Show Detective – Weekend Shows – 2/2 – 2/4

Show Detective.

Friday, February 2^nd

Let’s Sing Taylor! Celebrating Taylor Swift, Troy Music Hall, Troy, 7:30pm

We can show you incredible things, including the most faithful and lively covers of Queen Taylor’s expansive and sacred catalog. Taking the country by storm, we’re bringing the communal experience of celebrating Taylor’s music in a live setting to Swifties near and far.

So, let the games begin. Calling all Swifties to sing your hearts out and sport your Taylor- inspired attire. You can show up at our party any time.

WAMC & WEXT present… E-block, Barbie Barker, and New American Cuisine, The Linda, Albany, 7:30pm-10pm

Exciting news for local music fans! WAMC, and WEXT are teaming up to launch “Live and Local at The Linda,” a new monthly concert series with a mission to showcase the up-and-coming standout local bands in the Capital Region. The first concert is set for Feb 2 at 7:30 PM at The Linda – WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, offering an evening packed with great music and superb homegrown talent.

Yonder Mountain String Band, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

Bluegrass music is currently experiencing widespread popularity among mainstream audiences but transforming the vintage sound into music that could gain popular appeal didn’t happen overnight. At 25 years old, Yonder Mountain String Band continues to exist at the forefront of the progressive bluegrass scene as undeniable innovators and pioneers of the modern jam-grass movement. Blending bluegrass with elements of rock, alternative, psychedelic and improvisational music, Yonder Mountain String Band brought their high-energy acoustic sound and light show into rock n’ roll settings with tremendous success, proving it was possible for a bluegrass band to not only exist but excel in a rock world, without drums. The inroads they made created opportunities for like-minded acoustic bands to perform at festivals, rock clubs, theaters and stadiums previously considered off-limits for string bands. Yonder Mountain’s high-energy sound, compelling original music and anything goes attitude cultivated a spirit of collaborative improvisation that continues to fuel today’s progressive bluegrass and jamgrass scenes.

HEX: Asylum – Goth Dance, Fuze Box, Albany, 8:30pm-2am

80s – 90s Goth Dance Night

Welcome to the Asylum. We’re all crazy here…(even the DJ’s).

We will enable your id. Wear black. Drink up. Let your crazy freak fly and dance off the seasonal depression. We’ll be serving up some depressing tunes, feeties, fake meds (m&m’s) and alcohol.

This ain’t your momma’s therapy. No ice water here. No straight jackets, (unless you want them). No judgments. Just some solid beats to forget some of your woes.

Sexy patients, nurses, psychiatrists welcome, or just come as your psycho self.

Cohoes Comedy Series: Myq Kaplan, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7:30pm-9pm

Myq Kaplan is a comedian named Mike Kaplan. He has been seen on the Tonight Show, Conan, The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Seth Meyers, in his own half-hour   Comedy Central Presents special, and in his own one- hour special on Amazon, Small, Dork, and Handsome. He has been a finalist on Last Comic Standing and has appeared on America’s Got Talent. His album “Vegan Mind Meld” was one of iTunes’ top 10 comedy albums of the year, and his newest album “A.K.A.” debuted at #1. The New York Times called it “invigoratingly funny” and included it among its five “coronavirus best new comedy specials”…”to remind you of the old normal.” And here we are in the new weird! Enjoy!

Dead Man’s Waltz, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm-11pm

Music of The Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers and The Band

Mo Lowda and The Humble, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm

Nectar’s Presents Mo Lowda & the Humble, Friday February 2nd (Rescheduled form10/18/23). Doors 7pm; Show 8pm.

Mo Lowda & the Humble are a self-produced indie rock band hailing from Philadelphia. The band just finished up their fourth LP, to be self-titled and released March 3, 2023 with five singles leading up. Since releasing their debut album in 2013, they’ve vastly expanded the sonic exploration of their recorded material whilst developing a dialed-in, yet energetic live show through persistent touring. In turn, they’ve built a ravenous and loyal following across the country, selling out clubs and theaters throughout the US each year. Mo Lowda’s upcoming self-titled album is their most versatile and ambitious work yet. It visits some previously uncharted sonic territory for the band, while still providing the thoughtful, creative songwriting their fans have grown to love. Visit www.molowda.com for all tickets.

Liondub & Clubkilla w/ Metric Man, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 10:30pm-2am

Come join the party at Putnam Place with live open genre club sets from DJ Liondub(NYC) & DJ CK1 (NYC) plus special guest Metric Man (NYC) playing reggae, dancehall, Hip Hop, R&B, Afrobeat, Soca, Jungle, Drum & Bass and EDM.

Bright Series: Joy Clark, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Rooted in Americana and folk pop, and not afraid to let it rock, singer/songwriter Joy Clark’s music is warm, heartfelt, intimate & hopeful.

Joy Clark is a New Orleans-born singer-songwriter, lyrical guitarist and composer who creates soulful compositions that celebrate peace and the undeniable power of love. Her intricate rhythms and warm melodies reveal a sweet vulnerability that have enchanted audiences around the world. Growing up the daughter of a minister, she learned to create an atmosphere ripe for an emotional experience. As a child, Clark was obsessed with the guitar, and as she grew older found musical influences in Tracy Chapman, Lalah Hathaway and Anita Baker. She believes music is her ministry and intimacy is her superpower.

Jordan Taylor Hill / Wavy Cunningham / DJ HollyW8D / DJ Mercy, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

Saturday, February 3^rd

Monica Bill Barnes and Company: The Running Show @ UAlbany Performing Arts Center, Albany, 7:30pm

Part of the Dance in Albany Series

A seven-year-old falls in love with dance. At 40, she practices every day to stay in the game. As a senior, she is still in motion. Turning dance into a live sporting event, this unique show by Monica Bill Barnes and Company incorporates movement and personal stories for an unprecedented look into the life of a dancer as a new kind of sports hero, one that keeps moving against all odds.

This performance takes place at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center  

This performance is presented in collaboration with the Dance Department at Skidmore College and supported by the Audience Building Project, a program of the New York State Council on the Arts administered through the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Additional support provided by the University at Albany Foundation and University Auxiliary Services.

Uptown: A Celebration of Motown & Soul, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

With the class of the young Temptations, moves like the Jackson 5 and the energy of Bruno Mars…everyone’s going Uptown!

From New York City, the epicenter of contemporary Pop and Soul music, Uptown is a group of men who combine the smooth stylings of R&B with the fresh hits of today. The perfect mix of Bruno Mars caliber stage presence with the vocals of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, you have never seen anything like Uptown! Each member of the collective is a soloist who brings a unique flavor to the performance that will have any crowd on their feet dancing and singing along. Regardless of the genre or era of music, The Uptown Show exudes freshness and fun in a way that everyone will enjoy.

Choreography, vocals and stage presence…you do not want to miss out on Uptown!

River Of Dreams – American Elton – All Revved Up, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7:30pm-10:30pm

E1 Presents All Revved Up, River Of Dreams & American Elton as an authentic Meat Loaf, Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute Show. When we talk about talent, we don’t usually hear the word like Grammys, major films, America’s Got Talent, and commercials mentioned, but between these performers, they have the most versatile musicians ever to be known working together. Their talent is so prominent and widely known, it’s an honor to watch these guys play.

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

The Hawthornes play classic and contemporary music through the decades.

Lark Hall Presents The Frank White Experience & special guests Sophistafunk, Lark Hall, Albany, 7pm

The Frank White Experience is a dynamic tribute band that pays homage to the legendary rapper Notorious B.I.G. With their authentic sound and electrifying performances, they bring the spirit and essence of Biggie Smalls back to life on stage.

The Frank White Experience has become renowned for their dedication to capturing the essence of Notorious B.I.G.’s music and persona. From their impeccable flow to their attention to lyrical detail, this band delivers an unforgettable musical experience that takes audiences on a nostalgic journey through the golden era of hip-hop.

Cliffside Push: A Phish Experience, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 9pm-12:30pm

Connecticut-based Cliffside Push brings a high-energy Phish experience to their audience.

Exploratory Jams, Machine Gun rock, and down and dirty funk are all a part of the experience they bring to every show. Featuring Wiley Griffin on Guitar, Matt Richards on Keys, Alex Wu on Bass and Suman Mitra on Drums – this unit gels with precision manifesting harmonic bliss and rhythmic grooves to boogie down to. Be sure to catch them when they come to your town…it’s an experience that phans will truly enjoy!

Website: https://cliffsidepush1.bandcamp.com

Little Folks Series with Dan Bern, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 3pm-4:30pm

A fun way to introduce the young folks in your life to the joy of live music. This show is kid-friendly & also appeals to adults. Free!

Undefinable by genre, crossing over and through folk, rock, singer-songwriter, and kids music, Dan Bern is a captivating live performer with a loyal, multi-generational following. He has written thousands of songs, released dozens of albums, and played shows across North America and Europe – from coffee shops to Carnegie Hall, and he most recently opened for The Who.

Dan Bern, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

“The voice of a new generation of folk music” (NPR), Dan Bern’s witty, poignant, insightful music has a loyal, multi-generational following.

Undefinable by genre, crossing over and through folk, rock, singer-songwriter, and kids music, Dan Bern is a captivating live performer with a loyal, multi-generational following. He has written thousands of songs, released dozens of albums, and played shows across North America and Europe–from coffee shops to Carnegie Hall, and he most recently opened for The Who.

Planetarium Party, No Fun, Troy, 8pm-11pm

Sunday, February 4^th

Cinderella, The Egg, Albany, 3pm

Part of the Family Wonders Series

New York Theatre Ballet’s story of Cinderella is elaborately told through dance with colorful costumes reminiscent of the most spectacular book illustrations complete with wicked step-sisters, the fairy godmother, magic slippers, and a most charming prince.

Ari Shaffir: The Wrong Side of History Tour, The Egg, 8pm

Part of the Guest Comedy Presentations Series

Ari Shaffir is an American standup comedian. In addition to his numerous appearances on the Joe Rogan podcast, he is best known for his last special, “Jew,” which has garnered almost 6 million views and was written up in The NY Times in its list of best specials of the year. You might also know Ari from the storytelling show he created and hosted on Comedy Central called “This Is Not Happening.” Ari also has a Netflix special called “Double Negative” and a Comedy Central special called “Paid Regular.” Ari Shaffir has also appeared on WTF with Marc Maron, The Adam Carolla show, Your Mom’s House, 2 Bears 1 Cave, Theo Von’s podcast, Andrew Schulz’s podcast, TigerBelly, and many many more. These appearances have made him a favorite in the comedy podcast world. His own podcast, Ari Shaffir’s Skeptic Tank is a chart topper that comes out every week wherever you watch or listen to podcasts. Ari is the reigning president of the LOS podcast to which he has no affiliation. And he placed first in the non- steroid category of the legendary Sober October challenge, which he also destroyed shortly thereafter so he could found Protect Our Parks with Shane Gillis and Mark Normand which he fooled Joe Rogan into hosting.

Opera Saratoga’s America Sings presents Shavon Lloyd, Baritone, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 1pm-3pm

Part of the Opera Saratoga’s America Sings Presents collection

Opera Saratoga kicks off its 62nd season with a collaboration with Caffè Lena and The Juilliard School.

Opera Saratoga’s America Sings recital series continues with a unique spin – passing the mic to young artists from The Juilliard School. With a collaborative history dating back to 1985 when second General Director David Lloyd ran the Juilliard American Opera Company, Opera Saratoga and Juilliard connect again for two concerts full of inspiration and musical integrity. Under the leadership of General and Artistic Director (and Juilliard faculty member) Mary Birnbaum, two visionary singers from the school will carefully curate recitals that reflect their unique musical inspirations, passions and creativity.

In a season that pays homage to Saratoga Springs’ history as a pleasure-seeker’s paradise, Birnbaum challenges these young artists to show us their personal pleasures: the music that drives their passions. These musicians bring their talents to the stage of Saratoga’s thriving Caffè Lena with the support of Opera Saratoga’s outstanding audiences.

Carolyn Shapiro Album Release, Caffe Lena, 7pm-9pm

Carolyn returns to Caffè Lena with her full band to celebrate the release of her second album “Take It Easy.”

Carolyn Shapiro is an award-winning old-time banjo player and songwriter from Glens Falls, NY whose sound is rooted in the old-songs of Appalachia. Trained in the clawhammer style of banjo by Trish Miller and John Kirk, Carolyn blends tradition with her own unique sultry flavor to create honest music that feeds the soul like a good home-cooked meal. She sings songs inspired by the world around her with a commanding voice that will stop you in your tracks.

Tonight Carolyn will be joined by her band featuring Connor Armbruster on the fiddle, James Gascoyne on the guitar and Oona Grady on the bass.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy one week of access with your live stream ticket.