Albany Symphony has announced a dazzling new program for the month of November which features outstanding and captivating works presented November 16 and 17. The concerts take place at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
The November concert features Smetana’s “Moldau”, Joan Tower’s Cello Concerto, “A New Day” and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” These shows take place on November 16 at 7:30 PM and November 17 at 3:00 PM. The evening opens with the flowing, lyrical, “Moldau,” by Czech composer, Bedřich Smetana, which evokes the Vlatava River (the Moldau). The piece evokes the composer’s deep love of his homeland.
“A New Day,” written in 2021 by GRAMMY Award-Winning composer Joan Tower, will feature cellist Raman Ramakrishnan. The piece is an appreciative, hopeful, and nostalgic work of art reflecting on love and a long, fruitful relationship. Joan wrote the piece with the thought in mind that this life of love lasts only a limited time, and a duo must appreciate every moment together until the end. Joan Tower is widely regarded as one of the most important American composers living today. Her works have been commissioned by major ensembles, soloists, and orchestras across the country and the world.
Composer Joan Tower
The evening concludes with one of the most beloved symphonies of all time, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” The piece was composed in 1893 while Dvořák was the director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City. It premiered at Carnegie Hall to ecstatic acclaim. Dvorak conceived the piece as a blueprint for future American composers to find their uniquely American voices. It is an anthem to America and reflects Dvorak’s great interest in Spirituals and Native American Music.
The 2024-2025 season runs through the American Music Festival in June. It includes the Water Music NY: More Voices Festival, a Symphony Side-by-Side with the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO), Magic of Christmas, Tiny Tots concerts for young people, and more. The shows on Nov 16 and 17 are ones you’ll certainly regret missing. These shows highlight legendary classical pieces that have shaped the way composition is done. Seeing an art form like this is timeless.
For more information on the Albany Symphony and to purchase tickets for the upcoming November 16 and 17 concerts, click here.
Dayglo Presents has announced the SOULSHINE concert benefiting relief and recovery efforts from hurricanes Helene and Milton at Madison Square Garden later next month, featuring household names like Dave Matthews Band, Warren Haynes Band, and more.
In the wake of unimaginable tragedy and loss, the music community has come together. Music holds the intangible power to bring folks of all walks of life together, forging new communities and strengthening old. Once more, musicians and fans alike will come together in the name of good for the SOULSHINE benefit concert on November 24 at Madison Square Garden for an evening of captivating live performances that make a real difference.
With a collective four million individuals without power, a death toll of just under 250, and entire communities destroyed, the paths Helene and Milton cut across the southeast United States was nothing short of devastating. In times of unimaginable loss like these, there is nothing more powerful than a community coming together- which is exactly what the folks at Dayglo Presents with Live Nation seek to accomplish with their SOULSHINE Concert Fund.
For one night only, acts like the Dave Matthews Band, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, the Warren Haynes Band, Goose, and more will come together under the roof of MSG to raise money for both hurricanes’ relief funds. Special guests for the evening include Trey Anastasio, Mavis Staples, Robert Randolph, Joe Russo, Trombone Shorty, Susan Tedeschi, and Derek Trucks.
Many of these acts are familiar with advocacy through their art- the Dave Matthews Band being designated the United Nations’ Environmental Goodwill Ambassadors in addition to raising over $65 million for a variety of hometown and global causes through various events and benefit concerts, and Warren Haynes being a beloved North Carolina figure and Asheville local for his annual Christmas Jam that has raised nearly $3 million for the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity among various other accomplishments through his partnership with BeLoved Asheville. Haynes’ hometown of Asheville in particular was one of many communities hit by Helene’s unforgiving path- making the SOULSHINE concert all the more from the soul.
“Every year, it is my honor to host the Christmas Jam and give back to the community there, but this year, we need to do things a bit differently. I’m thrilled to partner with my good friends in Dave Matthews Band and so many other musician friends to bring ‘SOULSHINE’ to the iconic Madison Square Garden and help raise money for all those affected by both hurricanes throughout North Carolina and Florida. My heart is with you all and we look forward to creating a really special night!”
– Warren Haynes
Net proceeds from the evening’s performance will benefit the SOULSHINE Concert Fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, which will support Habitat for Humanity’s 2024 Hurricane Recovery fund in addition to a variety of nonprofits in North Carolina and Florida that are currently making crucial efforts on the ground.
In addition to all sales and donations made by folks attending, leading mortgage and lender and servicer Newrez has pledged $500,000 in support of SOULSHINE’s efforts to help the communities it serves recover and rebuild.
Tickets for the SOULSHINE Benefit Concert will go live on Friday, November 1 at 10:00 AM EST. For more information, donation opportunities, and ticket purchasing, please visit the SOULSHINE website here.
The Palace Theatre, in partnership with the City of Albany’s 2024 Cash for Coats Drive, welcome the Nolanauts on Friday, November 8.
The free performance enjoines funk music lovers in the Capital District to support CA$H FOR COATS, with donations of $25 or more garnering an invite to a special VIP Reception area with complimentary food provided by The Hollow Bar + Kitchen.
The Cash for Coats program is a community-based initiative designed to collect funds to purchase new winter clothing items for Albany school children in need. Donations can be made the following ways.
Nolanauts is a fast rising, high octane, 10-piece rockin’ funk collective fired up about celebrating the joyful historical and contemporary fire of New Orleans music, sharing it with fans of all ages while creating a vibrant party atmosphere wherever they go. The ensemble features passionate, committed musicians of different generations playing music by Crescent City legends, from 50-60-year- old chestnuts to more contemporary songs.
Starting with a livestream presentation at The Linda WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio in Albany, fans, NoLaNauts have performed at such mid-size venues as Frog Alley in Schenectady, Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, Lark Hall in Albany (including an opening slots for NOLA legends, Glen David Andrews & John “Papa” Gros), Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes, NY and at the Rye Bread Music & Arts Festival. The band dropped their debut original single “Early Warning” in February 2023 and has three upcoming singles set for release throughout 2024.
The Palace Sessions is a live music series featuring some of our favorite regional & national acts performing in different spaces within the historic performing arts center. The Palace Sessions was conceived in 2020 through a partnership with the City of Albany & Mirth Films as an outlet to provide live music to the Capital Region (and entertain ourselves!) during a time when venues were closed and live music was difficult, if not impossible to come by as well as raise money to support the Palace Theatre.
The Palace Sessions lives on with free live performances in the Palace Lobby, open to the public and aired online.Past Palace Sessions performers include moe., Eastbound Jesus, Annie in the Water, Thomas Nicholas, Moriah Formica, and more… To enjoy past episodes of the Palace Sessions online, visit here.
New Orleans-based funk-fusion band The Soul Rebels have announced an upcoming show at Anderson Center at Binghamton University.
The Soul Rebels started with an idea – to expand upon the pop music the members loved on the radio and the New Orleans brass tradition they grew up on. They took that tradition and blended funk and soul with elements of hip hop, jazz and rock, all within the style of a modernized and contemporary brass band. The band has built a career around an eclectic live show that harnesses the power of horns and drums in a party-like atmosphere.
The Anderson Center for the Performing Arts welcomes this captivating performance style to Binghamton University on November 1. The Soul Rebels are riding high in 2024 after receiving national attention following the release of their new album, Poetry In Motion. Their explosive stage presence has led to live collaborations with the likes of Katy Perry, Nas, G-Eazy, DMX, Robin Thicke, Macy Gray, and most notably their new supergroup with the legendary Wu Tang Clan.
Tickets for the general public range from $25-40, with a 10% discount on premium seats for seniors, veterans, and Binghamton University faculty/staff and alumni. Student and child tickets cost just $10 for any seat in the house. This show is one you’ll certainly want to be a part of. The group’s unmatched performance energy is something that sticks with you for a while.
For more information on The Soul Rebels’ upcoming show at Binghamton University and to purchase tickets, click here.
Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra has announced their 19th Season celebrating all things movie score, opening with “The Golden Age of Hollywood.”
Formed in 2006, the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra brings live orchestral music to northern Dutchess County and the surrounding Hudson Valley area. The Orchestra is entering their 19th season this year conducted by artistic director and leadership mainstay Kathleen Beckmann, with shows ranging between 40 and 50 performers depending on the repertoire.
Between their five main performances, special concert events, internationally acclaimed guest artists, and talented dance ensembles featured at family-affordable prices each and every season, the NDSO has and continues to cultivate a community of classical music and live performance fans within Dutchess County and beyond. Returning with their 2024-2025 season, the Orchestra has announced a series of exciting performances for music lovers of all ages.
With events like the annual “Home for the Holidays” December concert, a “Disney and Zimmer” blockbuster evening celebrating movie scores, the time-traveling “An Organ in the House” show that brings a theater organ into the fold as the Orchestra brings music from the silent film era to life, and the “Music of The Knights” show celebrating incredibly successful songwriters Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John, and Sir Paul McCartney, the NDSO’s lineup for this year will certainly be one for the books.
Perfectly fitting the film-themed season, “The Golden Age of Hollywood” concert is set to open the Orchestra’s activities for the year on October 27. Featuring scores from classic films like Casablanca, Sunset Boulevard, Psycho, and Ben-Hur, the North Dutchess Symphony Orchestra will immerse the audience in the theatrics and magic of classic cinema.
Internationally acclaimed violinist Uli Speth will make an appearance during the evening of theater to perform Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Violin Concerto, famously known as the “Hollywood Concerto” for its rich and cinematic sound.
A graduate of the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, Speth has performed extensively across the U.S. as a soloist and chamber musician in addition to performances on public radio, collaborations with renowned quartets and members of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and premiering new works alongside a string quartet among many other accomplishments. Currently the concertmaster of the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra and a dedicated educator in his own right, Speth will make a spellbinding addition to the evening’s celebration of all things hollywood.
In addition to Speth’s exciting guest appearance, prior to the show at 3:15 PM folks in attendance will be able to experience a special presentation from Bard College Professor Joseph Luzzi complete with film clips and anecdotes about this exciting period in Hollywood in order to put the show and its contents into further context.
Tickets for the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra’s “The Golden Age of Hollywood” on October 27 are available now, priced at $38 per person with special discounts available for seniors and students. To learn more and purchase tickets, please visit the Orchestra’s website here.
The Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls has a large schedule of shows for the coming months. From late October to late December, the venue plans to present shows for all walks of life.
The mission of Hudson River Music Hall Productions, Inc. is to create community through music and the related arts. They accomplish this goal through their venue, the Strand Theatre, at 210 Main St., Hudson Falls, NY. Since its first production on December 19, 2010 in the former Washington County Courtroom, The Strand Theatre has brought over 150 events per year to the public; live music, art gallery openings, dance seminars, theatrical productions, private gatherings and many more opportunities for the community to gather through the arts.
The theatre presents all genres of music from rock to folk, country to classical, jazz and world music, modern pop and more. They mostly host music events, but also 6-10 theater productions and 6-10 dance performances per year, monthly classic films, a World Cinema Series, Silent Film Festival, a weekly open mic, lectures and more. This fall to winter 2024 season at the theatre is no different.
For the coming months, The Strand Theatre hosts at least 50 new events within its walls. These shows range from folk and rock tributes to concert film, ensemble performances to movie screenings, dance shows to instrumental showcases, and so much more. The events hold a wide array of genres for all types of music enjoyers: rock, jam/progressive, world & reggae, pop, R&B, hip-hop, metal, classical and more.
Strand Theatre Hudson Falls has a 350-seat auditorium with a 32’x24’ stage for music performance, dance, theatre production and film, a professional concert sound system, a 9’ Steinway concert grand piano, a WiFi coffee shop, an art gallery/lobby and education/rental space. There’s simply a little something for everyone.
Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room
The Strand Theatre 2024 Schedule
10/22 – Prog Night with: Lifesigns, Mike Keneally Trio with Gregg Bendian and Teddy Kumpel, 7:30pm, doors at 7pm, $35/general admission, $50/orchestra section, VIP Post concert meet and greet for an additional $25 10/24- Artimus Pyle Band – a tribute to Ronnie Van Zandt’s Lynyrd Skynyrd, 7:30pm, ARTIMUS PYLE BAND Honoring Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd, $50/floor level, $40/lower balcony, $30/upper balcony 10/25 – E1 Presents Raise Your Hands – a tribute to Bon Jovi, $25/balcony, $30/floor, $50 VIP Front Row 10/26 – Neil Diamond Tribute with Rich Ortiz! 7:30pm, $25/floor seats, $20/Balcony 10/27 – Monsters of Rock Band, 80’s hair metal, 3pm, $20/adults, Kids 12 and under are free, Costume Contest too! 10/28 – Lobby show – Jared Curtis, 7pm, free admission 10/30 – Movie: Rocky Horror Picture Show with shadow actors from SUNY Adirondack Theatre Club 11/1 – David Cross and Larks’ Tongues Band plays King Crimson 1972-74, $50/orchestra section, $35/general seating. 11/2 – Ernie LaRouche Band, 8pm, hosted by Mark Abodeely, Journey’s Escape album in its entirety and more, opener Nocturne Troubadours at 7:30pm featuring Marc Clayton and Tania Halko-Susi, 11/3 – North Country composer’s concert hosted by Catherine Reid, 3pm, 11/4 – Lobby Concert-Elizabeth Conant and band, pianist/singer/songwriter 7pm, free admission 11/7 – Thursday Showcase: Polar Identity, atmospheric rock, 7:30pm, $5 11/8 – Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre – a Brief History of Tull, 8pm, $60/Orchestra Section, $50/lower level, $40/lower balcony, $30/upper balcony. 11/9 – Manticore – a tribute to Emerson Lake and Palmer, 7:30pm, $25 11/10 – The Bob Cats – Rock ‘n’ roll salute to Bob Dylan with Jerry Marotta and friends, $25/floor, $20/balcony 11/11 – Lobby Concert-The Newells, family acoustic quartet-guitars/vocals, 7pm, free admission 11/12 – Movie Night – Sweet Dreams, 7pm, free admission 11/14 – World Cinema Series – Gojira, (Japanese), 7pm, free admission 11/15 – Strange Magic – a tribute to Electric Light Orchestra 11/16 – Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room, former Boston guitarist plays Boston and more, 8pm, $35/orchestra section, $30/floor, $25/balcony 11/17 – Jonathan Newell, classical chamber works, 3pm, $20/general, $15/seniors&veterans, $10/students 11/18 – Lobby Concert – Warren Sieme, acoustic guitar/vocal 11/20 – PAKT – with PERCY JONES – bass ADAM HOLZMAN – keyboard KENNY GROHOWSKI – drums TIM MOTZER – guitars, electronics, progressive rock improv. $25 11/21 – Thursday Showcase: Kaleb Dingmon, opening acts TBA, Pop/R&B/Hip-Hop, 8pm, $5 11/22 – Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute with The Fortunate Sons, 8pm, $25 11/23 – Aquanett, 80’s Rock Night!, $20/in advance, $25/day of show 11/24 – The Cosmic American Music Circus w/ The Lazy Suns, The Bluebillies, The Zorbas Trio, 3pm, $15/10 11/25 – Lobby Concert-Kevin Maynard and Ana Maynard, 7pm, free admission 11/26 – Movie Night – Miracle, 7pm, free admission and free popcorn 11/27 – Patsgiving: Benefit Concert for The Pat Nolan Scholarship Fund 11/29 – E1 Presents Kisstory – Kiss Tribute in full make up 11/30 – Mark Abodeely’s 4rd annual Thanksgiving Spectacular 12/2 – Lobby Concert: Marc Vincent, 7pm, free admission 12/5 – Thursday Showcase: Petra and Sola: The Painter and the Poet 12/6 – Across The Pond – Beatles Tribute, 7:30pm, $15/general admission, $5/students 12/7-Stephanie Schnieder Voice Studio Recital 12/7 – Seven Wonders – a tribute to Fleetwood Mac, 12/8 – Professor Louie and The Woodstock Horns play the music of The Band 12/9 – Lobby Concert- Art-n-Shawna, 7pm, free admission 12/10 – Movie Night – Somewhere In Time, 7pm, free admission and popcorn 12/12 – Thursday Showcase: HaHa Events presents Rockin’ For Christmas 12/13 – The McKrells Christmas Show, 12/14 – The Bluebillies Ol’ Time Christmas Revue, $15 general admision. $12 seniors/students. Start time 7:00 PM 12/15 – Lake George Community Band 12/16 – Lobby Concert – Johnny Clifford, 7pm free admission 12/20 – Movie Night – It’s a Wonderful Life, 7pm, free admission, 12/21 – Rock This Town – an oldies show of 50’s&60’s rock and pop and a salute to Brian Setzer and The Stray Cats 12/27 – Beyond Purple – tribute to Deep Purple, Rainbow, Dio and Whitesnake featuring guitarist Jimi Bell, 8pm 12/28 – Storm Front – Billy Joel Tribute, 8pm, presented and hosted by Mark Abodeel
For more information on The Strand Theatre’s upcoming events and to purchase tickets to any of the shows, click here.
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.
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.)
