The Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra has announced its 91st Concert Season, consisting of nine concerts. This new concert season will feature a host of shows in both Schenectady and Saratoga Springs.
Since its founding in 1935, the SSSO has prided itself in community involvement. Throughout its history, the SSSO has employed not only professional musicians, but also highlighted local amateur musicians. The orchestra has been a platform for local musicians, dance troupes and school choruses, helping to launch musical careers throughout the Schenectady-Saratoga region. Through its concerts and musical mentoring, the SSSO has become one of the greatest musical assets of the Capital Region.
This concert season will continue the SSSO’s history of involvement by hosting a series of guest musicians and incorporating new visual elements to enhance concerts. Soloists like trumpeter Robert Sullivan, and Lisa Leonard will join the SSSO for orchestral classics and new works. This season will feature a new visual elements and projections to enhance the concert experience. SSSO’s artistic director Glen Cortese says the “Visuals and projections will accompany many of our concerts to add another layer to the audience’s live music experience.” With this new aspect to their live shows, audiences will have their eyes, as well as ears stimulated at this year’s concerts.
SSSO Schedule
Free Pops Concert (not on subscription)
7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Music Haven Stage in Schenectady’s Central Park
A tribute to the great composer John Williams.
“Realize”
7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Zankel Music Center
3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 at the MainStage at Proctors
Featuring soloist Lisa Leonard in Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto #3,” Adamo’s “Overture to Lysistrata” and Respighi’s “Fontana di Roma” and “Pini di Roma.”
Poinsettia Pops (not on subscription, add-on)
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Great Hall at UPH
3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Great Hall at UPH
Featuring guest soloists Jeanine Ouderkirk, Mowgli Giannitti and Elizabeth Sterling.
“Reminisce”
7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 at the Great Hall at UPH
3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 at the MainStage at Proctors
Featuring Trumpeter Robert Sullivan in Glen Cortese’s “Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra (Gabriel’s Signal),” Snider’s “Eye of Mnemosyne” and Mendelssohn’s “Symphony #4.”
“Reach”
3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the Great Hall at UPH
The program features John Musto performing his “Litany” and “Piano Concerto #2,” Debussy’s “Children’s Corner” and guest vocalist Ann Marie Adamick with Mahler’s “Songs of the Wayfarer.”
“Remember”
3 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2025 at the MainStage at Proctors
The Octavo Singers and surprise special guests join SSSO for Verdi’s great “Requiem.”
Season Tickets are currently on sale for $65. Individual tickets are $17-24, with children under 18 getting free entrance with a ticketed adult. For more ticketing and concert information visit the SSSO website here.
This September, author Daniel Rachel will stop in Manhattan and Saugerties to celebrate the US release of his book Too Much Too Young. Akashic Books will release the British best-seller for American audiences on June 4th.
Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story is a definitive history of the British Ska scene of the 1970s and 80s. The book discusses Ska’s Caribbean island origins, and how British Youth conquered the airways with it throughout the 1980s. This 2 Tone scene was a multi-racial movement using ska as a vehicle to fight racism, right wing extremism and other social issues of Thatcher-era England.
Rachel’s book is a modern classic of music history, receiving praise from critics and musicians alike. The book features interviews with members of legendary ska groups, like The Beat, Madness, and The Specials, giving it a very grounded, informative and intimate feeling. Additionally, the book features an introduction by Pauline Black, lead singer of the 2 Tone band The Selecter.
A brilliant book and a fitting account of one of British culture’s most epochal moments.
Nothing is left out of this definitive book.”
– The Wire
Before his writing career, Rachel had a fruitful music career. He began as lead singer of the Birmingham Britpop group Rachels Basement, before launching a successful solo folk-pop career. Since 2013, Rachel has focused on his writings, which have covered topics throughout British music history. Whether they are about Ska, Britpop or David Bowie, his books have garnered much critical praise. Too Much Too Young has been especially successful, being named book of the year by The Sunday Times, Louder Than War and many other publications.
To celebrate the release of his book in the US, Rachel is planning a cross-country book tour. The tour is set to begin on August 23 in Los Angeles, featuring an interview with Specials guitarist Lynval Golding. This book tour includes two New York locations, with stops in Saugerties and Manhattan. On Monday, September 9, the tour will stop at Saugerties’s Orpheum Theatre. On Thursday, September 12, the tour will stop at Rough Trade’s NYC store in Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center.
For more information on the book’s release and tour dates, visit the Akashic Books website here.
The Sub Rosa Sessions Concert Series will return to Syracuse for the first time since 2017. The concert series consists of intimate monthly shows meant to highlight local talent and up-and-coming national acts.
The term Sub Rosa comes from Latin “under the rose” meaning something done secretly. Like the name suggests, Sub Rosa flourishes in the underground, not only highlighting underground artists, but also taking place in a new secret downtown venue.
The first revival show will feature Baltimore-based Americana band June Star, and Central New York singer-songwriter Khalil Jade. Since 1998, June Star have released 16 studio albums helping to spread their unique take on roots music to the masses. Led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Grimm, their unique lyricism and grungy instrumentation give them a sound unlike any other Americana group. The band also features Dave Hadley, whose masterful steel pedal guitar aids in their signature sound.
Khalil Jade is a singer-songwriter and a staple of Central New York’s live scene. Her original pieces blend folk, Americana, and blues to create a unique style of singer-songwriter music. With her acoustic guitar and soft, soulful voice, Jade crafts songs about the joys and struggles of life.
Sub Rosa: Then and Now
Singer-songwriter Amanda Rogers started the Sub Rosa Concert Series in 2014. For four years, the concert series was a staple of Syracuseâs music scene, acting as a platform for local bands and artists. Syracuse’s SubCat Studios originally hosted the concerts at their downtown location. The concerts not only allowed for artists to showcase their works in an intimate setting, but also to have their shows professionally recorded. In addition to live music, the concerts featured meet and greets, refreshments and exclusive performance CDs.
The Sub Rosa Concert Series will return to Syracuse on May 31. The concerts will continue to take place from 6-9 PM on the last Thursday of every month. Starting in May, they will take place in a secret speak-easy like venue in Downtown Syracuse. Attendees will meet at the Tectonic Hand statue in front of Syracuse City Hall at 5:55 PM before being guided to the venue.
Tickets are currently on sale at $30, which includes entrance, refreshments and more. Attendance for the event is capped at 80 people to ensure an intimate concert environment for “the best under the radar music from around the world.”
More information on Sub Rosa and ticketing can be found here.
Union Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn has announced the artist lineup for its free Summer Thunder concert series. The 2024 lineup offers concert-goers an amazing variety of shows ranging from punk and psychedelic to Latin and underground hip-hop.
The 12th annual Summer Thunder series will begin on June 2nd with a show by Boston indie-rockers Guerilla Toss. For the rest of the summer until August 28, Union Pool will host daytime concerts each Sunday. Concerts take place at Union Pool’s patio, a chic and manicured yet comfortable outdoor space. In addition to music, concert-goers can purchase a host of drinks inside Union Pool, as well as Mexican food from the patio’s El Diablo Taco Truck.
Union pool has been a staple of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood since it opened in 2000. It started as a quaint corner bar, offering drinks and darts, but quickly grew into one of Brooklyn’s major entertainment hubs. Hidden under the shadow of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the venue offers DJ sets, live shows and a host of other amenities.
2024’s Summer Thunder series offers a wide variety of musical styles, featuring artists from around the country. On top of the aforementioned Guerilla Toss, indie rockers like Rosali, Lifeguard and Mary Timony will perform. On June 9, Chicago’s Bitchin Bajas will craft psychedelic soundscapes with their noisy, Krautrock-influenced sound. For lovers of Latin music, Tucson-based Los Esplifs will perform their signature lo-fi Latin pop. Psychedelic supergroup Winged Wheel will perform, featuring Sonic Youth’s legendary drummer Steve Shelley. Additionally, legendary punk singer-guitarist Kid Congo Powers will grace Union Pool on August 18. His signature style led him to success in The Cramps, The Gun Club and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
The summer series will notably feature both establish and up-and coming New York-based acts. Up-and-coming NYC rap duo Armand Hammer will perform on June 23. The group, consisting of Billy Woods and Elucid, has risen to prominence off the back of their raucous production and deep lyricism. Brooklyn Vegan named their latest album We Buy Diabetic Test Strips as the 2nd best album of 2023.
Joe Bataan, a legendary Latin soul singer from Harlem, will perform on July 7. Garnering hits since the 1960s, Bataan melds Latin Jazz, funk, R&B, and salsa to create his signature sound. In addition to his Latin soul hits, Bataan also helped to spearhead rap, with his song “Rap-O Clap-O” being one of the earliest hip-hop hits.
On August 4, Brooklyn-based singer songwriter, Rahill will play her signature dreamy indie-pop. Originally the founder of Garage Rock band Habibi, Rahill’s solo music has been more pop influenced, reflecting on memories of her family. In 2023, she collaborated with indie legend Beck on her song “Fables.”
All Summer Thunder concerts are free 21+ events. As they are held in an establishment that serves alcohol, physical ID is required for entry. For information on concert RSVPs, visit here. RSVPs are not required, but all concerts will be first come first serve.
Experimental duo Vapor Vespers have released their sophomore album titled, Ghosts Before Breakfast and announced a few upcoming tour dates this May.
Ghosts Before Breakfast is the group’s second long-playing release, the follow-up to their critically-acclaimed 2020 debut, One Act Sonix. The sophomore album consists of 10 music-driven spoken word tracks. The duo will be supporting the release of their new album with select shows in New York City and the Hudson Valley this May.
Vapor Vespers is the brainchild of NYC-based multi-instrumentalist/producer Sal Cataldi and award-winning playwright, actor, and slam poet Mark Muro. The duo’s latest collection ups the ante on the cool grooves, intense guitar riffage, synth textures and the verbal hijinks and narrative absurdity showcased on their debut. The duo takes performative arts to the next level by blending intense spoken word with progressive and electrifying hypno-funk.
The Vapor Vespers are also holding mini-sets during performance by Cataldi’s Spaghetti Eastern Music at Silvana Harlem on May 23. Further, the duo sees the stage at Pangea in the East Village on May 25. More shows may be added.
Ghosts Before Breakfast was produced, engineered and mastered by Sal Cataldi aboard his houseboat in Port Washington, Long Island. The album covers themes of sex, mystery, art, literature, love, and themselves. The duo expels sound that are everything but standard. Some of their sound includes electro-funk, experimental synth, progressive, jazz and more.
For more information on Vapor Vespers and their album Ghosts Before Breakfast, click here.
The City of Albany has announced the lineup for the annual Alive at 5 concert series for 2024. The free shows are held Thursdays from June 6 to August 1 (except July 4) from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Alive at 5 concerts take place at Jennings Landing in Albany, with views of the Hudson River beyond the stage. Parking is available at the Riverfront Garage at 2 Columbia Street and Quackenbush Garage at 25 Orange Street for $8 starting at 4 p.m.
At Alive at 5, there are a few no-no’s – no alcohol, coolers, backpacks, bags, containers, packages, thermoses, cups, bottles, cans, flasks, glass containers of any kind, recording of performances, or pets – these are not allowed at the concerts. Additionally, all Albany parks are tobacco-free.
In the event of rain, the rain location is under the 787 overpass at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch.
Alive at 5 2024 Lineup
June 6: Pride Night – Let’s Sing Taylor with Sydney Worthley
LET’S SING TAYLOR
Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience – is the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift. We can show you incredible things, including the most faithful and lively covers of Queen Taylor’s expansive and sacred catalog. Taking the country by storm, we’re bringing the communal experience of celebrating Taylor’s music in a live setting to Swifties near and far. So, let the games begin. Calling all Swifties to sing your hearts out and sport your Taylor inspired attire. You can show up at our party any time.
SYDNEY WORTHLEY
Sydney Worthley is a singer/songwriter at heart with influences from the pop world. She pulls influences from Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, Kate Bush, and The 1975. While the production of her single “How Soon Is Now?” draws from the 80s with dreamy synthesizers and echoing drums, it can be stripped down to its core to reveal a story of wondering when the heartbreak will end. Prepare yourself for topics of growing pains, raising your standards, speculating about the one that got away, imposter syndrome, and so much more. Get ready for the emotional rollercoaster Sydney Worthley and her electric band brings to the stage.
Dokken exploded out of the boiling hard rock/heavy metal scene in Los Angeles in the early 1980s. 1983’s“Breaking the Chains” with its catchy title track, set the stage for Dokken becoming the most dominant creative and commercial force in the world of Melodic Hard Rock for the following years. DOKKEN is now Don Dokken (vocals), Mick Brown (drums), Jon Levin (guitar) and Chris McCarvill (bass).
HARK
Local veteran to the Capital District music scene put together an extraordinary party cover band in the last few years and named it “Hark” to separate it from her original works. The band features a young sharp line up of some of the best musicians in the area with an eclectic and diverse song list to go along with Harkes’ signature powerhouse vocals.
June 20: Latin Night – Toto Puente Jr. with Bronte Roman
TITO PUENTE JR.
Tito Puente Jr. carries his father with him – imprinted on his physical being and locked in his soul. It’s in his looks, his joy, and his music. Tito, Jr. is on a passionate mission. The younger Puente is determined to nurture the musical legacy left by his father. “People who don’t know anything about Latin music know my father and people always, always smile when they say my father’s name,” he confides. “That is a very special gift I have been given.” Tito, Jr. lives in South Florida and has two children, Miranda and Antonio.
BRONTE ROMAN
Bronte Roman from Brooklyn offers an 8-10 piece group. This high-spirited Pop Contemporary Vocalist shines with her melodic, rich tones and musicality for a variety of Genres. Bronte loves highlighting her Puerto Rican heritage by performing Latin-Pop and Spanish Classic hits. Bronte is excited to debut her new release,” The Dark Side” in English and Spanish.
“Always building up, falling apart. Love is an art,” sings Vanessa Carlton on the title track of her sixth album, Love Is An Art. Like the record itself, the song is a meditation on the eternal seesaw that is human connection: the push, the pull, the balance, the bottoming out.
CANELLA
The members of indie-rock band Canella love to create. Juliana Castrillón, lead singer and songwriter from Bogotá, Colombia, brings her criss-cross applesauce bedroom acoustic songs to the rest of the band. Bassist Joe Taurone, guitarist Gabe Klingler-Horn, and drummer Dan Carr, take the songs in, and output what they think is right, funny, or stupid. They have won a couple of awards from the local college radio station WCDB in 2021 and 2022 for ‘Best Song of the Year’. Canella has heavy riffs and pop melodies that they’d love to share with you.
July 11: Hip Hop Night – KRS-One with DJ Show and Ohzhe
KRS-ONE
Appearing on the rap scene in 1986 as Boogie Down Productions releasing his first hit single “South Bronx” with his late DJ Scott La Rock, KRS “the one” made it clear that Hip Hop was going to have to take itself a lot more seriously than simply being a music genre. KRS, an acronym for ““Knowledge Reigning Supreme”, has been called the “conscience of Hip Hop” (Rolling Stone), “the greatest live emcee ever” (The Source), the “spokesperson for Hip Hop” (Wall Street Journal), “master teacher” (Zulu Nation) and the “son of Hip Hop” (Kool DJ Herc). Operating as a kind of “pop-up” school, KRS-One’s Temple of Hip Hop has appeared in various cities in USA also in the UK and Europe offering the more serious student of Hip Hop an effective way to live and understand the culture of Hip Hop more deeply.
DJ SHOW
DJ SHOW, born and raised in the Bronx, fell in love with Hip-Hop early on, inspired by mentors like DJ Joey O and legends such as Kid Capri. Once he received his first set of turntables from his parents at 12 years old, SHOW’s hobby turned into a career path.
OHZHE
Hip-Hop Artist – songwriter Ohzhe brings his charisma and versatility to the stage with his ability to connect to his audience through relatability and vulnerability. Coming from upstate NY, Ohzhe looks to inspire his city with his perspective, lyrics and lifestyle.
July 18: Reggae Night – Third World with Upstate Reggae Possie
THIRD WORLD
Celebrating 50 years, ‘Reggae Ambassadors’, THIRD WORLD is one of the longest-lived Reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaica’s most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. Mixing in elements of R&B, funk, pop, and rock and, later on, dancehall and rap, Third World’s style has been described as “reggae-fusion”.
UPSTATE REGGAE POSSIE
Upstate Reggae Possie is the ultimate traditional Dancehall Experience with a profound Roots flavor. Originally from Jamaica and Trinidad, each of the 4 singers charm their audiences in a unique style. Reggae with Soul, Harmony and Dance moves to Rock New York and Beyond.
July 25: Rock Night – The Record Company with Sirsy
THE RECORD COMPANY
When The Record Company pick up their instruments, the members—Chris Vos [guitar, lead vocals, harmonica], Alex Stiff [bass, backing vocals], and Marc Cazorla [drums, backing vocals]—participate in a musical back-and-forth akin to a formative and supportive conversation among siblings. The GRAMMY Award-nominated trio only amplify the power of this bond on their fourth full-length offering and 2023 debut for Round Hill Records.
SIRSY
Hailing from Upstate NY, SIRSY plays sassy singer-songwriter pop-rock with lots of heart and soul. Sirsy is known for their passionate, honest, heartfelt live performances that have a charming intensity, loads of stories from the road, and even some nerdy jokes. They can somehow make an audience sing along, dance, laugh, and cry – all at the same show. You will be moved.
August 1: Funk Night – Galactic with Jelly Joseph and Hilltop
GALACTIC feat JELLY JOSEPH
History doesn’t stand still. It impacts, influences, and inspires the ebb and flow of the future by informing the present. Galactic draw on 25 years together in order to progress with each performance and subsequent record. After 10 albums, over 2,000 gigs, and tens of millions of streams, the proud New Orleans, LA quintet—Ben Ellman [saxophone, harmonica], Robert Mercurio [bass], Stanton Moore [drums, percussion], Jeffrey Raines [guitar], and Richard Vogal [keyboards]—have kept the torch burning through five U.S. presidential regimes, the turn-of-the-century, Hurricane Katrina, a Global Pandemic, and a much-anticipated recovery.
HILLTOP
Hilltop is a four piece Funk Rock band from Albany, NY. Over the past six years they’ve made a name for themselves with carefully crafted originals, mind bending improvisation & fun, diverse covers. Each member offers a proficient, unique approach to their instrument that defines the musical experience. Hilltop has already been featured on bills with headlining acts like Dark Star Orchestra, moe, Eggy and many more. They are currently touring to promote their new EP, Getting There Together. This band of young musicians is eager to spread their music and will continue to engage crowds wherever they go.
In the midst of a great run of releases, Conway The Machine remains as prolific as ever with the release of his latest EP, Slant Face Killah. This latest effort follows a continuous run of projects that solidify Conway as a solo force in hip hop. This time the Buffalo native has tabbed a host of legendary and contemporary figures for guest appearances and production.
Notably, Slant Face Killah features Wu Tang members Raekwon and Method Man, along with Joey Bada$$, Stove God Cooks, Tech N9ne, Memphis native Key Glock and west coast stalwarts Ab-Soul and Larry June. Moreover, Slant Face Killah sees production from Swizz Beats, Cool & Dre, Don Cannon, Conductor Williams, Daringer and The Alchemist. All in all, Conway The Machine presents another diverse project testing his songwriting prowess and his adaptability with various forms and sounds of hip hop.
Slant Face Killah continue Conway The Machine’s prolific run of releases.
Conway The Machine On The Rise
However, since the release of 2022’s God Don’t Make Mistakes, commercial breakthroughs have become the norm for The Machine. In like manner, his success continued in 2023 in what was Conway’s most commercial and critically successful year to date. Notably, in May of 2023, Conway released his Drumwork debut Wont He Do It and with it launched a worldwide tour. He returned with a ensemble label album in Conway The Machine Presents: Drumwork The Label and followed that with the Speshal Machinery (with frequent collaborator 38 Spesh), Palmero (with Wun Two) and Conductor Machine (with Conductor Williams), and most recently Hall & Nash 2 with Westside Gunn and produced by The Alchemist.
Known for the quality and quantity of his output, Conway The Machine returns after a yearlong sabbatical in between solo projects. The 14-track project spanning 1 hour and 6 minutes will serve to remind fans of the rapper’s lyrical prowess, while solidifying his curation and songwriting, key attributes as he heads his label Drumwork.
This past Saturday, May 11, English singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone did not disappoint as she graciously took the stage at the Brooklyn Steel for one of two NY shows.
She is scheduled to tour until the end of May as part of “The Holly Humberstone (This Feels Like the Truman) Show” North American leg. Her tour, which makes lyrical reference to her song, “Ghost Me,” included many tracks off of her latest album, Paint My Bedroom Black.
Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun
The pop-rock artist gained popularity after releasing her debut EP, Falling Asleep at the Wheel. Fans resonated deeply with her heartfelt lyrics, as she sang candidly about the difficulties of navigating familial and romantic relationships, addiction, breakups, and growing up. “Falling Asleep at the Wheel,” one of her most popular songs, includes lyrics like “Oh, you never smoked this much before we / Light up, light up another cigarette / I can tell you’re drinking only to forget / Don’t know how I got you in such a mess.” Holly never fails to cut right to the heart with her words.
Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun
Currently, Humberstone has eighteen tour dates left. She previously played at Webster Hall in 2022, and also toured during Girl in Red’s “Make It Go Quiet” tour and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour” tour.
Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun
Holly started the night off strong with her song, “Paint My Bedroom Back,” of which her latest album is named after. Each band member took the stage one at a time, triggering a round of screams from fans who had been camping out hours ahead to make it to the front of the barricade. The energy swelled in the room as Holly’s guitarist, bassist, and drummer built up the opening track seamlessly.
Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun
Upon Holly’s entrance, the crowd made a deafening sound, and she scaled the stage freely, singing her heart out while swishing her hair to the beat. During “Elvis Impersonators,” she recounted her experience in Tokyo, and how she was surrounded by people “dressing up like Michael Jackson.” In the song, she sang lyrics like, “And the Elvis impersonators / Crowding at the elevators / Reminds you of a private joke we had.” The crowd stayed silent during this song, soaking in Humberstone’s beautifully raspy vocals.
Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun
Holly ended the night with “Ghost Me,” before singing “Friendly Fire” and “Scarlett” during the encore. Fans, feeling bittersweet that the show was over, exited the venue with satisfied smiles on their faces.
Setlist: Paint My Bedroom Black, Into Your Room, The Walls Are Way Too Thin, Overkill, Kissing In Swimming Pools, Cocoon, Dive, Deep End, Can You Afford To Lose Me?, Antichrist, Down Swinging, Lauren, Falling Asleep at the Wheel, Elvis Impersonators, Flatlining, Girl, Sleep Tight, Ghost Me
A new partnership with The Town of Guilderland will bring Playhouse Stage Company to the Guilderland Performing Arts Center Stage (GPAC) in Tawasentha Park this summer. Following its run at Albany’s Park Playhouse from June 18 through July 14, Playhouse Stage’s The Marvelous Wonderettes will play an encore weekend in Guilderland from July 19-21.
All seating will be free on a first-come, first-served basis, at 7:30 p.m. performances Friday through Sunday, and an additional 4:00 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Playhouse Stage Company has been producing free, outdoor summer musicals at Albany’s Park Playhouse since 1989, and has been presenting musicals year-round at the historic Cohoes Music Hall since 2016.
The Marvelous Wonderettes tells the story of a group of friends who become the impromptu entertainment at their High School prom in 1958, singing the girl group pop songs of the decade in four-part harmony. Act Two sees the friends reunite to perform at their ten-year reunion, singing the music of the girl groups of the Sixties. With beloved songs such as “Mr. Sandman,” “Lollipop,” “Heatwave,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Respect,” audiences are treated to a night of harmonious hits, wrapped around a touching and funny story of enduring friendship.
The production is directed and choreographed by Ellie Francis, who appeared on-stage as Pythio in 2022’s PSC production of Head Over Heels. Long-time PSC associate Brian Axford, will music direct and lead the live, on-stage band for the production. “We are thrilled to welcome Playhouse Stage Company to perform at GPAC this summer and we look forward to a long-term relationship with the area’s premier musical theatre organization,” added Town Supervisor Peter G. Barber. “I also extend my appreciation to former State Senator George Amedore for his generous support for GPAC’s renovation which has helped bring new entertainment options to our community.” The Guilderland Town Board officially approved the Playhouse partnership at a May 7, 2024 meeting.
We are tremendously excited about this new partnership, and new opportunity to achieve our mission making the arts accessible to all in the Capital Region community. Through the support of the Town of Guilderland, all seating for this encore weekend in Tawasentha Park will be available free-of-charge to both residents and visitors. We are grateful to Town Supervisor, Peter Barber, the Guilderland Town Board, and the staff who have worked to make this inaugural year of this partnership a reality.
Tickets for reserved seating for the run of The Marvelous Wonderettes at Albany’s Park Playhouse are now on sale through The Playhouse Stage Box Office at Cohoes Music Hall, by phone at 518-434-0776, or online. The 2024 Playhouse Stage Company Summer Season will continue in July and August with runs of the musicals Legally Blonde and Disney’s Finding Nemo playing at Cohoes Music Hall.
The 2024 Artpark summer lineup offers concert-goers a wide variety of live performances including everything from jazz to rock. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Artpark, with a host of live shows, art exhibitions and an anniversary gala scheduled for the summer.
Artpark is Located in Lewiston, NY, a short 30 minute drive north of Buffalo. Artpark combines Western New York’s cultural heritage with the natural scenery of the Niagara region. On top of all of this is a concert venue that has hosted tens of thousands of artists.
Artpark was established in 1974, through a partnership between New York State Parks and the Artpark & Company nonprofit. At its inception, Artpark was a haven for experimental and visual arts. Most works placed a focus on public engagement, nature and the impermanence of art. Artpark has hosted theater productions and musical artists from around the world on one of the largest and best-equipped stages in all of New York.
Gary Clark Jr – May 25
Artpark is just one stop for 4x Grammy winning multi-instrumentalist and singer Gary Clark Jr. during his American tour. The tour celebrates Clark’s 2024 album JPEG RAW. The album combines genres ranging from pop, blues and R&B, and social commentary to create a compelling and anthemic release.
Los Lonely Boys – May 31
Brothers Henry, Jojo and Ringo Garza formed Los Lonely Boys, a San Angelo, TX trio. They gained prominence with their take on Texican rock & roll, which tackles themes of brotherhood. The brothers have sold over 2.5 million records, and have won a grammy. They have also received acclaim from legends like Santana, Dr. John and The Who. Their 2024 tour comes in the leadup to a new album.
Sarah McLachlan – June 18
Artpark is just one stop on Sarah McLachlan’sFumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th anniversary tour, celebrating her multi-platinum 1994 album. McLachlan is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of our times, winning 3 Grammys, and 12 Juno Awards. She raised over $7 million through her Lilith Fair music festival, the largest all-female music event of all time.
Bonnie Raitt – June 21
Legendary singer-guitarist Bonnie Raitt, has been captivating audiences with her cross-genre blending of blues, rock and pop for decades. Raitt is a 13x Grammy winner, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. She has also ranked on Rolling Stone’s lists of Greatest guitarists and singers of all time. Artpark is one stop on Raitt’s cross-country 2024 tour.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – June 22
Trombone Shorty, is renowned for his eclectic blend of jazz, rock, fun, pop and hip hop. He has released four chart topping albums, collaborated with everyone from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Pharell Williams and played venues ranging from the Newport Jazz Festival to the White House. Trombone Shorty and his band, Orleans Avenue, will be gracing Artpark with what is sure to be a vibrant performance.
Dispatch – June 28
Vermont roots rock band Dispatch have drawn massive crowds for almost three decades. They rose to fame with their infectious blend of alternative, folk, reggae, and blues. Dispatch’s mix of pointed lyrics and lively instrumentation has consistently drawn massive crowds. They sold out Madison Square Garden three times, and drawing crowds of over 100,000 fans in Boston in 2004.
Orville Peck – July 1
The masked alt-country star, Orville Peck, will perform at Artpark as part of his Stampede tour across North America. Peck combines his smooth voice and vivid songwriting to tackle topics such as his sexual identity. Peck leads a new style of country music, reminiscent of the classics, but also looking to the future. His career has featured musical collaborations with the likes of Shanaia Twain and Diplo.
Norah Jones – July 6
Multi-Grammy winning singer-songwriter Norah Jones will grace Artpark with her acclaimed mix of pop, jazz and folk. This concert is part of a larger American tour in the wake of her 2024 album Visions. Since her 2002 debut Come Away with Me, Jones’s introspective approach to lyrics and intimate production has garnered massive commercial success. Jones has sold over 52 million albums, and received over 10 billion streams worldwide.
Jamey Johnson – July 16
The Washington Post lauded 11x Grammy nominated Jamey Johnson as “one of the greatest country singers of our time.” His vivid storytelling lyrics and rootsy instrumentation evoke classic Nashville. Johnson has received critical and commercial acclaim, thanks to the likes of modern classics like “In Color” and “Give it Away.” Johnson is performing at Artpark as part of his cross-country What a View Tour.
Train – July 19
Pop-radio mainstays Train will be performing at Artpark as part of their larger Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour. The San Francisco pop-rockers have received international renown, selling 10 million albums and 30 million tracks worldwide. Audiences are sure to know mega-hits like “Hey Soul Sister” and “Drops of Jupiter.”
The Flaming Lips – July 22
Alternative rock mainstays, The Flaming Lips, have spent almost four decades releasing critically acclaimed indie classics like “Do You Realize.” The Flaming Lips will bring their signature psychedelic, sci-fi influenced strain of indie rock, accentuated by singer Wayne Coyne’s playful yet profound approach to lyricism.
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo – July 24
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are a singer-producer duo who have been mainstays of pop-rock radio since the 1980s. They rose to fame producing timeless classics like “We Belong,” and “Love Is a Battlefield.” Along with these hits, the duo have produced 19 top 40 hits, and sold over 36 million worldwide. The duo’s success has brought them critical acclaim, receiving 4 consecutive Grammy awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Two Door Cinema Club – July 29
Two Door Cinema Club, a Northern Irish indie band, have made waves across the pond since their 2010 debut Tourist History. Their sophomore release Beacon debuted at number 1 on the Irish charts and number 2 in the UK. The band quickly became mainstays at British festivals like Leeds and Glastonbury ever since, being famous for their live performances.
Slash – S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival – July 30
The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival is short for “Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance.” It is a celebration of the blues headed by legendary guitarist Slash of Guns N’ Roses. The festival features thrilling performances from blues veterans like Keb Mo, ZZ Ward and Robert Randolph. The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival is dedicated to advancing social justice, with $1 of all ticket sales going to charities such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Equal Justice Initiative.
The Machine Performs Pink Floyd with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra – August 3
The Machine are a New-York based quartet who have captivated audiences since 1988 with their faithful renditions of Pink Floyd classics. The quartet will play songs spanning Pink Floyd’s 16 albums, accompanied by a state of the art laser-light show and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Backroads Blues Festival – August 10
The second annual Backroads Blues Festival will stop at Artpark as part of its cross-country tour this summer. The festival is spearheaded by 5x Grammy nominated blues-rock virtuoso Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Shepherd will be joined by blues legends Bobby Rush, Duane Betts and Jimmie Vaughan. The festival will also feature Cirque Kikasse, a Quebecois acrobatic circus show on an operational food truck, offering beer, and fast food to concert-goers.
Gin Blossoms & Toad the Wet Sprocket – August 11
Gin Blossoms have topped the charts with their characteristic brand of jangly alternative rock since 1987. They are known hits like “Hey Jealousy” off of their 1996 platinum selling album Congratulations I’m Sorry. California alt-rockers Toad the Wet Sprocket will join Gin Blossoms on stage. Toad the Wet Sprocket are on tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their platinum selling Dulcinea album. Audiences will recognize them from billboard-charting hits “All I Want” and “Walk on the Ocean.”
Stray Cats – August 13
Long Island rockabilly legends, Stray Cats, have captivated audiences for over 40 years. Their loose, jazzy and energetic guitar playing and crooning vocals from singer-guitarist Brian Setzer propelled them to stardom. Their mega-hits “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town” helped introduce their signature blend of glam and punk-influenced rockabilly to new generations.
Blues Traveler & Big Head Todd and the Monsters – August 16
New Jersey jam band legends Blues Traveler have graced audiences with their blend of bluesy alternative since 1987. Hits like “Run-Around,” off of the 6x platinum Four launched Blues Traveler to fame. Blues Traveler have released four gold selling albumsselling over 10 million combined units worldwide. They will be joined by platinum-selling Colorado Rock band Big Head Todd & the Monsters, who will play their signature hybrid of rock, blues, and country.
Bush – August 17
Bush’s signature style of grunge-influenced alternative rock has captivated audiences for three decades. Their timeless hits “Glycerine” and “Comedown” off of their 6x platinum debut Sixteen Sour have made them one of the most successful bands of the 1990s. Bush will be joined by singer-guitarist Jerry Cantrell of the legendary grunge band Alice in Chains.
Buffalo Jazz Composers Workshop – August 18
The Buffalo Jazz Composers Workshop are an ensemble of Buffalo-based composers and instrumentalists. Joined by a shared love of collaborative performance and writing, the group has crafted a unique improvisational take on contemporary jazz. The group also collaborates with visual and theatre artists to create enthralling live performances.
Tedeschi Trucks Band – August 20
Tedeschi Trucks Band are a Grammy-winning 12 piece band hailed as one of the greatest live acts touring today. NPR hailed the Husband and wife duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi as “two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation.” The band’s seamless blending of American music genres, like blues rock, soul and jazz have brought them renown. With a massive catalog of songs, no two Tedeschi Trucks Band shows are bound to be the same.
O.A.R. – August 27
O.A.R. – Short for “Of a Revolution” – are a platinum-selling alternative band from Rockville, MD. They are known for their mix of indie and roots rock. The band has sold out venues as large as Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks, all while retaining an unseen amount of freedom in the music industry, and a dedication to philanthropy. They will be headlining a US tour this summer in the wake of their 2022 album The Arcade.
Cole Swindell – August 29
Cole Swindell is an up and coming country singer-songwriter, who previously wrote hit singles for the likes of Thomas Rhett and Luke Bryan. He has released four albums, with 8 singles reaching number one on the country charts. 2023 was a big year for Swindell, with him winning 3 Academy of Country Music awards, and releasing a 3x platinum cover of Joe Dee Messina’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”
Cage the Elephant – September 7
Kentucky indie darlings, Cage the Elephant, will grace Artpark on a cross-country tour in the wake of their new album Neon Pill. The band blends an eclectic mix of classic rock, 90s alternative, blues and funk. They are mainstays of alternative radio, with audiences sure to recognize charting hits like “Come a Little Closer” and “Cigarette Daydream.”
