Tag: Palace Theatre

Flashback: Trey Anastasio Joins Medeski Martin and Wood at Albany’s Palace Theatre, December 1, 2000

There was already magic in the air when Medeski, Martin and Wood took the stage on December 1, 2000 at The Palace Theatre in Albany. The night was cold but the rumors were hot that some very special guests would be joining MMW that night.

Those rumors turned out to be true. Elysian Fields founder/guitarist Oren Bloedow as well as Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista joined Medeski Martin and Wood for the entire show. Rumors had been swirling like an upstate snow squall that Phish frontman Trey Anastasio would be there and when He joined Medeski, Martin and Wood (plus Bloedow and Baptista) late in the second set, the energy of the crowd and the band reached some amazing heights.

The night began with some ambient improvisation from Medeski, Martin and Wood with special guests Bloedow and Baptista joining from the start. Instrumental grooves set the mood and seemingly took the audience from jungle to the tropics and through various soundscapes before leading in to “The Dropper.” The first pure melodies of the night then followed with “Nostalgia in Times Square.” From “The Dropper” to “Times Square” – the psychedelic journey had begun and the band took the crowd on what sounded like an audio description of a psychedelic experience through New York City.

One can almost see the different store fronts, streets, alleys, cabs, people and hallucinations as MMW and friends wind their way from Times Square through “Angel Race (I’ll Wait For You)” and “Shacklyn Knights”, the latter featuring some vintage psychedelic 60’s style guitar leads from Bloedow. A heavy trance like percussion jam brought a return to “Shacklyn Knights” before closing the first set with a dark and jazzy “Seven Deadlies,” again invoking the chaos of mixing psychedelics and The Big City.

Ticket stub for Medeski Martin and Wood, which featured sit-ins from Trey Anastasio, Oren Bloedow and Cyro Baptista.

Set two began with John Medeski laying down an eerie organ intro before Billy Martin kicked in a big beat on drums for “Big Time”. Chris Wood’s bass fueled the opening jam while MMW was once again joined by Oren Bloedow and Cyro Baptista. The Five-some took the music to deep, dark space before returning to planet Earth via the Jimi Hendrix classic “Third Stone From The Sun” which featured funky grooves and blistering lead guitar from Oren Bloedow and a percussion breakdown. The crowd erupted as Trey Anastasio appeared and it was announced that “another special guest” was going to join the stage. The new ensemble, armed with one of the world’s most talented guitarists kicked off with MMW’s “Partido Alto” with Trey adding his signature guitar style.

When asked about this show, Capital region resident Maria Levin, who was in attendance said, “Trey playing “Partido Alto” with MMW is still one of the highlights of my live music life.” “We Are Rolling,” “Start Stop” and a haunting, Roky Erickson-esque “Dracula” had Trey and company exploring the far reaches of the universe with a sound that seemed to encapsulate some of the best elements of Phish and MMW. Jax Why commented in the Facebook group PHISH TOUR 2014, “A superb evening. The “rumor” was not much of a surprise by the time Big Red (Trey Anastasio) emerged for the second set. However, the style and energy in which He played was. It was quite a different sit-in from when Trey joined MMW in Austin, TX about 4 years prior. Mature jamming and placement with intent and patience.” Following “Dracula,” Chris Wood captivated the Palace Theatre crowd with a bass solo that set the tone for a jazzy, funky and at times scary “Chubb Sub” that closed out the set.

After a standing ovation, Medeski, Martin, Wood, Bloedow, Baptista and Anastasio returned to the stage and sent the fans home into the Albany night with a “Swamp Road” for the ages.

The collaborations at The Palace Theatre in Albany on December 1, 2000 would not only lead to an unforgettable night for those in attendance but also change the course of jamband history. This magical night in Albany was the first time Trey Anastasio and Cyro Baptista joined forces together on stage. Trey would invite Cyro to join The Trey Anastasio Band in 2002. Cyro continues to be a part of TAB to this day.

December 1, 2023
Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade Flies High at the Palace Theatre in Albany

Frogs and freaks flew into the Palace Theatre in Albany on Friday, October 20, heralding the return of Les Claypool and his Frog Brigade. The first tour for the group in 20 years began earlier in the year, winding its way into the Northeast for a run of late-October shows.

With draped banners of stars and stripes giving a nod to Pink Floyd’s The Wall, the stage took on a blue dystopian hue, as the six piece band – Skerik (saxophone), Mike Dillon (percussion, vibraphone), Sean Lennon (guitar), Harry Waters (keyboards), Paulo Baldi (drums) and Claypool (bass) – arrived on stage to “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” (Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore), Claypool bringing up the rear. With Les dressed in all black and a bowler hat, a slow bass led intro to “Cosmic Highway” took the audience on a psychedelic ride, right into “Up on the Roof.”

Following Les offering praise to Skerik, Skerik spoke in French briefly before telling an Albany/All bunny/All moose joke that earned groans and chuckles from the audience.

A cover of The Beat’s “Mirror in the Bathroom” was an early highlight, taking the narcissistic 1980 song out for an extended spin. “David Makalaster,” the Purple Onion track, followed, with Claypool Lennon Delirium composition “Blood and Rockets: Movement I, Saga of Jack Parsons – Movement II Too the Moon” closing a ‘short but didn’t feel short’ 60-minute set.

With Harry Waters – son of Roger – helming the keys, set 2 began with a full rendition of Pink Floyd’s Animals, the five song suite never missed a mark, Claypool donning a pig mask while switching to stand up bass.

A pair of songs from Les Claypool and the Holy Mackerel – “Precipitation” and “Calling Kyle” would follow, with “D’s Diner” closing the second set with audience callbacks, whispered lyrics, and xylophone throughout.

King Crimson’s “Thela Hun Ginjeet,” a song that Claypool and his Frog Brigade kicked off the main stage at the first Bonnaroo (and the incredible DVD as well) would drive the energy of the audience to 11, peppering in “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” teases. As the band left the stage, walk out music of “Pure Imagination” played, calling back to Claypool’s memorable Primus and the Chocolate Factory tour.

A can’t miss tour, the Frog Brigade will be at The Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ on October 24 before heading to Hulaween and ending the tour at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Halloween.

Les Claypool and his Frog Brigade – Palace Theatre, Albany – Friday, October 20, 2023

Set 1: When Johnny Comes Marching Home, Cosmic Highway, Up on the Roof, Mirror in the Bathroom, David Makalaster, Blood and Rockets: Movement I, Saga of Jack Parsons – Movement II Too the Moon

Set 2: Pigs on the Wing, Part 1, Dogs, Pigs (Three Different Ones), Sheep, Pigs on the Wing, Part 2, Precipitation, Calling Kyle, One Step Beyond, Buzzards of Green Hill, D’s Diner

Encore: Thela Hun Ginjeet, Pure Imagination

Photos by Derek Java

October 22, 2023
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.

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.

September 30, 2023
Stewart’s Shops & Dake Family Foundation announce $25,000 gift to Albany’s Palace Theatre

Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family Foundation have announced a $25,000 contribution to the Palace Theatre’s Community Engagement Initiative. The Initiative is a widespread effort to expand the Palace Theatre’s accessibility to the nearby community.

The grant will focus on widening the Palace’s presence as a resource for communities around the Capital Region, subsidizing expenses associated with using the space, helping groups to participate in various arts programs to use the Threatre for practice and rehearsal.

Stewart’s Shops is committed to giving back to all our shops’ communities. We are proud to support the Palace Performing Arts Center’s Community Engagement Initiative. Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive Albany, harnessing the transformative power of the arts to uplift lives and inspire positive change.
Susan Dake, President of Stewart’s Shops & Dake Family Foundation

The Dake Family Foundation’s gift will also support the Initiative’s workforce development training, which assists individuals with becoming trained NYS certified security guards. In addition, it also offers paid internship opportunities to expose candidates to the arts and entertainment business industries. It also allows for collaboration with other community organizations that serve youth and families throughout the summer, providing safe spaces to enjoy family-friendly programming.

Live entertainment is the cornerstone of what we do at the Palace, but collaboration and community engagement are also pillars of our success. When an organization has great partners like Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family, we are able to provide access to the Palace Theatre and present it as not just a place for great entertainment, but also a community resource to the Capital Region.
Kevin Johnson, Executive Director of the Palace Theatre

The theatre has many summer offerings including a Summer in the City Movie Series, an Annual Block Party, a Safe Trick or Treat even, and other community-centered programs throughout the season.

August 31, 2023
Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade Announces Fall Tour, Palace Theatre and Brooklyn Steel Shows

Tickets are now available for Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade’s “Hunt For Green October” fall tour, with dates in Brooklyn and Albany. The rock band recently reformed after a 20-year hiatus, and has just completed their “Summer of Green” tour.

The band was originally formed by Les Claypool in 2000 during a break from his other band, Primus, with a debut appearance at the Mountain Aire Festival. They would go on to tour around the U.S., release two live albums, and release the studio album, Purple Onion.

Claypool himself has also been involved with Primus’s recent “A Tribute To Kings” tour, as well as Primus’s first new music in over five years. This 3-track EP, Conspiranoid, includes the 11-minute “Conspiranoia.”

Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade will have a new, two-set show for their fall tour, going more into their catalog. The “Hunt For Green October” tour will be the last opportunity to hear the Frog Brigade’s take on Pink Floyd‘s Animals. The song will be played at every show in its entirety.

Let’s put it this way… I think, with Primus and without, I’ve played every music festival in the last ten years, except Lilith Fair. You could say I’m the guy who doesn’t fit in anywhere, but a little bit everywhere.
Les Claypool

Upcoming Tour Dates

Oct. 11 – Fox Theater – Oakland, CA

Oct. 12 – Riverside Municipal Auditorium – Riverside, CA

Oct. 14 – El Rey Theater – Albuquerque, NM

Oct. 15 – Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO

Oct. 17 – The Factory – St. Louis, MO

Oct. 18 – Salt Shed – Chicago, IL

Oct. 20 – The Palace Theatre – Albany, NY

Oct. 21 – Toyota Oakdale Theatre – Wallingford, CT

Oct. 22 – Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY

Oct. 24 – Wellmont Theater – Montclair, NJ

Oct. 25 – Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 27 – Hulaween – Live Oak, FL

Oct. 29 – The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC

Oct. 30 – Andrew J. Brady Music Center – Cincinnati, OH

Oct. 31 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN

More information and tickets can be found on Les Claypool’s website.

July 24, 2023
The Renaissance Black Film Festival Arrives In Albany this June

The first annual Renaissance Black Film Festival (RBFF) is coming to Albany, running June 22–25 at the historic Palace Theatre and the extravagant Renaissance Hotel. With both venues located in the capital’s historic downtown, attendees will easily be able to navigate between each location.

RBFF puts a spotlight on Black artists and creatives within the film industry and recognizes New York’s Capital Region as a burgeoning hotbed for filmmaking. RBFF will show films from a plethora of Black filmmakers across the country, with awards and cash prizes going to Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best First Project.

The festival is led by entrepreneur and the Palace Theatre’s Executive Director Kevin Johnson, filmmaker Micah Khan, creative agency Collectiveffort, and supported by its’ ambassador, NAACP Image Award recipient Morris Chestnut. Panelists and honorary board members include Gail Bean of FX’s hit show Snowfall and acclaimed screenwriter and director Jamal Hill who’s worked on films such as I am Legend, among many others.

“Over the last decade, we’ve seen about 20 productions come to the area, each growing larger and larger. The secret of the flexibility, affordability and overall beauty of our area has gotten out and folks that are here should be ready to join the industry as it lays roots,” says Collectiveffort Co-founder Patrick Harris.

In addition to the screenings, RBFF will host a series of panel discussions, networking events, public afterparties, an award ceremony, and a few special surprise screenings.

The festival’s curators are accepting submissions up until June 7. Starting Friday, May 26 tickets are on sale here. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Palace Theatre Box Office (located at 19 Clinton Ave). Box Office hours are Monday – Friday Noon to 5PM.

May 27, 2023
My Morning Jacket Fall Tour Celebates “It Still Moves”, Shows at Palace in Albany, 3 nights at Beacon

My Morning Jacket has announced their upcoming North American headline tour, highlighted by a series of very special shows celebrating the 20th anniversary of their third studio album, It Still Moves. The first of three shows (Oct. 19-21) at The Beacon Theatre in Manhattan will include the It Still Moves celebration, as well as shows in Atlanta and Chicago. The Palace Theatre in Albany will also host MMJ for their first performance at the historic venue.

The upcoming North American tour continues a non-stop live schedule for My Morning Jacket that includes headline shows in the UK and Europe, festival appearances at Guadalajara, Mexico’s Corona Capital Guadalajara (May 20), Barcelona, Spain’s Primavera Sound (June 3), Porto, Portugal’s Primavera Sound (June 9), Madrid, Spain’s Primavera Sound (June 10), Manchester, TN’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (June 17), Scranton, PA’s Peach Music Festival (July 1), Memphis, TN’s Mempho Music Festival (September 30), and a three-night run alongside Fleet Foxes set to visit Berkeley, CA’s Greek Theatre (August 18-19) and Los Angeles, CA’s historic Hollywood Bowl (August 20).

My Morning Jacket and the non-profit REVERB are partnering for the third consecutive year to reduce the environmental footprint of their tour and take action on the climate crisis. In addition to a comprehensive tour sustainability program, the band will be supporting REVERB’s climate portfolio which funds projects that measurably reduce greenhouse gas pollution, address climate justice, and directly decarbonize the music industry. For more info visit reverb.org.

My Morning Jacket recently announced the eagerly anticipated return of My Morning Jacket’s One Big Holiday, an all-inclusive concert vacation set for April 4-8, 2024 at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico. One Big Holiday will once again see My Morning Jacket performing three unique headline shows, joined by an all-star lineup including some of the band’s favorite artists and friends. Presale Opt-In registration is open now to One Big Holiday Returning Guest Members and members of MMJ’s One Big Family, exclusively at onebigfamily.mymorningjacket.com. Complete presale information and initial lineup details will be unveiled later this summer. For complete information, please visit mmjonebigholiday.com.

Members of My Morning Jacket’s One Big Family fan club on Medallion will have first access to presale tickets. Free registration is available now through Monday, May 15 at 9:00 am (ET) exclusively at onebigfamily.mymorningjacket.com. Spotify and local presales begin Wednesday, May 17 at 10:00 am (local) and continue through 10:00 pm (local). All remaining tickets will be released to the general public on Friday, May 19 at 10:00 am (local). For complete details and ticket availability, please see www.mymorningjacket.com/events. VIP tickets will also be available. For complete details, please visit www.cidentertainment.com/events/my-morning-jacket.

MY MORNING JACKET – TOUR 2023

MAY

14 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre *

15 – Jackson, MS – Thalia Mara Hall *

19 – Guadalajara, Mexico – Guanamor Studio **

20 – Guadalajara, Mexico – Corona Capital Guadalajara ^

30 – London, UK – O2 Kentish Town Forum #

31 – Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz Manchester #

JUNE

3 – Barcelona, Spain – Primavera Sound ^

5 – Antwerp, Belgium – De Roma #

6 – Utrecht, Netherlands – TivoliVredenburg #

9 – Porto, Portugal – Primavera Sound ^

10 – Madrid, Spain – Primavera Sound ^

15 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre ‡

16 – Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery ‡

17 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival ^

20 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre ‡

21 – Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater ‡

23 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park *

24 – Newport, KY – MegaCorp Pavilion *

26 – Lewiston, NY – Artpark Amphitheater ¶

28 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE ¶

30 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl ¶

JULY

1 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival ^

29 – Washington, DC – The Anthem ##

30 – Beech Mountain, NC – Beech Mountain Summer Series ##

AUGUST

15 – Troutdale, OR – McMenamins Edgefield ‡‡

16 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater ‡‡

18 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre †

19 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre †

20 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl †

22 – San Diego, CA – CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre ‡‡

23 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Amphitheatre ‡‡

25 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre ‡‡ +

26 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre ‡‡

SEPTEMBER

30 – Memphis, TN – Mempho Music Festival ^

OCTOBER

17 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall

19 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre +

20 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

21 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

24 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner

25 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre

30 – Birmingham, AL – Alabama Theatre

31 – New Orleans, LA – Orpheum Theater

NOVEMBER

3 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre +

4 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre

7 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre

9 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre +

10 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre

11 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre

APRIL 2024

4-8 – Puerto Aventuras, Mexico – One Big Holiday

* w/ Special Guest Jaime Wyatt

** w/ Special Guest Costa de Ámbar

^ Festival Appearance

# w/ Special Guest Devon Gilfillian

‡ w/ Special Guest Wilderado

¶ w/ Special Guest Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe

## w/ Special Guest Katie Pruitt

‡‡ w/Special Guest M. Ward

† w/ Fleet Foxes

+ It Still Moves 20th Anniversary Show

May 12, 2023
Palace Theatre to Host Benefit Concert with The Frank White Experience on April 1

The Palace Theatre and Building on Love are partnering to present The Frank White Experience and special guest DJ TGIF live in the Palace Lobby on April 1, starting at 7 p.m.

Six-year-old Ezekiel McLean was always a happy, upbeat, loving, and supportive child. One day his parents received the news that he has stage 4 kidney cancer, and their world has been upside down ever since. To pay the medical costs, the Palace Theatre’s Community Engagement Initiative is hosting a fundraiser with Building on Love and all the proceeds will be used to support the McLean Family. Building on Love is a local non-profit with a mission of helping families in the community who have had their life altered by supporting a loved one with a recent life-altering medical diagnosis by giving them financial access to care and housing so they can focus on the health of their loved ones.

“Childhood cancer is a battle that no one should have to go through. As if the emotional toll was not enough, the financial toll on the families can be crippling,” said Kevin Johnson, Executive Director of the Palace Theatre. “We are pleased to be able to offer our space, time, and energy to be able to help the McLean family in any way possible.” The benefit will take place at the Palace Theatre, Albany’s iconic downtown landmark, bringing in the biggest names in entertainment to the Capital Region for the past eight decades. Built in 1931, it was originally for vaudeville acts, and feature films, becoming a civic auditorium before closing its doors in 1969. The mission of the Palace is to bring world-class arts and entertainment to New York’s Capital Region, greatly enhancing the area’s cultural and economic development.

The Frank White Experience is the genre leader in live Hip Hop tribute bands, bringing the sounds of NOTORIOUS B.I.G. and live instrumentation to the listener’s ears. FWE not only covers the music of Biggie Smalls but takes listeners on a journey back through the beloved soundscape of 1990s Hip Hop and R&B, sharing the stage with Rakim, Styles P, Lil Kim, Fat Joe, C.J. Wallace, Havoc, DJ Enuff, Sway Calloway, Lil Cease, Klept, and many more. Featured at the concert is DJ TGIF aka Craig Earle, one of Upstate New York’s most in-demand DJs, performing regularly to both late-night sold-out crowds and family-friendly events alike. He was recently awarded the honor of the Albany Business Review’s 40 Under 40.

Tickets to attend the benefit performance are $30 (Standard Admission) and $50 (VIP), on sale now at the Palace Theatre Box Office and online.

March 28, 2023
A Wonderful Weekend of moe. at the Palace Theatre

For the first time since 2018, moe. returned to the Palace Theatre stage in Albany for a pair of shows with new band member Nate Wilson on keys. The shows were marked by a proclamation earlier that day from Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan to rename part of North Pearl Street as moe.street.

photo by Jarron Childs

photo by Jarron Childs

photo by Jarron Childs

While moe. did play a live-streamed show from the Palace Theatre lobby in 2020, the return to the stage was marked by welcoming back Chuck Garvey for his sixth and seventh shows back with moe., following recovery from a stroke. This was also the first time moe. fans in Albany would be seeing a sextet, as Nate Wilson has officially joined the band on keys, finding a natural fit next to guitarist Al Schnier, as the tones of these two would add layers to classic and fresh moe. tunes alike.

Friday night was marked by a proclamation amending moe.day (February 24) to be moe.weekend, read from the stage by City of Albany Treasurer, Darius Shanifar (filling in for Mayor Sheehan). With that, Shanifar introduced six guys named moe., as the band made their way onto the stage and began the run with an extended “Billy Goat,” which segued into “Bearsong” after much hinting from percussionist Jim Loughlin via his vibraphone. The underrated “Crushing” surged forth next and made way for “Blue Jeans Pizza,” a great song made even greater with the inclusion of Wilson on keys. Following “ATL” and “Don’t Wanna Be”, Suke Cerulo, who filled in on guitar during Garvey’s absense, joined for “McBain”, a song Cerulo has become quite familiar with, leading to a psychedelic jam among the seven musicians on stage.

Set 2 opened with the rarely played Tin Cans and Car Tires tune “Again and Again,” only having been played twice previously in the last decade. Another bust out followed in “Faker”, not played since 12/30/2018. “The Road” held its own with Wilson adding additional layers, while “Water” marked the first time it was played since Chuck returned last month in Huntington. To close out the set, back to back 16-minute versions of “Downward Facing Dog” and “The Pit” were the icing on the cake, with “The Pit” accented by Wilson’s use of flute and the band coming out strong as ever for a fan favorite show stopper.

An encore of “Letter Home” and “Captain America” bid the crowd a good night, as the kids kept dancing long after the show. Options afterward were plentiful, with fans opting for Cerulo at Empire Underground, Hilltop at Parish Public House, or for the adventurous, a Shrek Rave at Empire Live.

Saturday proved to be just as hot inside despite wintery weather outside. Karina Rykman wowed the audience as the opener, showing off her power-trio’s sound and rock-star vibe that is as infectious as her inspired playing. Rykman would come up later in the evening for the guest-friendly “Meat” that saw her trade bass licks with Rob Derhak over the course of an 11 minute jam session.

moe. would open their set with a slow-building “Lazarus,” followed by “Seat of My Pants.” Nate Wilson continued to make his presence known in the extended “Sensory Deprevation Bank” followed by the newer “Jazz Cigarette.” Conehead Buddha’s Shannon Lynch joined the band for “Happy Hour Hero,” taking centerstage for a solo, reuniting musicians who have been playing together in the Albany scene for more than 30 years.

A four song, hour-long second set was as tight on paper as the band is in person – from the first notes of “Waiting for the Punchline,” through the always enjoyable “Kyle’s Song,” the dark grooves of “Puebla” and ol’ reliable “Rebubula.” To wrap things up, “Plane Crash” took the encore slot, before fans rolled out onto moe.street following two memorable and sentimental moe shows at the Palace Theatre.

moe. – Palace Theatre, Albany – Friday February 24

Set 1: Billy Goat -> Bearsong, Crushing, Blue Jeans Pizza, ATL, Don’t Wanna Be -> McBain*
Set 2: Again and Again^, Faker -> The Road, Water#, Downward Facing Dog -> The Pit
Encore: Letter Home, Captain America
* with Suke Cerulo of Schleigho on guitar
^ LTP 12/30/2018
# Not played since before Chuck’s break

moe. – Palace Theatre, Albany – Saturday, February 25

Set 1: Lazarus, Seat Of My Pants > Sensory Deprivation Bank, Jazz Cigarette, Happy Hour Hero*, Meat^
Set 2: Waiting for the Punchline, Kyle’s Song -> Puebla -> Rebubula
Encore: Plane Crash
* with Shannon Lynch of Conehead Buddha on saxophone
^ with Karina Rykman joining on bass. Karina and Rob traded licks during the jam.

Photo gallery by Conor McMahon

February 27, 2023
City of Albany renames North Pearl Street “moe.street,” Declares moe.day “Alive And Well” On 5th Anniv.

With moe. preparing for their two-night run at Albany’s Palace Theatre, starting tonight, February 24, which is the city’s fifth annual “moe.day,” the City of Albany has announced that it is temporarily renaming N. Pearl, the street on which the Palace Theatre stands, to moe.street, effective immediately.

The announcement honors deep ties between moe. and the City of Albany, which began with the band’s early days living together on Central Avenue in the ‘90s. Their first performance at the Palace Theatre took place on February 23rd, 1996, as part of a “Rock The Vote” concert, and this Saturday will mark the band’s 17th appearance at the venue, in addition to a short video concert they filmed in the Palace Theatre Lobby in the fall of 2020.

We are overwhelmed with the love the City Of Albany has given our band over the years. From declaring Feb 24th as ‘moe.day’ to this, the dedication of ‘moe.street in front of The Palace Theatre, we are humbled and deeply honored.
moe. guitarist Al Schnier

Albany’s annual moe.day was established in February 2018, to celebrate the band’s first appearance in the city following bassist Rob Derhak’s treatment for oropharyngeal cancer. Today, less than two months after the return of guitarist Chuck Garvey to the road full-time following his stroke in 2021, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan declared moe.day “alive and well.”

Following moe.’s apperances in Albany this weekend, the next leg of the band’s tour will center around the southeast, with a number of dates in Florida, followed by a 2-night run at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta on March 23-24. The tour will then conclude with a string of April/May dates, culminating in Kansas City on Wednesday, May 3rd, a 3-night run at Brooklyn Bowl, and the Summer Camp Music Festival from May 25-28th. It was also recently announced that keyboardist Nate Wilson, who first sat in with the band during Garvey’s recovery last year, is now an official member of the band and will perform at all of moe.’s performances, going forward.

February 24, 2023