The Kids of Albany’s annual production of Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to the Palace Theatre with the toast and toilet paper flying on October 21st. This year will be the Kids of Albany’s 15th performance of Rocky Horror at the theater.
Since its release in 1975, a million midnight screenings have earned The Rocky Horror Picture Show cult classic status. Its themes of sexual liberation and androgyny have made it a staple in Queer cinema and culture.
A straight couple, played by Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick, find themselves stranded in a spooky house filled with strange people from Transylvania, living under the watchful eye of Dr. Frank N. Furter, played by Tim Curry. The kinky and outrageous spoof of classic horror movies has a reputation for being the ultimate audience-participation based show. Tickets for the Palace Theater’s production include a prop kit and a roll of toilet paper.
Constructed in 1931, The Palace Theatre has become a landmark for Albany’s cultural scene. The building retains much of its original design and character, and has a rich history in Albany’s downtown area. The Palace Theatre is the perfect intimate venue for the audience participation Rocky Horror inspires.
General admission tickets for the Palace Theatre’s Rocky Horror night are $29, and include prop kits and toilet paper. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Rocky inspired outfits. Tickets are on sale at the following link, and at the Palace Theatre box office located at 19 Clinton Avenue.
Grateful Dead pianist Tom Constanten has announced a farewell tour spanning September and October 2024. This tour alongside Live Dead & Brothers will give deadheads one last opportunity to see the legendary pianist live in concert. Among the tour dates are four performances across New York state.
Tom Constanten was born in Long Branch, New Jersey in 1944. Following enrollment at UC Berkeley, Constanten met future Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, becoming further involved in music. This musical career soon led Constanten to study across Europe, playing alongside legends of modern classical, like Karlheinz Stockhausen and Steve Reich. Constanten then followed up his studies with a brief stint in the US Air Force.
Following his return to the US, Constanten immediately joined the Grateful Dead on tour. His debut with the band was a November 23, 1968 performance at Athens, Ohio’s Memorial Auditorium. During his three-year career with the band, Constanten played keyboards on three Grateful Dead recordings: Anthem of the Sun, Aoxomoxoa, and Live/Dead. Constanten’s stint with the Grateful Dead ended with an April 28, 1971 performance at the Fillmore East in New York.
Following his departure from the Grateful Dead, Constnaten remained close to his bandmates while pursuing other artistic endeavors. Since 1971, he has recorded alongside the Incredible String Band, Jefferson Starship, and more. In 1994, Constanten was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the other members of the Grateful Dead.
Tom Constanten alongside Jerry Garcia
Now, after more than five decades of touring, Constanten will make a final farewell tour across the United States. Supergroup Live Dead & Brothers will join Constanten on stage throughout the tour. The band consists of Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers collaborators, dedicated to celebrating Constanten’s legacy. Among the musicians are the Allman Betts Band’s Berry Duane Oakley and Les Dudek. Also featured are Grateful Dead collaborators Mark Karan, Scott Guberman, and Pete Lavezzolli.
The tour will begin on September 6th in Irving, Texas, before making its way Northeast. Along the two month-long tour, Constanten will make four stops across New York State. The first stop comes in Buffalo’s Sportsman’s Tavern on September 26th. Following this performance is a September 27th show at Albany’s Empire Live. The 1000-person venue features state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment, and a large stage, making it one of Albany’s premier venues.
Constanten will return to New York on October 9th with a show at Canandaigua’s Fort Hill Performing Arts Center. The venue’s features a 387-person orchestral theater dating back to 1928. The venue’s impeccable sound makes it one of the top theaters in the Finger Lakes region. Constanten will close out his tour with an October 12th performance at Syracuse’s prolific Westcott Theatre.
Across these tour dates, Constanten and Live Dead & Brothers will perform an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, and blues. These shows will act as a testament to the legacy of the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers catalogs, featuring their trademark improvisational jams.
Tickets for Constanten’s farewell tour shows are currently on sale. For more information on tickets, visit the link here.
Tom Constanten Tour Dates
9/6 – Carpenter Hall – Irving, TX
9/7 – Cailloux Theater – Kerrville, TX
9/17 – Perot Theatre – Texarkana, TX
9/18 – Cullen Theatre – Houston, TX
9/19 – Greenville Municipal Auditorium – Greenville. TX
9/20 – Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts – Amarillo, TX
9/26 – Sportsman’s Tavern – Buffalo, NY
9/27 – Empire Live – Albany, NY
9/28 – Pat Garrett Amphitheater – Strausstown, PA
9/29 – The Hamilton – Washington, DC
10/1 – Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA
10/2 – Beacon Theatre – Hopewell, VA
10/5 – Rams Head on Stage – Annapolis, MD
10/8 – The Empire – Belleville, ON
10/9 – Fort Hill Performing Arts Center – Canandaigua, NY
10/10 – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille – Warrendale, PA
10/11 – Tussey Mountain Amphitheatre – Boalsburg, PA
On Saturday, September 14, the Red, White, and Brew festival will go on outside Albany’s MVP Arena, honoring veterans with lots of music. The block party will take place on South Pearl Street, featuring a slate of local and nationally recognized country artists. Headlining the festival is country musician and veteran Craig Morgan.
The festival is pulling out all the stops for its first year with help from Albany County, MVP Health Care, and their Innovation Partnership. The day starts at 2 PM with a set from Amsterdam, NY’s beloved country band, Skeeter Creek. The following performance is by country singer, Darryl Worley, known for songs like “Have You Forgotten.” The final set of the day is renowned soldier-turned-country artist, Craig Morgan with hits such as, “That’s What I Love About Sunday” and “Redneck Yacht Club.”
Each artist intertwines respect and honor for anyone who has served, with country music, that is both serious and lighthearted. Whether attendees know their music or not, this lineup of performers will undoubtedly provide the perfect soundtrack to the day.
It is important to show our gratitude to those who have served this country. Serving comes with great sacrifice and great risk, and hosting events to celebrate our Veterans is a small way to show appreciation for their courage and dedication. The Red White and Brew Festival is an opportunity for Veterans and families to enjoy good company, food, and music.
Daniel P. McCoy, Albany County Exectutive
The festival at MVP Arena is open to the public, with many things to do besides the music. Offerings include vendor booths, a variety of food options, and of course, craft beers.
For more information about the Red White, and Brew Festival in Albany at MVP Arena, visit mvparena.com.
Heading to Albany on September 21 is the 15th rendition of PearlPalooza, Albany’s highly anticipated annual music festival. From 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm, PearlPalooza presents 30 local vendors, activities, and musical performances. Headlining the music acts is indie artist Robert DeLong, accompanied by Jakob Nowell, The Ramona Flowers, Laveda, and the Sugar Hold.
Before the festival officially begins, MVP Healthcare presents YogaPalooza, a free city-wide yoga class that is available to all. A group of instructors from The Hot Yoga Spot will instruct and assist this free 60-minute yoga class, compatible with all levels. Those who wish to participate can register using this link.
Following YogaPalooza are the incredibly diverse all-ages musical acts, presented by 102.7 FM WEQX, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID), and Sugar Productions. The official craft beer sponsors of the event, Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery, and Brown’s Brewing Company, are just one of the many local businesses providing their goods to guests of the festival.
Musical acts begin at 12:30 with The Sugar Hold. Performances will take place on the PearlPalooza stage at N Pearl Street & Sheridan Avenue.
PearlPalooza Performance Schedule
The Sugar Hold | 12:30 PM
Laveda | 1:30 PM
The Ramona Flowers | 2:30 PM
Jakob Nowell | 4:00 PM performing songs from Sublime and Jakobs Castle
Robert DeLong | 5:30 PM
More information on PearlPalooza in Albany can be found here, including the full list of available vendors, which is yet to be announced. Musical events start at 12:30 pm, half an hour after the festival officially begins.
Albany-born and bred punk band State Champs gear up for a nationwide tour this fall, starting on November 8 in Austin, Texas. Joining them are supporting acts Knuckle Puck, Meet Me at The Altar, and Daisy Grenade.
State Champs will end their tour in their home state, closing the tour at Manhattan’s Webster Hall on December 7.
CREDIT: Manuel Barajas
For the last decade, State Champs have become a household name in the world of pop-punk. The band is comprised of singer Derek DiScanio, guitarist Tyler Szalkowski, bassist Ryan Scott Graham, and drummer Evan Ambrosio. Starting with the release of their debut album, The Finer Things, State Champs have been gathering fans of all generations to enjoy
Together, they have played at numerous festivals, including Alive at 5 and Frozen Fire. They have written alongside some of the genre’s biggest names, including Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 and Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low.
Over the years, State Champs received massive critical acclaim. From Kerrang!, to Upset, Alternative Press, and Rock Sound, they have been met with astounding support from fans and rock critics alike. In 2018, after the release of their third album, Living Proof, Billboard dubbed them “modern-day pop-punk torchbearers.”
Live performances with State Champs are nothing if not passionate and energetic, this tour being no exception. They always focus on keeping their energy and giving the crowd something they will never forget. Authenticity is the priority, exemplified by Evan Ambrosio’s statements in a past interview: “We focus on life as we experience it, not an event we didn’t have a part in. We write about things that stay true to what we experience, and not try to jump on a trend of ultimate sadness or TikTok videos, so we can maintain authenticity and stay true to what the band has built up.”
Tickets are on sale to the public this Friday, August 16, at 12:00 PM local time. They can be purchased on Sate Champs’ website.
On a hot August 1st evening at Albany’s Jennings Landing, funk outfit Galactic closed out this year’s Alive at 5 summer concert series with a performance that was out of this world.
Galactic, originating from New Orleans, has been a powerhouse in the funk and jazz scenes since 1994, known for their electrifying live performances and eclectic sound. Their unique blend of funk, jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music, combined with Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph’s powerful vocals, creates an irresistible groove.
Albany-based band Hilltop opened the show, getting the crowd in the mood to groove with their lively performance. Their infectious energy set the tone for the night, building excitement and getting people vibing to the music.
Galactic took the stage next. Between singer Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph’s undeniable stage presence and the band’s exceptional musicianship, the show was a masterclass in funk. Highlights of the night included Jelly’s powerful rendition of “Right On,” Glen D. Andrews’ soulful “You Don’t Know,” and the crowd-pleasing “Crazyhorse Mongoose.”
Glen D. Andrews performing “You Don’t Know”
The crowd, enthusiastic about enjoying the summer to its fullest, volleyed beach balls back and forth, while jet skis and boats passed by on the Hudson River, providing an exceptionally fun, summery backdrop. Galactic continues their tour, now heading west this summer.
Setlist: Here Comes The Funky Man, Right On, Making it Better, You Don’t Know Feat. Glen D. Andrews, Go Down, Something’s Wrong, People, Lady Liberty, Qualified, Heart For Steel, Crazyhorse Mongoose, Never Called You Crazy, Yes We Can, Dolla Diva, Compared To What
Be sure to check out Albany’s Jazz Fest Sept. 14th at Jenning’s Landing, featuring Roosevelt Collier, Nate Smith and many more.
Vermont’s own Greg Freeman has announced the details of his newest nationwide tour. Freeman’s tour includes two music festivals and several concerts, with two shows in New York, the first in Sprakers and the other at Baby’s All Right in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Freeman will be joined by supporting acts Snail Mail, Merce Lemon, and A. Savage on select dates.
In an eclectic combination of noise rock and Americana, Greg Freeman has been paving his way through the experimental music scene since his 2022 debut EP I Looked Out. With his use of instruments like soprano saxophone and slide guitar, Freeman brings his fresh, unique sound with him everywhere he goes.
For the last two years, Freeman has garnered attention in the experimental music scene, drawing in crowds from all genres. In regards to his performances, Rolling Stone raves, “He really means every word, bashing away on his electric guitar as bandmates on bass, drums, saxophone, and pedal steel guitar add rich colors to his visions.”
Freeman’s tour began on August 2 at the Pickathon experimental music festival in Portland, Oregon. His tour takes him across the United States, including the two separate shows in New York. His first trip to the Empire State brings him to The Root in Sprakers, celebrating The 11th Annual Limbsnapping with the rest of the town. His second show in New York takes him to Brooklyn, performing at Baby’s All Right in Williamsburg.
The full tour is listed below. Tickets and more information are available on Freeman’s website, linked here.
GREG FREEMAN LIVE!
August 2nd – Happy Valley – Portland, OR – Pickathon August 3rd – Seattle, WA – The Black Lodge August 4th – Happy Valley – Portland, OR – Pickathon August 16th – Sprakers, NY – The 11th Annual Limbsnapping- The Root Community August 26th – Portsmouth, VA – Prescott Park * October 4th – Burlington, VT – Radio Bean ^ October 5th – New York, NY – Baby’s All Right ^ October 6th – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s ^ October 8th – Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle !
* With Snail Mail ^ With Merce Lemon ! With A. Savage
The University of Albany Department of Music and Theatre has announced the lineup for their 2024-25 season. Performances for this season will begin on September 22 and the final show of the season is on Monday, May 5. All performances take place at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center on the main University of Albany campus at 1400 Washington Avenue.
This season’s repertoire consists of dozens of professional and student musicians with a variety of mediums. Choirs, student ensembles, professional duos, and more all come together on the UAlbany stage this season for a spectacular display of their talent. The UAlbany Theatre Department will be presenting three full student productions and offering five to six performances of each show, as well as its annual festival of new plays. Student productions include Machinal by Sophie Treadwell, Mary Shelley Meets Frankenstein by Kate Alice Walat, and Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show.
In total, UAlbany offers 27 incredibly diverse shows throughout the upcoming season. Multiple guest performers are included in the season, as well, including GRAMMY-award-winning Imani Winds and the Ulysses Quartet.
The full schedule of events is listed below. All tickets are available on the Department’s website, linked here. Further details on all performances can be found on the UAlbany Performing Arts Center website.
The Department of Music and Theatre’s 2024-25 Season
Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 3pm – The Capital Trio
The Capital Trio performs music by Beethoven and Rebecca Clarke.
Tuesday, September 22, 2024, at 4pm – Lifchitz Plays Lifchitz: 60 Years of Piano Music
Max Lifchitz performs his own piano compositions written over the last 60 years.
Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 7:30pm – SUNY Oneonta Duo
As part of our yearly Ensemble in Residence exchange, a duo from SUNY Oneonta comes to perform new works.
Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 3pm – Imani Winds: The French Connection
2024 Grammy Winner IMANI WINDS visit UAlbany to present a program of French music.
Free to Students, $35 general public
Machinal by Sophie Treadwell
Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 8pm
Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 8pm
Friday, October 25, 2024, at 3pm
Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 2pm
Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 1pm – Fall Choral Hour
The Fall Choral Hour showcases the University Chamber Singers and University Community Chorale as well as selected student soloists from the Department of Music and Theatre in a performance of music from a wide array of style and culture.
Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 3pm – Shared Band & Orchestra Concert
Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 3pm – The Ulysses Quartet in Concert
The Ulysses String Quartet will present a program of music by Mendelssohn, Mozart, Britten, and a world premiere by Christina Bovey.
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 3pm – More Than You Know (Melanie Shank & Joshua Tanis)
UAlbany Music program alumni Melanie Shank (’12, ’22) and Joshua Tanis (’13) reminisce about their undergraduate musical experiences and how they have shaped their current careers. With music from Mozart to Gershwin, this recital features years-old favorites and new adventures from over a decade of collaboration.
Friday, November 15, 2024, at 7:30pm – Bach to Broadway
Mary Shelley Meets Frankenstein by Kate Alice Walat
Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 8pm
Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 8pm
Friday, November 22, 2024, at 3pm
Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 2pm
Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 6pm – Student Recital
Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 3pm – Holiday Concert
Music Program ensembles (Chorale, Chamber Singers, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra, Spirit Band) are joined by student groups (Serendipity, Pitch Please) for a concert celebrating the season.
Monday, December 9, 2024, at 7pm, UAlbany Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble Concert
Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 3pm – The Catalyst Quartet with Stewart Goodyear
Sunday, January 12, 2025, 3pm – The Food of Love: Songs, Dances and Fancies for Shakespeare
Early Music Ensemble presents music from, for & referenced in the works of Shakespeare.
Friday, February 7, 2025, 3pm – Violin and Piano Duo
The Capital Duo will perform works for violin and piano.
Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 8pm
Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 8pm
Friday, March 7, 2025, at 8pm
Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 8pm
Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2pm
Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 7:30pm – Shared Band & Orchestra Concert
Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 7pm – The Tetzlaff Quartet in Concert
Youth Movement
Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 7pm
Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 3pm
April 5th, Community members of all ages will perform piano music and chamber music. April 6th, the school of the Albany Berkshire Ballet joins us for the fifth time as a Youth Movements special guest.
Fresh Acts: A Festival of New Plays
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 8pm
Thursday, April 23, 2025, at 8pm
Friday, April 23, 2025, at 3pm
Saturday, April 23, 2025, at 2pm & 8pm
Our spring festival of staged readings of new plays written, directed, and performed by students. Now in its seventh year, this year’s festival will also feature a showcase of solo performances on Friday afternoon. This is the future of the American theatre! Come be a part of theatre being made.
Advance tickets: $10 general public/$7 students, seniors, & UAlbany faculty-staff
Day-of-show tickets: $15 general public/$12 students, seniors, & UAlbany faculty-staff
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6pm – Student Recital
Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 3pm – Spring Choral Hour
The Spring Choral Hour showcases the University Chamber Singers and University Community Chorale as well as selected student soloists from the Department of Music and Theatre.
Monday, April 28, 2025, at 7pm – UAlbany Jazz Ensemble
Sunday, May 4, 2025, 3pm – University Symphony Orchestra Concert
With Conductor Christopher David Neubert, this large ensemble performs works representing outstanding repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Monday, May 5, 2025, at 7pm – Sound of the Trumpets, Roar of the Drums
This summer, the Americana trio, Lost Radio Rounders, has been busy creating a series of YouTube videos between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The band uploads performance videos every three days, and over the course of three months will have around 40 videos posted.
For Lost Radio Rounders, “YouTube Summer” is a creative effort to expand audience reach. By sharing their jam sessions, the trio of Tom Lindsay, Michael Eck, and Paul “Bowtie” Jossman, show viewers the joy playing music gives them.
Lost Radio Rounders‘ specialty is paying homage to older songs. While they mostly play to intimate live audiences, they’re broadening their repertoire by utilizing social media, and in this case specifically, YouTube. Through these videos, their music can extend past their regular audiences and venues, reaching a more national and even international realm.
In 2023, we had 60 paid performances, but only about a dozen of those were public. Venues such as libraries, historical societies and even the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s Music at Noon series have been perfect spots for our blend of music and American history, however those venues can only book us once a year at best. Michael, Paul and I wanted a way to share what we do with more folks, and the Lost Radio Rounders YouTube Channel was a great option.
Tom Lindsay
Some of their covers include sea chanties like “Leave Her Johnny, Leave Her,” and “Drunken Sailor,” and Pete Seeger’s New York classic, “Sailing Down My Golden River.” Through these covers, the joy the band finds in playing these songs is evident, giving the world access to their profound authenticity.
These videos are as far from AI as one could imagine; no overdubs, edits or pitch correction, just each note that the three of us sang and played.
Tom Lindsay
Following their video series, this fall, the trio will put on three free, public performances. For information about the Lost Radio Rounders visit lostradiorounders.com. Watch “YouTube Summer” here.
Lost Radio Rounders Fall Shows
Saturday, September 7 at 2 PM- The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, MA
Sunday, October 20 at 2 PM- Guilderland Public Library, Guilderland, NY
Sunday, November 3 at 2 PM- New Scotland Historical Assoc., Voorheesville, NY
Five-time GRAMMY-Award-winning rapper Lil Wayne will be taking the stage of the MVP Arena in Albany this October. He is joined by special guests The Kid LAROI and Selfish Sons.
Over the last 20 years, Lil Wayne has achieved a career unlike any other. His discography has brought him several accolades and immense critical acclaim. Overall, his career is marked by five #1 debuts, starting with the 6x platinum, 3x GRAMMY® Award-winning opus Tha Carter III in 2008, followed by the 5x platinum Tha Carter IV in 2011.
In 2005, Lil Wayne founded the world-famous record label Young Money Entertainment. As CEO, he discovered and signed countless up-and-coming rappers, some of which would grow to become the biggest stars in the music industry, most notably Drake and Nicki Minaj.
On October 11, Wayne will be taking the stage with Australian rapper The Kid LAROI and rock band Selfish Sons. His Albany stop at the MVP Arena marks his only New York show on his current tour.
Tickets for Lil Wayne at MVP Arena in Albany will be on sale this Friday, August 2, at 10 am local time at ticketmaster.com
