Show Detective – Weekend Shows – 12/13 – 12/15

Show Detective.

Friday, December 13^th

Christmas with the Cadets | Cadets of Past, Present, and Future, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 7pm

Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Cadets of La Salle Institute perform their annual Christmas Concert! This special event will feature performances from the dedicated Middle School Band, the distinguished Symphonic Band, and the award-winning Cadet Blues Jazz Ensemble.

Tony Trischka “of a winter’s night”, The Linda, Albany, 8pm-10pm

of a winter’s night is Tony Trischka‘s acoustic celebration of the holiday season. Based on his 2015 CD release of the same name, recorded at Levon Helm’s Barn in Woodstock, NY, this show features a wide variety of seasonal tunes where he turns his considerable melodic inventiveness loose on Bluegrass and Americana music for the holidays. Joined by multi-instrumentalist & shape-note singer Tim Eriksen, Trischka and Eriksen put a warm spin on a wealth of festive fare. Eriksen, a master of Americana music, has also worked closely with T Bone Burnett on the soundtrack for the film Cold Mountain. Trischka & Eriksen have invited Hannah Read on guitar, violin and vocals to join them. The stark, haunting sound of shape note music is the perfect complement to the music Trischka recorded on his critically acclaimed Rounder Records Glory Shone Around and the new music he has arranged for this show.

Mendelssohn Club of Albany Holiday Concert, The Egg, Albany, 7:30pm

The Mendelssohn Club of Albany is composed of men with a variety of occupations and interests who live in the greater Capital District, Hudson Valley, and Berkshires. Since its inception in 1909, this chorus has become the longest continuously performing arts group in the Capital District of New York State. The Club is dedicated to preserving and presenting male choral music and blends musical experiences with fellowship for members through rehearsals, concerts and other musical events, afterglows and social gatherings. The Club performs a mix of music: show songs, hymns, spirituals, classical, pop. A guest artist or group is engaged for each subscription concert and the Club frequently performs selections with the guests. The Holiday Concert, which marks the onset of the holiday season for many in the area, will be held this year at the Egg on December 13th, 7:30pm. Guest artists will be soprano Vedrana Kalas and the Troubadours from Albany High School. For more about the Club please visit Mendelssohn.org.

The Weight Band, The Egg, Albany, 8pm

Performing the album Music from Big Pink

Plus music from their record Shines Like Gold and other songs of The Band

Performing their current album, World Gone Mad, as well as classic songs of The Band, The Weight Band is led by Jim Weider, a 15-year former member of The Band and the Levon Helm Band. The Weight Band originated in 2013 inside the famed Woodstock barn of Levon Helm. Weider was inspired by Helm to carry on the musical legacy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group.

Jeff Dunham , Artificial Intelligence Tour, MVP Arena, Albany, 7pm

Having just concluded his 2022-2024 “STILL NOT CANCELED” Tour, Jeff Dunham will be returning to the stage with his signature wit and beloved cast of colorful characters. He’s sure to win over audiences across the continent in the same manner that he’s done for decades worldwide, which earned him titles such as “Billboard’s Top Comedy Tour” for three consecutive years, “America’s Favorite Comedian” via Slate, as well as a Guinness World Record for “Most tickets sold for a stand-up comedy tour.”

Aside from all his achievements, Dunham and his wife, Audrey, have also created the “Jeff Dunham Family Fund”, through which a portion of every ticket sold is given to various charities and charitable organizations of all persuasions.

A Time for Three Holiday, SPAC, Saratoga Springs, 7pm

Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert Series

Defying conventions with genre-bending excellence, Time For Three’s captivating sound merges classical, Americana, modern pop, and singer-songwriter styles, and their charismatic performances push creative boundaries. In addition to incredible arrangements of Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Led Zeppelin and others, the trio featuring Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals), will present original music and special arrangements of holiday favorites.

Elf (2003), Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Start smiling! The annual holiday viewing of “Elf” is back at Proctors.

This very special ICFS showing will have prizes and surprises including All-You-Can-Eat Popcorn with toppings from the Elves’ four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup; Elf trivia; a holiday sing-along AND if everyone stays on the Nice List, we may get a visit from You-Know-Who! The movie will begin right around 6 p.m.
Rated PG for some mild rude humor and language. 97 minutes.

Gideon, Empire Underground, Albany, 7pm

Soul Sky, The Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm-10pm

Soul Sky is a dynamic, bluesy, jammy, rock band with excellent guitars and awesome rhythm section.

Capital Zen live at The Eleven at Lark Hall (FREE SHOW), Lark Hall, Albany, 7pm-10pm

Mixing rock, funk and hip hop, Capital Zen brings more than a decade of experience for their debut at The Eleven at Lark Hall.

A genre blending live music experience, Capital Zen has been playing shows around New England for over a decade. Combining elements of rock, funk, hip-hop, and prog, Capital Zen gives fans fully crafted originals, a unique blend of covers, and always a couple “I can’t believe they’re playing this” moments. Come to one Capital Zen show, and we guarantee it won’t be your last.

King Bully & Sly Fox, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs

The Empty Pockets Mistletunes Holiday Tour, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Chicago roots rockers The Empty Pockets return to Saratoga to celebrate the Christmas season. This Billboard chart-topping quartet bring joyful energy to seasonal classics like “Silent Night” and “Run Run Rudolph,” and their fun, original songs like “Party at the North Pole” and “Snow Day” are a welcome change from the season’s familiar standards. Seen most recently at Caffe Lena backing the legendary Al Stewart for two nights last summer, The Empty Pockets ignite a bright flame with Americana, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll spiked with roots soul. The “Polished yet rootsy Chicago outfit” (Rolling Stone) offers spotless instrumentation and effortless, upbeat vocal harmonies. As the Daily Vault Album Reviews proclaims: “Buddy Holly would be proud.”

Hammerhead Horns, Lost and Found, Albany, 9:30pm

ANIME RAVE: Bitchin’ Betty / DJ 2ND CH!LD / DJ P!nk P!xe1 / DJ Dogtoy, No Fun, Troy, 8pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

12/13 5:30 PM Russ Kennedy- Wheatfields Clifton Park

12/13 6:00 PM Chris Dollard- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

12/13 6:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Ravenswood

12/13 6:00 PM Drank The Gold- Cock & Bull

12/13 6:00 PM F.O.G.- Indian Ladder Farms

12/13 6:00 PM Franklin Micare- 677 Prime

12/13 6:00 PM Matt Cosgrove- The Scarlet Knife

12/13 6:00 PM Phil Drum- Powers Pub

12/13 6:00 PM Shine On- Carsons Woodside Tavern

12/13 6:00 PM Tim Wechgelaer- Ancient Order Of Hibernians Albany

12/13 6:30 PM Natalie Duo- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

12/13 7:00 PM Daryl Daily- The Bunker Mohawk Harbor

12/13 7:00 PM Nick Rossi- Bunker Clifton Park

12/13 7:00 PM Peter Apple- Cherry Plain Square #17

12/13 7:00 PM Travis Rockenstire- O’Slattery’s

12/13 8:00 PM Skeeter Creek- Wicked Eatery

12/13 8:00 PM Soul Sky-Rustic Barn Pub

12/13 8:00 PM Twilight Drive- Nanola

12/13 9:00 PM Dirt Cheap- Vice & Virtue Restaurant & Bar

12/13 9:00 PM Funk Evolution- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

12/13 9:00 PM Hammerhead Horns- Lost & Found

Saturday, December 14^th
The McKrells Christmas, The Egg, Albany, 7pm

The McKrells bring their signature Celtic-infused bluegrass for an evening of holiday cheer – featuring traditional and original songs, classic Christmas stories and good humor. The band is led by singer/songwriter Kevin McKrell and features Frank Orsini on fiddle, Scott Hopkins on banjo, Peter Pashoukas on guitar, Arlin Greene on bass and Brian Melick on percussion.

Albany Berkshire Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker, The Egg, Albany, 1:30 PM; 5:30pm

The Albany Berkshire Ballet (ABB) is bringing back its Annual Tour of the holiday classic The Nutcracker. Choreographed by ABB’s Artistic Director Madeline Cantarella Culpo, the production features lavish sets and scenery designed by Stockbridge native and renowned theater and movie set designer Carl Sprague, as well as costumes designed by Sam Meredith. In this performance, young local dance students will share the stage with professional ABB dancers, portraying special children’s roles. This year’s company includes International dancers as well as dancers from around the United States.

Twas a Girls Night Before Christmas, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

The new Christmas sequel will feature the 5 ladies we have all come to know and love gathering for a night on the town to laugh, cry, gossip and just let their hair down during the craziest of times: THE HOLIDAYS! This musical is guaranteed to resonate with anyone who has survived the holiday season, from the LONG visits with in-laws to the overcrowded malls. TWAS GIRLS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS will feature the touching and hilarious writing by Roche that has entertained audiences worldwide, with classic Christmas songs and contemporary Hits that will have everyone singing and dancing along.

Northeast Ballet’s Annual the Nutcracker, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Northeast Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker brings you international guest artists and the best of the best that regional talent can offer. Our cast reaches over 100 to entertain and welcome the holiday season.

Holiday Vibes Toy Drive, Empire Underground, Albany, 6pm

Big Fez and The Surfmatics, The Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 7pm-10pm

Join us for our Surfin’ Christmas Party with Big Fez and The Surfmatics! Performing classic surf and beach music from the early 1960’s

Lark Hall presents Holiday Jamboree Market, Lark Hall, Albany, 11am-4pm

Lark Hall presents Twice Twice at the Holiday Jamboree Market, Lark Hall, Albany, 12pm-2pm

Stella Rose @ The Eleven at Lark Hall (FREE Show), Lark Hall, Albany, 3pm-5pm

Meet “Stella Rose”, a gateway to the timeless tunes of the Jerry Garcia Band and the Grateful Dead, where the spirit of the music lives on. The group’s harmonious blend resonates with authenticity and genuine love for the music.Bryan Gautie, the mastermind behind the strings leads the way playing soulful guitar and lead vocals. Jess Bowan (Fiddle/Vocals) and Brian Bean (Bass/Vocals), each a seasoned performer, join forces to weave a tapestry that captures the essence of these iconic bands.Percussionist Pete Andriakos drives the group adding his rhythmic pulse to the mix, while infusing each performance with an infectious energy.Jill Gautie completes the ensemble. Known for her captivating stage presence and harmonies that literally dance around the music.With roots extending from The Wheel, The NoLaNauts, and House of Saturn, the Stella Rose collaboration invites you on a musical journey that transcends time, keeping the flame of Jerry Garcia’s spirit burning bright.

Mirth Films Presents “It’s a Gala” Formal, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm

Come and get fancy with Mirth Films at “It’s A Gala” our annual formal party taking place December 14th at Lark Hall in Albany, NY!

There will be live music from Glass Pony and Lucid Street.Doors will open at 7pm with food and refreshments.Tickets are $20 at the door and online. Come out, get goofy with us and atay tuned for more details. Show starts at 8pm

Jocelyn & Chris + Marco Macero, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs

Little Folks Series: John & Trish, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 3pm-4pm

Treat your kids to an hour of fiery fiddle tunes, folksongs and fancy footwork! All ages enjoy John & Trish’s witty songs, engaging stagecraft and warm, clear singing.

John Kirk is the primary vocalist and instrumental wizard on fiddle, mandolin & more. Trish Miller plays banjo, guitar and provides percussive dance steps. Together, this married couple has been working and teaching in upstate New York for over three decades.

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

McKinley James is equal parts old soul and modern man. Armed with an electric guitar and sharp songwriting chops, he breathes new life into classic sounds with Working Class Blues, a debut album that introduces his mix of American rock & roll, amplified soul, and raw rhythm & blues.

No Fun’s 3rd Birthday Party- A Tribute to Lou Reed, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

No Fun’s 3rd Birthday Party- A Tribute to Lou Reed w/ Haunted Cat / Mystery Girl / The AM’s / Apple Pie / Headless Relatives / Stroma / Bare Mattress / The Plisskens / Landfill Band / Belle Curves / 100 Psychic Dreams / Proximity Crush / 1983

From “Bar People.”

12/14 6:00 PM Chris Carey- The Scarlet Knife

12/14 6:00 PM Christine Spero- Powers Pub

12/14 6:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Across The Street Pub

12/14 6:00 PM Franklin Micare- 677 Prime

12/14 6:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Martel’s Grill at Town Of Colonie Golf Course

12/14 6:00 PM POGO- O’Slattery’s

12/14 6:00 PM Steve Candlen- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

12/14 6:00 PM Travis Rockenstire- Carsons Woodside Tavern

12/14 6:30 PM Stretch Duo- Other One Brewery

12/14 7:00 PM Big Fez and The Surfmatics- Rustic Barn Pub

12/14 7:00 PM Brian Martin- Frog Alley Brewing

12/14 7:00 PM CJ Field- Unihog

12/14 7:00 PM Dave Render- Cherry Plain Square #17

12/14 7:00 PM John Eisenhart- Hometown Pub & Grub

12/14 7:00 PM The Herring & The Hummingbird- Nanola

12/14 7:00 PM Tom Nitti & Ashley Bryant- The Bunker Mohawk Harbor

12/14 9:00 PM Wide Awake- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

Sunday, December 15^th

The Many Moods of Christmas, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 3pm

Albany Pro Musica’s beloved holiday concert with chorus and full symphony orchestra brings the light of the Christmas season to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. From the hushed opening notes of Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium” to the joyful mix of traditional carols in Bennett and Shaw’s “The Many Moods of Christmas” suite, this concert inspires and delights audiences each year. Hurry, tickets sell out quickly!

Albany Berkshire Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker, The Egg, Albany, 11:30 AM; 3:30pm

The Albany Berkshire Ballet (ABB) is bringing back its Annual Tour of the holiday classic The Nutcracker. Choreographed by ABB’s Artistic Director Madeline Cantarella Culpo, the production features lavish sets and scenery designed by Stockbridge native and renowned theater and movie set designer Carl Sprague, as well as costumes designed by Sam Meredith. In this performance, young local dance students will share the stage with professional ABB dancers, portraying special children’s roles. This year’s company includes International dancers as well as dancers from around the United States.

Finding Christmas: An Old Fashioned Rock ‘n Roll Holiday, The Palace Theatre, Albany, 2pm

Kick off the holiday season with this high-energy, family-friendly show that blends rock ‘n roll, holiday cheer, and incredible performances – all for a great cause! Finding Christmas is presented by Peak Music Studios, headlining some of the area’s most talented stars, and supporting Building on Love, a local charity dedicated to helping families in medical crisis.

Northeast Ballet’s Annual the Nutcracker, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Northeast Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker brings you international guest artists and the best of the best that regional talent can offer. Our cast reaches over 100 to entertain and welcome the holiday season.

Sing Solstice! Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

“. . . Beautiful harmonies and evocative accompaniment give the modern classics and originals on Guide My Feet a timely and timeless feel”
ALL MUSIC GUIDE

“Breathtaking vocal harmonies, sensitive musical accompaniment . . . An impressive album by a talented group of singers with a strong musical personality” — COUNTRY MUSIC INTERNATIONAL

Christmas Oratorio Tea, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

Join NACRE for a delightful Holiday Tea featuring the modern dance classic Christmas Oratorio, set to the beautiful music of Bach. Experience a heartwarming story of hope and joy as we kick off the holiday season!

Pathogenic, Empire Underground, Albany, 6pm

The Rock & Roll Playhouse plays Music of Taylor Swift + More for Kids, Lark Hall, Albany, 12pm-1pm

The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (NY Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. The Rock and Roll Playhouse is an early and often first introduction to a child’s lifelong journey with live music and rock and roll. This children’s concert is not associated with or endorsed by the artist. See you at the show!

The Millstone Rounders, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 7pm-9pm

The sound that The Millstone Rounders seek to create harkens back to a not-so-distant musical past where musicians played acoustically, standing close to one another balancing their voices and instruments using their ears and technique. Until the widespread use of amplification, this would have been the norm everywhere. Furthermore, prior to the advent of the recording industry the idea of musical genres was much less of a thing than it is today. When groups of performers from different regions got together it was truly an event. Because music wasn’t widely disseminated through recordings or the internet, folks from divergent backgrounds would bring together songs and tunes from a wide variety of traditions. Perhaps a gospel hymn might be followed by an old English ballad, a jug band breakdown, an Irish pub song, some country blues, and then a rollicking Scottish fiddle tune.

Johnny Rabb & The Tichy Boys Rockin’ Christmas! Hangar on the Hudson, Troy, 7pm-10pm

Johnny Rabb’s annual Christmas extravaganza.  Feat. The Tichy Boys!

VCR Vortex – VHS Night – Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 (1987) / Jack Frost (1997), No Fun, Troy, 8pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

12/15 5:00 PM Carmen Lookshire- Sofia’s of Clifton Park

12/15 7:00 PM Rubie Rose- Cherry Plain Square #17