Vocalist Shemekia Copeland will celebrate the release of her Grammy-nominated album, Blame It On Eve, with a live performance at The Egg in Albany on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
Shemekia Copeland’s latest album, Blame It On Eve, received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album. The title track, written by John Hahn and Will Kimbrough, received nominations for Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song. These three nominations now bring her total to eight. Upon release, Blame It On Eve debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart.
Born in Harlem in 1979, Shemekia Copeland released her debut album “Turn The Heat Up” in 1998 when she was only 18. The New York Times and CNN, among many others, praised her talent, larger-than-life personality, dynamic, authoritative voice, and true star power. Copeland’s music has continued to evolve over the years along with her notoriety and skill.
Blame It On Eve was recorded in Nashville with producer Will Kimbrough, who also produced her previous three albums and doubles as an instrumentalist and songwriter. Each of the 12 songs has substance and contains jaw-dropping performances from Copeland and the band.
“There’s serious business on the new album,” Copeland says. “But there are a lot of smiles here too, a lot of joyous moments. It’s my blues for sure but it’s the brighter side. Issues are always important to me, but so is rocking, dancing and just having fun. And that’s something we all can all agree on.”
Tickets are on sale now. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Cabell “Cab” Calloway III was born on Christmas Day, 1907 in Rochester, living on Sycamore Street. His mother was a teacher and church organist and his father was a lawyer. When Calloway was 11, they moved to Baltimore. After he was caught playing dice on the church steps, his mother sent him to a reform school in Pennsylvania.
When he returned to Baltimore, Calloway began private voice lessons and continued his study of music throughout school. He soon began performing at nightclubs in Baltimore and was mentored by Chick Webb and Johnny Jones.
In 1927, Calloway joined his older sister, Blanche, in a tour of Plantation Days. She achieved success first, he often credited her as an inspiration to enter show business. His parents wanted him to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a lawyer. Therefore, he enrolled to college in Chicago, but spent his nights at the Dreamland Ballroom, Sunset Cafe, and the Club Berlin. At the Sunset Cafe, he was an understudy for Adelaide Hall. He also met and performed with Louis Armstrong.
Harlem
In 1929, Calloway moved to Harlem, performing with the Alabamians band. They opened at the Savoy Ballroom and broke up soon after. With help from Armstrong, Calloway established himself as a vocalist by singing “Ain’t Misbehavin’” by Fats Waller. Soon after, The Missourians asked Calloway to join and front them.
The following year, the band name shifted to Cab Calloway and His Orchestra. In 1931, the band replaced the Duke Ellington Orchestra at the Cotton Club while they were on tour. Due to the increased popularity, they were offered a permanent position there.
The band also performed regularly on radio broadcasts on NBC. Calloway also appeared on radio programs with Walter Winchell and Bing Crosby became the first African-American to have a nationally syndicated radio show. During the heights of the Great Depression, Calloway was earning $50,000 per year at the age of 23.
The 30’s and 40’s
In 1931, Calloway recorded his most famous song, “Minnie the Moocher.” This is the first single song by an African-American to sell one million records. Three of his songs, “The Old Man of the Mountain,” “St. James Infirmary Blues” and “Minnie the Moocher”, were performed in Betty Boop cartoons.
Calloway soon received the nickname “The Hi De Ho Man.” He performed in the 1930s in short films for Paramount. In these, Calloway performs a gliding backstep dance move, a possible precursor to Michael Jackson’s moonwalk.
Calloway’s band in the 1930s and 1940s included many notable musicians, such as Ben Webster, Ed Swayze, Cozy Cole, and Dizzy Gillespie. In 1940, Strike Up the Band, starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, has a line of “You are not Cab Calloway” after playing poorly.
In 1941, Calloway fired Gillespie from his orchestra after an onstage fracas erupted when Calloway was hit with spitballs. He wrongly accused Gillespie, who stabbed Calloway in the leg with a small knife.
In 1956, Clarence Robinson, who produced revues at the original Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater, and choreographed the movie Stormy Weather, cast Calloway as the main attraction for his project in Miami. The Cotton Club of Miami featured a troupe of 48 people, including singer Sallie Blair, George Kirby, Abbey Lincoln, and the dance troupe of Norma Miller. The success of the shows led to the Cotton Club Revue of 1957 which had stops at the Royal Nevada Hotel in Las Vegas, the Theatre Under The Sky in Central Park, Town Casino in Buffalo.
Later Years
The Cotton Club Revue of 1959 traveled to South America for engagements in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. They also stopped in Uruguay and Argentina before returning to North America which included a run on Broadway. Directed by Mervyn Nelson and choreographed by Joel Nobel, this edition featured Ketty Lester, The Three Chocolateers. The revue toured Europe in 1959 and 1960, bringing their act to Madrid, Paris, and London.
Calloway remained a household name due to TV appearances and occasional concerts in the US and Europe. In 1961 and 1962, he toured with the Harlem Globetrotters, providing halftime entertainment during games.
In 1985, Calloway and his Orchestra appeared at The Ritz London Hotel where he was filmed for a 60-minute BBC TV show called The Cotton Club Comes to the Ritz. Adelaide Hall, Doc Cheatham, Max Roach, and the Nicholas Brothers also appeared on the bill. A performance with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra directed by Erich Kunzel in August 1988 was recorded on video and features a classic presentation of “Minnie the Moocher”, 57 years after he first recorded it.
On June 12, 1994, Calloway suffered a stroke at his home in Westchester County. He died five months later from pneumonia on November 18, 1994, at age 86, at a nursing home in Hockessin, Delaware.
Awards and Accomplishments
In 1990, Calloway was presented with the Beacons in Jazz Award from The New School. The NYC mayor at the time, David Dinkins, proclaimed the day “Cab Calloway Day.”
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) annually honors the jazz legend, a native of Rochester, with a stakes races restricted to NY-bred three-year-olds, as part of their New York Stallion Series. First run in 2003, The Calloway has since undergone various distance and surface changes. The race is currently run at Saratoga Racecourse, one of America’s most popular, premier racetracks. The Cab Calloway Stakes celebrated its 13th renewal on July 24, 2019.
Albany’s MVP Arena, has been ranked by Pollstar as 83rd globally, and 52nd in the United States, in terms of attendance, a premier status for the Capital Region’s #1 venue for live events.
This ranking highlights the arena’s continued success in attracting large audiences for a variety of events, including sports, concerts, and other entertainment spectacles.
MVP Arena’s strong performance in global rankings reflects a wide range of events that resonate with audiences, including Major League Lacrosse, Arena Football, a variety of concerts, comedians, College Basketball, and much more.
photo by Dave Decrescente
Notably, gross ticket sales generated in Albany (more than $28 million dollars) exceeded major markets such as New Orleans, Cleveland, Glendale, Minneapolis, Columbus, Grand Rapids, Atlantic City and many international cities that ended the year behind Albany’s ranking.
“We are proud to be ranked among the top 100 venues in the world,” said Bob Belber, General Manager of MVP Arena. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our team, the support of our community, and the incredible fans who fill the arena for every event. We look forward to continuing to host unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
photo by Conor McMahon
This milestone further reinforces Albany County’s commitment to providing a top-tier facility. The re-investment that County Executive McCoy has made into the arena with upgrades to seating, technology, locker rooms and the enclosure of the atrium has made MVP Arena a must play for many tours.
Photo by Mike Miller
“This ranking reflects how years of strategic investment and management have transformed MVP Arena into a first-class venue for residents and visitors alike. I would like to thank our partners at ASM Global as well as our naming sponsor, MVP Health Care, and the Albany County Legislature for their continued support. Together, we are ensuring that our arena remains a source of pride for our County and a key driver of tourism and economic activity in the Capital Region. I look forward to seeing even greater success and growth as we continue to raise the bar and attract world-class entertainment,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.
The ability for Albany to make a strong showing in the Top 200 venues shows a resilience for the town, that despite the monikor ‘Smallbany,’ folks come from all over to take part in the rich variety of arts and music offered in the state capital.
Caffè Lena has announced the launch of the Peak Jazz Series, an exciting addition to its monthly concert offerings. Made possible by the generous support of Joseph and Luann Conlon, this series is dedicated to fueling the growth of jazz in Caffè Lena’s renowned listening room.
Hailing from Saratoga Springs, the nation’s oldest continuously operating coffeehouse new Peak Jazz Series will focus on ensembles that lean toward cool jazz, fusion, and funk, offering audiences a dynamic and diverse jazz experience.
By ensuring a steady flow of world-class jazz acts, the series enriches Caffè Lena’s programming and reaffirms its commitment to fostering live music in an intimate and premium setting.
The Peak Jazz Series joins the already thriving Jazz at Caffè Lena Series, hosted by accomplished jazz pianist Chuck Lamb. Each month, Chuck and his trio welcome a special guest to the stage, offering unique collaborations with some of the most remarkable names in jazz. Recent highlights include performances with Jimmy Greene and Stanley Jordan, showcasing the diversity and brilliance of the genre.
“We’re thrilled to expand our jazz programming. With the Peak Jazz Series adding a fresh layer to our monthly offerings and Chuck Lamb’s Jazz Series continuing to bring in extraordinary guests, Caffè Lena is solidifying its place as a top destination for live jazz in the region.”
Sarah Craig, Executive Director of Caffè Lena
“Supporting the Peak Jazz Series at Caffè Lena is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the depth and diversity of jazz,”said Joseph Conlon, sponsor of the Peak Jazz Series. “We’re proud to help bring extraordinary ensembles to such an intimate venue, showcasing the energy, artistry, and innovation that define this genre. Our hope is to inspire both long-time jazz enthusiasts and new audiences to connect with the music in meaningful ways.”
The Momentum Series, also made possible by the Conlons in honor of Thom O’Neil, will continue to bring high-energy performances—solo and band—that fill the room with electrifying energy. Together, these series provide unparalleled opportunities to experience the power of live music across genres at Caffè Lena.
Caffè Lena invites jazz enthusiasts, music lovers, and the community to experience the debut of the Peak Jazz Series and its exceptional lineup of artists. For tickets and information, visit www.caffelena.org.
Opera Saratoga has announced the establishment of a new executive leadership position, with Amanda Robie, formerly the company’s Managing Director, appointed to the role,
Robie will collaborate closely with the General and Artistic Director, as well as the Board of Directors, to shape and advance the strategic direction of the company.
Amanda Robie at Opera Saratoga / RPI/Empac’s workshop of The Other Side of Silence (Nua Photography Co.)
Opera Saratoga, formerly known as Lake George Opera, began with a production of DieFledermaus at the Diamond Point Theatre on July 5, 1962, playing to an audience of 230. The Company now calls Saratoga Springs home and performs for more than 25,000 people annually, celebratings its 60th anniversary this season.
Serving the communities of Saratoga Springs, the Lower Adirondack and New York State Capital Region, Opera Saratoga provided access to world-class opera through the production of an annual Summer Festival, as well as year-round activities including extensive educational programs, mentorship of emerging operatic artists, and unique opportunities for the public to experience opera in both our home theater and non-traditional venues that leverage and embrace the unique cultural, historic, and natural resources of the area.
A resident of Saratoga Springs, Ms. Robie began her career in opera as a mezzo-soprano, having studied voice at Bucknell University and The Boston Conservatory. A notable highlight of her performing career was her role as Cousin Hebe in Opera Saratoga’s 2013 production of H.M.S. Pinafore. Driven by a desire to influence the operatic world beyond the stage, she transitioned into arts administration, holding positions at the Boston Opera Collaborative, Fort Worth Opera, and Boston Lyric Opera. In 2019, she joined Opera Saratoga as Managing Director, where she played a pivotal role in navigating the company through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing its return to live performances, and leading the search for a new General Director.
“I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director at Opera Saratoga,” said Ms. Robie. “I look forward to continuing my work with this extraordinary company and vibrant community to ensure the continued vitality and success of opera in the region.”
“Amanda is an invaluable asset to Opera Saratoga, and both the Board and I are deeply appreciative that she has accepted this new leadership role,” said Mary Birnbaum, General and Artistic Director. “Her warmth, leadership, and in-depth knowledge of the art form make her a central figure at Opera Saratoga. Artists, technicians, and administrators alike consistently cite her as a major reason they choose to return to the company. I am excited to continue our partnership and to work alongside her in shaping the future of Opera Saratoga, beginning with the 2025 Summer Festival, which will run from May 20 to June 29.”
For more information about Amanda Robie or to buy subscriptions to the Summer Season, please visit our website at operasaratoga.org
Additionally, Opera Saratoga has announced the creative teams for its Summer Festival 2025. The musical She Loves Me, with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a book by Joe Masteroff, will be directed by John Matsumoto Giampietro. Jacques Offenbach’s La Vie Parisienne will be directed by Mary Birnbaum and conducted by Juliane Gallant, making her U.S. debut. Both productions feature scenic design by Krit Robinson and lighting design by Anshuman Bhatia.
The cast of She Loves Me includes Festival Artists Christine Taylor Price (Amalia Balash), Kate Morton (Ilona Ritter), Shavon Lloyd (StevenKodaly), Michael Segura (Ladislav Sipos), Jack O’Leary (Arpad Lazlo), Wagner Pastor (Head Waiter), and Guest Artist Peter Kazaras (Mr. Maraczek). Nathan Cicero will serve as assistant conductor, with Festival Artist Paige Dirks-Jacks as assistant director. June 21, 25, 27 at 7:30 pm and June 28 & 29 at 2:00 pm at Universal Preservation Hall.
La Vie Parisienne features Festival Artists Sungyeun Kim (Gabrielle), Fantine Douilly (Pauline), Chase Sanders (Baroness), Sadie Spivey (Clara), Tivoli Treloar (Metella), Kate Morton (Mme. de Folle-Verdure), Brennan Martinez (Léonie), Chuanyuan Liu (Mme. de Quimper-Karadec), Randy Ho (Gardefeu), Wagner Pastor (Gontran/Prosper), Geoffrey Schmelzer (Le Baron), Michael Segura (Urbain), Jack O’Leary (Joseph), as well as guest artists Michael Hawk (Bobinet) and César Andrés Parreño (Frick/Bresélien). Gloria Yin will serve as assistant conductor, and Zoe Lesser will be the assistant director. The book for La Vie Parisienne will be translated and updated by Tim Drucker (director of Trixie and Katya Live!) June 20, 26 & 28 at 7:30 pm and June 22 at 2:00 pm at Universal Preservation Hall.
A Mass for Women in Bathrooms, the work-in-progress presentation from composer Emma O’Halloran and librettist Naomi O’Connell will feature singers Brennan Martinez, Sadie Spivey and Chase Sanders, as well as electronics by Alex Dowling and music preparation by Laurie Rogers. June 22 at 7:30 pm and June 27 at 2:00 pm at Universal Preservation Hall.
In a Grove composed by Chris Cerrone with libretto by Stephanie Fleischmann will feature Chase Sanders (Leona), Chuanyuan Liu (Priest/Medium), Sadie Spivey (Leona’s Mother), Shavon Lloyd (Luther), Randy Ho (Ambrose), Wagner Pastor (Policeman), Geoffrey Shmelzer (Woodcutter). This site specific installation will feature sound design by Sam Torres and will be conducted by Luke Poeppel. May 28 at 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and May 29 at 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm (Rain date: May 31 at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm) at the Ferndell Pavilion in Saratoga Spa State Park.
Subscriptions to Opera Saratoga are on sale through February 1 at www.operasaratoga.org or by calling Proctors Box Office at 518-346-6204. Other special events include concerts, free family performances and a gala.
Celebrated country pop artist Shania Twain has extended her current U.S. tour into the summer of 2025, including two shows in New York.
A country superstar, celebrated songwriter, and style icon, Shania Twain has been making major waves across the industry for over 40 years now.
With six albums and more than 100 million albums sold, Twain is the top-selling female country pop artist of all time- not to mention her five GRAMMY wins and several charting tracks including “You’re Still the One” and “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”.
Releasing her sixth album Queen of Me in 2023, she embarked upon a tour of the same name in celebration- and this party hasn’t stopped. With an unprecedented two years of sold-out extensions to her travels thus far, Twain has announced one final leg that brings her to several spots across the east coast, including nights in Buffalo and Saratoga Springs.
Gracing the stage of the Darien Lake Amphitheater in Buffalo on July 19 and the Broadview Stage at SPAC in Saratoga Springs on July 20, the conclusion to Shania’s two-year run of shows is not to be missed.
Tickets for the two dates in New York as well as other spots along the east coast go live on Friday, December 20 at 10:00 AM. For more information and ticket purchasing, visit Shania Twain’s official website here..
SHANIA TWAIN 2025 TOUR DATES
Sat Jul 19 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
Sun Jul 20 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
Tue Jul 22 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
The newest episode of Troy Story: A Podcast for the Collar City revisits the first and only time Metallica performed at the RPI Field House, on Wednesday, March 15, 1989, with opening band Queensryche.
Joining host John Salka is world-renowned drummer and lifelong Capital Region resident, Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Category 7), who – a 19-year-old college student at the time – attended the show on a holiday break from Berklee School of Music.
Troy Story: A Podcast for the Collar City is a monthly oral history podcast produced and hosted by John Salka, former Communications Director for the city of Troy and advisor for two mayors, bringing a firsthand perspective to recent Troy history.
Rampaging across America on their “Damaged Justice Tour”, Metallica was in support of their latest studio album (and eventually selling more than 9 million albums) …and Justice for All. The show was also the band’s second-ever performance in the Capital Region.
During the episode, Jason discusses with John, thoughts on the audio production for the “… and Justice for All” LP; speculation on how someone managed to bring a camcorder into the Field House to record the Metallica and Queensryche sets; performing with some of his favorite bands touring the world, including Overkill and Anthrax; the reunion of Shadows Fall, his new band Category 7, and previous work with local Capital Region hardcore band Stigmata; attending Metallica’s 1986 show at the Glens Falls Civic Center with Cliff Burton on bass guitar, and meeting drummer Lars Ulrich for the first time, and seeing other legendary metal bands like Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, and Metal Church at various Capital Region venues.
Live bootleg audio from Metallica and opening act Queensryche at the RPI Field House in Troy is featured throughout the episode to immerse the listener in the story. Additional photos, video and archive materials is available on the Troy Story website.
Future episodes will feature RPI alumni and WRPI DJ Toast Eric Haskins who was part of concert security staff that night, and then-high school student and Metallica fan Kevin O’Connell – both attended the show that night in 1989 and will share their recollections of the gig.
Albany indie-rock band Canella has released their latest single titled “Groomer,” a powerful track of resiliency and reclamation.
Based in and frequently performing throughout Albany, Canella is rooted in a shared love of creation. Written acoustically by lead singer and songwriter Juliana Castrillón, members Joe Taurone, Gabe Klingler-Horn, and Dan Carr expand each and every track to whatever extent they feel- whether that results in a song meant to make you laugh, or a track that’ll bring you to tears.
Having released their debut albumCan’t Make You Smile in 2023, Canella has returned with the second pre-release single off of their upcoming EP The Snake, the deeply personal and intense “Groomer.”
Penned after a turning point in Castrillón’s life, “Groomer” encapsulates the intense and complex emotions felt after she reconnected with a former music teacher from her adolescence, consequently uncovering an uncomfortable truth about her past.
With her perspective altered, Juliana was caught in a limbo of deep depression and months of silence. Unable to put the storm of emotion to paper, Castrillón would not be able to write again until 2024, driven by a mix of fear, anger, and shame.
Now, after years of processing and healing and in the wake of the 2024 election, Juliana is not only ready to share her story but is determined to do so in a show of reclamation, solidarity, and support.
“I didn’t realize how much I had blamed myself for being a victim of abuse,” says Juliana. “Now, taking back my story and sharing it is a crucial part of healing—taking my power back and feeling finally free and not alone.”
– Juliana Castrillón
“Groomer” is heavy, gritty, and full of sharp emotion. It’s always awe-inspiring to hear tracks full of pure emotion, but this track takes it to another level. The rage, disgust, betrayal, and defiance can all be felt palpably, an all-consuming experience with cutting vocals and aggressive instrumentals where words fail- perhaps the kind of all-encompassing emotion that can only be communicated through sound.
The track concludes with a powerful moment of pure guitar, drums, and bass- the kind of music felt down to the bones. “Groomer,” is a rallying cry just as much as it is a moment of emotional release. Intense, emotive, and guttural, Canella’s latest release is a striking example of shaping one’s darkest moments into something relentless.
Canella will be gracing the stage of No Fun in Troy on December 20 to celebrate the release along with support by Tula Vera and Rat Motel. Tickets are priced at $10 and are available here.
For more information on Canella, their upcoming EP, and all other future endeavors, be sure to check out their official website here.
Progressive bluegrass unit The Infamous Stringdusters have announced a string of tour dates across the east coast, including dates in Saratoga Springs and Westhampton Beach.
The five member progressive band The Infamous Stringdusters are best known for their musical influences across the entire sonic spectrum. Most recognized for their strongest influence, bluegrass, the band has seen a wide array of acclaim including a win for Best Bluegrass Album” at the 2017 GRAMMY Awards and a number of awards from the International Bluegrass Music Awards.
Comprised of Andy Falco on guitar, Chris Pandolfi on banjo, Andy Hall on dobro, Jeremy Garrett on fiddle, and Travis Book on double bass, The Infamous Stringdusters are beloved by fans for their releases but even more so for their live performance- the stage is where they truly shine.
On the heels of their annual ‘Ski Dust’ tour that brings the band through the mountains of Colorado and Utah, the Stringdusters have announced an exciting extension to their travels with a set of seven dates spanning the east coast, including a stop at the Universal Preservation Hall and the Westhampton Beach Pac.
Tickets for The Infamous Stringdusters’ latest tour are available now, including their Saratoga Springs stop on March 13 and Westhampton Beach stop on March 15.
For more information on The Infamous Stringdusters, their latest tour and its subsequent expansion, and ticket purchasing opportunities, visit their official website here.
The full list of tour dates is below.
TOUR DATES
12/12 – 12/16 – Puerto Morelos, Q.R. – Strings & Sol 12/30 – Richmond, VA – The National 12/31 – Richmond, VA – The National 1/8 – Crested Butte, CO – Center for the Arts 1/9 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center 1/10 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center 1/11 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom 2/7 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen 2/8 – Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House 2/9 – Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House 2/10 – Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House 2/11 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater 2/13 – Park City, UT – Egyptian Theatre 2/14 – Park City, UT – Egyptian Theatre 2/15 – Park City, UT – Egyptian Theatre 2/16 – Park City, UT – Egyptian Theatre 3/13 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Universal Preservation Hall 3/14 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live 3/15 – Westhampton Beach, NY – Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center 3/16 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Music Hall 3/20 – Live Oak, FL – Suwannee Spring Reunion 3/21 – Roswell, GA – From The Earth Brewing Company 3/22 – Mount Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley – New Barn Theater 5/16-18 – Aztec, NM – Tico Time Bluegrass Festival 5/22 – Mills River, NC – Sierra Nevada Brewing Company 5/24-25 – Pelham, TN – CaveJam 8/8-10 – Alta, WY – Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival
On December 7, Lespecial brought their genre-defying prog-rock energy to Albany’s Lark Hall for a night of unforgettable music.
The evening kicked off with a lively performance from Timbre Coup, the Capital Region-based jam/prog-rock foursome. With plenty of local supporters in the crowd, the band’s energetic set got the audience primed for Lespecial to take the stage. Their engaging performance left an impression, and fans should keep an eye on their Facebook page for future shows.
Timbre Coup setlist: Firestorm, August, 55, Arnold Schwartzeneggar, HTRAB, Machine Head (Bush cover), January
Lespecial, a prog-tronic power trio took the stage with their signature sound that defies expectations. With each member contributing vocals and synths in addition to guitar, drums, and bass, their music filled the room with a robust energy that was hard to believe came from just three people. Seamlessly blending genres, the band moved effortlessly from smooth, swaying jams to heavier riffs that had the crowd headbanging in unison.
The band made several references to an incident after the previous night’s show in Syracuse, where their van was broken into, and bass guitars, along with Luke and Rory’s luggage, were stolen. Despite the setback, bassist Luke Bemand powered through with help from his trusty Ibanez Soundgear bass, which he hadn’t used in years, while both musicians rocked Lespecial merch as an improvised wardrobe solution.
As the set approached its finale, drummer Rory (check out his Primus audition reel) delivered a jaw-dropping solo while the other band members took a short break to prepare for the final songs. The crowd was left in awe of his stellar performance, capping off an unforgettable night of progressive rock brilliance. Exiting the warmth of Lark Hall, concertgoers were greeted by a steady snowstorm blanketing the streets—a fitting end to a night that will be remembered for its electrifying energy and unique challenges, both on and off the stage.
lespecial – Lark Hall, Albany – Saturday, December 7, 2024
Setlist: Repeater, Machine Elf, Snell’s Fleet, First Light, Rays, Divider, Bitch Don’t Kill My Dub (Kendrick Lamar cover), Disassociate, Fruit Wolf Dance, Orb, Vessel, GDH3, Unearthed, Drums, Thela Hun Ginjeet (King Crimson cover), Lungs of the Planet
