Category: Capital Region

  • Beck To Perform With The Boston Pops At Tanglewood

    Artist and producer Beck will perform alongside the Boston Pops at the Tanglewood concert series on July 23.

    Beck’s vast discography exposes his genre melding experimental music. He rose to fame in the early 1990’s after he moved to NYC as part of the “anti-folk” movement. He moved back to his hometown of Los-Angelos and released his first hit single “Loser” in 1994. It remains his most streamed song on Spotify. 

    Beck has won eight Grammy Awards including Best Male Vocal Performance in 1997 for “Where It’s At.” Recently he has continued to collaborate with many other artists. For his 2019 album Hyperspace, He collaborated with Pharrell Williams. On July 12, Orville Peck and Beck released the alternative country single “Death Valley High.”

    Beck will also be collaborating with the Boston Pops conducted by Edwin Outwater, an esteemed conductor who has made appearances alongside New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Philadelphia Orchestra.

    The pops perform throughout the Tanglewood concert series. The venue is located in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts and is also the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. 
    To purchase tickets to Beck’s performance you can visit the Tanglewood website here.

  • Slavic Soul Party To Perform Balkan Hits At Music Haven Series

    Slavic Soul Party, a New York City brass band will rock Schenectady, NY with their performance at the Music Haven concert series on July 21.

    The nine piece band blends Slavic, Balkan and Roma tunes to create their unique sound. The band has been officially named the number one GypsySoul, BalkanBrass band in NYC. The band is led by drummer Matt Moran who is accompanied by Kenny Bentley on the tuba, John Carlson and Kenny Warren on trumpets, Adam Dotson and Tim Vaughn on trombones, Peter Hess on the saxophone, Peter Stan on the accordion and Chris Stromquist on percussion.

    Over the last 15 years they have released seven albums and toured around North America, Europe and Turkey and Zimbabwe. The group has a less than traditional way of recording. They recorded the album Bigger in under four hours with another brass band and used four roosters in the making. Slavic Soul Party re-arranged Duke Ellington “Far East Suite” for their 2016 album, adding their own twist to the classic jazz record. 

    Joining the concert series as Slavic Soul Party’s opener is Niva, a four-woman Macedonian band from Brooklyn. The band performs a variety of tradition folk music in Macedonian 

    This year’s Music Haven series features a lineup of incredible international and cultural performers. The 34th season includes Mokoomba, a Zimbabwean Afro-fusion band, Buckwheat Zydeco, a creole-funk artist from Louisiana and an Irish folk band called Goitse.

    You can catch these free performances every Sunday from July 7 to Aug 30. Yanni’s 2-Go will serve a global menu throughout the series. During the Slavic Soul Party performance, they will serve traditional Balkan dishes like Moussaka and Baklava. 

    To find more information about the lineup, you can visit the Music Haven Website here.

  • Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Presents Barker Park Kids Series

    The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Barker Park Kids series returns this Thursday, July 11th. The free outdoor concert series takes place every Thursday at 11am from July 11th through August 29th in the Barker Park playground. 

    Barker Park is located at the corner of 3rd and State Streets. Attendees can play along with the musicians at all the concerts with instruments provided by John Keal Music. Summer Camps and Day cares are welcome to attend enjoy free summer fun with the kids.

    Barker Park Kids Series Dates and Artists

    July 11th: Andy The Music Man at 11:00AM

    Popular children’s musician renowned for the special way he connects with his audiences. A talented guitarist, mandolin player and songwriter, Andy mingles traditional and original songs and novelty, delighting and involving kids through sing-a-longs, dancing, play-acting and storytelling.

    July 18th: Jordan Taylor Hill at 11:00AM
    Jordan is an artist rooted in traditional music from West Africa and the diaspora combined with today’s sounds. His early influence in song writing and performance is coupled in a unique way meant to equally inspire and entertain.

    Barker Park Kids Series

    July 25th: Heard at 11:00AM

    A collective of musicians that bring their skills and passion for world music, jazz and improvising together to create irresistible grooves set in a unique sonic tapestry. Together for a decade, their vibrant sound incorporates influences from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and beyond.

    Barker Park Kids Series

    August 1st: Watch Reggie Run at 11:00AM

    Formed in 2017 by Dave and his son Luke who has autism, WATCH REGGIE RUN, is named after how they spend their time when not making music (watching Luke’s sister Reggie run in Track and XC meets). The father/son duo shares a love of music and has found it to be a great way of connecting despite Luke’s limited communication skills. The songs were all inspired by Luke. It’s fun music for ALL AGES.

    Barker Park Kids Series

    August 8th: Deb Cavanaugh at 11:00AM

    Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and roots singer Deb Cavanaugh lives in the foothills of the Taconic Mountains, in upstate New York. She plays a variety of styles including blues, rock and traditional folk as well as a variety of instruments. Currently her favorite instrument is the mountain dulcimer.

    Barker Park Kids Series

    August 15th: DJ HollyW8D at 11:00AM

    Originally from Brooklyn, DJ HollyW8D energizes crowds throughout the Upstate New York Capital Region. He has always gravitated to music throughout his life and hopes to bring versatility in his music mixing wherever he goes. Drawing inspiration from many including his mother, Sean P. Diddy Combs and DJ Puffy, HollyW8D aims to inspire others with his daily grind and optimistic energy.

    Barker Park Kids Series

    August 22nd: Ragtime Wind Jammers at 11:00AM

    The “Ragtime Windjammers” play historic tunes meant to illustrate several facets of Jazz music as it developed in America around the turn of the 20th century. Audience participation is encouraged and several volunteers are used to visually illustrate several acoustic ideas.

    August 29th: Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company at 11:00AM

    31-year-old not-for-profit arts organization located in NYS’s Capital Region. ESDC’s commitment to CREATE, COLLABORATE, EDUCATE and PARTNER remains in the forefront as it shares its work with diverse audiences through concerts, showcases, residencies, workshops, educational and community outreach.

  • Playhouse Stage Co. Presents Legally Blonde: The Musical

    Playhouse Stage Company is extending its 36th season with a production of Legally Blonde: The Musical at Cohoes Music Hall. Previews will take place on July 17 and 19, and the production will last through August 11.

    Playhouse Stage Co. presents Legally Blonde: The Musical at Cohoes Music Hall

    Playhouse Stage Co. has been presenting musical theatre productions year-round at the Cohoes Music Hall since 2016. They are continuing that tradition with Legally Blonde: The Musical this summer. The musical comedy based on the beloved movie will feature Playhouse Stage Academy students as well as professional performers. The talented actors will tell the story of sorority girl, Elle Woods, who attends Harvard Law School to follow her ex-boyfriend and finds herself in the process.

    Legally Blonde will have two previews taking place on July 17 at 7:30 PM and 19 at 2 PM for press coverage. For the rest of the run there will be 7:30 PM evening performances on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 2:00 PM matinee performances on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

    The show is directed and choreographed by Ashley-Simone Kirchner, assistant choreographed by Gabi Bazinet Douglas and Alexis Papaleo, and musically directed by Brandon Jones. Additionally, Scenery is designed by Marc Christopher, costumes are by Minah Tucker, lighting is by PJ Davis, and sound is designed by Tommy Rosati.

    Legally Blonde Cast

    Elle Woods- Selma Fabregas

    Emmett Forest- Jon Maltz

    Paulette Bonafanté- Molly Rose McGrath

    Professor Callahan- Patrick Ryan Sullivan 

    Warner Huntington III- AJ Halsey

    Brooke Wyndham- Gabi Bazinet Douglas

    Tickets are on sale at the Cohoes Music Hall and Playhouse Stage Co. box office. Adult tickets are $35.00, with $25.00 available for Seniors (65 and older). Tickets are $18 for children and students with identification. To purchase tickets online, visit www.playhousestage.org.

  • Albany Institute of History and Art Presents Summer Music at the Museum

    The Albany Institute of History and Art presents their latest free concert series, Summer Music at the Museum. The series will take place on select Wednesdays throughout the months of July and August and feature a number of local musicians, artists, and restaurants.

    summer music at the museum

    In partnership with the Albany Musicians Association and Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF), Summer Music at the Museum returns to the Albany Institute as the 2024-2025 season begins. The series consists of three separate performances, each on a select Wednesday of each month. The concert series began with its first performance on Wednesday, June 26. The next scheduled concert is Wednesday, July 17, from 5:00-7:00 pm, featuring The Art D’echo Trio.

    The Art D’echo Trio is a jazz trio hailing from New York’s capital region. Its members are pianist Dave Gleason, bassist Mike Lawrence, and drummer Pete Sweeney. Formed in 2012, The Art D’echo Trio have performed together in multiple jazz combos since they were teenagers. Eventually, the three musicians formed an official jazz trio, bringing their skills to performances all over New York. Over the years, the trio have played everything, from Latin jazz tunes to their own renditions of classic jazz standards, enthralling audiences everywhere they go. Their one-of-a-kind musicianship is inspiring to both lifelong jazz fans and newcomers to the genre. Now, they head to Albany for a stellar performance at Summer Music at the Museum.

    summer music at the museum
    The Art D’echo Trio – official Facebook page

    The next concert for Summer Music at the Museum is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14.

    All concerts for Summer Music at the Museum are free and open to the public. The Albany Institute encourages attendees to bring picnic blankets or camp out on the lawn of the museum. The venue is located at 125 Washington Ave, Albany. For any updates or additional information, visit AIHA’s website, linked here.

  • Hip Hop Royalty: KRS-One at Albany’s Alive at 5

    On Thursday, July 11, Hip Hop legend KRS-One electrified the crowd at Jennings Landing in Albany, part of the Alive at Five summer concert series. The show, packed with classic hits and vibrant energy, showcased KRS-One’s enduring influence in the Hip Hop world, creating an unforgettable experience for fans.

    KRS-One hails from The Bronx and co-founded the iconic group Boogie Down Productions in the mid-1980s, solidifying his place in Hip Hop history. Regularly performing in New York, KRS-One’s connection to the state is undeniable, his current tour a celebration of his legacy and the ongoing influence in Hip Hop.

    Opening for KRS was fellow Bronx native DJ Show, who got the crowd hyped by spinning some Hip Hop classics and getting the crowd dancing. He made it clear that if a track was made after 2010, he wasn’t playing it tonight.

    Albany-based artist Ohzhe took the stage next. The 2024 Eddies Award nominee continued to excite the audience with his charismatic and energetic stage presence.

    Ohzhe’s set ended with him hollering backstage to KRS-One, who was talking with fans behind the stage, asking if he wanted him to keep performing. This prompted KRS to join him on stage for an impromptu freestyle collaboration, illustrating why The Source called KRS “the greatest live emcee ever.”

    The crowd roared as KRS-One delivered powerful performances of his classics, interspersed with insightful commentary, reinforcing his status as “Hip Hop’s first Master Teacher.”  Near the end of the show, KRS and his crew brought out autographed tennis balls to throw into the audience. Giving some lucky fans a memento that will solidify this performance as unforgettable.

    KRS-One’s show ended on a high note, with the crowd buzzing about the evening’s performances and some admiring their tennis balls as they left Jennings Landing. His tour continues, promising more incredible shows and affirming why he is regarded as Hip Hop royalty. Keep an eye out for his next New York stops for another chance to witness greatness.

    Remaining Alive at 5 2024 Concert Schedule

    July 18 – Third World

    July 25 – The Record Company

    August 1 – Galactic (presented by WEQX and NYS Music)

  • SPAC Announces 2024-25 Spa Little Theater Dance Season

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center shares two special dance performances that will take place during their Spa Little Theater Dance Season. The dance season features performances of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham on Nov. 9 and 10 and Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana on Mar. 8 and 9.

    Spa Little Theater Dance Season
    A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

    The series starts with A.I.M by Kyle Abraham on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7 PM and Sunday, Nov. 10 at 2 PM. Throughout the two performances, the show’s company will tell a myriad of black and queer stories through contemporary dance. The dances are combined with music, text, videos, and visual art to convey the messages of the stories. These shows will be A.I.M by Kyle Abraham’s SPAC debut. In the past, Kyle Abraham has had two New York City Ballet shows at SPAC, finding great success with them.

    Our year-round home in Spa Little Theater has truly become a vibrant hub for all genres of music, dance, and theater. In addition to the presentation of and education in the arts,  we are also proud of our role as a commissioner and incubator of new and exciting works.

     Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    Another exciting SPAC deput happening during the Spa Little Theater Dance Season is Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana. At this show, they will highlight the premiere of their evening-length work QUINTO ELEMENTO (Fifth Element). The show navigates the element, ether, which concerns the essence that makes up our surroundings, through dances choreographed by Patricia Guerrero to original scores played live. The flamenco sounds and movements portray chaos while expanding past boundries. Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana will perform on Saturday, Mar. 8, 2025 at 7 PM and Sunday, Mar. 9, 2025 at 2 PM

    Tickets will be available for purchase on July 10, 2024 for members (tiered by level), and on July 12, 2024 for the general public. Visit spac.org for additional details.

  • Amsterdam Holds 2024 Riverlink Park Summer Concerts

    The Amsterdam Waterfront Foundation has announced the lineup for their 2024 Riverlink Park summer concert series, supported by the community of Amsterdam. For years the concert series has been held every summer in Riverlink Park, with a variety of local artists, tribute performances, and festivities.

     Riverlink Park summer concert series

    Music fans from across the Capital Region will head down to 1 Front Street in Amsterdam, NY. The series of free evening concerts on the river edge will overlook the picturesque Mohawk River. The lineup includes ten fun, energetic performances and celebrations from a wide variety of entertainers. Taking place every Saturday until the end of August, the shows will last from 7 to 9 PM.

    Some of the events featured over the next few weeks include Dark Sarcasm, a Pink Floyd tribute show on July 20. This show is one of many cover sets that attendees will get to enjoy. To switch things, up the series will end with Electric City Horns, a dance music set, allowing new audiences to experience a party on the riverfront.

    Other types of events that are happening are Riverfest on Aug. 3 and Latinfest on Aug. 10. Riverfest will give families the opportunity to head down to Riverlink Park for live music, vendors, and family-friendly activities. Similarly, Latinfest will celebrate Latin-American heritage will music, parades, and traditions. Overall, the large spectrum of genres and dynamics offered will provide entertainment for everyone.

    July 3: Amsterdam’s Independence Day Fest featuring Big Sky Country

    July 6: Family Night with the Amsterdam Marching Rams

    July 13: Across the Pond – Beatles Tribute Band

    July 20: Dark Sarcasm – Pink Floyd Tribute Band

    July 27: Showtime – CNY’s Hot Cover Band

    August 3: Amsterdam’s RiverFest (starts at 1 p.m.)

    August 10: Amsterdam’s LatinFest

    August 17: Rivers of Dreams- Billy Joel Experience with the American Elton John

    August 24: Legacy – the Music of Journey and Foreigner

    August 31: The Electric City Horns

    Find more information about Amsterdam’s Riverlink Park Concert Series here.

    • Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Set to Premiere at theREP in Albany

      Coming to Albany’s Capital Repertory Theatre (theREP) this summer is their very own rendition of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Previews begin on Friday, July 12. The official opening night is Tuesday, July 16, and the show will run through Sunday, August 18.

      Featuring over two dozen pop classics, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” and “Natural Woman,” this international phenomenon is filled with the showstoppers everyone knows and loves.

      beautiful: the carole king musical

      The Tony® and Grammy Award®-winning Carole King musical thrilled Broadway audiences for six years, and now makes its way over to theREP in its own up-close-and-personal production for a unique experience unlike anything on Broadway. On certain days of the show’s running, theREP will host pre-performance events serving complimentary food and drinks, all provided by local restaurants, distilleries, and vendors. Events include a chef’s table, a happy hour, and special conversation with cast and crew members. Below is the full list of events and their descriptions.

      REP-ception nights sponsored by Delmar Beverage Center

      Preview Performance – Friday, July 12-Sunday July 14
      Patrons can act out their own “Beautiful” dreams by jumping on stage for a karaoke session before each preview performance.

      Opening Night – Tuesday, July 16
      Includes complimentary post-show champagne toast. Sponsored by Columbia Development Companies. 

      Chef’s Table – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 23
      Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by local restaurants

      ASL Performance – 3 p.m. Saturday, July 27
      This performance features sign language interpreters. To request access to the designated seating section, please call the box office at 518.346.6204

      Thirsty Thursday – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 1
      Light fare and tasting samples from local breweries, cideries, and distilleries.

      Behind the Scenes – 1 p.m. Sunday, August 4
      12:30 p.m., complimentary coffee and pastry before the pre-show presentation of the special effects behind “Beautiful,” hosted by Producing Artistic Director Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill. This special conversation is free and open to the public.

      This production also sees the return of several alumni from theREP, including Elizabeth Nestlerode, playing the role of Carole King. Nestlerode returns to the MainStage in the titular role after playing Darlene in Honky Tonk Angels, and Evelyn/Mary Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life. Shannon Rafferty (Cynthia Weil) and Taylor Hilt Mitchell (Barry Mann/Dance Captain) make their way back to theREP stage after stellar performances at theREP’s production of Jersey Boys earlier this year.

      beautiful: the carole king musical

      However, several actors make their debut at theREP with this production. Male lead Nikita Burshteyn (Gerry Goffin) is performing at theREP for the first time in his life after his landmark Off-Broadway performance as Romeo in Romeo and Bernadette.

      Making their debut at theREP are Stavros Koumbaros (RB Bobby Hatfield), Adriana Vicinanzo (Betty), Christian A. Boyd (Drifter), Byron St. Cyr (Drifter), Damon McToy (Drifter)and Cal Mitchell (Drifter)

      Previews for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical take place at theREP, 251 N. Pearl St., Albany ,July 12-14. Opening night is Tuesday, July16. Regular performance times from July 16 to August 18 are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday with matinees 3p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays. There is no matinee on July 17. Tickets are available on theREP’s website, linked here.

    • Farming Man Fest at Indian Ladder Farms Grows into a Weekend-Long Event

      Farming Man Fest, in Altamont, NY, organized by Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery (ILFCB), is marking its 10th anniversary this year, and to celebrate, the event is expanding into a full weekend of festivities.

      The festival will include more than 25 breweries, including ILF’s own beer and hard cider, two distilleries, five bands, and over a dozen vendors on Saturday, July 20 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 21 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., respectively.

      Farming Man Fest

      This year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of New York’s vibrant brewing
      industry, offering enthusiasts and newcomers alike an opportunity to immerse themselves in the
      rich flavors and innovative craftsmanship that define the state’s beer scene.

      Beginning in 2014, the Farming Man Fest was originally just for brewers, under the name “Bottle Share.” It was more of a networking event for maltsters, brewers, and hop growers.

      When the festival first went public in 2018, attendance started at around 150. Just the next year, the attendance more than doubled. After a short hiatus in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, Farming Man Fest came back strong in 2022 and continues to grow.

      This milestone 10th-anniversary edition will feature exclusive brews, collaborative creations, and limited-edition releases that showcase the diversity and ingenuity of New York’s brewing community. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet the masterminds behind their favorite beers and enjoy live music and local food vendors in a beautiful farm setting.

      Also new this year, Farming Man Fest will be held in ILFCB’s Pizza Garden and event space, The Clear Mountain Room, overlooking a breathtaking view of the Helderberg Escarpment.

      “We are so excited for our annual commemorative beer, Farming Man: The Beer 2024,” said
      Scott Veltman, ILFCB Head Brewer. “In all honesty, the taste is just wow. Such a delicious beer.
      It’s a hoppy, wheated pilsner made with NYS malt and hopped with NYS Vista, and another hop
      variety referred to as HRC-003. It’s a refreshing yet hoppy lager with notes of peach, mango,
      melon and green tea. It’s the perfect easy-drinking beer to taste while socializing in
      summer—and therefore perfect for Farming Man Fest.”

      Farming Man Fest

      Musical guests include TV Doctors, Sydney Worthley, The Sugar Hold, Super 400 and Wild
      Adriatic. Ian “Ritz” Carlton will be the event’s emcee and introduce the bands. Jeff Mo’rad from
      WEQX will broadcast his Jam ‘n Toast radio show live from the Pizza Garden on Saturday from
      9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

      Breweries who have already signed on to be at the festival include Artisanal Beer Works, Bolton Landing Brewing, Bound By Fate Brewery, Ommegang, Brooklyn Cider House, Brown’s Brewing, Chatham Brewing, Common Roots, Community Beer Works, Druthers Brewing, Fidens, Gentle Giant Brewing Co, Great Flats Brewing, Paradox Brewery, Real McCoy, Rip Van Winkle Brewery, Seven Points Brewery, SingleCut Beersmiths, The Brewery at the CIA, The Warbler, Unified Beerworks, Upper Depot, Wayward Lane, Whitman Brewing, and Wolf Hollow Brewing. Albany Distilling Company and Cooperstown Distillery will also be on site. A sampling of the vendors expected for the event are Beverwyck Cheesecake, Sweet Treat Cotton Candy, The Ornate Fox and Meadowdale Winery.

      Food will be available from DeFazio’s Pizza in the Pizza Garden, who will also bring a food
      truck serving an array of delicious eats. The Tasting Room and Farm Store will be open for normal
      hours so patrons can grab a taste of those famous cider doughnuts.

      Indian Ladder Farms will also host their aptly named Farming Moon Hike (usually referred to as
      their Full Moon Hike). Check-in for the hike will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Pizza
      Garden. The hike will begin at 7:30 p.m. and explore the Buck Moon, named by the Farmer’s
      Almanac because July is the time when the antlers of male deer (bucks) are in full growth mode. The hike will return to the Pizza Garden at 9:00 p.m. Tickets for the hike are available here.

      Overnight camping will also be available. There are 20 camping passes offered on a first-come,
      first-serve basis, with a limit of 4 people per car. Passes are $30 each and are available here. Camping is available on Saturday night only.

      A change from years past is that admission is free, with tasting passes available for $25,
      which provides patrons with (8) 4 ounce samples from the various breweries on site. Each food
      vendor will charge separately for their goods.

      Families are invited to attend as well. There will be areas for water play in “Water World” and
      plenty of space for lawn games and picnicking.

      For more information about Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery, visit here.

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