Put down your farming tools and pick up a program, the Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons Concert Tour has announced a show in Albany’s own Palace Theatre in 2025.
With over 30 million copies sold across all major platforms and 12 translations, Stardew is a major success for an indie project – a testament to both the passion of the creator and the vibrant fanbase that has been cultivated.
If you ask anyone passionate about the cozy game genre what they would recommend, one of the first titles to crop up would likely be Stardew Valley.
An indie title beloved for its open-endedness that allows players to grow crops and livestock, mine in the cavern and fight mysterious hidden monsters within, spend in-game days fishing at sea (or wherever else your heart desires), socialize with the townsfolk, and either take things at your own pace or maximize efficiency to the umpteenth degree, Stardew Valley has something for everyone.
Largely inspired by its farming simulation predecessor Harvest Moon, players begin the game by learning of their inheritance of their late grandfather’s farm tucked away in a quaint community named Pelican Town. Developed by Eric Barone, colloquially known online as ConcernedApe, Stardew Valley is even more beloved as a solo development venture of Barone’s- a labor of love down to every aspect, especially when it comes to the game’s soundtrack.
Curated by Barone himself, Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons will transport audiences into the quaint Pelican Town and beyond into all of the whimsical nooks and crannies the Valley and beyond have to offer. This exciting tour will make its stop in Albany on October 30, 2025 at the Palace Theatre.
A reinvention of the game’s first concert tour which sold out in record time, Festival of Seasons, Symphony of Seasons returns bigger and better with a 35-piece orchestra and entirely new arrangements of tracks from the game spanning Pelican Town to Ginger Island, Calico Desert to the Wizard’s Tower.
Accompanying the orchestra’s performance will be a screen displaying gameplay from Stardew itself in addition to original content created exclusively for the concert series under ConcernedApe’s supervision.
“It was a special experience to hear the music of Stardew Valley performed live in concert for the first tour, surrounded by fans of Stardew Valley. But now, with the upcoming Symphony of Seasons, we’ll hear the music in a bigger and grander way, with a larger orchestra and additional songs from the game. I’m really looking forward to it!”
– Eric Barone (ConcernedApe)
As with the last set of shows, fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to arrive dressed in their best game-themed clothing and costume. In addition, event-exclusive merchandise will be available to purchase the night of.
Tickets for Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons at the Palace Theatre in Albany on October 30, 2025 will go live on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 9:00 AM. For more information on how to attend and purchase tickets, visit Palace Theatre’s official event page for the whimsical evening here.
The Albany Symphony plans to take the holiday season to new heights with their “Magic of Christmas” concert at The Palace Theatre this December.
The award-winning Albany Symphony provides a whole lot of extra sparkle this holiday season in one of the Capital Region’s favorite holiday musical traditions. On Sunday, December 8, “The Magic of Christmas” fills The Palace Theatre with festive holiday music, family fun and special guests. The Albany Symphony and its sleigh-full of hometown talent will delight and entertain audiences of all ages with an afternoon of holiday musical favorites, a carol sing-along and a visit from the big man in the red suit.
In keeping with the Albany Symphony’s longtime role as a collaborator, the orchestra is proud to be joined by community partners, including The Music Studio, Capital District Youth Chorale, Rince go Brach (formerly Boland) School of Irish Dance, Northeast Ballet, Saratoga Springs High School Choraliers, and Schalmont High School Concert Choir.
Founded in 1930 in New York’s Capital Region, the Albany Symphony serves a diverse regional audience covering more than seven counties and parts of three states. In addition to an eight-concert subscription season, an annual multi-day American Music Festival including performances by the orchestra’s genre-bending ensemble Dogs of Desire, and a host of education and community outreach events, the Albany Symphony regularly serves as an ambassador for new music and Upstate innovation beyond the Capital Region.
“The Magic of Christmas” takes place from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on Sunday, December 8 at The Palace Theatre in downtown Albany. Conducted by David Alan Miller, prepare for an afternoon of festive family fun and cheer. Sponsored in part by Price Chopper and Market 32, the concert is jam-packed with holiday classics. Like everything the Albany Symphony does, the afternoon includes a medley of familiar and brand-new tunes, including “Joy to the World,” “Sing Noel,” “Santa’s Holly Jolly Little Christmas,” Nutcracker selections with dancers, and much more. In traditional joyful fanfare, audiences join in a Christmas sing-along to close the program.
For more information on “The Magic of Christmas” concert at The Palace Theatre on Dec 8 and to purchase tickets, click here.
Get the scoop on what to do before and after Phish during their three-night run in Albany over October 25-27!
photo by Dave DeCrescente
Formed in 1983 through flyers across the University of Vermont’s campus, Phish has had a career of steady incline for more than four decades. Amassing more than eight million sales in the United States, 14 studio albums, a seemingly endless list of live shows under their belt, and their own record label named JEMP records, Phish is a legendary psychedelic-rock-jam fusion to be reckoned with.
Comprised of members Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon, and Page McConnell, Phish has accomplished what most bands have not in the face of multiple group hiatuses and solo endeavors- a legacy as one of the most influential jam bands that spans the first four decades of their achievements thus far and extends well into the prospective future.
With roots in the Northeast, Phish’s connection to New York can not be understated. The band has performed 83 shows in Manhattan’s historic Madison Square Garden to date, surpassing Elton John in 2023 to become the second most frequent musical act to grace the Garden’s stage behind record-holder Billy Joel.
The metro area hasn’t been the only one to experience the magic of Phish’s live performance, however. The group has traveled up and down the entire state, a feat highlighted in our three part series exploring their endeavors in Albany in particular over the course of several decades. Read part one, two, and three here.
Albany has hosted Phish countless times over the course of their career, making it one of few cities they still frequent where fans can track their progression as a band over the course of their visits to the area. Beginning in Albany at the city’s oldest bar Pauly’s Hotel to a crowd of 30-40 fans back in 1989, Phish has worked their way up to a three night stay at the MVP Arena this October 25-27.
In a historic announcement, Phish will be playing their first ever three show run in which 100% of the concert and merchandise profits will go to the Divided Sky Foundation. Established in 2020 during the Beacon Jams, Divided Sky Foundation dedicates themselves to building and supporting a non-clinical residential recovery program that recognizes that addiction is a disease and not an absence of willpower.
Colloquially known by its original name of Knickerbocker Arena, the MVP Arena will be host to Phish and thousands of devoted Phish heads over the course of the exciting and deeply meaningful weekend. For those in attendance, there’s a lot to know about attending the shows and everything in between for the weekend of Phish! But don’t worry- we’ve got you covered.
Primarily, the shows themselves- be sure to check the Arena’s extensive list of policies including bags and prohibited items on the event’s page before you leave home here.
Once at the venue, there are multiple entrances depending on which is nearest you. The main entrance faces Market Street, but if using the MVP Arena parking lot, visitors can use the arena entrance on level three. The Beaver Street entrance provides another route into the arena itself as well.
In addition to attending an unforgettable evening- or evenings- of live music, there’s plenty to see and do in Albany, Phish adjacent and beyond. Fans may find themselves enjoying a grilled cheese at the “Cheesiest Phish Pre Party,’ or adventuring through the Albany Capital Center for the 2024 Dead Man’s Hand Tattoo Expo that spans the duration of the weekend.
Looking for events to explore on a particular day? Read the day-by-day breakdown of the weekend of Phish below.
FRIDAY: OCTOBER 25
Prior to the opening evening, Gratefully Yours will be performing a free pre-show at the casual food and live entertainment venue Ophelia’s at 4:00 PM- only two blocks from MVP Arena. Later that evening the band will return to the stage for a $20 post-show performance with doors at 10:00 PM and a start time of 11:00 PM.
In addition to Gratefully Yours, The Big Dig Live will host a free groovy afterparty at The City Beer Hall with doors at 10:30 PM and a start time of 11:00 PM, and Lark Hall will be hosting The Jerry Dance Party with DJ Jerrbrother. Doors open at 11:00 PM and tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
SATURDAY: OCTOBER 26
Day two will open with a variety of events including a Divided Sky Foundation pre-show hosted by The WaterWheel Foundation, a PhanArt hometown art show and live music event, and another morning set at Ophelia’s that will loop back around for the evening post-Phish.
A Divided Sky Foundation pre-show event hosted by The WaterWheel Foundation will take place on the 26 prior to the event, a benefit exclusive to ticket holders who purchased the package alongside their ticket or ticket request.
If tickets to the Divided Sky Foundation pre-show aren’t in your hands, don’t worry. There’s plenty more to explore in the area, like the PhanArt Show at the Palace Theatre. In association with Mirth Films, PhanArt presents some of the scene’s best known artists as well as some of the area’s rising stars. From 12:00 to 5:00 PM, attendees can collect exclusive art and apparel, enjoy live music from acts like Kale and Sweeping Views, and treat themselves to free Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food as courtesy of Lark Street Ben & Jerry’s.
Annie In The Water will be the artist in residence at Ophelia’s for October 26, with a free acoustic set pre-Phish and two electric sets after the show at 10:00 PM with tickets at $20.
Saturday’s after parties also include acts like the Beau Sasser Trio, Adrian Tramontano, and Justin Hendricks coming together for a free show at The City Beer Hall with doors at 10:30 PM and show at 11:00 PM, and the Dude of Life Band alongside special guest Ella Fishman at the Empire Underground starting at 11:15 PM. Partial proceeds from the Dude of Life Band’s after party will benefit the Waterwheel Foundation with tickets priced at just under $34.
In addition to these incredible acts, The Jerry Dance Party with DJ Jerrbrother will return for one more night to wrap Saturday evening at Lark Hall in partnership with DayGlo and Nectar. Tickets are priced at $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
SUNDAY: OCTOBER 27
The weekend of Phish will conclude on the 27th. While there isn’t anything Phish-y to attend outside of the final performance that evening, the Albany Comic Con will be hosted at the Polish Community Center just a fifteen minute drive away from MVP Arena. Tickets are $10 online or at the door all day Sunday.
This is Part 1 of a series looking at the history of Phish in Albany. Read Part 2 and Part 3 here.
On October 16 and 17, 2018, Phish performed their 16th and 17th shows in Albany, a town that has played host to the band for nearly 30 years. Their long and storied history in New York’s capital dates back to when they were a mere bar band hungry to be heard, and their upward trend of success in their early career can be clearly tracked based on venues they played in the city as the years went on. There are very few cities that Phish still plays where you can track their progression as a band, and get a full snapshot of who they are/were by only listening to shows played in that city.
From the goofy bar band to the machine gun, rockstar days of Trey to cowfunk grooves, you can find almost any kind of Phish by listening to shows they played in Albany, and thankfully for us, that story is far from finished. We take a step back and remember the life-changing shows that took place in the city years before to (somehow) get even more excited for what’s to come.
Pauly’s Hotel, 5/11/1989
The first time Phish came to Albany, they performed to a crowd of 30-40 at Pauly’s Hotel, Albany’s oldest bar, dating back to the Civil War, and served as a home for Union soldiers returning from the conflict. While there is no known setlist for this show, Mike’s notes revealed that his bass was stolen out of the band’s truck (JEMP) at the loadout and never seen again.
Phish fans were few at the time, since this was their first trip to the Capital District from their roots in Burlington, so many in attendance were experiencing Phish simply because they were the band on the bill that night. Pauly’s has a history of music nearly every single night of the week, so you can stop in for a beer and catch a wide variety of musical acts for a small cover charge.
Pauly’s Hotel
Two fans who experienced Phish for the first time this night did so by design, and by accident. John Boeheim of Pawling, NY, was a SUNY Albany student at the time and heard of Phish from a Deadhead friend who went to Union College. Pauly’s was a short walk from his Ontario St. apartment and cover was only $5. John recalls the band playing “You Enjoy Myself” due to the trampolines that were used (likely with minimal effort by Trey and Mike with such a low ceiling above the stage), as well as “La Grange” and “Fee,” because a megaphone was used that night by Trey. There was a lot of banter from the band but no level of anticipation in the building – few, if any, had seen Phish before.
John recently went to Pinks NYC on the Lower East Side of Manhattan for a stream of the shows at Dick’s Sporting Goods park over Labor Day weekend. The experience left an impression on him – “These guys can still draw me to a tiny bar, with people new and unfamiliar, and this is happening at numerous bars around the country. What they are today compared to what they are then, the stream was just a step above couch tour where being 2,000 miles away didn’t damper the enjoyment.”
For John, it was like seeing a bar band, and that first night he may not have written down the setlist but they did have Junta tapes for sale, which he purchased, along with his friend Linda Lawrence, who was also seeing Phish for the first time, but unintentionally.
“I didn’t go to Pauly’s to see them, I went to the bar for beers with a friend who worked at WROW with me in promotions. I was about to drive across the country and live music wasn’t the plan tonight. We sat at the bar and maybe 25-30 people were there, There was crappy weather that night and the rumor was that Mike’s bass was stolen after the show.
“I picked up the Junta cassette from the merch table and I remember them playing “Divided Sky” because they were talking about the Rhombus and I had no idea what that meant. When I listened to Junta, I remembered that part of the show.”
“My first thought influence-wise was that Zappa was an influence of theirs. When Trey talked I thought his voice sounded like Zappa’s and that stuck out in my mind. I got a Zappa feeling about the compositional feel of how they played, and they were weird and goofy. The lyrics were obscure like Mothers of Invention but they were more zany lyrics than Mothers. I liked the jamming parts a lot.”
Palace Theatre, 11/20/1992
After a two year break from New York’s capital, the next time Phish returned their following had grown considerably, affording them to move out of the bars and into theaters. The Palace Theatre opened in 1931 as a “talkie” movie theater which presented vaudeville acts in between pictures. The modern incarnation of the theater opened up in 1989, just a few years before Phish’s first visit, with a capacity of 2,900.
Late into one of their heaviest touring years as a band, Phish came out firing on all cylinders with a high speed “Axilla”, and kept the pace up the entire show with a classic setlist that could have only been played in 1992. The first set highlights include a soaring “Reba,” a then rare extended “Stash” with Linus and Lucy teases, and a playful, unfinished “David Bowie” with a cover of Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line” breaking it up and multiple “Ring of Fire” teases tossed in for good measure.
Trey and Mike, Albany 92
The band showcased their compositional abilities in the second set with strong renditions of “Fluffhead,” “You Enjoy Myself,” and “Harry Hood” sprinkled throughout. Following “Hood”, in true early Phish fashion, the band made sure to embarrass Fishman by bringing him front and center with a cover of “Hold Your Head Up” which led to a playful rendition of Syd Barrett’s “Love You.” The band ended the second set with a little help from The Dude of Life who sang “Self,” a song he would record with the band a couple years later. Toss in an acapella “Amazing Grace” and a rocking cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times, Bad Times” and you’ve got yourself a stew.
Mark Durham can recall what the scene was like that night:
“The scene was typical for a Phish show; not too busy outside. There was a parking lot or two that had some folks hanging by the back of their cars, but no “shakedown” yet. It was tiny compared to anything they did later at the Pepsi Arena, but a little busier than the smaller shows. I was still able to walk in the back door showing no ID by saying that I was looking for a friend.”
“The crowd seemed a bit more organic and less frat like. They were still growing, and it seemed that if you didn’t like their music you just didn’t go. That being said, there were still plenty of chompers- just fewer and more spread out.”
“It was just amazing seeing them at the Palace. You know why it’s called that as soon as you walk in. I always felt that Phish played to the venue as well. With their more intricate performances being at places like the theater, and their edgier, harder playing was at the bars. When they got to the palace, they didn’t disappoint.”
Trey mentioned the Dude of Life in Suzy. Stash contained Linus and Lucy teases. Memories and Sweet Adeline were performed without microphones. Trey called Mike “The Man in Black” after I Walk The Line. Bowie was unfinished and included multiple Ring of Fire teases as well as a Jimmy Olsen’s Blues tease from Trey and a Simpsons signal in the intro. Chalk Dust and Tube contained Buried Alive teases from Trey. After Lengthwise, Trey wished a happy birthday to “Curtis” and then briefly teased Curtis Loew. Self (first since November 8, 1991, or 118 shows) featured The Dude of Life on vocals.
Palace Theatre, 5/5/1993
Less than six months after their debut show at the Palace Theatre, Phish returned to the capital district to play two sold out shows that are still highly regarded today. The first of which shares similarities with their 1992 Palace debut in the sense that the first set featured an extended “Stash,” The Dude of Life made a guest appearance, and “Amazing Grace” was performed acapella as an encore, but other than that they sound like a different band.
Mike Jenkins recalled what it was like being a Phish fan at this time, and how it changed:
“The early 90’s shows the relationship between the band and the fan base seemed more intimate. If you look at the ’93 setlist posted all of them have at least 1 song, usually in the 1st encore slot, where they performed acapella without miss. I don’t know if they could pull that off today. Not what they are doing now is better or worse, it’s all about perspective (ie. secret language vs. the woo).”
“Most fans held dear the “best kept secret”, “you don’t know what you’re missing”, and “you get it, or you don’t” vibe. As the band became more polarizing and popularity gained, as expected, the proportion of fans really into the music vs. attendees who wanted to be able to say they went to a show grew. The band and the legitimate fan base grew > grew apart > back together again > It’s all over > Holy Sh!t is this really happening > Growing pains > They’re Baaaaack!!! Personally, I am grateful for the 25+ year relationship I’ve had with this band and it’s fan base. It’s been the primary soundtrack of my life.”
Other than an explosive “Stash” the first set of 5/5/93 is relatively standard, though many of the songs performed were off their new album Rift, and thus never heard by many in attendance. Although the set was not out of the ordinary for 1993 standards each song was well-played with extra energy, and featured some interesting setlist calls, such as the “It’s Ice > Glide > Maze” before ending the set on a fiery “Golgi Apparatus.”
The second set is where things begin to get real interesting, real fast. It opens with an incredible segue fest of “Runaway Jim -> My Friend, My Friend -> Manteca -> My Friend, My Friend” which showcases the band’s ability to weave in and out of songs at will. They took no time to slow down with joyful renditions of “Poor Heart” and “Weigh” before giving the audience a chance to join in with “Big Ball Jam.”
If there was anything people would vividly remember from this run however, it’s the “You Enjoy Myself -> Jam” that closes the set. The stage was lined with musicians as The Dude of Life and the Aquarium Rescue Unit (at least Apt. Q-258 aka Jeff Sipe on drums, Oteil Burbridge on bass and vocals, and Jimmy Herring on guitar) took the stage for a bombardment of sound that just keeps giving and giving. After an acapella “Amazing Grace” in the first slot of the encore the band wasn’t finished messing around as they tossed the jazz classic “Take the A Train” square in the middle of a raging “Cavern.”
Tom Gazda recalled his experience at the show:
“5/5/93 was my second Phish show. During this time frame the band was playing a lot of Rift at shows and that was great for someone new to the band. With this being only my second Phish show, the whole “Big Ball Jam” had me like, “What the hell is this?” in the most positive sense. This seemed so far out the realm of what a rock band typically did. The YEM had a whole mess of additional people join them on stage (who I later learned was ARU and the Dude of Life). I got the sense I was supposed to know who they were, though I didn’t. I remember this going on forever and I actually found it to be slightly boring after a while.”
Phish – Palace Theatre – May 5, 1993
Set 1: Rift, Guelah Papyrus, Foam, Sparkle, Stash, Bouncing Around th Room, It’s Ice > Glide > Maze, Golgi Apparatus
Encore: Amazing Grace[4], Cavern > Take the ‘A’ Train > Cavern
It’s “Ice” contained a tease of “Pop Goes the Weasel” from Page and “Maze” contained Mission: Impossible theme teases from Page. The beginning of “My Friend” featured Trey on acoustic guitar. Trey dedicated “Ya Mar” to Sue on her birthday. “Ya Mar” subsequently included a “Two Princes” tease. YEM contained a “La Marseillaise” tease from Page and “Yield Not to Temptation” teases, did not contain a vocal jam, and was unfinished. The jam after YEM featured “The Aquarium Rescue Unit,” “the Dude of Life,” and Fish on vacuum. Amazing Grace was performed without microphones. The soundcheck’s Funky Bitch Blues contained a Funk #49 tease.
Palace Theatre, 5/6/1993
After wowing the crowd night one, Phish returned to the Palace for a second night where they did just as much damage to the historic building. They came out swinging with a hot “Chalkdust Torture” featuring “Lazy” by Deep Purple teases, a building “Mound” and dissonant “Split Open and Melt” to get the crowd amped. They continued the set with a handful of 1993 standards then broke away from the norm with a secret language filled “Possum” before welcoming up violinist Dick Solberg for an anything but standard “Lawn Boy.” The fun continued as they invited Jeff Walton to sing and play guitar with them as they closed the set as a sextet in true bluegrass fashion with “Why You Been Gone So Long,” “Tennessee Waltz,” and “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train.”
Albany 93 Palace Theater
The second set opened with an energetic “Suzy Greenburg” followed by a must-hear version of “Tweezer.” The melodic hose jamming in “Tweezer” is what dreams are made from as they jammed on Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion” and The Dude of Life’s “Crimes of the Mind” before settling down to a relatively “Tela.” If the “Tweezer” didn’t do it for you, then the “Mikes Song” that follows should do the trick as the band morphs into a jam out of The Beatle’s “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” with Dick Solberg reentering the stage before a clean segue back down south with “Rocky Top.”
Thomas King recalled what it was like being in attendance for the jam:
“One of my most memorable concert experiences is the -> from Mike’s to Ob-La-Di.I was fourth row in front of Mike, locked in on Trey…until Trey started vanishing. Then the people in front of me started vanishing. The smoke machines were billowing like Mt St Helens, but the sound was so clear. I could barely see my friends next to me- and then, the strobe lights!! During that -> I felt an ecstatic combination of utter freedom with a healthy dose of disorientation. I felt like anything could happen, and the band could do everything they wanted.”
It wouldn’t be right to go an entire run without Fishman taking the spotlight following a classic “Hold Your Head Up” moment. He dedicated “Crackling Rosie” to Neil, who was on tour, before the band concluded the set with Jeff Walton joining them for a unique version of “That’s Alright Mama.” They concluded the run with an acapella “Sweet Adeline” followed by “Contact>Tweezer Reprise” to remind everyone that despite all the fun, they could still rock.
Tom Gazda vividly remembered his experience from the night:
“5/6/93 was an amazing experience for me. The secret language in Possum was very intriguing. I really liked when Dick Solberg and Jeff Walton came out, and the songs they sang. It was as if the show I was seeing was briefly interrupted by a very different, yet also very cool bluegrass/old time country concert. The Big Ball jam, again, was very cool to be a part of as we were on the floor. I remember Page’s ending solo in Squirming Coil really floored me; I couldn’t believe how good it was.”
“But the highlight of the night was the “Ob-La-Di,-Ob-La-Da” during Mike’s. I remember it to this day. They were jamming hard in Mike’s and they were bouncing on the trampolines. Then the smoke machines kicked out the thickest roomful of smoke I’ve ever experienced and then the strobe lights turned on. We were dancing hard in the aisle, about 25 rows back on Mike’s side, jumping up and down along with the band and freaking out to effect the strobe lights created in the smoke that had engulfed us by this point. Then Trey started playing “Ob-La-Di,-Ob-La-Da” and it was nothing sort of magical, one of those moments when time sort of slows down and you get that weird sense of your body being half-numb. 25 years and 70-something shows later, and it remains one of my top Phish experiences, and really, one of my top life experiences. I love thinking about it.”
“Then Fishman came out and playing the hand crash cymbals, lead the crowd on a sing-along of Crackin Rosie, another thing that was so far from what I’ve ever experienced a rock band do. “Why the hell doesn’t every band do shit like this, it’s fun as hell!!!” As an encore they played an unamplified barbershop version of Sweet Adeline, yet another part of this show that was so unique (and cool). I walked out of the show in a state of a punch-drunk euphoria only to end up on the sidewalk next to the theater, between the building and band bus. I saw Page walking out and got to shake his hand and awkwardly told him “Loved the end of Squirming Coil” as only a stoned-out college kid could. We spoke with Jeff Walton for a while who was drinking a beer on the sidewalk and who seemed a bit punch drunk from the experience as well. Then we hung out with Mike a bit, shook his hand and got to hear him explain to a bass-playing girl some of the tricks on how to play the bassline to Split Open and Melt (he admitted it was Trey who wrote the bassline). As walked back to the car I remember me and my buddy Al seriously kicking around the possibility of us driving to New Hampshire for the show that Saturday night (the legendary 5/8/93 show). Listening to this show when it was released as part of the LivePhish series, I strongly regret not going to this show.”
“One the things that really struck me about this band Phish that I couldn’t get over was how different their shows were from the shows I’ve grown used to seeing. Growing up in Queens and having pretty permissive parents, I got to see a lot of arena shows, mostly at MSG and Nassau Coliseum (Shit, the second show I ever saw was the mind-bending 1987 Pink Floyd show at MSG as a wide-eyed 16 year old.) Walking into Phish I was accustomed to what a typical large scale rock concert was like. So, I was quite taken by all the stuff Phish did that was different than that – the trampolines, never-the-same-setlist, next-level lighting that worked so amazing with the music being played, the big ball jams, the non-amplified acapella songs, 2 sets, the secret language, meeting the band outside the gig, the idea that any song can go anywhere on any given night, etc. And while the music was such high energy and reached out and grabbed me like nothing else had before, I also really loved that they punctuated it with elements that was designed to be straight-up FUN.”
Phish – Palace Theatre – May 6, 1993
Set 1: Chalk Dust Torture, Mound, Split Open and Melt, The Horse[1] > Silent in the Morning > All Things Reconsidered >Llama, Fluffhead, Possum[2], Lawn Boy[3], Why You Been Gone So Long?[4], Tennessee Waltz[5], I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train[5]
Set 2: Suzy Greenberg > Tweezer, Tela > Uncle Pen, Big Ball Jam, The Squirming Coil, Mike’s Song -> Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da Jam -> Rocky Top[3], Hold Your Head Up[3] > Cracklin’ Rosie[3] > Hold Your Head Up[3], That’s Alright Mama[5]
Chalk Dust Torture contained Lazy (Deep Purple) teases from Trey. The Horse featured Trey on acoustic guitar. Possum contained Simpsons, Key Change, and All Fall Down signals. Why You Been Gone So Long, Tennessee Waltz, I Been To Georgia On A Fast Train and That’s Alright Mama were all Phish debuts. Lawn Boy, Why You Been Gone So Long, Rocky Top, both HYHUs, and Cracklin’ Rosie featured Dick Solberg on violin. Tennessee Waltz, I Been To Georgia On A Fast Train, and That’s Alright Mama featured Solberg on violin and Jeff Walton on acoustic guitar. Why You Been Gone So Long also featured Walton on vocals. Tweezer included a Sweet Emotion tease and a jam on Crimes of the Mind. Mike’s Song contained Cheap Sunglasses teases. Rosie was “dedicated to Neil, who’s on tour now!” Sweet Adeline was performed without microphones.
Knickerbocker Arena, 12/9/1995
Following a year away from New York’s capital, Phish returned in the winter of 1995 to deliver one of the most memorable jams of their career. Far too big to play the Palace again, they relocated to the Knickerbocker Arena (now the Times Union Center) where they played a sold out show to more than 17,000 fans (quite the leap from the 2,900 person venue across town.) The show took place during a full-blown blizzard, causing many fans to either not make it or have issues getting in and out, but stories to last a lifetime.
The first set began with a thrilling “Maze” followed by the new favorite “Theme From the Bottom.” Overall the set does not stand out much in the grand scheme of December 1995, but the entire set was played with restlessness and vigor. Filled with fresh songs from 1995 such as “Free” and “Billy Breathes,” the band used the set as an opportunity to show their growth in songwriting from their last Albany visit and fire up the crowd.
Like all shows during the 1995 Fall Tour, the second set began with an audience chess move (chosen by Antelope Greg Phelps) which continued the tour long game of chess between the band and the audience. “Timber (Jerry The Mule)” opened the set with a sick, demented jam that is often largely forgotten in the grand scheme of things, but absolutely worth checking out. “Wilson” follows next and Trey has fun with the Gamehendge standard by incorporating the soundbites of a Beavis and Butthead doll during the intro. A short, funky “Gumbo” follows before the band embarks on arguably the jam of the year in “You Enjoy Myself.” Anyone who is at all interested in Phish and hasn’t heard this jam needs to check it out immediately as this soaring, 34 minute masterpiece epitomizes the machine-gun sound Trey has perfected in 1995 before transitioning to a delicate and hilarious “silent jam” with Shaft quotes and a vocal jam featuring the Beavis and Butthead dolls once again.
After playing one of the most insane jams of their career, why wouldn’t the band take a break with the Page-led lounge classic “Lawn Boy?” “Slave to the Traffic Light > Crossroads, Sweet Adeline” ends the set with a defiant force that only 1995 Phish can produce. They victory lap with a then uncommon “Loving Cup” and send the crowd back into the blizzard with their minds lost somewhere in the storm clouds above.
12/9/95 was Vincent Alfonsi’s second show, and recalls it well. When asked about his experience he had this to say:
“12-9-95 was my 2nd show; epic YEM with Silent Jam. I already had a long history of great times at the Knick with the Dead. At the time I lived in Malta (just south of SPAC) during the week and West Hartford, CT on the weekend. Work was in Albany, but my friends were all still in CT so that’s where I went to party. As a result, the day of the show I was driving back up to Albany with 2 of my friends from West Hartford; one being my oldest friend of all. It should have been a 1:45 minute ride, but it took almost 5 hours to get there on account of the blizzard and all.”
“We Got there just in time for a slice of pizza before entering the show, and sat in the 200’s behind Fishman. The section was half empty, and very chill. Because of the blizzard we had rows to ourselves. I was enough of a noob to not recognize many songs that were standards, but the jams certainly weren’t lost on me. I was just making the transition from Jerry to Trey at the time. I’ve always felt if the entire crowd has to make extra effort, like standing in the rain or driving through snow, the band puts a little extra into it themselves, and they did. They played great. The Silent Jam was one of the funniest spur of the moment things I’ve ever seen at a show, and I left knowing that I was indeed a Phish fan. That show locked it in, and essentially cost me thousands of dollars in future ticket, webcast, CD, gear and download purchases.”
Adam E. was also in attendance and had this to say about his hazy experience:
“I am from Clifton Park, NY and had been going to the Knick for various shows since 1991. 12/9/95 was my 14th Phish show overall but first time in my “hometown” venue. Since then I’ve seen Phish at the Knick/Pepsi 8 times and it’s still one of my favorite places to see them. Having only seen Phish 4 times in Summer 95 I was excited for the three fall tour shows I had tickets for (Albany, Lake Placid x2). I was an undergrad in Plattsburgh at the time and my buddies and I drove down to Albany the day of the show. The pre-show scene in Albany is always pretty raucous and that day was no exception. It was cold/snowy and I recall the McDonalds on the corner of Madison and S. Pearl was overrun with the Phish crowd. It was a festive, friendly scene all around. The show itself was fantastic, lots of energy. Interestingly, the only vivid memories I have from inside the venue are the Beavis and Butthead doll quotes during Wilson, and the YEM silent jam. Otherwise I recall walking out of there on a cloud, knowing it was a good show.”
Phish – Knickerbocker Arena – December 9, 1995
Set 1: Maze, Theme From the Bottom > NICU > The Sloth > Rift, Bouncing Around the Room, Free, Billy Breathes, Dog Faced Boy, Chalk Dust Torture
Set 2: Timber (Jerry The Mule), Wilson[1] > Gumbo, You Enjoy Myself[2], Lawn Boy, Slave to the Traffic Light > Crossroads, Sweet Adeline
Encore: Loving Cup
Wilson and the YEM vocal jam featured quotes from a talking Beavis and Butthead doll. YEM also included a silent jam and a quote of the theme from Shaft.
On Saturday, October 26 from Noon to 5pm, PhanArt, in association with Mirth Films, will hold a hometown Art Show and Health & Wellness Event at the Palace Theatre in Albany
Featured during the show is New Paltz band Kale for the October edition of Palace Sessions Live.
Located just a 0.5 mile walk down Pearl Street from the MVP Arena (where Phish will perform for three nights) PhanArt at the Palace will feature dozens of artists and vendors from the Capital District and across the country from the greater Phish community.
Presented alongside Mirth Films, PhanArt will host artists and vendors offering a great deal of art, clothing, home goods, music inspired memorabilia and much more from dozens of small businesses, in addition to a Health and Wellness fair on the Second Floor of the Palace Theatre. There attendees will find Reiki, aerial yoga, interactive art, healing circles, psychedelic integration and much more.
Confirmed artists and vendors include Perpetual Hang, Scotty Radford Art and Design, BLURD Glass, YouEnjoyMyVegan, Ethereal Honey, Blazinâ Donuts, Fiddle and Feather, Unusual Conclusions, The Overhead View and many more.
Kale, a genre-blending indietronica jam trio from New Paltz, will be playing 2 sets during the afternoon, along with music from Sweeping Views in between performances. Kale combines a love of danceable electronic rhythms, soaring melodies, and energetic hooks into an improvisational channel that allows for deep exploration of the musical cosmos.
The Palace Theatre is located at the corner of Clinton and North Pearl Street, just a half mile walk to MVP Arena, where Phish will perform each evening from October 25-27.
The first hometown PhanArt show at Albanyâs historic Palace Theatre takes place on Saturday, October 26 from 12-5pm. Admission is free as always!
Teddy Swims has become a name synonymous with raw emotion and versatility, and on Thursday night, September 26th at Albany’s Palace Theatre, he proved why he’s one of the most magnetic performers in music today.
The Atlanta-born singer sold out the venue, bringing his soul-stirring blend of R&B, pop, country, and rock to an adoring crowd as part of his “I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy” tour. Along with a joyous opening set from country-rap artist Breland, fans weren’t just showing up for the music, they came for the connection and they came to party.
Teddy Swims sold-out the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.
Opening the night was Breland, a country-rap hybrid artist who’s quickly making a name for himself with his genre-defying sound. His energy was infectious as he performed hits like “My Truck,” “For What It’s Worth,” and “Thick.” He was the perfect warm-up for an audience ready to feel every lyric. Breland’s ability to mix country storytelling with urban beats mirrors Swims’ ability to blend styles, making him a natural opener for this tour. After a brief set-change, it was finally time to jump into the deep end.
Country-rap crossover artist Breland opening for Teddy Swims in Albany on 9/26/24.
The bond between Teddy Swims and his fans runs deeper than his music. At the Palace Theatre, it was clear that his audience connects with him on a personal level. This is a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve—quite literally, as his tattoos tell the story of his life and struggles. His heavily inked arms are a reflection of his journey, including a prominent “Create Forever” tattoo that serves as a mantra for the singer. Teddy’s tattoos are more than just ink—they are milestones in his personal journey.
Each piece is carefully curated to represent his struggles, growth, and commitment to his craft. His body art has become as iconic as his voice, with fans often asking about the stories behind the designs. From lyrics of songs to meaningful symbols that represent family, Swims’ tattoos have become part of his brand. Whether he’s singing about love, heartbreak, or resilience, fans see a part of themselves in his lyrics, and it’s this authenticity that sets him apart.
Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.
Opening his performance at the Palace with “Goodbye’s Been Good to You” and “What More Can I Say,” from the moment Teddy and his band, Freak Freely, took the stage, the audience was completely enamored. With both girls and guys regularly blurting out “I love you, Teddy!” he was always quick to acknowledge he heard them and that he loves them right back. After all, as Swims is quick to point out, it’s because of them that he’s allowed to “have the best job in the world.” His one request for the evening was that everyone has fun, stays hydrated and to look after the people in their section to make sure everyone was all good.
During his set, you could feel the energy in the room shift when he introduced songs like “Broke,” which tackles financial struggles, and “911,” a deeply emotional track about mental health. Following them up with a pair of his most recent singles, “Bad Dreams” and “Funeral,” Teddy’s themes often range from self-empowerment to vulnerability, but at the core of every song is the idea of keeping it real, even when life gets hard. Referencing just how far he’s come since the last time he was in Albany, at the much smaller Empire Live venue down the street in November of 2022, his rocket ship to the top has been full throttle ever since, yet Teddy seems to be the same guy now that local fans fell in love with back then.
Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.
Swims rise to fame started humbly, as he began uploading covers to YouTube in 2019. What set him apart was his ability to take on songs from a wide range of genres—everything from Marvin Gaye to Shania Twain—and infuse them with his unique grit and soul. That versatility earned him viral success and a massive following, catapulting him into mainstream success. His cover of “You’re Still the One” went viral, showcasing his vocal power, which, combined with his vulnerability, won over millions.
Now, with 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify and growing, he’s proving that his original material connects just as much as the covers that brought him into the spotlight. Of the many highlights of the night though, perhaps none was more touching than when Teddy invited his main squeeze out for a duet on the aforementioned Shania cover of “You’re Still the One.” At the end of the song, the two exchanged a heartfelt kiss in the middle of the stage which elicited a HUGE ovation, even bringing some to tears.
Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.
While Teddy’s voice is his ultimate instrument, it was the band behind him that brought the music to life. Backing him up on stage was Freak Freely, a tight-knit band of musicians who are as dynamic and versatile as Teddy himself. They seamlessly blend genres, moving from soulful ballads to full-blown rock numbers. The core group includes Addy Maxwell (guitar), Christian Medice (drums), and Kyng Henson (bass), each bringing their own flavor to the sound.
Their synergy with Swims is palpable, creating an atmosphere where every note feels meaningful. Wowing the crowd with their chops on songs like “Hammer to the Heart,” “Devil in a Dress” and the party anthem “Apple Juice,” Teddy made sure to give each member of the group ample time to shine in the spotlight too.
Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.
A true man of the people, during various guitar, keyboard and drum solo breaks throughout the night, Teddy could be seen signing autographs and T-shirts that people had brought up to the stage. He was even totally cool with people being on their phones during the show. In fact, at one point during his song “Simple Things,” he encouraged everyone to text a friend or a loved one that they hadn’t been in touch with for a while, just to let them know you still care.
His endearing sentimentality also came through prior to performing “Some Things I’ll Never Know,” in which he admits he still thinks about a particular ex-lover and wonders what could have been, before “hypothetically” wishing she was doing well. The ballads continued with “Last Communion” before 2021’s “Bed on Fire” from his album Unlearning brought the main portion of the show to a close and left the audience begging for more.
Watch fan shot footage of Teddy Swims performing “Lose Control” live in Albany on 9/26/24.
Returning to the stage with a huge smile on his face, Teddy would soulfully croon “Tell Me” before an absolutely gorgeous piano solo gave the audience ample time to contemplate life. Following an equally beautiful guitar solo intro by Addy Maxwell, fans finally got the song they had been waiting all night for. A veritable smash hit with well over 1 billion streams in just over a year, “Lose Control” had people from the very front to the very top of the balcony singing along with every word. It was one of those concert moments that simply gives you the chills and you knew it was something special. With time left for just one more song, Teddy Swims sent fans out of the Palace Theatre doors in a near euphoric state with one final hit, “The Door,” bringing the scintillating performance to a close.
Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.
As giddy fans gathered outside, the buzz over what they had just experienced felt palpable. Everyone just knew they had to savor the moment, because everyone knew it would likely be the last time they saw Teddy Swims in a venue this size. Destined for bigger stages in bigger cities, years from now, people will still be talking about this show and saying “I remember the night Teddy sold-out the Palace and it’s still one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen.” As Teddy Swims continues his North American tour, he’s gearing up for stops in Boston, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. His star is only rising, and if his show in Albany was any indication, this is just the beginning. Fans are flocking to see a singer who doesn’t just perform songs—he lives them. Every tear, every smile, every ounce of sweat is real, and that’s why Teddy Swims’ shows feel like much more than a night of music—they feel like a shared experience.
Teddy Swims | September 26, 2024 | Palace Theatre | Albany, NY
Setlist: Goodbye’s Been Good to You, What More Can I Say, Broke, 911, Bad Dreams, Hammer to the Heart, All That Really Matters, Devil in a Dress, Funeral, Apple Juice, Simple Things, You’re Still the One*, Some Things I’ll Never Know, Last Communion, Bed on Fire.
Encore: Tell Me, Lose Control, The Door.
Breland | September 26, 2024 | Palace Theatre | Albany, NY
Palace Theater’s free movie series will return this year with eight free family-friendly movie screenings. The series will open one hour before the movie starts for fun & educational activities. On August 28, the series’ finale, the Palace Theater will host an Ice Cream Social immediately following the screening of Spider Man: Into The Spider Verse.
Palace Theater Gives Back
The movie series is part of Palace Theater’s Community Engagement Initiative. Thus the initiative has garnered local support from numerous donors, including Stewart’s Shops, who will be providing ice cream for the Ice Cream Social. Art, educational activities, games, and giveaways will take place before the movie starts. Additionally free popcorn will be provided for all children 12 and younger.
Moreover Broadway’s Chief Community Officer Kathy Lanni expressed her excitement about the Palace Theater movie series, saying, “The Palace is the perfect place for families to beat the heat, spend quality time together, and gain an appreciation for the arts and the rich history of our community.”
For the past 80 years, The Palace has been a landmark of Albany’s downtown. The theater maintains its original beauty and design from its construction in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, and is a historical landmark in the City of Albany. Chiefly the Palace’s mission is to bring world-class arts and entertainment to New York’s Capital Region. Through performing arts entertainment, free arts education, family-friendly performances, free summer movies and a classic movie program series, the Palace continues to give back to the community.
As a result local businesses like Stewart’s Shopshave made generous donation to the Palace Theater. A report of a previous summer music series is available here, and free tickets are available at the following link.
Palace Theater Movie Series Dates
Tue, July 9: Wish Tue, July 16: Shrek Tue, July 23: The Lion King Tue, July 30: Wonka Tue, Aug. 6: TMNT: Mutant Mayhem Tue, Aug. 13: Trolls: Band Together Tue, Aug. 20: The Princess and the Frog Wed, Aug. 28: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Psychedelic groove circus, Glass Pony, is set to perform at Albany’s The Palace Theatre on June 7 as part of the Palace Sessions.
The Albany native band focuses on danceable music with influences from the 60’s and 70’s and incorporates a jam band style of performance. In 2019 they released their first self titled album and their most recent 2023 album is titled Washed Away. The band is made up of Chanda Dewey (drums), Eddie Hotaling (guitar, lead vocals), Jeff Picarazzi (bass), and Greg Pittz (lead guitar).
Although it was built in 1931, The Palace Performing Arts Centers was established as a not-for-profit corporation in 1984 and since then, has hosted a variety of talent including The Rolling Stones, Jerry Seinfled and Tony Bennet. The theater was always used to entertain the Albany community as it was first used as a cinema for the “talkies.”
The Palace sessions are a series of recorded and filmed live performances. The sessions were created with the help of the city of Albany and Mirth Films in 2020. The goal was to bring live music, via YouTube, to a quarantined audience. Glass Pony’s Palace Sessions set is free to all and you can reserve tickets here.
Vocal powerhouse Teddy Swims has announced additional dates on his I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy North American tour, with shows announced for Syracuse and Albany this fall.
The tour dates are paired with the deluxe edition of Swims’ acclaimed debut album, releasing on April 26, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1.5).
Teddy started to gain notoriety with a series of covers starting in 2019, including Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” and Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One,” leading to his signing to Warner Records in 2020. He honed his voice and songwriting across EPs Unlearning [2021], Tough Love [2022], and Sleep Is Exhausting [2022]. He showcased his sky-high range by collaborating with artists such as Maren Morris, Meghan Trainor, X Ambassadors, ILLENIUM, Tiësto, Armin Van Buuren, and Matoma.
Teddy Swims is currently on the road, continuing his I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour in the UK and Europe, then heads to New Zealand, Australia, and Asia, before bringing it to North America. See the full list of upcoming tour dates below.
Tickets go on sale Friday, April 26 at 10am local time. Click HERE for more information.
Teddy Swims Fall 2024 North American Tour
Aug 9-11 San Francisco CA Outside Lands
Sep 6 Reno, NV Grand Sierra Resort – Grand Theatre
Sep 8 Dillon, CO Dillon Amphitheater
Sep 12 Council Bluffs, IA Harrah’s Council Bluffs – Stir Concert Cove
Sep 13 West Fargo, ND Lights Amphitheater
Sep 14 Hinckley, MN Grand Casino Hinckley Event Center
Sep 17 Madison, WI The Sylvee
Sep 18 St. Louis, MO The Factory
Sep 20 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena*
Sep 23 Columbus, OH KEMBA Live! Indoor Pavilion
Sep 24 Syracuse, NY Landmark Theatre
Sep 26 Albany, NY Palace Theatre
Sep 28 Atlantic City, NJ Ocean Casino Resort – Ovation Hall
Oct 2 Greensboro, NC Piedmont Hall
Oct 3 Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theatre
Oct 6 Fayetteville, AR JJ’s Live
Oct 8 Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theater
Oct 10 Tampa, FL Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hard Rock**
Oct 13 Durant, OK Choctaw Grand Theater
Oct 15 Lubbock, TX The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences –
Helen DeVitt Jones Theater
Oct 16 El Paso, TX Abraham Chavez Theatre
Oct 18 Flagstaff, AZ Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park
Oct 19 Valley Center, CA Harrah’s Resort Southern California – The Events Center
Oct 21 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
*Supporting Aerosmith
**Rescheduled show
Additional Teddy Swims 2024 Tour Dates:
Apr 26 Cologne, Germany Carlswek Victoria
Apr 28 Paris, France Elysee Montmartre
Apr 29 Antwerp, Belgium Muziekcentrum Trix
May 1 Copenhagen, Denmark KB Hallen
May 2 Oslo, Norway Rockefeller Music Hall
May 4 Stockholm, Sweden Fallan
May 7 Hamburg, Germany Grosse Freiheit 36
May 8 Berlin, Germany Tempodrom
May 10 Tilburg, Netherlands Poppodium 013
May 11 Tilburg, Netherlands Poppodium 013
May 13 London, UK 02 Shepherds Bush Empire
May 14 London, UK 02 Shepherds Bush Empire
May 15 Manchester, UK 02 Apollo Manchester
May 16 Birmingham, UK 02 Academy Birmingham
May 18 Glasgow, UK 02 Academy Glasgow
May 20 Dublin, Ireland Olympia Theatre
May 21 Dublin, Ireland Olympia Theatre
May 23 Liverpool, UK Liverpool Olympia
May 24 Leeds, UK 02 Academy Leeds
May 25 Newcastle, UK 02 City Hall Newcastle
May 27 Nottingham, UK Rock City
May 28 Bristol, UK 02 Academy Bristol
May 29 Bristol, UK 02 Academy Bristol
May 31 Birmingham, UK 02 Academy Birmingham
June 1 Manchester, UK 02 Apollo Manchester
June 2 London, UK 02 Shepherds Bush Empire
June 29 Denver, CO Endless Sunshine Festival
July 4 Christchurch, NZ Christchurch Town Hall
July 6 Auckland, NZ Spark Arena
July 7 Wellington, NZ TSB Arena
July 9 Brisbane City, AUS Riverstage
July 11 Moore Park, AUS Hordern Pavilion
July 12 Moore Park, AUS Hordern Pavilion
July 13 Melbourne, AUS Margaret Court Arena
July 14 Melbourne, AUS Margaret Court Arena
July 17 Adelaide, AUS Hindley Street Music Hall
July 19 Perth, AUS Riverside Theatre
July 26 Niigata, Japan Fuji Rock Festival
Aug 2 Montréal, CAN Osheaga
Aug 3 Windsor, CAN The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
Aug 4 Chicago, IL Lollapalooza
Aug 7 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
Aug 16 Biddinghuizen, Netherlands Lowlands Festival
The Head And The Heart have announced a headlining run of summer North American dates, beginning July 20 in West Des Moines, IA., and concluding August 20 in Moorehead, MN. The group is coming to Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards on July 24, Palace Theatre on July 28, and Kodak Center on July 29. They are also opening for The Black Keys at MSG on Oct. 30.
Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez
The Head And The Heart will be joined on select dates by Phosphorescent, Michigander, Madison Cunningham, and Houndmouth.
2023 was a triumphant year for the group, who sold out the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre outside Denver for the seventh time, co-headlined a tour with The Revivalists and Father John Misty, and launched their own music festival, Down in the Valley, in Napa, CA. The event featured acoustic and full-band sets from The Head and the Heart plus some of today’s top folk and rock talent, including Dawes, Miya Folick, and Faye Webster. The group was touring in support of their fifth studio album, Every Shade of Blue – released in 2022.
Initially self-released in 2011, The Head And The Heart’s self-titled breakout debut produced instant classics including “Rivers and Roads,” “Down in the Valley” and “Lost In My Mind” (#1 at AAA) and is now certified Gold. 2013’s Let’s Be Still and 2016’s Signs of Light settled into Billboard’s Top 10 Albums chart. The single “All We Ever Knew” became the band’s first #1 at on the Alternative chart and was also #1 at AAA for nine straight weeks. The band’s fourth full-length, Living Mirage, was released to critical praise in 2019.
The band has appeared in Cameron Crowe’s Roadies and their music has been featured in countless other commercials, films, and TV shows. The Head And The Heart has performed 15 times on national television, including appearances on Ellen, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Austin City Limits, and more.
For more information and to purchase tickets to their upcoming tour, visit here.
The Head And The Heart Tour Dates
6/30 Hartford, CT The Capitol Groove Festival *
7/12 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater !
7/14 Seattle, WA Day In Day Out Festival *
7/19 Saint Paul, MN Minnesota Yacht Club *
7/20 West Des Moines, IA Val Air Ballroom &
7/21 St. Louis, MO Saint Louis Music Park &
7/24 La Fayette, NY Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards &
7/25 Burlington, VT Waterfront Park &
7/28 Albany, NY Palace Theatre &
7/29 Rochester, NY Kodak Center &
7/31 Wilmington, NC Greenfield Lake Amphitheater &
8/1 Charleston, SC The Refinery &
8/2 St. Petersburg, FL Jannus Live &
8/3 Orlando, FL House of Blues Orlando &
8/6 Birmingham, AL Avondale Brewing Co. &
8/7 Little Rock, AR Robinson Center &
8/8 Wichita, KS The Cotillion &
8/10 Bellevue, NE Outlandia *
8/12 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre $
8/13 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre #
8/15 Aspen, CO Belly Up Aspen ^
8/17 Bozeman, MT The ELM ^
8/18 Columbia Falls, MT Scout & Gather ^
8/20 Moorehead, MN Bluestem Amphitheatre ^
9/14 Templeton, CA Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival *
9/17 Tulsa, OK BOK Center %
9/18 Austin, TX Moody Center %
9/20 Louisville, KY Bourbon & Beyond *
9/21 Houston, TX Toyota Center %
9/16 Phoenix, AZ Footprint Center %
9/27 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum %
9/28 Palm Springs, CA Acrisure Arena %
9/29 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre %
10/10 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena %
10/11 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena %
10/12 Cleveland, OH Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse %
10/13 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena %
10/16 Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center %
10/18 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena %
10/19 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena %
10/21 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center %
10/24 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena %
10/26 Indianapolis, IN Gainbridge Fieldhouse %
10/27 Knoxville, TN Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center %
10/30 New York, NY Madison Square Garden %
11/2 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena %
11/7 Chicago, IL United Center %
11/9 Milwaukee, WI Fiserv Forum %
11/12 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena %
With The Decemberists (!), Phosphorescent (&), Michigander (^), Madison Cunningham ($), Houndmouth (#)
The first set began with a thrilling “Maze” followed by the new favorite “Theme From the Bottom.” Overall the set does not stand out much in the grand scheme of December 1995, but the entire set was played with restlessness and vigor. Filled with fresh songs from 1995 such as “Free” and “Billy Breathes,” the band used the set as an opportunity to show their growth in songwriting from their last Albany visit and fire up the crowd.
12/9/95 was Vincent Alfonsi’s second show, and recalls it well. When asked about his experience he had this to say:
Adam E. was also in attendance and had this to say about his hazy experience:
