Show Detective – Weekend Shows – Fri, May 19th – Sun, May 21st

Friday, May 19^th

Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan and Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, Troy Music Hall, Troy, 7:30pm

Shahid Parvez Khan is widely recognized as one of the greatest sitar players of the world.  The recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the  Government of India’s Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Academy Award,  Shahid Parvez Khan regularly tours across India, Europe, North America,  Asia and Australia, enthralling audiences everywhere.

Shahid Parvez’s music is both novel and evolving.  His unique tone and astute artistic sense have become his hallmark as a respected performer and composer.  The power of his music emanates from the highly charged sound he conjures on stage.  He emphasizes the unique capabilities of this sitar itself while  drawing upon numerous musical influences easily recognizable to a  knowing ear.  He has achieved success in not only preserving tradition, but  also pushing its boundaries to even greater heights of aesthetic beauty.

Among the many accolades and awards Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi has earned in her journey as a musician, there is one she holds close to her heart – a compliment from Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, who was the guest of honour at her performance at the Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego, United States, in 2015. Following her performance, Panditji offered his blessings, took her hands into his own, and said “You have your father’s fingers. Your music has touched my soul.”

Anubrata Chatterjee is an eminent Indian tabla player of the Farukhabad gharana of Hindustani classical music. He is the son of world-renowned tabla maestro, Pt. Anindo Chatterjee.

Patri Satish Kumar is an Indian Carnatic musician and composer, who is an exponent of the Mridangam, an Indian percussion instrument. He has been conferred with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademy award by the Government of India in the year 2020.

BOOBS! A Musical Comedy with Erica von Kleist, The Linda, Albany, 8pm-10pm

BOOBS is a hilarious 90-minute musical comedy show featuring all original songs and material by Grammy-nominee and Juilliard grad Erica von Kleist. Described as the musical lovechild of Amy Schumer and Tim Minchin, BOOBS is sung and performed by Erica on piano, sax and ukulele. Covering everything from menstruation to mansplaining, nipples to breast reductions, the show is an escapade of estrogen that leaves audiences in stitches.

Rated R (for Reaalllllly funny with adult themes)

Contains mature content

Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees, The Egg, Albany, 7:30pm

Part of the Guest Music Presentations Series

Trevor Noah: Off the Record, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, 8pm

Trevor Noah is one of the most successful comedians in the world and was the host of the Emmy® Award-winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central for seven years. Under Trevor, “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” broke free from the restraints of a 30-minute linear show, producing engaging social content, award-winning digital series, podcasts and more for its global audience.  Last year, “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” landed a record number of seven Emmy Award nominations.

The Taylor Party: Taylor Swift Night, Empire Live, Albany, 9pm

RESIST: May 2023 with DJ Daemon Chadeau, Fuze Box, Albany, 9pm-3am

Strap in for an evening of throwing down in the dark to a diverse selection of dark dance music brewed from the finest industrial, ebm, darkwave, dark pop, electro, hip hop, rhythmic/tribal/power noise and modern goth ⚙️

DJ Daemon Chadeau (Seattle, WA) invades the Fuze this month as part of his East Coast tour!

The Hawthornes, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm-11pm

The Hawthornes play classic and contemporary music through the decades.

Donna the Buffalo, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm

Donna The Buffalo is not just a band, rather one might say that Donna The Buffalo has become a lifestyle for its members and audiences. Since 1989, the roots rockers have played thousands of shows and countless festivals including Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, Telluride, Austin City Limits Festival, Merle Fest, and Philadelphia Folk Festival.  They’ve opened for The Dead and have toured with Peter Rowan, Del McCoury, Los Lobos, Little Feat, Jim Lauderdale, Rusted Root, and Railroad Earth to name a few. They also toured with Ben Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen to help raise awareness about increased corporate spending in politics.  In 1991,the band started the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg, NY. The four day festival has become an annual destination for over 15,000 music lovers every year and was started as an AIDS benefit. It continues as a benefit for arts and education. To date, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and is now one of three Grassroots Festivals; the Bi-annual Shakori Hills fest in North Carolina and Virginia Key festival in Florida. In 2016 GrassRoots Culture Camp was introduced in Trumansburg, New York as four days of music, art, dance and movement workshops, including nightly dinners and dances.

Lucid Street & Waller Road, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-12:30pm

Come on down to Putnam Place and help celebrate Derick Hodson’s birthday with Lucid Street and Waller Road.

Lucid Street is an upstate New York rock band composing of lead singer/violinist Cait Tizzone, keyboardist Billy Buono, drummer Mike Ilyadis, guitarist Nolan Hassler and bassist Phil Manitta. They have had a local rise to success since their formation in 2021, with recent accomplishments in 5th out of 6 place asa finalist for the Best Music Act in the Times Union Best of 2023 Awards, and in the Elite 8 in the Nippertown March “Music” Madness Awards for original musicians. You can expect to hear your favorites from the 70’s-now and some fun original music at a Lucid Street show.

Website: www.lucidstreetband.com

Waller Road performs all types of rock covers ranging from classic rock to today’s favorites.  The band features Derik Hodson, Brett Roker, Dereck Buchner, Chad Jorgensen, Kenny Morgan and Mr. Paul Hodson.

Website: www.facebook.com/wallerroadband

Ria Curley with Chuck Lamb & The Curley Lamb Band, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Ria Curley hails from Central New York … the oldest of six siblings in an artistic, musical family. Ria has been a songwriter, singer and composer of music and lyrics for most of her life, writing her first song at age 12 and performing her first public concert at age 15. Since then, Ria has continued her musical career … with 22 of her original songs signed to publishing giant Warner-Chappell Music, a critically acclaimed album (“Take Me”) of her sultry, r&b/pop songs, airplay on major radio stations and enthusiastic fans around the world. Although Ria writes across genres, her music as an artist has been described as a “retro-hip mix of poignant, melodic rock and sultry, romantic r&b.”

“Ria’s voice has range, emotion & a sense of drama … if you care about love, you should buy her music” (Tom Kuntz, Deputy Editor, New York Times). “Ria Curley has her own take on smooth jazz and R&B with a retro-pop sensibility … and an amazing voice …” (Kingston Daily Freeman) “…sizzling set… at Caffè Lena…” –Downbeat Magazine. This show features pianist Chuck Lamb as her special guest.

McKinley James, Hangar on the Hudson, Troy, 8pm-11pm

The first thing you notice about McKinley James’ extraordinary new EP Still Standing By is the serious mix of Motown soul and blues-based guitar playing. It doesn’t sound like the type of “blues” you get from traditional purveyors of the genre, but instead from a guitarist who understands chord theory so well you could swear you’re hearing a horn section sometimes. That’s because he leads a duo, and while guitar stores reverberate with licks from ham-fisted modern bluesmen when they don’t know shuffle from shinola, McKinley would walk into that guitar store, plug in, and summon the spirits of his own idols, nearly forgotten pioneers like Otis Rush and Johnny “Guitar” Watson.

Honey! Collective, No Fun, Troy, 8pm-11pm

Free Event

Pack The House, Pauly’s Hotel, Albany, 8pm

Saturday, May 20^th

WHO ARE YOU, The Linda, Albany, 8pm-11pm

The music of The Who defined a generation, and more, and has successfully managed to withstand the test of time. When it comes to pop music, success is measured by longevity, and songs like “My Generation,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again” or “Behind Blue Eyes” are just as relevant now as they were when Pete Townshend penned them decades ago. Massachusetts-based tribute band, Who Are You, has dedicated itself to providing the most authentic Who experience they can.

Who Are You, boasts a complete repertoire of Who favorites ranging from the early classics like “I Can’t Explain” and “Magic Bus,” to songs from their more mature years like “Baba O’Riley” and, of course, “Who Are You.” The band also performs the band’s revolutionary album, “Tommy,” which defined the term “rock opera,” in its entirety.

Playing venues throughout the US and Canada, Who Are You brings their audience an exciting multimedia experience that aims to recreate the sheer power that drove The Who to their reputation as one of rock ‘n’ roll’s best live acts.

ON WHO ARE YOU’S LEAD SINGER, CARL DIXON:

Carl Dixon remains one of Canada’s stellar rock voices. He’s a musician and keynote speaker. Carl joined CONEY HATCH in the 80’s opening for Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Peter Frampton, Ted Nugent, Accept, and Rush. CONEY HATCH still tours & plays winding up 2022 with a sold-out show at The El Mocambo, Toronto. Carl’s written music for film and television, had a solo career, was the lead singer of The Guess Who, and played in April Wine. In 2008 a high-speed car accident in Australia almost killed Carl and left him comatose for 10 days with 52 injuries. He’s reshaped his life as an inspirational speaker. He has found a new voice, more powerful than ever.

WHO ARE YOU is:
Carl Dixon-Lead Vocals & Harmonica
Garrett Lechowski-Lead Guitar, Vocals, Electronics
Brian Burd-Bass, Vocals
John Kiernan-Drums

“It’s impossible to recreate the sound of The Who with any degree of perfection, but Who Are You comes damn close. These four guys understand the power behind the iconic band’s live performance, the character of its members and, of course, the reason why this music has survived through the years. You’d be hard-pressed to find this sort of experience anywhere else, save perhaps a performance from Pete and Roger themselves.” Mia Summerson- Tonawanda News

Richard Thompson, The Egg, Albany, 8pm

Part of the Rhythm International Series

Iconic British folk rock legend Richard Thompson, one of the world’s most critically acclaimed and prolific songwriters and admired guitarists, performs an intimate solo acoustic concert.

Trevor Noah: Off the Record, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, 7pm

Main Stage

Union College Orchestra, Choir and Chamber Singers at Proctors, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, 6pm

GE Stage

This is a historic moment to showcase the combined forces of Union College Orchestra, Choir, and Chamber Singers. Each ensemble will perform its own repertoire before coming together to end the evening with Beethoven’s monumental Choral Fantasy. The winners of this year’s Lesh Concerto Competition at Union College will also be featured as soloists in this event.

The Acacia Strain, Empire Underground, Albany, 7pm

Escuela Grind , Year Of The Knife, and Chained To The Bottom of the Ocean

SUGAR: THE NU-METAL PARTY, Empire Live, Albany, 9pm

Frozen Sun, FirstBourne, & FlatWounds LIVE @ the Fuze Box, Albany, 7pm-11pm

N.F.A. Entertainment proudly presents another night of professional up and coming musicians!

N.F.A. Entertainment proudly presents another night of professional up and coming musicians.

We have bands performing at this event that put their everything into these performances to ensure you have the best, most memorable experience possible.

Please come out while we continue to build our community with the bands Frozen Sun, FirstBourne, and FlatWounds

Community, Rock n Roll, and Bringing people together through art and music. That’s what we are about.

We can’t wait to see you there 🤘🤘

Rev Tor and The Deal, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm-11pm

Rev Tor & The Deal (exploring the music of The Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band)

Pony in the Pancake, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm

Pony and the Pancake presents a night of varied independent music from local artists. There will be something for everyone. The five acts on this bill span the spectrum of folk, electronica, rock and roll, new wave, old wave, true wave, psychedelic improvisation, and party music. By the end of the evening you will walk out of Lark Hall and lights will be brighter, trees greener, and water cooler. You will never be the same. You will be transformed into a being of Light and Love. We can’t wait to see you there

Pony in the Pancake has been a mainstay on the Capital District music scene since the mid 2000s. Anyone who’s had the pleasure of witnessing their live show has felt the sweet spot where the propulsion of the Velvet Underground, the wide-eyed romanticism and surf twang of the Beach Boys, and the elliptical grooves of Krautrock intersect. The band likes to call their style “True Wave.” – Jeremy Schwart, Chronogram

Bands include…

Pony in the Pancake

Electric Turtle

Christina Abbott

Rabid Children

And…

Surprise Cosmic Super Group…

Prince/Bowie: Tribute to Prince & David Bowie w/ Escaper, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 9pm-12:30am

Prince/Bowie is a tribute fusion band that combines the music of Prince and David Bowie into a high energy live show. It features a rotating Allstar cast of characters from various national acts including Pink Talking Fish, Twiddle, Snarky Puppy, Trey Anastasio Band, Lotus, TAUK and more.

This act started as a special extra performance at The Catskill Chill Music Festival in NY and it was a huge success. Since then, the band has performed with different lineups at theaters and festivals.

The mix of the Prince and David Bowie songbooks blend beautifully and an extra spice is added with master composer, Matt Wayne, creating unique horn arrangements that enhance the music in a special way.

Here is what a setlist of Prince/Bowie can look like:Let’s Dance > 1999, Fame > I Wanna Be You Lover, Under Pressure, Kiss, Space Oddity > D.M.S.R., Moonage Daydream > Purple Rain

Lineup

Eric Gould (Bass) – Pink Talking Fish
Cal Kehoe (Guitar) – Pink Talking Fish
AC Carter (Keys) – TAUK
Rory Dolan (Drums) – lespecial
Chris Brouwers (Trumpet) – The Horn Section / Cool Cool Cool
Greg Sanderson (Tenor Saxophone) – The Horn Section / Cool Cool Cool
Josh Schwartz (Bariton Saxophone) – The Horn Section / Cool Cool Cool
Matt Wayne (Alto Saxophone) – Bobby Deitch Band

Website: www.facebook.com/PrinceBowieBand

Escaper is a New York City band known for their sci fi dance parties that mingle with progressive psych-rock. Defined as “one who breaks free from confinement,” Escaper’s lush and complex music knows no bounds. The quartet builds intricate tracks using layer upon layer of harmonious soundscapes, transporting the listeners on an auditory journey. Their live performances are equally stunning, as they deliver dazzling improvisation alongside moving lyrics.

Escaper is known for the synergy between Will Hanza (guitar, vocals) and Phil Kadet (keys). After a brief hiatus during the initial months of the pandemic, they were joined by drummer Sam Crespo (Space Bacon) and bassist Luke Bemand (lespecial).

The band has shared stages with the likes of Jon Fishman (Phish), Karl Denson, JEDI (ft. Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein of the Disco Biscuits), Spafford and many more.

Website: www.escapermusic.com

Folk Heritage Series: Garnet Rogers, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Born in Hamilton, Ontario to parents of Nova Scotian descent, Garnet Rogers spent many hours in front of the old floor model radio listening to Grand Ol’ Opry broadcasts and harmonizing with his brother, the late folk legend Stan Rogers. Two years later, Garnet was playing the definitive 8-year-old’s version of “Desolation Row” on his ukulele. He soon abandoned that instrument to teach himself the flute, violin and guitar. By 18, Garnet was on the road as a full-time working musician with brother Stan. Together they formed what has come to be accepted as one of the most influential duos in the history of North American folk music. Garnet acted as producer and arranger for his older brother from 1973 to 1983, when Stan died tragically in a plane crash.

Since then, Garnet has courageously established himself as a formidable solo artist, sharing the stage with performers such as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Billy Bragg, Bill Monroe, Ferron, Greg Brown, and Guy Clark.. Hailed by the Boston Globe as a “…charismatic performer and singer – a brilliant songwriter – one of the major talents of our time,” they continue by saying that “Garnet’s vocal and instrumental talents are complimented by an undeniably powerful physical presence – close to six and a half feet tall – with the lungs to match.” With his “smooth, dark baritone” (Washington Post) his incredible range and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, Garnet is widely considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the finest singers anywhere. His music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. Cinematic in detail, his songs give expression to the unspoken language of the heart. An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small everyday victories. As memorable as his songs, his over-the-top humor and lightning-quick wit move his audiences from tears to laughter and back again.

City of Caterpillar / Prize / Spiritkiller, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

City of Caterpillar – https://cityofcaterpillar.bandcamp.com

20 years is a long time between records. Few people know that better than the members of City Of Caterpillar, who are about to release their second album two decades after their first.

When guitarist/vocalist Brandon Evans, guitarist Jeff Kane, drummer Ryan Parrish and bassist/vocalist Kevin Longendyke unveiled their self-titled debut in 2002, their emotional, frenzied and often cinematic music was at the vanguard of the burgeoning screamo movement. Along with bands like Pg.99 (with whom they shared members), Majority Rule, Planes Mistaken For Stars and others, they helped develop a style of music that took hardcore into convulsive new territory.

Though they received their share of accolades, City Of Caterpillar often played in small venues to modest crowds. It’s only in hindsight that their legend has grown. “We didn’t get that much attention back then,” Evans acknowledges. “But the whole scene was cool. It was tight, it was a community, but it’s not like it was big. People got exposed to us afterwards, when the Internet blew up. It became like a cult thing.”

When City Of Caterpillar decided to play a reunion show in 2016, they figured they’d do something low-key in their hometown of Richmond, VA. Due to overwhelming demand, that show became an East Coast tour. Followed by a European tour. Followed by a Japanese tour. “We thought we’d do a show in Virginia and our friends would come,” Evans recalls. “When it turned into all this other stuff, it made me feel like the time and energy we put into this when we started was worth more than I ever could have known. We had no idea people cared.”

After years spent living in other parts of the country and playing in other bands—including Darkest Hour, Malady and Ghastly City Sleep—all four members were back in Richmond. Sure enough, the reunion shows snowballed into writing sessions. “We were having fun being around each other and making music again,” Evans explains. “What never changed is that we’re all still friends. We still enjoy similar music, though we’ve grown our palettes for sure. It became this challenge of, ‘Can we make something that would be just as impactful 20 years later and not feel redundant?’”

The answer is a resounding yes. City Of Caterpillar’s new album, Mystic Sisters, recaptures the magic of old while taking the band’s music into exciting new territory. “We’ve all been working on our craft, even though we weren’t a band for many years,” Kane says. “It feels a lot more focused and intentional than it was back in the day. Now we know how to play better and construct songs better, so this is the next step for us. We’re not doing it as a retro kind of thing.”

Prize – https://prize.bandcamp.com

Spiritkiller – https://spiritkillerhc.bandcamp.com

Hand Of Spite, Able Blood, The Dionysus Effect, black tongue, Reverend, Pauly’s Hotel, Albany, 8pm

Sunday, May 21^st

The Dance Studio – “Lights Camera Action”, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, 1pm

The Dance Studio presents its 43rd annual recital “Lights, Camera, Action”. Please join us as our students take to the stage for tap, jazz, ballet and pointe routines set to red carpet worthy songs sure to keep you dancing in your set!

Xperience w/ The Va Va Voodoos, Black Belt Jones and Gus Unplugged, Fuze Box, Albany, 2pm-5pm

Come out and Xperience Fuze Box! Not only Upstate New York’s most legendary night club but because establishments like this are a dying breed you could say, Fuze Box is one of the last of it’s kind in the entire country.

We at RadioRadioX.com and Xperience Monthly are proud to have partnered with Fuze Box to give you the opportunity to come see some great bands/artists that you would not normally see on the same bill.

These Sunday Matinee Shows are so much fun and the best part is Early Come, Early go. So swing by FuzeBox after brunch and enjoy some music with us!

Rye Bread Music & Art Festival, Lark Hall, Albany, 12pm-4pm

Join us on Sunday May 21st for the Rye Bread Music & Art Festival from 12-4pm.

Live Music

Contact jenn@larkhallalbany.com if you are interested in vending.

Sing in the Streets, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 12pm-3pm

A neighborhood music festival to celebrate
63 years of Caffe Lena!

Enjoy an afternoon of live music at 6 stages located around the Caffe Lena neighborhood.

Angelina Valente • Bill & Finnegan Ackerbauer • Blue Ranger • Jimi W. • Keanen Stark & Orion Kribs • Margo Macero Duo • Novus Cantus
Rees Shad & The Conversations • Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band • Rick Bolton • Steve Candlen • Travis Gray

locations and performers:

IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA
12:15pm – 1:05pm: Steve Candlen
1:40pm – 2:30pm: Travis Gray

LIBRARY TERRACE
12:30pm – 1:20pm: Rick Bolton
1:50pm – 2:40pm: Rees Shad & the Conversations

FROG GARDEN
12noon – 12:50pm: Bill & Finnegan Ackerbauer
2:00pm – 2:50pm: Novus Cantus

CAFFÈ LENA COURTYARD
12noon – 12:50pm: Jimi W.
1:30pm – 2:20pm: Keanen Stark & Orion Kribs

CAFFÈ LENA UPSTAIRS 
12:30pm – 1:20pm: Angelina Valente
2:10pm – 3:00pm: Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band