On Friday September 13th two Troybands – Lemon of Choice and Fantasy of the Broken – brought a large crowd to NO FUN in Troy.
Lemon of Choice is a rock band based in Albany. This band of friends makes every show more enjoyable by looping the crowd into their between song conversations. “I need my fancy drum sticks, or we won’t have any music” says Joe Taurone (Drummer and Lead Singer). They have a way of letting the crowd think every song is over then all of a sudden continues the song shocking the audience.
Fantasy of A Broken Heart promoted their debut album coming out on September 27. The band consists of two New York City friends who also play in the band Water from Your Eyes. This band has a Neo-Psychedelic feel to their music which sounds perfect in NO FUN’s intimate setting. They played all four songs from their most recent release Follow Your Captain EP.
They ended their set with title track “Follow Your Captain” which was the last song for them to finish on this project. The song follows the story of Al Nardo and Baliey Wollowitz’ childhoods. A song that they stated felt too personal to finish prior but when the opportunity arose, they decided to give it a try and added it to the EP.
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has announced the appointment of Stacey Bridge to the position of Managing Director. Stacey’s contributions have been crucial to the growth of several projects presented by the Music Hall.
In her new expanded role, Stacey is directly responsible for day-to-day operations in addition to a significant role overseeing the Renaissance 150 expansion project. Stacey Bridge has held a wide range of roles, specializing in finance and operations and has over 25 years of valuable experience in the industry.
In addition to her role at Troy Music Hall, Stacey currently serves as a Board Member for the Hart Cluett Museum. She is also a member of the Lending Committee of the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region.
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has been a prestigious venue for arts and performance in the Capital Region since the late 19th century. Stacey Bridge has played an instrumental role in contributing to the music hall’s projects for the last decade. There is no better acquisition to the music hall than Stacey.
With the new appointment, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall looks to expand their prestige and reach even further. Stacey is surely one to contribute to this goal given her experience, capabilities, and prestige herself.
“We are preparing our organization for its next phase with the arrival of project Renaissance 150 and the opening of the Capital Region Music Hub. As a part of this preparation, Stacey Bridge has been appointed Managing Director of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Corporation. Stacey’s contributions have been instrumental in our organization’s growth journey and will continue to be crucial as we move ahead.”
Jon Elbaum, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Executive Director
For more information on Troy Music Hall such as upcoming events, click here.
A new 2-track single from Troy’s Adequate Phil, “9ine Beers D33p,” was released on Aug. 18. This single features two guest artists which blends the bands spacey, psychedelic sounds with their smooth, lyrical flows.
Adequate Phil is a band from Troy who define themselves as a psychedelic freak-folk group. The band consists of Arunesh Ghosh and Andrew Golden while featuring on this track, Kevin Burns, Matthew Johnson, and Matt Malone.
Adequate Phil are heavily influenced by classic psychedelic acts like Animal Collective, The Beatles, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Radiohead. This new track manages to blend in elements of hip-hop production. This gives their sound interesting parallels with acts such as Gorillaz or Danger Mouse, while still providing interesting and new ideas.
For their latest single “9ine Beers D33p” released on Aug. 18, the band has teamed up with two MCs in Troy, Big Lettuce and Yung Alfredo. This is a project that manages to produce a sound with the feeling of 8-bit stoned stargazing. Adequate Phil says, “It’s been a blast working on this, and we think it’s some of our best stuff yet.”
Learn more about Adequate Phil by checking out their website here.
Troy-based indie rock band The Belle Curves release their new album titled Subject to Change which blends Americana and rock.
The Belle Curves is the primary creative vehicle for Troy-based songwriter Delaney Hafener. The group focuses on an indie sound but with a folky, americana twist. Their latest record Subject to Change displays a variety of the group’s sounds and abilities.
The opening track “Hand Rolled” is a soft rock tune with a classic sound, but still maintaining their roots with modern indie themes. The next track “Life in the Hinterlands” bolts out of the gate with a roadtrippin’ americana feel. It certainly has a country twang and still holds the indie sound close. Delaney’s voice is dynamic, with high highs and low lows. Her abilities speak for themself throughout this album. The track “Sister” really showcases the power in the softness of Delaney’s vocals.
The track “The Process” in particular caught my attention quite soon during the first play. The track progresses wonderfully from lowkey to fierce and powerful. It then concludes in such an angelic and completing way with the vocals and instruments coming to a head followed by a fade out.
For more information on The Belle Curves and their upcoming album Subject to Change visit their Bandcamp by clicking here.
Esteemed Jazz band leader and artist Branford Marsalis will be back at the Troy Bank Music Hall this Jan. 16, 2025.
Born in New Orleans, Marsalis‘ first musical instrument was the clarinet. He ventured on to the saxophone while he started working in Local bands. In 1986 he formed The Branford Marsalis Quartet which continues to be his primary performance source. The Quartet is now a standard for other musical groups.
Not only is Marsalis a bandleader and musician but he has also worked on film and television scores and Broadway musicals. He’s received Tony nominations for Children of a Lesser God, Fences, and A Raisin in the Sun. He composed music for the History Channel’s documentary, Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre, for which he received an Emmy.
In 2002, he created the Marsalis Music label which features his work along with other talented artists like Miguel Zenón and his late teacher Alvin Batiste. Marsalis helps educate other musicians in their journey as well. He has been teaching at North Carolina Central University for the past 18 years. He’s also taught at the Michigan State University and San Francisco State University and makes appearances all over the world for his workshops.
Over the next few months, Marsalis will be touring in the U.S., Europe and Canada. Before he returns to the Bank Music hall, he has four performances at the Triple Door in Seattle, Washington. Tickets for his Troy performance are now on sale at Troymusichall.org.
In June 2024, Troy’s sixth annual Nighthawks Block Party was abruptly canceled. The event, which had become a yearly staple of music and charity, cited growing disagreements with the city’s mayor Carmella Mantello. This begs the question of what exactly happened to the event?
For six years, Troy-based restaurant Nighthawks has hosted an annual block party fundraiser. This event plays into the restaurant’s mission to “feed our friends and community with the best quality ingredients and love.” On top of food and drinks, the block parties featured special performances from local bands and artists. Most importantly, however, was Nighthawks’ dedication to serving the community.
Each year’s block party raised funds for a different local charity, tackling different issues facing Troy. In 2021, Nighthawks partnered with Unity House to fight growing gun violence throughout the Capital Region. The event featured performances from Coal Palace Kings, Brule County Bad Boys, the Wand-ers, and DJ Mercy, and anti-gun violence speakers.
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Nighthawks turned its focus towards reproductive rights. They partnered with Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood to raise awareness of their services. On top of informational sessions and refreshments, the event featured performances from the Brule County Bad Boys and The Men Who Loved Music.
Brule County Bad Boys
2024 was supposed to mark Nighthawks’ sixth year serving the Troy community. For the block party, Nighthawks had partnered with Joseph’s House. The Joseph’s House nonprofit seeks to provide non-judgmental services to unhoused people across the Capital Region, with outreach, shelter, and emergency support services. The event also planned to feature performances from Brule County Bad Boys and The Men Who Loved Music, with guests, Barbie Barker, Slik Nik, and Big Unity Band.
However, just before the event was supposed to be held on June 22nd, Nighthawks’ owners announced its cancellation. Nighthawks’ co-owner Josh Coletto cited policy from the mayor’s office as the sole reason for the event’s cancellation. At the center of the dispute is Troy’s newly-elected Republican mayor Carmella Mantello. Coletto cites greatly increased fees from the mayor’s office as the prime cause for the event’s closure.
Whereas for past block parties total permit fees amounted to $45, the new administration charged the restaurant nearly $1,500 for 2024. Alongside the increased fees, the mayor’s office also required an additional police presence for the event, amounting to an additional $750. This had not been an issue in the past, with community volunteers helping to control crowds each year. The city has defended its decision to charge what they deem reasonable for events like this.
These new costs come alongside increased rhetoric against live music events from Mayor Mantello’s office.
During her 2023 campaign, Mantello ran on quality of life issues for Troy. However, these issues have included an assault against the city’s live music venues. During the mayoral debates, Mantello cited outdoor music at Slidin’ Dirty’s as problematic for the city’s residents, insinuating noise complaints from live music were driving residents from the area. As mayor, she has implemented increased restrictions on live music.
The October 2023 mayoral debate between Republican Carmella Mantello and Democrat Nina Nicholas
For instance, the mayor’s office has altered zoning ordinances, changing the endtime for live music from 11 to 9pm. This stark change not only starves Troy’s residents of local arts, but also threatens small businesses that depend on earnings from live music events. Locals have begun to speak out against this new policy, with a July 22nd Downtown Troy Neighborhood Group meeting discussing the issue. The discussion came to the conclusion that the current policy is deeply flawed, with a more equitable process needed to ensure both neighborly respect and economic growth. No representatives from Mantello’s office attended the meeting.
In reference to the Nighthawk’s block party, Mayor Mantello has cited this ordinance as the reason for the dispute. She said “What we have said is it’s 9:00pm. It’s a good time to start wrapping it up. And the permit is obviously at the discretion of the city.” This issue of noise ordinances seems to be what the mayor’s office is sticking to, ignoring concerns of increased permit fees. Mantello said, “We can’t pull Nighthawks out and say ‘We will waive these fees. We’ll not have our police officers at the event’ because it is across-the-board.”
Referring to this cancellation, Mantello stated to News10, “We are trying to create a thriving energetic city of Troy.”
This begs the question: how does canceling one of the most anticipated music and charity events help energize the city?
Troy residents have taken to online forums to express their anger with this decision. On the r/Troy subreddit, user Dadvito3hunna wrote “I’m legitimately bummed about this one. My girlfriend and I love going to this event and supporting its cause.” User kettleofhawks added “This is absolutely absurd – this event is what makes Troy special, brings everyone together and supports a good cause. Adding a $750 fee for police protection that no one wants or needs is extortion, especially for a charity event.”
The 2024 Nighthawks block party expected crowds of over 500. However, as a charity fundraising event, they cannot shoulder the new permit fees.
Now, with the party’s cancellation, Joseph’s House will not receive any of the expected donations from the fundraising event. Despite this, Nighthawks is still looking into other future fundraising options alongside Joseph’s House. This event’s cancellation raises concerns for the future of live music events in Troy, and whether they will be able to shoulder the burden of Mantello’s new restrictions.
On Thursday, July 18, Cola and Galene gave us a night to remember at NO FUN in Troy. They played the perfect show for local indie rock fans.
NO FUN is a live music venue on river street in Troy, an amazing place to hear live music and enjoy some drinks. NO FUN has a full schedule of upcoming concerts, so despite the name there’s lots of fun to be had.
Galene opened the night with tons of energy that they kept thought their whole set. Cola followed close behind and ended the night leaving us all searching for their next congratulations . Be sure to visit NO FUN when you’re in need of good music or a new favorite song.
Upcoming Shows at NO FUN
August 1: Joyer, Shower Curtain, Stroma, and Cooper’s Hawk at 7 PM
August 2: Nailed Shut, Frozen Sun, Torpedo Lane, and Greyfleshtethered at 7 PM
August 3: Planetarium Party (Virgo SZN) at 8 PM
August 4: Coquette, Trepidation, Vaexus, and Beasteliaphiliac at 7 PM
August 8: The Thing, Native Sun, and Attack Dogs at 7 PM
August 16: Big Scary Indian, Adequate Phil, and Otobo from 7–11 PM
Barbie Barker of Troy’s Candy Ambulance, is embarking on a new solo project with debut single, “Unread” on July 19. The single comes ahead of an EP titled C. dropping July 26. As Barbie shifts her focus musically, she explores realms of vulnerability, emotions, and authenticity.
Barbie Barker stumbled upon this entirely new terrain when she started channeling immense genuity inspired by certain events in her life that deeply affected her. During the music-making process, it became apparent that the songs wouldn’t fit Candy Ambulance’s image. So instead, Barker, whose first name is Caitlin, choosing to take on the name Barbie after her grandmother, made the decision to undertake this era independently.
Her debut single off of C., “Unread” tells the story of becoming so passionate about something to the point where it becomes all-consuming and affects more than yourself. It’s about remembering how things used to be, the transitions that took place, and the choices that need to be made. The lyrics are intimate, admitting the feelings that Barker had such a hard time bringing to light.
Candy Ambulance is my first band and I put so much of my self worth into my role there. It was my salvation, the reason I go to therapy and work really hard to be a good person. I wrote about some really intense traumas I was working through and we toured the record where I bore my soul.
Barbie Barker on “Unread”
Against the backdrop of simple guitar and percussion, her voice guides the instruments along with the sentiment she’s expressing. The music starts slow and progressively picks up as more truths spill out. The words truly are the main attraction, combatting the feelings of pressure that Barker sings about, while the music submits to them. Put together by Barker and Tummy Rub Records, local musicians Joe Taurone (drums), Sam Walzyck (bass), and Dan Carr (guitar and production) understood and respected her vision.
The song is the result of pushing forward while still needing to heal from deep traumas as well as the defense mechanisms put in place to cope with that life. Through the words, Barker comes to terms with the fact that are all doing life for the first time, and trying to navigate it and mend ourselves as we go.
“Unread” is just one of five heartfelt indie-rock products of Barker’s writing journey. The upcoming EP C. is full of personal songs and anyone who listens can know they’re taking part in Barker’s healing. As a body of music, C. exemplifies the value of songwriting for artists and the solace that they can find. In Barker’s case, she uses it as an outlet that is less accessible when trying to appease everyone else.
This EP is a short and (bitter)sweet account of my vulnerability in songwriting as I move through my life. The songs didn’t fit my band and it was scary to branch out and do a project of my own. I worked with the incredibly talented folks at Tummy Rub Records and the experience was effortless. We even used my scratch guitar tracks because the vibe was so comfortable. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.
Barbie Barker on C.
Additionally, to celebrate the release of her new music, Barker and the folks at Tummy Rub are holding a release show on Friday, July 19 at The Hangar on the Hudson in Troy. She will be joined by her collaborators as well as special guests toriendofstory and Canella, who also contributed to the E.P. The two bands will open for Barker with their own original music on a night full of authenticity and creative expression.
Pre-save and listen to “Unread” and C. on your preferred streaming platform. Purchase tickets for the release show here.
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 Hillat 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.
July 25th: Heardat 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.
August 1st: Watch Reggie Runat 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.
August 8th: Deb Cavanaughat 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.
August 15th: DJ HollyW8Dat 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.
August 22nd: Ragtime Wind Jammersat 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 Companyat 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.
This July, the city of Troy hosts two separate concert series and a special live event at Powers and Riverfront Park.
“Rockin’ on the River,” which began on June 26, will last through to August 7, with concerts every other week on Wednesday.
The Powers Park series begins on July 13 and will last until August 24, with concerts happening weekly on Saturdays. The Uncle Sam Jam at Powers Park will be a special live event at Powers Park on July 27.
Similarly, each concert series features a wide range of local and regional musicians and fun free for the whole family.
Presented by the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District, “Rockin’ on the River” is a free concert series hosted at Riverfront Park in downtown Troy. Rockin’ on the River includes four nights of rock ‘n ‘ roll, roots, and blues music alongside local food and drink vendors. The concerts are held weekly on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm, featuring two artists each night, with the exception of the performance scheduled for July 10. Fans can enjoy the display of food, drinks, and music for free, with no tickets necessary.
Below is the weekly lineup for Rockin’ on the River, and for more information, visit their website linked here. Due to severe weather and thunderstorms, the Rockin’ on the River concert on July 10 has been postponed for one week. Fans can still catch Hot Cousin, the Chris Busone Band, and The Albany Rock Pit Showcase Band on July 17 at 5:30 pm.
Rockin’ on the River Series Lineup
June 26: Skeeter Creek with Road Soda Pop
July 17 (postponed from 7/10): Hot Cousin with The Chris Butone Band and the Albany Rock Pit Showcase Band
July 24: Blues for Breakfast with Side B
August 7: Crash My Party (The Ultimate Luke Bryan Tribute Band) with Joe Adee & The Lug Nuts
Sponsored by local businesses, the Powers Park series has served the concertgoers and the community for over twenty years. Since 2004, crowds have returned every Saturday evening to see the best in local entertainment on the Neil Kelleher Stage. Over the last two decades, the Powers Park series has become one of the city’s most anticipated events, bringing free music, food, and entertainment to the citizens of Troy. The park is located at 110th Street and Second Avenue in North Troy. Moreover, the full lineup of the series is below. Concerts are every Saturday, starting July 13 until August 24.
Powers Park Series Lineup
July 13: Brian Kane and The Beginning
July 20: Super 400
August 3: Triffid
August 10: Grit and Whiskey
August 17: Matt Mirabile Band
August 24: E-Block
Finally, the Uncle Sam Jam is a one-time event at Powers Park. In collaboration with the Combat Vets Association, the Uncle Sam Jam is a celebration of veterans and those who have served in combat. The concert is chock full of free food and music from local vendors. Join the Joe Mele Project and the Pat Travers Band for a night of rock and roll, free for the entire family.
