All Over Albany

At The Plaza 2013

This summer's slate of events at the Empire State Plaza is out. It includes the usual mix of festivals and concerts. And the outdoor movies are back, which is good.

On to the schedule...

Compact schedule

All events are free admission.

June 26: The Zombies in concert

July 4: 4th of July Celebration starring Johnny Rivers

July 7: Kids Day Sing Along Adventure with Thomas & Friends

July 10: Kansas in concert

July 24: Bret Michaels in concert

August 3: African-American Family Day featuring Heatwave

August 14: New York State Food Festival featuring Blues Traveler

August 21: Open air cinema: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

August 28: Open air cinema: Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

September 7: Mayer Hawthorne in concert

September 14: Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Full schedule

Descriptions from the state Office of General Services.

June 26: The Zombies In Concert
Put some fun into Wednesday night with music from the Zombies, well known for hits including "She's Not There," "Tell Her No," and "Time of the Season." Hot up and coming indie band, Et Tu Brucé, will open the show. Wednesday, June 26 / 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

July 4: Price Chopper Presents New York State's 4th of July Celebration starring Johnny Rivers
Price Chopper has presented this Albany tradition since 1976. The annual holiday celebration features live music and fun for the whole family including the best fireworks show in the region. This year's event will kick off with the naturalization of new American citizens and music from the United States Military Academy Band, Johnny Raab and the Jailhouse Rockers, Chris Dukes Band, and the Bluz House Rockers. Headliner Johnny Rivers, the legendary American singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer has been well known on the music scene since the 1960s. His hits include "Poor Side of Town" and "Summer Rain." Thursday, July 4 / 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.

July 7: GE's Kids Day Sing Along Adventure with Thomas & Friends
Sponsored by General Electric, this is the place to be for kids of all ages. Thomas & FriendsTM are pulling into the station. Join Thomas on a fun-filled, sing along adventure by helping Thomas find his way from Knapford Station to Brendam Docks using teamwork, friendship and discovery. There will be tons of fun, interactive games and activities, including face painting, clowns, and arts and crafts for kids of all ages. Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends ©2011 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Sunday, July 7 / Noon - 5 p.m.

July 10: Kansas in Concert
Summer At the Plaza continues to sizzle as progressive rockers Kansas take the stage and showcase well-known hits including "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind." Wednesday, July 10 / 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

July 24: Bret Michaels in Concert
Former lead singer for the band Poison, Michaels has had an expansive career that includes solo albums, film production and a television reality show. Poison, known for hits including "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," sold more than 30 million records worldwide. Michaels is also widely known for his Rock of Love reality television show that aired from 2007 to 2009. Wednesday, July 24 / 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

August 3: McDonald's African American Family Day featuring Heatwave
Come celebrate the traditions and contributions of the African American community through music, art and dance featuring a variety of family-oriented activities. Heatwave will bring its disco/funk sound and have everyone on their feet dancing to their biggest hits including "Boogie Nights," "Always and Forever," and "The Groove Line". Numerous local choirs, dance groups, and local talent contest winners will also perform. In addition there will be lots of fun kids activities including student theatrical troupes, arts and crafts, face painting and more. Saturday, August 3 / Noon - 7 p.m.

August 14: New York State Food Festival featuring Blues Traveler
Sample foods from around the region while enjoying the sounds of musical acts all day long. The festival's lunch time show will feature local favorites, El Dorados followed at 5 p.m. by Wild Adriatic and the Daley Brothers. Keep on rocking through dinner with a full plate of music featuring jam band favorite Blues Traveler that will keep the vibe flowing with hits including "But Anyway," "Run- Around," and "Hook." This At The Plaza favorite features a large farmers' market with a wide variety of fresh market goods, cheeses and wines. Be sure to catch lunch or dinner at one of more than 50 specialty vendors serving up delicious fare to satisfy many palettes. Wednesday, August 14 / 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

August 21: Open Air Cinema Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Rated G The movie is a 1971 musical film adaptation of the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, directed by Mel Stuart, and starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. The film tells the story of Charlie Bucket as he receives a golden ticket and visits Willy Wonka's chocolate factory with four other children from around the world. Wednesday, August 21 / 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

August 28: Open Air Cinema Madagascar 3: Europe' Most Wanted (2012)
Rated PG Featuring the voices of Ben Stiller, Frances McDormand and David Schwimmer, this Dreamworks animation film follows Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe as they continue their quest to get home to their beloved Big Apple. King Julien, Maurice and the Penguins are all along for the fun as their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus, which they reinvent - Madagascar style. Wednesday, August 28 / 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

September 7: Mayer Hawthorne in Concert
Up and coming retro soul artist Mayer Hawthorne is taking the music world by storm, earning praise from numerous artists and the press. RollingStone.com says "Hawthorne emerges with a jaw-dropping collection of classic soul." How Do You Do, his first major label effort for Universal Republic Records, Hawthorne proves he is not part of a trend. The classic Motown sound that provided the blueprint for his self-produced independent debut, A Strange Arrangement, remains, but is joined on How Do You Do by music reminiscent of late 1960s California pop and the best work from the likes of Steely Dan and Chicago. Saturday, September 7 / 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.

September 14: Hannaford Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at this exciting family festival featuring music that will have the whole crowd dancing. The headliner for this exciting event will be announced soon, so be sure to mark your calendars! You won't want to miss this event celebrating the many facets of Hispanic culture, food and entertainment. Saturday, September 14 / 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
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More summer event series:
+ Rockin' on the River 2013 (Troy)
+ Alive at Five lineup 2013 (Albany)

Earlier on AOA:
+ At the movies, at the ESP

Blues Traveler photo via the band's website | Mayer Hawthrone: Schiko | still from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory