Items tagged with 'music'

Trey Anastasio's new band Ghosts of the Forest is playing The Palace

trey anastasio 2018

A new band headed up by Trey Anastasio -- Ghosts of the Forest -- is set to play The Palace April 9. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, December 15 -- they're $45 and up. (There's also a presale that starts December 12.)

Ghosts of the Forest includes Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, Jennifer Hartswick, Celisse Henderson, Tony Markellis, and Ray Paczkowski. The Palace show is one of seven the band is group in April.

And, of course, Anastasio was just recently in town for two shows at TU Center with Phish.

photo via Trey Anastasio's website

Tedeschi Trucks Band back at SPAC

tedeschi trucks band

The Tedeschi Trucks Band will be back at SPAC July 14. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 14 -- they're $19.50 and up. (There's also a lawn seat four pack for $60.)

The lineup also includes Blackberry Smoke and Shovels & Rope.

This will be four summers in a row that Tedeschi Trucks Band is playing at SPAC. So, presumably, people keep showing up and in not-small numbers. That's another way of saying that if you want your pick of tickets, it's probably not a bad idea to get them sooner rather than later.

SPAC lawn season pass
A reminder that Live Nation's SPAC lawn seat season passes for pop shows are now on sale for the upcoming season. The passes include access to shows, including sold-out shows, as well priority entry and complimentary lawn chair rental. The passes are $299 (plus fees) and will be on sale from December 4-December 18.

Lawn tickets at SPAC tend to be in the $25-$35 range (with some exceptions, see above). So if you think you might go to 10 (or so) shows next season, it could be worth it.

photo: Mark Seliger

Hootie & The Blowfish + Barenaked Ladies at SPAC (also there's a season lawn pass)

Hootie and the Blowfish

Hootie & The Blowfish. / photo: Todd and Chris Owyoung

The 90s live: Hootie & The Blowfish are set to play a show at SPAC August 4. And the opener is Barenaked Ladies. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 7 -- they're $29.50 and up.

The band has a new album coming out -- its first studio album in almost 15 years -- and this will be its first tour in more than a decade. In that time frontman Darius Rucker has been pursuing a popular country music career.

And the Barenaked Ladies continue on. (Though without Steven Page.) They alsa have a new album planned for 2019.

SPAC Season Lawn Pass
Speaking of SPAC: Live Nation is offering a season pass for lawn seats at its pop music shows at SPAC for the upcoming season. The passes will access to shows, including sold-out shows, as well priority entry and complimentary lawn chair rental.

The passes are $299 (plus fees) and will be on sale from December 4-December 18.

Flipping through last season's shows, it looks like lawn tickets at SPAC tend to be about $25-$35. So if you think you might go to 10 (or so) shows next season, it could be worth it.

Dead & Company is back at SPAC next summer

Dead and Company 2018 by Danny Clinch

They're already decorating for summer concert season and it's not even Christmas, yet...

Dead & Company is returning for another show at SPAC June 18. Tickets go on sale December 8 -- they're $49.50 and up.

There's also some sort of fan pre-registration that's supposed to make it easier for real people -- instead of ticket-buying bots -- to score tickets. (Because the modern world.) Registration for that closes this Saturday, December 1.

Dead & Company is the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bob Weir, joined by John Mayer, and with Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti. They've made stops in this area each year since getting together in 2015, including the last three summers at SPAC.

Also already announced for next summer at SPAC
+ July 26: Train / The Goo Goo Dolls (on sale now)

+ August 24: KISS (on sale December 3)

photo: Danny Clinch

A look at the 2019 Tanglewood schedule

musician Yo-Yo Ma 2018

Yo-Yo Ma is on the schedule, because of course. / photo via Yo-Yo Ma Facebook

Though winter just started, it's not too early to be thinking a little bit about summer.

To that end, the 2019 Tanglewood schedule is out. A few of the announced-so-far dates that caught our eye:

(there's more)

Punch Brothers at MASS MoCA

musicians Punch Brothers 2018 photo by Josh Goleman

The Punch Brothers are set to play a show at MASS MoCA March 16. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, November 16 -- they're $39 ahead / $49 day of.

The group features a lineup of progressive bluegrass stars, including Chris Thile. (He's now the host of Live from Here, the reformulated and retitled A Prairie Home Companion. And he was a MacArthur "genius" grant winner.) They released a new album this past summer.

The opener for the MASS MoCA show is Gabriel Kahane.

photo: Josh Goleman

Music break: Neighborhood of Make Believe

Something to listen to: "Track Names" by Neighborhood of Make Believe. It's embedded above.

The local orchestral folk rock act has a new album -- Two Nighttimes -- debuting November 16 on Five Kill Records. Blurbage:

Two Nighttimes, written slowly in the wake of a previous band's demise, looks forward and backward simultaneously. Frontman Alex Muro resorts to unlikely sources like the surrealist poetry of Vincente Alexandre or the no-stone-unturned history of Robert Caro to find ways to talk about personal questions. Attempting answers indirectly by painting pictures in words.

Neighborhood of Make Believe is Alex Muro, Adam Muro, Louis Apicello, Ryan Stewart, and Richard Nolan. (You might recognize some of the crew from Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned.)

The night of Friday, November 16 they're playing the annual B3nson Family Funsgiving at The Linda and The Low Beat in Albany. Joining them in the lineup: NXNES/Pink Noise, Oceantor, Bear Grass, Abyssmals, Groupie, Burly, and Secret Release.

San Jose Taiko at UAlbany

The music group San Jose Taiko will be at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center this Saturday, November 10. The group touts itself as a pioneer in contemporary taiko -- Japanese drumming. That's a clip embedded above. Blurbage:

n 1973, San Jose Taiko was founded by young Asian Americans searching for an outlet to convey their experiences as third generation Japanese Americans. Looking to Japan for inspiration, they were drawn to the empowering sounds of the taiko - the Japanese drum - an instrument that embodies the spiritual essence and heartbeat of Japan.
Since then, the company has become a world-class ensemble, performing extensively both nationally and internationally, reaching more than 75,000 audience members each year. By studying with masters of other traditions and cultures, San Jose Taiko has broadened and embellished this historical art form into a distinct performance style that blends the traditional rhythms of Japanese drumming with the beat of world rhythms, including African, Brazilian, Filipino, Latin and Jazz.

We watched a few of their videos on YouTube and got some strong drumline flashbacks (in a good way).

The show at the UAlbany PAC is Saturday at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 / $10 for students ahead and $20 / $15 students day of.

Ariana Grande at the TU Center

musician Ariana Grande

Update November 1: Tickets go on sale November 5 -- they're $34.95 and up.
____
It's true: Ariana Grande is set play a show at the TU Center March 18. It's the first top on her upcoming Sweetener tour.

Word of the show popped up this week when her website posted tour dates. A little bit oddly, though, the typical venue and ticket sale info didn't immediately follow. (These announcements are usually coordinated.) But on Friday the Times Union Center confirmed the date and posted a note: "Ticket prices and onsale information coming soon."

This will be a popular show. Grande is a huge star whose fame transcends music. Keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale if you'd like to go.

More upcoming shows at the TU Center

(there's more)

Young the Giant at The Palace

the band Young the Giant 2018

The pop rock band Young the Giant is set for a show at The Palace January 30. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 26 -- they're $24.50 and up.

The band has a new album out this month and the tour that's stopping here is in support of it. Tour/album blurbage:

Describing the overall thesis for Mirror Master, vocalist Sameer Gadhia explains, "Within one single day, we're all so many different people. Especially with the use of social media, we're not just living in the now--we're living on several different timelines simultaneously. A lot of the album came from thinking about how we have all these separations within ourselves that allow us to go about our day. At a time when everyone wants to put each other in a box--culturally, socially, musically--we wanted to show that there are a multitude of reflections inside everything. We don't have to be a certain thing; we can contradict ourselves and show all these different sides of who we are."

This Young the Giant's second stop at the The Palace. They also played a show there in 2017.

The opener for this next show is Sure Sure.

Dr. Dog at Upstate Concert Hall

the band Dr Dog photo by Ryan McMackin

Indie rock band Dr. Dog is set to play a show at Upstate Concert Hall February 13. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 19 -- the first 300 are $20, then they're $25.

The Philly band released a new album this past spring. Here's them talking about it to NPR earlier this year.

The opener for the show is The Nude Party.

Flipping through old listings, it looks like it's been a while since Dr. Dog made its way through here -- a show at MASS MoCA in 2015, and one at UCH in 2013.

photo: Ryan McMackin

Solid Sound 2019 early-bird tickets

MASS MoCA Wilco sign photo credit MASS MoCA

The Solid Sound festival will return to MASS MoCA June 28-30 in the summer of 2019. And early-bird tickets for the fest go on sale this Thursday, October 18.

Three-day passes will be $149 while supplies last. And kids passes will be $55 (free for age 6 and under). Those passes also include admission to the galleries of MASS MoCA. In the past, buying the early-bird tickets has saved about $15 per ticket.

Solid Sound is, of course, centered around Wilco and assorted Wilco-adjacent musical acts, friends, and favorites. There's also a comedy lineup, which has been headed up by John Hodgman in previous years. Here's the list of acts who have appeared in past years.

As you know, MASS MoCA is in North Adams, Massachusetts, a little more than a hour's drive from Albany.

photo via MASS MoCA Facebook

Umphrey's McGee / Experience Hendrix at The Palace

Umphreys McGee photo by David Levene

Umphrey's McGee. / photo: David Levene

Two shows announced for The Palace today...

Umphrey's McGee
The jam / prog rock band Umphrey's McGee is set to play a show at The Palace February 1. Tickets go on sale this Friday (October 19) -- they're $25 and up.

The band released two albums this year: It's not us and it's you.

They played a show at The Palace last year with saxophonist Joshua Redman.

Experience Hendrix
Also announced for The Palace today: Experience Hendrix April 3. Tickets on sale Friday -- they're $43.75 and up.

Show blurbage: "This latest edition of the much anticipated tour once again emphasizes the influence Hendrix has made on a diverse group of artists. The concerts will bring together artists as disparate as guitar wizard Joe Satriani, blues great Taj Mahal, Ernie Isley and Dweezil Zappa. Megadeth's Dave Mustaine will make his Experience Hendrix Tour debut while mainstays such as Billy Cox, Jonny Lang, and Eric Johnson will also be on board for the expedition."

Weezer + Pixies at Times Union Center

Weezer

Weezer. / photo: Sean Murphy

Classic rock* acts Weezer and (the) Pixies are set play to the Times Union Center March 14. Tickets go on sale October 19 -- they're $25 and up.

Weezer's been riding the wave of renewed attention thanks to their popular cover of Toto's "Africa." (If you had that in the surprise hit cover pool, congrats.) They also have a new album coming out next year.

And, of course, Pixies are one of the most influential modern rock bands of all time.

The two bands toured together this past summer, including a stop Syracuse.

* We kid... sort of. It's been 22 years since Pinkerton was released and 30 years since Surfer Rosa.

By the way...
Because the 90s, because Pixies: A reminder that Kim Deal and The Breeders are playing Upstate Concert Hall October 28.

Greensky Bluegrass at The Palace

the band Greensky Bluegrass 2018

The jamgrass band Greensky Bluegrass is set to play a show at The Palace January 10. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 12 -- they're $33 ahead / $36 day of.

Greensky Bluegrass played The Egg this past January, and that show sold out well ahead. The Palace has a lot more seats, but if you want your pick it's not a bad idea to get tickets sooner rather than later.

The band has a new album coming out in January.

The opener is Circles Around the Sun.

Get The Led Out
Also announced for The Palace: Get The Led Out February 2. Tickets on sale Friday. They're $33.50 ahead / $35.50 day of.

EMPAC 10YEARS

EMPAC exterior 2008-10-03

Standing outside EMPAC 10 years ago (almost to the day).

The Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute -- EMPAC -- will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary next week with a multi-day series of events: concerts, dance, film, theater, talks. And two events -- one at the start, the other at the finish -- sound like they'll be good opportunities to experience what the venue can do:

October 11: Double Quartet: Strings and Spaces
"Double Quartet: Strings and Spaces will serve as an initiatory journey for guests of the 10YEARS event. Beginning and ending in the EMPAC Concert Hall, Taiwanese-American string quartet the Formosa Quartet will lead their audience through the EMPAC Theater and Studios 1 and 2, performing classical works specifically selected to complement the architectural acoustics of each space." 7 pm -- $18 / $13 students and seniors

October 13: Lost Highway Suite by Olga Neuwirth
"Performed by 25-members of the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), with conductor Timothy Weiss and live electronics by Gilbert Nouno, the Suite will be staged in the EMPAC Concert Hall with a 64-speaker Ambisonic dome surrounding the audience. Going beyond traditional surround sound, this audio system is capable of spatializing the music performed by the ensemble, moving sounds around the listening space, and expanding and altering the acoustics of the hall. Creating a sonic environment in which sound clouds and particles seem to come from beyond the walls of the space before retracting back to the performers onstage, the composition pursues a series of existential questions, including: How do we know what is real and what is imagined? How do we differentiate between what is inside of us and what is outside?" 8 pm -- $18 / $13 students and seniors

EMPAC is a remarkable venue -- in terms of its architecture, its technology, and its programming. It also might, at times, not exactly feel accessible to a general audience.

Probably the best way to think of it is not just as a performance venue, but as a flexible research space for artists that allows them to push the boundaries of technology and form and, through that work, create new experiences. That's a rare opportunity -- for artists and audiences -- and it's worth checking out.

Mumford & Sons at the Times Union Center

the band Mumford and Sons

The band Mumford & Sons is set to play a show at the Times Union Center March 2. Tickets go on sale to the general public October 12 -- they're $40.50 and up. (There's a fan pre-sale starting October 8 -- see the band's website for details.)

The alt rock / folk rock act has a new album -- Delta -- coming out in November, and the tour has the same name. Also: It sounds like the show will involve some sort of theater-in-the-round type of stage.

It looks like Maggie Rogers will be the opener for the TU Center show.

Mumford & Sons played a show at SPAC in the summer of 2016 and it sold out well ahead of time. So if you'd like to catch this show, it's not a bad idea to get tickets earlier rather than later.

photo: James Minchin

Bobby Brown + Bell Biv Devoe at The Palace

Bobby Brown Bell Biv Devoe

Bobby Brown and Bell Biv Devoe are co-headlining a show at The Palace November 2. Tickets went on sale today (September 25) -- they're $39.50 and up.

The show will also feature Case and Kid Capri.

Brown and the members of Bell Biv Devoe -- Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe -- were, of course, members of the influential R&B group New Edition back in the day. Brown went on to stardom as a solo artist and Bell Biv Devoe had a bunch of hits, too. They were part of the new jack swing sound.

Old school.

Dave Matthews Band at TU Center

dave matthews band

The Dave Matthews Band is set to play a show at the Times Union Center December 5. Tickets go on sale to the general public October 5 -- they're $65 and up. (There's a pre-sale for the band's fan club September 25-29.)

DMB released a new studio album this past June, its first in six years. Come Tomorrow debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

And the band made its annual migration to SPAC this past summer. The TU Center show is part of 10-city fall tour along the East Coast.

Shows at the TU Center this fall and beyond

More concerts coming up at the TU Center:

(there's more)

Massry Center 2018-2019 season

comedian Lea DeLaria credit Ricky Middleworth

The season opens with comedian/singer Lea DeLaria, most famous recently for playing Big Boo on Orange Is The New Black. / photo: Ricky Middleworth

The lineup for the upcoming 2018-2019 performance season at the Massry Center at Saint Rose is out. It includes a mix of comedy, roots, jazz, and soul music. And tickets for a handful of shows are on sale now via the Troy Music Hall box office.

Here's a quick scan...

(there's more)

Outdoor concerts at Brown's Brewing this fall

band The Moth and The Flame

The Moth & The Flame. / photo: Marcello Ambriz

Brown's Brewing and WEQX are teaming up for another round of outdoor concerts behind the brewery on the waterfront in Troy with two Thursdays in October:

October 4: The Blue Stones, with The Late Shift

October 11: The Moth & The Flame, with The Parlor

Gate opens at 5 pm, shows start at 6 pm. Admission's free, and there will be food and drink available for purchase.

Walloomsac
By the way: Brown's has also been hosting music shows on weekends at its Walloomsac Taproom in North Hoosick. That first link above has the lineup.

The Disco Biscuits at The Palace

band The Disco Biscuits

The Disco Biscuits are lined up to play shows at The Palace November 23 and 24 (the two days after Thanksgiving). Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 7 -- they're $39.50 ahead / $42.50 day of / $75 for a two-show pass.

Show blurbage:

The Disco Biscuits are an entirely different band today than they were when they first broke out of Philadelphia in the mid-90s. That's not to say that they've abandoned their foundation, switched gears or set sail for distant shores. The Disco Biscuits are still very much the pioneers of "trancefusion," bridging the gap between electronic music and jam bands. They still remain rock pioneers whose soul belongs as much to marathon dance parties as it does to live improvisational journeys. They still employ emerging technologies to help them create music that is 100 percent human although, perhaps, not entirely of this earth.

Of course, for many years Mariaville in Schenectady County was the site of the Biscuits-backed Camp Bisco music festival. The last one was 2014 -- there had been complaints from neighbors and officials expressed concerns about safety. In 2015 the county denied a permit necessary for the festival. It's since moved on to a site in Pennsylvania.

Jewel
Also announced Tuesday for The Palace: Jewel will be there December 14. It's her Handmade Holiday Tour, "performing Holiday classics, Holiday originals and classic Jewel songs alongside Special Guests and family members Atz, Atz Lee and Nikos Kilcher (Alaska: The Last Frontier)." Tickets go on sale Friday -- they're $39.50 and up.

Matisyahu at Troy Music Hall

musician Matisyahu 2018

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

The Breeders at Upstate Concert Hall

the band The Breeders 2018

Catching up a bit: The Breeders are set to play Upstate Concert Hall October 28. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $30 ahead / $32 day of.

It's been 25 years since Last Splash, and the same band lineup behind that hit album is back recording and touring, including a new album out this past spring.

Of course, Kim Deal is one of the most influential figures in the history of alt rock. She wrote some of the best Pixies songs -- tracks that were, along with the first Breeders album, an inspiration to Kurt Cobain. And The Breeders would go on to be an acclaimed and popular 90s band. Even today you can hear the echoes of the sound Deal helped shape in newer acts.

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.

Wye Oak at Helsinki Hudson

the band Wye Oak

Indie rock duo Wye Oak will be at Helsinki Hudson October 8 for a show. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $25 for general admission.

Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack released a new album this past spring, The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs, to positive reviews. Band blurbage: "In Wye Oak, Jenn Wasner's dreamy vocals float above Andy Stack's hip-hop and industrial-flavored electro-beats and New Wave keyboard parts, variously creating a fusion of singer-songwriter folk, dance-floor ecstasy, and ambient soundscapes. Stack has worked with members of the National, Sylvan Esso, T. Rex, and others. Jenn Wasner has worked with members of Dirty Projectors, Flock of Dimes, and the Decembrists."

The duo's played a handful of shows around this area over the last past decade so, including a stop at Helsinki Hudson last fall. (And maybe their first show around here was way back in 2008 at Valentine's with Sgt Dunbar.)

photo via Wye Oak Facebook

Opalka Gallery 2018 fall season

musician john vanderslice

The upcoming season at the gallery includes a "living room" concert with John Vanderslice.

The next season at the Opalka Gallery on the Sage Albany campus starts up at the end of August. And it includes all sorts of exhibits, talks, shows, and other experiences.

Here's a quick look at the schedule...

(there's more)

Music break: Bear Grass

Something to listen to, today or whenever: "Wash Over Me" by Bear Grass.

The song is off the local group's new album, LEFT, which will be released August 10. Album blurbage:

LEFT is the sophomore album of Troy, NY based indie rock band Bear Grass. Originally from Fox Island, Washington, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Katie Hammon, describes LEFT as a question of time and place. Having left her childhood home at age 17 to relocate to the right coast, Hammon has spent her adult life away from the people and places for which she holds great love and nostalgia. LEFT plays with the emotions of creating home while holding onto the past, recognizing that the people and places which once existed move along with time. ...
LEFT was created by Katie Hammon, bassist August Sagehorn, Tommy Krebs on vocals, keys and guitar, and drummer Ian White. The album was recorded and mixed by Hunter Davidsohn of Business District Recording in Johnson City, NY, and mastered by Josh Bonati of Bonati Mastering NYC.

Bear Grass has an album-release show lined up at the Post Contemporary - CAC Woodside in Troy August 10. Hunter Davidson will open. Admission includes a free copy of the album along with finger foods, and Rare Form will be there selling beer. Tickets are $20 and available online.

Five Kill Records
LEFT is being released by Five Kill Records, the new indie label that's a collaboration of handful of Albany/Troy collectives and labels: B3nson Recording Company, Swordpaw Collective, Collar City Records, The Rev Records, and Bee Side Cassettes.

(That's "kill" as in the Dutch word for stream/river.)

Black Violin at The Egg

music duo Black Violin

The duo Black Violin is set for a show at The Egg May 17, 2019. Tickets go on sale the general public this Thursday, July 26 -- they're $34.50 and up.

Band blurbage:

Black Violin - featuring Wil Baptiste and Kevin "Kev Marcus" Sylvester - blends classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass with influences ranging from Shostakovich and Bach to Nas and Jay-Z. Their major label debut recording "Stereotypes" is anything but stereotypical as they break all the rules in creating their one-of-a-kind musical fusion that has rocked concert halls and festivals worldwide.

Black Violin is also lined up for a "SPAC on Stage" show at SPAC August 20, but it's been sold out for months. It's the second straight year the duo sold out their SPAC on Stage show. Black Violin also played Troy Musical Hall this past April.

Two more 2019 concerts announced for The Egg

January 11: "We Shall Overcome": A Musical Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr featuring The Damien Sneed Band

April 13: The Fab Faux - "From the Cavern to the Rooftop"

WEXT Exit Dome show with Sean Rowe

Sean_Rowe 2018 photo credit Matt Dayak

WEXT is bringing back its Exit Dome benefit show September 7. And the headliner this time around is Sean Rowe. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $20.

The show's lineup also includes:

+ Super 400 playing acoustically

+ Darling Valley

+ Sorrow Estate

+ Motorbike

+ Troubadours Steve Candlen and Taylor Wing

The show is at the WMHT studios ("The Exit Dome") in the Rensselaer Tech Park in North Greenbush. It starts at 7 pm.

photo: Matt Dayak

Ludacris at the TU Center

rapper actor Ludacris

Ludacris is set to play a show at the Times Union Center August 11. Tickets go on sale this Friday, July 13 -- they're $50 and up.

Joining the rapper/actor as a headliner for the show: rapper/songwriter August Alsina.

And the lineup also includes DJ Nick Lake, DJ Ted Smooth, MC/Actor Lou Pizarro, MC/Actor Teddy G, MC/Actor Jeremy.

JD McPherson at The Hangar

JD McPherson band 2018

Blues/rockabilly singer/songwriter/guitarist JD McPherson is set to play two shows at The Hangar on the Hudson in Troy July 21 and July 22. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $25.

He released a new record last fall. Here's a song off it: "Lucky Penny."

McPherson's made a handful of stops in Troy before. And the show he played at The Hangar last November sold out (as have previous shows he's played there). The venue says it expects this upcoming Saturday-Sunday set to also sell out.

Sam Lewis is the opener for the shows.

photo via JD McPherson website

Upbeat on the Roof 2018

musician Taina Asili and band

Taina Asili will be there in August. / photo: Kiki Vassiliakis

The Upbeat on the Roof series starts up a new season at The Tang Museum at Skidmore tonight (Thursday).

The free Thursday evening concerts are on the roof of the museum (thus the name), and the galleries are open late.

This year's lineup is below. As in years past, it includes local acts across a range of genres.

(there's more)

Jake Shimabukuro at Caffe Lena

Jake Shimabukuro 2018

Ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro is set to play a show at Caffe Lena July 30. Tickets are on sale -- they're $75.*

Shimabukuro, who's from Hawaii, first got widespread attention for a ukulele cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" that was posted on YouTube. He's gone on to make a bunch of records, tour around the world, and be featured in all sorts of media, including a documentary about him.

The Caffe Lena date includes show at 7 pm and 9 pm.

Among the other Caffe Lena shows in July

+ July 29: Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan - $65

+ July 31: Jeff Daniels & The Ben Daniels Band - $40 (yep, the actor Jeff Daniels)
____

* This might take the top spot in our totally informal recollection of the highest starting ticket price for a general public concert in this area. Metallica and Garth Brooks have both charged $65.

photo via Jake Shimabukuro website

Stefon Harris at The Egg

jazz musician Stefon Harris credit Elizabeth Leitzell

Acclaimed jazz vibraphonist -- and Albany High School grad -- Stefon Harris is set to play a show at The Egg December 1. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $34.

This week Harris was named a winner of a Doris Duke Artist Award. Each artists receives $250k in flexible funding (along with as much as $35k for retirement savings). The awards are given to "exemplary individual artists in contemporary dance, jazz, theater and related interdisciplinary work who have demonstrated their artistic vitality and commitment to their field." Harris-specific blurbage:

With astonishing artistry and virtuosity, Stefon Harris has risen to become one of the most admired artists in jazz. He is a recipient of the Martin E. Segal Award from Lincoln Center and has earned four Grammy nominations. He has also been named Best Mallet Player eight times by the Jazz Journalists Association and was chosen as Best Vibes in the 2018 and 2017 DownBeat Magazine critics polls, the 2016 Jazz Times Expanded Critics Poll, the 2014 Jazz Times Critics Poll and the 2013 DownBeat Critics Poll.
Harris' 11th album as a band leader, "Sonic Creed," recorded with his band Blackout, will be released in 2018. ...
Harris' venture into new technological advances led to the co-founding of The Melodic Progression Institute (MPI) in 2013 with partner Clif Swigget. MPI released its first app in 2016, Harmony Cloud, an ear-training learning tool now available on iTunes, with a focus on designing innovative ways to help musicians learn and grow.

And he's an Albany High School grad, class of 1991. While in school here he was also a member of the Empire State Youth Orchestra.

photo: Elizabeth Leitzell

PearlPalooza 2018 lineup

the band Superorganism

Superorganism is one of the headliners.

This year's PearlPalooza -- the WEQX-organized free music festival on Pearl Street in downtown Albany -- is Saturday, September 15. And the lineup is out.

Without further ado, here's the list of acts with sample video clips...

(there's more)

Soweto Gospel Choir at Troy Music Hall

Soweto Gospel Choir

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."

Albany City Hall carillon concerts

Albany City Hall carillon bells

Inside the city hall carillon. / photo: Casey Normile

Albany City Hall has a carillon. (You've maybe heard it played during lunchtime.) And that carillon will be featured in a series of concerts this summer.

The concerts are Sundays at 1 pm during June and July (the first concert was this past Sunday). And different carillonneurs will be playing the massive instrument. The schedule is below.

Academy Park, across from city hall, would be a lovely place to listen.

Carillon? Casey wrote about the city hall carillon and the people who play it a few years back:

So what is a carillon? It's a bell instrument played by striking a keyboard of batons with one's hands and feet. The keys connect to wires, which pull at large clappers, striking the carefully tuned immobile bells. It's like a more physically demanding piano that can only be played in a tower.

It's a fun piece. You should read it. (And the two carillonneurs featured are part of the lineup for this summer's concerts.)

Albany's carillon dates back to 1927 when its installation was a big deal. Over at Hoxsie this past spring Carl recalled the drive to build the instrument and the grand inaugural concert.

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Freedom Park 2018 concert series lineup

Moriah Formica The Voice 2017

Moriah Formica will be there later in June.

The popular series of free concerts at Freedom Park in Scotia starts this Wednesday.

As usual, the season includes big lineup with multiple concerts each week from June through late August. And the lineup includes a bunch of different genres.

Freedom Park is on the Mohawk River, just over the Western Gateway Bridge from Schenectady, next to Jumpin' Jack's. (Sometimes you can catch a water ski show, too.)

Here's the schedule...

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Solid Sound 2019

solid sound logo green yellow slate backgroundA heads-up for next summer: The Solid Sound festival is set to return to MASS MoCA June 28-30 23-25.

It is, of course, the popular festival centered around Wilco and assorted Wilco-adjacent musical acts, friends, and favorites. There's also a comedy lineup, which has been headed up by John Hodgman in previous years.

For past fests, early-bird tickets have gone on sale in November or December. If you want to get a heads-up directly about such developments, the festival maintains an email list for updates. (See the link above and then click on the envelope icon at the top of the page.)

Jason Mraz at The Palace

musician Jason Mraz

Pop singer/songwriter Jason Mraz is set to play a show at The Palace November 30. Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 22 -- they're $49.50 and up.

Mraz has had a bunch of popular songs over the past decade plus, selling millions of records, and racking up zillions of plays on Youtube. He also recently had a run as one of the leads of the Broadway production of Waitress alongside Sara Bareilles. Mraz also appeared on the studio album Bareilles recorded for the hit show.

For the Palace show, Mraz will be joined by percussionist Toca Rivera as part an acoustic performance. The opener is Gregory Page.

photo: Justin Bettman

Tune-Yards + U.S. Girls at MASS MoCA

the band Tune-Yards

Tune-Yards. / photo: Eliot Lee Hazel

The art pop acts Tune-Yards and U.S. Girls are set to play a show at MASS MoCA October 30. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, June 15 -- they're $25 ahead / $35 day of.

Both acts released new albums earlier this year to positive reviews. (And they're both on the same label -- 4AD -- which is backing the tour.)

By the way: Tune-Yards is also the opener for the David Byrne show at The Palace September 9.

The Decemberists
The sold-out Decemberists show scheduled for MASS MoCA this Friday, June 15 has been postponed to October 4 because Colin Meloy is suffering from vocal strain. (Their Mountain Jam appearance has been canceled.) Tickets will be honored for the new date, but if you can't make it, contact the box office.

Bonnie Prince Billy
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy is lined up to play a show at MASS MoCA October 13. Tickets are $30 ahead / $40 day of.

Los Lobos, 10,000 Maniacs, Holly Bowling, and more at Cohoes Music Hall

Catching up a bit on what the Cohoes Music Hall has going on this summer and into the fall...

The venue recently announced shows featuring Los Lobos, 10,000 Maniacs, and classical/jam pianist Holly Bowling. The schedule is below.

The Cohoes Music Hall has been operating on its own after a management arrangement with the Palace ended at the start of the year. Former Palace executive director Holly Brown is now heading things up as part of a management org called the Music Hall Arts Alliance.

The music hall is owned by the city of Cohoes, and stands on the north end of Remsen Street downtown. It's a beautiful, old venue dating back to 1874. It might even have a ghost.

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Aleda Or The Flight Of The Suff Bird Women

Musicians of Maalwyck Aleda historical photo

This is something a little different: the Musicians of Ma'alwyck is staging a production of a new one-act opera called Aleda Or The Flight Of The Suff Bird Women next weekend at the Glenville Business & Technology Park. Blurbage (link added):

Set in Staten Island in 1916, the opera tells the true story of a unique women's suffrage demonstration attempted by early female pilot Leda Richberg-Hornsby and the National American Woman Suffrage Association (N.A.W.S.A.). Equipped with a bi-plane, a cargo of votes-for-women petitions, and a huge banner reading "Women want liberty too," the suffragists endeavored to fly over New York Harbor during a national celebration at the Statue of Liberty in order to "bomb" President Woodrow Wilson with petitions. The elaborate plan ended in something of a fiasco as a gale of wind forced a premature crash-landing in a Staten Island swamp (luckily no one was hurt) - yet the attempt stands as a testimony to the courage and inventiveness (not to mention dramatic flare) of these women in their struggle for the right to vote. The presentation of the opera coincides with the 100th anniversary year of the passing of women suffrage in New York State.
The performance will open with "Burden of the Ballot," a one-act play taking place in May 1917 at Historic Cherry Hill in Albany. Hear both sides of the suffrage question through the hopes and fears of women living during this important movement in American history.

The performances are Friday-Sunday (June 8-10) at CLYNK in the business park. Tickets are $25 / $10 for students.

Preview
There's a free talk about the production, and a preview, this Sunday, June 3 at Siena's Sarazen Student Union at 5 pm.

Alive at Five 2018 lineup

musician Matisyahu 2018

Matisyahu will be there in June. / photo: Chris Townsend

The Alive at Five series starts up its new season next week. The free Thursday night concerts are at Jennings Landing in Corning Riverfront Park, and run into August. (With a week off around July 4.)

Without ado, further or otherwise, here's the lineup with a sample clip for each headliner...

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Rockin' on the River 2018

musician Meklit

Singer/songwriter/composer Meklit will be there in July. / photo: Marco Peris / via Meklit Facebook

The full schedule for the next season of the Rockin' on the River free concert series in downtown Troy is out.

The Wednesday night series starts June 6 in Riverfront Park and runs through August 8.

And here's the lineup...

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Music Haven 2018 lineup

musician Bombino

Nigerien singer/songwriter/guitarist Bombino opens the series in July.

The lineup for this summer's Music Haven series in Schenectady's Central Park is out.

One of the things that distinguishes Music Haven among the free summer concert series is its focus on world, jazz, and roots music. And a bunch of upgrades to the venue itself are set to debut this season.

This venue's schedule also includes a handful of concerts beyond the typical Sunday evening Music Haven concerts.

The series starts July 8. Here's the lineup...

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Ja Rule + Ashanti + Lloyd at The Palace

ashanti ja rule lloyd

Together again: Ja Rule and Ashanti are set to play a show at The Palace June 22. Ticket are on sale now -- they're $38 and up.

Of course, the rapper and R&B singer collaborated on some big hits back in the day. And they've apparently been friends ever since (in that People article she even sticks up for him on the Fyre Festival). And more recently they teamed up a track on the Hamilton mixtape.

The bill for the Palace also features the R&B singer Lloyd, who returned in 2016 after a hiatus and even made an appearance on Atlanta.

Ja Rule and Ashanti have both made appearances locally in recent months, but we're guessing this show will be popular. So if you want tickets, sooner rather later isn't a bad idea.

Modest Mouse at The Palace

the band Modest Mouse 2018

While we're on the subject, the members of Modest Mouse have apparently been inhabited by aliens. So, that's something.

The rock band Modest Mouse is set to play a show at The Palace October 14. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 18 -- they're $49.50.

Back in 2014, Modest Mouse sold out two shows at Ommegang pretty much instantly. We're guessing this one fills up, too. So, you know what to do.

By the way: The band has released just two albums since 2004's Good News for People Who Love Bad News.

Wiz Khalifa + Rae Sremmurd at SPAC

rapper Wiz Khalifa 2018.jpg

Wiz Khalifa / photo via Wiz Khalifa Facebook

Rapper Wiz Khalifa is set to play a show at SPAC July 25. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 18 at noon -- they're $25 and up. (There's a limited number of lawn tickets in four packs.)

Joining Khalifa as headliner is the duo Rae Sremmurd. Their new album, out this month, is in the Billboard 200 top 10. (Also: Their 2016 song "Black Beatles" has been everywhere and racked up more 600 million plays on Youtube.)

Wiz Khalifa has a new album out this July.

Openers for the SPAC show Lil Skies AND O.T. Genasis.

Spin Doctors at Schenectady County SummerNight 2018

the band Spin Doctors

This year's Schenectady County SummerNight is July 13, and the headline is the band Spin Doctors.

Also part of the lineup: the bands Lucy and Bendt.

SummerNight is a free block party on State Street in downtown Schenectady from 5-10 pm. Shops will be open, and there are food vendors, kids activities, a sand sculpture, and fireworks at the end of the night. It's become a huge event -- last year's SummerNight drew an estimated 20,000 people.

By the way: It's been 27 years since Spin Doctors released Pocketful of Kryptonite, which sold more than 5 million copies in the US. And, according to the band's Wikipedia page, they've been together together and making albums ever since, except for a two-year hiatus around the early 2000s.

photo: Lucy Onions

Basilica Soundscape 2018

musician Liz Harris Grouper

Liz Harris (Grouper) is part of this year's lineup of artists.

Basilica SoundScape returns to Basilica SoundScape September 14-16. Early bird tickets are on sale now -- they're $60.

And the initial lineup is out (listed in full below). It includes Haxan Cloak x Nick Zinner (from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Grouper, Spellling, Lightning Bolt, L'Rain, and Efrim Manuel Menuck (from Godspeed You! Black Emperor).

This year's fest will also include the US premiere of "Un Vide Dans Le Ciel," a work for large symphony orchestra written by Stephen O'Malley and orchestrated with Eyvind Kang. It'll be performed by the The Orchestra Now (T?N) from Bard College.

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Angel Olsen at MASS MoCA

musician Angel Olsen

Indie rock singer/songwriter Angel Olsen is set to play a show at MASS MoCA September 29. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 4 -- they're $30 ahead / $40 day of.

Olsen's 2016 album, My Women, got strong reviews -- it that includes that song "Shut Up Kiss Me". And she followed it up with a collection of B-sides, demos, and covers last year that was also well received. From a Village Voice profile last November: "Olsen has that rare gift -- perhaps the gift that matters most in popular music -- that only the truly profound talents do, of writing songs that are both specific enough to feel personal to her but general enough that almost anyone listening can sing along and think, 'This happened to me.'"

The opener for the MASS MoCA show is Julianna Barwick

Eastbound Throwdown 2018

Eastbound Throwdown 2018 logo

The Eastbound Throwdown music fest returns to Irwin Farm in Salem September 7-8. Early bird passes are on sale now -- they're $50. Camping is included.

The fest is a joint production of the band Eastbound Jesus and the promoter Guthrie/Bell Productions. Blurbage:

This year's lineup includes a mix of artists that have played the festival in previous years, and ones that while have never played the Throwdown stage, are acts that Eastbound Jesus has grown to be friends with and fans of over the years while performing in the region.
Lineup will include: EASTBOUND JESUS (PLAYING BOTH DAYS), THE MALLETT BROTHERS BAND, THE BLIND OWL BAND, GIRL BLUE, THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE CHORUS, ELIJAH OCEAN, THE EASTERN HIGHS, DAN JOHNSON, SAINTS AND LIARS.
This will be the festival's third year at Irwin Farm. With local vendors, two stages built by the band themselves, and friends and family as volunteers to staff the event, it is truly a grassroots festival with a hometown feel.

The full festival lineup will be out June 1.

Salem is in Washington County, about an hour's drive northeast of Albany and about 40 minutes east of Saratoga Springs.

Amanda Shires at The Egg

musician Amanda Shires

Americana/roots singer/songwriter Amanda Shires is set to play a show at The Egg July 25. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $29.50.

Shires will be touring this summer as the lead up to a new album in August. Album blurbage:

To The Sunset is a compelling collection of narratives often told from a female perspective. The themes range from grappling with self-esteem in "Mirror, Mirror" to mental illness and addiction in standout track "Wasn't I Paying Attention?" and the power of a changed perspective with a dash of her signature wit in "Break Out The Champagne". Shires has a penchant for delivering her stories in ways that are intelligent and poetic yet thoughtful and warm, feeling as if coming from a good friend.

Shires also performs with Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, which won the Grammy for Best Americana Album this year. And, as it happens, she and Isbell are married. Here's a NPR interview with them both from this past December about their music and all sorts of stuff.

The opener for the show at The Egg: The one and only Sean Rowe.

Y La Bamba at The Linda

music act Y La Bamba

Luz Elena Mendoza of Y La Bamba

Indie folk pop act Y La Bamba is set to play a show at The Linda May 9. Tickets are $12.

From an NPR review of the act's album Ojos Del Sol:

The biggest step forward on the new record lies in how Y La Bamba uses Luz Elena Mendoza's voice: It's employed like a musical instrument, as part of an ensemble sound. That may sound easy, but it's difficult to pull off. Singing delicately in her upper register, she seems enmeshed in the instrumental arrangements, which gives her bicultural storytelling an almost otherworldly feel.
Ojos Del Sol represents a major step forward for Y La Bamba, not least because it fully establishes Mendoza as one of the most innovative and exciting young vocalists around.

The lineup for the show includes two strong locals, as well: The Parlor and Bell's Roar.

photo: Christal Angélique

Janet Jackson at SPAC

Janet Jackson 2018

The Janet Jackson is set to play a show at SPAC July 26. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 27 -- they're $29.95 and up.

The SPAC show is an extension of her "State of the World" tour. Blurbage: "The outing will showcase some of the legendary entertainer's biggest dance anthems and powerhouse ballads that have become staples of the music icon's career."

You might remember that Jackson was lined up to play SPAC in 2016, but the show ended up being postponed.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: Solamain Fazel

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.

Midday music break: The Parlor

Something to listen to this afternoon (or whenever): "Soon" by The Parlor.

The song is off the new album from Jen O'Connor and Eric Krans, Kiku, which is out today. A few more songs are available over at Soundcloud.

The album continues the evolution of the Altamont duo's sound, incorporating all sorts of loops and synths, And it takes on some very personal and difficult topics. From the accompanying materials:

Kiku, the Japanese word for chrysanthemum, began blooming in Krans and O'Connor's farmhouse garden immediately following their second miscarriage, and so became a symbol of their grief, despair, resilience and faith. "Kiku grew into something we never anticipated." What started only as vague sounds or plucked songs, grew unexpectedly into a kind of synth-folk chamber-pop. As the couple grieved, they wrote, and as they recorded they felt themselves "reaching out across the plane of the living and the dead where we stumbled upon the tiny hand of the soul we lost. We brought a piece of her, of Kiku, back with us." It was as if Kiku shared her spirit through the creation of her eponymous requiem.
'Kiku' sounds moodier, gloomier and more anxious than The Parlor's previous music. It also feels simultaneously relaxed and playful in a way that balances the album's heaviness with a showy bloom; an elaborate floral display. It's a serious, and even sometimes sexy indie-pop drama; a confession of two lovers trying over and over again. As the album's final song fades off into the ether, 'Kiku' comes into focus as a diary of one couple's private and lonely struggle with multiple miscarriage, and their determination not to allow the associated stigmas to silence them.

The Parlor is out on a short national tour right now. They'll be back in town for a house show next week.

Midday music break: The Sea The Sea

Something to listen to -- and watch -- today (or whenever): "Bang Bang Bang" by The Sea The Sea.

The song is off the Troy-based duo/band's upcoming album, From The Light, which will be out in June.

And about that comics-inspired video... they tell Pop Matters: "Our own Cara May Gorman (vocals, synth) hand drew all of the retro-comic book-inspired images, and our own Steve Struss (drums) digitized and co-colorized them. Then we handed it all over to fellow Troy, New York pals and collaborators, Chromoscope Pictures, to work their magic and bring it to life."

(By the way: It's worth heading over to Chromoscope's site to watch some of their work with a bunch of different acts.)

The Sea The Sea is set to play Tulip Fest in May, and a show at The Hollow June 1.

Outlaw Music Festival at SPAC

musician Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson

The Outlaw Music Festival -- featuring Willie Nelson and Neil Young -- will be at SPAC September 23. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 6 -- they're $45 and up.

The festival is a Willie Nelson joint that includes a rotating lineup performers that fall somewhere in a Venn diagram of country, rock, roots, folk, and Americana. The announced-so-far lineup for the SPAC date:

Willie Nelson & Family
Neil Young + Promise of the Real
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Lukas Nelson + Promise of the Real
Particle Kid

With more acts to be announced.

SPAC on Stage
Tickets for this summer's SPAC on Stage series are now on sale. And the Black Violin show set for August 20 is already sold out (for the second year in a row).

And speaking of Black Violin... The duo will be at Troy Music Hall April 13 and there still tickets available (at the moment).

Live Nation and Troy Music Hall advertise on AOA.

Justin Timberlake at TU Center

Justin Timberlake Man of the Woods

Justin Timberlake is set to play the Times Union Center October 20. Tickets go on sale April 9 -- they're $53.50 and up. (There are also various pre-sales starting this week.)

The TU Center show is part of Timberlake's tour for his Man of the Woods album.

By the way: While looking for info for this show, we checked in on the tickets for the Elton John show at TU Center next March. They went on sale in February and it looks like the only tickets now available are "verified resale tickets" starting at... $152.

photo via Justin Timberlake Facebook

Tulip Festival 2018 music lineup

the band White Denim

White Denim. / photo: Drew Anthony Smith

The music lineup for this year's Tulip Festival is out. The headliners include the rock band White Denim.

A quick scan version of the music slates for both stages -- along with embedded videos of the acts -- is below. As usual, the lineup includes both national and local acts.

As you know, Tulip Fest includes a bunch of events in and around Albany's Washington Park, including the crowning of the new Tulip Queen and the annual Mother of the Year Award.

Tulip Fest is Mother's Day weekend, which is May 12-13 this year.

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Fresh Grass Festival 2018

the band Trampled By Turtles

Trampled by Turtles. / photo via Trampled By Turtles Facebook

The Fresh Grass Festival is back at MASS MoCA September 14-16. Festival passes are currently $115 for adults / $99 for students / $46 for kids (under 6 free). The passes include admission to the museum's galleries.

Headliners for this year's festival include Trampled By Turtles, Yonder Mountain String Band, Indigo Girls, Ricky Skaggs, and Rhiannon Giddens. Here's the full announced-so-far lineup...

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Blondie at MASS MoCA

the band Blondie

The band Blondie is set to play MASS MoCA August 3. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 30 -- they're $55 ahead / $65 day of. (There's a also a pre-sale starting Thursday.)

It's been more 40 years since the influential new wave group first got together. And Debbie Harry is now 72 years old. The band released a new album just last year.

Let us all have the longevity and verve to rock like that.

The opener for the MASS MoCA show is And The Kids.

By the way: The Youtube auto suggest column on Blondie's popular songs is a deep rabbit hole of 80s new wave pop and its descendants. Take that as either a warning or an enticement.

Halsey at SPAC

musician Halsey

The singer/songwriter Halsey is set to play a show at SPAC July 12. Tickets for the pavilion-only show go on sale this Thursday, March 29 -- they're $39.50 and up.

Halsey's popularity has been building steadily over the last few years. Her synth pop songs have racked up millions of plays. She had a chart-topping album last year. That song with the Chainsmokers got eleventy trillion plays on YouTube. And she was on SNL earlier this year.

The opener for the SPAC show is Jessie Reyez.

Speaking of SPAC
+ Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band will be there September 14. Ticket info TBA.
+ It looks like the pavilion for the Chris Stapleton show August 23 is almost sold out.
+ The SPAC on Stage series is returning in August, and the acts again include Black Violin, which sold out last year. (Black Violin is also playing the Troy Music Hall April 13.)

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo via Halsey Facebook

David Byrne at The Palace

musician David Byrne

The David Byrne is set to play at show at The Palace September 9. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 16 -- they're $49.50 and up.

Tour blurbage:

A twelve-piece band will join Byrne as he performs songs from his recently released solo album, American Utopia, classics from his solo career and favorites from his days with Talking Heads. ...
Byrne called the tour "the most ambitious show I've done since the shows that were filmed for Stop Making Sense." This marks Byrne's first extensive outing since his 2013 shows with St. Vincent and also his first solo tour since 2009.

The opener for the show at Palace is Tune-Yards.

Move Music Festival 2018

the band Diet Cig

Diet Cig is at the top of this year's lineup. / photo: Nick Grennon

The Move Music Festival returns April 28 at three venues in downtown Albany. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $25 for a full festival pass / $20 for the main venue.

In past years the festival has included many acts spread across as many as 10 venues. But it's been narrowing down the scope in recent years. This year, the festival will be at three venues: Parish Public House, Dawn's Victory Cafe, and The Olde English.

There's also an industry panel discussion at the Hampton Inn in downtown Albany.

Here's the announced-so-far lineup of regional and local acts...

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Old Songs Festival 2018

old songs festival

The Old Songs Festival is set to return June 22-24 at the Altamont Fairgrounds. And tickets are now on sale.

Old Songs is an org focused on keeping traditional music and dance genres alive through performance, classes, and other programs. And the annual festival plays along with the theme. Blurbage:

Discover the music of the people! Old Songs celebrates folk, Celtic, and roots music; from Ireland, Quebec, the Caribbean, New England, and more. Songs, both current and relevant, by contemporary songwriters are also heard at the festival.
SING, DANCE, JAM and LISTEN at this participatory event for the whole family, Old Songs encourages audience members to join jam sessions, take part in learn-how sessions, sing sacred harp, move their feet to our great dance bands or take a Friday afternoon class.

That link above includes a lineup of performers.

Tickets are $125 for an all-festival pass for adults / $120 for seniors / $55 for students and youth / free for kids 12 and younger. (Prices for all-festival tickets go up starting June 2.) Single-day session tickets start at $45 for adults. Camping is also available.

photo via Old Songs

Green River Festival 2018

musician Michael Franti

Michael Franti. / photo: Hiroki Nishioka via Michael Franti Facebook

The Green River Festival returns July 13-15 in Western Mass. This year's lineup includes Michael Franti and Spearhead, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dr. Dog, Josh Ritter, Deer Tick, Lucy Dacus, and a bunch of other acts. The announced (so far) lineup is below.

The festival is on the grounds of Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, Massachusetts -- it's about a two-hour drive from Albany.

There's currently early-bird pricing on tickets through March 14. A full weekend pass is $109.99 / $149.99 with camping. Friday day tickets are $34.99, Saturday is $64.99, and Sunday $59.99.

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Grizzly Bear at MASS MoCA

the band Grizzly Bear

The indie rock band Grizzly Bear is set to play a show at MASS MoCA June 16. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 9 -- they're $32 ahead / $40 day of. (There are also various pre-sales between now and then.)

The band released an album last August, its first in five years, and the MASS MoCA stop is a tour for that album.

By our recollection, this is the closest Grizzly Bear show to the Capital Region their show at Skidmore in 2009. They also played two warm-up shows for the new album last August in Kingston. We wouldn't be surprised if this MASS MoCA show sells out.

Speaking of MASS MoCA
Here's how its spring/summer concert slate is shaping up...

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518 Songfest 2018

Moriah Formica The Voice 2017

Moriah Formica

This year's 518 Songfest is May 18 -- 518 Day -- at The Egg. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $9.77-$20.

And the headliner this year is Moriah Formica -- who, as you know, had a strong showing on the most recent season of The Voice. The lineup also includes Super 400 (playing an acoustic set), singer/songwriter Sydney Worthley, Sandy McKnight's Pop-Clique, and Grammy award-winning songwriter Julie Gold.

Blurbage: "Songfest is a unique live concert experience, in that the artists get to perform their songs, as well as talk a bit about their music and experiences as creators and musicians."

The event is a fundraiser for Exit 97.7 WEXT and the Columbia Arts Team.

Ray LaMontagne + Neko Case at MASS MoCA and Ommegang

Neko Case Ray LaMontagne

Ray LaMontagne and Neko Case are teaming up for a tour this summer and they're making stops at two venues around here...

MASS MoCA
LaMontagne and Case will be at MASS MoCA June 29. Tickets go on sale March 9 -- they're $52. (There's also a pre-sale that starts March 7.)

Brewery Ommegang
The two singer/songwriters will then be at Brewery Ommegang July 4. Tickets go on sale March 5 -- they're $55.

The tour bill has LaMontagne as the headliner and Case as "a very special guest."

Ray LaMontagne played a sold-out show at the Troy Music Hall last October. And, as you know, Neko Case has a voice like she's from Asgard or somewhere like that (and she just recently played a show at The Egg). So getting tickets sooner rather than later is probably a good idea if you'd like to go.

LaMontagne photo via Ray LaMontagne Facebook | Case photo via Neko Case Facebook

Pentatonix at SPAC

music group Pentatonix

The a cappella group Pentatonix is set to play a show at SPAC August 22. Tickets go on sale March 9 -- they're $25 (lawn) and up. (There's also a lawn four-pack for $75 while supplies last.)

Pentatonix sings mostly pop covers (and Christmas songs). Their path to stardom has been very modern, passing through both reality contest TV (winner of The Sing-Off) and YouTube (14.7 million channel subscribers).

They've won three Grammys and sold millions of albums.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo via Pentatonix Facebook

Sean Rowe has a show in Troy coming up

musician Sean Rowe 2018

PSA: Sean Rowe is set to play another show at The Hangar on the Hudson in Troy March 23. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $20.

As you know, this is a hometown show for the singer/songwriter. And his shows in Troy pretty much always end up selling out. So if you'd like to go, don't wait to snag tickets.

Also: Rowe is playing a show at The Masonic Hall in Bennington March 17. Tickets are $18 ahead / $22 at the door / $10 students.

photo via ANTI-

Metallica at Times Union Center

the band Metallica

Metallica is set to play the Times Union Center October 29. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 2 -- they're $65 and up.* (There are also various pre-sales this week.)

The concert will also include a "Light It Up pre-show party" with comedian Jim Breuer, "featuring great tunes, comedy, giveaways and much more."

Metallica first started in 1981. It released its 10th studio album -- Hardwired... to Self-Destruct -- in November 2016, and this show is part of the ongoing tour in support of that album.

* Tangental bit: That is just about the highest starting ticket price around here that we can remember. (The string of sold-out Garth Brooks shows last year also started at $65, and the Chainsmokers at the TU Center last year started at $60.50.) Metallica had the fifth-highest grossing tour of 2017 -- $152.8 million on almost 1.6 million tickets sold -- according to Pollstar.

photo via Metallica Facebook

Disc Jam 2018

disc jam music festival aerial promo photo

The (world's only?) disc golf music festival -- Disc Jam -- returns to Stephentown June 7-10. And the lineup -- which includes more than 80 acts -- is out. Headliners include Lotus, Beats Antique, Galactic, The Motet, Electron, and Barber Acoustic.

Full festival passes are currently $180, camping included.

Also: The festival includes a 27-hole disc golf course on site. Blurbage: "Playing at least a round is a must for Disc Jam enthusiasts and the course encourages both the avid and first timer players to try their hand on the course, all at no additional cost to play (outside of tournaments) with discs provided free of charge for those interested in playing."

Disc Jam is at Gardner's Farm in Stephentown in southeast Rensselaer County not far from the Massachusetts border.

photo via Disc Jam

Siena Hip-Hop Week 2018: Masta Killa

Siena Hip Hop Week 2018 poster Masta KillaSiena's annual Hip-Hop Week returns in March. And this year's keynote speaker is Masta Kill from the the Wu-Tang Clan -- he'll be at the Loudonville campus March 12 talking about the group's formation and history, their contributions to hip-hop culture, the music industry, and business.

The members of Wu-Tang Clan are, of course, hip hop royalty. From a Forbes interview last year in which Masta Killa reflects on the legacy of the group:

That's still so humbling to me 25 years later, to still be relevant, because if there's no one listening, there is no Wu-Tang. I'm always humbled to be listened to. I'm humbled and thankful that someone was listening. Someone is still wearing that T-shirt and it feels great man. And it has let me know there is still work to do. There's someone out there still hungry for quality, nourishment. Everything that I'm serving over here is vegan, brother.

The keynote is Monday, March 12 at 7 pm in the Sarazen Student Union. It's free and open to the public -- first come, first sit.

This is fifth year for Siena Hip-Hop Week. The lineup of previous keynote speakers has included Chuck D and MC Sha-Rock.

Imagine Dragons at SPAC

rock band Imagine Dragons

The latest pop concert announcement for SPAC: Imagine Dragons on June 29. Tickets go on sale March 3 -- they're $35 (lawn) and up. (There's also a lawn four-pack for $99 while supplies last.)

The opener for the show is singer/songwriter/ukulele player Youtube star Grace VanderWaal.

Imagine Dragons is one of the most popular rock bands of the moment. So we're guessing there's not a small chance this show could sell out.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo via Imagine Dragons Facebook

Courtney Barnett at MASS MoCA

musician Courtney Barnett

Indie rock singer/songwriter Courtney Barnett is set to play a show at MASS MoCA July 12. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 23 -- they're $27 ahead / $37 day of. (There are also various pre-sales this week.)

Barnett's been riding a wave of critical acclaim since her "Avant Gardener" track in 2013 and subsequent debut album in 2015. In the time since she's collaborated with Kurt Vile, and she has a new album set for release this May.

The opener for the MASS MoCA show is Vagabon.

The concert will be on the museum's courtyard stage. It says it expects tickets to sell quickly.

Grey Fox Festival lineup 2018

Del McCoury Band

Del McCoury Band

The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival returns July 19-22. And the lineup is out -- it includes The Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush Band, Hot Rize, Jerry Douglas, The Wood Brothers, Della Mae, and many others.

The full lineup is listed below.

Festival tickets are currently $210, which includes camping (price increases May 1). Day passes are $75. Kids 12 and under are free with a ticketed adult.

Grey Fox is at the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, in northern Greene County, not far from the Albany County line. It's about 30 miles south(west) of Albany.

(there's more)

Josh Ritter at Troy Music Hall

musician Josh Ritter 2018

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

Albany Symphony season 2018-2019

David Alan Miller

Albany Symphony music director David Alan Miller.

The schedule for the next Albany Symphony season -- the 2018-2019 season -- is out. It includes a a concert with Albany Pro Musica at Proctors, Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, and -- as the ASO is known for -- works by many living American composers.

Tickets for the season are available via a season subscription. (Individual date tickets will be available later on.)

And, of course, the ASO's current season is in progress, with two Romeo & Juliet-themed concerts at the Troy Music Hall this weekend and more shows throughout the spring.

Onto a scan of the schedule...

(there's more)

The Albany Capital Center is hosting concerts now

musician Ashanti

Ashanti. / photo via Ashanti Facebook

So the Albany Capital Center is a concert venue now, too. A trio of shows that are coming up in the next month...

February 14: An Intimate night w/ Ashanti on Valentine's Day
It's "seated general admission event" with the R&B star. 7 pm -- $40 and up

February 23: Empire State Fest 2k18 featuring Jay Critch and Blak Ryno
Hip hop. 9 pm -- $25

February 25: Dropkick Murphys
A general admission floor show with the Celtic punk band. 6:30 pm -- $35
____

That's in addition to the usual convention center-type events such as conferences, expos, and group meetings.

Over at the Biz Review, Mike DeMasi looked at the 139 events the ACC hosted during 2017 -- 27 were events new to Albany County. (The convention center opened in March 2017.)

Earlier:
+ Gawking at the Albany Capital Center
+ Albany All Stars Roller Derby has a new home

24-Hour Drone 2018 at Basilica Hudson

24-Hour Drone floating guitar Basilica Hudson

The 24-Hour Drone event is returning to Basilica Hudson April 28-29. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $36 ahead / $48 at the door

A day of drone? Blurbage:

An immersive event and all-encompassing experience, 24-HOUR DRONE is a roving, international series presented by Basilica Hudson and Le Guess Who?, featuring musicians and sound artists experimenting within the spectrum of drone to create 24 hours of unbroken, uninterrupted sound.

The lineup hasn't been posted, yet, but you can check out previous years' lineups.

Basilica Farm & Flea
Speaking of Basilica Hudson... The popular Basilica Farm & Flea Spring Market is May 12-13 this year.

photo via Basilica Hudson Facebook

The Piano Guys at SPAC

The Piano Guys musical act

The pop classical act The Piano Guys will be at SPAC August 7. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 9 -- they're $41.50 and up. (It's a pavilion-only show.)

The Piano Guys play mashups of classical and pop music in an all very modern way. Genetically engineered for virality and incubated in social media cultures, they've racked up almost 6 million subscribers on Youtube and than 1.4 billion plays. (One of their videos is a joint with Lindsey Stirling -- 18 million views for a Mission: Impossible mashup -- because of course it is.)

Other SPAC pop shows announced so far...

(there's more)

SPAC 2018 classical performances

Nationall Ballet of Cuba SPAC

This summer's lineup includes the National Ballet of Cuba.

Here's the overview schedule of the classical performances coming up this summer at SPAC:

June 6-8: National Ballet of Cuba

July 17-21: New York City Ballet

August 1-18: The Philadelphia Orchestra

August 5-21: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Tickets go on sale to the general public February 22.

And here are a few dates from the schedule that caught our eye while we were scanning it today...

(there's more)

Chris Stapleton at SPAC

musician Chris Stapleton

Country star Chris Stapleton is set to play a show at SPAC August 23. Tickets go on sale February 9 -- they're $34.75 (lawn) and up.

Stapleton's been on quite roll. He's sold millions of records over the last few years. This past weekend he won three Grammys and was the musical guest on SNL. And he's been collaborating with Justin Timberlake.

Also on the bill for the SPAC show: Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb.

Other SPAC pop shows announced so far...

(there's more)

Moriah Formica at Upstate Concert Hall

Moriah Formica The Voice 2017

Moriah Formica is lined up for a show at Upstate Concert Hall April 13. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 26 -- they're $10 ahead / $12 day of.

As you know, Formica is the 17-year-old Shaker High student who had a strong run as a rock singer/guitarist on The Voice this past fall before just missing out on the top 12.

The bill for the UCH show also includes Madison Vandenburgh, Margo Macero, and Sydney Worthley.

Formica played a sold-out show at Lucky Strike's Jupiter Hall in November. And we're guessing there's a good chance this show will also sell out.

Elton John at TU Center in 2019

Elton John 2018

Elton John is set for a show at the Times Union Center March 1, 2019. (Yep, 2019.) Tickets go on sale this February 2 -- they're 45.50 and up. (There are also various presales, some of which start this week.)

The stop at the TU Center is part of what's said to be Elton John's last ever tour:

Kicking off in the U.S. on September 8, 2018, the 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour will consist of more than 300 shows across five continents, hitting North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Australasia before reaching its conclusion in 2021. These dates mark the superstar's last-ever tour, the end of half a century on the road for one of pop culture's most enduring performers. Elton's new stage production will take his fans on a musical and highly visual journey spanning a 50-year career of hits like no one has ever seen before.

John is now 70 years old.

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.

SPAC Country Megaticket 2018: Urban, Rascal Flatts, Aldean, Bentley, Bryan

luke bryan

Luke Bryan

Live Nation and SPAC have rolled together another "Country Megaticket" package of shows at the venue this summer:

June 27: Keith Urban, with Kelsea Ballerini

July 7: GNA Countryfest featuring Rascal Flatts and others to be announced

July 15: Jason Aldean, with Luke Combs and Lauren Alaina

August 5: Dierks Bentley, with Brothers Osborne and Lanco

August 19: Luke Bryan, with John Pardi and Morgan Wallen

Packages that include tickets for all five shows go on sale starting this Friday, January 26 and run through February 24 (or while supplies last). The packages start at $159 for lawn tickets, and rise from there, with the option of snagging the same pavilion seat for each show.

Individual ticket sales for the shows will start later this year.

(there's more)

Kendrick Lamar at SPAC

rapper Kendrick Lamar 2018

Kendrick Lamar is set to play a show at SPAC June 9. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 26 -- they're $35 (lawn) and up. (There's also a lawn four-pack for $100 while supplies last.)

Lamar has as good a claim as anyone of being the best rapper in the game at the moment. Over the last few year he's piled up record sales, critical raves, Grammy awards, respect from hip hop titans, and the admiration of Barack Obama.

The bill for the SPAC show also includes Schoolboy Q, SZA, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Isaiah Rashad, SiR, Lance Skiiwalker, and Zacari.

Dead & Company is returning to SPAC

dead and company john mayer

Summer concert season announcement season continues: Dead & Company is returning to SPAC June 11. Tickets go on sale January 26 -- they're $45 (lawn) and up. (There's a also a lawn four-pack for $135 while supplies last.)

Dead & Company features Grateful Dead members Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, and Bob Weir -- plus John Mayer, with bassist Oteil Burbridge and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti. It's the same lineup that's made multiple stops here in recent years.

Other SPAC pop shows announced so far...

(there's more)

Mountain Jam 2018 lineup

musician Jack Johnson 2018

Jack Johnson

The lineup for this year's Mountain Jam festival is out: It's headlined by Jack Johnson, Sturgill Simpson, and Alt-J, and also includes acts such as The War on Drugs, Portugal. The Man, Father John Misty, The Decemberists, and Jenny Lewis.

The full lineup, which includes a few Capital Region locals, is below.

This year's Mountain Jam is June 15-17 at Hunter Mountain. A three-day general admission is pass is currently $184 ($219 with camping).

Hunter Mountain is in Hunter, New York, in the northern Catskills. It's a little more than an hour drive from Albany.

(there's more)

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats + The Head and the Heart at Brewery Ommegang

nathaniel rateliff the night sweats

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

Another show this summer at Brewery Ommegang: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats + The Head and the Heart on June 5. Tickets go on sale January 26 -- they're $45.

Nathaniel Rateliff is a rising Americana/folk singer/band leader. He and the band were openers for Kings of Leon on a tour last summer -- including a stop at SPAC. And this summer they're headliners on a tour that's making stops at venues such as Red Rocks in Colorado.

The Head and the Heart is an indie folk band. They were in the lineup for Mountain Jam last year.

Also announced this week for Ommegang: Jack White on May 27.

photo: Brantley Gutierrez

The Decemberists at MASS MoCA

the decemberists

The Decemberists are set to play a show at MASS MoCA June 15. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 19 -- they're $45 ahead / $55 day of. (There are also MASS MoCA member and Spotify presales starting Thursday.)

The band will be touring in support of a new album that's out March 16. Show/album blurbage:

With I'll Be Your Girl, the Decemberists--lead vocalist and guitarist Meloy, guitarist Chris Funk, keyboardist Jenny Conlee, bassist Nate Query, and drummer John Moen--explore new approaches to making music and broaden their sonic range. Previous Decemberists' records, such as The Hazards of Love or The Crane Wife, have been structured around thematic or musical concepts, though Meloy maintains that ultimately it's always "our frame of mind that ties them together." This time, he says, the songs share a mood that's steeped in our current times and condition-- "exuberant nihilism, an apocalyptic dance party was what we envisioned."

We're guessing this show will sell out, and probably quickly. So if you'd like to go, well, you know, don't wait.

Speaking of MASS MoCA concerts
+ The Bon Iver shows in March are sold out.
+ As is the Sylvan Esso show March 31.

photo: Autumn de Wilde

Jack White at Brewery Ommegang

musician Jack White 2018

The first show announced for the upcoming season of concerts at Brewery Ommegang: Jack White on May 27. Tickets go on sale January 26* -- they're $59.50.

White is touring this spring and summer in support of a new solo album out this March. Every ticket bought online will include CD of Boarding House Reach.

This show will probably sell out. So if you'd like to go, don't wait to get tickets.

* There are also various presales.

Brewery Ommegang is, as you know, in Cooperstown, about a 90-minute drive from Albany. It's been hosting a series of high-profile outdoor shows the last handful of summers.

Dave Matthews Band returning to SPAC

dave matthews band

The Dave Matthews Band is returning to SPAC July 13 and 14. Tickets go on sale February 2 -- they're $45.50 and up. (There's also a fan club presale.)

DMB took last summer off, so it didn't make its annual migration to Saratoga. The band is set to release a new studio album -- its first since 2012 -- this summer.

These shows have sold out in past years. So if you're interested in going, getting tickets sooner rather than later is a good idea.

The SPAC pop calendar so far...
+ June 15: Kidz Bop (on sale January 19)
+ June 16: Foreigner, with Whitesnake and Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience
+ June 30: Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers
+ July 3: Tedeschi Trucks Band
+ July 22: Charlie Puth, with Hailee Steinfeld

photo: Danny Clinch

Midday music break: bell's roar

Check it out: bell's roar has a new album out today, We Carry Us. There's a track from it -- "Celebrate" -- embedded above.

As you might know, bell's roar is local producer/songwriter/vocalist/artist/activist Sean Desiree. In addition to making music, Sean also is the person behind South End Pallet Works, where they turn wood from leftover pallets into furniture.

And Sean is also the organizer of the Art Funds Art Tour, which aims to provide art grants to queer and trans artists of color.

Earlier:
+ Catching up with Sean Desiree of bell's roar and South End Pallet Works
+ South End Pallet Works

Shovels & Rope at The Egg

musicians Shovels and Rope

The Americana duo Shovels and Rope is set to play The Egg March 21. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 12 -- they're $34.

Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent "combine threads of traditional folk, country and rock." They recently released an album on which they collaborated with a bunch of other musicians covering tracks from artists ranging from The Breeders to Chuck Berry.

Also announced for The Egg
+ February 21: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
+ February 24: Shelby Lynne

Tickets for both shows also go on sale this Friday.

Tedeschi Trucks Band returning to SPAC

tedeschi trucks band

The Tedeschi Trucks Band is lined up for a return to SPAC July 3. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 12 -- they're $39.50 and up (pavilion) / $19.50 lawn. (There's also a lawn four-pack for $60 while supplies last.)

The bill also includes The Drive-by Truckers and the Marcus King Band.

This is three summers in a row that the blue rocks group will play at SPAC. And they've sold out shows at other venues when making stops here in previous years. So if you're interested in going, and want your pick of seats, it's not a bad idea to get tickets sooner rather than later.

Announced so far for the SPAC pop calendar
+ June 16: Foreigner, with Whitesnake and Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience
+ June 30: Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers (tickets on sale January 12)
+ July 22: Charlie Puth, with Hailee Steinfeld

photo: Mark Seliger

Deer Tick at Lucky Strike

the band Deer Tick 2018

Indie rock band Deer Tick is set to play a show at Jupiter Hall in the Lucky Strike at Crossgates February 23. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $25 ahead / $30 day of.

The band has been touring to support two recent albums. And the show at Lucky Strike will just the group's second in the US after a swing through Europe.

Deer Tick has made a bunch of stops in this area over the years, and its shows are popular. So if you're interested in going to this one, it's not a bad idea to get tickets sooner rather than later. Jupiter Hall has a capacity of 650.

photo: Laura Partain

Wyclef Jean at Putnam Den

wyclef jean

Wyclef Jean is set to play a show at Putnam Den March 2. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $40 ahead / $48 day of.

Jean has, of course, been famous since his time with The Fugees. He's won multiple Grammys, and performed at events such as the World Cup in Brazil. And he was a prominent figure in raising money for Haiti following the 2010 earthquake there -- an effort that ultimately include an investigation by the New York State Attorney General's Office and allegations his foundation had been significantly mismanaged.

Jean released a new album -- Carnival III: The Fall and Rise of a Refugee -- this past fall. Here's an NPR Tiny Desk show he played in November. (It includes a funny story involving Whitney Houston.)

photo via Wyclef Jean Facebook

John Legend + James Taylor at TU Center

John Legend and James Taylor

The Times Union Center is holding a "grand re-opening celebration" January 26 and the event is headlined by John Legend and James Taylor. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, December 16 -- they're $62 and up.

The event will also include a performance by Moriah Formica. And it'll be hosted by Jim Belushi.

John Legend is, of course, very popular and has won a ton of Grammys. And James Taylor is an icon who sells out multiple shows at Tanglewood every summer. So, there's a good chance this event will also sell out.

Earlier: Gawking at the TU Center's new atrium

John Legend photo via John Legend website | James Tayor photo via James Taylor Facebook

Bon Iver + TU Dance at MASS MoCA

bon iver 2017

Justin Vernon of Bon Iver.

Bon Iver is set to play MASS MoCA March 24 and 25 as part of a collaboration with the dance company TU Dance. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $25 ahead / $35 day of.

Bon Iver is, of course, the singer/songwriter Justin Vernon. And TU Dance is a company from Minnesota. Show blurbage:

Repeat Grammy Award-winner and endlessly influential balladeer Justin Vernon, aka Bon Iver, visits MASS MoCA to perform a work-in-progress score alongside dance company TU Dance. The company's co-founder and "incredible polyrhythmic genius" (Star Tribune) Uri Sands guides his troupe through movement that lilts and tumbles alongside Vernon's expansive sound.

There's a good chance these two shows will sell out, so it's worth getting tickets sooner rather than later if you'd like to go.

The show are part of the winter/spring slate at MASS MoCA, that also includes:

(there's more)

Scanning the 2018 Tanglewood season lineup

wait wait dont tell me on stage

Wait, Wait will be back in June. / photo: Ryan Muir/NPR

It's cold and snowy, but summer will return. Eventually.

With that in mind, we were looking over the schedule for the next season at Tanglewood. A few of the announced-so-far dates that caught our eye:

June 21: Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me

June 24: Boston Pops and Audra McDonald

June 29: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

June 30: A Prairie Home Companion with Chris Thile *

July 3-4 James Taylor (these shows always sell out)

(there's more)

Moe. at The Palace

the band Moe 2017

The band Moe. is set to return to The Palace February 23 and 24. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 15 -- they're $35 ahead / $40 day of / $65 for a two-day pass ahead.

The group went on hiatus this summer after vocalist/bassist Rob Derhak was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer. Derhak says he now has a clean bill of health, and the band announced last month it start playing shows again. Those first two shows at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester in February are already sold out.

More Palace shows
Also newly announced for The Palace:
+ April 7: Daughtry
+ April 17: Brit Floyd
+ April 19: comedian Gabriel Iglesias

Tickets go on sale this Friday.

photo: Jake Wisdom Photography

Sylvan Esso at Upstate Concert Hall

music duo sylvan esso

The indie pop duo Sylvan Esso has another local stop lined up, at Upstate Concert Hall July 30. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 8 -- they're $27.50 ahead / $30 day of.

The duo -- Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn -- were recently picked up a Grammy nomination in the Best Dance/Electronic Album" category for their album What Now.

They're also set to play a show at MASS MoCA March 31 -- it's already sold out. And the show they played at at Jupiter Hall at the Lucky Strike at Crossgates this past May sold out well ahead, as well.

So getting tickets sooner rather than later isn't a bad idea for the UCH show.

photo: Shervin Lainez

Brandi Carlile at The Palace

musician Brandi Carlile 2017

Singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile is set to play The Palace May 6. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 8 -- they're 35.50 and up.

She has a new album coming out in February. Here's a recent NPR profile that includes a preview track.

Carlile also played The Palace back in 2015, and she was one of the headliners at MASS MoCA's Fresh Grass Festival this year.

Dweezil Zappa at The Egg

musician Dweezil Zappa

Dweezil Zappa is set for a return to The Egg April 24. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 1 -- they're $39.50 and up.

Show blurbage:

Dweezil Zappa performs Frank Zappa, an evening of his father's music, keeping the legacy of the iconic rocker alive! Playing a long, ambitious set of Frank Zappa favorites and obscure gems, Dweezil respectfully executes his father's music beautifully. He is uniquely qualified to bring these compositions back to life with complete authenticity from the page to the stage. Helping to deliver the goods is his absolutely stellar band of first-rate musicians.

Zappa has played The Egg a handful of times in recent years and the shows have either sold out or been very close to selling out. So if you'd like to go, it's a good idea to get tickets sooner rather than later.

photo via Dweezil Zappa Facebook

The Regrettes at The Low Beat

the band The Regrettes

Garage rock band The Regrettes are set to play a show at The Low Beat December 6. Tickets are $10 and available online.

The band's music clearly draws on mid-century acts such as Buddy Holly, while their lyrics are infused with modern feminism and attitude.

The opener for the show are locals Mystery Girl.

photo: Chade Kamenshine

Moriah Formica doesn't advance on The Voice

Moriah Formica just missed out on making the top 12 on The Voice. In the episode that aired Wednesday night, she was cut during the playoff round. Her performance of Beth Hart's "World Without You" is embedded above. For whatever reason it seemed like maybe the song wasn't a good match for her.

Making it on to a show like this is an accomplishment -- and making it through multiple rounds is even more so. And, oh by the way, she's just 17 years old. (See Amy Biancolli's recent profile of the Shaker High student.) So there's a lot to be proud of.

Formica is set to play a show at Jupiter Hall in the Crossgates Lucky Strike November 24. Tickets are $8 ahead / $10 at the door -- though it looks like it's now sold out.

Here are clips of her performances from The Voice...

(there's more)

Ghostface Killah at Putnam Den

musician Ghostface Killah

Hip hop ironman Ghostface Killah will be at Putnam Den December 1. Tickets are $30 ahead / $35 at the door.

Ghostface is, of course, a core member of the hip hop titans Wu-Tang Clan. He'll be headlining the show, which includes a showcase put together by Beat*Shot. Blurbage:

In association with Beat*Shot Music, Wu-Tang Clan co-founder, Ghostface Killah, will be headlining a special family affair in Saratoga Springs, alongside Zeo, Dezmatic ft. DJ White Lotus, JB!! A.K.A. Dirty Moses, Moses Rockwell and Und3rstanding, with DJs Nate Da Great and Trumastr holding down the one's and two's.

Snagging tickets sooner rather than later isn't a bad idea if you want to catch this show.

photo via Ghostface Killah Facebook

Sylvan Esso at MASS MoCA

music duo sylvan esso

The indie pop duo Sylvan Esso is lined up to play a show at MASS MoCA March 31. Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 10 -- they're $28 ahead / $35 day of.

Here's a new video the act playing "Die Young." The stop in North Adams is one of a string of dates for the band after returning from a tour in Australia.

Sylvan Esso played at show at Jupiter Hall at the Lucky Strike at Crossgates this past May. It sold out ahead of time. So if you're interested in going to this show, getting tickets sooner rather than later is a good idea.

Also recently announced...
Godspeed You! Black Emperor is set to play MASS MoCA March 10. Tickets are on sale this Friday, November 10. They're $26 ahead / $33 day of.

photo: Shervin Lainez

Black Violin at Troy Music Hall

music duo Black Violin

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.

Moriah Formica advances again on The Voice

Moriah Formica was on The Voice again Monday night. And she advanced again from a knockout round matchup. Her performance of Kelly Clarkson's "Behind These Hazel Eyes" is embedded above. (Clarkson was part of Monday's episode.)

From an Enterainment Weekly episode recap: "Is there anyone who can beat Moriah Formica? The more she performs, the less it seems likely..."

The Shaker High School student is set to play a show at Jupiter Hallin the Crossgates Lucky Strike November 24. Ticktets are $8 ahead / $10 at the door. (We're guessing this show will sell out.)

Weezer + Pixies at Lakeview Amphitheater

Weezer 2017

Weezer.

Farther afield, but maybe worth the drive if you're a fan: A joint summer tour by Weezer and (the) Pixies is set to make a stop at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse July 15. Tickets go on sale November 10 -- they're $20 and up. (It looks like there are also a Weezer fan presale starting November 6.)

Rivers Cuomo and Weezer continue to turn out pop rock albums -- the latest Pacific Daydream, dropped last week.

And The Pixies are one of the most influential rock bands of all time. (Though, you know, without Kim Deal is it really the same?)

The opener for the show is The Wombats.

The Lakeview Amphitheater is on the shore of Onondaga Lake near the State Fair grounds in Syracuse (well, that might technically be Geddes). It's 2.5 hours by car from Albany.

photo Sean Murphy

The Mountain Goats at Upstate Concert Hall

the band The Mountain Goats

The Mountain Goats are lined up to play a show at Upstate Concert Hall April 21. Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 3 -- they're $20 ahead / $23 day of.

The iconic indie act -- centered around founder John Darnielle -- released a new album earlier this year, Goths. It got good reviews.

Also, there was "The Ultimate Jedi Who Wastes All the Other Jedi and Eats Their Bones."

Andrew Bird at The Egg

musician Andrew Bird

Violinist/songwriter/singer Andrew Bird is set to play a show at The Egg March 5. Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 3 -- they're $40 and up.

Bird released a new this month. Echolocations: River is an instrumental he recorded while standing in the Los Angeles River. And last year he released an indie folk album, Are You Serious -- here's an NPR Tiny Desk concert supporting that.

The show at The Egg is in the 982-seat Hart Theatre.

Brad Mehldau
Also announced for The Egg today: Brad Mehldau Trio April 22. Tickets on sale this Friday -- they're $34.50.

photo: Addie Juell

Action Bronson at Upstate Concert Hall

rapper Action Bronson

The rapper Action Bronson is set to play a show at Upstate Concert Hall December 8. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 20 -- they're $27.50 ahead / $30 day of.

The show is part of a tour in support of Blue Chips 7000, the album he released this past summer.

In a bit of twist, Bronson has become known in the food world over the last few years in part because of his Vice show F*ck That's Delicious. Last month he published a book related to the show, F*ck, That's Delicious: An Annotated Guide to Eating Well.

Moriah Formica advances on The Voice

Moriah Formica was back on The Voice Monday night -- and she advanced. Her head-to-head performance with a competitor is embedded above.

And she was great. The matchup wasn't even all that close. The judges were again full of praise for the Shaker High School student.

Jason Isbell at The Palace

musician Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit

Alt-country singer/songwriter Jason Isbell is set to play a show at The Palace January 31. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 13 -- they're $32.50 and up.

Isbell is touring with his band, The 400 Unit. They're supporting The Nashville Sound, an album that debuted this past June to good reviews.

The opener for the show at The Palace is James McMurtry.

photo: Danny Clinch

Moriah Formica's audition on The Voice

Here's the video of local singer/songwriter -- and Shaker High School student -- Moriah Formica's blind audition that ran on The Voice Monday night.

As you can see in the clip, she did very well singing "Crazy on You" by Heart. The judge reaction was strongly positive, and she ended up picking Miley Cyrus as her coach.

Bob Dylan at The Palace

Bob Dylan 2017

Bob Dylan is set to play a show at The Palace November 17. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 6 -- they're $52.50 and up.

The show is officially billed as "Bob Dylan & His Band." He has a new box set of live and studio recordings coming out later this fall.

The opener for the Palace show is powerhouse R&B/soul/gospel Mavis Staples.

photo via Bob Dylan Facebook

Greensky Bluegrass at The Egg

the band Greensky Bluegrass

The jamgrass band Greensky Bluegrass is set to play a show at The Egg January 24. Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 29 -- they're $29.50.

From a Relix profile earlier this year, about how the jam met the grass:

As Greensky Bluegrass' original compositions mounted, the "trad-grass" tunes began to fall by the wayside a bit, opening the door for the extended improvisations that highlight the band's current live show. "Early on, when we were doing bluegrass, we realized that so much of it is so similar," Hoffman says. "We used to play these three-hour shows, and when we were playing all bluegrass songs that are three minutes long, that was lot of goddamn songs. I remember being like, 'Why don't we just play one bluegrass song for twice as long, instead of playing two songs that are exactly the same?' And that's kind of where our improvisation was born."

The opener for the show at The Egg is Billy Strings.

photo via Greensky Bluegrass website

Twiddle New Year's Eve at the Palace

twiddle the band

The band Twiddle has not one, but two, New Year's Eve shows at The Palace this year, December 30 and December 31. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, September 30 -- they're $39 (Dec 30) and $42 (Dec 31) / $5 extra day of / $75 for two-day pass.

The band played a New Year's Eve show there last year, and in years prior to that the date had been filled by moe. So jam on.

The opener for the December 30 show is The Marcus King Band. For the December 31 show it's The Giant Country Horns.

Cardi B at TU Center

rapper Cardi B

Rapper Cardi B is headlining a "Homecoming Concert 2017" show at the TU Center October 21. Tickets went on sale this past Friday -- they're $45 and up for the general public, $30 and up for students with valid college ID.

Cardi B's "Bodak Yellow" is currently #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. She's first female hip hop artist to attain that spot as part of a solo act since Lauryn Hill did it in 1998. (And she did so despite the efforts of Team Taylor Swift.)

Her ascent up the mountain of fame has followed a very modern path: stripper, to Instagram star, to reality TV star, to major label rap star.

The lineup for the TU Center is co-headlined by reggae/dancehall singer Charly Black, and includes Famous Dex and Lil Pump.

photo via Cardi B Facebook

They Might Be Giants at The Egg

The duo They Might Be Giants are set to return to The Egg April 22. Tickets go on sale to the general public September 22 -- they're $27.50.

Of course, TMBG have a song about The Egg. It's embedded above -- it was part of the band's "venue songs" series. A thousand years ago, we talked with John Flansburgh about the song:

"The Egg" is actually a very good example of a song that is really responding to the extraordinary qualities of the venue itself. I mean how many venues are like The Egg, you know -- none. It's sui generis as they say in the legal profession.
The song "The Egg" is one of the few songs I've ever written while driving. I recorded it on a tape recorder singing out loud. When I got to the parking lot of The Egg I sat in the back of my car and put some chords to it and then I gave it to the band and we played it that night.

This upcoming concert is billed as an all-ages show: "Science, Kids, and Beyond."

Albany Symphony: Star Wars & More

David Alan Miller.jpg

ASO David Alan Miller

The Albany Symphony opens its 2017-2018 season October 14 at The Palace with a performance of music from the Star Wars films. Individual tickets are sale now -- they're $15 and up. This will be a popular performance.

The ASO will be performing the Star Wars suite by John Williams, along with music by composer Erich Korngold. Violonist Simone Porter will join for Korngold's violin concerto.

There's also a "Galactic Gala" following the performance. "Enjoy out of this world food by Mazzone, a silent disco dance party and a futuristic dessert lounge. Elegant & space-age attire encouraged." Tickets for that are $175.

ASO also offer season subscriptions, which can save you money on tickets if you're interested in going to multiple performances.

photo courtesy of the Albany Symphony Orchestra

Spoon at Upstate Concert Hall

the band Spoon 2017

The band Spoon is set to play a show at Upstate Concert Hall December 5. Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 15 -- they're $27.50 ahead / $30 day of.

Spoon just keeps kicking, turning out catchy indie rock. The band's touring in support of a new album -- its ninth -- released earlier this year. It's gotten good reviews.

The opener for the show at UCH is White Reaper.

The show is part of a national tour this fall. A handful of dates this September are already sold out.

photo via Matador Records

Rodrigo y Gabriela at The Egg

rodrigo y gabriela

The duo Rodrigo y Gabriela is set to play a show at The Egg November 12. Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 15 -- price isn't posted, yet. (It looks like there's also a pre-sale via the band's site.)

Rodrigo y Gabriela are Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero, acoustic guitarists originally from Mexico whose music is influenced by flamenco, rock, and heavy metal. Listening to them -- and the huge sound they produce -- it's easy to forget they're just two people.

They were last in town in 2016 for a show at The Egg.

photo: Peter Neill

Mid-afternoon music break: Zan Strumfeld

Something to listen to this afternoon (or whenever): "What You Do" by Zan Strumfeld.

The song is off her album, Book of Belonging, which was released in August. Her Bandcamp page describes it as "winter folk for every season."

Strumfeld is on the bill for the Sydney Worthley album release show at Lucky Strike Saturday, September 9. Tickets are $10.

Lindsey Stirling at The Palace

Lindsey Stirling 2017

Violinist/dancer/composer Lindsey Stirling is returning to The Palace November 8. Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 8 -- they're $34.50 and up.

Stirling is a star from the Land of Youtube. The Palace date appears to be the first stop on her "Warmer in the Winter Christmas Tour." So holiday music is probably a good bet.

She last made a stop here in the summer of 2016 at The Palace.

Postmodern Jukebox back at Troy Music Hall

Postmodern Jukebox 2017

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.

Old Songs instrument classes fall 2017

Old songs jam session

You might recognize Old Songs as the organizer of the ongoing series of events that feature traditional music and dance. And the schedule for the fall season -- which is out now -- includes folk, blues, bluegrass, Celtic, Americana, and holiday music.

But Old Songs also organizes a series of classes for learning how to play the instruments involved in traditional music. Or, to put it another way, if you want to learn how to play the accordion or ukulele, Old Songs can probably help.

The slate of Old Songs classes for the fall is out -- here's a quick overview...

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Neko Case at The Egg

neko case 2015

Neko Case is set to play a show at The Egg January 15. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, September 1 -- they're $34.50 and up.

Case hasn't released a solo album in a few years. She was collaborated with k.d. lang and Laura Veirs on an album released last year, and she was part of the new album from the New Pornographers this year. So maybe there's some new solo music from her on the way.

The last time she and her intergalactic voice made a stop here was at Troy Music Hall in March 2016.

photo: Dennis Kleiman

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

musician Puddles Pity Party

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.

GRiZ at The Palace

musician GRiZ

DJ/producer/saxophonist GRiZ is set play a show at The Palace November 5. Tickets go on this sale this Friday, August 25 -- they're $25 and up.

The electronic music producer has been playing a bunch of festivals this summer. And the Palace date is part of an upcoming national tour as a headliner. (Three dates he's playing at the end of this summer are already sold out.)

GRiZ -- Grant Kwiecinski -- also happens to be gay, which he wrote about for HuffPost earlier this year, including the stress he faced as teen, worried that he wouldn't fit in. The bottom line in the piece: "Never ever give up on yourself. It might not be cool to love Britney Spears, study AP physics or play saxophone but, it's totally cool to be gay."

LarkFest 2017 music lineup

the band Cloud Nothings

Cloud Nothings

Updated

LarkFest returns September 23. And the music lineup is out: the headliner is the indie rock band Cloud Nothings. The full lineup is below.

As you know, Larkfest is a free street festival on Lark Street in Albany between Madison and Washington that draws thousands of people with vendors, activities, and entertainment. This will be the 36th year of the festival.

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Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival 2017

musician Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah

The Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival is September 9 this year at Jennings Landing.

And the headliner for this year's jazz festival is trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah. From a GQ piece about him earlier this year:

Thirty-four years old and raised in New Orleans, Scott also designs his own trumpet/horn hybrid instruments, has his own label imprint, and releases all of his new music via his own app, which allows users to manipulate all aspects of his music, from the instruments being played to the tempo. In his small amount of spare time, he supports a non-profit music center in his home of New Orleans with funding, instruments, and classes.
But the most remarkable thing about Christian Scott remains his music. Touring since he was in his teens (his uncle is prolific saxophone player Donald Harrison Jr.), he has toured with Thom Yorke and even spent time with Prince when the late legend was putting together a jazz supergroup. And his new Centennial Trilogy, a set of three albums of "stretch music" (Christian's advancement beyond the contemporary bounds of jazz music) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first jazz recordings? He'd been planning those since he was a kid, too.

Here's a Tiny Desk concert with him from a few years back.

The festival lineup also includes singer/songwriter Somi, and more acts to be announced.

The Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival is Saturday, September 9 from 1-9 pm. Admission is free.

The City of Albany Special Events advertises on AOA.

Ray LaMontagne at Troy Music Hall

ray lamontagne

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

The Philadelphia Orchestra is back at SPAC

yo-yo ma

Yo-Yo Ma will be there next week.

The Philadelphia Orchestra opens it annual summer stay at SPAC this Wednesday and will be there for three weeks.

As usual, the schedule includes works you know, a few classical stars, and two films with live scores. This year also includes a bit of a twist: The orchestra is opening with a night of music by Russian composers, including a performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, which is usually performed on the closing night of the residency.

Here's the condensed schedule...

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Talking about the Veggie Mobile on its 10th anniversary

veggie mobile side

Capital Roots is celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Veggie Mobile -- its rolling green market on a truck -- with a party called The Big Veg this Friday, July 28 at the org's headquarters in Troy. There will be music from a bunch of acts, food trucks, and drinks.

The Veggie Mobile is an established part of the food landscape, making stops around the Capital Region each week, selling fruits and vegetables in neighborhoods that don't have easy access to such products.

But a decade ago?

"Everybody I talked with afterwards thought it was a crazy idea," Eric Krans said to us recently about taking the job back then. He helped start the program and headed it up for almost eight years.

Eric -- who's known as EJ on the Veggie Mobile -- has since moved on to a job at UAlbany, but he's still involved with Capital Roots. And he'll be playing The Big Veg as part of The Parlor, the band he and his wife, Jen O'Connor, have had for many years.

We got together with Eric to talk about the early days of The Veggie Mobile, the power of relationships, what it was like to move on from something he helped build, and what's up with The Parlor these days.

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Pearl Palooza 2017 lineup

musician k.flay

K.Flay is the headliner.

Catching up: This year's Pearl Palooza -- the WEQX-organized free music festival on Pearl Street in downtown Albany -- is Saturday, September 16 this year.

Here's the list of acts with sample video clips...

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Phantogram, now at The Egg

Phantogram 2016

The Phantogram show lined up for the Schaghticoke Fair Grounds July 27 has been moved to The Egg. The promoter's press release cites "unforeseen circumstances." Tickets already purchased will be honored, and refunds are available at the point of sale.

Tickets are $35 ahead / $38 day of. It's a general admission show in The Egg's Hart Theatre, which has a maximum capacity of 982.

When the show was first announced, Tycho was on the bill as an opener. But the act is no longer playing the show.

Phantogram shows usually sell out when they return home to this area -- the date at Upstate Concert Hall earlier this year sold out -- so it wouldn't be a surprise if this one does, too.

photo: Timothy Saccenti

Basilica Soundscape 2017 full lineup

music producer composer JLin

Producer/composer Jlin

The Basilica Soundscape festival returns September 15-17 at Basilica Hudson. And there two are updates:

+ The full lineup is now out. It's below.

+ Single-day tickets are now available. They're $40 each for Friday or Saturday. Weekend passes are now $75. (There's also camping available for an additional charge.)

Festival blurbage:

For the sixth straight year, Basilica Hudson's Founders and Creative Directors Melissa Auf der Maur and Tony Stone are working in collaboration with The Creative Independent Editor in Chief Brandon Stosuy to program Basilica SoundScape, a carefully curated weekend that's been called "the anti festival" by various publications for offering of a thoughtful mix of music, visual art, and literature. This year they welcome back previous BSS Creative Director Michael Renaud to handle all aspects of visual design for the event and have added the talents of a special guest curator, Jenn Pelly, editor at Pitchfork, and author of a forthcoming book on the Raincoats.

As you know, Basilica Hudson is in a converted industrial space in Hudson (near the Amtrak station), about a 45-minute drive from Albany.

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Regina Spektor at The Palace

musician Regina Spektor

Singer/songwriter/pianist Regina Spektor is set play a show at The Palace November 16. Tickets go on sale this Friday, July 14 -- they're $49.50 and up.

The stop in Albany will be part of a tour that's "just me and a piano," according to the announcement on Spektor's website:

I'll be traveling and playing songs from all over the place and time, some have been recorded on records, and some never really out there except thanks to kind souls who recorded my shows (thanks, you know who y'all are:-) Will play some new and never before heard songs too probably, cause that'll be fun! I'll be stopping in cities the band and I didn't get to visit the first time around.

We couldn't remember if Spektor has played a show in this in area, and if she has it been a bunch of a years (based on a quick scan of archives).

photo: Shervin Lainez

Mid-afternoon music break: Wurliday

Something to listen to this afternoon (or whenever): "Getting There" by Wurliday, featuring Jennifer Hartswick.

It's off a new EP, Bedtime Blazer, from Justin Henricks and a crew of collaborators, including Arielle O'Keefe (Girl Blue).

There's a show celebrating the EP at The Hollow this Friday, June 30. The bill also includes Rechorduroys and Olivia Quillio. Show starts at 8 pm. Tickets are $10.

The National "Guilty Party" at Basilica Hudson

the band The National 2017

The band The National will be at Basilica Hudson a "collaborative concert" with a handful of other acts July 14 and 15. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $50. It's a fundraiser for the venue.

The shows are pegged to today's release of the new single from the indie rock band titled "Guilty Party." Show Blurbage:

Today, The National have released the single "Guilty Party" off their forthcoming album, Sleep Well Beast out September 8th on 4AD. Sleep Well Beast was produced by Aaron Dessner with co-production by Bryce Dessner and Matt Berninger and recorded at Aaron's Hudson Valley, NY studio, Long Pond. To celebrate the forthcoming album the band will be throwing a Guilty Party at Basilica Hudson on July 14th and 15th. The collaborative concert will be performed in the round and will feature Buke & Gase, Nadia Sirota, Mouse on Mars, Sō Percussion and more. The band has released 700 tickets for each night and they're now available for purchase here with a portion of ticket sales benefiting Basilica Hudson. Each guest attending the show will receive a "Guilty Party" 7 inch double "A" split with "The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness." ...
Video artist Casey Reas will be contributing live projection mapping for the event. Reas also directed the music video for the single, "Guilty Party."

Seven hundred tickets for each night isn't much, so we're guessing this sells out and probably quickly. If you'd like to go, it's a good idea to grab tickets sooner rather than later.

Basilica Soundscape
A reminder that the annual Basilica Soundscape festival is September 15-17. Early bird weekend passes are currently $60.

photo: Graham MacIndoe

Hurray for the Riff Raff at The Egg

the musical act Hurray for the Riff Raff

The folk/rock/blues act Hurray for the Riff Raff is set to play a show at The Egg September 15. Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 30 -- they're $29.50.

Hurray for the Riff Raff is centered around Bronx native Alynda Lee Segarra. From an All Things Considered profile earlier this year:

So at 17, she left, literally thumbing rides and hopping trains across the country. She made New Orleans her home and eventually started the band Hurray for the Riff Raff. Their music sounds like those long road trips Segarra made in the West: A mixture of rock, folk and blues. But their new album is something different, because Segarra finally got to point where she was ready to grapple with the part of her identity that she'd pushed away when she was younger. She's a Puerto Rican woman, from a New York neighborhood, and that history is now part of her music. The new album is called The Navigator.

The album was released this spring and it's gotten strong reviews.

The opener for the show at The Egg is Xenia Rubinos.

photo: Sarrah Danziger

Grizzly Bear at BSP Kingston

the band Grizzly Bear

A little farther afield, but might be of interest: The band Grizzly Bear is playing two shows at BSP in Kingston August 15 and 16. Tickets go on sale this Thursday, June 29 (though it looks like they're available online now) -- they're $40.

The indie rock band has a new album coming out August 18. And the tour for the album is headed to a bunch of big cities in Europe and the US this fall. But first: a show in Portland, Maine and two shows in Kingston as a warm-up.

Checking old listings, it looks like the last time Grizzly Bear made a stop around here was a Skidmore show in 2009.

BSP is in an old-school movie house turned performance venue in Kingston, just about an hour's drive from Albany.

(Thanks, Paul!)

photo: Tom Hines

Future at SPAC

the rapper Future CC

The rapper Future is set for a show at SPAC August 23. Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 23 -- they're $26 (lawn) and up.

Future released two albums earlier this year -- in the span of a week. Both debuted at #1 on the US album chart, and he became the first artist to release #1 albums one week after another.

Openers for the SPAC show are Post Malone and Zoey Dollaz.

photo: Flickr user The Come Up Show (CC BY 2.0 - cropped)

Green River Festival 2017

lake street dive 2016

Lake Street Dive

Catching up a bit: The Green River Festival returns July 14-16 in Western Mass. This year's headliners include Lake Street Dive, Joe Russo's Almost Dead, The Mavericks, and Houndmouth. The announced lineup is below.

The festival is on the grounds of Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, Massachusetts -- it's about a two-hour drive from Albany.

A full weekend pass is $119.99 / $109.99 for a Saturday and Sunday pass / $64.99 for Saturday or Sunday / $34.99 for Friday. There are also festival camping passes available.

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Basilica Soundscape 2017

music producer composer JLin

Producer/composer Jlin will be there.

The Basilica Soundscape festival returns September 15-17 at Basilica Hudson. And the initial lineup is out -- it's below.

Event blurbage:

Basilica SoundScape, a carefully curated weekend that's been called "the anti­festival" by various publications for offering of a thoughtful mix of music, visual art, and literature, is co-curated by Brandon Stosuy (The Creative Independent), Basilica Co-Founder and Director Melissa Auf der Maur and Basilica Co-Founder Tony Stone. This year they welcome back previous BSS Creative Director Michael Renaud to handle all aspects of visual design for the event and have added the talents of a special guest curator, Jenn Pelly, editor at Pitchfork, and author of a forthcoming book on the Raincoats.

Early bird tickets are currently $60 for a weekend pass -- $110 with camping. There will be single-day tickets later this summer.

On with the initial lineup...

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Alive at Five 2017 lineup

music duo Marian Hill

The duo Marian Hill is down for one of the shows in July.

Albany's Alive at Five series starts up its new season next Thursday. The Thursday night concerts are back at Jenning's Landing in Corning Riverfront Park after last summer's one-year relocation to Broadway in downtown Albany.

On with the lineup, including a sample clip for each headliner...

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Music Haven 2017 lineup

musicians Amadou Mariam

Afropop duo Amadou & Mariam will be there in July.

The lineup for this summer's Music Haven series in Schenectady's Central Park is out.

One of the things that distinguishes Music Haven among the free summer concert series is its focus on world, jazz, and roots music. Press release blurbage for this year:

"I've curated this summer's itinerary with a focus on crossing borders and breaking down barriers, in celebration of our shared humanity," says [producing artistic director Mona] Golub. "To that end, we'll be hosting artists from Ireland, West Africa, Cuba, Louisiana, and visiting Veracruz, Iraq, Prince Edward and the Magdalen Islands and Yemen for first time."

The series starts July 9. Here's the lineup...

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Brown's Summer Sessions 2017

Mondo Cozmo

Mondo Cozmo (Josh Ostrander) opens the series June 1. / photo: Travis Shinn

Brown's Brewing has started its own outdoor concert series for this summer called Brown's Summer Sessions.

The six Thursday evening shows are set to be at stage along the river behind the Troy brewery/restaurant. Admission is free and the shows are open to all ages. Food and drink will be available for purchase (food and drink from outside will not be allowed in).

Brown's worked with EQX on the lineup, and here it is...

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Freedom Park 2017 concert series lineup

sawyer fredericks

Sawyer Fredericks opens the season June 21.

The schedule for this summer's series of free concerts at Freedom Park in Scotia is out.

As usual, it's a big lineup with multiple concerts each week from late June through late August. And the lineup includes a bunch of different genres.

Freedom Park is on the Mohawk River, just over the Western Gateway Bridge from Schenectady, next to Jumpin' Jack's.

Let's take a look...

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Made in the Shade 2017

Kat Wright and the Indomitable Soul Band will be there in June.

The Made in the Shade series of free lunchtime concerts on the Empire State Plaza starts a new season in June 7. The concerts are Wednesday at noon underneath The Egg (thus the name).

Here's the lineup...

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Fresh Grass Festival 2017 lineup

Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile

The Fresh Grass Festival is back at MASS MoCA September 15-17. Festival passes are currently $110 for adults / $98 for students / $48 for kids.

Headliners for the festival include Brandi Carlile, Railroad Earth, and The Del McCoury Band. And the festival just added a handful of acts to the lineup, which is below.

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Bastille at The Palace

the band Bastille 2017

The pop band Bastille is set to play a show at The Palace September 12. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 19 -- they're $29.50 and up.

The English band has that song that's everyone's heard because it's been played everywhere. Well, actually, they probably have a few songs like that.

The opener for the show is Frenship.

Bastille played a show at Upstate Concert Hall in 2014 and it sold out (quickly, if we remember correctly). So if you'd like to catch the Palace show, getting tickets sooner rather than later is probably a good idea.

Alabama Shake
By the way... That Alabama Shakes show at The Palace August 1 is sold out.

Phantogram at Schaghticoke Fair Grounds

Phantogram 2016

Phantogram is looping back for a show at the Schaghticoke Fair Grounds July 27. Tickets go on sale this Friday -- we're waiting to see the price.

The opener for the show is Tycho.

You know the story: Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel played shows around Saratoga Springs, recorded an album in a barn, got a record deal, toured around the world, got on TV, got famous, songs started showing up in all sorts of media, got a bigger record deal, started collaborating with Big Boi, there was a tidal wave. And they released a new album this past October.

They're on the big festival circuit this year -- Coachella already, and Sasquatch!, Governor's Ball, Osheaga, and Lollapalooza this summer.

The duo played a sold out show at Upstate Concert Hall this past January.

photo: Timothy Saccenti

Rockin' on the River 2017

the band Deerhoof

Deerhoof will be there in June. / photo: Asha Shechter

Summer, it is near: The schedule for the next season of the Rockin' on the River free concert series in downtown Troy is out.

The Wednesday night series starts June 7 in Riverfront Park and runs through August 9.

And here's the lineup of acts...

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Blues Traveler at Schenectady County SummerNight 2017

the band Blues Traveler

The headliner for this year's Schenectady County SummerNight will be Blues Traveler.

Also in the music lineup: Moriah Formica and Lucy.

The free block party on State Street in downtown Schenectady is July 14 from 5-10 pm. In addition to the music, there will be kids activities, games, a sand sculpture, food vendors, a cannoli eating contest, and fireworks at the end of the night.

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

Jazz Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton_Marsalis

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

Upbeat on the Roof 2017

Allyson and Whitney Smith from Cannon the Brave

Allyson and Whitney Smith from Cannon the Brave. They're on the schedule in August.

Free summer concert season approaches...

The Upbeat on the Roof series is returning to The Tang Museum at Skidmore later this summer -- and on a new day of the week. The roof-top concerts are moving from Fridays to Thursdays.

Museum explanation blurbage: "The move to Thursday nights coincides with the Museum's new year-round hours. The galleries are open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursday. This move will give visitors a chance to visit the galleries before and after UpBeat concerts."

This year's lineup is below. As usual, it includes local acts across a range of genres.

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Jon Batiste at Skidmore

musician Jon Batiste

Jazz musician and bandleader Jon Batiste will be at Skidmore's Zankel Center for a show July 6. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $30.

Batiste will be joined by his band, Stay Human. Blurbage: "As bandleader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jon Batiste is known for soulful performances which often include his signature melodica (a hybrid harmonica and keyboard instrument) as well as engaging 'social music' experiences, involving audience participation and occasional impromptu street parades."

The show is part of the Stewart's Signature Series at Skidmore, which the college says will include "five world-class performances" this summer. Also part of the series: Manhattan Transfer on May 13 -- tickets are $45 and up.

Alabama Shakes at The Palace

Alabama Shakes

The blues rock band Alabama Shakes is set to play a show at The Palace August 1. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 28 -- they're $39.50 and up.

It's only been about five years since the band's first full length album, but in that time they've hit #1 on the album chart, sold a bunch of records, and won a handful of Grammys.

The opener for the show at The Palace is Emily King.

photo: David McClister

Drive-By Truckers at The Egg

Drive-By Truckers

The alt-country band Drive-By Truckers are set to play The Egg July 25. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 14 -- they're $29.50 and up.

The band is touring support of a "blunt, pissed-off Trump-era anthems" album released last fall. Here's a recap of a show they played recently in Austin. [Rolling Stone] [Austin360]

The show at The Egg is one of four new concerts announced this week for the venue. Also newly announced...

May 13: The BoDeans

May 18: Big Head Todd & The Monsters

August 15: Buddy Guy

Tickets for those shows also go on sale this Friday.

photo: Danny Clinch

Sylvan Esso at Lucky Strike

the band Sylvan Esso

Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn

The indie pop duo Sylvan Esso is set for a show in Lucky Strike's Jupiter Hall May 24. Tickets go on sale this Friday -- they're $24.

The band has a new album coming out later this month. Here's a video for "Die Young," one of the songs off the album. (And here's an NPR Tiny Desk concert.)

The opener is Lucy Dacus.

The stop here in town is one of Sylvan Esso's last few before heading over to tour in Europe. A bunch of the US dates have already sold out. Jupiter Hall holds about 600 people.

photo via Sylvan Esso Facebook

Foster the People at Brewery Ommegang

the band foster the people

The pop band Foster the People is set to play a show at Brewery Ommegang June 10. Tickets go on sale this Friday -- they're $45 / another $15 with camping.

The stop in Cooperstown is part of a summer tour with stops across the US and Europe.

It wouldn't be surprising if this show sold out, so if you'd like to go, getting tickets sooner rather than later isn't a bad idea.

Here's how the summer outdoor concert season at Ommegang is shaping up...

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Tulip Festival music lineup 2017

Minus The Bear

Minus The Bear | photo: Shervin Lainez / Bradley Hale

The music lineup for this year's Tulip Festival is out. The headliners include Minus The Bear.

A quick scan version of the music slates for both stages -- along with embedded videos of the acts -- is post jump. As usual, the lineup includes both national and local acts.

As you know, Tulip Fest includes a bunch of events in and around Washington Park, including the crowning of the new Tulip Queen.

Tulip Fest is Mother's Day weekend, which is May 13-14 this year.

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Matchbox Twenty + Counting Crows at SPAC

counting crows

Counting Crows

This is becoming a regular thing: Matchbox Twenty and Counting Crows are set to return to SPAC August 25. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 31 -- they're $29.50 and up. (There's also a limited supply of lawn four-packs for $88.)

The opener for the show is Rivers and Rust.

While we're on the topic, here's how the SPAC pop show calendar is shaping up so far -- it's getting full...

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Music break: Sean Rowe

Something to listen to this afternoon (or whenever): "Newtown's Cradle" by Sean Rowe.

In the video, Rowe is haunted by figures wearing masks of his face. And then at the very end (spoiler redacted).

The song is off New Lore, the Troy native's upcoming album which will be released on his own label. It's out April 7.

Rowe also has a few local shows coming up later this spring: at Helsinki Hudson May 18 (with Girl Blue), and at The Hangar in Troy May 19.

My Morning Jacket at MASS MoCA

my morning jacket

Coming to MASS MoCA this summer: My Morning Jacket on August 12. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, March 17 -- they're $46 ahead / $56 day of.

This is an outside, rain-or-shine show. The opener is The Districts.

Other announced summer outdoor shows at MASS MoCA...

The Shins at Brewery Ommegang

The Shins James Mercer

The latest summer show set for Brewery Ommegang: The Shins on June 17. Tickets go on sale this Friday -- they're $42.50 ahead / $47 day of.

The indie rock act, which is now singer/songwriter James Mercer by himself, has a new album out and it's gotten good reviews. (Mercer will be joined by a band for the tour.)

Here's the lineup of shows (so far) for Ommengang this summer...

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"No Es Mi Presidente"

Local musician/activist Taina Asili has a new protest song -- "No Es Mi Presidente" -- and talked about it this week with Rolling Stone. From the interview, about music and activism:

"Within my culture and my people, Puerto Ricans, we have always used music as a tool of resistance in our folkloric art. I see this music as a part of that legacy. In general, we've seen, throughout the world, representations of that, whether we're looking at resistance songs in South Africa or folk songs, hip-hop, jazz. All of these genres really come out of musical movements of resistance. What we need more now than ever is to continue that legacy. What I resonate with now more than ever is artists that are speaking truth to power and using their voices to create a platform for social change to be more visible."

Portions of the video were shot at the Social Justice Center in Albany. And noted writer/activist/former Common Council member Barbara Smith is among the people featured.

See also this Alt profile of Asili from January.

Move Music Festival 2017

musicians jocelyn and chris arndt

Joceyln and Chris Arndt

The Move Music Festival returns April 27-29 this year with a bit of a change in format.

In the past the festival has involved as many as a hundred acts spread across 10 venues in downtown Albany. This year the festival will be focused on six venues across three cities:

Thursday, April 27: Cohoes Music Hall

Friday, April 28: The Hangar in Troy

Saturday, April 29: The Hollow, Parish Public House, Stout, and The Fuzebox in Albany

And the first acts have been announced: That Cohoes Music Hall show on April 27 will feature Sawyer Fredricks, Joceyln and Chris Arndt, and C.K. Flach. (A full festival lineup is still to come.)

Full festival passes are $45 and available online. Tickets for the Cohoes Music Hall show are $20 (and available via The Palace). The show at The Hangar is $15. And a pass for the Saturday shows in Albany is $25.

photo via Joceyln & Chris Arndt Facebook

Portugal The Man at The Palace

the band Portugal The Man

Set to play The Palace June 2: Portugal The Man. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 3 -- they're $29.50 and $35.

The rock band has been working on a new album with Mike D of The Beastie Boys, and recently posted a song from it.

They've been through here a few times in recent years, including as a headliner for Pearl Palooza in 2013.

Elvis Costello at Ommegang

elvis costello

Just announced: Elvis Costello is set to play a show at Brewery Ommegang July 21. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 3 -- they're $60 ($15 for camping).

Costello will be joined by his band, The Imposters. The show is part of the "Imperial Bedrooms and Other Chambers" tour, which draws on his 1982 album Imperial Bedroom. Here's a wiki with sets lists from the tour.

Also announced Monday: Ween at Ommegang June 9. Tickets go on sale this Friday -- they're $50 ($15 for camping).

Here's the lineup of outdoor shows at Ommegang for this summer so far. Shows at the brewery often sell out, so getting tickets sooner rather than later isn't a bad idea...

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Robert Randolph & the Family Band at Upstate Concert Hall

musician Robert Randolph

The funk/soul act Robert Randolph and the Family Band is set to play Upstate Concert Hall April 22. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 24 -- they're $25 ahead / $28 day of.

Randolph is regarded as one of the best guitarists in the world, and plays the pedal steel guitar. The band just released a new album.

It looks like the UCH show will have an opening act, but it's TBA.

photo via Robert Randolph & the Family Band Facebook

518 Songfest 2017

The 518 Songfest returns to The Egg April 1. The headliner is Sawyer Fredericks, of American Idol The Voice fame. Also on the card: Girl Blue, The Sea The Sea, John Davidson, and Sandy McKnight.

Blurbage: "Songfest is a unique live concert experience, in that the artists get to perform their songs, as well as talk a bit about their music and experiences as creators and musicians."

Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 24 -- they're $30 ahead / $35 day of. The concert is a benefit for Exit 97.7 WEXT and the Columbia Arts Team. It's in the 450-seat Swyer Theater.

Solid Sound 2017 lineup

Wilco and friends Solid Sound 2015

The lineup for the Solid Sound Festival this summer at MASS MoCA is out.

It's headlined by Wilco, as usual. The band will be playing two shows at the festival, as usual. A few others from the lineup: Television, Kurt Vile and the Violators, Robert Glasper Experiment, Dawn of Midi, Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin with the Guilty Ones, Kevin Morby, Joan Shelley, and Big Thief.

John Hodgman will be back with another comedy showcase. And Mark Bittman -- "Real Food Crusader" -- is also mentioned under "eat and drink."

The full announced lineup below.

This year's festival is June 23-25. The ticket currently on sale is the advance 3-day pass -- it's $159 plus service fees. There's also a kids pass (ages 6-10) for $50 (under age 6 is free).

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Albany Symphony season 2017-2018

troy savings bank music hall

As usual, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall will be one of the venues to host the ASO during the next season.

The schedule for the next Albany Symphony season -- the 2017-2018 season -- is out. It includes a weekend of Mozart, a weekend of Gershwin, and performances of new music by living composers.

Tickets for many of the dates are available via a season subscription. (Individual date tickets will be available later on.)

And, of course, the ASO's current season is in progress, with handful of dates over the next few months.

Without further ado...

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Mid-afternoon music break: Hand Habits

Check it out: Hand Habits has a new album -- Wildly Idle (Humble Before The Void) -- and it's getting attention from the likes of Pitchfork and Noisey. The track embedded above is "All The While."

Hand Habits is Meg Duffy, of course, who went to college and played a bunch of music here and is now out in LA. She's touring now in support of the new album (and playing a house show here this week).

Mountain Jam 2017 lineup

musician tom petty

Tom Petty

The full lineup for this year's Mountain Jam music festival out: New additions include The String Cheese Incident, The Head and The Heart, and Matisyahu. They join a lineup that was already headlined by Tom Petty and the Steve Miller Band. The full lineup is below.

Mountain Jam is June 16-18 this year at Hunter Mountain. Three-day general admission passes are currently $194 ($229 with camping).

As you know, Hunter Mountain is in Hunter, New York, in the northern Catskills. It's a little more than an hour drive from Albany.

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CAKE at MASS MoCA

the band Cake

The rock band Cake is set to play an outdoor show at MASS MoCA May 28. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $35 ahead / $45 day of / $55 for preferred tickets.

Cake is still kicking after all these years. Blurbage:

CAKE made its mark flying in the face of convention -- an anti-grunge, post-pop band who scripted smart lyrics, stripped away the original over-engineering of its live shows in order to broadcast those lyrics with laser beam precision -- and above all, always have fun doing it. This high-minded, low-tech approach manifested an impossible-to-pin-down, witty and gritty, yet wildly welcoming and familiar sound -- and a mainstream following of cult-like devotion.

That weekend is also the opening weekend for MASS MoCA's huge new expansion, Building 6.

(They're building it bigger, they're widening the corridor and adding more lanes... Are they now accepting callers for these pendant key chains? Maybe in the gift shop.)

CAKE at OMMEGANG
And, as pointed out by grandmastergus: Cake will also be playing an outdoor show at Brewery Ommegang May 26. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 17 -- they're $50 ($15 for camping).

Modern Jukebox + Straight No Chaser at SPAC

postmodern jukebox and straight no chaser

Postmodern Jukebox (top) and Straight No Chaser

Two headliners for a July 19 show at SPAC: Postmodern Jukebox and Straight No Chaser. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, February 18 -- they're $29.50 and up.

Postmodern Jukebox performs Jazz/ragtime/swing covers of pop music. 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.

Straight No Chaser is an a cappella group that performs covers of pop songs and other well-known tunes. Examples: Radiohead's "Creep" and this cheeky medley of movie music.

The SPAC date is a pavilion-only show.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

Old Songs Folk Festival 2017

old songs festival

The annual Old Songs Folk Festival returns June 23-25 at the Altamont Fairgrounds. Tickets go on sale online February 20.

That link includes a big list of performers for this year's festival, now in its 37th year. Festival blurbage:

Great guitarists, a good dose of blues, all day and evening dancing on a wooden floor, a capella singing, Appalachian songs, a mariachi band, maritime songs, old-time music, shape note gatherings, and music from Ireland. Sing, dance, jam, and listen at this highly participatory event for the whole family. Old Songs encourages audience members to join jam sessions, take part in learn-how sessions, sing sacred harp, move their feet to our great dance bands or take a Friday afternoon class. School age children who play an instrument can participate in the "Great Groove Band" during the festival with the help of music coaches and musical instruction.

Old Songs is an org focused on keeping traditional music and dance genres alive through performance, classes, and other programs. So you can see how the festival lines up with that mission.

Tickets are $120 for an all-festival pass for adults / $115 for seniors / $60 for students / $50 for youth / free for kids 12 and younger. (Prices for all-festival tickets will go up $10-$15 depending on the ticket starting June 2.) Single-day session tickets start at $40.

The festival also includes an on-site camping option.

photo via Old Songs

Avett Brothers, Glass Animals at Ommegang

The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers

Announced today: The rock band Glass Animals is set to play an outdoor show at Brewery Ommegang July 29. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 10 -- they're $46 (there's also a $15 camping add-on option).

The opener for the Glass Animals show is Little Dragon.

And catching up: The Avett Brothers are lined up to play a show at Ommegang June 2. Tickets are currently on sale -- they're $50. (It looks like the camping tickets are already sold out.)

The Avett Brothers played a show at the brewery with John Prine back the summer of 2015 and it sold out. So there's probably a good chance this one will, too.

By the way: They're also on the Tanglewood schedule this summer.

photo: Crackerfarm

Brad Paisley, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan at SPAC

luke bryan

Luke Bryan sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl this year.

Three country music shows announced today for SPAC:

May 18: Brad Paisley

July 23: Florida Georgia Line

August 26: Luke Bryan

Tickets for the shows go on sale this Friday, February 10 -- as a three-pack. (Live Nation is calling it the "Country Megaticket.") A package of lawn seats for the shows is $89, and there are other packages for reserved pavilion seats. (Presumably single-show tickets will follow later this spring.)

photo via Luke Bryan Facebook

The Chainsmokers at the TU Center

The Chainsmokers

The DJ/producer duo The Chainsmokers are set to play the TU Center April 21. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 3 -- they're $60.50 and up.*

The duo has had some hugely popular songs over the past year or so. Among those hits is "Closer," which hit #1 on charts around the world and the video for which has racked more than 1 billion views on Youtube.

That sort of success has spun out articles such as "Chainsmokers: How Hard-Partying EDM Dudes Conquered the Mainstream" and "Why Is the Chainsmokers' "Closer" the Biggest Song in the Country?"

Also on the bill for the TU Center show: Kiiara, K?D featuring Emily Warren.

* That's one of the higher starting-at tickets prices around here that we can remember. Just looking up some other shows for comparison: The upcoming, multiple-sold-out Garth Brooks shows at the TU Center were $65.73. And the Bruce Springsteen show a the TU Center last year was $58 and up.

photo via The Chainsmokers Facebook

Saratoga Jazz Fest 2017 lineup

Saratoga Jazz Fest 2017 Chaka Khan Gipsy Kings

Chaka Khan and Gipsy Kings are the headliners this year.

The Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival is June 24-25 at SPAC. And this year's line-up includes Chaka Khan, Gipsy Kings, Jacob Collier, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Maceo Parker, and others. The full announced lineup is after the jump.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 3 -- day tickets start at $65, and two-day festival passes start at $110. There's also a new $20 child/student ticket.

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John Mayer at TU Center, Kings of Leon at SPAC

Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon

Two concert announcements Monday morning...

John Mayer at the TU Center
John Mayer is lined up for a show at the Times Union Center March 31. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 3 -- they're $35.75 and up.

As it happens, the TU Center show will be the first stop on Mayer's new tour. "Each concert on the tour will be comprised of full band, solo acoustic and John Mayer Trio sets of music."

Kings of Leon at SPAC
The rock band Kings of Leon is set to play SPAC July 26. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, February 4 -- they're $29.50 and up. (There's also a lawn seat four-pack for $89.)

Openers for the show: Nathaniel Ratelieff and The Night Sweats.

The royalty of Leon were last at SPAC in 2014.

photo via Kings of Leon Facebook

Tanglewood 2017 season includes The Avett Brothers, Natalie Merchant, David Sedaris

Tanglewood 2017 composite

Clockwise from right: The Avett Brothers, Natalie Merchant, David Sedaris.

Summer is out there. And here's a sign: Tickets for the 2017 season at Tanglewood go sale this Sunday, January 29.

Among the dates from the upcoming schedule that caught our eye...

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Rhiannon Giddens + Dirk Powell at Helsinki Hudson

musicians Rhiannon Giddens Dirk Powell

Rhiannon Giddens is set to play Helsinki Hudson March 3 as part of a show with Dirk Powell. Tickets are available now -- they're $45 and up.

Show blurbage:

Rhiannon Giddens is best known as the lead singer, violinist, banjo player, and cofounder of the Grammy Award-winning country, blues and old-time music band Carolina Chocolate Drops. With four Grammy Awards to his credit, Dirk Powell is considered one of the world's leading experts on traditional Appalachian fiddle and banjo styles. Together, the duo forge a unique blend of American music drawing on a multiplicity of traditions.

Giddens has a new solo album coming out February 24 called Freedom Highway -- it was co-produced by Powell at his studio in Louisiana.

Rhiannon Giddens played The Egg back in 2015 and that show sold out. So if you'd like to catch this show, it's probably a good idea to get tickets sooner rather than later.

photo: Sarah Foy

Trey Anastasio at Troy Music Hall

Trey Anastasio 2017

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.

The 1975 at Glens Falls Civic Center

the band The 1975

The pop rock band The 1975 is set play a show at the Glens Falls Civic Center May 28. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 27 -- they're $35 and up. (There's also a presale starting Wednesday.)

The band is touring in support of its 2016 album I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It, which briefly topped the album charts in the US, UK, and Australia.

The stop in Glens Falls is part of a tour all over this hemisphere before heading to Europe in the summer.

Tedeschi Trucks Band at SPAC

tedeschi trucks band 2016

The Tedeschi Trucks Band is set to make a return appearance at SPAC July 3. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 27 -- they're $25 and up. It's a pavilion-only show.

Also on the bill: The Wood Brothers and Hot Tuna.

It's the second summer in a row the blues rock band led by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks has played at SPAC. They've made stops in this area a handful of times in recent years, including a few sold-out appearances. And The Wood Brothers and Hot Tuna have sold out at a show or two themselves around here.

So if you're interested in going, it's not a bad idea to get tickets sooner rather than later.

Also recently announced for SPAC this summer...
+ July 22: Rod Stewart with Cyndi Lauper (tickets on sale January 27)
+ July 1: Third Eye Blind with Silver Sun Pickups (tickets on sale January 26)

photo: Mark Seliger

Deconstructing the Beatles, two ways

Beatles expert Scott Freiman

Musicologist Scott Freiman will be back at Proctors February 11 for two presentations of "Looking Through A Glass Onion: Deconstructing The Beatles' White Album." Tickets are $35.

Show/presentation blurbage:

In Looking Through A Glass Onion: Deconstructing The Beatles' White Album, composer/producer Scott Freiman takes Beatles fans young and old into the studio with the Beatles as they create their bestselling album -- The Beatles (commonly referred to as the White Album).
Using rare audio and video clips, as well as anecdotes about the creation of the songs, Mr. Freiman allows the audience to see and hear the evolution of these groundbreaking songs (including "Revolution," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," & "Blackbird") and discusses the songs' lasting influence on popular music. Musicians and non-musicians, Beatles fanatics and casual listeners will all enjoy Mr. Freiman's presentation.

The presentations are at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm in the GE Theatre.

Freiman's brought this series to Proctors a few times before and at least a few of the dates in the past have sold out.

Sgt. Pepper's
There's another local opportunity to catch Freiman's Beatles deconstruction coming up: The Spectrum will be screening a film version of "Deconstructing the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Album" February 6 at 7 pm. Tickets are $15 and available online.

The Spectrum advertises on AOA.

photo via Scott Freiman's website

Aimee Mann at The Egg

musician Aimee Mann

Singer/songwriter Aimee Mann is set to play The Egg April 25. Tickets go on sale to the public January 20 -- they're $34.50 and $44.50.

Mann announced today that she has a new album -- her first in five years -- coming out in March. Mental Illness includes contributions from Ted Leo, with whom she toured a few years back (they made a stop at Helsinki Hudson).

It isn't mentioned on The Egg listing for the show, but it looks like Jonathan Coulton will be the opener.

The show at The Egg in the 982-seat Hart Theatre.

BNL
By the way: The Barenaked Ladies show at The Egg April 21 is sold out.

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds at SPAC

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds composite

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds are lined up to play shows at SPAC June 16 and June 17. Tickets go on sale February 18 -- they're $40.50 and up. There's also a presale starting for members of the Dave Matthews Band fan org starting this Thursday, January 19.

DMB isn't touring this summer, creating the opportunity for the Matthews/Reynolds tour. Reynolds, a guitarist, has a long history of collaborating and playing with Matthews and the band. And his solo career has brought him through this area a few times, including to the Massry Center this past December.

The press release for this summer's Matthews/Reynolds dates tout them as "stripped-down, acoustic" shows.

SPAC pop shows
Here's the list of SPAC pop shows announced for this summer so far...

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Craig Finn living room show in Albany

craig finn solo

Craig Finn -- of The Hold Steady -- is set to play a "living room" show in the offices of Merit in Albany January 13. Tickets are $30 and only available online. They are the only admission for the event.

The show is part of a small tour Finn is doing ahead of his new solo album, We All Want The Same Things. Blurbage:

Done in conjunction with Undertow Music Collective, these house shows will be an evening of music and conversation with Craig. Besides playing new songs live for the first time in an intimate setting, Craig will also do casual Q&A sessions with the fans in attendance.

There's a very limited number of tickets for the Albany show, so if you're interested in going, it's a good idea to snag tickets now rather than later. They're a good bet to sell out, and soon.

Flurry Festival 2017

flurry festival poster 2017The annual Flurry Festival -- now in its 30th year -- returns to Saratoga Springs February 17-19. Advance discount tickets are now sale now through January 16, after which prices go up.

The festival is a big weekend of all sorts of dancing at venues around the city. Blurbage:

Dancing festival goers of all ages will enjoy a major lineup of international music and dance experiences. Along with our traditional weekend filled with non-stop contra and swing, we have programming lined up all weekend long with dance styles such as Tahitian, Flamenco, Bulgarian, African, Chinese, Irish, Yiddish, Scottish, Greek, Hip Hop, tap, and more. Instruction is available for beginner level on up and there is no need to bring a partner to come have fun.

Full-festival passes are currently $85 for adults at the advance discount price ($100 at the door) / $70 for students seniors, military members / $50 for teens / $8 kids. Individual session tickets start at $25.

Two more Garth Brooks/Trisha Yearwood shows added for TU Center

garth brooks

Tickets went on sale Friday for the the already-announced Garth Brooks/Trisha Yearwood shows at the TU Center in March. And the venue announced this morning it's adding two more shows.

Here are the dates: March 10, 11, and 12. Tickets are $65.73.

It sounds like there was an online crush to get the tickets this morning, but the TU Center was telling people Friday morning tickets were still available, and encouraging them to keep trying to get through.

KT Tunstall at The Egg

KT Tunstall 2016

KT Tunstall

Singer/songwriter KT Tunstall is lined up for a show at The Egg February 24. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 16 -- they're $29.50.

Tunstall's star rose very high about a decade ago -- for a while it seemed like her songs were in every movie or TV show. But apparently things weren't going so well for her in her personal life and at one point didn't plan to make any more albums. Things turned around though, and she got back to recording -- she released a new album this past fall and it's gotten pretty good reviews.

Sarah Jarosz
Also announced this week: singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Sara Jarosz at The Egg March 9. Tickets go on sale this Friday -- they're $29.50.

She was recently nominated for the 2017 Grammys in the best folk album and best roots performance categories.

Mavis Staples at MASS MoCA

mavis staples 2016

Powerhouse singer Mavis Staples is set for a show at MASS MoCA March 25. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $35 ahead / $45 day of.

Staples has had a long career and an R&B/soul/gospel singer, starting with her family's group, The Staples Singers, before moving onto a solo career. And in recent years she's collaborated with a bunch of different artists. Show blurbage:

Mavis Staples is one of the great alchemists of American music, crossing genre lines like no musician since perhaps Ray Charles, and weaving her voice into the very fabric of gospel, soul, folk, pop, R&B, blues, rock, and hip-hop. From her time in the legendary Staples Singers, to her Grammy-winning 2010 collaboration with Jeff Tweedy, You're Not Alone, to her recently released Livin' on a High Note, produced by M. Ward and featuring contributions by Neko Case, Justin Vernon, Ben Harper, and Tune-Yards, Staples is a classic artist who is as vital today as at any point in her legendary career.

Just this month she was part of the new class of Kennedy Center Honors awardees.

photo via ANTI- Records

Solid Sound 2017 early-bird tickets

solid sound festival logoEarly-bird tickets for the next summer's Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA go on sale this Friday, December 9 at 10 am. Three-day passes will be $134 while supplies last. And kids passes will be $50 (free for age 6 and under).

Advance three-day passes for the last festival, in 2015, were $149, so this could save you a few bucks if you know you're going (especially if you're buying for more than one person).

Next summer's festival is June 23-25. And it is, of course, the festival that prominently features Wilco and friends. Blurbage from earlier this fall:

Spanning three days and four stages, Solid Sound includes music by Wilco and its members' side projects, as well as many other (soon-to-be-announced) musical performers. It also features a full comedy lineup programmed by festival alum John Hodgman, family fun for all ages, local food, craft beer, camping, naturalist activities and more.

If you're interested in updates, the festival has an email list that sends out updates about tickets, acts, and associated whatnot.

Caffe Lena re-opening this month

Caffe Lena rendering shared entry croppedCaffe Lena is set to open its renovated space December 30 with a show by The Suitcase Junket. The show is already sold out.

The historic performance venue has been floating shows among spots around Saratoga Springs over the last few months during the renovation work on its Phila Street building. The modernized space includes a new atrium and lobby, increased seating (100 seats, up from 80), a new sound system, new bathrooms, and update space for administration and visiting performers.

The project has been a partnership with Bonacio Construction, which is building a mixed-use condo project next door. Caffe Lena says it's at 75 percent of its fundraising goal.

A grand opening is planned for the spring when a new elevator will be completed.

Mid-morning music break: Wild Adriatic

Something to get you moving today: "Appleton" by Wild Adriatic. That's a groovy record player.

The tune if off the band's upcoming album, which is scheduled for a release in February.

[via @ajw93]

Bryan Ferry at Proctors

musician bryan ferry

Bryan Ferry is set to play a concert at Proctors March 30. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 9 -- they're $30 and up.

Ferry was the frontman for the influential 70s art rock band Roxy Music. And he's had a winding solo career since the band's breakup in the early 80s. More recently a jazz take on one of his songs was included in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby and Ferry popped up at Coachella and Glastonberry. And in late 2014 he released a new album.

Also, the "personal life" section of his Wikipedia page is worth a read. All that's missing is an episode in which he records "Christmas Is All Around."

photo via Bryan Ferry website

Branford Marsalis + Kurt Elling at Troy Music Hall

Branford Marsalis and Kurt Elling

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.

Dead & Company returning to SPAC

dead and company john mayer

The first announcement for a 2017 SPAC pop show is out: Dead & Company is set to return to SPAC June 20. Tickets go on sale December 9 -- they're $40 for the lawn, $75.50 and up for the pavilion. (There's also a limited number of lawn four-packs for $99.)

Dead & Company features Grateful Dead members Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, and Bob Weir -- plus John Mayer, with bassist Oteil Burbridge and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti. It's the same lineup that's been with the group when it's made stops here in 2015 (TU Center) and 2016 (SPAC).

photo via Dead and Company FB page

Midday music break: Sean Rowe

Something to listen to this afternoon: "The Great Pretender" by Sean Rowe.

The song is off All We Can Do, an EP he released earlier this fall. It's available from the various download and streaming services -- including Youtube, where you can listen to the whole thing.

Rowe's been working on new album, funded via Kickstarter, that's scheduled for an April 2017 release. And he has a show at The Hangar in Troy lined up for January 13 -- tickets are $20 and available now.

Also: His song "To Leave Something Behind" pops up in the new Ben Affleck movie The Accountant.

St. Paul and the Broken Bones at The Egg

St Paul and the Broken Bones

The soul band St. Paul and the Broken Bones is set to play a show at The Egg March 5. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $35 and up.

From a profile of frontman Paul Janeway at Rolling Stone:

These days, Janeway channels fire-and-brimstone energy as the frontman of St. Paul and the Broken Bones. During the band's feverish live shows, he yelps, screams, croons and often dives into the audience. At a gig in South Carolina recently, Janeway hoisted himself onto an audience member's back. "He's a cat who can do an Otis Redding - he's very interesting to watch," Keith Richards told Rolling Stone last year, after St. Paul and the Broken Bones opened up for the Stones. Janeway isn't shy talking about his ability to fire up a crowd. "Our booking agent was like, 'Just be proud you're opening for the Stones, but nobody's going to pay attention to you,'" he says. "I was like, 'F[---] that. I'll get them to pay attention.' And I got them to pay attention."

See also this review by Ann Powers of the group's new album over at NPR.

Also recently announced for The Egg: The Barenaked Ladies on April 21. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $59.50 and up.

photo: David McClister

Mountain Jam 2017

musician tom petty

Tom Petty

The 2017 version of Mountain Jam is June 16-18 at Hunter Mountain. Tickets can camping are one sale for the musical festival -- a three-day general admission pass is currently $184 / $219 with camping.

Initial lineup info is also out: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton, Gary Clark Jr., Michael Franti & Spearhead, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Strumbellas, Shovels & Rope, The Revivalists, The Infamous Stringdusters, White Denim, Elephant Revival, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and River Whyless.

As you know, Hunter Mountain is in Hunter, New York, in the northern Catskills. It's a little more than an hour drive from Albany.

photo via Tom Petty Facebook

Kanye West show at TU Center (and tour) canceled

kanye westThe Kanye West show set for the TU Center December 11 -- along with the whole rest of his current tour -- has been canceled. Tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase.

At his show Saturday night in Sacramento, Kanye played just a few songs, said he was taking the lead from Donald Trump to speak his mind, then went on a monologue about politics, Facebook, Google, Jay-Z, Beyonce -- then dropped the mic and left the stage. [Sacramento Bee]

Phantogram at Upstate Concert Hall

Phantogram 2016

Just announced: Phantogram is set to play a show at Upstate Concert Hall January 14. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, November 26 -- the first 102 tickets are $10.27 (because of WEQX), after that they're $25 ahead / $30 day of. (It looks like there's also a presale starting Friday.)

This is, by our quick count, the first time they've been back in town for a show since a date at UCH in 2013.

You know the story: Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel played shows around Saratoga Springs, recorded an album in a barn, got a record deal, toured around the world, got on TV, got famous, songs started showing up in all sorts of media, got a bigger record deal, started collaborating with Big Boi, cue the tidal wave. And they released a new album in October, Three.

This show will sell out. So if you'd like to go, don't wait on getting tickets.

photo: Timothy Saccenti

Mid-afternoon music break: Dryer

Something to listen to this afternoon: "Book of Maps" by Dryer. Mmm, power pop.

The song is off Bright Moon Bright Sun, the band's new EP. It's available via Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon, and eMusic.

And they're playing a free show at One Caroline in Saratoga Springs this Friday to celebrate the EP.

Young The Giant at The Palace

the band Young The Giant

Alt-rock band Young The Giant is set for a show at The Palace February 23. Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 18 -- they're $24.50 and up.

The band has been touring in support of a new album, which has an immigrant theme. (The members of the band all are all immigrants or first-generation Americans.) From a Rolling Stone interview this past August with frontman Sameer Gadhia about the album:

I see us as a personally political band. Sometimes you get passed a torch. We have strong beliefs, and now more so than ever, we're talking about human rights. Our main thing is about equality. It's a humanitarian issue; it's not a political issue. So we're comfortable going forward on this path; we have the platform and an open line of dialogue with our fans, some of whom are completely unaware of the racial struggles in America, or the racial struggles that we deal with on a personal level. I think that's a very powerful, important thing. The thing about music is that it really can bring people together, and that's what we hope we can do.

The opener for the show at The Palace is Lewis Del Mar.

photo: Kelly Kenney

Sawyer Fredericks at The Egg

sawyer fredericks

Sawyer Fredericks is set to play a show at The Egg December 4. Tickets are now on sale -- they're $29.50.

As you know, Fredericks is from Fultonville in Montgomery County and won the 8th season of The Voice in 2015 when he was just 16 years old. Earlier this year he released his first major label full-length album.

In May 2015 Fredericks played a show at The Palace as part of The Voice and it sold out. This time around he's in the 450-seat Swyer Theater at The Egg.

The opening act is Gabriel Wolfchild and The Northern Light.

photo via Sawyer Fredericks Facebook page

Midday music break: Cannon the Brave

Something to listen to on this dreary Thursday: "Sometimes" by Cannon the Brave.

Cannon the Brave are, in their own words, "Twin sisters promoting love through harmonic acoustic pop in Albany, NY." They have a new EP set to be released November 25 on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and Bandcamp.

K.Flay at The Hollow

musician k.flay

Hip hop artist K.Flay is set to play a show at The Hollow November 13. Tickets are $17.

K.Flay is Kristine Flaherty. She's touring in support of a new EP. (A bunch of the dates on the tour so far have sold out, so something to keep in mind if you're thinking about going to The Hollow show.)

Here's a clip from a recent interview with the San Jose Mercury News about her sound, which shifts across genres:

I think, even from the outset, there was a genre-less-ness to what I was doing. I've done a lot of electronic stuff, some stuff that was more straightforward rap and stuff that is all singing. I feel like there has always been a lot of co-existing between the different methods. I think -- and I might be wrong about this -- that a lot of the people who know about my music and have been fans, it's not because I've been part of a scene or a genre. I think a lot of people discovered me through so many different channels that they were ready for whatever to happen.

The opener for the show at The Hollow is the pop band Nightly.

photo via K.Flay Facebook

Kanye West at the TU Center this December

kanye west

Announced late Tuesday (for real this time): Kanye West is set to play the TU Center December 11. Tickets go on sale this Saturday (October 22) -- $29.50.

The show is an extension of Kanye's Saint Pablo Tour. He was last here for a show at the TUC in 2014.

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

San Fermin and NOW Ensemble

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.

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Umphrey's McGee + Joshua Redman at The Palace

the band Umphrey's McGee

Umphrey's McGee

The jam band Umphrey's McGee is set to play a show at The Palace January 28. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 21 -- they're $29.50 and up.

Also on the bill: Jazz saxophonist and composer Joshua Redman.

Redman has appeared with Umphrey's McGee at shows in the past, including a totally-improvised set this past January.

The band Spafford is the opener.

APL Silent Film Spectacular 2016

Un Chien Andalou still

The season includes a screening of Un Chien Andalou, the surrealist film by Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí. (The opening scene is infamously shocking.)

The Albany Public Library's Silent Film Spectacular series returns for a new season this month. The series shows old silent films with a live performance of the score by local musicians.

Here are the two performances this month (blurbage via APL):

October 19: Man with a Movie Camera -- original music by Buttfort
"This 1929 film showcases urban life in a Russian city through the eyes of a cameraman. The band is a three-piece ensemble that renders sensitive folk ballads submerged in chaotic experimental noise landscapes."

October 26: A Night of Surrealist Film: L'Etoile de Mer, Le Retour a La Raison, Un Chien Andalou -- original music by Scum Couch
"These three short films, created between 1923 and 1929, explore notions of romance, fantasy, and horror in experimental and surrealist fashion. The band crafts pieces of contained chaos, as the massive and distorted rhythmic backbone of the songs undulates between flurries of melody and flourishes of chaotic improvisation."

The performances start at 7 pm in Washington Ave branch's large auditorium. They're free.

APL advertises on AOA.

Brian Wilson at The Palace

Brian Wilson Pet Sounds album cover

Announced Tuesday: Brian Wilson is set to play a show at The Palace April 26. Tickets go on sale this Friday (October 14) -- they're $39.75.

The show is part of tour in which Wilson and former Beach Boys Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin are performing the famous album Pet Sounds in its entirety. Also on tap: "top hits and fan favorites spanning his 54-year career with The Beach Boys and as a solo artist."

Pet Sounds is often called one of the greatest pop albums of all time. Here's a Rolling Stone article from earlier this year that collects a bunch of bits about it. This tour is being touted as the last time Wilson will perform the album.

T.I. and Gucci Mane at TU Center

the rapper TI

T.I.

Lined up for the Times Union Center November 10: T.I. and Gucci Mane. Tickets went on sale this past Saturday -- they're $45 and up.

Both headliners grew out of the huge hip hop hotbed of Atlanta. T.I.'s sold millions of records and won multiple Grammys, and has recently started popping up in a bunch of movies. And Gucci Mane's been an influential presence while collaborating with a bunch of different artists. (See also this NYT article from this past summer about his efforts to get sober and healthy during a stint in prison.)

The lineup for the show at the TU Center also includes Fetty Wap and Kent Jones.

photo via T.I. FB page

Solid Sound 2017 dates set

Wilco and friends Solid Sound 2015

A heads-up for next summer: The Solid Sound Festival is set to return to MASS MoCA June 23-25 of 2017.

It is, of course, the festival that prominently features Wilco and friends. Blurbage:

Spanning three days and four stages, Solid Sound includes music by Wilco and its members' side projects, as well as many other (soon-to-be-announced) musical performers. It also features a full comedy lineup programmed by festival alum John Hodgman, family fun for all ages, local food, craft beer, camping, naturalist activities and more.

If you're interested in updates, the festival has an email list that sends out updates about tickets, acts, and associated whatnot. (In the past, there have been early-bird tickets in November and December, so something to keep an eye out for if you're interested in going.)

photo via Solid Sound Festival FB

Mid-afternoon music break: Girl Blue

Something to listen to this afternoon (or whenever you're seeing this): "Fire Under Water" by Girl Blue. There's a video embedded above. You might recognize the location.

Girl Blue is singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Arielle O'Keefe. She has an EP release show at The Hollow this Wednesday, October 5. Show starts at 8 pm. It's $10. Intell Hayesfield and One Red Martian open.

LarkFest 2016 full music schedule

the band Ought

Montreal band Ought is one of the headliners. / photo: Hera Chan

LarkFest is this Saturday on Lark Street in Albany, from 10 am to 6 pm. The street will be closed to vehicle traffic from Madison Ave to Washington Ave for the free street fair.

And the full music schedule -- 16 acts across three stages -- is out. Let's have a look.

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R. Kelly at the Palace

musician R Kelly

The Palace announced today that R. Kelly is set play a show there September 29. Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 2 -- they're $68 and up.

Kelly is, of course, one of the most successful R&B artists of all time. He's sold more than 40 million albums, won multiple Grammys, and worked with a bunch of different artists.

He's also become a very controversial figure, with a string of allegations that he had sexual relationships with underage women going back to the 1990s -- Kelly was acquitted of the charges that were filed against him -- and there was the whole issue of his marriage to Aaliyah. He has become a prominent example of the question of whether art can be separated from its artist.

Twiddle at The Palace for New Year's Eve

twiddle the band

The Palace announced this week that Twiddle will be playing a New Year's Eve show there this year. Tickets go on sale this Friday (September 2) -- they're $39 ahead / $44 day of.

The New Year's Eve date at the Palace has been occupied by moe. in recent years. So the venue has decided to keep it jammy.

Openers for the Palace show are Aqueous, and Soul Monde.

By the way: There's a pre-sale via the band's website starting this Wednesday.

J.D. McPherson at The Hangar

musician jd mcpherson

Singer/songwriter J.D. McPherson is set to play two shows at The Hangar in Troy, September 24 and September 25. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $20.

McPherson's style is sort of old-school rock 'n roll/rockabilly. Here's a Rolling Stone article from last year in which McPherson talks about taking inspiration from late-1950s rock and Sun Records artists.

The last McPherson played The Hangar, at the end of August 2015, the show sold out. So if you'd like to go this time around, it's not a bad idea to get tickets sooner rather than later.

photo: Jimmy Sutton

Midday music break: Rosary Beard

Something to listen to this afternoon (or whenever): "Carcosa" by Rosary Beard.

Rosary Bear is Hunter Sagehorn and Matthew Loiacono. The video above was filmed by Nate Sims. The song was recorded by Eric Margan. It was mixed by Troy Pohl. And it features Tucker Callander on violin.

Rufus Wainwright at Basilica Hudson

rufus wainwright 2016

Singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright is set to play a show at Basilica Hudson October 22. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $50.

Wainwright's concert will be part of Basilica Hudson's Pioneering People Series, "a bi-annual program celebrating pioneering artists across a range of disciplines, and including a benefit performance." Blurbage:

Wainwright 's performance will take the crowd back to his roots of intimate performances in dark, Montreal piano bars decades ago, a monumental period of creative freedom and expression when Wainwright and childhood friend and Basilica Hudson co-founder musician Melissa Auf der Maur found themselves and their voices in music, which propelled them into a lifetime of friendship and commitment to the performing arts.
The performance will provide the audience with a striking juxtaposition to Wainwright's recent extravagant performances of Judy Garland with full orchestra and touring with his Prima Donna opera, as well as his newest album Take All My Loves: 9 Shakespeare Sonnets. We are thrilled to announce Wainwright coming to Hudson on the heels of his ambitious Carnegie Hall concert.

Basilica Soundscape
Just a reminder that Basilica Soundscape is coming up September 16-18. Explosions in the Sky is this year's headliner.

photo via Rufus Wainwright FB page

Elvis Costello at The Palace

elvis costello

The Elvis Costello is set to play a show at The Palace October 26. Tickets go on sale this Friday (August 19) -- they're $49.50 and up.

Costello will be playing with his band, The Imposters.

He was in the area back in 2013 for a solo show at the Troy Music Hall. That show sold out. And even though the Palace is significantly bigger than the Troy Music Hall, it's probably not a bad idea to get tickets sooner rather than later if you'd like to go.

photo: Andy Gotts

Pearlpalooza 2016 lineup

galactic the band

The headliner is the funk band Galactic. / photo: Jim Arbogast

This year's Pearlpalooza -- the WEQX-organized free music festival on Pearl Street in downtown Albany -- is Saturday, September 17 this year. And the lineup is out.

Here's the list of acts with video clips...

(there's more)

Fantastic Negrito at Cohoes Music Hall

musician fantastic negrito

The musician Fantastic Negrito is set to play a show at the Cohoes Music Hall October 13. Tickets go on sale this Friday via the Palace Theatre box office -- they're $26 and $32.

Fantastic Negrito is Xavier Dphrepaulezz, who has a remarkable story. (This Wired article is a quick overview.) In short: Born in western Massachusetts, grew up in Oakland living the self-described "hustling life", taught himself how to play music, moved to LA and got a major label deal, that situation fizzled, he basically gave up on music, moved back to Oakland, and then started playing music again for his son. Then he won the NPR Tiny Desk contest in 2014 and things took off again from there.

His music a mix of blues and roots. He was just in town recently -- he opened for Chris Cornell at the Palace.

photo: Robbie Welsh

Massry Center 2016-2017 season

guitarist Tim Reynolds

Tim Reynolds will be back at the Massry Center in December. / photo: Michael Weintrob

The lineup for the upcoming 2016-2017 season at the Massry Center at Saint Rose is out. It includes a mix of jazz and folk acts, along with some comedy, dance, and classical.

So, without further ado, here's the schedule, both a compressed version and expanded...

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EMPAC fall 2016 season

Mabel Kwan Trois Hommages 2016

In September Mabel Kwan will be at EMPAC to perform a piece. On two pianos. At the same time.

The slate for the upcoming fall season at EMPAC is out. And, as usual, it includes all sorts of unusual, challenging, or experimental performances. A condensed schedule is after the jump.

Also at the venue this fall, a new tool for performances. Blurbage:

A hallmark of the fall 2016 season is the unveiling of EMPAC's recently constructed wave-field array. Consisting of 496 independently controllable loudspeakers, this audio system is one of the most precise in the world, and capable of creating a 3D "holophonic" sound environment. More immersive than ordinary surround sound, "wave field synthesis" allows composers to place sounds in specific spatial locations around the audience and will figure heavily into future EMPAC electronic music programming.

An installation opening later this month, as well as a performance in early September, will make use of the new system

OK, onto that schedule...

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LarkFest 2016 music lineup

Jana Hunter of the band Lower Dens

Jana Hunter of Lower Dens. / photo: Frank Hamilton

Returning September 24: LarkFest in Albany. And the lineup of music headliners is out:

The Relationship
Brian Bell of Weezer

Ought
Post-punk from Montreal

Lower Dens
Indie pop from Baltimore

Delicate Steve
Multigenre multi-instrumentalist

Televisionaries
Surf rock from Rochester

Video clips of each act are after the jump if you'd like to have a listen.

From the Lark Street BID: "This is just the initial wave of bands and a full lineup including local music, artists, makers and retail vendors will be released at a later date."

LarkFest is Saturday, September 24 from 10 am to 6 pm on the section of Lark Street between Madison Ave and Washington Ave. Admission is free.

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Brand New at Glens Falls Civic Center

the band brand new 2016

The rock band Brand New is set to play a show at the Glens Falls Civic Center October 14. Tickets went on sale this past Friday (August 5) -- they're $27 and up.

If you're thinking about going, it's a good idea to get tickets soon. Brand New sold out a show at Upstate Concert Hall back in 2013, and another one at Brewery Ommegang last summer.

Openers for the Glens Fall show are The Front Bottoms and Modern Baseball.

photo: Brandon Sloter

Albany Jazz Festival 2016 lineup

albany jazzfest 2016

Clockwise from left: Ellis Marsalis, Lucky Chops, KJ Denhert.

The lineup for the annual Albany Jazz Festival -- September 10 this year -- is out. It's headlined this year by the is jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis Quintet. The full lineup is after the jump.

Marsalis is, of course, the father of Wynton and Branford Marsalis. (Sons Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis also grew up to be jazz musicians.) He's a major figure in the history of New Orleans jazz and has taught many of the jazz artists who developed in the city.

The jazz festival is usually in Corning Riverfront Park. But, as with Alive at Five this summer, construction there this year has prompted a different spot: the Washington Park Parade Grounds. The rain location is Corning Preserve Boat Launch.

The festival runs from 1-8:30 pm on Saturday, September 10. Admission is free.

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Dinosaur Jr., Magnetic Fields, Big Thief coming to MASS MoCA

dinosaur jr band

Dinosaur Jr.

A handful of shows on the schedule for MASS MoCA this fall:

November 5: Big Thief
The folk rock act released its debut album to good reviews earlier this summer. $12 ahead / $18 day of / $10 students

November 18-19: The Magnetic Fields: 50 Song Memoir
Stephin Merritt and a 7-person band will be at MASS MoCA for the world premier of new album 50 Song Memoir, with one song for each year of his life (and with the band collectively playing 50 instruments). They'll play songs 1-25 the first night, songs 26-50 the second. $35 ahead / $45 day of / $65 ahead for both shows

December 10: Dinosaur Jr.
The influential 90s alt-rock band has been around so long that it's now 10 years into its comeback. And they released a new album this past summer to good reviews. $28 ahead / $36 day of

photo: Levi Walton

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at Troy Music Hall

big bad voodoo daddy

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

I Love the '90s tour at TU Center

I Love the 90s music tour logo

This is happening: A music tour called "I Love the 90's" is coming to the TU Center December 1. Tickets go on sale the general public this Friday (July 22) -- they're $56 and up.

The lineup for the tour consists of R&B acts from the 90s. And instead of just listing the lineup, we figured we'd have a little fun. Here are lyrics from each of the acts -- and we'll let you guess. (It shouldn't be hard if you're, uh, a certain age.)

+ "All right stop, Collaborate and listen"

+ "Coolin' by day then at night working up a sweat / C'mon girls, let's go show the guys that we know / How to become number one in a hot party show"

+ "I wanna rock right now /I'm _____ and I came to get down / I'm not internationally known / But I'm known to rock the microphone"

+ "Oh girl I think I love you I'm always thinkin' of you / I want you to know I do it all 4 love"

+ "As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death / I take a look at my life and realize there's none left / 'Cause I've been brassing and laughing so long that / Even my mamma thinks that my mind is gone"

+ "Workin' all week / 9 to 5 for my money / So when the weekend comes / I go get live with the honeys"

Lineup's after the jump.

(there's more)

Music Haven planning venue upgrades

music haven proposed upgrades rendering 2016-July

The Music Haven Concert series in Schenectady is launching a plan to upgrade the outdoor concert venue in Central Park. Press release blurbage for the "House and Hill" campaign:

The plan includes the installation of 400 permanent, stadium-quality front of house seats atop a new, evenly paved surface; a terraced hill offering improved seating to those who prefer lawn chairs and blankets; a security gate across the face of the stage; and a permanent hutch to cover the audio booth.

That's a rendering above. A public dedicated is planned for next summer.

There's state money lined up for the project, but the project is also looking to raise $50,000 in private donations. (There will be details about how to donate at this season's concert series and on the website.)

Of all the free summer music series in this area, Music Haven might be the most eclectic. It draws on a wide spectrum of acts, ranging from jazz to Celtic to African rock to act this year described as Ukrainian "folkdrone Björkpunk."

Earlier on AOA: Music Haven 2016 lineup

Ben Folds at The Egg

ben folds musician 2016

A solo Ben Folds is set to stop at The Egg September 26 for a show. Tickets go on sale this Friday (July 15) -- they're $39.50 and up. (It looks like there's also a pre-sale.)

Tour blurbage:

Folds' upcoming solo tour comes at the anniversary of his critically acclaimed most recent album So There (New West Records). The record debuted last September at #1 on both Billboard's Classical and Classical Crossover charts. So There showcases new pop songs by Folds, along with the debut recording of his critically acclaimed "Concerto For Piano and Orchestra." The album has been praised for its forward-thinking studio craft and creative spontaneity.

The tour is being touted as a "solo rock tour," and "will feature Folds performing his classic and current pop songs, telling stories, interacting with the audiences, and improvisation with a host of instruments."

Dweezil Zappa
Also set for The Egg: Dweezil Zappa's "DWEEZIL ZAPPA Plays Whatever The F@%k He Wants Tour a tribute to 50 Years Of Frank" on October 25. Tickets go on sale Friday (July 15) -- they're $34.50 and up.

Zappa was at The Egg last year playing Frank Zappa's music and that show sold out. So getting tickets sooner rather than later isn't a bad idea if you want to go.

photo via Ben Folds FB page

Opera Saratoga summer season 2016

opera saratoga il postino posterIf you're looking to try something new: The 2016 summer season of Opera Saratoga is in progress.

This season's slate includes productions of The Marriage of Figaro (with music by Mozart), the American premiere of The Witches of Venice (with music by Philip Glass), Il Postino (an adaptation the film), an "An Evening on Broadway!" concert.

The schedule is after the jump.

Opera Saratoga performances are in the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga Spa State Park.

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Basilica Soundscape 2016 lineup

explosions in the sky band 2016

Explosions in the Sky

Catching up: Basilica Soundscape returns to Basilica Hudson September 16-18. And the full lineup is out -- headliners include Explosions in the Sky, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Angel Olsen.

Tickets are currently $75 for a weekend pass ($125 with camping) / $60 for students and seniors. There are also Saturday and Sunday day passes for $40. (This has been a popular event in past years, so getting tickets sooner rather than later isn't a bad idea.)

Festival blurbage:

This site-specific, weekend-long experimental music and art event in its fifth year draws unconventional connections, parallels and collaborations between a diverse array of artists, curated by Brandon Stosuy (Kickstarter), Brian DeRan (Leg Up! Management), Melissa Auf der Maur and Tony Stone (Basilica Hudson). Basilica SoundScape is a carefully curated two-day event that's been called "the anti-festival" for offering a thoughtful mix of music, visual art, and literature. Far from a typical music festival, Basilica SoundScape features live concert performances, conceptual sound performances, author readings, installations, collaborations, curated local vendors and artisans, on-site activities and more, creating an immersive, innovative weekend of art, music, and culture.

The full lineup is listed after the jump.

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Lyle Lovett + Robert Earl Keen at Troy Music Hall

Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett

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.

Phantogram's got a new song, and a new album out this fall

You remember Phantogram -- Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel, made that album in a barn up near Saratoga, got really famous -- yeah, them. They released a new song today (embedded above) and announced their third album will be released in September.

Here's a Pitchfork interview about the album.

And Phantogram will be performing on Tonight Show Thursday night.

Lake Street Dive at Troy Music Hall

lake street dive 2016

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

Shakey Graves at Helsinki Hudson

shakey graves musician

The Americana act Shakey Graves will be at Helsinki Hudson July 26. Tickets are currently on sale -- they're $25 for standing room / $35 for reserved club seating.

Shakey Graves is one person: Alejandro Rose-Garcia, and has performed at times as a one-man band (with a suitcase kick-drum). Here's an NPR Tiny Desk show from last December with a backing band.

Shakey Graves was last through here in March of 2015 at The Hollow. That show sold out. So if you're interested in going to the Helsinki show, getting tickets sooner rather than later might not be a bad idea.

photo: Kirk Stewart

A few pics of Alive at Five on Broadway

Alive at Five Kiernan Plaza in the background

Dr. John was the headliner for the first show of the season.

The first Alive at Five of the season was Thursday evening. And, as you've probably heard by now, the free concert series has been relocated to Tricentennial Park on Broadway in downtown Albany for the summer because of construction at Corning Riverfront Park.

If you're curious about the setup at the new/old/temporary spot, here are a few pics from Thursday...

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Upbeat on the Roof 2016

olivia quillio 2015

Olivia Quillio opens the series July 1.

Rolling along with schedules for concert series this summer... Here's the lineup for the 2016 Upbeat on the Roof series of Friday evening shows at Skidmore's Tang Museum. As usual, it includes local acts across a range of genres -- from folk to jazz to gospel.

The concerts are all on the roof of the Tang (thus the name). And they're free.

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Freedom Park 2016 concert series lineup

Black Mountain Symphony

Black Mountain Symphony closes out the season in late August.

The schedule for this summer's series of free concerts at Freedom Park in Scotia is out. And, as usual, it's big -- really big -- with multiple concerts each week from late June through late August. And the lineup includes a bunch of different genres.

Freedom Park is on the Mohawk River, just over the Western Gateway Bridge from Schenectady, next to Jumpin' Jack's.

So, without further ado...

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Music Haven 2016 lineup

DakhaBrakha music group

"Adventurous Ukrainian ‘folkdrone Björkpunk’ quartet" DakhaBrakha will be there in August.

Here's the lineup for this summer's Music Haven concert series in Schenectady's Central Park, which is now in its 27th season. The Sunday evening series starts up July 10.

One of the things that sets Music Haven apart from the other summer series is that it tends to focus on world, jazz, and roots music. And this year is no different.

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Troy Rockin' on the River 2016

The Felice Brothers

The Felice Brothers will be there in July.

The schedule for this summer's Rockin' on the River free concert series in downtown Troy is out. The Wednesday night series starts June 15 in Riverfront Park and runs through August 3.

And here's the lineup of acts...

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Vaud and the Villains at Troy Music Hall

Vaud and the Villains music act

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

Sean Rowe: "I've decided to go it on my own for this next record...with just you guys to back me"

Check it out: Sean Rowe is looking to record his next album without his record label -- and he's raising the money to do so by pre-selling the album via Kickstarter. Blurbage:

I started out singing Otis Redding covers in bars while football games were on the big screen above me. When I got signed to a record label in 2009, I thought all my dreams had come true--and they did. Being with Anti- and having them to support the creation of my last 3 records has put me in places that I had long wished to be, and I am beyond grateful for that. But the business is ever-changing, and with that, I've been feeling the need to steer the horse in a different direction. So this time around, I've decided to go it on my own for this next record...with just you guys to back me. More than ever, I see the importance of building a community, and trusting that if you work your damn hardest and truly believe in what you're doing, people will rally behind you.

The video embedded above has a bit more about his motivation.

Rowe is planning to record the new album with producer Matt Ross-Spang in Memphis this summer, according to the Kickstarter page.

The first level to back the project is $25 -- that includes a download of the new album when it's ready, along an immediate download of a new 5-track EP.

The project goal is $43,500 (as of this morning $13,806 had been raised).

Checking out the changes at the former Jillian's building in downtown Albany

Pearl Street Pub interior

The new Pearl Street Pub space.

We stopped in at the former Jillian's building on Pearl Street in downtown Albany Monday to gawk at the re-animation in progress, including the new event venue upstairs.

Here's where things are at, along with a few pics...

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Alive at Five 2016 lineup

The Joy Formidable 2016

The Joy Formidable will be there June 16.

The city of Albany officially announced Monday that this summer's Alive at Five concert series will relocated to Tricentennial Park on Broadway. (As mentioned last week.) Mayor Kathy Sheehan explained that the one-year move was prompted by the construction on the pedestrian and bicycle upgrades at Corning Riverfront Park.

But the thing you probably want to know about is the lineup. And here it is...

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Different location for Alive at Five this summer

Alive at Five 2016 venue map

A map clipped from the info being distributed to tenants in buildings near Tricentennial Park.

Though it's not official yet, it looks like the Alive at Five concert series will be relocated to the Tricentennial Park area of downtown Albany for this summer. The city of Albany has a press conference scheduled for next week in the park to talk about the venue change and this year's lineup.

Word of the relocation has been circulating this week after tenants of buildings near Tricentennial Park started getting notices about street closures for the concert series. A letter from the city explains that construction on the the bicycle and pedestrian upgrades project at Corning Riverfront Park prompted the switch from the typical amphitheater at Jennings Landing. Here's a clip from a copy floated our way this week:

After extensive research and consultation with the City's Police, Fire, General Services and Special Events Departments, it was determined that the ideal 2016 venue for Alive at Five is the block on Broadway between Columbia & Pine Streets. The series was successfully held in this location for more than a decade before the construction of the Jennings Landing amphitheater, and the layout allows for minimal disruption to traffic and businesses. It is a location that has been tested for this purpose and is well-known to the public. Bringing the series temporarily to Broadway will continue the positive cultural and economic force of Alive at Five on downtown Albany, bringing thousands of Capital Region residents to the area for performances by world- renowned musical artists of all genres.

The letter goes on to explain the planned setup -- the stage will be at Broadway and Columbia, facing south -- along with planned road closures and parking restrictions. And it also emphasizes that the city sees this as a temporary, one-year relocation. A copy of the letter and an accompanying map are after the jump.

This summer's Alive at Five series starts June 9. Keep an eye out for the lineup after next week's city announcement.

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Josh Ritter at The Egg

josh ritter 2016

Singer/songwriter Josh Ritter is set to play a show at The Egg July 22. Tickets go on sale to the general public next Tuesday, May 10 -- they're $28 and up.

Ritter will be appearing with The Royal City Band backing him. They're touring in support of the album Sermon on the Rocks, which was released last fall.

He was last in town for a show at the Troy Music Hall in the fall of 2013.

photo: Laura Wilson

Norah Jones at Brewery Ommegang

norah jones 2016

Norah Jones is set to play an show at Brewery Ommegang July 21. Tickets go on sale this Friday (there's also a pre-sale) -- they're $65. (There's also an optional add-on camping ticket for $15.)

Also on the bill: The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Jones has won nine Grammy awards since scoring her first in 2003. She's recently been playing with the alt-country trio Puss n Boots.

Ommegang shows this summer
Let's have a look at the lineup so far for the outdoor shows at the brewery in Cooperstown, one of which is already sold out...

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Blake Shelton at the TU Center

Blake Shelton 2016

Country star Blake Shelton is set to play the TU Center September 29. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 29 -- they're $39.75 and up.

Shelton's fame, of course, has also grown even bigger in recent years because of his spot as a judge on The Voice. (And he always seems to be showing up on the front of the tabs in the supermarket checkout aisle...)

TU Center concerts
There are a bunch of big pop music and comedy concerts lined up for the TU Center this year. Here's the schedule so far:

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Lindsey Stirling at The Palace

lindsey stirling 2016

Violinist/dancer/composer Lindsey Stirling is set to play a show at The Palace July 25. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Saturday, April 23 -- they're $29.50.

There are some people who just seem to be "from the internet." Stirling is one of those people. Blurbage:

Lindsey Stirling is one of the biggest artist development breakthrough stories in recent years. A classically trained violinist from Gilbert, Ariz., Lindsey has entered a futurist world of electronic big beats and animation, leaping through the music industry with over 7.8 million YouTube subscribers, over 1 billion views on her YouTube channel, Billboard chart-topping hits and sold out tours worldwide. She's created a new music world where the romance of Celtic folk music and modern classical meet the infectious energy of dance and electronica. On stage, Stirling moves with the grace of a ballerina but works the crowd into a frenzy, "dropping the beat" like a rave fairy.

Further evidence: She's racked up more than 27 million views on Youtube for a video in which she plays a medley of music from The Legend of Zelda while dancing through a forest dressed as Link.

photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Les Paul's Big Sound Experience at Saint Rose

les paul touring exhibitSaint Rose will be hosting a traveling interactive exhibit called Les Paul's Big Sound Experience May 4-5 out the college's Hearst Center for Communications and Interactive Media on Madison Ave. Blurbage:

The giant, state-of-the-art traveling exhibit will take visitors behind the scenes and into the world of the music legend. Guests will be able to mix and share music, explore Paul's sound, music and technology innovations, witness how Paul pushed the limits of audio technology and learn how Paul's inventions and techniques have formed the foundation of live and recorded music enjoyed by generations. An interactive digital experience allows visitors to create their own 20-second sound recording and share their "new sound" via social media. Guests can memorialize their visit with a fun photo capture experience that places them in the picture with a classic image of Paul to save, send and post to social networks. A double-sided listening station allows visitors to hear performances from all periods of Paul's long career.

Here's a short video that gives some sense of what the exhibit is like.

The exhibit will be open both days from noon-8 pm at Saint Rose. It's free. Also:

+ Faculty members will be performing a concert tribute Paul's compositions and inventions May 4 at the Massry Center.

+ Sean McClowry, an assistant professor of music industry, will be giving talk about Paul May 5 at 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm in the Jack's Place space in the Hearst Center.

screengrab: MRA Mobile Tours

The Lumineers at Brewery Ommegang

The Lumineers 2016

The folk rock group The Lumineers are set to play a show at Brewery Ommegang July 30. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 8 -- they're $45.

Also on the bill for the show: Langhorne Slim & The Law and Rayland Baxter.

Here's how the schedule for the summer concert season at Ommegang is shaping up so far...

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Tulip Fest music lineup 2016

For-All-Eyes-SiteLanghorneSlim_roeth4-24-15-03-copy-2.jpg

Langhorne Slim &The Law -- headlining Tulip Fest 2016

The music lineup for this year's Tulip Festival is out. The headliners this year include Langhorne Slim & The Law and Tokyo Police Club.

A quick scan version of the music slates for both stages -- along with embedded videos of the acts -- is post jump. As usual, the lineup includes both national and local acts.

As you know, Tulip Fest includes a bunch of events, including the crowning of the new Tulip Queen.

Tulip Fest is Mother's Day weekend, which is May 7 and 8 this year.

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MOVE Music Festival 2016

move music festival poster 2016The MOVE Music Festival will be back in Albany April 22-24. All-weekend passes for the festival are currently on sale -- they're currently $30. (There are also day passes.)

And the lineup for the festival is now out. As in years past, it includes a ton of bands and performers -- including out-of-towners and locals -- across multiple venues: Stout, The Hollow, McGeary's, City Beer Hall, Fuze Box, Madison Theater, Parish Public House, Blue 82, and Dawn's Victory Cafe.

The festival also includes industry panel discussions and a music video awards competition.

APL Silent Film Spectacular returns this spring

The famous Odessa Steps scene from Battleship Potemkin.

The Albany Public Library's Silent Film Spectacular series returns for another season in April. The APL will be screening silent movies with live soundtracks performed by local bands.

The screenings are each Wednesday in the large auditorium of the APL branch on Washington Ave, starting at 7 pm. They're free.

Here's the full lineup:

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Rodrigo y Gabriela at The Egg

rodrigo y gabriela

The duo Rodrigo y Gabriela is lined up to play a show at The Egg June 23. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 25 -- they're $46.50 and $56.50.

Rodrigo y Gabriela are Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero, acoustic guitarists originally from Mexico whose music is influenced by flamenco, rock, and heavy metal. Listening to them -- and the huge sound they produce -- it's easy to forget they're just two people. Here's a show they played for KEXP a few years back.

They were last in town for a show at The Egg in 2014.

photo: Peter Neill

Green River Festival 2016

tedeschi trucks band 2016

Tedeschi Trucks Band

The Green River Festival returns July 8-10 in Western Mass with a lineup headlined by the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Los Lobos, and North Mississippi Allstars. The full announced (so far) lineup is after the jump.

The festival is on the grounds of Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, Massachusetts -- it's about a two-hour drive from Albany.

A full weekend pass is $119.99 / $99 for a Saturday and Sunday pass / $64.99 for Saturday or Sunday / $29.99 for Friday. There are also festival camping passes available.

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Fresh Grass Festival 2016 lineup

old crow medicine show

Old Crow Medicine Show

The lineup for this year's Fresh Grass Festival at MASS MoCA is out. And the top of the bill includes Old Crow Medicine Show, Glen Hansard, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, The Devil Makes Three, Rosanne Cash, and The Infamous Stringdusters.

The full lineup (announced so far) is after the jump. The festival also includes events like a silent film screenings with live scores.

Fresh Grass is September 16-18 this year on the grounds of MASS MoCA over in North Adams. Early bird festival passes currently $96 for adults / $86 for students / $46 for kids 7-16.

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Cage the Elephant at TU Center

the band Cage The Elephant

The rock band Cage the Elephant is set to play a show at the TU Center May 11. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 18 -- they're $29.50 and up.

Cage the Elephant was last through here in the summer of 2014 (for a show at UCH). They're touring in support of a new album out this past December that was produced by the Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.

Also on the bill for the show: Portugal.The Man and Broncho.

Also announced today: Lynyrd Skynyrd, with Peter Frampton, June 3 at the TU Center. Tickets on sale this Friday, March 18.

photo: Ira Chernova

A City of Immigrants

albany pro musica city of immigrants

A month-long series of local events, exhibits, talks, and screenings focused on the experience of immigrants starts this week. "A City of Immigrants" is organized by Albany Pro Musica, which will cap the month with a special concert at Troy Music Hall in April. Blurbage:

Throughout our history, many immigrant groups have chosen to make this place their home, each group bringing with them the values and special talents which define the vibrancy and uniqueness of our region. The concert, A City of Immigrants, has been conceived and developed by Albany Pro Musica's Artistic Director, Dr. Jose Daniel Flores-Caraballo, as an homage to this rich cultural heritage and to the many immigrant groups which have made our region strong and enduring, and whose very differences have enriched us all. This concert will be preceded by a three- week, capital region-wide celebration of our unique cultural heritage , through exhibits, lectures and other events.

The Albany Pro Music concert is April 3 at the Troy Music Hall. Tickets are $25 and $35 / $15 for students.

A compressed events schedule for the month is listed after the jump.

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Bob Dylan at Tanglewood

bob dylan

Bob Dylan is set to play at Tanglewood July 2. Tickets go on sale March 18 -- they're $37.50 and up.

The opener for the show is Mavis Staples. It's in the Koussevitzky Music Shed.

Dylan's last stop in this region was back in 2013 at SPAC as part of a lineup that included Wilco and My Morning Jacket.

photo: Alberto Cabello (Flickr user Diario de un pixel) (CC BY 2.0)

Chris Cornell at The Palace

chris cornell 2016

Rocker Chris Cornell is set to play a show at The Palace July 1. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, March 11 -- they're $39.50 and up.

As you know, Cornell was the frontman for Soundgarden, and later for Audioslave. 90s music sounded like it did in part because of him. (Fun fact about how old you are: Superunknown was released this week 22 years ago.) He'll be touring in a support of a solo album he released last fall.

Back in 2011 Cornell played an acoustic show at The Egg and it sold out. The Palace is a much bigger venue, but it still might be a get-tickets-sooner-rather-than-later sort of affair if you're interested in going.

photo: Jeff Lipsky

Lucius at Upstate Concert Hall

Lucius 2016

The indie pop group Lucius will be at Upstate Concert Hall June 22. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 11 -- they're $10.27 ahead / $15 day of.

Lucius has been through this area a few times in recent years, playing shows at a bunch of different venues. (You've definitely heard their song "Turn it Around," if only in a commercial.) The group has a new album this out month -- NPR has a preview listen of it.

The opener for the UCH show is Margaret Glaspy.

photo: Piper Ferguson

The B-52s with the Boston Pops at Tanglewood

B-52s

Because "Rock Lobster" was always lacking some sort of orchestral backing.

Could be groovy fun: The B-52s are set to play a show with the Boston Pops at Tanglewood September 2. Tickets go on sale March 14 -- they're $22 and up.

It's been 40 years since the band first formed in Athens, Georgia, and eight years since they're last album. (We looked it up.) Apparently they still play a bunch of shows each year.

Here's the rest of the pop music schedule (so far) for Tanglewood this summer, which added a few more shows this week in addition to the B-52s. The lineup also includes A Prairie Home Companion June 25, and Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me September 1.

And the Boston Pops schedule at Tanglewood also includes "very special guest" Seth McFarlane (July 10), John Williams Film Night (August 13), and a screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark with live score (August 26).

photo via B-52s FB page

Zac Brown Band at SPAC

Zac Brown of Zach Brown Band

Zac Brown

More SPAC shows for this summer: Country act the Zac Brown Band is set to return to SPAC September 3. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 4 -- they're $32.50 (lawn) and up.

The opener for that show is Drake White and The Big Fire.

Also announced for SPAC: Slipknot, with Marylin Manson, and Of Mice & Men on July 24. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 4 -- they're $25 (lawn) and up.

Earlier on AOA: A quick look at SPAC's lineup of pop shows for this summer

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: Southern Reel

Weird Al at Proctors

weird al 2015

"Weird Al" Yankovic is set to play a show at Proctors September 17. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 26 -- they're $30 and up.

The Proctors show will be part of a continuation of Weird Al's tour supporting his Mandatory Fun album. Press release blurbage:

According to Al: "I've decided to do the Mandatory World Tour for one more year, after learning that some people didn't make it out to the show this last time around. Apparently, they don't know the meaning of the word 'mandatory'!!

So, you've been notified.

Weird Al's accordion-fueled rampage across the nation brought him to the Palace last summer.

photo via Weird Al's website

A quick look at SPAC's lineup of pop shows for this summer

goo goo dolls 2016

The Goo Goo Dolls are one of the newly-announced shows.

A handful of new shows at SPAC were announced today, so we figured it was a good time to check out how this summer's slate of pop concerts was shaping up.

Without further ado...

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Lake Street Dive + Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings at Brewery Ommegang

lake street dive 2016

Lake Street Dive

Summer, it is out there: Lake Street Dive will be playing a show at Brewery Ommegang May 28. Also on the bill: Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 19 -- they're $40.

Lake Street Dive has a new album out this week. From the Boston Globe: "They blend elements from Motown, classic soul, and British Invasion rock into a winning sound that's high-energy and highly musical." The group played a sold-out show at Helsinki Hudson last September.

Sharon Jones and Dap Kings have been through here a few times -- most recently at The Egg back in December. They released a holiday album -- It's a Holiday Soul Party -- last year.

photo: Danny Clinch

Grey Fox Festival lineup 2016

bela fleck and chris thile

Bela Fleck and Chris Thile

The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is back July 14-17. And the lineup includes a bunch of names you'll recognize -- including headliners Bela Fleck (of his own fame) and Chris Thile (of his fame and also The Punch Brothers).

The full lineup (announced so far) is quickly listed after the jump.

Full-festival tickets are already on sale -- there are currently early bird passes for $190. Day tickets go on sale February 16.

Grey Fox is at the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, in northern Greene County, not far from the Albany County line. It's about 30 miles south(west) of Albany.

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Albany Symphony 2016-2017 season includes Yo-Yo Ma and an opera based on novel by William Kennedy

yo-yo ma

The scheduled for the next Albany Symphony season is out. It includes a concert with Yo-Yo Ma, a performance of Beethoven's 9th symphony (you know this one), and the premiere of an opera based on a novel by William Kennedy.

Tickets for many of the dates are available via a season subscription. (Individual date tickets will be available later on.)

The 2016-2017 season with the Albany Symphony's 87th -- and it will be the 25th season with David Alan Miller as music director.

Without further ado...

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Janet Jackson, Dead and Company at SPAC at this summer

janet jackson 2016

More summer concert announcements...

Update April 8: The Janet Jackson tour has been postponed to 2017. Tickets will be honored then, refunds available at point of sale.

Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson will be at SPAC August 26. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, February 13 -- they're $29.50 and up (there's a also a four-pack for $80).

Jackson is touring in support of her Unbreakable album, released last year. (By the way: It's been 27 years since Rhythm Nation 1814.)

Dead & Company
Dead & Company are set to play at SPAC June 21. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 12 -- they're $40 and up.

The lineup for this show: Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzman, John Mayer, and Bob Weir, with Oteil Burbrdige and Jeff Chimenti.

via Janet Jackson FB

Phish back at SPAC for 2016

phish 2016

Phish is flocking back to SPAC for three shows July 1-3. Tickets go on sale February 26 -- they're $45 (lawn) and $65 (pavilion). (There's also an allotment of tickets available via an online ticket request presale.)

FYI: The Fourth of July is on a Monday this year. So those shows are Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

Earlier: Dave Matthews Band at SPAC 2016

photo: Peter Yang

The Triplets of Belleville with live score at Proctors

This could be fun: Proctors will be hosting a screening of the animated film The Triplets of Belleville with a live performance of the score in the GE Theater February 13.

The score will be played be a nine-piece jazz ensemble -- Le Terrible Orchestre de Belleville -- led by Benoît Charest, who wrote much of the music for the film. The clip embedded above is the ensemble playing along with the film in Montreal a few years back.

And if you've never seen the film -- it's a surreal blending o 1930s jazz, the Tour de France, the mob, and a mystery.

The performance at Proctors is Saturday, February 13 at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 and up.

Tedeschi Trucks Band at SPAC

tedeschi trucks band 2016

The Tedeschi Trucks Band is set to play SPAC July 13. Tickets go on this sale this Friday, February 6 -- they're $25 and up (there's also a four-pack of tickets available for $75). It's a pavilion-only show.

Openers for the SPAC show are Los Lobos and the North Mississippi Allstars.

The blues rock band led by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks has become very popular over the last few years. It's sold out multiple shows here in the Capital Region, including a date at The Egg this past December.

Mumford & Sons: Speaking of sold-out shows, the Mumford & Sons show at SPAC June 15 is now sold out.

photo: Mark Seliger

Midday music break: Taina Asili

Something to listen to/watch: A video for "Freedom" by Taina Asili y La Banda Rebelde, featuring Michael Reyes.

Asili is an Albany-based musician and activist who's involved with the local campaign against mass incarceration. The song is an outgrowth of that work.

The video also stars local poet and activist Amani Olugbala, and features a handful of locations in Albany and Troy.

Renovations -- and a new neighbor -- planned for Caffe Lena

Caffe Lena rendering shared entry cropped

A rendering of the planned connection between the Caffe Lena building and the proposed mixed-use building. Here's a larger version and another view of the project. / image: Frost Hurff Architects

Caffe Lena announced today that it's worked out a $500k "philanthropic partnership" with Bonacio Construction in which Bonacio will get its parking lot next door for a new mixed-used building that will connect to the venue. (Here's the Google Streetview of that spot.)

(there's more)

Dave Matthews Band at SPAC 2016

 dave matthews band

The Dave Matthews Band will be making its seasonal migration back to SPAC July 15 and 16. Tickets go on sale February 19 -- they're $40.50 for a lawn position, $75 and $85 for seats in the pavilion.

This summer's tour is marking the 25th anniversary of the band. The band will be taking a break from touring in 2017, according to its website.

photo: Danny Clinch

Saratoga Jazz Fest 2016 lineup

smokey robinson

Smokey Robinson is among the headliners.

The Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival returns to SPAC June 25-26. And this year's line-up includes Smokey Robinson, Chick Corea, Shemekia Copeland, Joey Alexander Trio, a still-to-be-announced headliner, and many others. The full announced lineup is after the jump.

Tickets for the general public go on sale on today (January 19) -- day tickets start at $65, and festival passes start at $110.

(there's more)

Mountain Jam 2016 lineup

beck in turquoise

Beck is among the headliners.

The lineup for the 2016 Mountain Jam music festival is out. Headliners include: Beck, Wilco, The Avett Brothers, Gov't Mule, Umphrey's McGee, Thievery Corporation, Brandi Carlile, and Jason Isbell.

The full lineup (announced so far) is post jump.

Mountain Jam is June 2-5 this year. Tickets are are currently on sale: a 3-day pass (without camping) is $185 and a 4-day pass (without camping) is $205.

As you know, Hunter Mountain is in Hunter, New York, in the northern Catskills. It's a little more than an hour drive from Albany.

(there's more)

Titus Andronicus + Craig Finn at The Hollow

craig finn patrick stickles titus andronicus

Afterward, Craig Finn and Patrick Stickles are going to arm wrestle. (OK, probably not.)

Titus Andronicus and Craig Finn are set to make a stop at The Hollow March 23. Tickets are $15 ahead / $18 day and on sale now.

Both acts have been through here a few times. Titus Andronicus released the 29-track rock opera The Most Lamentable Tragedy last year to good reviews. And Finn is, of course, the singer for The Hold Steady.

Odds are it will be a good show. And it's just $15.

Speaking of The Hollow: Ra Ra Riot will be there March 2 -- tickets are $10.27 ahead (because EQX)
/ $17 day of.

photo via Titus Andronicus

Midday music break: Lucky Jukebox Brigade

Something to listen to today: "Little Fangs" by locals Lucky Jukebox Brigade.

The group has a new EP lined up to be released February 26. And we bet there will be some shows around that time, too.

Neko Case at Troy Music Hall

neko case 2015

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

Sean Rowe at Takk House

Sean Rowe 2015

Sean Rowe is set for a hometown show at Takk House this Saturday, December 19. The opener for the show is The Sea The Sea.

Tickets are $27.24 and available online (second link above). Show starts at 8 pm.

The show is a benefit for Joseph's House & Shelter.

Rowe's shows around here often sell out, so if you're interested in going, it's not a bad idea to get tickets sooner rather than later.

photo: Anthony Saint James

The National at MASS MoCA

The National band 2015

Update: Pre-sale tickets for MASS MoCA members go on sale Thursday, December 17 at 11 am. Tickets for the general public go on sale Friday, December 18 at 11 am.
____

Indie rock kings The National are set to play a show at MASS MoCA June 11. Ticket info is still sparse (the museum says it will be updated soon) -- but it looks like early bird tickets will be $49.

It will be an outdoors, standing room show, rain or shine. And it's a good bet it will be very popular. So keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale. (We'll update the info here.)

photo: Shane McCauley

Deer Tick at The Egg

deer tick band 2015

The indie band Deer Tick is set to play a show at The Egg March 18. Tickets go on this sale this Friday, December 11 -- they're $31.50. (There's also a pre-sale.)

The show is billed as an acoustic set in support of the album Negativity. The opener is Mutual Benefit.

Deer Tick has been making stops in the Capital Region for a bunch of years, and the shows often seem to be popular. So, getting tickets sooner rather than later might not be a bad idea. The show is in the 450-seat Swyer Theater.

photo via Deer Tick FB

Another Grammy nomination for Albany Symphony Orchestra

aso recording rouse album coverThe list of nominees for this year's Grammy awards is out today -- and the Albany Symphony Orchestra has snagged another nomination.

A recording of Christopher Rouse's Seeing and Kabir Padavali by the ASO was nominated for best classical solo vocal album. The album features soprano Talise Trevigne and pianist Orion Weiss, and the ASO conducted by David Alan Miller.

The performance of Seeing was recorded at EMPAC in June of 2013. And Kabir Padavali was recorded at the Troy Music Hall in February of 2013.

Back in 2013 Amy Biancolli wrote about Seeing and the ASO's performance of it -- including the strong response it prompted in some people -- for the Times Union.

The ASO won a Grammy -- its first -- last year in the best classical instrument solo category.

Earlier on AOA: Grammy winners David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the little symphony that could

Bruce Springsteen returning to the TU Center

bruce springsteen jean jacket

Announced this morning: Bruce Springsteen will be playing the TU Center February 8. Tickets go on sale December 11 -- they're $58 and up.

Springsteen will be joined by The E Street Band. They'll be promoting a retrospective collection looking back on the 1980 album The River.

The Boss was last here in 2014, and then in 2012 before that. So he's right on cycle.

Tanglewood 2016 lineup includes Seth MacFarlane

seth macfarlane

Next summer seems like forever from now, but Tanglewood released its 2016 schedule this week. Among the the dates that caught our eye:

+ A Prairie Home Companion on June 25. (There has been some talk this would be Garrison's Keillor's last Prairie Home show.)

+ Violinist Joshua Bell on July 8.

+ Seth MacFarlane -- yep, the Family Guy Seth MacFarlane -- with the Boston Pops on July 10.

+ Superstar pianist Yuja Wang with the Boston Symphony Orchestra on July 17.

+ Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble on August 7.

+ Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me on September 1.

And, of course, there will be appearances by many other performers you'd recognize, such as Renee Flemming, John Williams, Chick Corea, Jeremy Denk, and on and on. And there are sure to be additions to the schedule before the start of the summer.

Tickets go on sale January 24.

photo via Seth MacFarlane Twitter

It's a Jazzy Christmas! at Massry Center

Massry Picotte recital hallThe annual "It's a Jazzy Christmas!" concert at the Massry Center at Saint Rose is coming up soon -- December 4. It's a fun show, and great for kids. Blurbage:

A Celebration of Vince Guaraldi's Holiday Jazz Music," a "high smileage," family-friendly evening of Guaraldi's signature style of jazz made famous in the "Peanuts" holiday specials. The Peanut Gallery Jazz Band will take concertgoers on an interactive musical journey reminiscent of 1940s radio serials, evoking images and emotions from an innocent childhood and days gone by. Guaraldi's music from the "Peanuts" specials makes this concert perfect for the jazz lover and the entire family, just in time for the holidays with all new elements this year making the show even better!

There's a milk-and-cookies reception after the show.

The show is Friday, December 4 at 6 pm. Tickets are $20 / $10 students / free for kids 5 and under (ticket required). It's a popular show and often sells out.

Mumford & Sons at SPAC

mumford and sons

The rock band Mumford & Sons is set to play at SPAC June 15 (yep, next summer). Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 13 -- they're $30 for the lawn / $59.50 for the pavilion.

Mumford & Sons has become very popular the last few years. They've sold a ton of records. They won a Grammy. Their music pops up in all sorts of media. This show will probably be packed.

photo via Mumford & Sons FB

Catching up with Sean Desiree of bell's roar and South End Pallet Works

bells roar sean desiree press photo

Sean Desiree's gotta be one of the most interesting people we've met over the last year. She's both a talented vocalist/multi-instrumentalist/producer, producing music under the name bell's roar, AND a talented furniture maker, working as South End Pallet Works.

There's a new bell's roar EP arriving next week, and Desiree's playing a show at the Low Beat this Friday night to celebrate.

So we figured this would be a good time to see what's up with both...

(there's more)

Phantogram, with Big Boi, on the Tonight Show

What have Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter of Phantogram been up to? Oh, you know, just collaborating with Big Boi.

Phantogram and Big Boi have teamed for a project called Big Grams. They performed "Fell in the Sun" from the project's new EP Thursday night on The Tonight Show. The clip is embedded above.

The trio talked with Pitchfork earlier this month about how their collaboration first came about:

Big Boi: I stumbled upon Phantogram through a pop-up ad on my computer. I was closing out screens and then a pop-up ad came up and it had their song "Mouthful of Diamonds" on it. I Shazamed it and bought it on iTunes, and ended up putting it on my BigBoi.com website as the jam of the week. I guess they caught wind of it and reached out to me. We began a conversation, and they sent me vinyl of their first record. We began to talk then, and was supposed to catch up with them then when I was doing Governors Ball [in New York City] but we kind of just talked on the phone. Then, we crossed paths at Outside Lands Festival out of San Francisco and we hit it off real cool. I invited them back to Stankonia [Studios] and we just started making magical music.

Along with the EP, there's also a Big Grams game -- that's sort of like Super Mario Brothers meets the seven deadly sins.

Shows coming up, fall 2015

shows coming up 2015 fall composite

Clockwise from left: Sharon Jones, The Indigo Girls, Jake Shimabukuro, Oneohtrix Point Never.

There are people who like to go to concerts. You may be one of these people.

There are also people who just like to know that there are concerts. You might be one of those people if you're not the other kind of person.

Either way, here's another roundup of concerts that will be happening in the Capital Region during the next few months.

(there's more)

The Punch Brothers at Troy Music Hall

the punch brothers

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

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings at The Egg

sharon jones musician

Sharon Jones

Soul band Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings are lined up for a show at The Egg December 5. Tickets go on sale this Friday (September 11) -- they're $34.50 and up.

The group will be touring in support of their last album, as well as their upcoming holiday album -- It's A Holiday Soul Party -- that is scheduled for release in October (here's a preview).

photo: Jake Chessum

Mid-afternoon music break: Olivia Quillio

For a break this afternoon: "Righteous Arms​/​Honest Hands" by Olivia Quillio. It's off her her new album Get Down and Pray.

Quillio is celebrating the new album with a free show (this) Monday evening as part of the Dana Park Summer Concert Series in Albany. The show starts at 5:30 pm with Meara McTague, and Olivia Quillio at 7 pm.

Earlier on AOA: Interesting in 2011: Olivia Quillio

Craig Finn at The Hollow

craig finn solo

Indie rock guitarist/singer Craig Finn is set to play a show at The Hollow October 16. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $15 ahead / $18 day of.

Finn is, of course, the frontman for The Hold Steady. His second solo album is scheduled for release this September, and this tour is in support of that effort. The new album, Faith in the Future, was recorded in Woodstock -- Finn is also playing there, at the Bearsville Theater, October 14.

The opener for both shows is Esme Patterson.

Whenever The Hold Steady rolls into town the show usually sells out. So, if you're interested in this show, getting tickets sooner rather than later isn't a bad idea.

Midday music break: bell's roar

Something to listen to: "Slow" by bell's roar, the solor project from Albany-based songwriter and vocalist Sean Desiree.

Earlier this summer she signed a deal with Firebrand Records (one of the label's backers is Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine). And there's a new EP on the way September 9.

bell's roar is on the slate for the Black August event this Thursday at The Low Beat, along with Prince Harvey and DJ Mercy.

By the way... Sean Desire is also a talented furniture maker.

Dead & Company at TU Center

dead and company logo

Dead & Company -- featuring Grateful Dead members Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, and Bob Weir -- will be making a stop at the TU Center October 29. Tickets go on sale this Friday (August 28) -- they're $50 and up.

The lineup for this tour is being filled out by John Mayer (yep, that John Mayer), along with bassist Oteil Burbridge and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti. Mayer has apparently been playing with members of the group since this past spring.

The show at the TU Center is the first stop on the group's 10-date tour. Other stops include Madison Square Garden (both dates already sold out), Philadelphia, DC, Worcester, San Francsico, and LA.

Midmorning music break: Bear Grass

Something to listen this morning: "Snake in the Grass" by Bear Grass. This video was recorded at Studio Zoot in Cortland earlier this summer while the Troy-based group was playing a few shows out that way.

Bear Grass is set to play an Upbeat on the Roof show at the Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore this Friday at 7 pm. It's free.

Midmorning music break: MaryLeigh Roohan

Something to listen to this Monday: "My Friends" by MaryLeigh Roohan. The track is off her upcoming album Living Alone, which is now available for pre-order.

Roohan is set to play an album release show at Caffe Lena September 6. Tickets are $20. They include a copy of the album.

Earlier on AOA: Hey, there, MaryLeigh Roohan

Midmorning music break: Dryer

Something to get you going today: A demo of "Summer of 87" by Dryer. Power pop. So much.

The Saratoga Springs band -- back together again -- is playing at the Low Beat in Albany Friday Saturday night. The lineup also includes Slowshine and Haley Moley. All for the low, low price of $5.

Now we have to fight the urge to go digging up old clips from 120 Minutes...

Massry Center 2015-2016 season

Jake Shimabukuro 2015

Ukelele master Jake Shimabukuro will be there in November.

The schedule for the upcoming 2015-206 season at the Massry Center at the College of Saint Rose is out. The slate includes a ukulele virtuoso, a couple of banjo titans, a river-spanning jazz festval, and the return of the popular Christmas concert featuring the music of Vince Guaraldi.

(there's more)

Mid-afternoon music break: The Sea The Sea

Something to listen to this afternoon*: "How Will We Know" by The Sea The Sea, recorded at the Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy. The song's available as a single on iTunes.

The duo is playing a show at The Linda in Albany this Saturday as the opener for Bahamas. Show starts at 8 pm -- tickets are $15.

* Or, you know, whenever.

Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival 2015 lineup

booker t jones 2015

Booker T.

The Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival is September 12 at Jennings Landing in the Corning Preserve. And the lineup for this year's festival is out -- it's headlined by Booker T. Jones (of "Green Onions" fame). The full lineup is after the jump.

The Riverfront Jazz Festival is from 1-9 pm on Saturday, September 12, with fireworks following. It's free.

More music that Saturday
+ Pearl Palooza will be on Pearl Street in downtown Albany,
+ And Basilica Soundscape will be going on in Hudson.

(there's more)

Pearl Palooza 2015 lineup

pearl palooza crowd

The crowd at Pearl Palooza a few years back.

Updated September 7 with scheduled set times.

This year's Pearl Palooza -- the WEQX-organized free music festival on Pearl Street in downtown Albany -- is Saturday, September 12. And the lineup is now out.

Here's the list of national and local acts -- with video clips...

(there's more)

Midmorning music break: The Parlor

To get things moving today: "The Surgeon's Knife" from the Parlor. It sounds like locals Jen O'Connor and Eric Krans have made a turn toward a more pop sound -- and it's a lot of fun.

The song's off the group's next album, Wahzu Wahzu, scheduled for a September 18 release.

Sean Rowe at the Ale House

Sean Rowe

Sean Rowe is set to play a show at The Ale House in Troy August 15. Tickets are $15 at the door.

As you know, Rowe was a staple of the local music scene before his career's trajectory took a sharp upward turn a few years back -- he signed with ANTI records, toured around the world, got pub in all sorts of media outlets, and has appeared on TV. The show at The Ale House is a chance to see him again in a not-big venue. We're guessing it's going to be packed.

Across the street
While we're talking about The Ale House, check out the old-school rock 'n roll/country/Americana-inflected upcoming schedule of events at The Ale House and The Hangar across the street:

July 14: Parker Millsap at The Hangar
July 19: Robbie Fulks and Redd Volkaert at The Ale House
August 15: Sean Rowe at The Ale House
August 28: Frog Holler at The Hangar
August 31: JD McPherson at The Hangar
September 30: Wayne "The Train" Hancock at The Hangar
October 24: Ray Wyle Hubbard at The Hangar

photo: Anthony Saint James

Midmorning music break

Something funky for this gray Tuesday: Don't Mistake the Barn for the Basement, the new album from local funk band Oobleck.

If you listen to the first three tracks and don't feel better about the day... then there's not a lot of hope for this day.

It looks like Oobleck's next local show July 29 at The Ruck in Troy.

"Our only real desire was to make a festival we wouldn't be miserable at"

The quote in the title is from Wilco's Jeff Tweedy in the trailer, which is embedded above.

Wilco's Solid Sound Festival returns to MASS MoCA this coming weekend. If you've attened in the past, or just been curious, you might be interested in a new documentary about the festival -- Every Other Summer -- that was released last week. Blurbage (emphasis added):

Directed by Christoph Green and Brendan Canty, Every Other Summer is a documentary about the Solid Sound Festival, Wilco's three day music and arts gathering that takes place once every two years at MASS MoCA. Shot in 2013 and featuring performances by Wilco, Neko Case, Yo La Tengo, The Dream Syndicate, Lucius, Foxygen, Sam Amidon, Sean Rowe, The Relatives and appearances from Reggie Watts, John Hodgman, Jen Kirkman and others, Every Other Summer offers a peek into the festival's utopian vibe, and the positive transformative impact it has had on the small rust belt town of North Adams, MA.

The doc is available to rent for $4.99 via Vimeo.

Basilica Soundscape 2015 music lineup

perfume genius 2015

Perfume Genius (AKA Mike Hadreas) is among the acts.

This year's Basilica Soundscape festival at Basilica Hudson is September 11-13. And the initial music lineup for this is now out:

Haxan Cloak
Wolf Eyes
Health
Actress
Jenny Hval
Viet Cong
Weyes Blood
Circuit Des Yeux
Perfume Genius
Blanck Mass
Gourisankar & Indrijat Banajeer

There's more yet to be announced. Past festivals have included visual arts, performance art, readings, and food. Blurbage:

This site-specific, weekend-long experimental music and art event draws unconventional connections, parallels and collaborations between a diverse array of artists, presented by Basilica Hudson's Founders and Creative Directors Melissa Auf der Maur and Tony Stone in collaboration with Pitchfork Managing Editor Brandon Stosuy and Brian DeRan of Leg Up Management.

Basilica Hudson is a converted factory space near the train station in Hudson.

Early bird weekend passes are currently $60, and available online. Last year's festival sold out, so it's probably a good idea to get tickets sooner rather than later if you'd like to go.

photo via Matador Records

Mid-morning music break

The weather has been so gray and damp the last few days... it's just kind of... ugh. So here's something summery to listen to this morning: "Little Fish" by local surf pop band Party Boat.

It's out understanding summer will resume shortly.

Yo La Tengo at Troy Music Hall

yo la tengo 2015

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.

The New Pornographers at Bearsville

new pornographers band

A bit farther afield, but they never seem to stop here: The New Pornographers are set to play The Bearsville Theater in Woodstock July 9. Tickets go on sale this Friday (May 29) -- they're $35.

The New Pornographers are an indie "supergroup" -- sort of a Canadian indie rock Avengers -- that includes A.C. Newman, John Collins, Blaine Thurier, Dan Bejar, Kathryn Calder, Neko Case, and Todd Fancey. They first assembled in 1999 in Vancouver -- bright, pop-y rock ensued.

Neko Case (who's obviously a superhero) has since become a big indie star in her own right, which has kept her from touring with the group sometimes. We can't figure out if she'll be at the Woodstock show. (Maybe you know.)

Openers for the show are Thao and The Get Down Stay Down

photo via The New Pornographers website

Music Haven 2015 lineup

Red Baraat band

Red Baraat will be there in July. (Their music is really fun.)

Here's the lineup for this summer's Music Haven concert series in Schenectady's Central Park, which is now in its 26th season. The Sunday evening series starts up June 26 28.

One of the things that sets Music Haven apart from the other summer series is that it tends to focus on world, jazz, and roots music. And this year is no different.

(there's more)

Sawyer Fredericks, "Please"

As you've probably heard, Sawyer Fredericks -- the 16 year old from from Fultonville in Montgomery County -- won The Voice Tuesday night. Here's the clip of him being named the winner.

If you didn't catch any of his run on the show, the embedded clip above is from Monday -- it's Fredericks performing "Please," a song written by Ray LaMontagne. And you can definitely hear some LaMontagne in the way Sawyer Fredericks sings.

By Wednesday morning the track was #2 on iTunes singles chart. (And Frederick's cover of Neil Young's "Old Man" was #5.)

At the Plaza 2015

at the plaza 2015

On the schedule: The Vaccines, Maxi Priest, and Monsters University.

Updated

The slate of summer events at/near the Empire State Plaza is out. It includes the usual mix of concerts, festivals, and movie screenings.

One change this year: The events that typically would have been held on the State Museum end of the plaza will be on the Capitol end of the plaza this year because of the ongoing construction on the State Museum steps.

OK, let's get to the schedule...

(there's more)

Alive at Five 2015 lineup

atlas genius bw

Atlas Genius is one of the acts that will be making a stop back in town for Alive at Five.

The lineup for this year's Alive at Five series in Albany is out. As in years past, each date has a headliner and opening, often local, act.

The Thursday evening free concert series at Jennings Landing along the Hudson River in downtown Albany starts June 11. Each shows begins at (surprise) 5 pm.

Let's get to it...

(there's more)

Lyle Lovett + John Hiatt at Troy Music Hall

John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett 2015

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.

Troy Rockin' on the River 2015

troy rockin on river green island bridge 2012-06-20

The schedule for this summer's Rockin' on the River concert series in downtown Troy is out. The free Wednesday night series starts up June 10.

And here's the lineup of acts...

(there's more)

Upbeat on the Roof 2015

rosary beard

Rosary Beard will be one of the acts up on the roof this summer.

The Upbeat on the Roof Friday evening music series returns to the Tang Museum at Skidmore this summer. And there's a strong lineup this year -- the schedule is post jump. It starts up in July this year.

The concerts are all on the roof of the Tang (thus the name). And they're free.

(there's more)

Hold on, hold on, Sean Rowe

Something to listen to today: Sean Rowe performing a cover of Neko Case's "Hold On, Hold On." It's from a new EP he released this week -- Her Songs -- that's all covers of songs by women. You can listen to the whole thing on YouTube.

The Troy singer/songwriter is set for a show at Helsinki Hudson this Friday. Tickets are $20.

GameFest 2015

rpi gamefest 2015 posterReturning to EMPAC this weekend: GameFest. What is GameFest? Blurbage:

GameFest at Rensselaer is an annual celebration of creativity and innovation in digital games, with a student showcase and competition, music performances, and presentations from veteran game designers, critics, scholars, and indie developers.
Since 2003, GameFest has grown into a regional event that brings together game design students from schools throughout the Northeast, with a competition judged by industry experts. Talks and panels include topics from serious games and entrepreneurship to deep design questions and the democratization of independent game development. Music performances range from music made with repurposed game consoles to an orchestra performing classical arrangements of music from games.

This year's event, which runs Friday evening through Saturday, includes:

+ A discussion about games for purposes beyond entertainment.

+ A concert featuring "game music, chiptunes, livecoding, circuitbending, beats, and interactive visuals from this eclectic collective of DJ's, musicians, and video artists."

+ The game design showcase with work from students from eight colleges and universities.

+ A keynote by James Portnow, "a game designer and consultant known for his theories on socially positive design."

Here's the full schedule. It's free and open to the public.

No corners for you

The They Might Be Giants show at Upstate Concert Hall earlier this week reminded us of the duo's song about The Egg.

What? You haven't hear TMBG's song about The Egg? It's embedded above.

A bunch of years ago we talked with John Flansburgh about the tune, which was part of the band's "venue songs" project:

The whole venue songs project was a way to give the band a creative challenge doing a tour that was remarkably similar to previous tours. So we just decided we would write a new song for every show. Some of the songs are specifically about the venue and others are a little more vague or about a theoretical idea about the venue that might not even be true.
The song "The Egg" is one of the few songs I've ever written while driving.But "The Egg" is actually a very good example of a song that is really responding to the extraordinary qualities of the venue itself. I mean how many venues are like The Egg, you know -- none. It's sui generis as they say in the legal profession.
The song "The Egg" is one of the few songs I've ever written while driving. I recorded it on a tape recorder singing out loud. When I got to the parking lot of The Egg I sat in the back of my car and put some chords to it and then I gave it to the band and we played it that night.

By the way: They Might Be Giants also have a song called "Canajoharie."

Drawing: Pianoply at EMPAC + Peck's Arcade

pianist vicky chow

Vicky Chow is one of the pianists who will be performing.

Drawing's closed!

EMPAC has what sounds like an interesting show coming up this Saturday: Pianoply, in which four pianists will be playing pianos in four different spaces at the arts venue.

We have a pair of tickets for the event, and we're giving them away. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE. To the pair of tickets we're also adding a $75 gift certificate to Peck's Arcade, the new restaurant in downtown Troy.

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

What's one of your favorite sounds?

It could be something general, like laughter, or a specific sound in a specific place, like the carillon in downtown Albany. We'll draw one winner at random. That person will get the tickets and gift certificate.

Here's a little more about Pianoply:

This evening of piano performances brings together some of the leading soloists working today in new music to explore their instrument's full color spectrum in EMPAC's complete range of acoustic environments. Performing on grand pianos of varying sizes and manufactures, Pianoply will examine virtuosity through the lens of situation and setting.
Pianoply will feature soloists Vicky Chow, Stephen Drury, Mabel Kwan, and Marilyn Nonken, performing on a selection of pianos: a 9' Hamburg Steinway, 9' New York Steinway, 7' Fazioli, 6' 7" Bösendorfer, and 7' 6" Yamaha pianos.
The audience will be guided through all of EMPAC's venues--the reverberant warmth of the Concert Hall, the intimacy of the Theater, the detailed crispness of Studio 1 and the enveloping diffusion of Studio 2--to explore the sonic properties of contemporary repertoire performed through particular instruments placed in particular spaces.

The event starts at 7:30 pm on Saturday, April 11. Tickets are $18.

Important: All comments must be submitted by 10 am on Thursday, April 9, 2015 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 Thursday and must respond by 7 pm that day.

"Gaslight"

Something to listen to this afternoon: "Gaslight" from Jocelyn Arndt and Chris Arndt and their band, recorded at White Lake Music & Post in Colonie for WEXT.

The siblings are originally from Fort Plain, and now attend Harvard -- here's an interview with them in the Harvard Crimson from this past February. They'll be back in the Capital Region for a string of upcoming dates -- the MOVE music festival in Albany April 25, Tulip Fest on May 9, The Hollow May 22, and they were just added to the Mountain Jam lineup for June 6.

The Decemberists at Brewery Ommegang

the decemberists 2015

Announced today: The Decemberists are set to play a show at Brewery Ommegang July 26. Tickets go on sale Friday (April 3) -- they're $35 ahead. (There's also a presale starting today for members of the mailing list for promoter Dan Smalls Presents.)

The Decemberists by themselves are a pretty big draw -- they've been playing a string of sold-out shows recently. (Here's a review of a show this week. A giant paper mache whale was involved.) But the show also includes a strong opener -- indie pop act Lucius will take the stage first. They played a sold out show at The Hollow in Albany this past December.

Old Crow Medicine Show
Also announced today: Old Crow Medicine Show will be back at Ommegang July 24. Opener is Sturgill Simpson. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 3 -- they're $40 ahead.

More Ommegang shows this summer
May 22: The Pixies with TV on the Radio
June 13: The Avett Brothers with John Prine - sold out
August 1: Bonnie Raitt

photo: Autumn de Wilde

Green River Festival 2015

punch brothers 2015

The Punch Brothers, who are apparently going through a sport coat phase.

The Green River Festival returns to Western Massachusetts July 10-12 this year. Early bird tickets are now on sale through April 17 -- they're $79.99 for all three days, single days are $19.99 (Friday) and $59.99 (Saturday and Sunday).

The lineup is also now out -- headliners include Steve Earle & The Dukes, Punch Brothers, tUnE-yArDs, Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The full lineup, which includes a bunch of acts you'll recognize, is post jump.

And in something a little bit different for an event like this, the festival also includes hot air balloon launches Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

The festival is in Greenfield, about a two-hour drive from Albany.

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Tulip Festival 2015 music lineup

the kooks smiling

The Kooks

Here's the music schedule for this year's Tulip Festival. The headliner is the britpop/rock band The Kooks.

A quick scan version of the music slates for both the main and local stages -- along with embedded videos of the acts -- is post jump. As usual, the lineup includes both national and local acts.

As you know, Tulip Fest includes a bunch of events, including the crowning of the new Tulip Queen. Here's the full event schedule.

Tulip Fest is Mother's Day weekend, which is May 9 and 10 this year.

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Move Music Festival 2015

MOVE music festival poster 2015The MOVE Music Festival returns to Albany April 24-26. All-weekend passes for the multi-venue festival are currently on sale -- they're $20.

Also, the lineup for the festival is now out. And, as in years past, it includes a ton of bands and performers -- a hundred acts will be playing at 10 different venues around downtown Albany.

The lineup is a mix of out-of-towners -- such as Young Magic and Locksley -- and locals -- such as Titanics and Wild Adriatic.

The festival also includes an industry event for "all performers to network and gain varied perspectives of the multi-faceted music industry." This year's keynote speaker is composer and producer Tony Shimkin.

A tour of some Capital Region music in less than three minutes

Check it out: This "10 Songs Per Minute" video is a quick tour a bunch of Capital Region music acts. The compilation, put together by Joseph Rubino, also includes in-video links to songs featured.

Also: Come for the music tour, stay for the beautiful Albany skyline sunset timelapse at the end.

Saratoga Jazz Festival 2015 lineup includes Erykah Badu

erykah badu

Erykah Badu

The Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival returns to SPAC June 27-28. And this year's line-up includes Erykah Badu, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Cassandra Wilson, Sheila E., Al Di Meola Electric Band, and Snarky Puppy. The full announced lineup is after the jump.

Tickets for the general public go on sale on March 24 -- day tickets are $60 and up.

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Solid Sound 2015 lineup

solid sound 2015 posterThe lineup for the Solid Sound Festival this summer at MASS MoCA is now out.

It's headlined by Wilco -- because, you know, it's Wilco's festival. The band will be playing two shows, one each on Friday and Saturday of the festival. A few others from the lineup: Mac Demarco, Parquet Courts, Real Estate, Shabazz Palaces, Cibo Matto, and John Hodgman.

The full announced lineup is post jump.

This year's festival is June 26-28. The ticket currently on sale is the advance 3-day pass -- it's $149 plus service fees. (The festival is also taking reservations for camping.)

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Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC 2015

yo-yo ma, megan hilty, joshua bell

Yo-Yo Ma, Megan Hilty, Joshua Bell

The Philadelphia Orchestra will be returning to SPAC this summer, August 5-22. The lineup of concerts is out -- it includes notable names such as Yo-Yo Ma, Bernadette Peters, Joshua Bell, and Megan Hilty. (There's also a Pixar night this year.)

A condensed version of the schedule is post jump.

Tickets go on sale to SPAC members today (March 3), and to the general public March 24.

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Brandi Carlile at The Palace

Brandi Carlile

Alt-country singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile is set to play The Palace May 23. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 27 -- they're $29.50 and up.

Carlile will be touring in support of a new album coming out next month. Over at NPR, Ann Powers described the songs on the album: "Some of them rattle the floorboards; others are quieter, offering beautiful harmonies or rich storytelling. But no matter what they sound like, the songs on this release feel like rock and roll."

photo: David McClister

Pixies, TV on the Radio at Ommegang

pixies tv on the radio

Pixies, TV on the Radio

Announced today: The Pixies and TV on the Radio will be playing outside at Brewery Ommegang May 22. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Feburary 27 -- they're $45. (There's also a pre-sale starting February 25.)

The Pixies are, of course, one of the most influential alt rock bands ever. One of the bands influenced by the Pixies: TV on the Radio.

Alas, Kim Deal is not part of the lineup for this tour.

Also on the bill for the Ommegang show: John Grant.

Already announced for the 2015 Ommegang concert season: The Avett Brothers, with John Prine, on June 13.

Pixies photo: Michael Halsband | TV on the Radio via the band's FB page

Sufjan Stevens at The Palace

sufjan stevens 2015

The Sufjan Stevens is set to play a show at The Palace April 15. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 30 -- they're $30 and up. (There's also a pre-sale.)

Stevens will be touring to promote a new album, Carrie & Lowell. (Not to be confused with Carey Lowell.) Tour blurbage:

Thematically the 11 songs address life and death, love and loss, and the artist's struggle to make sense of the beauty and ugliness of love. The album is named for Stevens' mother and stepfather and is a return to Stevens' folk roots.
A singer-songwriter currently living in Brooklyn, NY, Stevens' preoccupation with epic concepts has motivated two state records (Michigan & Illinois), a collection of sacred and biblical songs (Seven Swans), an electronic album for the animals of the Chinese zodiac (Enjoy Your Rabbit), two Christmas box sets (Songs for Christmas, vol. 1-5 and Silver & Gold, vol. 6-10), and a BAM-commissioned programmatic tone poem for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (The BQE). In 2010 Stevens released an expansive EP (All Delighted People) and the full length The Age of Adz, a collection of songs partly inspired by the outsider artist Royal Robertson.

photo via Asthmatic Kitty Records

Interpol at Upstate Concert Hall

Interpol band 2015

Rock band Interpol is set to play Upstate Concert Hall July 29. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 23 -- they're $25 ahead / $28 day of.

Noted: It's been more than 12 years since Turn on the Bright Lights was released.

Anyway, it's good to see they're up for braving upstate New York again after their last experience.

Concerts, concerts, concerts...
It's concert announcement season. Also announced for UCH today:
+ Thomas Rhett February 27
+ Circa Survive May 2

And for the Times Union Center:
+ Eric Church with Drive-By Truckers March 12

And for Troy Music Hall:
+ Mary Chapin Carpenter April 23

photo via Interpol FB

Weird Al at The Palace

weird al mandatory tour 2015 poster clip

In retrospect it should have been obvious that totalitarian dictatorship was the inevitable endgame of the Weird Al situation.

The "Weird Al" Yankovic is set to play a show at The Palace July 11. Tickets go on sale to the general public January 30 -- they're $29.50 and up.

Tour blurbage:

Weird Al released his 14th studio album Mandatory Fun on July 15th. The album features parodies of some of the biggest hits of the past year, including Pharrell Williams' "Happy" ("Tacky"), Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" ("Word Crimes"), Lorde's "Royals" ("Foil"), Iggy Azalea's "Fancy" ("Handy") and Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive" ("Inactive"). The album also features several inspired originals and pastiches ("Lame Claim to Fame," "Sports Song," "My Own Eyes," "Mission Statement," "First World Problems" and "Jackson Park Express") along with Al's latest accordion-fueled medley, "NOW That's What I Call Polka!"

Weird Al was last in town in 2011 for a show at The Palace. The according uprising has been waiting for this moment ever since.

Clock in the Corner (and a very tiny desk)

Something to listen to here at the end of Friday: "Clock In The Corner" by Bear Grass.

It's their entry in the NPR Tiny Desk Concert Contest.

Mountain Jam 2015 lineup

the black keys 2014

The Black Keys

The annual Mountain Jam music festival at Hunter Mountain announced the lineup the 2015 festival today. Headliners include: The Black Keys, Gov't Mule, moe (all three already announced), Robert Plant, Alabama Shakes, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and Michael Franti and Spearhead.

The full lineup (announced so far) is post jump.

Mountain Jam is June 4-7 this year. Early bird tickets are currently on sale: a 3-day pass (without camping) is $185 / a 4-day pass is $205.

As you know, Hunter Mountain is in Hunter, New York, in the northern Catskills. It's a little more than an hour drive from Albany.

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Shows coming up, winter 2015

2015 winter concerts composite

Clockwise from left: St. Vincent, Mavis Staples, Awkwafina.

There are people who like to go to concerts. You may be one of these people.

There are also people who just like to know that there are concerts. You might be one of those people if you're not the other kind of person.

Either way, here's another roundup of concerts that be happening in the Capital Region. And during the next few months.

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Dave Matthews Band back at SPAC for 2015

dave matthews band bw 2012

The Dave Matthews Band will be making its seasonal migration back to SPAC July 3-4 this summer. Tickets to observe the Spa City stopover go on sale February 13 -- they're $40.50 for a lawn position, $75 and $85 for seats in the indoor blind.

Spotters last year reported that DMB performed two sets during its stops on the summer migration. Experts are predicting a similar display this year, along with the usual flocks that accompany Saratoga stop.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: Danny Clinch

Great shows from 2014

SLOC Caroline or Change The Moon Dashira Cortes

SLOC's production of Caroline or Change got multiple mentions.

With 2014 wrapping up, we thought it'd be fun to ask a bunch of people about some of their favorite/most interesting things from the past year.

Today we check in with a group of artists, performers and reviewers for their take on some of their favorite shows of 2014.

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Concert announcements: The Black Keys, They Might Be Giants, Avett Brothers

the black keys 2014

The Black Keys

A few concert announcements today:

Black Keys at Mountain Jam
The Black Keys will be the headliner for the Mountain Jam festival at Hunter Mountain June 4-7. The duo is set to play the Saturday of the festival. Other headliners announced: Gov't Mule and moe. Tickets for the festival are currently $185 for a 3-day pass and $239 for a 4-day pass.

They Might Be Giants at UCH
They Might Be Giants return to the area to play Upstate Concert Hall April 22. Tickets are $20 ahead / $23 day of and they're on sale now.

Avett Brothers at Brewery Ommegang
The first announced show of the outdoor summer season at Brewery Ommegang: The Avett Brothers on June 13, with John Prine. Tickets are $55 and on sale December 19.
____

Earlier on AOA: Talking with They Might Be Giants' John Flansburgh about The Egg

photo: Danny Clinch

Neutral Milk Hotel at MASS MoCA

neutral milk hotel

Indie rock band Neutral Milk Hotel is set for a show at MASS MoCA's Hunter Center April 17. Tickets are $36 ahead / $45 day of -- they go on sale this Friday (December 12).

The show will be the second stop for Neutral Milk Hotel in this wider region over the last year. The band played a show at Brewery Ommegang this past September. (And Neutral Milk Hotel founder Jeff Mangum played at MASS MoCA back in 2013.)

As you know, Neutral Milk Hotel wasn't hugely popular during its first run -- but it has ended up being very influential. You can hear strains of its 1998 album In the Aeroplane Over the Sea pop up in a bunch of indie rock over the last decade plus.

The opener for the MASS MoCA show is The Dot Wiggin Band.

photo via Neutral Milk Hotel FB

Solid Sound 2014 early bird

solid sound festival logoBelieve it or not, ticketing is already starting for next year's slate of summer music festivals around the region. And 2015 will mark the return of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA.

The Wilco festival is back June 26-28 after skipping 2014. Early bird tickets go on sale this Friday, December 5 -- a 3-day pass is $124.

A lineup for the festival hasn't been released yet, but in years past it's included a range of musical acts, comedy, and of course, Wilco.

Mountain Jam: The Mountain Jam festival is back at Hunter Mountain June 4-7. And it's already sold through its first presale. Tickets will be back on sale when the lineup is announced, which usually happens in January.

Tanglewood 2015 lineup includes Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett (together)

tony bennett lady gaga

The 2015 Tanglewood season was announced today. And it includes an appearance from Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett -- together -- June 30.

The two singers released Cheek to Cheek, an album of duets, in September. Blurbage: "Tony & Gaga handpicked each song on Cheek To Cheek, pulling from the Great American Songbook with classics from songwriters like Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, George & Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter and Billy Strayhorn." Not holding anything back, they even went for a full There was even a PBS special.

The rest of the season announcement included many of shows you'd expect, including Joshua Bell, Prairie Home Companion, John Williams, Diana Krall, and Yo-Yo Ma. (We don't even want to contemplate the unrest there'd be in the Berkshires if there was a summer without Yo-Yo Ma.)

Tickets for the season go on sale January 25.

Drawing: Ray LaMontagne at The Palace

ray lamontagne 2014

Drawing's closed!

Singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne is set to play The Palace this Sunday, November 9. We have a pair tickets and we're giving them way -- maybe to you.

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

Election Day is Tuesday. So, in a play on that, what do you vote for?

This could be anything, far beyond the political. It could be voting for something you'd like to see happen in the Capital Region. It could be voting for more of something (or less of something). Whatever. Non-redeemable bonus points for fun or interesting votes.

The Grammy-winning LaMontagne is currently touring in support of his album Supernova, which was produced by Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys. The opener for the Palace show is The Belle Brigade.

The show starts at 7:30 pm Sunday. Tickets are $35 and up.

Important: All comments must be submitted by 5 pm on Tuesday, November 4, 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 10 pm on Tuesday and must respond by 10 pm Wednesday, November 5.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: Ray Lamontagne Facebook

Drawing: Postmodern Jukebox at Troy Music Hall

Postmodern Jukebox

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.

St. Vincent at Upstate Concert Hall

musician st vincent

Just announced: St. Vincent is set to play a show at Upstate Concert Hall March 7. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 24 -- they're $25 ahead / $28 day of.

St. Vincent is the stage name used by Annie Clark. Her music doesn't really fit into one genre -- maybe indie pop. But however it's categorized, it's consistently scored very strong reviews. And Clark has toured with or collaborated with a bunch of artists.

The opener for the UCH show hasn't been announced, yet.

photo via St. Vincent FB

Madison Theater opening new performance venue

Madison Theater exterior October 16 2014

The Madison Theater in Albany will be opening its new performance venue space October 25. A jazz group -- the Nancy and Spencer Reed Quartet -- will be playing the 170-seat space.

We stopped by the theater Thursday to get a look at the space, and talk with one of the theater's owners about how things are going on their plan to turn the Madison into a location for entertainment, food, and retail.

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The Sea The Sea

Something to listen to today: "Love We Are We Love" by The Sea The Sea.

Singer/songwriter duo Chuck e. Costa and Mira Stanley are a national touring act that have gotten attention from outlets such NPR and Daytrotter -- and they recently relocated to the Albany area.

They're playing a show at The Low Beat this Thursday, October 2 at 8 pm. Great Mutations is the opener. Update: It's $10.

We hear Costa and Stanley will be hanging around the area over upcoming months as they work on their next album, and they're looking to connect with people in the local music scene. So, if you see them, give them a hello wave and a welcome.

"I have no idea what we're going to play. I won't be able to tell you until it's about to happen."

Jazz vibraphonist Stefon Harris -- an Albany High School grad -- is playing at Proctors this Thursday. And while doing a little bit of background on him, we came across this TED talk he did a few years back.

We enjoyed the clip because 1) Half of it is Harris and his improvisational jazz quartet doing their thing and the vibraphone is kind of this dreamy, magical instrument; 2) Harris talks a bit collaborating with others on the fly, and how mistakes are an opportunity.

The show at Proctors is at 7:30 pm Thursday in the GE Theater. It's a benefit for the Schenectady Ring of Hope Boxing Club. Tickets are $40 and up.

Oh, and here's one more fun clip, of Harris playing a short vibraphone solo.

Proctors advertises on AOA.

Lucius at The Hollow

Lucius band

Could be fun: Indie pop group Lucius will be at The Hollow December 5. Tickets are now sale -- they're $16 ahead / $18 day of.

From a Guardian mini profile earlier this year:

Lucius are an intriguing proposition, to be sure. They're fronted by identikit women in matching outfits who sing in unison but aren't twins, and backed by a trio of moustachioed males. Their music is exuberant, relentlessly melodic, epic country-pop, and they're fashion-mag stylish (all their own work) with a dash of wacky. They're surfing a tidal wave of Haim-like press in the States, but they might be a slower-build affair over here, more reminiscent perhaps of the way Arcade Fire crept up on people as Funeral slowly but surely sunk in. In fact, they're mooted to be touring with Arcade Fire and they describe themselves as "energetic, indie pop, rock... the B52s meets Arcade Fire" although we'd say they're more Arcade Haim with maybe some of B52s' zany modishness as regards their image.

The opener for the show at The Hollow is Bahamas (which is one guy from Canada).

photo: Peter Larson

Desiree

Something to listen to this afternoon: "Desiree" by Sean Rowe. It's off his new album, Madman, which was released this week. About the video, from his FB page: "I put aside my hatred for heights and and weariness of clowns to find my inner child. enjoy!" (People, the man is working through his clown issues for you.)

From a GQ bit this week pegged to the album:

Sean Rowe's new album Madman, which drops tomorrow, is gritty yet somehow catchier than a Taylor Swift song. More soulful too. His extra-deep voice pairs with folksy guitar riffs to make this the kind of album that's at once recognizable and nothing like you've ever heard before. The kind you can leave on repeat all day long: Seriously, try listening to "Desiree"--we have the premiere on the video below--just once. He describes Madman has his most buoyant, most personal album so far.

Oh, and also, he made a squirrel burger this week.

As mentioned, Rowe is playing a hometown show at CAC Woodside in Troy October 3 to celebrate the new album.

Sean Rowe Madman preview now, album release show coming up in Troy

Sean Rowe 2014

Sean Rowe's new album, Madman, is set to be released September 9. But NPR is currently offering a stream of the whole album.

Writes Will Hermes over at NPR Music:

If there's a spiritual forebear to Madman, it's Van Morrison, whose best records have woven the [soul, blues, gospel, R&B] (and more) into seamless cloth. Exhibit A: Madman's title track, with its handclaps, brass, bright melody, and burly "whoa-whoas." But there's cryptic humor here that's all Rowe's own ("You can call me a madman / but I'm spoken for.") The manic mix of "Shine My Diamond Ring," with its barrelhouse blues swagger and screaming gutbucket sax, shows a man who likes rough textures and exposed seams. But maybe the most striking number is "Desiree," a Motown-styled reverie with scats and screams; if only Amy Winehouse were around to make it a duet.

Rowe is playing a special local show October 3 at the CAC Woodside in Troy to celebrate the new album. From the show description:

For this album, I recorded in Stillwater, had all local musicians play on the songs, and produced it with my good friend (who not only lives here but whose name is Troy for god's sake). It's only fitting that we do the release and do it right -- at the CAC Woodside, right around the corner from where I waited for the schoolbus as a kid. This year we're doing a special sort of reception before the show, where we'll feature the artwork of my good friend Scott Ackerman (who did the artwork for Madman as well as the artwork on the Magic Tshirts), have some local beers and wines, and eat a dinner catered by my favorite pizza place in Troy--Defazio's.

Tickets for the October 3 show are $15 for the concert, $60 for the concert and reception.

photo: Anthony Saint James

Drawing: Joshua Bell with the ASO + Yono's

joshua bell

Drawing's closed!

The Albany Symphony Orchestra opens its new season September 6 at the Palace with a concert featuring superstar violinist Joshua Bell. We have two tickets to the performance and we're giving them away. BUT WAIT. There's more: The winner will also receive a $100 gift certificate for dinner at Yono's (reservations recommended) -- which is, of course, just a short walk from the Palace.

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

What is something classic about the Capital Region?

Could be a building, a tradition, whatever. We'll draw one winner at random. That person gets the pair of tickets and Yono's gift certificate.

The ASO performance at the Palace starts at 7 pm on Saturday, September 6. Tickets are $56 and up.

Important: All comments must be submitted by 5 pm on Friday, August 29, 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 Saturday and must respond by noon on Tuesday, September 2.

photo: Bill Phelps

OK Go at Upstate Concert Hall

OK Go 2014

Alt rock band OK Go is set to play a show at Upstate Concert Hall October 14. Tickets go on sale Friday (August 29) -- they're $15 ahead / $18 day of. Also: The show is the 30th anniversary concert for WEQX, so the first 100 tickets are $10.27.

OK Go plays fun pop rock. Over the last however-many years they've gotten a lot of attention for their series of increasingly complicated videos. (The treadmill video for "Here It Goes Again" was first released all the way back in 2006.) Their first studio album in four years is out this fall.

By the way: Upstate Concert Hall has a new website.

photo via OK Go FB

Massry Center 2014-2015 season

mary lambert musician

Mary Lambert will be there in October.

The new season of shows at the Massry Center at Saint Rose starts up just about a month. The season's slate includes Mary Lambert & Howie Day, The Weight with Sean Rowe, Tim Reynolds, and the return of the popular "It's a Jazzy Christmas" show.

Here's the compressed schedule...

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Nas: Time is Illmatic at The Palace

NAS press photo

Hip hop titan Nas is set to be at The Palace October 3 for a concert and screening of the new documentary Nas:Time is Illmatic. Tickets go on sale this Friday (August 15) -- they're $40 and up.

The show at the Palace will be a screening of the doc followed by Nas performing the album Illmatic live from the start to finish.

It's been 20 years since the album's release. The doc looks at Nas' childhood and early career and the recording of Illmatic. Here's a Variety review following its release at the Tribeca Film Fest earlier this year.

Drawing: Tickets for Rest Fest 2014

rest fest 2014 logo

Drawing's closed! Winners have been emailed!

The annual Restoration Festival will be back at the CAC Woodside in Troy this Friday and Saturday. We have three pairs of weekend passes to the festival, and we're giving them away. Maybe to you.

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

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

It could be a building, of course. But it could be all sorts of things -- like an item to a menu at a local restaurant, or an event, or a feeling about a place, whatever. We'll draw three winners at random -- each winner will get two passes.

The Restoration Festival is this Friday and Saturday (August 15 and 16) at the CAC Woodside campus in Troy. It has 20 bands lined up for two stages. A weekend pass is $25 ahead ($30 at the door) / Friday only is $15 ($20 at the door) / Saturday is $20 ($25 at the door).

Important: All comments must be submitted by 5 pm on Wednesday, August 13, 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 10 pm on Wednesday and must respond by noon on Thursday, August 14.

AOA is a media sponsor of Rest Fest.

Postmodern Jukebox at Troy Music Hall

Postmodern Jukebox

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.

Ray LaMontagne at The Palace

ray lamontagne

Singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne is set to play at show at The Palace November 9. Tickets go on sale August 15 -- they're $35 and up.

It's been a decade since the release of "Trouble," the song that was played seemingly everywhere and made LaMontagne popular. He has a new album out this year that was produced by Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys.

LaMontagne also apparently has a reputation for being "enigmatic", in part because he lives in "a farmhouse in the remote hills of Western Massachusetts." Ashland, apparently. (How he ever manages to return to civilization after roaming the far reaches of... MASSACHUSETTS!... is obviously some sort of miracle.)

The opener for the show at the Palace is the duo The Belle Brigade.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: Ray Lamontagne Facebook

Sean Rowe: "Shine My Diamond Ring"

Hey, look, it's a new Sean Rowe song: "Shine My Diamond Ring." The song debuted on Esquire's site today -- the mag calls Rowe an "intense man."

His next album, Madman, is out on September 9.

Rowe recently said on Facebook that he has a "big show coming up in Troy soon to be announced."

Courtney Barrnett + San Fermin at Upstate Concert Hall

musician courtney barnett

Courtney Barnett

Australian singer/songwriter Courtney Barnett and "baroque pop" band San Fermin are set to play a show at Upstate Concert Hall October 23. Tickets go on sale this Friday (August 8) -- the first 102 are $10.27 (because of EQX), after that they're $13 ahead / $15 day of.

Barnett has been riding a swell of international attention since the release of the EP How To Carve A Carrot Into A Rose last fall. She has a way with lyrics. As Pitchfork commented in naming Barnett's "Avant Gardener" the 49th best track of 2013:

A first-person account of guilt-driven Monday yardwork leading to anaphylactic shock would be unusual in any style. Barnett's recitation of specifics, at once matter-of-fact and punning, cleverly cultivates the similarity between a medical emergency's altered state of consciousness and the drug-induced kind--and that's even before she compares an inhaler to a bong.

San Fermin is centered around composer and songwriter Ellis Ludwig-Leone, who's worked with Nico Muhly, and includes members of Lucius. It's from Brooklyn. (Did you know: Brooklyn is the new Brooklyn.)

And, hey, look, there are NPR Tiny Desk concerts from both Barnett and San Fermin.

The opener for the October 23 show is Mikhael Paskalev.

photo via Courtney Barnett FB

Lineup for Pearl Palooza 2014

pearl palooza crowd 2012

The crowd at Pearl Palooza a few years back.

Updated with scheduled set times.

This year's Pearl Palooza -- the WEQX-organized free music festival on Pearl Street in downtown Albany -- is set for Saturday, September 13.

The lineup of national and local acts -- with video clips -- is after the jump.

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Titus Andronicus at The Low Beat

titus andronicus band

Could be fun: Titus Andronicus is playing a show at The Low Beat in Albany August 22. Tickets are on sale -- they're $12 ahead, $14 at the door.

It's been a few years since the indie rock/punk's last full album. (See frontman Patrick Stickles' thoughts on now being "washed up.") But they have new stuff coming out.

Openers for the show are Liquor Store and Pelican Movement. The Low Beat isn't that big, so it wouldn't be a surprise if tickets become scarce -- better to grab them ahead.

photo: Kyle Dean Reinford

Garage Bands series back at the APL

Party Boat band

Party Boat is one of the first bands up in the series.

The Albany Public Library is bringing its "Garage Bands" series back this summer. The shows feature local bands playing in the garage of the APL's main branch on Washington Ave.

The all-ages shows have an early start and end time (6-8 pm), so they can be a good event for people with young kids. And they're free.

The first show is this Friday, July 18. The full slate is after the jump.

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Basilica Soundscape 2014

tim hecker corn field

Tim Hecker is among the artists lined for this year's Basilica Soundscape.

The Basilica Hudson is bringing back the two-day music and art festival Basilica Soundscape on September 12 and 13. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $35 per day / $60 for both days.

The blurbage calls the fest "a carefully curated two-day program ... featuring a wide range of music, visual art, and literature that aims for specific connections and overlaps instead of 'festival'-style overload. ... The weekend will also include visual arts, performance art, readings, farm to table food and more."

The lineup, so far, includes: Swans, Tim Hecker, Julia Holter, Richard Reed Parry (from Arcade Fire), White Lung, Meredith Graves (from Perfect Pussy), Guardian Alien, Greg Fox, and Emily Reo.

Visual artist Sterling Ruby will be creating works for the fest, and once again there will be food from Alimentary Kitchen.

Basilica Soudscape is a collaboration between Basilica creative directors Melissa Auf Der Maur and Tony Stone, Pitchfork senior editor/director of events Brandon Stosuy, and Brian De Ran of music management company Leg Up. Over at Pitchfork there are pics from last year's event. And Sasha Frere-Jones wrote about it for The New Yorker.

The Basilica itself is a former 19th century factory in Hudson located near the train station there. It's a cool space.

photo courtesy of Tim Hecker

Rest Fest 2014

restfest 2014 logo

The Restoration Festival is returning this summer on August 15 and 16, and it's returning to the Contemporary Artists Center at Woodside in Troy. The homegrown musical festival is now in its fifth (!) year.

Once again there will be two stages, and organizers are working to line up 20 acts. Confirmed acts so far: The North & South Dakotas, Eastbound Jesus, Titanics, Wild Adriatic, The Slaughterhouse Chorus, Rival Galaxies, Hammer Hawk, and Bear Grass.

We hear from organizers that they're currently working on lining up a few national acts for the festival, as in past years. There will be more announcements as things come together.

Early bird tickets are currently available by singing up for the Rest Fest mailing list. They'll go on sale to the general public June 23 via the festival's website.

"Madman"

Check it out: "Madman," a new song by Sean Rowe, embedded above. It's off a new album set for release in September.

The "Madman" video was inspired by the string of house shows Rowe has been playing over the last year. That tour has apparently shifted how the Troy native thinks about things, and prompted him to set up a "pledge" campaign ahead of the new album's release:

The thing that hit me like a brick with this house show tour is how different it made me look at the relationship with my fans and how real it felt to leave the bullshit mentality of the musical mainstream. This Pledge campaign is for us. This is where we can communicate and where you can be a part of my new record and this whole idea that we can really connect with the music.

The campaign -- which strikes us as being a bit like public radio, and a bit like Kickstarter -- is offering pre-orders and other items for sale. Among the premiums: $10 pre-order with early album access, to $200 for Rowe to make a prank call for you, to $1,500 for "the ultimate foraging / house concert extravaganza." (Rowe is an expert wild edibles forager.)

Rowe's house show tour is still rolling along -- in fact, he's set to play a handful of private shows here in the Capital Region this month.

My Exit: Magpie Campbell

My Exit- Magpie Campbell.jpg It's My Exit Monday on WEXT -- The day when, for one hour, a Capital Region listener shares music from their collection with the rest of us.

This week, Magpie collections a wide range of songs...

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Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer at Troy Music Hall

Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer

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.

My Exit: Diane Warde

My Exit- Diane Ward.jpgIt's My Exit Monday on WEXT -- The day when, for one hour, a Capital Region listener shares music from their collection with the rest of us. This week, Diane Ward keeps it (mostly) local, with 518 musicians from a variety of genres.

More about Diane and some of the tunes on her playlist, after the jump.

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"You Don't Have to Put Up the Red Light"

Presented (mostly) without comment: "Sheehan (You Don't Have to Put Up the Red Light)," by former Albany mayoral candidate Jesse Calhoun. It's... well, it's much pretty much it sounds like -- a cover of "Roxanne" by The Police as criticism of a possible plan to install red light cameras in Albany.

Calhoun was the Republican candidate for mayor in last year's election. He's also part of a band, The Ameros.

A few quick comments:

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Free summer concert series schedule 2014

living colour band

Living Colour opens the At the Plaza series this Wednesday, June 4.

The free summer concert series season starts this week with the At the Plaza series at Empire State Plaza on Wednesday. There are a handful of these series around the Capital Region, so we figured we'd make it easier to keep track of them by pouring them all into one schedule one page.

And here is that page...

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My Exit: Bill Olsen

My Exit Bill Olsen.jpgIt's My Exit Monday on WEXT -- the day when one listener spends an hour sharing favorites
from their own music collection.

This week, Bill Olsen pulls some favorites from Bowie, Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan, among others.

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My Exit: Dave & Kelly

My Exit Dave and Kelly.jpg

This week's My Exit DJs, Kelly and Dave.

We usually post these on Mondays, but we had a hiccup because of the holiday. But you can catch the show Saturday morning at 8 am.

My Exit is WEXT's program that allows listeners to spin their favorite tunes for an hour each week. It's a chance for the rest of us to discover what's on someone else's iPod. Sometimes you'll find something new, and other times you'll rediscover old favorites.

Tonight on WEXT's weekly show where listeners spin the tunes for an hour, return DJ Dave Schoch shares the mic with Kelly de la Rocha.

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Stephin Merritt at Helsinki Hudson

Stephin Merritt by Mym-uk cc

Stephin Merritt -- of Magnetic Fields fame -- is playing a show at Helsinki Hudson July 25. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $15 ahead / $18 day of.

This show at Helsinki Hudson -- "an intimate set" -- is a warm up for two anniversary shows Merritt is playing later this summer for indie labels Nonesuch and Merge, according to his website.

The Magnetic Fields have played at Helsinki Hudson relatively often in recent years (Merritt apparently lives in Hudson now). The shows have sold out (or come very close to doing so), so if you're interested in going to this upcoming show, it's probably a good idea to get tickets sooner rather than later.

photo: Mym-uk via Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Troy Rockin' on the River 2014

troy rockin on river green island bridge 2012-06-20

The schedule for this summer's Rockin' on the River concert series in downtown Troy is out. The free Wednesday night series starts up June 18.

Without ado of any sort, here's the lineup...

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My Exit: Christopher Lane

My HipstaPrint 0.jpg

Tonight's My Exit DJ, Christopher Lane

It's Monday -- time to add to your music collection, or at least connect over music you already love, on WEXT's My Exit. Once a week Exit 97.7 gives an hour of airtime over to a listener to share some of their favorite music.

Details on this week's DJ and some of his favorites, both national and local...

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Neutral Milk Hotel at Brewery Ommegang

neutral milk hotel

Indie rock band Neutral Milk Hotel is scheduled to play a show at Brewery Ommegang September 6. Tickets are on sale -- they're $36 ($51 with camping).

Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, released in 1998, is one of the most influential indie rock albums of all time. While it did OK when first released, and its reputation has risen over time, it's the sort of album that probably had a big effect not so much because of how many people bought it or listened to it, but who listened to it -- and the bands they'd end up forming. Its influences have popped up in all sorts of acts over the last decade plus. (Arcade Fire is a prominent example.)

Brewery Ommegang summer 2014 concerts
May 23: Modest Mouse, with Frank Turner
May 24: Modest Mouse, with Brand New (sold out)
August 1: Conor Oberst and Dawes, with The Baseball Project
August 3: Old Crow Medicine Show
September 6: Neutral Milk Hotel

photo via Neutral Milk Hotel FB

Music Haven 2014 lineup

conjunto chappottin band

The Cuban band Conjunto Chappotin y Sus Estrellas will be making a stop in Schenectady during its first tour of the US.

The lineup for this year's Music Haven series of free concerts in Schenectady's Central Park is out. As usual, it has a bit of an international and folk flavor to it. This will be the 25th year for the series.

Without further ado, here's the lineup...

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My Exit: Era Bushati

Era Bushati My Exit.jpg

Tonight's My Exit DJ, Era Bushati.

It's Monday -- time to add to your music collection, or at least connect over music you already love, on WEXT's My Exit. Once a week Exit 97.7 gives an hour of airtime over to a listener to share some of their favorite music.

More on this week's listener and the local and national acts she'd like to see get more attention, after the jump.

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Alive at Five 2014 lineup

fitz and the tantrums

Fitz and the Tantrums are the headliner for the opening night of this summer's Alive at Five series.

Updated

The city of Albany announced the lineup for this summer's Alive at Five lineup. The free concert series at Jennings Landing along the Hudson River in downtown Albany starts June 12.

And without further ado, here's the lineup...

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Iron and Wine at MASS MoCA

iron and wine sam beam

Another summer show: Iron and Wine is set to play MASS MoCA June 22. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $29 ahead / $35 day of.

Iron and Wine is the stage name for a guy, Sam Beam. The indie singer/songwriter is now on his studio fifth album. (And it's been 12 years since that cover of "Such Great Heights" that got passed around so much.)

Iron and Wine played MASS MoCA in 2011. That show sold out, so this show will also probably be popular.

And just two days later, on June 24, Beck will be there.

photo: Craig Kief

My Exit: Matt Gwizdala

My EXIT Photo - Matt Gwizdala.jpgMonday is My Exit day at WEXT -- the day one listener gets to program an hour of music from their favorites. It's like meeting someone new and asking, "What's on your iPod?" It can be a fun way to discover new music or remember old favorites.

Tonight's musical journey takes us from The Rolling Stones to Sharon Van Etten, with some Stevie Wonder in between.

There's more about this week's My Exit DJ and some of what you'll hear on his show, after the jump.

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My Exit: Joanne Stazio-Silverman & Rosemary Armao

Flags - Armao - My Exit.jpg

My Exit goes international tonight.

It's Monday -- time to discover some new music.

This week on WEXT's My Exit, guest DJs Joanne Stazio-Silverman and Rosemary Armao have pulled some fun, eclectic international music for their second My Exit show. In particular, they're focused on non-English speaking bands that sing in English.

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Conor Oberst at Brewery Ommegang

conor oberst

Another summer concert: Conor Oberst is set to play at a show at Brewery Ommegang August 1. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 25 -- they're $35 in advance / $15 for camping, in advance.

Oberst will be backed by the band Dawes. And the openers -- The Baseball Project -- include a few people you might recognize: Peter Buck and Mike Mills, among others.

Oberst played a show at The Egg in 2012 and it sold out. Obviously the field at Ommegang is bigger than that theater, but if you're interested in going, getting tickets sooner rather than later might not be a bad idea. (See: Modest Mouse.)

photo: Butch Hogan

Kings of Leon at SPAC 2014

kings of leon

Rock band Kings of Leon will be at SPAC August 10. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 25 -- they're $40 and up. (There will also be a lawn four-pack for $89, not including fees.)

For whatever reason, Kings of Leon seems like one of those bands that just sort of slowly, perhaps improbably, really, really popular -- "arguably the biggest band in the world" at one point, as a Rolling Stone article declared. They've sold something north of 16.5 million albums. Along to the way to becoming really popular they've gone from critically praised, to the sort of band some people like to not like. So it goes.

Anyway, Kings of Leon were last at SPAC in 2010. (They were set to play a show there in 2011, but that tour ended up being canceled after a show that went the wrong way in Dallas.)

The openers for the August 10 show at SPAC are Young the Giant, and Kongos.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo via Kings of Leon Instagram

My Exit: Bobby Z

The Vibrators Album Art.jpgYou can get a view of a person from their music collection. The same goes for WEXT's My Exit, the show on which a listener programs an hour of music from their own collection. It's like randomly asking someone, "What's on your iPod?"

On tonight's My Exit, Bobby Z. makes a return visit with a theme show.

What's the theme? You figure it out.

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Green River Festival 2014

green river music festival logoFor the list of summer music festivals: The Green River Festival, July 12-13. The lineup includes Josh Ritter, Trombone Shorty, Puss N Boots featuring Norah Jones, Trampled by Turtles, Lucius, and a bunch of others.

The festival is in Greenfield, Massachusetts, which is about two hours from Albany. (Basically, get on Route 2 and head east.)

The early bird price for both days is $59.99.

[via @SarahLaDuke]

More summer music festival-age:
+ The Hudson Project 2014
+ Mountain Jam 2014 lineup

Queens of the Stone Age at The Palace

queens of the stone age

QOTSA

Rock band Queens of the Stone Age is set to play a show at The Palace July 13. Tickets go on sale this Saturday (April 19) -- they're $39.50 and up. (There's also a presale starting Wednesday.)

The band is touring in support of the album is released last year, ...Like Clockwork, which included contributions from Dave Grohl, Alex Turner, Trent Reznor, and... Elton John. The album got very good reviews.

Lucinda Williams
Also announced: Lucinda Williams at The Egg June 17. Tickets go on sale this Friday (April 18) -- they're $35 and up.

photo: Nora Lezano

My Exit: Tabitha Clancy

Tabitha Clancy my exit.jpgMonday is My Exit day at WEXT -- the day someone from the Capital Region shares an hour of their favorite music with the rest of us. It's a fun way to discover new, or new to you music, and rediscover some old favorites.

Tonight, music reviewer Tabitha Clancy shares pieces from some of her favorite singer/songwriters, from Johnny Cash to Ryan Adams.

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The Low Beat brunch

low beat brunch cinnamon bunA(nother) sign that The Low Beat is not just Valentine's II: The music spot on Central Ave is planning the "first of many brunches" April 27, with chef Josh Colleto* heading up the food.

Among the menu items: Beans and Greens Omelette, Captain Crunch French Toast, Banana Bread Pancakes, Biscuits and Gravy (vegetarian or meat gravy), and Jumbo Cinnamon Bun (see pic).

And (of course) there will be music -- provided by Many Trails.

* You know, From Finnbar's in Troy.

Paul McCartney at the TU Center

paul mccartney

You might have heard: Paul McCartney is playing a show at the TU Center July 5. Tickets go on sale April 14 at 10 am (there's also a presale via registration at McCartney's site) -- the price range is $39.60 to $269.90.

McCartney is now 71 years old. It's been 50 years since he and the rest of the Beatles first came to the US -- their famous appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show that year is said to have been watched by 73 million people (about 40 percent of the US population at the time).

McCartney's tours continue to be very popular. His tour last year was the 16th highest grossing, according to Billboard -- $69.6 million on just 21 shows (with tickets sold at just a bit under 100 percent capacity).

The hype
The TU Center had been touting this show as "the biggest event to come to Albany in the past decade," setting up the announcement for a press conference with local officials. And local media outlets were all buzzing about it Tuesday morning. That was especially so after mention of the date popped up on an "unofficial fan site" Facebook page for the McCartney tour, winning the FB page links from a bunch of outlets citing it as the official tour site.

As it happens, it appears that "fan page" FB page is a front for a ticket brokerage and SEO company.

photo: Paul McCartney FB

Move Music Festival 2014

move music festival 2014 posterThe Move Music Festival is returning to Albany April 25 and 26. Wristbands for the multi-venue event are on sale now -- they're $10 ahead for a show that Friday, and $15 for all the venues on Saturday.

The thing that distinguishes the Move festival is that it brings together a ton of acts -- more than 100 this year -- at a bunch of venues -- more than 10 this year -- in the Lark Street area and downtown Albany.

The headliners this year are: Magic Man, The So-So Glos, Black Taxi, Sirsy, Mirk, and The Big Takeover. As mentioned, the entire lineup includes are a bunch acts, including many locals.

The festival also includes an industry event "for all performers to network and gain varied perspectives of the multi-faceted music industry." It includes a keynote talk and roundtable discussions with musicians and industry professionals.

Tulip Festival 2014 music lineup

mike doughty on couch

Update: Mike Doughy has been subbed in for MS MR.

Updated May 9

The schedule for this year's Tulip Festival is out. The music headliner this year is the indie pop duo MS MR. They've been replaced by Mike Doughty -- see update below.

A quick scan version of the music slates for both the main and local stages -- along with embedded videos of the acts -- is post jump. As usual, the lineup includes both national and local acts.

As you know, Tulip Fest includes a bunch of events, including the crowning of the new Tulip Queen. Here's the full event schedule.

Tulip Fest is May 10 and 11 this year.

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My Exit: Andrew Kreshik

Andrew Kreshik My Exit.jpg

Texas country singer Ray Wylie Hubbard with tonight's My Exit DJ Andrew Kreshik

Music makes a Monday morning more palatable. After the jump, you can check out the playlist of tonight's My Exit DJ, Andrew Kreshik. Every Monday WEXT lets guest DJs like Andrew program an hour of music from their own list of favorites. It's a fun way to discover music you didn't know about, or rediscover old gems.

Tonight, Andrew's diverse mix about relationships.

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Washington Ave Armory dance party court decision: It depends on what you mean by "auditorium"...

Washington Ave Armory by upstateNYer

The Washington Ave Armory. / photo: CC-BY-SA-3.0/Matt H. Wade at Wikipedia

A state appellate court today reversed a decision by the Albany Board of Zoning Appeals last year that prohibited the Washington Ave Armory from holding "rave"-type dance events.

A year ago the BZA ruled such events violated the Armory's zoning. That decision hinged on the definition of the word "auditoria," the category under which the Armory is classified. The BZA ruled that an auditorium includes fixed seats, and because these dance party events didn't have fixed seats for each person in the audience, they were not allowed. The BZA's ruling was upheld by a state Supreme Court in Albany County last May. (The issue had grown out of an October 2012 foam party event at the Armory at which Albany police say crowd members had gotten combative while waiting to enter the venue.) [TU 2013] [Justia] [AOA 2012]

Like that BZA decision, this new ruling from an appellate division of state Supreme Court also focuses on the term "auditorium" and its definition -- or, rather, definitions.

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The Hudson Project 2014

hudson project music festival 2014

New this year: The Hudson Project, a big music festival in Saugerties July 11-14. The venue is the property where Woodstock 94 was held.

The initial lineup was released today. Among the headliners: Kendrick Lamar, Bassnectar, Modest Mouse, and The Flaming Lips. The currently released lineup stretches to more than 60 acts. A few of the others: Matt & Kim, Excision, Dr. Dog, Cults, Holy Ghost.

Tickets for the festival go on sale this Friday -- they're $185 to start for 3-day admission, $215 with camping. There are also more expensive camping versions, including a $1658 "glamping" option. The prices go up as the festival approaches.

The promoters behind The Hudson Project are MCP Presents, which had been the promoters for Camp Bisco, which is not happening this year.

Saugerties is 45 miles south of Albany, near Woodstock.

Earlier on AOA: Mountain Jam 2014 lineup (it's June 5-8 this year)

My Exit: Alan Warde

WEXT Alan Warde.jpg My Exit is like asking someone what's on their iPod and having them play you an hour of their favorites. Each week WEXT lets one listener program an hour of music.

This week's focus is on classics of the 60s and 70s that still hold up today.

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The "Glamour" of that house

The video embedded above is for the song "Glamour" by locals The Lucky Jukebox Brigade. It's a good song, and the video has a twist at the end. Have a look.

You'll notice a bunch of local spots in the video. And also, there's that house. The seafoam green! The wallpaper! The kitchen! It's like waking up in the late 1950s.

Curious about the house, we emailed the band for the scoop. From The Lucky Jukebox Brigade's Deanna DeLuke:

The house is local! We are keeping the specific location private because it is a residential home, but I can tell you that the kitchen cabinets and counters are original from when the house was built in the early 1950s, and the hallway wallpaper (in the shot where they are walking down the stairs) is from the 1960s. The bedroom was updated maybe 10 years ago. It has been in the family since the 1950s, passed from one generation to the next, and they have taken excellent care of it to keep all the vintage pieces in such pristine condition!

"Glamour" is currently available as a single. The band is working an album, Familiar Fevers, for this summer.

The Lucky Jukebox Brigade is playing at The Low Beat this Friday, March 28. Local funk Oobleck is also on the bill. It should be a good time. Show's at 9 pm, it's $5.

My Exit: Mike Winn

Mike Winn My Exit.jpg

Tonight's My Exit DJ, Mike Winn

WEXT's My Exit show is a little like asking somebody, "What's on your iPod" and having them just play you some of their favorites. Each week a listener programs an hour of music from his or her personal playlist. You never know what you're going to discover, or rediscover.

This week, Mike Winn shares a playlist that runs from Johnny Thunder, to Neutral Milk Hotel, to Chad and Jeremy.

A little more about Mike and some songs from his playlist can be found after the jump.

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A string of concerts, house by house

sean rowe house show crowdSean Rowe has been playing a string of house shows over the last few months. And along the way the Troy-based musician been writing about them on a blog. A clip from one of the entries about two recent shows in Pennsylvania:

I think one of the big things that makes these house shows really stand out is just how oddly cool it is to show up at a near stranger's house and set up musical camp right there in the living room. It's like I'm some kind of a bearded salesman, going door to door but instead of vacuums I'm selling all these little feelings that come attached to songs. Friends...you're keeping me in business!

It's interesting to read about the people who've been booking these small shows, inviting him into their homes. (And sometimes they greet him with beer.)

In April Rowe is playing a venue just a bit bigger than a living room: The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. The April 12 show's a benefit for the Rensselaer Land Trust. Opener is MaryLeigh Roohan.

Yep, AOA is a media sponsor of the April 12 show.

Earlier on AOA:
+ A whole bunch of items about Sean Rowe
+ Hey there, MaryLeigh Roohan

photo from Sean Rowe House Concerts

Drawing: Sarah McLachlan at SPAC

sarah mclachlan closeup

Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!

Sarah McLachlan will be at SPAC July 16. Tickets go on sale this Saturday. But we have a pair of tickets -- and you could win them now.

Between the millions of records she sold, the Lillith Fair tour, and her spot on so many dorm room mix tapes, Sarah McLachlan was a big part of music in the 1990s. So, to enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:

What was your favorite thing about the 90s?

It could a person, a band, a movie, an event, an attitude, flannel, whatever. We'll draw one winner at random.

The Sarah McLachlan show at SPAC is a pavilion-only show -- no lawn seating. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, March 15 at 10 am. They're $40.50 and up.

Important: All comments must be submitted by 8 pm on Friday, March 14, 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 Monday, March 17 and must respond by noon on Tuesday, March 18.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo via Sarah McLachlan FB

Phish at SPAC 2014

phish spac 2009

Phish at SPAC a few years back. / photo: Flickr user hlkljgk (cc)

A sure sign of summer: Phish is headed back to SPAC for a multi-day run -- July 3, 4, and 5. Tickets go on sale March 28 at noon -- they're $45 (lawn) and $60 (pavilion).

March 28 is the public on-sale time. The band also has a pre-sale ticket request system. The deadline for entering that is March 23.

July 4 is a Friday this year, so the usual weekend run starts on a Thursday this time around.

Other pop acts announced for SPAC this summer so far...

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Second Modest Mouse show added at Brewery Ommegang

modest mouse on trees

After the near instant sell out of the May 24 Modest Mouse show at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, a second show has been added for May 23. Tickets go on sale this Friday (March 14) at 10 am -- they're $45 ahead.

The opener for the Friday, May 23 show is Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls. (They were in town for a show at Upstate Concert Hall last November.) The Saturday opener -- Brand New (which played a sold out show at UCH last fall) -- wasn't available, according to the show's promoter.

So, it should go without saying that if you're interested in getting tickets for this new show, you should prepare to buy them when they go on sale Friday. Tickets will be sold through the Dan Smalls Presents website and at Brewery Ommegang. May the ticket server odds be ever in your favor.

Beck at MASS MoCA

beck in turquoise

MASS MoCA announced today that Beck will be playing at the museum June 24. Tickets go on sale this Saturday (March 15) at noon -- price info hasn't been posted yet, but they'll only be available through the MASS MoCA box office and there's a six-ticket limit per order update: tickets are $50 ahead / $54 day of.

The MASS MoCA show is part of a Beck summer tour announced today. He recently released a new album, Morning Phase. It's gotten strong reviews. (It's been described as a "companion piece" to Sea Change.)

There aren't a lot of details posted about the MASS MoCA show, but it sounds like it will be outside ("rain or shine"). We're guessing this will sell out, and quickly. So if you're interested in going, don't wait.

photo via Beck FB

My Exit: Jen Janssen

JenJanssens My Exit.jpg

Tonight's My Exit DJ Jen Janssen

It's My Exit Monday on WEXT. It's the day a listener programs the station for an hour. Tonight's eclectic mix comes from Saratoga's Jen Jannsen and includes Sugarman, Radiohead, and Michael Stipe.

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Phantogram was on Letterman

Check it out: Phantogram was on the Late Show last night, performing "The Day You Died" off their new album, Voices. (And Saratoga Springs got a little shoutout from Letterman.)

It's Phantogram's second national TV appearance in less than a month -- they were on Jimmy Kimmel in February.

They're headed for a national tour in late March/April, then over to Europe in May.

Modest Mouse at Brewery Ommegang

modest mouse on trees

Presumably it will be the actual band, and not just tree trunks that look like them.

Updated March 7: The show sold out in less than an hour. The promoter says they're looking into adding a second show.
____
Concerts are returning to Brewery Ommegang again this summer. And the first one was announced today: Modest Mouse is playing at the brewery in Cooperstown May 24. Tickets* go on sale this Friday, March 7 -- they're $45 ahead / another $15/person for camping.

Modest Mouse joins the string of reasonably big names to play at the brewery over the last few summers, among them: Bon Iver, Cake, Death Cab for Cutie, Wilco. The opener for the Modest Mouse show is Brand New, which played a sold-out show at Upstate Concert Hall last fall.

The shows at Ommegang are in the field behind the brewery. On-site camping is available for extra fee.

*Tickets will be available via the concert promoter's website, and at Oliver's Beverage in Albany.

Earlier on AOA: Why Ommegang became a concert destination

Rodrigo y Gabriela at The Egg

rodrigo y gabriela

Coming to The Egg: Rodrigo y Gabriela on April 26. Tickets go on sale this Friday (March 7) -- they're $44.50 and up. (There's also a pre-sale.)

Rodrigo y Gabriela are a little bit hard to describe. Acoustic classic rock? Acoustic guitar metal? Influenced by bands such as Metallica, the Mexican duo first got noticed in Dublin, Ireland. They've since ended up touring all over the world, appearing on TV, with their music ending up in all sorts of other media. They're kind of mesmerizing to watch, seeing just two people get all that sound out of two acoustic guitars.

The show at The Egg is in the 982-seat Hart Theatre. The opener is folk singer/songwriter Bobby Long.

photo: Peter Neill

My Exit: Tom Favata

My Exit Tom Favata.jpgMy Exit Mondays are back on WEXT. Every Monday a listener gets to program an hour of music. It's a way to check out what's in someone else's collection, discover something new or rediscover something you'd forgotten.

Tonight's My Exit goes from rock and roll abandon to classic Chrissy Hynde, and includes a song the DJ once listened to 50 times in a row.

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Sarah McLachlan at SPAC

sarah mclachlan Announced today: Sarah McLachlan is lined up to play SPAC July 16. Tickets go on sale March 15 -- they're $40.50 and up.

It seems like a long time ago now (because it was), but McLachlan was one of the music industry's biggest figures during the late 90s because of her efforts to organize the Lilith Fair concert tours. And McLachlan herself sold millions of albums.

The tour that's stopping at SPAC is in support of a new album she has coming out in April.

By the way: You know those commercials McLachlan did for the ASPCA -- the ones that make you want to change the channel the second they come on because they're so sad? As of the end of 2008, they had raised more than $30 million for the animal org. (McLachlan parodied the ad in a car commercial during the Super Bowl this year.)

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo via Sarah McLachlan FB

Phantogram's new album is out, and they were back on TV

Phantogram's new album -- Voices -- is now out. And not only is the 11-track album the duo's first full album since 2010's Eyelid Movies, it's also the result of working of a big-time producer and a major record label.

phantogram voices album coverVoices also marks a new level of fame for the act that grew out of a barn near Saratoga. Among the many reviews that accompanied Tuesday's release:

+ The AV Club: "Phantogram's major-label debut, Voices, very deliberately feels like a band fulfilling its potential."

+ Paste: "Voices thrums with a shapeshifting wistfulness and defiance from its outset, scooping up our loneliness and tossing us headfirst into a sea of same-feeling, party-going revelers. ... Voices is one of the most exciting sad albums I've encountered in a while."

+ Pitchfork: "Since the release of that first album, the indie-pop/R&B crossover zone Phantogram inhabits has become considerably more crowded with mega-hyped breakout acts, and Voices responds accordingly to these higher stakes with a bolder, more assertive approach. But while its standout tracks are strong enough to ensure Phantogram maintains its current altitude, there are a lot of places to turn to for this sort of thing these days, and this album ultimately underwhelms next to the pure-pop punch of Haim, the cutting lyricism of Lorde, or the radiant grandeur of Chvrches."

And with the new album, comes more TV. Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel were back on Jimmy Kimmel Tuesday night. One of the songs they performed -- "Fall in Love" -- is embedded above. A second is embedded after the jump.

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Steve Martin (and his banjo) at The Palace

steve martin playing banjo

Mr. Martin, along with Edie Brickell and the Steep Canyon Rangers.

The Palace announced today that Steve Martin will be at the theater June 20 for "an evening of music and comedy" with the Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (February 21) -- they're $39.50.

Martin is pretty much your typical actor/comedian/author/banjo playing renaissance man. He and Edie Brickell recently won a Grammy for best American roots song (and were nominated for best Americana album). There's a clip of Martin and the gang post jump.

From the Palace event blurbage: "The concert will showcase new material performed by Martin and Brickell, including selections from their album 'Love Has Come for You' along with the unique hybrid of bluegrass and comedy that Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers have been delighting audiences with at their sold-out, critically acclaimed shows."

Martin was last at the Palace in 2011, but that was "A Conversation with Steve Martin" as opposed to "An Evening of Music and Comedy with Steve Martin and Other People."

By the way: The Palace's new digital projector will be up and running for a slate of movies March 1. [Biz Review]

screengrab: Steve Martin YouTube

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Marky Ramone at Skidmore

marky ramone logoHey, ho, let's go: Marky Ramone -- the drummer for the Ramones -- will be at Skidmore for a talk March 26. The event, sponsored by the Skidmore SEC and Skidmore Speaker's Bureau, is free and open to the public.

Marky Ramone is the lone living member of The Ramones longest running lineup. He's still playing music, hosting a show on SiriusXM radio, and... selling pasta sauce.

The event page doesn't exactly list what Ramone will be talking about, but we're guessing you could just wind him up and good stories will just fall out. After playing 1700some shows with The Ramones over the years, you gotta have one or two interesting tales to tell.

The Skidmore talk is at 7 pm in Palamountain Hall's Gannett Auditorium on March 26. It sounds like they're expecting a crowd because the talk will also be simulcast in Davis Auditorium.

[via the Idiots]

Joshua Bell to play with the Albany Symphony Orchestra again

joshua bell

Joshua Bell

The opening night for the 2014-2015 season of the Albany Symphony Orchestra will be September 6 at the Palace and it will feature acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell. Tickets are currently available as part of season subscription packages, some of which start at $149.

Bell is a renowned performer who's sold millions of albums. He plays a 300-year-old Stradivarius that he bought for almost $4 million. He was also the subject of a great Washington Post story a few years back in which he played incognito for commuters in a Washington Metro station. He previously appeared with the ASO back in 2011.

A handful of other bits about the ASO's upcoming season are after the jump. It's current season is still in progress -- it next performs Beethoven's Third Symphony at Troy Music Hall March 1.

Earlier on AOA: Grammy winners David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the little symphony that could

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Phantogram looks good in stripes

This is cool: Phantogram hooked up with designer Joshua Davis for some trippy, stripe-y visuals for their video for the song "Fall in Love." It's embedded above.

Davis is well known in the digital design world for his generative art work.

Anyway, there's a section about 2/3 of the way through the Phantogram video that's really great.

Phantogram's new album, Voices, is out next Tuesday, February 18. And, as mentioned, they'll be on Jimmy Kimmel that night.

A major label bidding war. Big Boi. Famous designers. TV.

It's not exactly a barn near Saratoga.

The Hold Steady at The Hollow

The Hold Steady 2014

And yet another concert announcement: The Hold Steady are set to play The Hollow April 11. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $20 ahead / $25 day of.

The indie rock band will be touring in support of their new album, Teeth Dreams, scheduled for a March release. Part of the tour includes double bills with Deer Tick, some sort of indie bar band convergence that was probably foretold in a sacred scroll. The Albany show is not one of those dates -- but Deer Tick will be at The Hollow March 7.

The Hollow holds about 300 for a show. We're guessing The Hold Steady show will sell out. So ticket sooner rather than later if you'd like to go.

photo via Washington Square Music

John Legend at Proctors

john legend

Concert announcement season continues: Singer/songwriter/musician John Legend is set to play Proctors May 16. Tickets go on sale this Monday (February 17) -- the price range is $25-$85.

The show "will feature Legend in an intimate and acoustic setting, highlighted by guitar/vocal accompaniment as well as a string quartet."

By the way: Legend has won 9 Grammys -- so many that they have their own Wikipedia entry.

photo via John Legend website

Diana Ross at The Palace

diana ross 2010

Yet another concert announcement: Diana Ross is set to play The Palace June 24. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (February 14) -- the price range is $45-$175. (The upper end is for the "Gold Circle," which we can only guess is actually made of gold.)

Ross is, of course, one of the most famous and popular singers of American pop music ever, and an influence on a huge range of artists. It sounds like the Palace show will be her singing the hits -- of which there were many, both with The Supremes and solo.

photo via Diana Ross FB

Bruce Springsteen at the TU Center

bruce springsteen 2014 jeans jacket

Announced this morning: Bruce Springsteen is set to play the TU Center May 13. Tickets go on sale this Friday (February 14) -- the price range is $38-$121.

The show in Albany will be with the E Street Band, as you'd probably expect. Springsteen has been touring in support of his new album, High Hopes.

The Boss last played Albany in 2012 at the TU Center.

By the way: This is shaping up to be a year of big-name concerts at the arena. Among the shows this year: Kanye West (February 19), Justine Justin Timberlake (July 16), and Bruno Mars (July 20).

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo via Bruce Springsteen FB

Hey there, Dashira Cortes

Caroline or Change The Moon Dashira Cortes

Dashira Cortes as The Moon in Caroline or Change, opening this weekend at SLOC.

Dashira Cortes was 10 years old when she auditioned for Winnie the Pooh and won the part of Christopher Robin's favorite bear. That was the first time other people really began to recognize she could sing. Since then this Albany High School graduate has worked with Park Playhouse, played Dorothy and Aida, and even shared an Off-Broadway stage with Jeremy Irons, whom she refers to as "the voice of Scar."

This weekend Cortes plays The Moon in the regional premiere of Tony Kushner's musical Caroline or Change at Schenectady Light Opera Company.

Cortes took a few minutes to talk with AOA about Caroline, how her alma mater Albany High School often appears in the media, and a move toward more diversity in Capital Region theater.

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Grammy winners David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the little symphony that could

David Alan Miller.jpg

David Alan Miller conducts the Albany Symphony Orchestra

The recent Grammy win for the Albany Symphony Orchestra and conductor David Alan Miller -- in the best classical instrument solo category for a recording with percussionist Evelyn Glennie -- is even cooler when you take a look at the competition.

"We were up against the New York Philharmonic and major international orchestras," says Miller. "So we play in this big, fabulous, international sandbox and we are a little like the little engine that could."

The ASO's musical director and conductor also points out the company the orchestra was in at appearances at Carnegie Hall over the last few years. "The New York Times did an article about the Carnegie festival the ASO participated in a few years ago -- most of the six orchestras involved had annual budgets of $16 million to $25 million," Miller says, "Ours is about $2 million."

How is an Upstate New York orchestra with such a small budget getting this kind of recognition? Miller thinks it comes in part from a rare combination of classics and a dedication to new American compositions.

We talked with Miller this week about the ASO's Grammy win, its "secret" garage band project, and why you shouldn't talk to him about "classical" music.

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The last night at Valentine's

Valentines exterior 2013 July

The time had to arrive eventually, and now it's here: The last night at Valentine's is this Saturday, February 8.

The two acts booked for the occasion: Sgt Dunbar & The Hobo Banned and The Parlor. Show starts at 9 pm in the ancient little city of Albany.

As you know, the music club on New Scotland Ave is closing because its block is set to be cleared -- literally -- for the Park South redevelopment. Howard Glassman and the crew will be setting up at a new spot at 335 Central Ave in Albany, with a name: The Low Beat.

Ingrid Michaelson at Upstate Concert Hall

ingrid michaelson wallpaper

Singer/songwriter/glasses wearer Ingrid Michaelson is set to play a show at Upstate Concert Hall May 27. Tickets go on sale this Saturday (February 8) -- they're $25 ahead / $28 day of.

Michaelson's an interesting case in part because her rise from small-show indie to the upper end of the Billboard and iTunes chart has been aided by her songs popping up in a bunch of TV shows, films, and commercials. How modern.

The openers for the UCH show are Storyman, along with Sugar and the Hi Lows. The last time Michaelson was in town -- at The Egg in May 2012 -- the show sold out.

A few other recent concert bits:

+ Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band is scheduled for The Palace June 10. Tickets start at $62 and, according to Ticketmaster, there are "not many left."

+ James Taylor is playing a show at SPAC July 19. Tickets go on sale March 10. Prices haven't been announced, yet.

+ The Goo Goo Dolls are set to play a "Story Tellers" format show at The Egg April 9. (Odds Johnny Johnny Rzeznik talks about Paul Westerberg? Pretty good.) Tickets are $59.50 and on sale February 14.

+ That Bastille show at UCH June 2 is sold out.

photo via Ingrid Michaelson website

Hey there, DJ Trumastr

dj trumastr Truemaster Trimingham

DJ Trumastr

Truemaster Trimingham -- AKA, DJ Trumastr -- is one of the best DJs, if not the best DJ, in the Capital Region. And one of his annual events -- Beat*Shot Spins for J Dilla, now in its sixth year -- is back this weekend at The Hollow in Albany.

We talked with Trumastr this week about his name, making it as a full-time DJ, the influence of J Dilla, something he'd like to see changed about this area, and... whales.

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Pete Seeger at SPAC for Farm Aid in 2013

As you've probably heard, Pete Seeger died yesterday. The folk music icon was a Hudson Valley resident, and he spent much of his life as an activist for cleaning up and preserving the Hudson River. A lot of people in this area have memories of Seeger via his many appearances, either seeing him perform or meeting him in person (or both). And he was a frequent presence on WAMC, the regional public radio network.

In a comment earlier today, Tim pointed out this video of Seeger performing at Farm Aid at SPAC last year -- at the age of 94. It includes some nice moments, so we thought we'd post it. Part one, in which he performs "If I Had a Hammer," is above. Part two -- a performance of "This Land is Your Land" with John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews and Neil Young -- is after the jump. Also there: a clip of Seeger performing almost six decades ago.

(Thanks, Tim)

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Jack Johnson, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at SPAC

jack johnson with guitar

Jack Johnson

Announced today: Jack Johnson is set to play a show at SPAC May 24. And with an opener that will draw a fair amount of people: Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros. Tickets go on sale this Friday (January 31) -- $34.50 (lawn) and $64.50 (pavilion).

Jack Johnson has ridden the wave of gentle folk/acoustic/surf pop to wide popularity over the last decade. He played at SPAC last year as part of the sold-out Farm Aid.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros don't actually include a person named Edward Sharpe. Rather the indie folk rock group is centered around singer Alex Ebert and revolving cast of players. You know their song "Home" ("Alabama, Arkansas /
I do love my Ma and Pa / Not the way that I do love you...) -- it's played been everywhere.

The May 24 show at SPAC is on a Saturday, which happens to be Memorial Day weekend.

Earlier on AOA: Dave Matthews Band back at SPAC for 2014

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo via Jack Johnson FB

Neko Case at The Egg

neko case 2014

Singer/songwriter Neko Case is set to play a show at The Egg May 7. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (January 31) -- they're $35. (They're already on sale to members of The Egg.)

Case's music is somewhere in the vicinity of the intersection of indie rock, alt-country, and folk rock -- both in her solo work and with The New Pornographers. Her most recent album -- The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You (review) -- was nominated for best alternative music album at the Grammys.

She has a tremendous voice. Among the phrases used to describe it:

+ "so powerful, nuanced and pure"
+ "astonishing, siren-like"
+ "uniquely clear and powerful"
+ it "usually stops people in their tracks"
+ "Neko Case has a cold, so her range & power last night were downgraded from 'Intergalactic Sonic Anomaly' to 'Eschaton-Announcing Messenger.'"

Case will be performing in The Egg's 982-seat Hart Theater.

photo: Emily Shur

A Grammy for the Albany Symphony Orchestra

ASO grammy winning recordingThis is great: The Albany Symphony Orchestra won a Grammy Sunday.

The ASO's victory was in the best classical instrument solo category for its recording of "Conjurer," a percussion concerto by American composer John Corigliano. The ASO performed the piece with Evelyn Glennie, a renowned Scottie percussionist, with David Alan Miller conducting.

You can hear a 45 second clip of the music at this YouTube video -- the ASO recording starts at the 2:15 mark.

It's the ASO's first Grammy. It topped a field that included the New York Philharmonic.

Glennie is scheduled to perform with the ASO again on May 17 at EMPAC as part of the he annual American Musical Festival. Tickets for that performance are "almost gone," according to the ASO's website.

Duncan Sheik at the Zankel Center

duncan sheik

Singer/songwriter/composer Duncan Sheik is set to play a show at Skidmore's Zankel Center June 13. The event is part of the 2014 Saratoga Arts Fest (June 11-15). Tickets for the show are now on sale -- they're $50, or $25 if you have a Saratoga Arts Fest ArtsPass. The festival passes are themselves currently available, and on sale for $35 through the end of January.

For some people, the mention of Sheik's name will trigger the memory of a 1990s hit song. But for a growing number of others (though it's not necessarily mutually exclusive), Sheik is known as the composer of the music for the hit Broadway musical Spring Awakening, which won a bunch of Tonys (including two for Sheik).

More recently, Sheik wrote the music and lyrics for an on-stage musical adaptation of American Psycho -- it's currently running in London.

The Zankel show on June 14 is being billed as "An Evening with Duncan Sheik."

photo via Duncan Sheik website

Mountain Jam 2014 lineup

mountain jam 2014 logoThe annual Mountain Jam music festival at Hunter Mountain announced its "intial" lineup today for the 2014 festival. Headliners include: Bob Weir & Ratdog, Gov't Mule, Pretty Lights, The Avett Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Damian Marley, and Jeff Tweedy. Another headliner it still TBA.

Mountain Jam is June 5-8 this year. Tickets on sale this Thursday (January 16). The early bird price for a three-day (non-camping) pass is currently $179.

Hunter Mountain is in Hunter, New York, in the northern Catskills. It's a little more than an hour drive from Albany.

The full lineup (announced so far) is post jump. (It includes Sean Rowe.)

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Bruno Mars at the TU Center

bruno mars

Pop star Bruno Mars is set to play a show at the TU Center July 20. Tickets go on sale February 3 -- they're $43 and up.

Mars is one of the biggest pop acts currently in circulation. His most recent album hit #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. He's had five #1 singles. He pulled off the rare host-and-perform on SNL. He's nominated for song of the year and record of the year at this year's Grammys. And he's playing the Super Bowl halftime show this year.

The opener for the July 20 show at the TU Center is Aloe Blacc.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: Kai Z Feng via Bruno Mars website

Dave Matthews Band back at SPAC for 2014

Thumbnail image for dave matthews band bw 2012

Continuing its annual tradition, the Dave Matthews Band will be back at SPAC this summer for two shows: May 30 and 31. Tickets go on sale February 7 at 10 am -- they're $40.50 (lawn) and $75 (pavilion).

This year's shows are being billed as "A Very Special Evening with Dave Matthews Band." Tour blurbage:

"A Very Special Evening with Dave Matthews Band" will feature the group delivering two sets per evening, performing songs from throughout its career. Dave Matthews Band will wind through numerous configurations - from electric to acoustic, from full-throttle numbers featuring the entire band to more intimate moments featuring small groups of band members - including a stripped-down pairing of Matthews with guitarist Tim Reynolds, performing as an acoustic duo, as they occasionally do when the band is off the road. A variety of guests will join the band throughout the summer.

As in previous years, there's also a ticket pre-sale involving the band's fan club.

Other non-classical acts announced for SPAC so far: Journey and Steve Miller Band (June 14), Fall out Boy and Paramore (June 24), Chicago & REO Speedwagon (August 19).

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: Danny Clinch

Deer Tick, Bastille to swing through

bastille band

Bastille is an English band (go figure).

A few bits of concert news from today that might interest you:

Deer Tick
Indie band Deer Tick will be making another stop in the area at The Hollow in downtown Albany March 7. Opener is Toy Soldiers. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $18 ahead / $20 day of.

Deer Tick has played this area a bunch of times over the past few years. They seem to have a lot of fans here. (The Hollow holds about 300.)

Bastille
Alterna/synth rock band Bastille is set to a play a show at Upstate Concert Hall June 2. Opener is Wolf Gang. Tickets go on sale this Saturday (January 18) -- they're $20.

Bastille's song "Pompeii" has been played everywhere over the last -- including about a zillion plays on YouTube. They were just nominated for a bunch of awards in the British equivalent of Grammys. And they're set to play SNL January 25.

Ed Kowalczyk
Ed Kowalczyk -- you know, the guy from the band Live -- is lined up for a show at The Egg March 20 (Swyer Theater). Tickets go on on sale this Friday (January 17) -- they're $35.

Kowalczyk's show is being billed as "'I Alone' Acoustic," a play off the once-huge Live song and, um, probably the fact that he's playing an acoustic show.

Speaking of guys with acoustic guitars who sound like they're from the 90s... The Band of Horses show at The Egg February 23 is sold out.

Earlier on AOA: Capital Region concert venues, by size

photo via Virgin Records

Kanye West at the TU Center

kanye west

Just announced: Kanye West will play a show at the Times Union Center February 19. Tickets go on sale this Friday (January 10) at 10 am -- they're $49.50 and up.

The Albany stop is part of two-week tour through the Northeast, an extension of his tour for Yeezus. It's a solo tour.

There's a strong argument to be made that West is the biggest figure in pop culture now (it's gotta be him or Beyonce) -- because of his music, his public persona, his relationship. It's not every day/every year/every decade someone like that makes a stop in the Capital Region.

photo via Kanye West FB

"She Loves You -- The Beatles and New York"

fab faux smallThe Egg and musicologist Gordon Thompson are teaming up for a week of events in February to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' arrival in New York. Event blurbage (link added):

The festivities begin with eight multi-media lectures held in various venues around the Capital Region. Led by musicologist and Beatles scholar Gordon Thompson, the program, entitled "She Loves You - The Beatles and New York" will explore the impact of the British invasion on New York, led by The Beatles in February 1964, their historic concert at Shea Stadium, John Lennon's NYC connection and discuss how their music continues to be an inspiration to composers and performing artists today. ...
The celebration culminates with two performances at The Egg, beginning with "All You Need is Love", a Valentine's Day Concert of Beatles love songs performed by a number of regional artists. "This concert will demonstrate how the Beatles' music has been an important part of generations of New York performing artists, whether they are rock, jazz or folk musicians, said Peter Lesser, The Egg's executive director.

The schedule for the eight multimedia lectures is after the jump. And that concert at The Egg -- "All You Need is Love" on February 14 -- is free, though you'll need a ticket.

The week of Beatlemania concludes with a show by The Fab Faux, a Beatles tribute act, at The Egg February 15. Tickets for that start at $35.

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Favorite shows of 2013

Thumbnail image for Valentines_exterior_2013-July.jpg

The soon-to-relocate Valentine's makes repeated appearances in this year's favorite shows lists.

With the end of the year coming up, we thought it'd be fun to ask a bunch of people about some of their favorite/most interesting things from the 2013.

Today, a group of musicians, actors, and arts writers look back at some of their favorite Capital Region shows of the year.

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Phantogram. And a guy with an owl.

phantogram black out days video still

Hey, look, there's a new video for Phantogram's "Black Out Days." (After posting this we figured out the embedded video, now posted after the jump, won't work until tomorrow -- you can watch over at Filter in the meantime.) The guy wearing a blazer and an owl was a nice touch.

The song is off the 4-song EP they released earlier this year, which Paste tagged as the top EP of the year.

Phantogram has a full-length album lined up for February 18 called Voices -- it'll be released on a "major" label, Republic (part of Universal). We're guessing the odds of them popping up on TV again around the release of the album are pretty good.

Up, up, up.

Because... why not: Here's a piano and string version of "Black Out Days" that someone posted on YouTube.

Earlier on AOA: Phantogram on Jimmy Fallon (video)

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Band of Horses at The Egg

band of horses bw 2013

As it happens, the band includes no actual horses.

Alt/indie rock group Band of Horses is set to play a show at The Egg February 23, according to the band's tour page. Tickets go on sale Monday, December 9 -- they're $37.25 (that includes fees).

Band of Horses emerged from the ashes a previous band around the middle of the last decade with the album Everything All the Time. That album included the song "The Funeral," which you've probably heard even if you don't think you've heard it -- in addition to regular air play, the song's been featured in a ton of other media.

The Band of Horses show is in The Egg's 982-seat Hart Theater. It's being billed as an acoustic show. Also that night: The Wood Brothers in the adjacent Swyer Theater.

photo via Band of Horses website

My Exit: Josh Alexander

My Exit Joshua Alexander.jpg

Tonight's My Exit DJ, Josh Alexander

It's Monday, My Exit day in New York's Capital Region -- the day when a listener gets to program an hour of music from the favorites list on their own ipod.

Tonight, Josh Alexander takes time out from teaching philosophy and dancing in his living room to bring us a playlist that includes The Stones, Modest Mouse and Helvetia.

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My Exit: Joanne Stazio-Silverman & Rosemary Armao

My Exit Rosemary & Joanne.jpgSometimes, when you're feeling the futility and sadness of a cold November Monday, the thing to do, rather than fight it, is to just go with it. Put on some sad songs and an oversized sweater, make a cup of tea, and brood a little, the way Northeasterners are occasionally meant to do in late autumn.

If that's what you're up for, tonight's My Exit can help. DJs Joanne Stazio-Silverman and Rosemary Armao have picked a playlist of songs to help you immerse yourself in that sense of longing -- from Townes Van Zandt to The Rolling Stones.

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Hey there, MaryLeigh Roohan

MaryLeigh Roohan 2013

Saratoga Springs singer/songwriter MaryLeigh Roohan has a new album out. It's good! Skin and Bone swings from big and bold to quiet and introspective. And to celebrate the album she's headlining a show at The Linda this Saturday.

We met up with Roohan this week to talk about Dan Auerbach, breakup songs (and let's get together songs), Scotland, and thunderstorms...

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My Exit: Dianne Reagan

My Exit D reagan.jpgMonday is My Exit day on WEXT -- the day on which one listener gets to share their playlist.

Tonight, Dianne Reagan shares what she's found in a constant search for something new, even in something old.

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Justin Timberlake at the TU Center

justin timberlake

Announced today: Justin Timberlake will be playing a concert at the TU Center July 16, 2014. Tickets go on sale next Monday (November 18) at 10 am -- they're $48 and up.

Back in the late 1990s if you had predicted that Justin Timberlake -- the guy from 'N Sync with the frosted tips who broke up with Britney Spears -- would end up being a hugely successful solo musical act and actor in 2013, it would have seemed unlikely. The trajectory post-boy band rarely takes such a successful direction. Yet here he is. And Timberlake has even ended up with a public persona that's kinda funny and likable.

photo via Justin Timberlake FB page

My Exit: Andrew Kreshik

My Exit- Andrew Kreshik.jpg Monday is My Exit day on WEXT -- the day on which one listener gets to share their playlist.

Tonight -- a trip to the musical buffet with DJ Andrew Kreshik.

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Musical instrument repair?

saxophone closeupChuckD emails:

I'm the owner of a nice, but well-used alto saxophone that's in need of some professional TLC. Is there anyone in the area who I could entrust this to? Big bonus points for fast turnaround!

Got a suggestion for a place where Chuck's saxophone can get a tune up? Please share!

photo: Flickr user wakalani (cc)

Shows coming up, winter 2013-2014

shows coming up winter 2013-2014 composite

Clockwise from the left: Phantogram, Trombone Shorty, Sean Rowe, Sleigh Bells.

There are people who like to go to concerts. You may be one of these people.

There are also people who just like to know that there are concerts. You might be one of those people if you're not the other kind of person.

Either way, you will be interested to know that these concerts will be happening in the Capital Region. And during the next few months.

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My Exit: Tim McDonough

My Exit Tim McDonough.jpg

Monday is My Exit Day in the Capital Region -- the day when WEXT invites a listener to program an hour of music with their favorite tunes. Tonight's show mixes Neko Case, Bob Dylan, new music from Barrence Whitfield & the Savages, and an old song about David Cassidy.

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My Exit: Alan Warde

My Exit Alan Warde.jpgThis week, My Exit comes a few hours early. WEXT will broadcast an Arcade Fire concert from 10-11:30 pm Monday, so My Exit -- in which listeners share some of their favorite music, starts at 9 pm tonight.

This week's DJ, Alan Warde, has a playlist that includes The Boss, The Lustre Kings, and Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen.

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My Exit: Mark DiMartino

Mark DiMartino.jpgEvery Monday WEXT gives us a chance to check out the songs on someone else's iPod with My Exit -- the show where a listener gets to program an hour of their favorite music.

Today's My Exit DJ is Mark DiMartino, and his collection includes The Beatles, Neil Young, and Richard Thompson.

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My Exit: Herb Carter

Thumbnail image for HerbRideForTheMind.jpgIt's Monday -- My Exit day on WEXT. For one hour every week listeners get to be the DJ and share the music they like with the WEXT audience.

This week: southern rock, Neil Young and some originals by this week's DJ, Herb Carter.

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Phantogram on Jimmy Fallon (video)

The clip from Phantogram's appearance on Jimmy Fallon Friday night is embedded above. They played "Black Out Days" from the new EP.

Announced last week: Phantogram will be playing a show at Upstate Concert Hall December 7. Tickets are now on sale -- they're $10.27 (for the first 102 tickets sold online through Ticketmaster) / $18 ahead / $20 day of. (As mentioned.)

My Exit: Dave and Bill

my exit dave and bill

Bill on the left, Dave on the right.

Monday is My Exit day on WEXT -- the day when listeners get to program their own hour of music. It's a fun way to get a look at what's in someone else's collection, discover new music you didn't know about or even something old you liked but haven't heard in a while.

Tonight's DJs -- Dave and Bill -- dip into Motown, classic rock, jazz, and Zappa's take on Maurice Ravel.

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Phantogram at Upstate Concert Hall

phantogram 2011-11

Just announced: Phantogram will be back in town to play at the Upstate Concert Hall December 7. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 4 at 10 am. The first 102 tickets will be $10.27 thanks to EQX -- otherwise, they're $18 ahead / $20 day of. (Update: The $10.27 tickets are only available online via Ticketmaster.)

As you well know, this will be a homecoming show for Phantogram, originally from the Saratoga area. Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel are on a headlining tour to support a new four-song EP out today -- and an album that will apparently arrive sometime later on. Two tracks off the EP are embedded after the jump.

We're guessing this is the start of another rise in Phantogram's profile. They'll be on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon this Thursday night. They recently scored their first national magazine cover. Since their last EP, in 2011, they've been recording with Big Boi, and doing weird stuff with the Flaming Lips. And their music also keeps popping up in commercials.

photo: Doron Gild

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My Exit: Zan & Ben

my exit zan ben

Zan and Ben

This week, WEXT has two listener DJs on My Exit, and the music takes us from French Cartoons to sitars to Aretha Franklin.

After the jump, more about DJs Zan and Ben and their upcoming show.

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Jeremy Denk at Union College

pianist jeremy denk

Pianist -- and newly tabbed MacArthur "genius" -- Jeremy Denk is scheduled to play at Union's Memorial Chapel October 4. Tickets are $25 / $10 students and on sale now.

Blurbage for the Union concert:

Denk offers an innovative program connecting classical works with those influenced by jazz. In between classical works: Mozart's Sonata in F Major, K. 533/494, Schumann's Waldszenen, Op. 82, and Beethoven's "Waldstein" Sonata, Op. 53, Denk will perform a new work written for him by jazz pianist Brad Mehldau along with a series of rags by Bolcom, Hindemith, Stravinsky and others.

As mentioned above, Denk was also one of the new MacArthur Fellows announced this week. From the foundation's profile of him:

Jeremy Denk is a concert pianist enlivening the musical experience for amateurs and aficionados alike through his eloquence with notes and words. As a soloist and in concerti and chamber ensembles, Denk masterfully performs some of the most technically demanding works of iconic masters--Bach, Beethoven, Chopin--as well as compositions of storied twentieth-century artists--Ives and Ligeti--with virtuosic dexterity and imagination. Noted for his unexpected pairings of pieces in recital programs and recordings, he often draws out surprising themes and continuities between historically and stylistically disparate works. His live and recorded duets with violinist Joshua Bell, a longstanding tradition, are critically acclaimed and lauded for their extraordinary balance and original interpretation.

The foundation also praised his (occasionally updated) blog -- Think Denk -- and his writing for outlets such as The New Yorker.

This won't be Denk's first time through here. He played at both Union and Skidmore a few times over the last couple of years.

Another "genius": Mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile -- was a MacArthur fellow last year -- is playing at the Massry Center at St. Rose October 27.

Sean Rowe at Helsinki Hudson / Phantogram on Jimmy Fallon again

Thumbnail image for sean rowe hat bw Announced today: Sean Rowe is playing Helsinki Hudson November 16. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $15 ahead / $18 at the door. It's a 21 and over show.

Rowe is also set to play a show at the Troy Musical Hall next April 12 (as mentioned). Tickets for that show are also currently on sale.

Because Rowe is 1) really good and 2) from the area, his recent shows in the Capital Region have had a big and/or full crowds. If you're thinking about going to either show, getting tickets sooner rather than later is a good idea.

Phantogram

With a new album coming out soon (?), it looks like Phantogram is scheduled to appear on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon October 3. The show has a "band bench" drawing for the appearance -- winners get "the exclusive chance to come down to the studio floor and surround the musical guest during their performance." The entry details are at that link. Phantogram also played on Jimmy Fallon back in 2011. [via @SaratogaIdiots]

Oh, and they played the Hollywood Bowl last night with M83.

photo: Marius Bugge

My Exit: Vincent Lane

My Exit Vincent Lane

Monday is My Exit day at WEXT -- when one listener programs an hour of their favorite music. We like it because it gives us an inside look into someone else's playlist -- and what they get from certain songs or artists. Sometimes you discover something new, or find an old favorite you haven't heard in a while.

How eclectic is tonight's show? Well -- it runs the gamut from Dionne Warwick to Led Zeppelin.

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A Break in the Weather

Locals The Charlie Watts Riots have a new album out this week, A Break in the Weather. The first song from the album is embedded above. It's power pop-y.

CWR collaborated with veteran producer Nick Raskulinecz in Nashville on the final version of the album. Raskulinecz has worked with a bunch of notable acts, including the Foo Fighters.

There there are two opportunities to catch Charlie Watts Riots this weekend: At LarkFest on the Washington Stage around 3 pm. And then later in the day at Valentine's for an album release show. That show also includes Juston Stens (formerly of Dr. Dog) and John Powhida International Airport.

Drawing: Elvis Costello at Troy Music Hall

elvis costello

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

My Exit: Darren Shupe

My Exit Darren Shupe.jpg

Tonight's My Exit DJ, Darren Shupe

It's Monday -- time to check out a new My Exit play list. Tonight and every Monday, WEXT gives a listener a shot at picking the music. It's a chance to check out what's in someone else's collection and either find some of your own favorites, or discover something new.

This week, you might do both. DJ Darren Shupe pulls an eclectic playlist from his youth that includes Motown songwriters, psychedelic rock, and some seldom-played French progressive.

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New Phantogram song

Check it out: Phantogram released a new song today at Pitchfork. It's called "Black Out Days." It sounds like Phantogram. Or, as Pitchfork put it, "it's the Phantogram you still know and love."

Phantogram has a new album coming up, presumably sometime before the end of the year. They set out on a national tour soon (closest date: NYC, December 5). And they scored their first national magazine cover this month.

The album will be the first full length or EP since 2011 for the duo from the Saratoga Springs area. Of course, in the interim they've been recording with Big Boi, doing weird stuff with the Flaming Lips, and touring. It's a long way from the barn in Easton.

My Exit: Case Fell

My Exit Case Fell.jpg

Tonight's My Exit DJ, Case Fell

Monday is My Exit Day in the Capital Region -- the day WEXT gives a listener an hour to program their favorite music.

This week, Case Fell brings us a Texas-style slate of high-quality songwriting.

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Cover people

filter mag 2013-September PhantogramYou might recognize the people on the front cover of the upcoming issue of Filter magazine: it's Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel from Phantogram.

According to the blurbage for the issue, it's Phantogram's first national magazine cover (and we can't think of another one). Earlier this summer the mag stopped by the studio in LA where Josh and Sarah were mixing their upcoming album, presumably for a feature in this issue. It's on the newsstands September 13.

That new album is set to arrive sometime this fall. And the group will be on the road touring -- the closest date to the Capital Region is December 4 in New York City at Terminal 5.

The album will be the first full length or EP since 2011 for the duo from the Saratoga Springs area. Of course, in the interim they've been recording with Big Boi, doing weird stuff with the Flaming Lips, and touring. So, they've been busy.

Win weekend passes to RestFest 2013

Rest fest 2013 poster.jpgThe fourth annual Rest Fest is coming up this weekend, September 6-7. This year the festival will be held in a new venue -- the Contemporary Artists Center at Woodside in Troy. The headliner is Philadelphia-based indie band Man Man. Among the other bands in the lineup: Bear Grass, The Parlor, Sgt Dunbar and the Hobo Banned, Swamp Baby, Barons in the Attic, The North & South Dakotas and Tor and the Fjords.

We have a pair of passes good for the whole weekend of music, and they could be yours. Enter the drawing by answering the following question in the comment section of this post:

Rest Fest is filled with lots of great music by bands with some really fun names. If you had a band -- what would you name it?

Come on -- you know you've thought about it.

We'll draw one winner at random.

Important: All comments must be submitted by noon on Wednesday, September 4th 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 -- seriously, if you win, we want to give you the tickets) with your comment. The winners will be notified via email by 10pm on Wednesday September 4 and must respond by noon on Thursday September 5.

AOA has been a media sponsor of Rest Fest.

My Exit: Chris Grill

Chris Grill My Exit.jpgHappy Labor Day.

WEXT is airing its weekly My Exit show tonight -- where a listener picks an hour of music. It's a great way to get a look at what's on someone else's iPod, and maybe discover some music you hadn't heard before.

Tonight's show includes Barenaked Ladies, Randy Newman and Andrew Bird, among others.

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My Exit: Bobby Z.

Bobby Z. My Exit.jpgMonday is my Exit Day in the Capital Region -- the day when listeners pick an hour of music on WEXT. It's a great way to get a listen to what's on someone else's iPod, hear old favorites or discover something you've never heard before.

Tonight -- the return of Bobby Z.

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Sean Rowe at Troy Music Hall

sean rowe hat bw

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

Rest Fest 2013 lineup

Man Man band

Man Man

The full lineup for this year's Restoration Festival is now out -- a lot of local acts will be joining already-announced headliner Man Man. Lineups post jump.

The Restoration Festival is September 6 and 7 this year. And for the first time, it will be at the Contemporary Artists Center at Woodside in Troy. Two-day tickets are currently $32.50 -- Friday-only is $15, and Saturday-only is $27.50.

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My Exit: Cooper Nelson

My Exit --Cooper Nelso.jpgMy Exit -- in which a listener picks an hour of tunes on 97.7 -- is back.

Today's My Exit is an eclectic mix from Cooper Nelson, runs the gamut from Tom Waits to Devo.


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My Exit: Laura M.

Laura's My Exit photo.jpg Hey kids, look -- Monday's back! Now with more music.

Tonight, WEXT presents an all-new My Exit, in which a listener picks the tunes. This week: Oh, Canada!

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Elvis Costello at Troy Music Hall

elvis costello

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

My Exit: Mark G.

Mark G my exit.jpgIt's Monday. Time for another My Exit on WEXT -- where, once a week, a listener picks the music.

This week, Mark G. takes us back to the Buffalo music scene of the early 80s.

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My Exit: Dave Schoch & Claudia Gregoire

My Exit Dave and Claudia.jpgWelcome to Monday!

Let's start off the week with some music. This week the folks at WEXT have a new My Exit.
Guest DJs Dave and Claudia share a playlist of obscure covers about everything from love to summer to ... dead skunks.


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The Scoop

For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.

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