Tulip Fest 2012 lineup and schedule
Fountains of Wayne. Let's hope they don't need the scarves in May.
The lineup for this year's Tulip Festival was announced today -- Fountains of Wayne is the headliner. And some tribute bands.
Tulip Fest is May 12 and 13 this year (Mother's Day weekend, as always).
The full lineup -- with a schedule of events -- is after the jump.
The prohibition on bringing in alcoholic beverages is back for this year (see bottom of press release).
Saturday
Main stage
1 pm: Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun
2:30 pm: Walk the Moon
4 pm: Fountains of Wayne
Lakehouse stage
1 pm: The LateShift
2:15 pm: Barkeater
3:30 pm: The City Never Sleeps
4:45 pm: Conehead Buddha
Sunday
Main stage
1:30 pm: Higher Ground: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder
3:30 pm: Mr. Dynamite: The Explosive James Brown Show
Lakehouse stage
1 pm: The Jenson Rhodes Band
2:15 pm: John Brodeur
3:30 pm: Milestone
4:45 pm: Chronicles
photo: Violeta Alvarez
Press release and full schedule
Press release: The 64th Annual Albany Tulip Festival
May 12 & 13, 2012
Washington Park, Albany NY
11am-6pm
Albany, New York - Mayor Jerry Jennings and the City of Albany are pleased to announce the full schedule of events planned for the 64th Annual Albany Tulip Festival.
The Tulip Festival is Albany's signature spring event, featuring annual traditions rooted in Albany's rich heritage, over one hundred artisans selling their handmade crafts, a fine arts show, delicious food, the KidZone family fun destination, two stages of world-class live entertainment...and, of course, thousands of tulips! As always, this event is free and open to the public!
For more information, call (518) 434-2032, visit www.albanyevents.org or follow @albanyNYevents on Facebook & Twitter.
FULL TULIP FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Tulip Festival Spring Traditions:
Monday, May 7
Tulip Tour in Washington Park • 1:00pm
Learn about the planting of more than 100,000 tulips for Albany's Tulip Festival in this guided walking tour with City Gardener Jessica Morgan. Tour begins at the Moses Statue. $5. Reservations are requested; call the Albany Visitors Center at (518) 434-0405.
Friday, May 11
Carillon Concert • 11:30am - 12:00pm
Professional carillonneur Dr. Charles Semowich kicks off the 64th Annual Albany Tulip Festival with a special musical program on City Hall's historic 49-bell carillon.
Street Scrubbing • 12:00pm
State & Lodge Streets
The traditional Dutch practice of scrubbing the streets before a big event features a Mayoral Proclamation, the City of Albany Pipe Band, the Dutch Settlers Society and the 2012 Tulip Queen Finalists. Hosted by Joe Condon of B95.5 FM.
Tulip Festival Luncheon • 12:30pm
Hotel Albany (formerly the Crowne Plaza, State & Lodge Streets)
A farewell to 2011 Tulip Queen Karen Colehour and her Court. Proceeds benefit the Albany Tulip Fund at the Community Foundation. Tickets are required; email tulipluncheon@gmail.com or call (518) 275-6813 to purchase.
Saturday, May 12
Tulip Queen Coronation
Amphitheatre Stage at Washington Park Lakehouse
The Mendelssohn Club • 11:00 - 11:30am
The Mendelssohn Club performs a full, international range of male chorus literature.
Sweet Adelines • 11:30am-12:00pm
A diverse, award-winning female chorale ensemble based in the Capital Region.
Tulip Queen Procession • 11:45am
Formal Tulip Beds by Moses Statue
2011 Tulip Queen Karen Colehour, Mayor Jerry Jennings, the Dutch Settlers Society and the City of Albany Pipe Band lead the five 2012 Tulip Queen finalists to the amphitheatre stage.
Tulip Queen Coronation • noon
Amp Stage
Mayor Jennings crowns the 64th Annual Albany Tulip Queen in this traditional ceremony.
Royal Tulip Ball• 6:30pm
Wolferts Roost Country Club
An elegant evening of dining and dancing to honor the new Tulip Queen and Court. Proceeds benefit the Albany Police and Fire Foundation. Tickets are required; contact Capital Affairs at (518) 388-9240 to purchase.
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Tulip Festival Performance Schedule:
SATURDAY, MAY 12
Saturday Main Stage
Washington Park Parade Grounds
Sponsored by 102.7 WEQX
Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun • 1:00pm - 2:00pm
This indie-electro-rock outfit might call Atlanta their hometown, but their real home is in the van as they play hundreds of shows a year across America. Their loyal fans continue to spread the word about the noisy, dancy, loud, sincere, sweaty, loveable, hardworking sounds of Today The Moon, Tomorrow The Sun.
Walk the Moon • 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Walk the Moon combine impressive musicianship with what the New York Post deems an "unrestrainable love for performing." It is a truly contagious mix that's earned the Ohio dance-rock quartet a rapidly growing fanbase and high-profile spots on stages at South by Southwest, in the pages of SPIN Magazine and onscreen on Last Call with Carson Daly.
Fountains of Wayne • 4:00pm - 5:30pm
The acclaimed, gold-certified power pop quartet Fountains of Wayne has received steady critical accolades since their inception in 1996. "Dean of American Rock Critics" Robert Christgau has called the Grammy-nominated New York rockers "lyric poets" and "true art heroes," Rolling Stone names them "rock's sharpest storytellers," and according to NPR's Ken Tucker, they're "the finest contemporary pop-rock band in America." Fountains of Wayne's latest album, Sky Full of Holes, showcases the band's famously witty lyrics and infectious melodies over tunes that range from intimate acoustic ballads to high-energy rock and roll.
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Saturday Amp Stage
Washington Park Lakehouse Amphitheater
Sponsored by Exit 97.7
The LateShift • 1:00pm - 1:45pm
A fresh, original alternative band out of Albany, The LateShift specializes in soulful, riff-driven rock bursting with energy, melody and positivity.
Barkeater • 2:15pm - 3:00pm
The creation of lifelong chums Hank Banks and Rusty Jones, North Country duo Barkeater presents raw, untethered, unruly rock n roll.
The City Never Sleeps • 3:30pm - 4:15pm
Guerilla Magazine calls Albany five-piece The City Never Sleeps a "refreshingly hard-to-categorize rock outfit...unsigned, relatively new on the music scene, but undeniably catchy." Listeners in the Capital Region and beyond are starting to take notice.
Conehead Buddha • 4:45pm - 5:30pm
From 1993 to 2002, legendary Capital Region band Conehead Buddha took their genre-bending blend of rock, ska, salsa and jam to appreciative audiences around the country. After a long hiatus from touring and recording, local music fans can rejoice- the Buddha is back!
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SUNDAY, MAY 13
Sunday Main Stage
Washington Park Parade Grounds
Sponsored by Columbia Development Companies & Oldies 98.3
Zumba! with Instructor Carla Schlist • 12:30pm - 1:15pm
Zumba is an exhilarating, Latin-inspired and calorie-burning dance fitness workout. Millions of people worldwide are enjoying this joyful phenomenon to party themselves into better shape and overall health.
Higher Ground: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder • 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Made up of some of New York's finest musicians, Higher Ground is among the most dynamic and exciting tribute bands in the northeast. Paying homage to the amazing sounds of one of the world's most beloved musical talents, this astonishing band is sure to impress devoted Stevie Wonder fans and newcomers alike.
Mr. Dynamite: The Explosive James Brown Show • 3:30pm-5:00pm
The premiere James Brown Tribute Band in the U.S., Mr. Dynamite is a 10-piece powerhouse show band that has delivered explosive sets to audiences around the country. A truly exciting live band that combines precision choreography, musical wizardry and pure showmanship into a one-of-a-kind musical experience, Mr. Dynamite will leave you feeling like you've just witnessed the legendary Godfather of Soul burn up the stage.
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Sunday Amp Stage
Washington Park Lakehouse Amphitheater
Sponsored by B95.5
14th Annual Mother of the Year Award • 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Presented by St. Peter's Health Partners, Times Union & B95.5 FM.
The Capital Region's most outstanding moms are recognized as Mayor Jennings and Joe Condon of B95.5 crown the 14th Annual Mother of the Year.
The Jenson Rhodes Band • 1:00pm - 1:45pm
With a sound landing somewhere between the White Stripes and Nirvana, Albany's The Jenson Rhodes Band plays cathartic, psychedelic rock n roll with attitude to spare.
John Brodeur • 2:15pm - 3:00pm
With music that spans indie-pop, alt-folk, and straightforward rock, New York singer-songwriter and one-man band John Brodeur has spun his ever-changing sound into a style all his own.
Milestone • 3:30pm - 4:15pm
Though all the members of the eclectic, energetic rock band Milestone are still in high school, this talented quartet is already making plenty of waves in the Capital Region music scene.
The Chronicles • 4:45pm - 5:30pm
Stylistically combining jazz, hip-hop, funk, soul and gospel into a unique sound beyond genre tags, Albany's the Chronicles have been flooring festival and club crowds across the northeast since 2009.
ALL WEEKEND
KidZone
Saturday & Sunday
Presented by Catseye, Price Chopper and Empire Blue Cross.
Media sponsors: WGNA & Q103 (Saturday), 104.9 The Cat (Sunday)
Featuring arts & crafts, the world-famous Soccer Collies, inflatables, balloon artist, facepainting, rock climbing wall, pony rides and much more!
Price Chopper KidZone Stage
Seth & The Moody Melix • 12:00pm, 2:15pm, 4:30pm
After receiving his Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the College of Saint Rose, Seth Warden enlisted the help of legendary local musicians Brian Melick and Doug Moody to create Seth and the Moody Melix, a multicultural musical experience designed to educate and entertain children of all ages.
Domino the Great • 12:45pm, 3:00pm, 5:15pm
Combining zany comedy with unique and artful magic, Domino the Great keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with an exceptional, one-of-a-kind act that everyone- of every age- will enjoy.
Circus Theatricks • 1:30pm, 3:45pm
Circus Theatricks introduces kids to the arts of juggling, tumbling, acrobatics, magic and more in this fun, interactive show.
SOLAR CITY'S GREEN MARKET (new this year!)
Near Willett & Madison Avenue entrance
Sponsored by Solar City, Waste Management & Seventh Generation, with additional support from Honest Weight Food Co-op .
This brand new Tulip Festival addition features a gourmet local farmer's market and a green expo highlighting energy efficient resources, recycling tips and more!
Go Green to the Festival!
Ride your bicycle to Tulip Fest and park at the bike racks, near Willett Street & Madison Avenue.
Or take the CDTA shuttle! Buses run continuously to Washington Park from Eagle Street Garage (at Eagle & Madison Ave) & Elk Street Parking Lot (at Elk & Hawk Streets) from noon-6pm.
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This event is produced with the help of hundreds of volunteers. Volunteers are still needed. Please call to be a part of this great experience: 518-434-5411.
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Special ground rules in effect: No alcoholic beverages, glass containers of any kind, animals or pets (excluding ADA-defined service animals). Any type of recording of the performance or presentation is prohibited without prior written consent. All attendees should be prepared to present age identification at any time if they intend to consume alcohol. Security personnel reserve the right to inspect any bag, container or package and confiscate any prohibited or illegal items.
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Comments
No alcohol, but bring your ID if you intend to consume alcochol.
... said Harold on Apr 10, 2012 at 1:32 PM | link
You can consume alcohol in the veal pens.
... said Angelos Tzelepis on Apr 10, 2012 at 1:55 PM | link
YAY for Conehead Buddha! BOO for Fountains of Wayne!
... said Kelly on Apr 10, 2012 at 2:27 PM | link
Was hoping for more of the traditional washed up Canadian bands.
... said Jason on Apr 10, 2012 at 2:59 PM | link
For the last few years, the Tulip Fest organizers have gotten excellent local acts for the second stage (like Conehead Buddha--I'm with you, Kelly!) and increasingly... I don't know... weird/desperate/just plain awful acts for the main stage.
Maybe Tulip Fest should highlight local acts exclusively, instead of head-scratching picks for headliners. I doubt it would affect attendance greatly, and it would make Tulip Fest a much more authentic celebration of Albany.
... said SiobhanGK on Apr 10, 2012 at 3:16 PM | link
Right on, SiobhanGK!
... said Kelly on Apr 10, 2012 at 4:12 PM | link
Is this an indication of what they are going to be getting for Alive at 5?
... said Colleen on Apr 10, 2012 at 4:25 PM | link
How was the alcohol crackdown last year? Did they have the field gated off and sniff your drink containers?
... said tallguyy on Apr 10, 2012 at 5:10 PM | link
Walk the Moon is good, fwiw. I will not be attending though after last years experience vis-a-vis alcohol. Waiting in a line that never moves, only being allowed to purchase 2 beers, and then having to drink them in a prison yard is not my idea of a good time.
... said Jiminy on Apr 10, 2012 at 5:50 PM | link
More importantly, how are the tulips doing? Will they make it to Mothers' Day? Can someone who works or lives near the park update us?
... said Megan M on Apr 10, 2012 at 5:57 PM | link
Will we have any tulips for a Fest? Mine are almost blooming
... said Lu on Apr 10, 2012 at 6:30 PM | link
If people hadn't abused alcohol and urinated all over the Center Square neighborhood, among other things, people wouldn't have to drink in the "veal pen." Love successful events, but not when it means guarding your stoop and being a prisoner in the ;hood for two days because you can't leave and come back due to parking. Attendees seem to forget those who live here.
... said Pam on Apr 11, 2012 at 8:24 AM | link
How sad is it that I'm most excited about the Zumba? Move over Fountains of Wayne, me and my fitness cargo pants are ready to ROCK (with proper instruction)!
... said Betty Jones on Apr 11, 2012 at 8:27 AM | link
I'm with SiobhanGK - local acts sound like a great way to go!
I have serious concerns about the tulips. Those in full sun seem to be popping open all over the CD. Hopefully, they'll be gorgeous either way.
Am also glad to hear about a KidZone, a Farmer's Market, and am actually happy that alcohol will not be the focus of the day. The push seems to be towards a 'family friendly' event, and I'm sorry for those who are losing out on the chance to imbibe, but a crowd that needs to drink more than 2 beers in order to have fun or even consider attending an event is not going to make for family friendly.
... said Leah the Nosher on Apr 11, 2012 at 8:36 AM | link
Amen, Pam. Though I know the consequences of living in Center Square (aka difficult parking, especially in the summer as there seem to be events in the park every weekend), events like this are frusterating when people turn our neighborhood into a giant outdoor toilet. Alcohol rules last year didn't seem to stop people from peeing and puking all over Center Square. I have a feeling the same thing will happen this year. I believe I'll be planning a trip out of town that weekend.
... said Emily on Apr 11, 2012 at 10:13 AM | link
Much like the band, the tulips will be past their prime.
... said Joe on Apr 11, 2012 at 11:23 AM | link
Alcohol rules are a huge plus in my book. It may take a while to get the message across after years of inviting people from all over the Capital Region to treat our fair city like like a dive bar at closing time, but public drunkenness accompanied by base and disrespectful behavior is not what city-sponsored events are supposed to be about.
As for the entertainment lineup, there is always grumbling about every event and every lineup, so why not make it 100% local and have some sort of contest where people can vote for the headliner and feel some sort of investment in the process?
... said Elizabeth on Apr 11, 2012 at 11:33 AM | link
what should really be done is to make it so you can drink on saturday for the young adult crowd that lives around center sq and sunday is for families with no alcohol at all. not even if you buy it from one of jerry's cronies. the beer tent was a huge joke. every time i went by it was empty. of course i was only there as long as my soda bottle full of whiskey lasted.
... said local resident on Apr 11, 2012 at 12:46 PM | link
It does sadden me that since the demise of First Night, the number of large-scale non-alcohol based events in Albany has dropped to none. Public drunkenness seems to be the basic point of most of these gatherings, and I just don't want to be around that, so I never go to these things. I don't know if it's a matter of expectations, or the local-vs.-suburban draw, or what, but events in Troy, even the music festivals, seem less based on blackout levels of drunkenness and more on getting together and having a good time.
... said Carl on Apr 11, 2012 at 1:51 PM | link
I'm assuming that if they crack down on booze IN the park that more folks will drink at the dives on Lark.
Personally, it's not the drunks that keep it from being family-friendly, it's all the folks lighting up on the lawn. Legal and otherwise, I don't want to inhale.
... said abby on Apr 11, 2012 at 5:02 PM | link
To the people who live in center square and complain about parking-why don't you bang your head on the sidewalk and complain about the headache. Parking in center square has always been difficult, event or not. You want to live in the center of town and then gripe that there are too many people around? Sounds like fun!
I understand that the drunken disorderly conduct is inconvenient and sometimes disgusting. But whining about it has become an even bigger cliche than the drunken slobbery itself.
... said lucy on Apr 12, 2012 at 5:11 PM | link
Yay!!! :) I can't wait to see Fountains of Wayne!
... said Alyssa on Apr 25, 2012 at 3:18 PM | link