NYS Music 2024

Category: Capital Region

  • Jimkata Go “Off the Rails”, Tour Begins in Buffalo at Babeville

    Get ready, Jimkata fans! The Psychedelic super pop jam band is back with a fresh new single, “Off The Rails” that’s set to be the soundtrack of your fall.

    Known for their electrifying blend of indie rock and synth-driven beats, Jimkata has been a staple of the indie music scene, and their latest track doesn’t disappoint. The single offers a glimpse into their upcoming album, Running In Place which is released Friday, October 4th and is packed with the band’s signature energy and fresh new vibes.

    To celebrate the release, Jimkata is hosting an Album Release Party Friday at Asbury Hall aka Babeville in Buffalo, and you won’t want to miss it! This is your chance to catch them live, hear your favorites plus hits off the new album, and experience the magic that only Jimkata can deliver. Big Something is opening the show.

    NYS Music spoke to Jimkata ahead of the show and album release.

    NYS Music: What kind of themes or stories are fans going to hear on this new album? Did anything unexpected inspire you guys this time around? 

    Jimkata: I think as musicians and individuals we’ve all been navigating our way through a lot of changes and challenges the last few years. We started working on this album as a three piece, sort of doing what we could here and there while touring and Packy and Aaron becoming new fathers, while also trying to fund the process entirely independently. It hasn’t always been easy the last few years but it feels like a “pressure makes diamonds” type of situation. In that time, we added Cooper into the band full time on bass/synths and have been discovering a new sound or really, just advancing it to a new level. It’s hard to sum it up musically or lyrically since I think it’s pretty diverse between songs but I know for sure I pushed myself into some new territory at times while writing and recording this one. There were plenty of unexpected “aha” moments.

    NYS Music: If you could describe the new album in three words, what would they be? What kind of wild ride can Jimkata fans expect?

    Jimkata: Full Spectrum Jimkata. We chose to incorporate both studio and live tracks to try to encompass where we’re at right now. It felt natural to end the album with the live stuff since this process began with a lot of isolated sessions, often just one or two of us working on a demo at home or with a producer. Then after playing a bunch of shows on the fall tour, building some chemistry on stage between the four of us, we knew we needed to get all of us in a room to work on the remaining new songs as a band and capture the vibe. I think the emotion of our songs gets amplified at shows because of the energy in the room and we wanted to show what that currently sounds like literally but also channel that into the studio stuff too.

    NYS Music: How do you decide which older songs to include in the setlist alongside the new tracks? Are there any fan favorites you always keep in rotation?

    Jimkata: Sometimes it’s by fan request. Someone messages us about wanting to hear a certain song one night and we say, yea lets do it. Sometimes it’s something one of us brings up in a rehearsal. Like, “Hey what about this song?”. Sometimes we feel like we need a certain tempo or vibe at a specific time in a set and there are a few that always seem to do the trick. Its kinda tough because we have so many to choose from now but we’ve been embracing the whole catalog a lot more these days. We definitely know which songs seem to be clicking with the crowd but are always testing out new ideas or further enhancing an old song.

    NYS Music: Any songs on the new album that ended up surprising you or going in a completely different direction than you thought?

    Jimkata: Almost all of them but probably the song Running in Place was the big surprise. It came together after a frustrating day in the studio where we seemed to be losing creative steam on a different song. We thought about what kind of song we needed vibe wise to round out the album and it just wasn’t it. Jocko (producer) asked if I had any other demos laying around and I rifled through a bunch of song ideas for them and the immediate reaction to Running in Place (aka ‘Spirals’) from everybody was, “Yea this one!”. We were getting really close, if not already past the deadline we gave ourselves so I went home and finished writing the song over the weekend and sent it around to everybody. We went back in and tracked it in a day and overnight we had this brand new tune that didn’t exist a week ago. Lyrically we felt like this idea of Running in Place resonated with how we felt about life lately- working your ass off trying to keep up with everything and in some ways feeling like you’re moving forward but other times like you’re just running on a treadmill. 

    The middle section on “Off the Rails” was also an unexpected moment of inspiration. We stumbled into the breakdown section while playing it live in the studio. Then weeks later, I’m driving there to record vocals, listening to the song, and I come up with this vocal idea. It’s almost insane sounding and we wanted to lean into that unhinged character. I really enjoyed yelling like a crazy person in the vocal booth, something I’m not sure I’ve done before but clearly was exactly what I needed to do and is probably a more accurate portrayal of how stressful life has been at times in the last few years for me. “

    NYS Music: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to upcoming and inspiring indie artists trying to find their voice and grow their audience in today’s music scene?

    Jimkata: We don’t really know what to tell anyone since it seems like today’s landscape is very different from the one we started with and even the “professionals” are always trying to figure out what the hell is going on. However, we’ve seen a lot of things come and go in a short amount of time and things change, but some things remain true. Obviously social media is important, but I’d say don’t forget to just get out there and play a show, a party, whatever. Get together with friends and jam, go to shows and meet other musicians, other bands. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, suck, mess up in front of people, write songs you might not like later. Just laugh and learn from it. With a world of talented people on a screen in our pockets it can be intimidating and feel like maybe you’ll never be “good enough” to put yourself out there. But music is art, expression. It’s not always about technical ability although that’s important too. It’s about expression and having fun and sharing an experience with others not just on a screen, but in person.”

    For more on Jimkata, visit their website here.

    To purchase tickets to the album release party, click here.

    2024 Running In Place Tour Dates

    10.04 Asbury Hall at Babeville • Buffalo, NY

    10.17 Mercury Lounge • New York, NY

    10.18 Soundcheck Studios• Pembroke, MA

    10.19 Arch Street Tavern • Hartford, CT

    10.25 Appalachian Brewing Company • Harrisburg, PA

    10.31 The Stone Church • Newmarket, NH

    11.01 Nectar’s • Burlington, VT

    11.02 Waterhole • Saranac Lake, NY

    11.08 Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery • Altamont, NY – **Jimkata Beer Release**

    11.15 Pearl Street Warehouse • Washington, DC

    11.21 The Philmore• Grand Rapids, MI

    11.22 Bourbon on Division • Chicago, IL

    11.23 Kenny’s Westside • Peoria, IL

    12.12 Thunderbird Café & Music Hall • Pittsburgh, PA

    12.14 Deep Dive • Ithaca, NY

  • Lost Radio Rounders To Perform Benefit Concert In Albany

    The Historic American Music trio Lost Radio Rounders will return to Albany to perform a concert benefiting Guilderland Food Pantry on October 24.

    Eddie Award-nominated Lost Radio Rounders is a Historic American Music Trio that presents themed programs and concerts of Acoustic American Roots to folks in Upstate New York and beyond. Members Tom Lindsay, Michael Eck, and Paul Jossman each bring a variety of instrumental skills and musical backgrounds including guitar, bass, piano, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, dobro, vocals, and more.

    The trio, best known for their blend of historical spirituals, folk hymns, and gospel blues, have dedicated themselves to the history, education, and performance of American sounds, consistently bringing folks together for the sake of live performance- and much more.

    In an exciting return to a pre-pandemic practice of theirs, the Lost Radio Rounders will be bringing their act to the Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church’s stage in Guilderland for a night of live music with a cause on Thursday, October 24. Benefiting the Guilderland Food Pantry, the concert will be completely free of charge and instead  encourages donations to the cause.

    Joining the Rounders will be an old friend of the trio, vocalist and harmonica ace Ryan Dunham. An Albany local, Dunham hails from roots rockers Red Haired Strangers. He’s no stranger to performing alongside Lost Radio Rounders, his unique musical presence guaranteeing an elevated live experience that is not one to be missed.

    As mentioned, the musical benefit will be free to attend, and all donations will go to the Guilderland Food Pantry. To learn more about the evening of music for a cause on October 24 at the Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church, you can visit the Lost Radio Rounder’s website here.

  • Herman Headlines Schenectady’s Sixties Spectacular at Proctors

    Legendary vocalist of Herman’s Hermits, Peter Noone, headlines the Sixties Spectacular tour on Saturday, November 2 at Schenectady’s Proctors Theatre.

    Peter Noone and his Herman’s Hermits procured a very well-groomed image which made them popular in the US during the British Invasion bands era. The band had a string of major hits such as “Ms. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter” and “I’m Henry VIII, I Am” that were both #1 in the US and #12 in the UK.

    In turn of the great success, Noone decided to go solo and was able to reach the charts again at #12 in the UK, collaborating with legendary artist David Bowie writing, “Oh You Pretty Things”, going to show Peter’s impact ranging across the industry.

    hermans hermits

    Nowadays, Noone makes regular tour appearances in the US, as well as guest stars in VH1’s My Generation, Entertainment Tonight. In 2007, Peter showed up as a mentor on American Idol, offering advice to contestants singing songs from the British Invasion era.

    The GrassRoots, originally formed in San Francisco as “The 13th Floor” join Noone at Proctors Theatre after a decade.

    Although Rob Grill, the band’s original lead vocalist, passed away in 2011, current members, led by singer Mark Dawson, keep the spirit of their classic hits alive with vibrant performances. In 2015, they were inducted into the American Pop Music Hall of Fame, honoring their legacy for grateful fans.

    hermans hermits

    Gary Lewis & the Playboys will bring their longtime experience and talent to Proctors Theatre for another time.

    Rising to fame in 1965-1966, they began their journey performing nightly at Disneyland, where audiences were unaware that Gary was the son of comedy legend Jerry Lewis.

    Gary earned the title to cashbox’s vocalist of the year, competing with icons like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Following a time in the army, Gary dropped one more hit was dropped called, “Sealed With a Kiss”.

    Opening the Sixties Spectacular are the Bluz House Rockers at Proctors, celebrating their 30th anniversary.

    They are proud inductees of the NYS Blues Hall of Fame from their diverse repertoire of collaborations and sounds. With six of the seven members sharing lead and harmony vocals, they bring high energy to the stage.

    Over the past decade, they have performed at various venues, including Proctors, the Times Union Center, and the Palace Theatre, as well as special events like Albany and Saratoga First Nights and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

  • RPI and Opera Saratoga Present “The Other Side of Silence” A New Opera for Synthetic and Acoustic Voices

    On Oct. 16, at the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at RPI in Troy, a free and open-to-the-public performance and workshop of The Other Side of Silence will be presented. This new opera is created with synthetic and acoustic voices, written by and for people who use Alternative Assistive Communication.

    the other side of silence

    The Other Side of Silence examines the intersection of art, advocacy, and technology in our lives, memories, and identities, and the role that art plays in promoting equity and agency of those who use alternative means of communication to speak to the world.

    The story draws direct inspiration from the life of Mark Steidl, a gender non-binary person who uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to talk with the world. The cast also includes Opera Saratoga favorites Meghan Kasanders (The Consul, 2017) and Jennifer Zetlan (Ellen West), as well as newcomers Theo Hayes and Isaiah Musik-Ayala.

    The story follows Zari, who was born unable to speak through traditional means. Zari finds comfort in the “Lichttanz” or the magical play of light and shadow through a window. To gain more autonomy, Zari seeks help from a new technology despite opposition from their closest friends and family.

    A medical emergency prompts an intervention where it is discovered that without Zari’s express permission, an implant in Zari to help build communication between their brain and the technology. Zari fights back against this control and eventually disrupts the connection between the implant and Kim, though Zari’s memories have already been edited and manipulated. The one memory, however, that Kim is unable to alter, is that of the “Lichttanz”, representing the infinitude of human capacity and self-knowledge, their inner strength that withstands the intervention of artificial intelligence.

    The Other Side of Silence performance is presented as part of the 2024 International Symposium On Assistive Technology For Music And Art (ISATMA).

    To purchase tickets, go here.

  • At Live Dead and Brothers, Sidemen Take Center Stage

    What does the son of an Allman Brothers bassist, a late-60s member of The Grateful Dead, and a studio guitar foil for Dickie Betts have in common?

    All are members of Live Dead and Brothers, a group that pays tribute to the golden era of psychedelic blues by alternating covers of Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers material from the days when the Fillmore was still wide open on both coasts.

    The band’s all-star lineup featured Les Dudek (guitar) from The Allman Brothers Band, original Grateful Dead pianist Tom Constanten, Berry Duane Oakley (bass, vocals) from The Allman Betts Band, Mark Karan (guitar, vocals) from Bob Weir & Rat Dog, Scott Guberman (keyboards, vocals) from Phil Lesh & Friends, and Pete Lavezzoli (drums, vocals) from Oteil and Friends.

    The ensemble formed to revive the magic of the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers Band’s co-billed concerts during the period of 1969 to 1973, and at times, the twin guitar attack made you wonder what kind of supergroup could have been formed had the Dead and the Brothers ever decided to do more than an encore jam together.

    The tour, which landed in Albany at Empire Live on Friday, marks the final East Coast run for Tom Constanten, who recently announced his retirement (though he will still compose and play local gigs near his home on the West Coast).

    Despite some canceled tour dates due to a health concern earlier this summer, all of the band members looked pretty good. Considering their collective road mileage, the music sounded young and fresh too. 

    Karan, Oakley Jr, Guberman, and Lavezzoli alternated vocal responsibilities, but it was the dueling guitars of Karan and studio legend Les Dudek that really stole the show. Karan played a Les Paul Goldtop for most of the night, channeling the recently departed Dickie Betts, while Dudek’s custom Strat served as a perfect compliment. 

    Particularly on the Allman Brothers tunes, where Dudek pulled out his glass slide to play those buttery Duane-leads, the band was firing on all cylinders. And where their vocal harmonies left something to be desired at times, the twin guitar harmonies on songs like “Blue Sky” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” was Southern Rock personified.

    At times, the two drum approach of both legendary bands was noticeably missing, but Lavezzoli often nailed the swing style of Billy the Drummer, and his impassioned singing on “Stormy Monday” was the best vocal performance of the night. He also crushed his role as Jerry-ballad leader on “High Time”.

    Oakley also turned in a yeoman’s performance, holding down the low end and taking lead vocals on songs like “One Way Out”, a superb “Blue Sky”, and “Statesboro Blues”.

    While it was the Allmans songs that shined brightest, the group got the heavily tie dyed (alebit modest in size) crowd twirling on a “China>Rider” medley where Karan impressively played both the Weir and Garcia parts.

    And if dueling guitars weren’t enough, there were also dueling pianos, or, dueling Nords to be specific. Guberman handled Gregg and Brent-style organ sounds on his Nord Electro 4 and TC did his noodling on a Nord Stage 3. Constanten was erudite as ever with his playful counterpoint lines, though somewhat buried in the mix. That said, the sound in the club was relatively excellent, reminding this listener of what an improvement the Empire Live sound is over the muddy strip mall sound of predecessor clubs Northern Lights and Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park.

    View Grateful Dead shows from across the years in New York State with our interactive map below

    After a brief intermission, the band’s second set leaned hard on Europe ‘72 numbers by the Dead (including a touching “He’s Gone” which reminded me of TC’s advancing age and the many Brothers and Sisters these road warriors have lost). 

    But it was the Allman’s instrumental “Jessica” that garnered the biggest crowd reaction of the night. Dudek, who played on the original recording of the track, handled the slide masterfully, and Guberman channeled Chuck Leavell in his best solo of the evening. 

    “Jessica” has always been a great road song, and was even used as a needle drop in a scene in the movie Field of Dreams when former hippie Ray Kinsella hits the open road in his VW bus. In other words, it makes sense that these longtime sidemen, after years of touring, have their chance to take center stage with a tune that’s helped so many music fans make it down the road another few miles, headed for the next show. 

    While they weren’t “Truckin’ up to Buffalo” the band did come into Albany from a show in Buffalo on Thursday, and of course they played “Truckin’” too. On a night that was a little short on extended jams save for “The Other One”, and the second-set closer “Elizabeth Reed”, a long coda on “Truckin’” got a little weird and was one of my favorite instrumental moments (particularly when they teased Donovan’s “Mountain Jam” riff).

    Hearing “Jessica” and “Truckin’” into “Mountain Jam” was kind of like living out some kind of dream from my youth. I used to alternate a cassette copy of Skeletons in the Closet  and The Best of The Allman Brothers’ back in the days when I could only afford to own a few albums and cassettes instead of the basement-full I have now. And in those days I knew every note on those cassettes and played them until one of them got stuck in the deck. Or, maybe my tapes got melted on a hot summer day when the sun ruined my collection, boiling the plastic cases through the hatchback of my 1990 Ford Probe. In short, alternating Allmans and Dead material took me back to a place,and I could tell it took others in the audience even even further back in time. It also made for one heck of a fun night out.

    Here’s wishing Tom Constanten well on this last leg of his Long Strange Trip. Live Dead and Brothers has a number of tour dates through mid-October and three more dates in New York State in Bethel, Canandaigua, and Syracuse that are well-worth seeking out if you want to wish TC an East Coast farewell.

    Live Dead and Brothers Setlist; Empire Live Albany, 9/27/2024

    Set 1: Turn on Your Lovelight, One Way Out, Hurts Me Too, Blue Sky, Bertha, Stormy Monday, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, High Time, Hot Lanta

    Set 2: Hard to Handle, Statesboro Blues, Tennessee Jed, Jessica, He’s Gone, Truckin’ (w/outro jam & “Mountain Jam” tease), Spoonful, Dreams, The Other One, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed

    Encore: Ramblin’ Man – Les Dudek on vocals for the only time all night!

  • The Lawn Sausages to say Farewell After 35 years

    On Oct. 6 at Cohoes Music Hall, the Lawn Sausages will take to the stage together one last time for the “Last Schmaltz.”

    The Lawn Sausages

    The legendary schlock rock band The Lawn Sausages bring their illustrious career of comedic performances to an end with this one final show.

    Founded in 1990 as a joke and in response to a challenge from local singer-songwriter Tina Ward, the band has combined elements of The Three Stooges and Iggy and The Stooges to deliver comedy rock for the drinking man.

    Throughout their career, The Sausages have performed in some of the best dive bars in Capital Land, delivering laughs and rock music for the past three decades. Now, they’re hanging it up, but not without one ‘Last Schmaltz.’

    The band would also like you to know that this won’t be like KISS or Mötley Crüe, who have had more than their share of farewell tours. After this, all we will have are the memories.

    The entire show will be filmed for an upcoming documentary film and all of the smash hits will be played.

    Learn more and purchase tickets here.

  • Albany Symphony and ESYO Present “Symphony Side-by-Side”

    On Monday, Oct. 14, The Albany Symphony and the Empire State Youth Orchestra will offer the chance to rehearse and perform with a professional symphony orchestra in a “Symphony Side-by-Side” at MVP Arena in Albany.

    Symphony Side-by-Side

    Following the success of last year’s “Movie Music Play-In,” which engaged more than 1,500 people, the Albany Symphony and the ESYO have announced a special free family-friendly event, entitled “Symphony Side-by-Side,” that is designed to engage and entertain audiences of all ages.

    Members of the ESYO along with high school and college students from across the Capital Region, will join forces with the Grammy Award-winning Albany Symphony. Together, they will rehearse and perform, gaining invaluable experience in the professional symphonic performance process. Musicians from both the Albany Symphony and ESYO will perform a dynamic selection of music—ranging from blockbuster hits in film, television, and video games to beloved symphonic classics—while sitting literally side by side.

    ESYO, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1979, has been recognized as a premier music education/performance program for youth and has received three ASCAP awards. 

    The event will culminate in a grand finale featuring community musicians of all ages, celebrating the unifying power of music. For the finale, audience members are invited to join the stage with their instruments for a lively performance of John Williams’ iconic “Imperial March” and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Community members can choose to participate at different points throughout the concert.

    Families can also enjoy a variety of activities, including an “instrument petting zoo,” where children can explore and try out different musical instruments.

    Learn more here.

  • Albany Swoons For Teddy Swims at Sold-Out Palace Theatre

    Teddy Swims has become a name synonymous with raw emotion and versatility, and on Thursday night, September 26th at Albany’s Palace Theatre, he proved why he’s one of the most magnetic performers in music today.

    The Atlanta-born singer sold out the venue, bringing his soul-stirring blend of R&B, pop, country, and rock to an adoring crowd as part of his “I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy” tour. Along with a joyous opening set from country-rap artist Breland, fans weren’t just showing up for the music, they came for the connection and they came to party. 

    Teddy Swims sold-out the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.

    Opening the night was Breland, a country-rap hybrid artist who’s quickly making a name for himself with his genre-defying sound. His energy was infectious as he performed hits like “My Truck,” “For What It’s Worth,” and “Thick.” He was the perfect warm-up for an audience ready to feel every lyric. Breland’s ability to mix country storytelling with urban beats mirrors Swims’ ability to blend styles, making him a natural opener for this tour. After a brief set-change, it was finally time to jump into the deep end.

    Country-rap crossover artist Breland opening for Teddy Swims in Albany on 9/26/24.

    The bond between Teddy Swims and his fans runs deeper than his music. At the Palace Theatre, it was clear that his audience connects with him on a personal level. This is a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve—quite literally, as his tattoos tell the story of his life and struggles. His heavily inked arms are a reflection of his journey, including a prominent “Create Forever” tattoo that serves as a mantra for the singer. Teddy’s tattoos are more than just ink—they are milestones in his personal journey.

    Each piece is carefully curated to represent his struggles, growth, and commitment to his craft. His body art has become as iconic as his voice, with fans often asking about the stories behind the designs. From lyrics of songs to meaningful symbols that represent family, Swims’ tattoos have become part of his brand. Whether he’s singing about love, heartbreak, or resilience, fans see a part of themselves in his lyrics, and it’s this authenticity that sets him apart.

    Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.

    Opening his performance at the Palace with “Goodbye’s Been Good to You” and “What More Can I Say,” from the moment Teddy and his band, Freak Freely, took the stage, the audience was completely enamored.  With both girls and guys regularly blurting out “I love you, Teddy!”  he was always quick to acknowledge he heard them and that he loves them right back.  After all, as Swims is quick to point out, it’s because of them that he’s allowed to “have the best job in the world.” His one request for the evening was that everyone has fun, stays hydrated and to look after the people in their section to make sure everyone was all good.

    During his set, you could feel the energy in the room shift when he introduced songs like “Broke,” which tackles financial struggles, and “911,” a deeply emotional track about mental health. Following them up with a pair of his most recent singles, “Bad Dreams” and “Funeral,” Teddy’s themes often range from self-empowerment to vulnerability, but at the core of every song is the idea of keeping it real, even when life gets hard. Referencing just how far he’s come since the last time he was in Albany, at the much smaller Empire Live venue down the street in November of 2022, his rocket ship to the top has been full throttle ever since, yet Teddy seems to be the same guy now that local fans fell in love with back then.

    Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.

    Swims rise to fame started humbly, as he began uploading covers to YouTube in 2019. What set him apart was his ability to take on songs from a wide range of genres—everything from Marvin Gaye to Shania Twain—and infuse them with his unique grit and soul. That versatility earned him viral success and a massive following, catapulting him into mainstream success. His cover of “You’re Still the One” went viral, showcasing his vocal power, which, combined with his vulnerability, won over millions.

    Now, with 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify and growing, he’s proving that his original material connects just as much as the covers that brought him into the spotlight. Of the many highlights of the night though, perhaps none was more touching than when Teddy invited his main squeeze out for a duet on the aforementioned Shania cover of “You’re Still the One.” At the end of the song, the two exchanged a heartfelt kiss in the middle of the stage which elicited a HUGE ovation, even bringing some to tears.

    Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.

    While Teddy’s voice is his ultimate instrument, it was the band behind him that brought the music to life. Backing him up on stage was Freak Freely, a tight-knit band of musicians who are as dynamic and versatile as Teddy himself. They seamlessly blend genres, moving from soulful ballads to full-blown rock numbers. The core group includes Addy Maxwell (guitar), Christian Medice (drums), and Kyng Henson (bass), each bringing their own flavor to the sound.

    Their synergy with Swims is palpable, creating an atmosphere where every note feels meaningful. Wowing the crowd with their chops on songs like “Hammer to the Heart,” “Devil in a Dress” and the party anthem “Apple Juice,”  Teddy made sure to give each member of the group ample time to shine in the spotlight too. 

    Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.

    A true man of the people, during various guitar, keyboard and drum solo breaks throughout the night, Teddy could be seen signing autographs and T-shirts that people had brought up to the stage.   He was even totally cool with people being on their phones during the show. In fact, at one point during his song “Simple Things,” he encouraged everyone to text a friend or a loved one that they hadn’t been in touch with for a while, just to let them know you still care. 

    His endearing sentimentality also came through prior to performing “Some Things I’ll Never Know,” in which he admits he still thinks about a particular ex-lover and wonders what could have been, before “hypothetically” wishing she was doing well. The ballads continued with “Last Communion” before 2021’s “Bed on Fire” from his album Unlearning brought the main portion of the show to a close and left the audience begging for more.

    Watch fan shot footage of Teddy Swims performing “Lose Control” live in Albany on 9/26/24.

    Returning to the stage with a huge smile on his face, Teddy would soulfully croon “Tell Me” before an absolutely gorgeous piano solo gave the audience ample time to contemplate life. Following an equally beautiful guitar solo intro by Addy Maxwell, fans finally got the song they had been waiting all night for.  A veritable smash hit with well over 1 billion streams in just over a year, “Lose Control” had people from the very front to the very top of the balcony singing along with every word.  It was one of those concert moments that simply gives you the chills and you knew it was something special.   With time left for just one more song, Teddy Swims sent fans out of the Palace Theatre doors in a near euphoric state with one final hit, “The Door,” bringing the scintillating performance to a close. 

    Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.

    As giddy fans gathered outside, the buzz over what they had just experienced felt palpable. Everyone just knew they had to savor the moment, because everyone knew it would likely be the last time they saw Teddy Swims in a venue this size.  Destined for bigger stages in bigger cities, years from now, people will still be talking about this show and saying “I remember the night Teddy sold-out the Palace and it’s still one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen.”   As Teddy Swims continues his North American tour, he’s gearing up for stops in Boston, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. His star is only rising, and if his show in Albany was any indication, this is just the beginning. Fans are flocking to see a singer who doesn’t just perform songs—he lives them. Every tear, every smile, every ounce of sweat is real, and that’s why Teddy Swims’ shows feel like much more than a night of music—they feel like a shared experience.

    Teddy Swims | September 26, 2024 | Palace Theatre | Albany, NY

    Setlist: Goodbye’s Been Good to You, What More Can I Say, Broke, 911, Bad Dreams, Hammer to the Heart, All That Really Matters, Devil in a Dress, Funeral, Apple Juice, Simple Things, You’re Still the One*, Some Things I’ll Never Know, Last Communion, Bed on Fire.

    Encore: Tell Me, Lose Control, The Door.

    Breland | September 26, 2024 | Palace Theatre | Albany, NY

       

  • The Park Theater Foundation Announces Adirondack Americana Series

    The Park Theater Foundation has partnered with The Hub in Brant Lake to present the Adirondack Americana music series.

    Adirondack Americana Series

    Founded as a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the Glen Falls community with live entertainment, The Park Theater Foundation has provided a venue for quality and affordable entertainment and educational opportunities in the performing arts for folks in the area time and time again. 

    Their most recent endeavor, Adirondack Americana, is a music series presented in partnership with The Hub. Throughout September and October, an engaging set of indie-americana acts will take the stage at The Hub in Brant Lake to perform live sets that are completely free to the public.

    The Park Theater Foundation

    The first of the Adirondack Americana performances will be a double feature of indie-americana band Mipso member Joseph Terrell and ‘Dream Country’ glitz-and-groove band Blue Cactus on Saturday, September 28.

    Adirondack Americana Series

    The second show on Saturday, October 12 will be performed by Saratoga Springs based band Little Saints, who describes their sound as a healthy blend of americana, indie-folk, and modern soul. 

    The venue for Adirondack Americana is truly one-of-a-kind. The Hub is a bike shop, a bar, a cafe, a concert venue, and more all wrapped into one. With scenic views over a perfect space to bike, hike, or paddle across Brant Lake, The Hub brings folks of all passions together- an energy that matches the Adirondack Americana attitude perfectly.

    Both evenings of free music will commence at 4:00 PM at The Hub. For further information on the performances and how to attend, visit The Park Theater Foundation’s website here.

  • Caffè Lena @ SPAC Festival Returns Oct. 5

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in partnership with Caffè Lena have announced the return of the free annual “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” festival which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 from midday to 5:30 pm.

    Caffe Lena @ SPAC

    The festival will feature five bands that explore roots, rock, funk, bluegrass, jazz, pop, and indie-folk including Nation Beat with Melanie Sholtz, Wild Adriatic, and others for one day only on Oct. 5. The free event will take place on SPAC’s Charles R. Wood Stage, and will give audiences a wide variety of genres and styles to listen to throughout the day.

    The “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” festival highlights a unique, ongoing collaboration between the arts center and the folk music venue. Caffè Lena has been recognized as the largest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States since opening in 1960 in historic downtown Saratoga.

    The collaboration between SPAC and Caffè Lena first launched in 2017, which included jointly curated and presented programs at both venues. Guests are welcome to bring in food, drink, blankets and lawn chairs for the concerts. Food concessions will also be available. The concerts will take place rain or shine. 

    “Everyone in the crowd treats this event as a gift, and it really is,” says Sarah Craig, executive director of Caffè Lena. “SPAC is a huge organization compared to Caffè Lena, but we both have our hearts in serving the community where we live. We want to be accessible and have the art that happens on our stages be here for everyone. This festival puts those values into action.”

    Learn more here.

    Caffe Lena @ SPAC Full Concert Lineup

    11:30 AM | Gates Open  

    Noon-12:50 PM| Kat & Brad

    1:10-2:00 PM| Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light

    2:20-3:10 PM | Alice Howe & Freebo

    3:30-4:20 PM | Wild Adriatic

    4:40- 5:20 PM | Nation Beat with Melanie Sholtz

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