Kingston, New York is steeped in history. Once the ancestral lands of the Munsee people, it became a permanent settlement for Dutch colonists in 1652 and designating as New York State’s first capital in 1777.
Keegan Ales, O+ Festival 2024
Fast forwarding to today, this thriving HudsonValley community now serves as the base for O+ (pronounced O Positive), a non-profit organization creating its own history with a unique paradigm: artists exchanging their art for medical care.
Eat the Cake Band, Keegan Ales
From October 11-13th 2024, Kingston hosted O+’s annual festival, now in its fourteenth year. The three-day event raised awareness and funds for the organization, offering an immersive gathering of musicians, writers, dancers, spoken-word performers, and visual artists. In exchange for their contributions, participating artists received healthcare services.
Kate Pierson, Old Dutch Church
The festivities kicked off Friday night with a parade starting at Keegan Ales. With their three stages, Keegan Ales served as a musical hub, offering a wide range of musical experiences—from metal and rock to hip hop, house, and techno.
When artists and musicians thrive, so do culture and our communities.
O+ vision
The Old Dutch Church, a historical landmark dating back to 1659, anchored the festival in Uptown Kingston. Featured performers Neko Case, Rhett Miller & The All Stars, and Kate Pierson graced the church’s stage. Festivalgoers could purchase wristbands for full access to multiple stages, performance spaces, and presentations, all within walking distance of the church.
Sug Daniels, Utility Bicycle Works
One of the festival’s hidden gems was the Utility Bicycle Works stage, tucked away in the back of a local bicycle shop. Though the room was small, it offered an intimate atmosphere that amplified the performances. Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Sug Daniels bared her soul to a captivated audience. The six-piece band King in Yellow defied the space’s physical limitations with their commanding presence.
TR33S, Keegan Ales Back Room
On Sunday night at the Old Dutch Church, O+ concluded with a special screening and panel discussion of The Blair Witch Project which coincided with the film’s 25th anniversary. Moderated by actress and musician Amanda Seyfried, the panel featured director Ed Sanchez and actors Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams.
Rhett Miller and The All Stars
O+’s vision remains clear: “When artists and musicians thrive, so do culture and our communities.” With fourteen years of Arts for Healing under its belt, O+ is not only adding to Kingston’s legacy but is actively shaping its future.
As the red velvet curtain parted at TV Eye on Friday, October 18, McKenzie Iazetta of Trophy Wife stepped up to her microphone to cheers from the audience. The band’s lead singer wore a red and white polka dot dress with a skirt showing the tattoos down her legs, ending in frilly white socks and black velvet Mary Janes. She exerted complete control over the audience, standing like a pouty doll come to life with her hair glowing and eyes glinting in the stage lights as she strummed their opening song, “I Will Be Here.” Alongside her were bandmates Christian Pace on bass, Michael Martelli on drums, and Rowan Martin on guitar.
A month ago, a song called “Keep It” came across my Spotify Discover Weekly playlist. I had never heard of Trophy Wife, but the single’s cover caught my attention and I gave it a listen. I was instantly captured by the song’s vocals, which hover on the edge of breaking while constantly building in intensity. The drums have a raw, heavy sound like they’re pounding against the aluminum door of someone’s garage. The song builds and builds and builds from a cry to a wail as it asks the listener, “Do you want someone else to make it better?”
Trophy Wife followed this incredible single with two others leading up to the release of their first album, Get Ugly. The final single, “Swamp Song,” is another heavy hitter. Opening with the screeching frustration of amp feedback and pumping drums, giving way to sweeter vocals. It’s a bittersweetness that turns quickly to frustration and anger, with the song’s chorus introducing off-kilter guitar chords before cutting out everything in favor of croaking vocals.
“The Shame” is Trophy Wife’s most shoegaze-y offering on the album. It opens with a wistful guitar twang that conjures summer days. Then, as the drums grow more frenetic, we enter the first chorus, a breakdown that feels like heaving sobs with its all-encompassing distorted tone.
Behind it all is fantastic production across the entire album. The mix doesn’t leave any element behind, knowing exactly when to shift focus between instrumentation and vocals, allowing the totality of its emotional impact to reach the listener. This is a band punching way above their weight.
Trophy Wife’s drama and tone make them a unique act to witness. McKenzie Iazzetta’s vocal control is the key to that drama, riding the line between breaking and keeping it all together. They combine incredible technical skill with a captivating stage presence, ensuring their strong fanbase will only continue to grow.
Setlist: I Will Be Here, Magnet, Spit, Pedestal, The Shame, Beer n TV, Swamp Song, Keep It, Kicked, Again
Brooklyn-born country artist and songwriter Jessica Lynn has released the sixth and final pre-release single from her upcoming album All I Own, “Something ‘Bout You.”
Jessica Lynn’s connection to country and passion for combining music with philanthropy runs deep. With talents in piano, harmonica, drums, guitar, and vocals, she’s a musical force to be reckoned with. Brooklyn-born and community focused, Lynn regularly brought her musical performance to local children’s hospitals and nursing homes.
Eventually, her skills landed her at PBS where she performed concert specials for the network alongside an intense touring schedule where she shared the stage with the likes of Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Loretta Lynn, ZZ Top, Richard Marx, and the list goes on.
In 2020, Lynn’s giving spirit was recognized through her employment by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as a consultant to their American Voices program and a member of American Music Abroad, a project that has brought her across the globe as a musical ambassador for the country. In addition to performing, Lynn teaches a course titled “Tips & Tricks for The Independent Musician” that helps to ensure young musicians have equal opportunity in the music industry regardless of their roots.
Following her 2022 album Lone Rider, Lynn found herself struggling with a bout of postoperative complications from a routine sinus surgery that would develop into muscle tension dysphonia, or MTD. For many musicians and vocalists, MTD can spell the beginning of the end for their careers and voices as a whole – and yet Lynn persevered.
Her latest project and upcoming album All I Own is a testament to Jessica’s determination and refusal to lose something as precious to her as music. Recorded in 10-minute bursts of vocal effort, she channeled the weight of her recovery journey into every second of the tracks. Exploring double meanings and invitations for reflection in the listeners while fighting through her vocal injury determinedly, each of the ten tracks contains an overflow of emotion and a resolve to be heard.
“I started singing as soon as I could talk and I started my first band when I was 13. Music is all I’ve ever known and the thought of potentially never being able to sing normally again was a feeling I couldn’t quite put into words.”
– Jessica Lynn
All I Own has been officially announced for release on January 17, 2025, along with the publishing of the album’s final pre-release single “Something ‘Bout You.” Inspired by her experiences with her husband, Lynn’s newest single encapsulates the feeling of falling in love and experiencing incredible adventures alongside another person in the hopes of bringing listeners back to a special time of their own.
Complete with an insightful and personal tour diary style music video, the song’s warm and uplifting energy shines even brighter through on-stage shenanigans and adventures through Europe. While the kind of love Lynn writes about in “Something ‘Bout You” may have been romantic, the affection felt from fans around the world and the obvious adoration she holds for bringing her music to life on stage elevates the video even further.
The full ten tracks of All I Own are set to be released in January with “Something ‘Bout You” being the final single prior to the complete project- listen here.
Prior to the album’s release and coinciding with her annual A Very Merry Classic Christmas tour, Lynn will be releasing a four-song live EP of tracks from the show with all proceeds from the project going to support Toys for Tots, the same organization she partners with to spread her philosophy of equal opportunity for all young musicians and artists every year during the Christmas themed tour.
Complete with the talents of local musicians and dancers of each and every stop, tickets to Lynn’s A Very Merry Classic Christmas tour are on sale now. The full list of tour dates is below, including a total of four dates throughout New York State. For more information, ticket purchasing and keeping up on the latest on Jessica Lynn, visit her website here.
TOUR DATES
Weds, November 27: The Marilyn Performing Arts Center – Foxborough, MA
Fri, November 29: The Marilyn Performing Arts Center – Foxborough, MA
Sat, November 30: The Warner Theatre – Torrington, CT
Sun, December 1: The Newton Theatre – Newton, NJ
Weds, December 4: The Jefferson Center – Roanoke, VA
Fri, December 6: The Colonial Theatre – Phoenixville, PA
Sat, December 7: The Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA
Sun, December 8: The State Theatre – Ithaca, NY
Tues, December 10: The Palace Theater – Syracuse, NY
Sat, December 14: The Paramount Theater Hudson Valley – Peekskill, NY
Sun, December 15: The Paramount Theater Hudson Valley – Peekskill, NY
Fri, December 20: The Acorn Center – Littleton, NC
Sat, December 21: The Acorn Center – Littleton, NC
Sun, December 22: The Acorn Center – Littleton, NC
Justin Timberlake and The Tennessee Kids rolled into Buffalo on October 21st and performed at the KeyBank Center for a night filled with dancing and singing.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Justin Timberlake performs on stage during the ‘Forget Tomorrow’ World Tour at Barclays Center on October 07, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)
DJ Andrew Hypes kicked off the evening, energizing the crowd with a mix of songs that had everyone singing and dancing. He played hits like “Don’t Stop Believing,” “This Is How We Do It,” and classic *NSYNC tracks to get everyone excited for Justin.
As soon as Justin Timberlake took the stage at the sold-out KeyBank Center, the arena erupted with excitement. The intro for “Memphis” began playing, accompanied by a video montage of Justin and soundbites playing in the background of Justin’s career. The montage culminated in Justin singing a portion of “Memphis.” When he reached the line, “I’m everything you thought I was, it was everything I thought I was,” he rose to the center stage alongside The Tennessee Kids. He quickly transitioned into “No Angels.” From the get-go, Justin showcased his impressive dance moves and maintained constant engagement with the audience throughout the show, utilizing the entire stage.
About 30 minutes into the performance, after singing “Cry Me A River,” Justin took a moment to read some signs held by fans and interact with the crowd. He even took a selfie with a fan’s phone while wearing a Bills hat. The energy in the arena was electric, thanks to Justin, The Tennessee Kids, and the enthusiastic audience.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Justin Timberlake performs on stage during the ‘Forget Tomorrow’ World Tour at Barclays Center on October 07, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)
At the halfway point of the show, Justin and The Tennessee Kids moved to the B stage to connect with fans at the back of the arena. They performed several songs, including “Suit and Tie,” “Until The End of Time,” an acoustic version of “Selfish,” and “What Goes Around…Comes Around.” Justin then made his way back to the main stage, performing “Can’t Stop The Feeling” on his way and ending the set with “Rock Your Body” and “Sexy Back.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Justin Timberlake performs on stage during the ‘Forget Tomorrow’ World Tour at Barclays Center on October 07, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)
One notable absence from this Buffalo show was the floating platform/wall that Justin had at previous performances, which displayed graphics throughout the concert. During the encore song “Mirrors,” he typically would be strapped into some wires and appear atop this floating platform. However, the lack of this feature did not hinder his performance in Buffalo at all; you would never have known if you weren’t aware of its presence at other shows.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Justin Timberlake performs on stage during the ‘Forget Tomorrow’ World Tour at Barclays Center on October 07, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)
Sometimes an intimate theater experience can deliver just as big of an impact on a live music fan as a massive arena setting can. Murray’s Law, acoustic duo Brian Murray and Jimmy Law from well-loved jam band Dogs in a Pile, delivered just that, a larger than life sound and overall experience inside the small and cozy Swyer Theatre of The Egg on Sunday evening in Albany, New York.
Superstition strikes as to never miss a sunday show, especially when you can catch such great talent steps away from your apartment. The October 20, 7pm show started just minutes after, with a very gracious and thankful Murray and Law to those in attendance. The small theatre held a tiny but extremely devoted crowd, already releasing cheers and woos of support, eager to hear what the artistic duo had in store. Incredible sound, for one, was obvious almost at an instant and rang true through the two-set night.
Playing as a stripped down acoustic duo made a truly pleasant listening experience, as fans were able to better focus and dial in on the intricacies of their individual sounds as musicians, and further amplified by the quality of sound in the room. They traded on and off between impressively fast and fun fingerpicking to hard and steady jamming in front of a simple setup of a few tall candles, beautiful, colorful mosaic lamps and endless guitar pedals that eventually lent the audience some fun reverb bouncing off the walls of the Egg.
The night’s setlist was a carefully, and well crafted arrangement of DIAP tunes, covers from american folk and country greats and favored jam bands. John Hartford’s “Joseph’s Dream” opened up the show with easy listening before dropping into the intricate fingerpicking, or “travis picking” stylings of Merle Travis’ “Cannonball Rag”. The already amped up audience got to sample a new Dogs tune titled “Look Johnny II”, sandwiched right in between an expected and wanted Grateful Dead cover, “Jack-A-Roe,” where Law’s raw vocals shined, and an impressive rendition of Jim Croce’s “Walkin’ Back to Georgia.” A collective appreciation swept over the room and while most stayed seated, groups towards the back just couldn’t contain the groove, surrendering, dancing and loudly applauding through the night.
With a nod to the venue being titled the Egg, Murray joked the nut of his guitar fell off and had to be assembled back together like humpty dumpty just seconds before walking on stage. Lighthearted fans joked in response that we got a two-for-one concert/comedy special deal. After a quick break, the guitarists continued to excite the crowd in set two with their own ‘Go Set”, the Dead’s “Cosmic Charlie” and “Lazy Susan,” a new track Murray penned in Nashville, during a time he just so happened to meet Lucas Nelson. A personal highlight of the show was the heartfelt cover of recently deceased Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and Murray’s emotional vocals that accompanied it. Encore came to wrap up the special evening with a double header of Trey Anastasio Band’s “Ether Sunday” and the Allman Brothers’ “Soulshine.”
With Dogs in a Pile riding high popularity waves in the current scene and a ever-growing Dog Pound of fans, it was a true treat to be able to experience such a remote setting bursting at the seams with talent in musicianship and appreciation by both the duo and fans alike. Be sure to catch the full Dogs in a Pile group at Putnam Place in Saratoga for their New Year’s Run!
10/20/24 Murray’s Law at the Egg , Albany NY Setlist
Set 1: Joseph’s Dream, Cannonball Rag, You Didn’t Hear It From Me, Today, A Thing Called Love, Wildflower, Jack-A-Roe, Look Johnny II, Walkin’ Back To Georgia, Mr. Banker, Shenanigans
Set 2: Go Set> Cosmic Charlie>Go Set Ending, Lazy Day, Lazy Susan, Sunday Morning Coming Down, Burning Daylight > No Excuses > New Shoes> Power Trip
World-renowned classical guitarist Eliot Fisk joins the Glens Falls Symphony for a guest solo performance on Nov 9-10.
The residency by one of the world’s most acclaimed classical guitarists, Eliot Fisk, begins on Saturday, November 9, at 7:30pm. Mr. Fisk will perform a solo performance of works by Barrios-Mangore, J. S. Bach, Gyorgy Ligeti, Isaac Albeniz, and others as part of the de Blasiis Chamber Music Series. Then on Sunday, November 10 at 4pm, the Glens Falls Symphony’s 2024-25 season continues in the beautiful and acoustically unique sanctuary of Christ Church United Methodist in Glens Falls.
Esteemed composer Michael Gandolfi will be in residence for rehearsals and performance of his work, “Sinfonia Brevis”, for strings and woodwinds. Eliot Fisk then joins the orchestra for a performance of “Fantasia para un gentilhombre” by Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo. Following intermission, the orchestra will perform Franz Schubert’s incredibly charming jewel box of a work, the Symphony No. 5.
“Classical Guitarist Eliot Fisk” Concert and “Fisk Fest” COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, October 30 at 2:30pm: “Sound+Film” series, featuring a screening of a BBC Documentary about classical guitar at our NEW location the Queensbury Senior Center, 742 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY. FREE
Saturday, November 9 at 7:30pm: Eliot Fisk Solo Recital: At the Helen Froehlich Auditorium, Hyde Collection, Glens Falls, NY. This concert is part of the de Blasiis Chamber Series. Punch & cookies reception following the performance – all are welcome. Tickets $25/Adults, $10/Youth.
Sunday, November 10 at 3pm: Pre-Concert Talk: Music Director Charles Peltz discusses the concert, the music, and the guest artists in a free talk at 3 pm, in the Christ Church United Methodist. FREE.
Sunday, November 10 at 4pm: Performance with the Orchestra: Christ Church United Methodist, in concert with the Glens Falls Symphony. Tickets $35/Adults, $12/Youth.
Tickets to both Eliot Fisk concerts can be had at “Fisk Fest Weekend Ticket”, which includes a special collector edition button. Includes performances on 11.9.2024 and 11.10.2024 $55 for Adult $23 for Student.
For more information on the upcoming Eliot Fisk performances and to purchase tickets, click here.
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has announced the return of the fan-favorite Lift Series in 2025. The new lineup includes various multi-talented individuals set to rock the audience.
Curated by Organ Colossal, these performances give you the unique opportunity to sit on the historic Music Hall stage with the artists while they perform. The Lift Concert Series presents performances of new, independent music featuring regional performers, curated by local artists Sam Torres and Sophia Subbayya Vastek. The series sees three shows, one in January, February and March. Similarly, the lineup consists of three powerful music groups that plan to dazzle those in attendance.
The audience is invited to be seated on stage, with the musicians, creating an intimate concert experience. Concerts are designed to last about an hour, and after the performance, concertgoers are encouraged to enjoy the rest of the evening at one of Troy’s many restaurants or breweries. Tickets are only $25 in advance and are available online and at the box office now.
Doom Dogs
2025 Lift Series Lineup
January 8
DOOM DOGS
Genre-free Improvising Super Group with Reeves Gabrels, Jonathan Kane and Jair-Rohm Parker Wells.
Reeves Gabrels (Guitars): Reeves Gabrels is an electric guitar virtuoso recognized by musicians and audiences alike for his expressive range and power. He is known for his creative collaborations with David Bowie during the ’80s and ’90s, co-writing, co-producing and adding his innovative guitar work to a half-dozen acclaimed studio albums in addition to extensive touring. Since 2012, Reeves has been a member of the iconic band The Cure, where his artistry continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With Reeves Gabrels on lead guitar for Doom Dogs, sonic brilliance is a hallmark of the band’s performances.
Jonathan Kane (Drums): Jonathan Kane, the heartbeat of Doom Dogs, was a founding member of the influential band The Swans, has worked extensively with Minimalist godfather La Monte Young, was the only drummer for Rhys Chatham’s orchestra of 100 electric guitars, and leads his own trance-blues band Jonathan Kane’s February. His drumming style is characterized by a powerful and hypnotic presence, driving the band’s improvisations with precision and intensity. Jonathan’s vast experience as a drummer and composer contributes to the band’s ability to create spontaneous and enthralling musical moments that leave audiences in awe.
Jair-Rohm Parker Wells (Basses): The foundation of Doom Dogs’ mesmerizing sound lies in the hands of Jair-Rohm Parker Wells, a true legend in the world of experimental rock and jazz. Aside from being a founding member of the avant-rock band Machine Gun, Jair-Rohm was also a member of the seminal German experimental Rock band Embryo during the 1970s. His NS Design electric upright and bass guitar prowess adds a rich and dynamic depth to the band’s spontaneous compositions, pushing the boundaries of experimental rock and jazz. Jair-Rohm’s artistic sensitivity and expertise make him an indispensable part of Doom Dogs’ sonic exploration.
February 5
ZAN AND THE WINTER FOLK
Zan & The Winter Folk is an Americana band from Troy, NY. Led by Zan Strumfeld, The Winter Folk create anthems for the revivalists, lullabies for the lonely, and ballads for the hopeful. Vacillating between an acoustic quartet — two guitars, banjo and upright bass — and a rocking quintet with drums, The Winter Folk blend an upbeat, rootsy spirit with a melodic longing and vulnerability in their storytelling. Since forming in 2017, they have played at festivals, music halls and living rooms. With a captivating sound and comedic banter, The Winter Folk reveal a unique and intimate performance wherever they play. The band has two EPs, “How To Be Alone” (2019) and “Your Girl No More” (2018). Their full-length album, “New Morse Code,” was released in June 2024.
March 5
THE LADLES
The Ladles are known for their signature harmonic blend, intricate arrangements and commitment to human connection. Imagine the tight, sisterly harmonies of The Staves meets Madison Cunningham’s songwriting ingenuity. At a Ladles show, you can’t help but feel part of something bigger. Swept up in their ethereal soundscapes, you can easily forget what separates you from the person next to you. Based in NYC and San Francisco, The Ladles are Katie Martucci, Caroline Kuhn, and Lucia Pontoniere.
Troy-Natives – Zan & The Winter Folk
For more information on Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s popular Lift Series and to purchase tickets, click here.
Get the scoop on what to do before and after Phish during their three-night run in Albany over October 25-27!
photo by Dave DeCrescente
Formed in 1983 through flyers across the University of Vermont’s campus, Phish has had a career of steady incline for more than four decades. Amassing more than eight million sales in the United States, 14 studio albums, a seemingly endless list of live shows under their belt, and their own record label named JEMP records, Phish is a legendary psychedelic-rock-jam fusion to be reckoned with.
Comprised of members Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon, and Page McConnell, Phish has accomplished what most bands have not in the face of multiple group hiatuses and solo endeavors- a legacy as one of the most influential jam bands that spans the first four decades of their achievements thus far and extends well into the prospective future.
With roots in the Northeast, Phish’s connection to New York can not be understated. The band has performed 83 shows in Manhattan’s historic Madison Square Garden to date, surpassing Elton John in 2023 to become the second most frequent musical act to grace the Garden’s stage behind record-holder Billy Joel.
The metro area hasn’t been the only one to experience the magic of Phish’s live performance, however. The group has traveled up and down the entire state, a feat highlighted in our three part series exploring their endeavors in Albany in particular over the course of several decades. Read part one, two, and three here.
Albany has hosted Phish countless times over the course of their career, making it one of few cities they still frequent where fans can track their progression as a band over the course of their visits to the area. Beginning in Albany at the city’s oldest bar Pauly’s Hotel to a crowd of 30-40 fans back in 1989, Phish has worked their way up to a three night stay at the MVP Arena this October 25-27.
In a historic announcement, Phish will be playing their first ever three show run in which 100% of the concert and merchandise profits will go to the Divided Sky Foundation. Established in 2020 during the Beacon Jams, Divided Sky Foundation dedicates themselves to building and supporting a non-clinical residential recovery program that recognizes that addiction is a disease and not an absence of willpower.
Colloquially known by its original name of Knickerbocker Arena, the MVP Arena will be host to Phish and thousands of devoted Phish heads over the course of the exciting and deeply meaningful weekend. For those in attendance, there’s a lot to know about attending the shows and everything in between for the weekend of Phish! But don’t worry- we’ve got you covered.
Primarily, the shows themselves- be sure to check the Arena’s extensive list of policies including bags and prohibited items on the event’s page before you leave home here.
Once at the venue, there are multiple entrances depending on which is nearest you. The main entrance faces Market Street, but if using the MVP Arena parking lot, visitors can use the arena entrance on level three. The Beaver Street entrance provides another route into the arena itself as well.
In addition to attending an unforgettable evening- or evenings- of live music, there’s plenty to see and do in Albany, Phish adjacent and beyond. Fans may find themselves enjoying a grilled cheese at the “Cheesiest Phish Pre Party,’ or adventuring through the Albany Capital Center for the 2024 Dead Man’s Hand Tattoo Expo that spans the duration of the weekend.
Looking for events to explore on a particular day? Read the day-by-day breakdown of the weekend of Phish below.
FRIDAY: OCTOBER 25
Prior to the opening evening, Gratefully Yours will be performing a free pre-show at the casual food and live entertainment venue Ophelia’s at 4:00 PM- only two blocks from MVP Arena. Later that evening the band will return to the stage for a $20 post-show performance with doors at 10:00 PM and a start time of 11:00 PM.
In addition to Gratefully Yours, The Big Dig Live will host a free groovy afterparty at The City Beer Hall with doors at 10:30 PM and a start time of 11:00 PM, and Lark Hall will be hosting The Jerry Dance Party with DJ Jerrbrother. Doors open at 11:00 PM and tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
SATURDAY: OCTOBER 26
Day two will open with a variety of events including a Divided Sky Foundation pre-show hosted by The WaterWheel Foundation, a PhanArt hometown art show and live music event, and another morning set at Ophelia’s that will loop back around for the evening post-Phish.
A Divided Sky Foundation pre-show event hosted by The WaterWheel Foundation will take place on the 26 prior to the event, a benefit exclusive to ticket holders who purchased the package alongside their ticket or ticket request.
If tickets to the Divided Sky Foundation pre-show aren’t in your hands, don’t worry. There’s plenty more to explore in the area, like the PhanArt Show at the Palace Theatre. In association with Mirth Films, PhanArt presents some of the scene’s best known artists as well as some of the area’s rising stars. From 12:00 to 5:00 PM, attendees can collect exclusive art and apparel, enjoy live music from acts like Kale and Sweeping Views, and treat themselves to free Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food as courtesy of Lark Street Ben & Jerry’s.
Annie In The Water will be the artist in residence at Ophelia’s for October 26, with a free acoustic set pre-Phish and two electric sets after the show at 10:00 PM with tickets at $20.
Saturday’s after parties also include acts like the Beau Sasser Trio, Adrian Tramontano, and Justin Hendricks coming together for a free show at The City Beer Hall with doors at 10:30 PM and show at 11:00 PM, and the Dude of Life Band alongside special guest Ella Fishman at the Empire Underground starting at 11:15 PM. Partial proceeds from the Dude of Life Band’s after party will benefit the Waterwheel Foundation with tickets priced at just under $34.
In addition to these incredible acts, The Jerry Dance Party with DJ Jerrbrother will return for one more night to wrap Saturday evening at Lark Hall in partnership with DayGlo and Nectar. Tickets are priced at $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
SUNDAY: OCTOBER 27
The weekend of Phish will conclude on the 27th. While there isn’t anything Phish-y to attend outside of the final performance that evening, the Albany Comic Con will be hosted at the Polish Community Center just a fifteen minute drive away from MVP Arena. Tickets are $10 online or at the door all day Sunday.
Kicking off an exciting three-show residency at Ophelia’sin Albany, it was a big night for Bridgeport, CT’s Big Shrimp on Thursday, October 17.
Rising from the ashes of the beloved buzz band Baked Shrimp following their surprise breakup earlier this year, the reimagined and reinvigorated group returned to the stage bigger, hungrier, and as it turns out, funkier than ever. Joining Big Shrimp on the bill and also making their Ophelia’s debut was NYC’s space rock juggernaut Escaper.
Big Shrimp played the first of a 3-show residency at Ophelia’s on 10/17/24.
Taking place on the same storied stage Goose headlined 5 years to the day prior, Guthrie Bell Productions has long made it a priority to bring the freshest and most exciting stars of tomorrow to the Capital Region today. With a legendary track record of spotting talent and creativity early, simply put, when Greg Bell books a band for a three-show residency, you know they must have something special going for them. A testament to the burgeoning music scene around Albany and with a community of dedicated fans and venues supporting local and independent acts, the atmosphere at 388 Broadway prior to the show felt ripe for discovery and growth.
Kicking off the evening with an exceptional set of exploratory and soaring jams was New York City’s Escaper. Comprised of Will Hanza (Guitar/Vocals), Phil Kadet (Keyboard/Vocals), Sam Crespo (Drums), and on this night, Josh Carter sitting in on bass for Luke Bemand (Lespecial), Escaper wasted no time setting the controls for the sun, opening things up with a sprawling and richly textured rendition of “Open Sky.” As the Albany faithful quickly took notice of the bands larger-than-life sound, the floorspace slowly began filling in with dancing fans eager to surrender to the music and immerse themselves in a night of soulful, sonic soundscapes and spontaneous expression. Rewarded for their curiosity with a pair of unreleased new songs, Escaper would keep the positive momentum going with “Fantasy” and “Chance.”
Escaper kicked the evening off proper with with an explosive set of jams in Albany on 10/17/24.
As the band pushed themselves through the technicality of their compositions, you could tell from the expressions on their faces they were enjoying this ride and creating this unique blend of music together. Captivating the audience with a hybrid of atmospheric soundscapes, intricate guitar work, tight rhythms and pulsating basslines, perhaps no song encapsulated Escaper’s vibe more beautifully than “Spaceship.” With its distinct hook and stunning keyboard work by the fully stretched out Phil Kadet, the song provided the biggest improvisational vehicle of the set. Brandishing a scarf and his beautiful red Gibson guitar, Will Hanza looked like a bonafide rockstar here and played like one too, uncorking his biggest and most impressive solo of the night during the song’s peak. Hyping the crowd for what was still to come, Escaper would close out with “No Strings” before joining the fans on the floor and dancing along to the high-octane grooves about to be served up by the arrival of Big Shrimp.
Escaper’s Will Hanza took Ophelia’s to the stratosphere on 10/17/24.
No stranger to Albany, the former members of Baked Shrimp have been playing at venues around the area for years now. This time though, it would be a whole different creature. Joining up with founding crustaceans Jared Sage Cowen (Guitar/Vocals) and Jager Soss (Drums/Vocals) are new additions Max Perrotti (Bass/Vocals) and Matt Takesh (Keyboard/Vocals), completing a dynamic transformation from a power trio to an edgier and more versatile, progressive-rock juggernaut. Playing only their 5th show together under the Big Shrimp moniker, the night proved to be a launching pad for both the band and the long-time fans who still weren’t quite sure what to expect out of the band’s newfound identity.
Big Shrimp played the first of a 3-show residency at Ophelia’s on 10/17/24.
Immediately putting any worries at ease with some “Words of Wisdom” to get things cooking, you could instantly hear the impact of Matt Takesh’s keyboard playing. Adding a whole new level of filth to the bands already funky sound, the excitement continued to build as the band worked their way through “Tired Eyes,” before turning vocal duties over to charismatic drummer Jager Soss for a throwback nod to the Baked Shrimp original tune, “Smoke ‘Em If You Got Em.”
While a few in attendance seemed to take the song literally, things on the floor continued to heat up with the appropriately titled “Tango” providing enough cause for some to dance as if their life depended on it. The freedom of the venue allowed for this kind of uninhibited behavior, as fans moved to the grooves, embodying the spirit of the jam band ethos: a celebration of community and creativity, creating an immersive experience that felt both intimate, expansive and genuine.
Jager Soss performing with Big Shrimp during their Ophelia’s debut on 10/17/24.
One of the most notable moments from night 1 of Big Shrimp’s residency would come next with the debut of a new original called “Nuclear Fruit.” Successfully taking the song out for its maiden voyage, it is now forever etched in musical history that it was first played at Ophelia’s. Changing up the pace a bit, the bluesy ballad “Painting Pictures” by Matt Takesh gave everyone a chance to catch their breath a bit before virtuoso guitarist Jared Sage Cowen stole it away again with one of the most stunning and emotive solos of the evening. The seamless transitions between songs and the hypnotic interplay between musicians kept the audience enraptured, highlighting Big Shrimps’ ability to blend different musical influences into a cohesive sound.
Big Shrimp’s Jared Sage Cowen dug deep into his bag of tricks on Night 1 in Albany 10/17/24.
Proving he’s not here to be your ordinary guy, Cowen would dig even deeper into his bag of tricks for an extraordinary rendition of “Ordinary Guy,” yielding some of the funkiest, most cathartic and most primal energy of the set. With catchy melodies, impressive solos, complex arrangements and shifting tempos and moods, the band kept you on your toes and bobbing your head the entire show. Throwing in one last surprise before bringing the evening to a close, Big Shrimp would revisit their roots once again by playing fan favorite “Chop Suey” from their previous entities final self-titled studio album.
Watch fan shot footage of Big Shrimp performing “Chop Suey” during Night 1 of their Albany Residency 10/17/24.
As the night drew to a close, the crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, with chants for an encore echoing through the bar. The sense of connection among fans and performers alike was a reminder of the magic that live music can create. After receiving the subtle nod of approval from promoter Greg Bell, Big Shrimp would send fans home happy with a nostalgic cover of the “Peter Gunn Theme,” complete with Taylor Swift “You Belong with Me” teases, bringing night 1 of their Ophelia’s residency to an official end.
If you missed this incredible night, mark your calendars for their next show in two weeks when Big Shrimp return for their highly anticipated Halloween Extravaganza on October 31st. Featuring a surprise theme along with two sets of music and a costume contest with prizes, whether you’re a seasoned jam band lover or just looking for a ghoulishly good night of music and dancing, Big Shrimp is sure to deliver an unforgettable treat that will not disappoint. If their previous Halloween performances are any indication, NYS Music can tell you now, this will be a special show you don’t want to miss.
Big Shrimp | 10-17-2024 | Ophelia’s | Albany, NY
One Set: Words of Wisdom, Tired Eyes, Smoke ’em If You Got ’em, Tango, Nuclear Fruit (1), Painting Pictures, Ordinary Guy, Chop Suey.
Encore: Peter Gunn Theme (2).
(1) Debut; Original
(2) Big Shrimp Debut; Formerly performed as Baked Shrimp.
Notes: This was night one of Big Shrimp’s three-night residency at Ophelia’s in Albany, NY in Fall of 2024. “Peter Gunn Theme” contained “You Belong with Me” (Taylor Swift) teases.
Escaper | 10-17-2024 | Ophelia’s | Albany, NY
Setlist: Open Sky, Fantasy, Chance, Spaceship, No Strings.
Singer/songwriter Charley Orlando has announced his upcoming “Bob. Interpretations of Dylan” tour, along with the creation of music group “Ruha.”
The combined tour sees eight dates, seven of which take place in New York. “Bob. Interpretations of Dylan” begins November 6 in Syracuse at Funk ‘n Waffles. The tour also includes a solo show, a performance with Salt City Waltz, one with Pearly Baker’s Best, and lastly a show with Charley’s new project: Ruha. Charley Orlando’s tour wraps up with Ruha in Syracuse at Funk ‘n Waffles on December 7.
Ruha consists of Jessica Brown, Brian Lauri, Brian Welch, Zach Fleitz and Charley. They plan to play songs from all of their original catalogues at the upcoming show. Charley Orlando is the essence of heart in music. Having released 17 albums Charley continues to paint outside the lines of convention. In his 30 plus year career he has been added to the GRAMMY entry ballot a total of 28 times and played over 3,000 shows in North America.
Born and raised in Capitol District area of NY, Charley developed a passion for music from a young age. He started playing the guitar at the age of eight and quickly discovered a natural talent for songwriting. Throughout his career, Charley has released 18 albums, each one showcasing his incredible musicianship and songwriting abilities. His music is a unique blend of blues, folk, and rock, with heartfelt lyrics that resonate with audiences around the world.
Charley Orlando Shows:
11/6 Syracuse,NY; Funk ‘n Waffles 8pm w/s/g Ruha (bob.)
11/7 Albany,NY; Ophelia’s 8pm w/s/g Laura Leigh (bob.)
