Albany’s MVP Arena, has been ranked by Pollstar as 83rd globally, and 52nd in the United States, in terms of attendance, a premier status for the Capital Region’s #1 venue for live events.
This ranking highlights the arena’s continued success in attracting large audiences for a variety of events, including sports, concerts, and other entertainment spectacles.
MVP Arena’s strong performance in global rankings reflects a wide range of events that resonate with audiences, including Major League Lacrosse, Arena Football, a variety of concerts, comedians, College Basketball, and much more.
photo by Dave Decrescente
Notably, gross ticket sales generated in Albany (more than $28 million dollars) exceeded major markets such as New Orleans, Cleveland, Glendale, Minneapolis, Columbus, Grand Rapids, Atlantic City and many international cities that ended the year behind Albany’s ranking.
“We are proud to be ranked among the top 100 venues in the world,” said Bob Belber, General Manager of MVP Arena. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our team, the support of our community, and the incredible fans who fill the arena for every event. We look forward to continuing to host unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
photo by Conor McMahon
This milestone further reinforces Albany County’s commitment to providing a top-tier facility. The re-investment that County Executive McCoy has made into the arena with upgrades to seating, technology, locker rooms and the enclosure of the atrium has made MVP Arena a must play for many tours.
Photo by Mike Miller
“This ranking reflects how years of strategic investment and management have transformed MVP Arena into a first-class venue for residents and visitors alike. I would like to thank our partners at ASM Global as well as our naming sponsor, MVP Health Care, and the Albany County Legislature for their continued support. Together, we are ensuring that our arena remains a source of pride for our County and a key driver of tourism and economic activity in the Capital Region. I look forward to seeing even greater success and growth as we continue to raise the bar and attract world-class entertainment,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.
The ability for Albany to make a strong showing in the Top 200 venues shows a resilience for the town, that despite the monikor ‘Smallbany,’ folks come from all over to take part in the rich variety of arts and music offered in the state capital.
Up and coming jam band Dogs In A Pile have announced their plans for a 2025 Spring Tour which includes an opening two-night stand at Brooklyn Bowl in New York City. The spring tour also includes a number of return trips to cities with shifts up in venue sizes as well.
The two tour opening shows at Brooklyn Bowl will mark the band’s headlining debut there and first visit back since October 2021. The band will then make stops in Bethlehem, PA (April 3) and Buffalo, NY (April 5). In between those dates, they’ll play their largest indoor space in Western PA yet at Mr. Smalls in Pittsburgh (April 4).
The spring tour then sees Dogs In A Pile playing exclusively Midwest gigs with shows in Ferndale, MI (April 8), Cleveland, OH (April 9), and Columbus, OH (April 11), before heading further west to Kalamazoo, MI (April 12), Madison, WI (April 13), and Indianapolis, IN (April 15). The spring run also includes several Southern shows, including Charlottesville, VA (April 18) – where a massive October 2023 performance at The Southern Café and Music Hall has earned them a headlining slot at the Jefferson Theater.
The tour later wraps up with two shows in New Orleans, LA during Jazz Fest at Chickie Wah Wah on April 29 and May 3, before the band heads to Mexico for Viva El Gonzo in San José Del Cabo on May 8, 9, and 10. See below for all newly added dates.
Presale ticketing is already underway and tickets will go on sale to the general public this Friday, December 20 at 10 am ET. To view all tour dates and learn more, visit dogs-tour.com.
Dogs In A Pile Spring Tour 2025
3/8 – Chicago, IL – Salt Shed (indoors)*
3/28 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
3/29 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl 4/3 – Bethlehem, PA – Musikfest Cafe 4/4 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls 4/5 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works 4/8 – Ferndale, MI – Magic Bag
At one point in history, the New York City subway system was among the most impressive in the world. These days it resembles what you would imagine a third world country’s subway system would look like, with third string trains donated from cities that upgraded their system years ago and no longer had any use for them, but it still gets you from point A to point B and that’s what matters. Albeit confusing to out of towners, you can hop on a train in midtown Manhattan and get almost anywhere you would like to go in the city.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons Public Domain
Since it is such an extensive system, those who are completely unfamiliar with New York’s subway system might have a tough time going from borough to borough, and might not even be aware that there are both letter and number trains. However, thanks to Duke Ellington and his infamous 1939 hit “Take the A Train,” almost everyone is aware of at least one line in the NYC subway system, which is more than you can say about almost any other city in the world.
Although popularized by Duke Ellington, “Take the A Train” was written by long-time collaborator and pianist Billy Strayhorn. The swing anthem became the signature piece for Ellington’s orchestra, and was often used as its opening theme and standout song. For most jazz musicians at that time, bandleaders would not put a song they didn’t write themselves in the spotlight like that, however Ellington and Strayhorn’s relationship was atypical. In his biography, Ellington said Strayhorn “was not, as he was often referred to by many, my alter ego. Billy Strayhorn was my right arm, my left arm, and the eyes in the back of my head.”
‘Take the A Train’ was written in Strayhorn’s head while at a party, then put on paper that evening when he got home. The song title was inspired by directions Ellington gave to Strayhorn to get to his house in Sugar Hill, which began with “Take the A Train…,” and the music was influenced by Fletcher Henderson’s style of jazz. Although Ellington’s rendition is instrumental, Ella Fitzgerald released a popular version with the original lyrics Strayhorn wrote about getting to Ellington’s home in Harlem.
Ellington’s home was located in the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem, which is where the Harlem Renaissance took place between the 1920’s and 1950’s. At the time, Sugar Hill was the ritziest, most elegant African-American neighborhood in the United States. It was deemed “Sugar” Hill because of how sweet it was to live there, with the heart of the neighborhood located between 144th and 155th street. The high-class neighborhood was filled with stately homes and luxury apartments, and inhabited by African-American artists, activists, politicians, and intellectuals. The Harlem Renaissance was responsible for allowing African-Americans to focus on their past, as well as develop a unique identity for themselves, thus creating a culture within a culture. It brought people closer to their roots, and allowed them to celebrate who they were while exploring new creative channels to expression, with the Sugar Hill neighborhood as the epicenter of it all. “Take the A Train” became the anthem of this movement, and was highly praised by all of New York.
Today the Sugar Hill neighborhood is still lined with elegant homes and beautiful apartment buildings, with the rich, historic culture dominating the neighborhood. As most areas change over time, there has been a recent slight decline in African-Americans living in Sugar Hill to make room for other cultures, however it is still primarily a black neighborhood. Art and creativity thrives within the neighborhood, and you can still take the “A” train uptown anytime you’d like to soak up the culture and be inspired.
‘Take The A Train’ Lyrics:
You must take the A train
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
If you miss the A train
You’ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
Hurry, get on, now it’s coming
Listen to those rails a-hummingAll aboard, get on the A train
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
On December 19, Brooklyn-based softcore/alternative rock band Boston Flowers release their highly anticipated EP, Afterlife, featuring the title track alongside previously released singles “Soul Creature,” “Fever Dream,” and “Cancer Man.”
This introspective collection invites listeners to delve into profound themes of life, death, and the mysteries that lie beyond, making it a compelling addition to the band’s discography. The music video for “Cancer Man,” directed by James Morano, is already available for fans, alongside a lyric video for “Fever Dream,” showcasing artwork by Ellis Gale.
Photo by James Morano
Boston Flowers emerged from the vibrant Brooklyn rock scene, establishing a signature sound with their debut album, Mondegreen, released in 2023. The band draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, Turnover, Kid Bloom, and Mk.gee, blending melodic alternative rock with softcore grit. Their name pays homage to the iconic film character Austin Powers, infusing their identity with a touch of groovy nostalgia.
The band Boston Flowers consists of a talented lineup, each member contributing to their unique sound. Sam Trestman, the vocalist and rhythm guitarist, brings a decade of experience in healthcare and insights from a personal near-death experience that deeply inform the themes explored in their Afterlife EP. Zaid Khan adds atmospheric layers with his synth work, enhancing the band’s melodic richness. The driving force behind their rhythm is Rio Kelemen on drums, delivering dynamic beats that propel their music forward. Alejandro Ortiz, the lead guitarist, provides intricate guitar work that adds depth and texture to their tracks. Finally, Michael Agazzi on bass guitar anchors the band’s sound with solid bass lines, creating a strong foundation for their music.
Photo by James Morano
As Boston Flowers prepares to release Afterlife, they look forward to expanding their reach and continuing to engage with fans through live performances across the tri-state area. Their local NYC show lineup has included popular venues such as Arlene’s Grocery, The Delancey, Berlin Under A, and Bar Freda, as well as their own rooftop shows in Brooklyn.
Photo by James Morano
With the release of Afterlife, Boston Flowers invites you to join them on a journey through the complexities of human experience, celebrating the cycles of change and the exploration of what lies beyond. Pre-save the title track on Spotify and stay tuned for the official release on December 19!
Caffè Lena has announced the launch of the Peak Jazz Series, an exciting addition to its monthly concert offerings. Made possible by the generous support of Joseph and Luann Conlon, this series is dedicated to fueling the growth of jazz in Caffè Lena’s renowned listening room.
Hailing from Saratoga Springs, the nation’s oldest continuously operating coffeehouse new Peak Jazz Series will focus on ensembles that lean toward cool jazz, fusion, and funk, offering audiences a dynamic and diverse jazz experience.
By ensuring a steady flow of world-class jazz acts, the series enriches Caffè Lena’s programming and reaffirms its commitment to fostering live music in an intimate and premium setting.
The Peak Jazz Series joins the already thriving Jazz at Caffè Lena Series, hosted by accomplished jazz pianist Chuck Lamb. Each month, Chuck and his trio welcome a special guest to the stage, offering unique collaborations with some of the most remarkable names in jazz. Recent highlights include performances with Jimmy Greene and Stanley Jordan, showcasing the diversity and brilliance of the genre.
“We’re thrilled to expand our jazz programming. With the Peak Jazz Series adding a fresh layer to our monthly offerings and Chuck Lamb’s Jazz Series continuing to bring in extraordinary guests, Caffè Lena is solidifying its place as a top destination for live jazz in the region.”
Sarah Craig, Executive Director of Caffè Lena
“Supporting the Peak Jazz Series at Caffè Lena is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the depth and diversity of jazz,”said Joseph Conlon, sponsor of the Peak Jazz Series. “We’re proud to help bring extraordinary ensembles to such an intimate venue, showcasing the energy, artistry, and innovation that define this genre. Our hope is to inspire both long-time jazz enthusiasts and new audiences to connect with the music in meaningful ways.”
The Momentum Series, also made possible by the Conlons in honor of Thom O’Neil, will continue to bring high-energy performances—solo and band—that fill the room with electrifying energy. Together, these series provide unparalleled opportunities to experience the power of live music across genres at Caffè Lena.
Caffè Lena invites jazz enthusiasts, music lovers, and the community to experience the debut of the Peak Jazz Series and its exceptional lineup of artists. For tickets and information, visit www.caffelena.org.
Opera Saratoga has announced the establishment of a new executive leadership position, with Amanda Robie, formerly the company’s Managing Director, appointed to the role,
Robie will collaborate closely with the General and Artistic Director, as well as the Board of Directors, to shape and advance the strategic direction of the company.
Amanda Robie at Opera Saratoga / RPI/Empac’s workshop of The Other Side of Silence (Nua Photography Co.)
Opera Saratoga, formerly known as Lake George Opera, began with a production of DieFledermaus at the Diamond Point Theatre on July 5, 1962, playing to an audience of 230. The Company now calls Saratoga Springs home and performs for more than 25,000 people annually, celebratings its 60th anniversary this season.
Serving the communities of Saratoga Springs, the Lower Adirondack and New York State Capital Region, Opera Saratoga provided access to world-class opera through the production of an annual Summer Festival, as well as year-round activities including extensive educational programs, mentorship of emerging operatic artists, and unique opportunities for the public to experience opera in both our home theater and non-traditional venues that leverage and embrace the unique cultural, historic, and natural resources of the area.
A resident of Saratoga Springs, Ms. Robie began her career in opera as a mezzo-soprano, having studied voice at Bucknell University and The Boston Conservatory. A notable highlight of her performing career was her role as Cousin Hebe in Opera Saratoga’s 2013 production of H.M.S. Pinafore. Driven by a desire to influence the operatic world beyond the stage, she transitioned into arts administration, holding positions at the Boston Opera Collaborative, Fort Worth Opera, and Boston Lyric Opera. In 2019, she joined Opera Saratoga as Managing Director, where she played a pivotal role in navigating the company through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing its return to live performances, and leading the search for a new General Director.
“I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director at Opera Saratoga,” said Ms. Robie. “I look forward to continuing my work with this extraordinary company and vibrant community to ensure the continued vitality and success of opera in the region.”
“Amanda is an invaluable asset to Opera Saratoga, and both the Board and I are deeply appreciative that she has accepted this new leadership role,” said Mary Birnbaum, General and Artistic Director. “Her warmth, leadership, and in-depth knowledge of the art form make her a central figure at Opera Saratoga. Artists, technicians, and administrators alike consistently cite her as a major reason they choose to return to the company. I am excited to continue our partnership and to work alongside her in shaping the future of Opera Saratoga, beginning with the 2025 Summer Festival, which will run from May 20 to June 29.”
For more information about Amanda Robie or to buy subscriptions to the Summer Season, please visit our website at operasaratoga.org
Additionally, Opera Saratoga has announced the creative teams for its Summer Festival 2025. The musical She Loves Me, with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a book by Joe Masteroff, will be directed by John Matsumoto Giampietro. Jacques Offenbach’s La Vie Parisienne will be directed by Mary Birnbaum and conducted by Juliane Gallant, making her U.S. debut. Both productions feature scenic design by Krit Robinson and lighting design by Anshuman Bhatia.
The cast of She Loves Me includes Festival Artists Christine Taylor Price (Amalia Balash), Kate Morton (Ilona Ritter), Shavon Lloyd (StevenKodaly), Michael Segura (Ladislav Sipos), Jack O’Leary (Arpad Lazlo), Wagner Pastor (Head Waiter), and Guest Artist Peter Kazaras (Mr. Maraczek). Nathan Cicero will serve as assistant conductor, with Festival Artist Paige Dirks-Jacks as assistant director. June 21, 25, 27 at 7:30 pm and June 28 & 29 at 2:00 pm at Universal Preservation Hall.
La Vie Parisienne features Festival Artists Sungyeun Kim (Gabrielle), Fantine Douilly (Pauline), Chase Sanders (Baroness), Sadie Spivey (Clara), Tivoli Treloar (Metella), Kate Morton (Mme. de Folle-Verdure), Brennan Martinez (Léonie), Chuanyuan Liu (Mme. de Quimper-Karadec), Randy Ho (Gardefeu), Wagner Pastor (Gontran/Prosper), Geoffrey Schmelzer (Le Baron), Michael Segura (Urbain), Jack O’Leary (Joseph), as well as guest artists Michael Hawk (Bobinet) and César Andrés Parreño (Frick/Bresélien). Gloria Yin will serve as assistant conductor, and Zoe Lesser will be the assistant director. The book for La Vie Parisienne will be translated and updated by Tim Drucker (director of Trixie and Katya Live!) June 20, 26 & 28 at 7:30 pm and June 22 at 2:00 pm at Universal Preservation Hall.
A Mass for Women in Bathrooms, the work-in-progress presentation from composer Emma O’Halloran and librettist Naomi O’Connell will feature singers Brennan Martinez, Sadie Spivey and Chase Sanders, as well as electronics by Alex Dowling and music preparation by Laurie Rogers. June 22 at 7:30 pm and June 27 at 2:00 pm at Universal Preservation Hall.
In a Grove composed by Chris Cerrone with libretto by Stephanie Fleischmann will feature Chase Sanders (Leona), Chuanyuan Liu (Priest/Medium), Sadie Spivey (Leona’s Mother), Shavon Lloyd (Luther), Randy Ho (Ambrose), Wagner Pastor (Policeman), Geoffrey Shmelzer (Woodcutter). This site specific installation will feature sound design by Sam Torres and will be conducted by Luke Poeppel. May 28 at 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and May 29 at 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm (Rain date: May 31 at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm) at the Ferndell Pavilion in Saratoga Spa State Park.
Subscriptions to Opera Saratoga are on sale through February 1 at www.operasaratoga.org or by calling Proctors Box Office at 518-346-6204. Other special events include concerts, free family performances and a gala.
Palestinian singer-songwriter Marwan Abdelhamid, known professionally as Saint Levant, showcased his debut full-length album DEIRA with a powerful performance December 13 at Terminal 5.
Photo by Molly Higgins
The packed venue was dotted with Palestinian flags and traditional keffiyehs, and fans shouted in English and Arabic alike as they eagerly awaited Levant’s entrance. After an opening set from fellow Palestinian singer-songwriter Lina Makoul, Levant kicked off the evening with “On This Land,” the first song on DEIRA.
Backed by a group of dancers performing soldier-like choreography, Levant alternated seamlessly between rapping in English and singing in Arabic in one of many musical tributes to his homeland: “We are a nation of displaced dreamers/Heritage keepers,” Levant’s lyrics profess.
“Deira is the name of the hotel that my father, Rashid, an architect, built with my mother in 2000 when they moved to Gaza,” Levant told Variety when he released the album’s title song. ““Deira means the Kasbah or the old city…Deira is anchored in Algerian culture through its sound (where my mother is from) and in Palestinian culture through its words (the land of my father). Deira represents represents a mix of my parents’ cultures.”
Levant’s Terminal 5 performance showcased his versatility as a musician—in musical style, language, vocal range, dance, and as an instrumentalist: halfway through his second song, Levant traded in his microphone and began riffing on the saxophone as fans screamed their support.
Levant played the final performance of his DEIRA tour December 16 in Chicago.
Saint Levant – Terminal 5, Manhattan – December 13, 2024
Marky Ramone, the legendary drummer of The Ramones, brought his annual Holiday Blitzkrieg tour back to New York City’s Gramercy Theatre on December 12th, delivering a high-energy night filled with punk rock classics.
This yearly December tradition sees Marky hitting the road with a rotating lineup of talented musicians, offering fans a chance to relive the sound and spirit of the iconic Ramones.
This year’s lineup featured an all-star cast. Pela Scb, a staple of Marky’s tours, took center stage as lead vocalist, injecting charisma and passion into every song. On guitar was Tommy Victor, the powerhouse musician best known as the lead singer of Prong.
Victor’s impressive résumé includes collaborations with Ministry, Danzig, and Rob Zombie, making him a perfect fit for the night’s high-octane performance. Holding down the low end was bassist Craig Setari, a hardcore legend from Sick of It All, whose credentials also include Youth of Today, Agnostic Front, and Cro-Mags.
The setlist was a dream come true for Ramones fans, featuring 40 classic tracks that spanned the band’s illustrious career. Highlights included “Do You Wanna Dance,” “Commando,” “Beat on the Brat,” “Rockaway Beach,” “Pet Cemetery,” “California Sun,” and “Rock and Roll High School.”
In the holiday spirit, the band performed “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight),” adding a festive touch to the punk-filled evening. The night ended with the anthemic “Blitzkrieg Bop,” leaving the crowd shouting “Hey! Ho! Let’s go!” as they spilled into the Manhattan streets.
The Holiday Blitzkrieg is more than just a New York event. Marky’s December schedule also included shows at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, the Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City, NJ, and Mechanicsburg, PA. For fans who missed this year’s holiday run, Marky has announced an exciting lineup of 2025 dates in South America, including stops in Argentina and Brazil:
March 29, 2025: Teatro Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
April 3, 2025: Toinha Brasil Show, Brasília, Brazil
April 4, 2025: Mister Rock, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
April 5, 2025: Carioca Club, São Paulo, Brazil
Marky Ramone continues to keep the punk legacy alive with his relentless touring and dedication to the music that defined a generation. For more information on upcoming shows and news, visit Marky Ramone’s official website.
The Holiday Blitzkrieg at Gramercy Theatre was a night to remember, proving once again that punk rock is far from dead. With Marky behind the drums and a stellar lineup at his side, fans were treated to a masterclass in punk history—and a reminder of why The Ramones’ music remains timeless.
Setlist: Do You Wanna Dance, Havana Affair, Teenage Lobotomy, Commando, Beat on the Brat, I Dont Care, Sheena is a Punk Rocker, Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue, We’re A Happy Family, I Just Wanna Have Something to Do , I Wanna Be Well, Rockaway Beach, Gimme Gimmie Shock Treatment, Let’s Dance, Surfin Bird, Judy is a Punk, I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend, I Believe in Miracles, The KKK Took My Baby Away, Pet Cemetery, Needles and Pins, I Wanna Be Sedated, Chinese Rock, Oh Oh I Love Her So, She’s the One, California Sun, I Don’t Want to Walk Around You, Pinhead, Cretin Hop, R.A.M.O.N.E.S., You’re Gonna Kill That Girl, Rock and Roll High School, Chainsaw, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Glad to See you Go, Listen to My Heart, Wonderful World, Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight), Blitzkrieg Bop
Khruangbin, Bleachers, and CAKE are slated to headline the second edition of The Capitol Groove, downtown Hartford’s premier festival, returning to Bushnell Park June 28-29.
Presented by GoodWorks Entertainment, the festival will feature 14 artists over two days with performances from Thundercat, Sammy Rae & The Friends, Thee Sacred Souls, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Fantastic Negrito, Steel Pulse, Ripe, Improvement Movement, Ghost Funk Orchestra, The Greeting Committee, and Spectre Jones. These titillating acts are ones you’ll certainly want to see live.
Beyond the music, The Capitol Groove will also boast a lineup of local craft vendors and food trucks to be announced closer to the festival. Situated in the heart of downtown Hartford, Bushnell Park’s ample green space and natural beauty provides festivalgoers the perfect backdrop for two days of live music, all within easy reach of Hartford’s rich history and vibrant arts scene.
This upcoming festival is the second ever in the fest’s history. The Capitol Groove saw much success last summer and hopes to reach new heights with an even more exciting lineup. Acts like Khruangbin, Thundercat, Bleachers, and CAKE are must sees. These artists are known to bring the absolute groove to new levels wherever they go.
For more information and to purchase tickets to The Capitol Groove festival, click here.
Daughtry brought their “Adrenaline Gone Ballistic Tour” to Del Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo on Saturday, December 14, bringing a mix of nostalgia, adrenaline, and excitement to the stage.
Daughtry opened the night with “The Reckoning”, a newly written song on their EP Shock To The System (Part One). The packed venue rose to their feet as head singer and North Carolina native Chris Daughtry entered the stage.
The thrilled Del Lago crowd wanted more from Daughtry, shouting requests in between songs. Chris interrupted the setlist to fulfill the crowd’s request, playing a heartfelt rendition of his acoustic song “September”, written in 2009. The fans didn’t just come for a show, they came for an exciting interaction.
The alternative rock band was formed in 2006 after Chris Daughtry made it to the finals in the fifth season of American Idol. His vocals and newly formed recognition earned him a record deal with RCA Records, and the band’s self- titled debut album would go on to sell more than a million copies after just five weeks of release, becoming the fastest selling debut rock album in Soundscan history.
As Daughtry waved the crowd goodbye and thanked the Waterloo fans for having him, the crowd stuck around as they cheered for an Encore, wanting more. With the eager fans on their feet, Daughtry rushed back out on stage to close out the show with their song “Artificial”, the first single to reach the number one spot on the Mainstream Rock chart. The band will gear up for upcoming shows in Nebraska and Minnesota, concluding their 2024 tour in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
