All Over Albany

Lewis Black at Troy Music Hall

Comedian Lewis Black will be back in town for a stand-up show at the Troy Music Hall March 16. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, October 26 -- they're $38 and up.

The promo blurbage for Black's tour -- "The Jokes On US Tour" -- touts "a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience."

Black has performed here a bunch of times, often at The Palace. This might be the first time his rants will enjoy the famed acoustics of the hall.

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Matisyahu at Troy Music Hall

Matsiyahu is set to play a show at the Troy Music Hall November 1. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Thursday, August 30 -- they're $29.50 and up.

Tour blurbage: "On this tour, he performs acoustic versions of his chart-topping songs, including two of his biggest hits, "King Without A Crown" and "One Day". ... Matisyahu presents his music in its most raw form, allowing his voice and beat-boxing, paired with inventive guitar arrangements, to expand through a lyrical intensity and musical improvisation. This format naturally digs deep into the meaning of the songs themselves, and lays Matisyahu's spiritual journey bare, fostering a closeness to the artist-fan relationship."

And, as you might remember, Matisyahu played Alive at Five this past June.

photo: Chris Townsend

Postmodern Jukebox back at Troy Music Hall

Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox is returning to the Troy Music Hall February 22. Tickets on on sale to the general public this Friday, August 17 -- they're $34.50 and up.

Postmodern Jukebox performs jazz/ragtime/swing covers of pop music. They've racked up about a billion views on Youtube, covering pop acts across all a bunch of genres.

The act has made multiple stops at the Troy Music Hall. That includes a show this past January ahead of which the group spent a few days rehearsing for a tour. And it was during that time the group recorded the video embedded above -- a jazzy cover of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up."

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Soweto Gospel Choir at Troy Music Hall

The Soweto Gospel Choir will be at the Troy Music Hall December 6 for a concert. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (June 22) -- they're $25 and up. (There's also a $20 student ticket.)

Background on the group:

The multi Grammy Award winning Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in Soweto, South Africa, in 2002. The more than 30-member ensemble blends elements of African gospel, Negro spirituals, reggae and American popular music. The choir was formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music and draws on the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto. The group sings in English and eight South African languages, including Xhosa, famous for its clicking sounds, and they are dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world.

Here's an NPR Tiny Desk concert with members of the choir from a few years back.

The show at the music hall is billed as "Songs of the Free - In Honor of Nelson Mandela's 100th Birthday."

Portland Cello Project: OK Computer at Troy Music Hall

The alt-classical group Portland Cello Project is set to play a show of Radiohead songs at the Troy Music Hall October 27. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Wednesday, April 18 -- they're $29 and up.

Show blurbage:

Portland's premiere alt-classical group brings a huge orchestral ensemble, including brass and percussion, to perform a night in homage to Radiohead. Patti King of The Shins joins them as a guest vocalist.

The first set of the evening is a selection of various Radiohead songs and the second set is, from start to finish, Radiohead's OK Computer album.

That clip embedded above is the group playing "Paranoid Android" last November.

1964
Also announced today for Troy Music Hall: The Beatles tribute act 1964 on September 27. Tickets go on sale to the general public Wednesday -- they're $29 and up.

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Josh Ritter at Troy Music Hall

Singer/songwriter Josh Ritter is set to play a show at the Troy Music Hall May 12. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 16 -- they're $35 and $50.

The concert is being billed as a "special solo acoustic" show.

The last time Ritter was in town he played The Egg in 2016.

Bombay Rickey
Also recently announced for Troy Music Hall: Bombay Rickey on March 6. The group plays "both covers and original music that borrow equally from the worlds of surf rock, cumbia, spaghetti-Western, and Bollywood, balanced out with soaring operatic vocals."

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

photo: Laura Wilson

Accordion Virtuosi of Russia at Troy Music Hall

The Accordion Virtuosi of Russia are lined up to play a show at the Troy Music Hall February 7. Tickets are currently on sale -- they're $29 and $34.

The group is essentially an orchestra in which most of the instruments are... accordions. We watched a few of the videos today -- because it's an orchestra mostly made up of accordions -- and it was a little bit of cheer on this gray, drippy January day.

The video clip embedded above is the group playing waltzes by Johann Strauss. The group is said to play everything from "folk music to arrangements of rock songs." (That first link includes more video clips.)

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Black Violin at Troy Music Hall

The duo Black Violin is set play a show at Troy Music Hall April 13. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, November 10 -- they're $29.50 and up.

Blurbage:

Black Violin is composed of classically trained violist and violinist Wil B. and Kev Marcus who combine their classical training and and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as "classical boom." The band released their major label debut Stereotypes (featuring Black Thought of The Roots and MC Pharoahe Monch) on Universal Music which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and #4 on the Billboard R&B Chart. Black Violin has shared stages with top names including Kayne West, Aerosmith and Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys.

The two musicians played the Troy Music Hall last April (here's a review by Joseph Dalton). And they also played a sold-out "SPAC on Stage" show this past August.

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Tolkien & Lewis at Troy Music Hall

Not sure if this qualifies as possibly nerdy or geeky (maybe both!): A touring production called Tolkien & Lewis: Wardrobes, Rings & The Last Goodbye will be at Troy Music Hall this Sunday, October 8.

It's essentially an on-stage conversation between the two famous authors and colleagues. Blurbage:

Set in Oxford's celebrated Eagle & Child pub (where the two met many times over their 30 year friendship), the play focuses on an encounter that takes place following Lewis's recent heart attack. Tolkien, who suggested the meeting, is acutely aware that there may not be many more opportunities for these lifelong friends to get together.

As these two writers of fantasy reminisce they reveal the key events in their enduring friendship and the philosophy and aspirations that undergirded both their lives and their writings. Such revelations (interspersed with the humor they were renowned for) will at times, surprise the audience including their reaction to proposed movie versions of their books! They will also dispel some of the misconceptions that arise when people become legends in their own lifetime. It is not all harmony, however. They must deal events that caused cracks in their relationships and they do this with an honesty that not only exposes raw emotions but also lays the foundation for true reconciliation. Above all, this is a celebration of a friendship that did much to help them become two of the most successful authors of the 20th Century.

Maybe they'll talk about that time they went to go see Snow White together and then proceeded to rip on Walt Disney.

The show is at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $15 and up.

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Postmodern Jukebox back at Troy Music Hall

Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox is returning to the Troy Music Hall January 20. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, September 8 -- they're $29 and up.

Postmodern Jukebox performs jazz/ragtime/swing covers of pop music. They've racked up about a zillion views on Youtube, most recently of Taylor Swift, Fleetwood Mac, Avril Lavigne, Metallica, and film soundtracks.

The act played the Troy Music Hall in 2014, and was at SPAC this past summer.

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Puddles Pity Party, So Percussion, Time for Three at Troy Music Hall

Puddles

The Troy Music Hall recently announced a handful of upcoming concerts that are a little bit different...

November 10: Puddles Pity Party
The "sad clown with the golden voice." See his mashup of "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Pinball Wizard," (which has gotten 1.6 million views on Youtube) and his cover of "I Want You To Want Me." Because why not. He's also. performed with Modern Jukebox. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $29.50 and up.

November 15: Sō Percussion
A modern percussion ensemble that plays works from 20th century composers such as John Cage along with new works. Here's an NPR Tiny Desk concert they played. Tickets go on sale to the general public August 28 -- they're $29 and up.

February 15: Time For Three
A string trio -- two violinists and a bassist -- that plays classical music and covers of modern pop. See their cover of "Shake It Off." Tickets go on sale to the general public August 28 -- they're $34.

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Ray LaMontagne at Troy Music Hall

Singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne is playing a show at the Troy Music Hall October 15. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, August 4 -- they're $55 and up.

Tour blurbage:

Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne returns to the stage on his Just Passing Through acoustic tour. The tour marks the first acoustic tour for Ray in 5 years and will be highlighting songs from his vast and varying body of work. Joining Ray on the tour will be John Stirratt from Wilco on acoustic bass. The two will be playing songs spanning across Ray's albums including Trouble, Till The Sun Turns Black, Gossip in the Grain, God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise, Supernova and Ouroboros.

LaMontagne last made a stop through here at The Palace in 2014.

photo via Ray Lamontagne Facebook

Tape Face at Troy Music Hall

The Troy Music Hall announced a group of shows for its upcoming season today, and it includes the usual mix of concerts. And then there's Tape Face on October 12.

Tape Face is, um, a guy with tape over his mouth. And his act pretty clearly draws on mime, clowning, and prop comedy. He got a lot of attention last year for his performances on the TV show America's Got Talent, on which he made it to the finals.

Show blurbage: "So what does he do exactly? Well, simply mentioning any aspect of this diverse show would be a disservice - the less you know the more you will enjoy this show."

Tickets for the show go on sale to the general public this Friday, June 16 -- they're $27.

Here's the rest of the newly-announced shows...

(there's more)

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at Troy Music Hall

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will be at the Troy Music Hall October 7 for a show. Tickets go on sale the general public May 5 -- they're $49.50 and up.

Marsalis is, of course, jazz royalty. Blurbage about the orchestra:

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (JLCO) comprises 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today. Led by Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center Managing and Artistic Director, this remarkably versatile orchestra performs a vast repertoire ranging from original compositions and Jazz at Lincoln Center-commissioned works to rare historic compositions and masterworks by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus, and many others.

It's the first show of the 2017-2018 season at the music hall.

The Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

photo: Joe Martinez

Trey Anastasio at Troy Music Hall

Trey Anastasio is lined up to play a show at the Troy Music Hall March 10. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 27 at noon -- they're $65 and up. (There's also a presale starting Wednesday.)

Anastasio is, of course, one of the founders of Phish. This show is billed as "an acoustic evening with" him.

We're guessing there's a good chance this sells out. So if you'd like to go, it's a good idea to get ticket sooner rather than later.

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Branford Marsalis + Kurt Elling at Troy Music Hall

Marsalis and Elling

The Branford Marsalis Quartet will be joined by Kurt Elling for a concert at the Troy Music Hall April 27. Tickets go on sale to the general public Monday, December 12 -- they're $29 and up.

Marsalis is, of course, a saxophonist, band leader, member of a royal family of jazz. And Elling is a Grammy-winning jazz vocalist. Show blurbage:

Energized by the artistic promise of this collaboration, the band members have all contributed new arrangements to perform with this special line-up and will be looking beyond the Great American Songbook. Although following the format of a standard jazz quartet with vocals, the collaboration between jazz's most intense band and one of jazz's foremost singer should prove to be anything but standard.

The show is part of the Troy Music Hall's 37th annual gala.

The Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Troy Music Hall updated 2016-2017 slate includes San Fermin and Selected Shorts

Ellis Ludwig-Leone of San Fermin + NOW Ensemble

The Troy Music Hall announced the second half of its 2016-2017 season Tuesday. The lineup includes the chamber pop group San Fermin with NOW Ensemble, the public radio fave Selected Shorts, and the folk group The Wailin' Jennys.

A compressed schedule of the new shows is after the jump. (Next year's portion of the season schedule already had some announced shows, including Marc Maron on March 11.)

Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, October 21.

(there's more)

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at Troy Music Hall

Hey, daddy-o: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is set to play a show at the Troy Music Hall November 3. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (August 5) -- they're $29 and $37.

The band rode that 90s swing revival wave -- they even played the Super Bowl halftime show in 1999 -- and then just kept on going. They've now been together 23 years and sold more than two million albums across 10 releases.

By the way: Swingers was released 20 years ago this October.

photo via Big Bad Voodoo Daddy FB page

Marc Maron at Troy Music Hall

Comedian Marc Maron will be at the Troy Music Hall October 14 for a stand-up show. Tickets go on sale the general public this Friday (July 22) -- they're $29 and $34.

Maron's been around for a long time, doing standup and appearing in various shows and movies. But in recent years he's probably most famous for his podcast, WTF with Marc Maron.

He made a stop at The Egg back in 2013.

Lyle Lovett + Robert Earl Keen at Troy Music Hall

Announced Tuesday: Lyle Lovett will be playing a show at the Troy Music Hall with Robert Earl Keen September 29. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (June 24) -- they're $38 and up.

Lovett makes a stop in this area just about once a year or so and his shows seem to be popular. This time he's bringing along Keen, a Texas singer/songwriter and longtime friend. (They went to Texas A&M together.) They'll be performing together.

Also announced Tuesday: Big Head Todd and the Monsters will be at the Troy Music Hall November 16. They'll be performing the music of famed blues musician Willie Dixon with Mud Morganfield, Billy Branch, and Ronnie Baker Brooks. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday -- they're $36 and up.

Lake Street Dive at Troy Music Hall

The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is continuing to fill out its fall schedule. The latest addition: Lake Street Dive on October 4. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday -- they're $30.

Lake Street Dive was recently through this area for a stop at Brewery Ommegang. They're touring in support of an album -- Side Pony -- released this past February. Album blurbage:

[A] side pony, for them, is really a metaphor for their philosophy and personality as a band, one that seamlessly incorporates R&B, pop, '60s-era rock, and soul into a unique, dance-party-ready mix. As bassist Bridget Kearney puts it, "When we were settling on the album title, that one just stuck out to us as embodying the band's spirit. We've always been this somewhat uncategorizable, weird, outlying genre-less band. That's the statement we wanted to make with this record: be yourself."

If you like Lake Street Dive... There's a good chance you also like Lucius. A reminder that group is at Upstate Concert Hall next Wednesday, June 22 with Margaret Glaspy.

photo: Danny Clinch

Vaud and the Villains at Troy Music Hall

The music act Vaud and the Villains -- a "19 piece 1930s New Orleans orchestra and cabaret show" -- is set to play a show at the Troy Music Hall September 23. Tickets go on sale to the general public May 23 -- they're $27.

We weren't familiar with the group before today's announcement, so we watched some clips on line. It sounds like a party.

The Troy Music Hall announced two more shows today:

+ Black Violin -- "blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass music" -- on October 6. Tickets are $20 and up.

+ Bluegrass act The Gibson Brothers on October 8. Tickets are $25 and up.

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

photo: Jessica Verma Photography

David Cross at Troy Music Hall

Comedian/actor David Cross is set to make a stop at the Troy Music Hall March 20 for a stand-up show. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, January 8 -- they're $34 and $44.

Cross is famous for his role as Tobias Fünke on Arrested Development, and before that for his work on Mr. Show. He's also appeared in a bunch of other shows, movies, and music videos.

The tour bringing Cross to Troy as the "Making America Great Again!" tour.

The Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Neko Case at Troy Music Hall

The Neko Case is set to play a show at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall March 5. Tickets go on sale to the general public December 21 -- they're $35 / $15 students. (And they're currently available to music hall members.)

Case's solo music is somewhere in the area of indie rock, alt-country, and folk rock. She recently released a new collection of her solor work -- Truckdriver, Gladiator, Mule -- on vinyl.

Also: We're reasonably certain Case is some of sort of superhero. Anyone with a voice like hers is either from Asgard or was bitten by a radioactive spider.

The Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

photo: Dennis Kleiman

The Punch Brothers at Troy Music Hall

Progressive bluegrass (plus other stuff) band The Punch Brothers is lined up for a show a the Troy Music Hall December 10. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (September 25) -- they're $39 and $49.

The band's leader is Chris Thile, a mandolin virtuoso whose omnivorous blending of influences and styles (classical, jazz, indie rock and more) helped earn him a McArthur "genius" grant. And band is filled out with a team of accomplished musicians: Gabe Witcher (fiddle/violin), Noam Pikelny (banjo), Chris Eldridge, (guitar), and Paul Kowert (bass). Here's an NPR Tiny Desk concert from earlier this year.

(The Punch Brothers were one of the headliners for this past weekend's Fresh Grass festival at MASS MoCA. It's pretty clear they just can't stay away from this area. Understandable.)

The opener for the Troy Music Hall show is singer/songwriter Gabriel Kahane.

The Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

photo: Brantley Gutierrez

Craig Ferguson at Troy Music Hall

Comedian Craig Ferguson is set to for a stand-up show at the Troy Music Hall September 27. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $37 and up.

In addition to being a comedian, Ferguson is also an actor and author -- but he's best known for his 10-year run as the host of The Late, Late Show on CBS, which ended this past December. Last year, in explaining his exit, he said he wanted to leave the show before he stopped enjoying it.

He's moved on to hosting a game show, an upcoming sitcom, and stand-up touring. Here's a Guardian review of one of his stand-up shows in New York City earlier this year.

The Troy Music Hall show is at 8 pm on Sunday, September 27.

Yo La Tengo at Troy Music Hall

Revered indie rock band Yo La Tengo is set to play the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall September 23. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (June 5) -- they're $15/$27/$34.

The band has a new album coming out in August. Tour blurbage:

On August 28, we'll be releasing the new Yo La Tengo album, 'Stuff Like That There', a 14 song collection of covers, originals and reworking(s) (see below) that happens to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the band's landmark 1990 album, 'Fakebook'. Recorded with Gene Holder, 'Stuff Like That There' has the trio of Ira Kaplan, Georgia Hubley and James McNew augmented by the guitarist and former Yo La Tengo member Dave Schramm, with James negotiating the wonders of the upright bass for the first time. This specific fearsome foursome -- playing material from 'Stuff Like That There' and maybe, possibly/probably (we really don't dictate repertoire around here) 'Fakebook' will kick off a world tour on September 23 in Troy, NY. These will almost certainly be your only opportunities to see Yo La Tengo take the stage in this particular format ...

The show on Wednesday, September 23 starts at 8 pm.

Lyle Lovett + John Hiatt at Troy Music Hall

Hiatt and Lovett

Singer/songwriters Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt are set to play a show at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall October 6. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (May 15) -- they're $38 and up.

Lovett and Hiatt have been playing shows together for years, including stops in the Capital Region in 2008 and 2011. The upcoming show in Troy is being billed as "an acoustic evening."

Those local Lovett/Hiatt shows in past years have sold out, so if you're interested in going, it's probably a good idea to get tickets sooner rather than later.

Drawing: Postmodern Jukebox at Troy Music Hall

Drawing's closed!

The pop song cover/re-interpretation act Postmodern Jukebox will be at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall this Saturday, October 25. The group takes modern pop hits and reinterprets them in other styles, often from previous eras. A few examples: a ragtime version of "Call Me Maybe" and and 1920s jazz take on Iggy Azalea's "Fancy."

We have a pair of tickets to the show and we're giving them away. To you? Maybe!

To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:

What's something in the Capital Region that you'd like to see reinterpreted?

This could be anything. Non-redeemable bonus points for creativity.

the show at the Troy Music Hall starts at 8 pm Saturday. Tickets are $29.

Important: All comments must be submitted by 5 pm on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. (Normal commenting guidelines apply.) One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by midnight that day and must respond by noon on Thursday, October 23.

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Postmodern Jukebox at Troy Music Hall

The pop song cover/re-interpretation act Postmodern Jukebox is set to play a show at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall October 25. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $29.

Postmodern Jukebox is a project created by pianist Scott Bradlee. It takes modern pop hits and reinterprets them in other styles, often from previous eras. A few examples: a ragtime version of "Call Me Maybe" and and 1920s jazz take on Iggy Azalea's "Fancy." The various covers have racked up millions of YouTube plays.

A clip from Bradlee's self-described background of Postmodern Jukebox:

My goal with Postmodern Jukebox is to get my audience to think of songs not as rigid, ephemeral objects, but like malleable globs of silly putty. Songs can be twisted, shaped, and altered without losing their identities-just as we grow, age, and expire without losing ours-and it is through this exploration that the gap between "high" and "low" art can be bridged most readily.

Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer at Troy Music Hall

Thile and Meyer

Mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile is scheduled to return to the Capital Region October 10 for a show at the Troy Music Hall with bassist Edgar Meyer. Tickets are $27 and up -- they go on sale to the general public Monday, June 16.

Thile has been on fire over the last few years -- earning acclaim with the progressive bluegrass band the Punch Brothers, and being named a MacArthur fellow.

But why stop with just with one MacArthur "genius." Meyer was awarded one of the grants in 2002, and has collaborated with artists such as Yo-Yo Ma.

Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn
Also announced today: Banjoists Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn are set to play a show at the Troy Music Hall October 24. Tickets are $25 and up -- they go on sale Monday, June 16.

Test drive tickets
Something new (or, at least, new to us): The Troy Music Hall is offering "test drive" tickets -- discounted tickets to people who have never a attended a show there before. These tickets are just $15 for the shows mentioned above. Call the box office for details.

The Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Drawing: Mike Birbiglia at Troy Music Hall

Birbigs.

Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!

Comedian/storyteller/actor/writer/director/This American Life regular Mike Birbiglia will be at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall March 21 for a show. We have a pair of tickets, and we're giving them away -- maybe to you.

To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:

In Sleepwalk with Me, Mike Birbiglia shared stories about some of his odd dreams and sleepwalking. So, tell us about one of your funny dreams.

Or, if you don't have a funny dream to share, in honor of the Pizza Pillow, what's the pizza of your dreams?

So, either a funny dream or a dream pizza. We'll draw one winner at random. Totally non-redeemable bonus points for a funny dream involving pizza.

Birbiglia's current tour is titled "Thank God for Jokes." Blurbage: "Mike Birbiglia returns to the stage with more painfully awkward stories about telling jokes ... and how that can get you in trouble. Join Birbiglia as he visits Cats-a-chusetts, argues with someone about their nut allergy, hosts an awards show for angry celebrities, and learns that Fozzie Bear is a tough act to follow"

The Troy Music Hall show is at 8 pm on Friday, March 21. Tickets are $29 and up.

Important: All comments must be submitted by 8 pm on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. (Normal commenting guidelines apply.) One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by noon on Wednesday, March 12 and must respond by noon on Thursday, March 13.

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

photo: Brian Friedman

Mike Birbiglia at Troy Music Hall

Comedian/storyteller/actor/writer/director Mike Birbiglia will be at the Troy Music Hall for a show March 21. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, December 6 at 5 pm online, and in person on December 9 -- they're $29 and $34 (students get a $3 discount).

Birbiglia is probably best known for his one-man show Sleep Walk with Me and his appearances on This American Life. He collaborated with TAL host Ira Glass to turn Sleep Walk with Me into a film of the same title that was released last year.

Birbiglia's new show is Thank God For Jokes. Tour blurbage:

With this show, award-winning filmmaker, author, and comedian Mike Birbiglia returns to the stage with more painfully awkward stories of telling jokes and how that can get you in trouble. Join Birbiglia as he visits Cats-a-chusetts, argues with someone about their nut allergy, hosts an awards show for angry celebrities, and learns that Fozzie Bear is a tough act to follow.

The Troy Music Hall show is at 8 pm on March 21 (a Friday).

The Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

photo: Brian Friedman

Drawing: Elvis Costello at Troy Music Hall

Elvis Costello's solo show at Troy Music Hall is sold out, but you could win tickets.

Update: Drawing's closed!

The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall opens its 2013-2014 season next week. And one of the highlights of the season is Elvis Costello's solo show on November 6. It's already sold out. But AOA has one pair of tickets -- and they could be yours.

To enter the drawing answer the following question:

Elvis Costello is always reinventing himself, and exploring new sounds. He was cool in the 80s and he's still cool today. What's something in the Capital Region that is enduringly cool?

We'll pick one winner at random.

Among the other shows coming up this season at the Troy Music Hall:

+ Josh Ritter on September 26
+ Paula Poundstone on October 5
+ Roseanne Cash on December 19
+ Sean Rowe next April

Tickets are on sale for all those performances, and the rest of the 2013-2014 season.

Important: All comments must be submitted by noon on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by 10 am on Thursday, September 19 and must respond by 8 pm that night.

photo: Andy Gotts

Sean Rowe at Troy Music Hall

The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall announced today that Sean Rowe is set to play the hall April 12, 2014. Tickets are $20, $25, $30 -- they go on sale to the general public September 3 (and are currently on sale to music hall members).

It's fitting that Rowe is playing the Troy Music Hall. He's probably played almost every other venue and bar in the city. (We remember seeing him play to just a handful of people in Riverfront Park one time.) Now he's touring the world, appearing on TV, and getting promoted by NPR. It's all well earned.

The show is a benefit for the Rensselaer Land Trust. That also makes sense -- Rowe has a pretty clear appreciation for nature, and he's an expert on wild edibles. (See his recent excitement about finding black walnuts and mushrooms.)

We gotta think this show has a chance of selling out. So if you want to go, it's probably a good idea to get tickets sooner than later.

photo: Marius Bugge

Elvis Costello at Troy Music Hall

Elvis Costello is set to play the Troy Music Hall November 6. Tickets are $40 -- they go on sale to the general public this Friday, August 9 (there's also a member pre-sale now).

This tour is being billed as "Elvis Costello - SOLO," with "intimate performances."

As you know, Costello is considered one of the all-time greats. He and his band, the Attractions, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. More recently, Costello's been collaborating with The Roots.

photo: Andy Gotts

Troy Music Hall 2013-2014 season

Josh Ritter will be there in September.

The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has announced the slate for its 2013-2014 season. Among the highlights: Josh Ritter, Angelique Kidjo, Rosanne Cash, and Jim Breuer.

Tickets went on sale today (July 17).

Full slate after the jump.

(there's more)

Jake Shimabukuro, Lisa Loeb at Troy Music Hall

The Troy Music Hall announced a new slate of upcoming shows this week. Among them:

+ Lisa Loeb (and Nine Stories, and her glasses) March 23

+ Uke star Jake Shimabukuro April 27

The whole slate is post jump.

Tickets for Lisa Loeb go on sale to the general public December 10. General tickets for Jake Shimabukuro and the rest of the new slate go on sale December 12.

(there's more)

Drawing: Ira Glass at the Troy Music Hall

Act 1: The question. Act 2: Random draw. Act 3: Tickets.

Update: Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!

This American Life host/producer/creator Ira Glass will be at the Troy Music Hall December 1. We have a pair of the tickets -- which include a pre-show meet-and-greet with him -- and we're giving them away. Maybe to you.

To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:

What's your favorite story?

It could be your favorite story from This American Life, or your favorite story from when you were a kid, or your favorite book, or whatever. We'll pick one winner at random.

The Troy Music Hall appearance is billed as "Reinventing Radio: An Evening with Ira Glass." From the blurbage:

Glass will talk about today's media environment, about how he makes "This American Life" in that context, and how he and his staff find compelling stories and make shows from them that are unique in broadcast journalism.

Onstage, Glass will combine his live narration with quotes and music from "This American Life", mixing them to re-create a radio segment before your eyes, explaining memorable, funny, and serious excerpts from the show from his point of view at the heart of public radio.

The show starts at 8 pm. Tickets start at $25.

Bonus Ira bits: Here's his recent Ask a Grown Man/balloon animal DIY at Rookie. (He's sort of a mentor to Tavi.) And a recent AMA on Reddit.

Important: All comments must be submitted by 5 pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2012 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by noon on Wednesday and must respond by noon on Thursday, November 15.

The Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

photo: Stuart Mullenberg

Troy Music Hall 2012-2013 season includes "An Evening with Ira Glass"

Act 1: A show in Troy...

The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall announced its first slate of show for the 2012-2013 season today -- and the show that immediately jumped out at us: "Reinventing Radio: An Evening with Ira Glass" on December 1.

From the blurbage for the show with the creator and host This American Life:

Join Ira for a fascinating evening as he leads the audience through the creation of This American Life and talks about the state of media today. He will talk about his program and how it's put together: what makes a compelling story, where they find the amazing stories for their show, how he and his staff try to push broadcast journalism to do things it doesn't usually do. As part of this, Glass mixes stories from the show, live onstage, combining his narration with pre-taped quotes and music, recreating the sound of the show as the audience watches. He plays funny and memorable moments from the show, and explains about what was behind their creation. Expect an evening that is sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, and certainly intriguing.

Tickets for that show start at $25.

The whole schedule released today is after the jump. Tickets will be available to Troy Music Hall members starting June 26 -- and to the general public July 11.

(there's more)

First Niagara/HSBC branch consolidation includes branch at Troy Music Hall

It's a bank. It's a music hall. It's currently both. And at the very least, will be a music hall going forward.

First Niagara has announced which bank branches it will be eliminating as part of its purchase of HSBC's upstate New York branches, first announced last August.

The bank is consolidating ten branches in the Capital Region's core counties -- split evenly between current HSBC locations and current First Niagra locations. In many cases, the branches are almost right next to each other. The list is after the jump.

On the consolidation list: the First Niagara branch in the bottom of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall building. So, what's that mean for the music hall?

(there's more)

Tickets for Andrew Bird at Troy Music Hall

Bird watching.

Drawing's closed! Winner's been notified!

Next Thursday (October 13) at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall: Andrew Bird. We have a pair of tickets. And we're giving them away.

Bird's an unusual musician -- a rare bird, you might say (thank you, we'll be here all week). So to enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:

What's rare in the Capital Region?

We'll pick one answer at random.

Andrew Bird's music really is hard to describe. And on top of being genre defying, he's continually evolving his songs. You just have to listen. Among his recent work: a cover of "Bein' Green" for the new Muppets movie soundtrack.

The show at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall starts at 8 pm on October 13. Frequent Bird collaborator Dosh is the opener. Tickets are $33.50.

Important: All comments must be submitted by noon on Friday (October 7, 2011) to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by 5 pm on Friday and must respond by 9 am Monday (October 10).

Yep, the Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

photo: Cameron Wittig

Andrew Bird at Troy Music Hall

He knows big words.

Check it out: Andrew Bird is playing the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall October 13. Frequent collaborator Dosh opens.

Great -- but that's a long way off. Why mention it now? Because tickets go on sale this Friday. They're $33.50.

About Bird, from an AV Club interview a few years ago:

Musical polymath Andrew Bird is the quintessential word-of-mouth artist. His music, which draws elements from pop, classical, jazz, and folk traditions, defies easy genre categorization, and his modest Midwestern persona is amiable, but not striking. A "next big thing" he is not. Yet his name has been quietly buzzing in taste-making music circles for years, with each new release quietly building on the sleeper success of the last.

And from a Paste review of Bird's Noble Beast: "Andrew Bird has always been a bit of a showoff. For good reason, though--he's an incredible violinist and composer, he knows big words like apocrypha, and anyone who can make a human whistle sound like the wind, a voice, a theremin and a saw, might as well prove it."

Here's a performance by Bird at TED last year.

Yep, the Troy Music Hall does advertise on AOA.