanning 35 years. The piece explores the dynamic interplay between movement and music, showcasing Jones’ exploration of the dramaturgical possibilities that arise from this interaction.
The Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company has garnered numerous accolades, including New York Dance and Performance Awards (“Bessie”) for various productions. Noteworthy mentions include awards for “Chapel/Chapter” at Harlem Stage (2006) and “Deep Blue Sea” (2021). The company was also nominated for the 1999 Laurence Olivier Award for “Outstanding Achievement in Dance and Best New Dance Production.”
Before the performance, a Prelude talk sponsored by the Dance Alliance will take place at 7:15 pm at The Egg. Mary DiSanto-Rose, former Dance Department chair at Skidmore College, will engage in a conversation with Janet Wong, Associate Artistic Director of the company and New York Live Arts.
Tickets for the performance are priced at $36 and can be purchased at The Egg Box Office on the Concourse Level of the Empire State Plaza in Albany, by phone at 518-473-1845, and online at theegg.org.
Remaining performances in the Dance in Albany series promise a diverse and exciting lineup, including Mark Morris Dance Group (January 25), Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company with Capital Trio (January 27), Monica Bill Barnes & Company in “The Running Show” (February 3), NoGravity Theatre (February 9), Savion Glover (April 13), and Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company (May 18).
The Extreme Music Awards has announced their inaugural event to be held in Albany on January 13, 2024. Created by Mike Valente of Upstate Black N Blue Productions, the Extreme Music Awards are set to bring recognition to the Capital Region’s most extreme artists.
The awards ceremony will feature a house band, performing a full concert experience for attendees at Albany’s Empire Live. In addition, prizes will be raffled off including signed drum heads, guitars, gift certificates, and more.
Mike Valente, also a member of hardcore band Brick by Brick, created the Extreme Music Awards alongside a team consisting of RadioRadioX, Capital Underground, That Fuzzing Rock Show and 518Scene.com. The media groups joined together to celebrate and recognize extreme music throughout New York State and the Capital Region.
Tickets are available now and more updates will be available at extrememusicawards.com, including announcements about presenters and judges at the ceremony.
Wooden Duck Entertainment and The LateShift are thrilled to announce “Songs for Smokey,” a reunion concert and benefit set to take the stage on Saturday, November 25, at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. This extraordinary event not only commemorates a dear friend but also continues the heartwarming tradition established by the band, The LateShift.
“Songs for Smokey” serves as a tribute to Zachary “Smokey” Tyler Warner, a beloved friend who departed this world a decade ago. It has become an enduring tradition for the band, featuring annual performances during Thanksgiving week. The first of these heartfelt gatherings occurred in 2013, serving as a fundraiser that led to the establishment of the Zachary Warner Scholarship, administered through North Colonie Friends of Music.
Unlike traditional academic scholarships, this scholarship recognizes music students who demonstrate exceptional kindness and compassion. The funds raised from the initial event provided invaluable support for a decade. This year’s concert aims to extend this support for another decade, benefiting a new generation of exceptional music students.
Zach, or “Smokey” as he was affectionately known, was a vibrant and sincere individual who left an indelible mark on those he encountered. His unconventional and spontaneous nature was a source of inspiration to those around him. His connection with The LateShift went beyond mere friendship; it was a deep and enduring brotherhood. A decade after his untimely passing, his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
The LateShift, renowned for their last album, Forks and Knives, released in 2016, decided to disband in 2021. However, they are reuniting for this special occasion to perform two sets of music. The first set will celebrate the band’s 15-year catalog, offering a greatest hits selection that includes the fan-favorite song “Drink and Stone,” a poignant track co-written by Zach. The second set promises to be an electrifying mix of everyone’s favorite party tunes, complete with musical surprises and even some special guest appearances.
Tickets for “Songs for Smokey” at The Hollow Bar are available now and can be purchased here. Act quickly to secure your tickets at a special presale price of $10 until November 2. Starting November 3, general admission tickets will be available for $15.
House of Saturn, a band of three friends from Troy, will perform in Albany and Troy this fall, showing off their musical talent and eclectic music tastes. The trio define themselves as a refreshing mix of folk, punk rock, and alternative. If you’ve been feeling like you need something more to add to your playlist – something new – then House of Saturn might be just what you’re looking for.
House of Saturn – Jess Bowen (guitar, violin, vocals, synths), Brian Brancato (drums, vocals, guitar) and Malcom Kane (bass, trombone) – met in college during their studies at the Crane School of Music, and soon afterwards relocated to the Capital Region. After several years of late night studio jams, House of Saturn was born. The group has taken on a unique sound, performing original music from a wide variety of genres, but rooted in indie rock.
House of Saturn’s musical catalog centers around the songwriting of Bowen and Brancato, with a handful of covers sprinkled in from various styles and genres. Bowen’s songwriting features colorful chord progressions often with an emphasis on the violin, strings, and rich vocal layering. Brancato writes from the perspective of a folk-influenced punk rocker with a fascination with compound and frequently changing time signatures. Audience members have described the band’s gigs as having “a 90s-esque jangly alternative rock vibe.” Between the contrast in songwriting styles and the group’s shared eclectic tastes in music, every House of Saturn show brings the audience a unique set of songs that everyone in the band is truly excited to share.
What makes HoS different to me is that we’re not afraid to branch out. We all have such varied influences that inspire us which you can really hear in music from our two song writers (Brian v. Jess). You hear elements of bands/artists like That Dog, Bowie, Phish, and on the other side, there’s Green Day, Foo Fighters, and Beirut. It’s just so fun and freeing to be able to explore whatever we fancy that day and I think the audience can feel that and enjoys going for that ride.
Malcom Kane
Their latest single to date, “Waster” opens up with an electronic-feel, introducing the exciting percussion that markmany pop-style songs.
While long intros of songs can get boring for some, this intro is captivating and you can find it easy to sink into the music and enjoy it. Brancato’s guitar solo has a relaxing 70s-feel to it which starts just before the lyrics begin. Jess Bowen’s light, calming lead vocals add to the overall feeling of being transported back to the 70s, complemented by the angelic backup vocals.
The ending is surprising yet fitting, with the introduction of what sounds like a horn solo that ties the piece together.
Processed with Rookie Cam
On top of the musicality of the single, you have to appreciate the lyricism of the song. So many songs today are about how we feel like we’re running out of time, how we won’t have enough time, and we’re getting lost because of it. This song does the opposite: it compels us to enjoy that feeling of losing time, but not in a negative way: just letting yourself be a human and sort of…float.
“I love to waste my time // with all of the weight of the wise // keep on the right path darling.” This section of the song speaks to everyone– sometimes it’s nice to just do nothing, because there’s still beauty in doing nothing. While we may know that we should be doing something– “the weight of the wise”– we also know that we can take a little time for ourselves to stay on the right path.
We, as a society, are obsessed with a “grind” culture, and this song is perfectly combatting it.
House of Saturn will perform on October 27 in Albany at WCDB’s Multi-Genre Night. There will be music from 7pm to 1am, and they will be performing from 9:30-10:30pm. They will also be at the Troy Speakeasy with Brooklyn band Waterfall Strainer on Monday, November 6.
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.
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.
Prepare for a Christmas rock experience as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) has announced its annual holiday tour. The multi-platinum rock group, which has consistently hit the touring charts for the past 15 years, unveiled the details of their highly anticipated 2023 winter tour, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More.”
This year’s tour promises a new and larger presentation of the beloved holiday tradition, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” which has captured the hearts of multiple generations. TSO will visit 62 cities, including Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and Belmont Park (the only New York Metro area show for the season).
A product of the imagination of TSO’s late founder Paul O’Neill, and based on TSO’s CD and TV special, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, follows the journey of a runaway who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater on December 24. While seeking shelter from the cold, the teen is discovered by the theater’s caretaker who uses the ghosts and spirits from the building’s past to turn her life around. Following the performance of the rock opera, 2023’s tour also boasts a rocking, blazing, and laser-lit second set containing more of TSO’s greatest hits, fan favorites, and surprises. If you are unable to attend, fans at home can watch a digitally restored The Ghosts of Christmas Eve on their local PBS station.
For 27 years you have helped make Paul O’Neill’s TSO stories a part of your holiday tradition. And, for 27 years, our tradition has been to make every year’s tour better than the last for you. 2023 is no exception as this year’s tour will be the best ever. I can’t wait to see our ‘repeat offenders’ out at the shows and look forward to seeing the new faces as well.
TSO music director and lead guitarist Al Pitrelli
For New York TSO fans, TSO will be touring in Albany on November 29, Rochester on November 30, Buffalo on December 2, and Elmont on December 20. Be sure to grab tickets before they sell out if you plan to attend.
Presales for TSO fan club members will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. local time and Friday, Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. local time. The public on-sale is set to begin on Friday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. local time. Beginning with the public on sale, special $39 tickets will be available for one week or while supplies last. Keeping with O’Neill’s character, TSO will give at least $1 from every ticket sold to charity. To date, more than $18 million has been donated by the group.
Photo by Jason McEacher.
For more details on tour dates and ticket sales, visit here.
The City of Albany’s 21st Annual Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival will kick off on Saturday, September 9th. The all-day free event will begin at 12 pm at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch under the 787 bridge. Five live acts will take the stage throughout the day, concluding at 8 pm with a fireworks display.
Since the debut event in 2002, the City of Albany Jazz Festival features an eclectic array of musical greats, acclaimed up-and-coming artists, as well as local favorites. The festival features food, beverages, and great vendors for all ages. Admission is free.
Local favorites include Kevin McNeal, an Albany native, who excels in the local jazz scene. He leads his group, BluesWing, for the first live performance of the event.
In addition to music, the Henry Johnson Award for Distinguished Community Services will be presented to Valerie Alexander-Moseley. Alexander-Moseley is a local community leader with a passion for economic and social justice throughout West Hill and the city of Albany.
Ground rules for the event include no glass, animals, or recording of performances. All City of Albany parks are now curb-to-curb tobacco-free and marijuana-free. In the event of inclement weather, the Jazz Festival will be held at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch. More information and updates are available at albanyevents.org.
Colorado band Magic Beans has announced a span of fall tour dates, including a stop in Albany on October 26. Spanning all along the East Coast, this is the group’s most extensive tour yet, with more dates to be announced and a New Year’s Eve event in the works.
The self-described funk-soul-rock group has released a number of new singles this summer, including “Northland,” “Memory,” “You & Me,” and “Better Man.” Their latest album, Unzipped, released in 2022, takes significant influences from lo-fi recording techniques, hip-hop, and 90s neo-soul.
Magic Beans currently operates out of Colorado, where they will play hometown shows to begin the tour. Bassist Chris Duffy hails from Brooklyn, and the group will stop at Albany’s The Hollow on Oct. 26. Magic Beans is Scott Hachey (Guitar/Vocals), Casey Russell (Keyboard/Vocals), Chris Duffy (Bass/Vocals), and Cody Wales (drums).
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall will unveil a brand new event, Kaleidescape: A Sonic Journey, on October 14. The event will feature over 15 artists and is set to be a musical experience unlike anything the venue has ever hosted before. The venue has commissioned seven artists to create an original piece of work that will debut at Kaleidescape.
Originally part of a historic bank, the Music Hall has become an artistic staple in Troy and the surrounding area. The Music Hall will serve as the central artistic inspiration for the new pieces of music . The mission of Kaleidescape is to celebrate the local musicians and fans who have helped to support Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
Curated by Organ Colossal, Kaleidoscope will feature performances from Buggy Jive, Sara Ayers, Ohzhe, Zan and the Winter Folk, Sam Torres, and composer Patrick Burke. The event will also include multiple special guests like Julia Alsarraf and Girl Blue.
Kaleidescape will continue the venue’s mission of keeping music open and accessible. To ensure that cost is not a barrier, the organization has announced that there will be a limited number of free tickets. The Troy Redevelopment Foundation is sponsoring the Community Ticket Bank. To inquire or reserve these tickets contact Troy Savings Bank Music Hall by email, by phone at (518) 273-0038, or by visiting the box office.
Click here for a full list of performers, and visit here for paid tickets and more information.
