The last round of artists has been added to tomorrow night’s tribute to the music of Crosby, Stills & Nash at Carnegie Hall. Steve Earle, Guster, A.C. Newman (of the New Pornographers), and Sarah Jarosz are set to join a star-studded lineup that will pay tribute to the iconic rock band. The show is also set to raise proceeds to support music education for kids.
It promises to be another successful Music Of tribute concert, produced by Michael Dorf Presents. This last round of artists will combine with Todd Rundgren, Grace Potter, Taylor Meier of Caamp, Yola, Iron & Wine, Rickie Lee Jones, Joseph, Shawn Colvin, Real Estate, Aoife O’Donovan, Neal Francis, and Sammy Rae of Sammy Rae & The Friends to bring their interpretations of both Crosby, Stills & Nash and their respective solo careers to Carnegie Hall.
The evening will also feature a special performance by Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), a beneficiary of the Music Of Series, further highlighting the series’ commitment to support music education initiatives for children across communities.
To be a part of this incredible evening at Carnegie Hall, celebrating the music that David, Stephen, and I created together, is a profound honor. I look forward to seeing a diverse and talented group of artists perform our songs. Music has always been about connection, about sharing stories and emotions that resonate with each other. This event allows us to relive those connections and support a cause close to our hearts—music education.
~ Graham Nash
With Nash scheduled to be in attendance, the concert’s performances will be anchored by a house band of remarkable talent, led by Todd Caldwell and featuring Adam Minkoff, Michelle Willis, Thad DeBrock, Chris Bruce, and Josh Dion. Founder of the Music Of series, Michael Dorf notes, “This extraordinary lineup coming together to celebrate the enduring music of Crosby, Stills & Nash at Carnegie Hall is truly remarkable. It’s not just about paying homage to these icons; it’s about investing in the future of music and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to explore the transformative power of music.”
Tickets and VIP Packages are currently available at musicof.org
Caroga Arts Collective announced they are receiving a grant award totaling $850,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the construction of a year-round artists’ lodge at Myhill as part of the Sherman’s Legacy Campaign.
Myhill Lodge Performance Hall rendering by Steven Smith.
This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, totalling over $32 million for 102 capital projects across New York State. At Myhill, Caroga Arts Collective will construct a lodge, including eight bedrooms, four baths, a large wing, and a basement. The plan will provide needed living space, practice space, dining, kitchen, bedrooms, administrative workspace, rehearsal/performance space, and more.
The mission of Caroga Arts Collective is to reimagine the Adirondack experience through the power of the arts. Founded in 2012, Caroga Arts presents over 50 performances and community events each year, welcoming more than 150 artists to the Southern Adirondacks. They focus on revitalizing the region through community outreach, partnerships with local businesses and non-profit organizations, and arts education programming for youth and adults.
“The over 100 projects we’re supporting through this funding will showcase arts and cultural organizations across the state and spur economic development for decades to come,” Governor Hochul said. “From historic sites to new multi-use arts centers, these diverse projects will expand the accessibility and the sustainability of arts and culture organizations while growing local economies, driving tourism and creating jobs all across New York State.”
Recently, the 2024 Caroga Lake Music Festival lineup was announced, featuring over 150 world-class artists and 40 performances. Among the artists appearing this summer is future hall-of-fame guitarist, Cory Wong on July 30. This event will be unique and rare with Wong performing “unplugged” tunes with an intimate string section, and interspersed conversation about his life/music making between pieces. Moreover, a special raffle drawing for a Limited Edition Fender guitar, The Cory Wong Stratocaster (case included), signed by Cory Wong himself will be held.
We are incredibly grateful to the New York State Council on the Arts for their support of constructing a year round multi-use lodge at Myhill as part of our Sherman’s Legacy Campaign. This grant will help us create the supporting infrastructure for year round engagement and programs in Caroga Lake and surrounding regions thus helping further our mission of reimagining the Adirondack experience through the power of the arts.
Kyle Barrett Price, Founder, Executive and Artistic Director of the Caroga Arts Collective.
The Sherman’s Legacy Campaign will help Caroga Arts revitalize Sherman’s Park and the Myhill Campus into an Adirondack vacation destination where music, arts, community, and culture flourish. Constructing an artists’ residential lodge is part of the project’s first phase, which also includes the creation of a state-of-the-art amphitheater.
NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul and the Legislature for their support. These projects are essential to the prosperity and well-being of our creative industry and our communities, especially as we continue to navigate the recovery of our creative sector. This support will help stimulate local economies, catalyze investment in our communities, and help to ensure the vibrancy of our cultural organizations for now and for the future. Congratulations to Caroga Arts Collective, NYSCA is a proud supporter of your contributions to New York’s arts and culture.”
For more information about Caroga Arts, visit here.
Punk Rock Mini-Golf is returning to Staten Island’s Maker Park from June 1-2 and June 1-8. The event is celebrating four years of providing Staten Island with mini-golf and live music.
The event’s main draw is its 9-hole mini-golf course dedicated to punk rock legends. Each hole celebrates a legendary punk rock act, such as the Cramps, Bad Brains, and the Clash. The course features artwork by local Staten Island artists with new additions being made every year. Alongside mini-golf, the event will feature live performances from local punk bands starting at 6 PM each night.
The event is hosted by Maker Park Radio, a non-profit radio station centered in Staten Island. Since 2017, Maker Park has provided a safe space for discussion of the arts and a medium for up-and-coming artists and musicians. Maker Park is a 100% volunteer-based organization, helping to spread music awareness, and providing professional workshops for the community. Proceeds from this event will go to supporting Maker Park Radio’s continued community involvement.
“I love seeing families with kids of varied ages walking in looking skeptical, and walking out with big smiles on their faces.”
– Kristin Wallace, Maker Park Radio Founder
Event Schedule
Saturday June 1
3:00 – 6:00 PM: Golf
6:00 PM: Bands Start
Mary Shelley – Danceable punk rock from Brooklyn-based trio
Woof Woof – Underground rock ‘n’ roll from Flushing
Punk Rock Mini-Golf is an all ages event that welcomes all regardless of mini-golf skills. One day entry for $15 provides visitors with unlimited putt-putt and concert access. Four day passes are also available for $40. Kids under 10 years old can enter for free.
For More information, visit the Maker Park Radio website here.
On May 8, The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City, with its breathtaking backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, witnessed an electrifying event as two iconic punk rock bands, Social Distortion and Bad Religion, took the stage as part of their co-headlining 2024 tour.
Pier 17, perched five stories above the East River, has become renowned for its dynamic open-air atmosphere since its opening in 2018, making it the perfect setting for a night of raw, energetic music.
What made this particular show even more special was the reunion of these two legendary bands, who first played together in 1980 and now, 43 years later, embarked on an epic nationwide tour. The journey to this momentous occasion was not without its challenges, as in June of 2023, Mike Ness of Social Distortion revealed his diagnosis of tonsil cancer, prompting the postponement of the tour. However, after undergoing surgery, Ness and the band were back on their feet, ready to deliver an unforgettable performance.
Kicking off the evening was Lovecrimes, a band led by Julian Ness, son of Mike Ness, who inherited his father’s talent for delivering gritty, soulful vocals. With Trevor Lucca on guitar, Collin Schlesinger on bass, and Josh Roossin on drums, Lovecrimes set the stage on fire with their high-energy set, featuring tracks like “Sabotage,” “I’m Your Ghost,” and “Lovesick,” setting the perfect tone for the night ahead.
As the anticipation reached its peak, Social Distortion took to the stage, led by the incomparable Mike Ness on vocals and guitar. Joined by Jonny Wickersham on guitar, Brent Harding on bass, David Kalish on keys, and David Hidalgo Jr. on drums, Social Distortion unleashed a barrage of hits, including “Bad Luck,” “Mommy’s Little Monster,” “Ball and Chain,” and their iconic rendition of “Ring of Fire.” The crowd was fully immersed in the raw energy and emotion that is quintessentially Social Distortion.
Closing out the night was Bad Religion, with Greg Graffin commanding the stage with his powerful vocals, backed by Brian Baker and Mike Dimkich on guitars, Jay Bentley on bass, and Jamie Miller on drums. Their set was a relentless onslaught of punk anthems, featuring classics like “No Control,” “Recipe for Hate,” “Struck a Nerve,” and culminating in an explosive performance of “American Jesus.” The crowd erupted into a frenzy, with a massive mosh pit forming in the center and fans surfing the sea of excitement.
As the final chords faded into the night, it was evident that Social Distortion and Bad Religion had delivered a show for the ages. For the fans who had waited 43 years for this moment, it was a night they would never forgetâa celebration of punk rock’s enduring spirit and the power of music to unite and ignite the soul. And as the lights dimmed over the iconic skyline of New York City, the echoes of punk rock reverberated through the air, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to bear witness to this historic event at The Rooftop at Pier 17.
Bad Religion Setlist: The Defense, No Control, Leave Mine To Me, Suffer, Anesthesia, Fuck You, Beyond Electric Dreams, Recipe For Hate, Drunk Sincerity, I Want to Conquer the World, 21st Century (Digital Boy), New Dark Ages, Struck a Nerve, Do What You Want, My Sanity, Lookin’ In, Generator, Sorrow, You, Fuck Armageddon…This Is Hell, Los Angeles is Burning, American Jesus
Social D Setlist: Bad Luck, Through These Eyes, I Wasn’t Born to Follow, Tonight, Mommy’s Little Monster, The Creeps, Hour of Darkness, 1945, All Over You, Warn Me, Reach For the Sky, Ball and Chain, Born to Kill, Ring of Fire
Lovecrimes Setlist: Sabotage, Halfway Heart, Stay With Me, All Alone, Lost in a Minute, I’m Your Ghost, Hold Me Back Again, Harbor Blvd, Lovesick
Stop Zena Development Coalition is organizing a family-friendly event to bring awareness to the importance of protecting the wild spaces surrounding Woodstock that are being proposed for development with the Woodstock Walk & Rock: A Benefit to Save Our Forest on June 15 at 11 a.m.
Woodstock Walk & Rock: A Benefit to Save Our Forest will take place in the heart of the village. The event is a peaceful walk from the Woodstock Playhouse to the Colony’s outdoor event space, culminating with an eco-conscious puppetry performance by Arm-of-the-Sea Theater at 1 p.m.
Stop Zena Development is a partnership between the Woodstock Land Conservancy, environmental activists and nonprofit entities. The coalition believes the proposed development by Zena Development LLC (formerly Woodstock National LLC) will negatively impact the habitat in the eastern Catskills region. The project includes land designated a “Critical Environmental Area (CEA)” by NYSDEC because of its importance to protect water resources and habitat protection and diversity.
We designed Walk & Rock to encourage families to join our effort to save the Zena Woods. Habitat loss can give children a feeling of despair and helplessness. Being a part of a walk-a-thon to save a local forest gives children a voice in what happens to their future. By proactively engaging in a local issue, helplessness is replaced with empowerment.
Susan Paynter, environmental activist and co-chair of the coalition.
Attendees will kick off the half-mile walk at the Woodstock Playhouse (103 Mill Hill Road). The group will walk up Mill Hill Road ending at the Colony (22 Rock City Road). Those who can’t participate in the walk can still join the group at the end. There, guests will enjoy a puppet show by the acclaimed Arm-of-the-Sea Theater, a mask and puppet theater company based in Saugerties that combines art, ecology, and social action in its performances.
The event is a follow-up to the coalition’s sold-out benefit last October, a concert featuring resident and nationally acclaimed musician Marco Benevento & Friends, which applied pressure to the Zena Development Group (formerly Woodstock National). This and other grassroots activism campaigns stopped previously proposed development by the firm, such as an 18-hole golf course with a helipad.
Advance tickets are available for $15 starting May 10 (free for children 12 and under) and can be purchased here. There will be full-price tickets for sale at the Playhouse for $20 on the morning of the walk. Commemorative T-shirts will also be available for purchase. The event is positive-weather only; in the event of inclement weather, updates will be announced by 6 a.m. day-of on the website and social media, with a rain date TBD.
Dark Star Orchestra, one of the country’s premier Grateful Dead tribute bands, have finalized their U.S. summer touring schedule. The tour will span both coasts and everything in between, and the band’s August slate now contains shows all throughout New York State.
Along the tour, Dark Star Orchestra is going to be performing some special this summer. For the July 21 show at the Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, NJ the band announced today they will be recreating the Dead’s epic 9/3/77 show from nearby Englishtown, NJ. “Its proximity, only 25 miles from Asbury Park, and the fact that it was an epic outdoor show, made sense for us to choose,” notes DSO bassist Skip Vangelas. “Itâs a classic show in the GD world and one that New Jerseyans, whether Deadhead or not have never forgotten!”
A few weeks later, the band is scheduled to play Wonderland Forest in Lafayette, NY on August 9 and 10. The newly established venue located just south of Syracuse will also play host to the Biscoland festival this summer. DSO will also play The Rooftop at Pier 17 on August 11, Innovative Field in Rochester on August 21 and the Frog Alley Summer Stage in Schenectady the following day on August 22.
Special dates are dotted all throughout the summer tour, including the band’s debut at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, CA on July 13. It marks a celebration of 40 years of the Rex Foundation and the benefit performance will see DSO offer a 40-years-to-the-day recreation of the Dead’s 7/13/84 performance from The Greek Theatre.
More information and links to ticketing info can be found here.
Over Saturday, May 11 and Sunday May 12, the City of Albany will host the 76th Annual Albany Tulip Festival in Washington Park, presented by KeyBank.
The Tulip Festival is Albany’s signature spring event featuring annual traditions rooted in the City’s rich Dutch heritage. The event includes over 150 craft, food, fine art and public information vendors and sponsors; 2 stages of world-class, live music and family friendly entertainment; fun performers and activities for the whole family at the Kidszone stage; a new Wellness stage offering a variety of free classes throughout the weekend; Yogafest on Saturday and more than 250,000 tulips in 175 different varieties. It all takes place in historic Washington Park, the 81-acre “crown jewel” of the City.
“KeyBank is proud to support the Tulip Festival, a tradition that is part of the fabric of the Capital Region,” said Fran O’Rourke, Albany Market President & Regional Executive of Key Bank. “This festival, a sign of spring that so many look forward to, brings joy and excitement to our region. It’s one of many initiatives and organizations that we are honored to support in the communities we serve.”
Since Mayor Erastus Corning II read the first Tulip Festival Proclamation on May 14, 1949, the Mother’s Day weekend celebration has grown into one of the Northeast’s biggest and most beloved yearly events. Featuring area vendors, businesses, community organizations and original local artists on every stage, the Tulip Festival continues to honor Albany’s four centuries of history while looking ahead to its future. As always, this event is free and open to the public.
11:30a.m. –The Mendelssohn Club A local institution for over a century, this acclaimed male chorus is the longest continuously performing arts group in the Capital Region.
11:45a.m. – Tulip Queen Procession (Begins at formal Tulip Beds by Moses Statue) 2023 Tulip Queen Olivia Owens, Mayor Kathy Sheehan and the Dutch Settlers Society lead the 2024 Tulip Queen finalists to the Lakehouse Stage.
Mayor Sheehan and MC Chad O’Hara of B95.5 crown the 76th Albany Tulip Queen in this traditional highlight of Tulip Fest weekend.
PARKALBANY’S MAIN STAGE
Washington Park Parade Grounds Media Sponsor: 102.7 WEQX
1:30p.m. –OF THE ATLAS: “Catskill NY based songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Jay Woodruff has led alternative rock band Of The Atlas through a colorful range of styles and incarnations. Started initially as a solo act by the enthusiastic and longtime member of the thriving and diverse regional underground rock community, Woodruff fleshed the group out into a powerful blend of introspective indie, vibrant art rock and infectious power pop. Now joined by Ethan Klee and Kenny Rowe”.
3:00p.m. –PRINCE DADDY & THE HYENA: “Prince Daddy & the Hyena is an American punk rock band from Albany, New York, formed in 2014. They have released three full-length albums and four extended plays”.
4:30p.m. –THE FRONT BOTTOMS: When you turn on a record from The Front Bottoms, you hear the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of two lifelong friends who stare down personal tragedy and the madness of a world gone haywire by simply playing a little louder together. The New Jersey natives went from playing in the woods to performing in high school bands. After Brian finished college, The Front Bottoms officially formed. Brian’s mom gifted the boys 12 hours of recording time for Christmas, resulting in their 2011 self-titled independent debut. A whirlwind of prolific output and countless gigs followed. The Front Bottoms reached a critical peak with 2017’s Going Grey. It received praise from the likes of The FADER, Stereogum, VICE, A.V. Club, and more. Along the way, the band performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers and NPR’s “Tiny Desk,” graced the stages of Coachella, Austin City Limits, and Bonnaroo, and toured with the likes of Blink-182, Manchester Orchestra, and many more. Not to mention, the group has tallied nearly 100 million streams, sold over 500,000 album equivalents, and launched the annual holiday festival Champagne Jam, which expands year over year at an unprecedented rate.
WEXT’S 518 STAGE
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage Media Sponsor: Exit 97.7/106.1
1:00p.m. – SIDE B : “Four-piece alternative rock band from Upstate New York consisting of drummer Dylan Travison, bassist Eric Mitchell, guitarist AJ Horton, and vocalist Ian Justino. Our debut release “The Low Budget Romance EP” out now!”
2:15p.m. – SOFIA CORTS: “Sofia Cortsis a 18 year-old singer-songwriter from the Albany, New York area who is on the cusp of a national breakout. Totally self-taught on guitar and keyboards, Sofia’s songwriting effortlessly blends genres, pop, R&B, a hint of jazz, while generating infectious, memorable melodic hooks”.
3:30p.m – CAMTRON5000: “Camtron5000, rapper from Albany NY, has been creating alternative hip-hop music since 2016. He makes music that he hopes will break the stereotypes of what it means to be a rapper. Channeling a dynamic yet playful energy with his skilled lyricism, and sporting a logo crafted from his own gapped smile, Camtron5000 is a musical personality unlike any other!”
4:45p.m. – THE INSOLENT WILLIES: “The Insolent Willies are an upstate New York-based roots-rock band known for their hip-shaking mix of quirky, clever original songs and unpredictable interpretations of tunes from all over the musical map. The band consists of Bill Ackerbauer (acoustic guitar, harmonica, mandolin, vocals), Frank DeVer Pullen (bass, banjo, vocals), Paul Gavry (accordion, fiddle, vocals) and Evan Gavry (guitars, percussion, vocals).”
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024
25th ANNUAL CAPITAL REGION’S BEST MOM
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
11:00a.m. – 12:00p.m
B95.5’s Chad O’Hara and local officials recognize the Capital Region’s most outstanding moms. Presented by St. Peter’s Health Partners, Times Union & B95.5.
PARKALBANY’S MAIN STAGE
Washington Park Parade Grounds Media Sponsor: 99.5 THE RIVER
1:00p.m. – OFF THE RECORD: “Off The Record Trio” is the Capital District’s only 1960’s rock and roll lounge band. Awarded a music “Eddie” for Best Capital District Party Cover Band two years in a row, the trio plays 60’s vintage tunes as well as some hidden nuggets with a modern twist. It is led by the dynamic and engaging Joanna Palladino on vocals with local favorite Geo on guitar / vocals along with Bob Resnick splashing rock and roll rhythms on a minimalist drum set.”
2:30p.m. –FUNK EVOLUTION : “Formed in 2010, Funk Evolution has been bringing top-shelf entertainment to the Northeast for 14 years. Funk Evolution features a who’s who of musicians from New York and Massachusetts. Funk Evolution is best known for its high-energy delivery and unique arrangements; epic mashups of classic R&B with modern Top 40, 15 minute mega-medleys and their legendary ‘Sax Battle’ featuring original 14 year member, Justin Godlewski on Alto saxophone. From Classic Soul, Disco and 80s Anthems to Celtic Rock, Modern Country, Jam Band, Pop and Hip Hop; Funk Evolution is one of the most diverse entertainment groups in the region and has been recognized internationally as one of the top entertainment groups in the nation.”
4:30p.m. –NEW YORK PLAYERS: “New York Players are New York’s Dance Party Experts, an entertainment powerhouse with a focus on corporate and private events, nightclubs, concerts and festivals… Keeping the Dance Floor Packed ALL NIGHT LONG!!”
WEXT’S 518 STAGE
Washington Park LakehouseStage Media Sponsor: Exit 97.7/106.1
1:00p.m. –GIRL LOVE: “Girl Love is the Albany based, folk project of award- winning poet and songwriter, Laura Beth Johnson. Laura is known for her dark blend of story and soul. She was awarded the Lucy Monro Brooker Poetry Prize from the University of Indianapolis in 2017. In 2019, Laura was awarded a Songwriting Scholarship by Image Magazine. She received a Poetry Scholarship from Hudson Valley Writers Guild in 2022. In 2023, Girl Love was nominated for two Eddies. Laura’s poetry has been published in journals such as Post Mortem Press, Lady Blue, Indie Earth, Etchings Press, and Hare’s Paw. Laura’s music strives to affirm queer holiness. You can find Girl Love on all streaming platforms. Laura is joined at this year’s Tulip Fest by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Katie Johnson.”
2:15p.m. –THE E-BLOCK: “The E-Block is a 5-piece indie R&B band based in Upstate New York, blending the acoustic warmth of singer-songwriter music with an ice-cold rhythm section informed by modern R&B. With a deep bag of influences and free-flowing style, The E-Block has earned a reputation as a unique live act in the Capital Region scene.”
3:30p.m. –REESE FULMER & THE CARRIAGE HOUSE BAND: “Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band challenge the traditional relationship of a songwriter and his band, with a fluidly rotating cast of top-notch players and a flair for experimentation that combine for a unique and mesmerizing live performance. Add to that a keen lyricism that explores the human experience with a patient and poetic touch and you have the Capital Region’s answer to the indie-folk/alt-Americana boundary pushed forward by Wilco and Iron & Wine.”
4:45p.m. –OOBLECK: “Oobleck, founded in 2008, is an original, analog funk band out of the Capital Region of NY. Known regionally for inciting dance parties wherever they land, they boast a big, in your face sound inspired by New Orleans street music. It’s a melee of horns, super heavy drums and bass and your favorite type of chunky guitar riffing that leaves your bum shaking and your face grinning.”
KIDZONE Presented by PRICE CHOPPER / MARKET32
SATURDAY & SUNDAY CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES Enjoy pony rides, a rock-climbing wall, bounce house, live music, games and more fun for the whole family! PRICE CHOPPER KIDZONE STAGE Continuous free entertainment for all ages, all weekend long!
1:00p.m., 4:00p.m. –ANDY “THE MUSIC MAN”: a well-versed children’s musician renowned for delighting audiences of all ages through sing-a-longs, dancing, play-acting and storytelling.
2:00p.m. – PARK PLAYHOUSE: Washington Park’s beloved theater group offers exciting sneak previews of their 2024 musical productions The Marvelous Wonderettes, Legally Blonde & Finding Nemo Jr.
2:45p.m., 4:45p.m. – MELVIN THE MAGNIFICENT: Melvin is a professional magician played by Joe Goode, his shows are action packed, interactive, and sure to bring huge laughs from the entire audience.
3:30p.m., 5:30p.m. – RUTH PELHAM: Ruth Pelham of the Music Mobile is a Capital Region musical treasure, exuberantly promoting her mission of building peaceful communities through original songs for all ages.
KISS 102.3’S WELLNESS STAGE
Free wellness classes for all ages, all weekend long!
KeyBank, Discover Albany and DGS present the 518 Tulip Tracker!
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
CARILLON CONCERT 11:30 a.m. – noon, outside Albany City Hall Amy Heebner performs a special Tulip Festival musical program on Albany City Hall’s historic 1927 carillon, a unique instrument consisting of 49 bells that range in size from 27 to 11,200 pounds.
STREET SCRUBBING 12:00 p.m., State & Lodge Streets The traditional Dutch ceremony of scrubbing the streets clean before a big celebration has served as the official kickoff to Tulip Festival weekend for 76 years. This unique Albany event will include Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s Tulip Festival opening proclamation and a procession from City Hall featuring Albany High School students in Dutch costume, the Dutch Settlers Society, bagpiper Michele Lyons, 2023 Tulip Queen and Court, along with 2024 Tulip Queen finalists.
TULIP FESTIVAL LUNCHEON 12:30 p.m., The Blake Annex Immediately following the Street Scrubbing, the Tulip Festival Luncheon is a farewell and thank you to 2023 Albany Tulip Queen Olivia Owens and her Court. Proceeds from the Tulip Festival Luncheon will benefit the Tulip Court’s educational programs via the Capital City Fund, a component fund of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. Tickets are required.
LOVE ALBANY – MOVIES UNDER THE STARS
7:30 p.m., Washington Park
Part of Love Albany’s Movies Under The Stars series, presented by Christ’s Church Albany, The City of Albany and other organizations. Admission is free, and the night’s movie will be Barbie. Family activities will start at 7:30pm, followed by the movie at 8:30pm. More information on the series can be found at: Love Albany’s 2024 Movies Under the Stars
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024 ROYAL TULIP BALL 6:30 p.m., Albany Capital Center An elegant evening of dining and dancing to honor the new Tulip Queen & Court. Proceeds benefit the Capital City Fund. Tickets are required.
TULIP BULB AND DIG SALE
Saturday, May 18th: Tulip Dig Begins 9:00 a.m. at the Moses Fountain The City will provide tools, but please bring a garden fork (NOT a shovel) if you have one. Bulbs are $10 for a bag of 30 while supplies last. The tulip dig is limited strictly to designated beds, under the direction of park staff and volunteers and ends promptly at 12:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 19th: Tulip Sale Begins 9:00 a.m. at the Lakehouse The remaining bulbs are first come / first serve and are $10 for a bag of 30.The sale is open while supplies last. More info can be found at HERE PARKING & SHUTTLES FREECDTA shuttle runs continuously to Washington Park from Eagle Street Garage (at Eagle & Madison Ave) & Elk Street Parking Lot (at Elk & Hawk Streets) throughout the festival. Handicap parking available at Albany Medical Center lot at Robin & Morris Streets. A free, accessible CDTA shuttle runs to and from the Madison & New Scotland entrance to the park throughout the festival. Find more parking options at www.parkalbany.com.
Underground hip-hop always outlasts the mainstream appeal. Look no further than Roc Marciano for the ultimate proof of talent mastery. Since the jump, Roc Marci sets out to fine-tune his pen along the road to craftsmanship. Steel sharpens steel and this man puts forth bodies of work that prove to be ironclad. Recently, he dropped Marciology which contains some serious gems.
Leaders of the New School
For those who know – Roc Marciano remains a lowkey legend. This latest release convinced fans that the ‘Marcberg’ era returned. Busta Rhymes discovered this man through ‘seven degrees of separation’ as Roc made a debut with aptly titled, ‘Marcberg in 2010. Fast forward to 2024 and Marciano continues to take dynamic groundbreaking approaches while crafting music. Consistency combined with continuous adaptation to the times exhibits the reason why this man stands the test of time.
Masterfully, Roc produced the majority of Marciology. Add in Alchemist and Animoss for additional splashes on production and you have yourself a project. Keep scrolling to see which tracks took the cake on this all-time album.
Standout Tracks
True Love – this song serves as an anthem type track. Sounds like it deserves to be blared throughout your hometown. Makes one want to celebrate winning achievements of any sorts. Truly a blessing of a song.
Tapeworm – the most blare-worthy of any song on this entire list. Incredibly poignant placement from Animoss. Big fan of songs that have different versions of the chorus after each verse. Roc serves revolving door type hooks on this track and really makes a believer out of the listener.
Leflair – real old school vibe and a great song to kickback and relax. Sounds like it deserves to be performed by a grand orchestra. Makes one want to explore a Haunted House and escape unscathed. Definitely a top-tier track amidst a collection of brilliant songs.
Phenomenal Philosophies
For those who know – they know Roc Marciano and how much he has put on for the entire underground scene. Amongst underground circles, Roc Marciano continues to show and prove his highly earned ranking and stature as an emcee. He resonates greatly and sits atop the temple of lowkey legends.
Economically, not everyone manages to blend exuberance with agency and exigency quite like Roc Marci. Beneath the Marciology cover, his album has a mysterious handwritten note. Look closely and you may see a cult. Rather than focus on sorcery – try to interpret the reason he chose to spook the listener with the artwork.
Never one to sacrifice the purity of his artwork – Roc flies so gracefully under the radar. Rather than sign a bogus contract – he would rather experiment with music to create according to the variable nature of the artwork. By branching out of his comfort zone – he continues to push the culture forward and leave massive imprints within the underground kingdom.
Overall, this album turned out to be incredibly enjoyable. For those who have never heard from the likes of this man – now is your chance. His braggadocious nature combines swiftly with his smooth laid back raps. He strikes the right balance between just smooth enough to hit you in the heart and strong uptempo to get you going.
On Sunday, May 5, Ty Segall played the Beachland Ballroom in support of his latest album, ThreeBells. Sharpie Smile opened and played a great set. Just as Ty and his band took the stage you could hear a crackling noise. It sounded like it could have come out of the speakers, like some weird wet sounding feedback.
After the puzzled crowd looked around for a bit, everyone noticed that a sizable chunk of plaster from the venues old ceiling had fallen off on one side, and a piece was still left hanging in the balance. A hero from the venue used a precariously large ladder to grab the piece while an amused Ty and his band watched from the stage. After our hero pulled the plaster down, the crowd roared in approval and the show was once again on it’s way. I will also say that this is the only concert I have ever been to where someone from the venue came out and warned us to wear ear plugs. With no pit and myself situated right in front of the stage and about six inches from a guitarist amp, my tinnitus was happy I didn’t forget mine.
A Ty Segall show is probably not ideal when the state of the ceiling is questionable, his new album was heavily featured and it is certainly hard and blistering. Though as far as I am aware, the rest of the night went by without incident, even if it seemed like Ty and his other guitarist Emmett Kelly were egging each other on to bring down more ceiling.
Ty played a great set, with all of the hard rock proggy guitar solos you could want. The band really plays off Ty’s energy and the packed Cleveland crowd at it up. Some people don’t like it when a band plays so many new songs versus more of the hits, but I think prefer it. It shows that the band is still pushing forward and if they are excited about what they are doing it almost always translates to a better show. Next Ty heads out west before heading to Europe.
Setlist: The Bell, Void, I Hear, Hi Dee Dee, Emotional Mugger/Leopard Priestess, The Crawler, My Head Explodes, Imaginary Person, Waxman, Love Fuzz, My Best Friend, My Room, Wait, Looking At You
Up-and-coming New York City funk-rock band Summer Fling has announced a new single “Blissful Haze” set to release on May 10. The single comes in the leadup to a new album set to release in late Summer.
Singer-keyboardist Eddie Kam originally formed Summer Fling in Larchmont, NY before relocating to New York City. The group mixes chops learned from New York’s jazz conservatories with an eclectic blend of styles, ranging from indie-pop to funk, to forge an infectious sound. With a newly solidified lineup of seven recent college graduates, the band has torn up the live scene. They have played more than 35 gigs, even opening for names like They Might Be Giants and Spin Doctors.
“Blissful Haze” is a delightful song that accentuates Kam’s soulful vocals with wah-wah guitar and jazzy horns. The song’s lyrics explore the joys of a short-lived romance, with instrumentation that lends to the rosy, nostalgic atmosphere. On this track, Summer Fling’s jazz chops are on full display, crafting a smooth, yet complex pop-funk sound, with instrumentation reminiscent of Steely Dan.
This new single comes in the leadup to a very busy season for Summer Fling. The band is currently recording their debut album, which explores pop, funk and yacht rock, for release in late Summer.
The band has also planned festival appearances and tour dates in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. At these shows, Summer Fling are sure to spread their message of inclusivity, and some great music tackling themes ranging from heartbreak to fun romance. In Eddie Kam’s words “Fun, silliness and great musicianship are the only rules at a Summer Fling performance.”
More information can be found at Summer Fling’s website and instagram.
