NYS Music 2024

Tag: MVP Arena

  • Albany’s MVP Arena Ranked 83rd in the World for Attendance by Pollstar

    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.

    Other New York venues found on the global 200 list include Madison Square Garden (2nd), Barclays Center in Brooklyn (6th), UBS Arena in Belmont Park (30th) and Keybank Center in Buffalo (94th).

    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.

    Rogers Waters at MVP Arena - July 2022 - photo by Dave Decresente
    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.” 

    Phish Albany Box of Rain MVP Arena
    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. 

    Slipknot knotfest Albany 2022
    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.

  • Brantley Gilbert to Hit Albany, Utica, Buffalo on 2025 “Tattoos Tour”

    Brantley Gilbert’s “The Tattoos Tour” has been announced for 2025 featuring special guests such as, Travis Denning and Payton Smith.

    Gilbert will hit Albany’s MVP Arena on Apr. 24, and Utica’s Memorial Auditorium on Apr. 25, and co-headline WYRK’s Taste of Country 2025 on June 20 in Buffalo.

    Tattoos Tour

    After wrapping a standout year of headlining shows, including a performance to over 100,000 fans in downtown Nashville for the World’s Largest Album Release Party, multi-Platinum country-rock artist, Brantley Gilbert has announced his Tattoos Tour 2025 following the release of his seventh studio album, Tattoos.

    “Music has always been about bringing people together and offering a break from the grind, even if it’s just for a few hours,” says Gilbert. “My hope is that with tickets starting at $25, people can step away from everyday stresses and enjoy themselves—whether it’s making it a fun evening with the family or giving mom and dad the chance to hire a babysitter and have a night out just for them.”

    Tickets start at $25.00 plus applicable fees and go on sale Friday, Nov. 29, at 10 am. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

    Full Tatoos Tour Dates:

    Feb. 27 – Angel Of The Winds Arena – Everett, WA

    Feb. 28 – Missoula, MT – Missoula, MT

    Mar. 01 – Toyota Center – Kennewick, WA

    Mar. 06 – Toyota Arena – Ontario, CA

    Mar. 07 – Findlay Toyota Center – Prescott Valley, AZ

    Mar. 08 – Mullett Arena – Tempe, AZ

    Mar. 13 – Grossinger Motors Arena – Bloomington, IL

    Mar. 14 – Alliant Energy PowerHouse – Cedar Rapids, IA

    Mar. 15 – Cable Dahmer Arena – Independence, MO

    Mar. 20 – Salem Civic Center – Salem, VA

    Mar. 21 – The Classic Center – Athens, GA

    Mar. 22 – Orion Amphitheater – Huntsville, AL

    Mar. 27 – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell – Lowell, MA

    Mar. 28 – Cross Insurance Arena – Portland, ME

    Mar. 29 – Total Mortgage Arena – Bridgeport, CT

    Apr. 24 – MVP Arena – Albany, NY

    Apr. 25 – Utica Memorial Auditorium – Utica, NY

    Apr. 26 – Mohegan Sun Arena At Casey Plaza – Wilkes Barre, PA

    Jun. 08 – Carolina Country Music Fest 2025 – Myrtle Beach, SC

    Jun. 20 – WYRK Taste of Country 2025 – Buffalo, NY

    Jul. 10 – Country Concert – Fort Loramie, OH

  • Albany Phish Shows Raise $4 Million for Divided Sky Foundation

    It has been just over a week since Phish played three shows in Albany, raising $4M from ticket and merchandise sales, as well as live stream fees, all to support the Divided Sky Residential Recovery Foundation and the recently opened facility in Ludlow, VT.

    Phish
    photo by Conor McMahon

    The non-profit addiction recovery organization started by Trey Anastasio has set a $10M fundraising campaign goal to support the facility through capital improvements, future property acquisitions, increasing staff and ensure a scholarship fund that remains accessibly to anyone in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

    “It’s hard to put into words how grateful we are to Phish and their fans for this generosity. But this isn’t about words–it’s about action. And because of these concerts, we will be able to help many more people take charge of their lives and to recover from addictions.” 

    Melanie Gulde, Program Director and co-founder of Divided Sky

    Watch the video below for an overview of the Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program featuring testimonials from Anastasio, Gulde, guests, alumni, and staff.

    This type of fundraising haul is not atypical for Phish. In 2023, Phish performed two benefit concerts at SPAC, raising over $3.5M for flood recovery efforts in Vermont and Upstate New York and welcoming special guest Derek Trucks. There are also two Phish charities – the band’s Waterwheel Foundation and the fan-based Mockingbird Foundation – have both raised millions of dollars for local causes and charities since their inceptions in the late 1990s (Ed. note: I am on the Board of Directors of Mockingbird Foundation, supporting music education across the country.)

    The hometown show feeling provided a unique buzz in the air to the pre and post-show festivities, for although Phish was here in 2018, the mid-week shows were marked by cold and rain, and aren’t the most memorable shows the band has played on South Pearl Street.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PofMFlw8MJI

    The mellow anxiety of seeing so many people at the hometown venue fed into the buzz, a unique combination as a trio of shows were upon the crowd. Friday night’s show paid tribute to Phil Lesh, who passed away earlier that day, and the band brought out the jams early as well as throughout a huge second set.

    Saturday night opened with “Possum,” just as the Saturday show in 2000 began, and a well rounded set highlighted by “Stash,” “Tube” and “Bathtub Gin” laid the groundwork for an action packed Set 2. From “Disease” onward, there was hardly a moment to breathe, let alone be distracted by Game 2 of the World Series, until late in the set during “Lonely Trip” where the unfortunate few who looked up at TVs near the bar had to suffer for the only letdown of the weekend. The “Dave’s Energy Guide” tease in Fuego (around the 9-minute mark) was just one highlight of this set, where deep improv driven by Page McConnell aided in keeping fans as dialed in as the band was.

    By Sunday, where the banner hanging in the rafters would need to change from 16 to 19 shows, this friends and family affair started with shout-outs contained in the lyrics to “Heavy Things” and the newer “What’s Going Through Your Mind.” A bust-out of “Access Me” followed, along with spooky jams in “My Friend, My Friend” and an intense, never-ending jam in “Kill Devil Falls.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MguC2nYEK7U

    For the five-song second set, “Everything’s Right” led the way for a 16-minute installment, followed by “Chalkdust Torture” going beyond the 23-minute mark, and “Mercury” – complete with a restructured intro – following suit. A breather from “Wading in the Velvet Sea” gave way to the original McConnell Vida Blue number, “Most Events Aren’t Planned” which has found a second life since appearing during Phish’s Baker’s Dozen.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9w1K0pIncw

    To close the run, you might have expected “Divided Sky” but that would mean Phish doing something predictable. Instead, a four song encore, punctuated by the opening “Gotta Jibboo” (shout out to Albany’s Jibboo Crew!), with “Waste,” “Bug” and “Character Zero” closing the run of three incredible and charitable concerts.

    Now, for those who attended the shows, you knew the cause was charitable given the month of rumors preceding the announcement of the shows, but there were times when the local media might have otherwise not known. The initial news of the concert announcement was shared of course, but when Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple sent out his press release noting a total of four arrests from the concert weekend, this is where the local media in Albany (like WTEN) could have made a small effort to tie the charitable aspect of the shows to the minor number of arrests (with around 50,000 tickets sold, that’s a ridiculously small percent of attendees – if they even were – at 0.008%) or go a step further and compare these few arrests to other local concerts held at MVP Arena.

    Running pat-on-the-back news makes sense for Sinclair-owned WRGB, but the disservice begins with ignoring the purpose behind these shows, which supports those most affected by opiate addiction, by eschewing the steps taken by the other 99% of attendees to these shows that supports the treatment center in Ludlow, VT.

    Beyond that, three concerts in a row at MVP Arena are an economic boon to the city, with sold out hotels across the region, full restaurants and bars on Pearl Street, and Downtown Albany seeing a busy weekend of tax revenue coming into the region, much from out of state. These tax dollars from music tourism are a real thing that continue revitalization efforts in the local economies of music destinations like Albany; whether the local media wants to investigate this angle remains to be seen.

    WNYT’s Zach Richter gave ample coverage to the shows with a focus on the Divided Sky Foundation, one that presents the cause as tied to the band through Anastasio’s recovery journey since his 2006 arrest in Whitehall brought him to sobriety. But when the arrests are shared in a Monday segment, no connection between the two is made.

    The Times Union did not run the story on the arrests, instead opting for a brief review and gallery of the shows, a true look at the shows with a focus after the fact on the charity side of the shows. Why is the TU the outlier here, when all the information on the shows is readily available to anyone seeking the answer? But therein lies the rub – you have to want to seek out more than what is spoonfed to you. Otherwise, you’ll eat anything they feed you.

    With $4M raised from the shows, I would challenge these outlets to find out what other bands and artists out there do anything similar, and focus on the benefits of these shows – in and out of the arena – rather than the few bad apples.

    You can support the Divided Sky Foundation by picking up merch from the shows, or visit the website directly here

    Less than two months to go until Phish celebrates their 16th New Years Eve at Madison Square Garden. Get more info here.

  • Phish Honors Phil Lesh with “Box of Rain”, Begin Albany Run

    On a crisp fall day full of anticipation for Phish’s return to Albany, a mist hung over the pre-show festivities with the news of the passing of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh.  The chatter of whether this would be noted or honored by Phish – when, and how – was debated by fans gathered around South Pearl from Beaver St. to Hudson Ave.

    Phish Albany Box of Rain
    photo by Conor McMahon

    Those conversations were quickly put to rest with the opening notes of “Box of Rain,” Phish’s first ever performance of the Lesh and Robert Hunter penned tune, and the first time for the four members to cover the Grateful Dead in more than 26 years (not including Bob Weir’s 2016 Nashville sit-in)

    And with that, the show was off and running. Following the emotional “Box of Rain,” Phish dropped “The Moma Dance” into a traditional second slot, followed by a boisterous “Free.” The flow was set early with this trio of tunes as the first three-night Phish run in Albany was underway.

    Phish Albany Box of Rain
    photo by Conor McMahon

    A mellowing “Dirt” gave way to “Wolfman’s Brother,” which Lesh notably performed a stellar version with Phish in April 1999 at the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco. “No Man in No Man’s Land” and a deep “Theme From the Bottom” filled in next, with “Steam” and “Sand” closing the first set.

    Setlist art by Coventry Phish

    The second set began just before 10pm with a nearly 10 minute “Blaze On” (9:59 to be exact), giving way to the one of the biggest jams of the night in “Piper,” with a “Carol of the Bells” tease in “Piper” bringing Christmas a little early to the Capital Region.

    photo by Conor McMahon

    Segueing from a steady “Piper” jam into “Light,” the second set vehicle of “Tweezer” kept the improv-heavy set flowing, dipping into “The Wedge,” and a pair of songs perfect for Halloween, “The Howling” and “Monsters.” And while “Backwards Down the Numberline” could have closed the set, a fan on the rail very likely influenced the closing rocker found in “Carini.”

    Phish Albany Box of Rain
    photo by Conor McMahon

    An encore that kept the show rolling close to midnight began with “Sleeping Monkey,” the first in more than two years. Just when you think they’d wrap things up with “Tweezer Reprise,” the opening riffs of “Ghost” appeared, pushing the expected encore into the realm of the unexpected, finally seguing into “Tweeprise,” just as Freddie Freeman ended Game 1 of the World Series with a grand slam. Not the ending Yankees fans wanted, but a celebration nonetheless for Phish fans in Albany or home on the couch.

    Phish Albany Box of Rain
    photo by Conor McMahon

    Phish continues their run on Saturday night. Get the scoop on what to do before and after the shows here.

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Phish – MVP Arena, Albany, NY – Friday, October 25, 2024

    Set 1: Box of Rain[1], The Moma Dance > Free, Dirt, Wolfman’s Brother, No Men In No Man’s Land, Theme From the Bottom, Steam, Sand

    Set 2: Blaze On -> Piper -> Light -> Tweezer -> The Wedge, The Howling, Monsters, Backwards Down the Number Line > Carini

    Encore: Sleeping Monkey > Ghost -> Tweezer Reprise

    [1] Phish debut.

    Box of Rain made its Phish debut after the passing of Phil Lesh earlier in the day. Carol of the Bells was teased in Piper. Mike teased the bass line from Shakedown Street in The Howling. This show was a benefit for Divided Sky Foundation.

    Phish – MVP Arena, Albany, NY – Saturday, October 26, 2024

    Set 1: Possum, Sigma Oasis > Back on the Train, Nothing, Stash, Bouncing Around the Room, Tube > Bathtub Gin, More

    Set 2: Prince Caspian > Down with Disease[1] > Ruby Waves > Fuego > What’s the Use? > Golden Age > Lonely Trip, Harry Hood

    Encore: Golgi Apparatus > Slave to the Traffic Light

    [1] Unfinished.

    Trey teased Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 during Back on the Train and In Memory of Elizabeth Reed during Stash. Nothing was played for the first time since June 1, 2022 (118 shows). Down With Disease was unfinished. Page teased The Little Drummer Boy at the end of Harry Hood. This show was a benefit for Divided Sky Foundation.

    Phish – MVP Arena, Albany, NY – Sunday, October 27, 2024

    Set 1: Heavy Things, What’s Going Through Your Mind, Access Me, My Friend, My Friend, My Sweet One, Limb By Limb, Mountains in the Mist, Kill Devil Falls, Walls of the Cave

    Set 2: Everything’s Right > Chalk Dust Torture, Mercury, Wading in the Velvet Sea, Most Events Aren’t Planned

    Encore: Gotta Jibboo, Waste > Bug > Character Zero

    Access Me was played for the first time since August 31, 2019 (185 show gap). Trey teased We’re Off to See the Wizard during Limb By Limb. Stash was teased during Chalk Dust Torture. This show was a benefit for Divided Sky Foundation.

    Photos by Conor McMahon

    phish albany
    phish albany

  • 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.

  • Trey Anastasio Releases Instrumental Album ‘Atriums’

    Phish lead guitarist Trey Anastasio has officially released a new guitar-only instrumental album entitled Atriums via Rubber Jungle Records. The music is culled from years of experimental soundchecks and selections that were played in the public spaces, namely the atrium, at Las Vegas’ Sphere during the band’s recent run there in April. Proceeds from this new release will benefit the Divided Sky Foundation and its newly opened facility in Ludlow, Vermont.

    Anastasio and Phish – renowned for creating immersive concert experiences – took full advantage at Sphere, utilizing sculptures, light and sound to transform the hallways of the futuristic venue. Those ambient soundscapes are now released as ATRIUMS. The six-track album doesn’t feature any strange song names but the music is far from ordinary and each one is approximately 15 minutes in length and offers a unique sonic composition consisting primarily of droning loops, echoes, and waves of tonal feedback layered with gentle, melodic fretwork.

    “Atrium 1” features some harrowing, echoey guitar effects interspersed with brief moments of digital feedback. Whereas “Atrium 3” has a more blissful demeanor with simple, repetitive melodies on a loop, not too dissimilar from how the band’s “secret” third set at Mondegreen started where they played behind a screen of accompanying visuals instead of in front of one like Sphere. See below for all selections from the recently released Atriums.

    In addition to this album, Phish also recently announced a special three-day run of shows in Albany, NY at MVP Arena that will also serve as a benefit to the Divided Sky Foundation. A limited amount of tickets can still be found on tickemaster.com.

  • Blake Shelton’s “Friends & Heroes” 2025 Tour Coming to Albany March 8

    Country superstar Blake Shelton is bringing his 2025 “Friends & Heroes” Tour to the MVP Arena in Albany March 8, with appearances by Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, and Trace Adkins in addition to special guest Emily Ann Roberts.

    Blake Shelton Tour

    American singer-songwriter, television personality, and country music star, Blake Shelton is a household name for fans of today’s country scene. Whether it’s from his 12 albums, his countless singles- 28 of which charted number one, his appearances as a coach on NBC’s The Voice, or his marriage to Gwen Stefani, most are familiar with Blake Shelton’s name. 

    Born and raised in Oklahoma, Shelton has been pursuing music from the very beginning. Immediately after graduating high school, he moved to Nashville and worked his way up to a production contract with Sony Music. After a short period of work for the company and eventually signing as a singer-songwriter with Giant Records, Blake Shelton released his debut single “Austin”, landing him his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks. Three months later, he released his debut studio album under Warner Bros. Records, and the rest is history.

    Eleven albums, countless awards, and a long list of other accomplishments later, Blake Shelton is returning to the touring lifestyle just off the heels of his Las Vegas residency for his Friends & Heroes 2025 tour, which showcases just that- the musical works of his heroes and friends in the industry. 

    Reviving the concept after the initial Friends & Heroes tour in 2019, the 2025 lineup will feature Grand Ole Opry member and Army veteran Craig Morgan, singer-songwriter and active voice for Artist & Creators with Advocacy in Washington D.C. Deana Carter, singer-songwriter, actor, and two-decade Grand Ole Opry member Trace Adkins, and previous member of Blake Shelton’s team on The Voice, rising country star Emily Ann Roberts.

    “The ‘Friends & Heroes’ Tour is one of my favorite tours because as a fan, I can’t think of a cooler concert to see. I get spoiled every night seeing these icons come out and do four or five of the biggest hits of their storied careers. And then get introduced to new talent like Emily Ann. I can’t wait.”

    – Blake Shelton

    Once more, Shelton is partnering with the social platform Propellor to support the work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Through this partnership, concertgoers can enter to win exclusive experiences and prizes through the Friends & Heroes tour, all while supporting one of the leading research centers for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

    Friends & Heroes will be coming to New York on March 8 at the MVP Arena on Saturday, March 8. Ticket sales will begin Friday, September 13 at 10:00 AM local time. For more details and ticket purchasing, please visit here.

    The full list of tour dates is below.

    TOUR DATES

    February 27 – Lexington, KY / Rupp Arena

    February 28 – Knoxville, TN / Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center

    March 1 – Greensboro, NC / Greensboro Coliseum

    March 6 – Newark, NJ / Prudential Center

    March 7 – Boston, MA / TD Garden

    March 8 – Albany, NY / MVP Arena

    March 13 – Greenville, SC / Bon Secours Wellness Arena

    March 14 – North Charleston, SC / North Charleston Coliseum

    March 15 – Atlanta, GA / State Farm Arena

    March 20 – Baltimore, MD / CFG Bank Arena

    March 21 – Uncasville, CT / Mohegan Sun Arena

    March 22 -State College, PA / Bryce Jordan Center

  • Phish to Play MVP Arena in October; Shows Benefit Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program

    Phish surprised fans today with the announcement of a trio of fall shows at MVP Arena in Albany, slated for Friday, October 25, Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27. The fall weekend shows will benefit The Divided Sky Foundation.

    photo by Derek Java

    Phish has a storied history in Albany, having played 17 shows in the city since 1989, starting at Pauly’s Hotel, and last having played in the Cradle of the Union in 2018. There are of course a history of shows in Saratoga Springs, both at Skidmore along with shows at SPAC, most recently in 2023 when Derek Trucks showed up, which was also a benefit, in that case for flood victims and recovery in Upstate New York and Vermont.

    These October shows, however, will be the first ever three night run for Phish in Albany. Read more in our history of Phish in Albany – Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

    shirt design by Drew Suto

    100% of profits from the two shows will benefit the Divided Sky Foundation, which was established in 2020 during the Beacon Jams (held by Trey Anastasio at the Beacon Theatre over eight weeks during quarantine), to build and support a residential recovery program created for people who want recovery. With a non-clinical model, Divided Sky Foundation is designed to motivate and inspire without judgment, recognizing that addiction is a disease and not an absence of willpower.

    Housing up to 46 guests, the Divided Sky facility is a newly-remodeled former hotel with a stunning view of nearby Okemo Mountain, offering a non-clinical program anchored in the 12 Steps, emotional sobriety, and mindfulness. The Albany benefit concerts will enable Divided Sky to continue to make its immersive Residential Recovery Program affordable to all, with partial scholarships available to those who demonstrate need. 

    A limited number of complimentary “Gratitude Tickets” will be made available to recovery professionals, recognizing their essential work helping individuals and families affected by addiction. Anyone who works in recovery or a related mental health field may request tickets at DividedSky.org/benefit. (Priority will be given based on geographic location, with an emphasis on New York State and New England.)

    The Phish shows will take place at Albany’s MVP Arena (née Knickerbocker Arena, a.k.a. Pepsi Arena, Times Union Center), in downtown Albany on South Pearl Street. The weekend shows, while just before Halloween, are not implied to suggest any Halloween shenanigans as Phish is known for, but you can never rule out surprises with a pair of fall shows like this.

    A ticket request period is open here until Monday, September 16 at 12pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 20, at 12pm. Travel packages are available here starting on September 11. A special pre-show reception will be held on Saturday, October 26. Tickets will be available for this event both during the Phish ticket request period and during the public on-sale.

    Stay tuned for plenty of pre and post-show events lined up for October 25-27 when Phish returns to Albany.

  • Megadeth Seeks to Destroy All Enemies in Albany on September 10

    Get ready headbangers, your chance to witness one of the most iconic bands in heavy music history is right around the corner.  Fresh off destroying throat cancer, Dave Mustaine’s legendary Megadeth are back and bringing their “Destroy All Enemies” tour to the MVP Arena in Albany on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30pm.

    Featuring fellow heavy metal juggernauts Mudvayne and All That Remains, the stacked lineup is a “can’t miss” for fans of unapologetic, full throttle in-your-face metal anthems.

    megadeth albany
    Megadeth brings their “Destroy All Enemies” Tour to the MVP Arena on September 10th.

    Fueled by revenge in 1983 by frontman and guitarist Dave Mustaine after his split from Metallica, the Grammy Award winning Megadeth would go on to sell over 50 million albums worldwide and become one of the most influential bands in thrash music. One of the “Big Four” on metal’s Mount Rushmore, they are currently supporting their sixteenth studio album, The Sick, The Dying…and the Dead! Returning to the Albany venue for the first time since 2007, Megadeth’s rich history in the Capital Region dates all the way back to 1987 when they demolished the now demolished Colonie Coliseum (a.k.a. Starlite Music Theatre) in Latham.

    After pummeling the Palace Theatre a year later, the band would make their debut at the MVP Arena (formerly known as the Knickerbocker Arena) in January of 1991. With their highly anticipated return on Tuesday now 17 years in the making, this event is shaping up to be a celebration of both the band’s storied past and the enduring future of heavy metal, making it a must for longtime and new fans alike.

    At the heart of Megadeth’s success is the legendary Dave Mustaine, whose artistic vision, guitar skills and songwriting are central to the band’s identity. Mustaine’s playing style is a unique blend of fast, intricate rhythms and blistering solos, rooted in both punk aggression and classical influences. His aggressive down-picking technique and complex, jazz-inspired solos have made him one of the most respected guitarists in the genre. Despite his musical triumphs, he’s also faced significant challenges, particularly in his health. In 2019, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, leading to a brief hiatus for the band.

    However, Mustaine made a triumphant return to the stage after beating the illness, showing his resilience and commitment to his craft. His comeback is a testament to his status as a metal warrior, and fans at the MVP Arena can expect him to deliver a powerhouse performance. In addition to Mustaine, Megadeth’s current lineup includes Teemu Mäntysaari on guitar, James LoMenzo on bass, and Dirk Verbeuren on drums. Longtime followers can expect a setlist packed with hits like “Symphony of Destruction,” “Sweating Bullets,” “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due,” and “Hangar 18,” along with selections from their latest album, The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!

    Megadeth brings their “Destroy All Enemies” Tour to the MVP Arena on September 10th.

    Opening the show are two heavy hitters in Mudvayne and All That Remains. Following their groundbreaking debut album L.D. 50 in 2000, Mudvayne have become bona fide legends of the scene. With their nightmare inducing, freak-show presentation that includes painted faces and blood splatter, their fusion of nu-metal, progressive, and alternative metal has aged far better than most of their peers. Returning from hiatus in 2021, Mudvayne’s high-energy performance style is a perfect warm-up for Megadeth’s intense set. All That Remains bring a melodic metalcore sound to the bill. Founded in 1998, they’ve released nine albums, including The Fall of Ideals, which is considered a modern metalcore classic.

    For music lovers in the Capital Region, this concert is an opportunity to see one of metal’s greatest bands in action, with a setlist that spans across decades of iconic songs. For new fans, it’s a chance to experience Megadeth’s legendary status firsthand, witness the skill of Dave Mustaine and his bandmates, and be introduced to a new generation of metal through Mudvayne and All That Remains. Whether you’re a seasoned metalhead or just getting into the genre, the “Destroy All Enemies” tour at MVP Arena on September 10th is guaranteed to be a night of pure, unrelenting power, ultra-frenetic riffing, rapid solos, and headbanging anthems you don’t want to miss. Great tickets are still available.

    megadeth albany

  • MVP Arena To Host Red, White, and Brew Festival Honoring Vets

    On Saturday, September 14, the Red, White, and Brew festival will go on outside Albany’s MVP Arena, honoring veterans with lots of music. The block party will take place on South Pearl Street, featuring a slate of local and nationally recognized country artists. Headlining the festival is country musician and veteran Craig Morgan.

    Red, White, and Brew Festival

    The festival is pulling out all the stops for its first year with help from Albany County, MVP Health Care, and their Innovation Partnership. The day starts at 2 PM with a set from Amsterdam, NY’s beloved country band, Skeeter Creek. The following performance is by country singer, Darryl Worley, known for songs like “Have You Forgotten.” The final set of the day is renowned soldier-turned-country artist, Craig Morgan with hits such as, “That’s What I Love About Sunday” and “Redneck Yacht Club.”

    Each artist intertwines respect and honor for anyone who has served, with country music, that is both serious and lighthearted. Whether attendees know their music or not, this lineup of performers will undoubtedly provide the perfect soundtrack to the day.

    It is important to show our gratitude to those who have served this country. Serving comes with great sacrifice and great risk, and hosting events to celebrate our Veterans is a small way to show appreciation for their courage and dedication. The Red White and Brew Festival is an opportunity for Veterans and families to enjoy good company, food, and music.

    Daniel P. McCoy, Albany County Exectutive

    The festival at MVP Arena is open to the public, with many things to do besides the music. Offerings include vendor booths, a variety of food options, and of course, craft beers.

    For more information about the Red White, and Brew Festival in Albany at MVP Arena, visit mvparena.com.