Show Detective – Weekend Shows – 2/21 – 2/23

Show Detective.

Friday, February 21^st

Swan Lake, Grand Kiev Ballet, The Palace Theatre, Albany, 7pm

Sex & the City – a Super Unauthorized Musical Parody, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Sex n’ The City: The “Super” Unauthorized Musical Parody follows our favorite single gals looking for love in the big city. We tackle serious topics like “will I ever find the one”, “can you ever really be over your ex” and “for the third time, it’s a neck massager!”. Come join Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha on a hilarious trip through New York in the 90s.

Oscar Nominated Shorts: Live Action, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

For the 20th consecutive year, ShortsTV presents “Oscar-Nominated Short Films.” With all three categories offered – Animated, Live Action and Documentary – this is your annual chance to predict the winners! A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 2.

Skarhead, Empire Underground, Albany, 7pm

Heathers the Musical, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7:30pm

Get ready for the darkly hilarious and wildly entertaining Heathers The Musical, a laugh-out-loud comedy, and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school. Based on the cult hit film starring Christian Slater and Winona Ryder, this edgy show takes you deep into the halls of Westerburg High, where misfit Veronica Sawyer finds herself entangled with the school’s most popular—and dangerous—clique, the Heathers. With a killer score, biting wit, and unforgettable characters, Heathers The Musical explores high school drama, love, and revenge like you’ve never seen before. It’s a rebellious, high-energy ride full of wicked fun. Don’t miss this show that everyone will be talking about—big fun is guaranteed!

Kelly Maguire, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 7pm-10pm

Kelly Maguire is a local musician that plays music everyone loves from a wide variety of genres

TV Doctors at The Eleven at Lark Hall (FREE show), Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm-10pm

TV Doctors operates as a trio of experienced professional musicians from Upstate NY who have come together with a shared desire to cure musical boredom wherever it exists, with surgical precision. They are, in essence, a psychedelic jazz trio, based in improvisation; fearlessly surfing across genres to create a heavy and unique blend of funk, reggae, progressive rock, and contemporary jazz. Beginning in 2021, during the height of the pandemic, the group was afforded the opportunity to hunker down weekly, in a 2-car garage, and craft their signature sound. The rest is history, as what was once an experimental event has now blossomed into a powerful combo that has operated on stages spanning the Capital District and beyond, spreading its healing tones to all that come in contact with them. Patients say “Josh Witmer (guitar) rides a psychedelic wave atop the long-time paired and often brutish rhythm section that is Evan Conway (bass) and Bob Morris (drums).” ”

Jaytech w/ Adam Stark, Lovely Candela, groop.lab, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 9pm

The Boombox Series returns to Putnam Place, featuring another 360º performance by some of the world’s top artists alongside the area’s beloved local talent. Anticipate an evening filled with foot-stomping rhythms and mesmerizing visuals. Dive into a rave community dedicated to the core values of our culture: Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect!

Hot Club of Saratoga, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Upstate NY’s premier gypsy swing ensemble, specializes in the timeless sounds of Django Reinhardt & the vibrant atmosphere of 1930’s Paris.

Step into the vibrant atmosphere of 1930’s Paris with Upstate New York’s premier gypsy swing ensemble, Hot Club of Saratoga! Specializing in the timeless sounds of Django Reinhardt, this dynamic group blends virtuosic musicianship, intricate rhythms, and heartfelt passion to create an unforgettable evening of music. Their music brings the magic of hot swing to life.

Emo Live Band Sing-a-Long, Presented by NOYK, Lost and Found, Albany, 10pm

Pinkshift / Jigsaw Youth / Special Secret Guest, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

2/21 4:00 PM The Son Dogs- Bye-i Brewing

2/21 5:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Wheatfields Clifton Park

2/21 5:30 PM Christine Spero- Wishing Well

2/21 6:00 PM David Gleason Trio- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

2/21 6:00 PM Doc Orloff- Powers Pub

2/21 6:00 PM Geo Doody- Ancient Order Of Hibernians Albany

2/21 6:00 PM Gianna Robustianna & Ben Zoleski- Ravenswood

2/21 6:00 PM Luke Pavlus- Saratoga Winery

2/21 6:00 PM Matt Evans- Spa City Tap & Barrel

2/21 6:00 PM Part Time- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

2/21 6:00 PM Pat Decker- The Scarlet Knife

2/21 6:00 PM Ryan Clark- Thirsty Owl

2/21 6:00 PM Stef Solo- Carsons Woodside Tavern

2/21 6:00 PM Thom Powers- Inn at Saratoga

2/21 6:00 PM Tyler Giroux- 677 Prime

2/21 6:30 PM Art n Shawna Duo- Dock Browns Tavern

2/21 6:30 PM Frank Murray- Other One Brewery

2/21 6:30 PM Jo Henley- Artisanal Brew Works

2/21 6:30 PM Rich Ortiz- Diamond Club at Embassy Suites

2/21 7:00 PM Chuck Valentine Duo- Quarters

2/21 7:00 PM Eli Young Band- Event Center at Rivers Casino

2/21 7:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Trestle Restaurant & Pub

2/21 7:00 PM Jeff Walton- Principessa Elena

2/21 7:00 PM Juniper & Chris Carey- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

2/21 7:00 PM Litt Hour- Bunker Saratoga

2/21 7:00 PM Rubie Rose- Cherry Plain Square #17

2/21 7:00 PM Tiny Planet- Kraverie

2/21 7:00 PM Trevor Wheelock- Bunker Clifton Park

2/21 7:00 PM Will Pedicone- The Sandbar

2/21 7:30 PM DJ Pythagoras- Seven Bistro

2/21 7:30 PM Double Tap- Holy Moses Tavern

2/21 7:30 PM Double Tap- Holy Moses Tavern

2/21 8:00 PM Bennett Brothers- Cooperstown Distilling Saratoga

2/21 8:00 PM DJ Vision- Misfit

2/21 8:00 PM Hot Club Saratoga- Caffe Lena

2/21 8:00 PM The Refrigerators- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

2/21 8:00 PM TV Doctors- Eleven at Lark Hall

2/21 9:00 PM Aquanett- Vapor

2/21 9:00 PM Eric Walentowicz- QuartetNine Maple

2/21 9:00 PM Karaoke- Towne Tavern

2/21 9:30 PM ILL Funk Ensemble- Spa City Tap & Barrel

Saturday, February 22^nd

New York Dog Film Festival 2025, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

The NY Dog Film Festival® is a medley of short films – animated, documentary and narrative – from around the world. These entertaining and inspirational movies celebrate all the ways we love our dogs. At the same time, we want to raise awareness of the life-saving work being done at small rescues and large shelters. In every location where the Dog Film Festival® travels, an animal welfare organization in the community will be the beneficiary of a portion of every ticket. For this screening, that organization is the Animal Protective Foundation. The APF hopes to be able to have information available about their organization at the event. 100 minutes.

Oscar Nominated Shorts: Live Action, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

For the 20th consecutive year, ShortsTV presents “Oscar-Nominated Short Films.” With all three categories offered – Animated, Live Action and Documentary – this is your annual chance to predict the winners! A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 2.

Oscar Nominated Shorts: Documentary, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

For the 20th consecutive year, ShortsTV presents “Oscar-Nominated Short Films.” With all three categories offered – Animated, Live Action and Documentary – this is your annual chance to predict the winners! A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 2.

The Erotics, Empire Underground, Albany, 7pm

Heathers the Musical, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7:30pm

Get ready for the darkly hilarious and wildly entertaining Heathers The Musical, a laugh-out-loud comedy, and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school. Based on the cult hit film starring Christian Slater and Winona Ryder, this edgy show takes you deep into the halls of Westerburg High, where misfit Veronica Sawyer finds herself entangled with the school’s most popular—and dangerous—clique, the Heathers. With a killer score, biting wit, and unforgettable characters, Heathers The Musical explores high school drama, love, and revenge like you’ve never seen before. It’s a rebellious, high-energy ride full of wicked fun. Don’t miss this show that everyone will be talking about—big fun is guaranteed!

Harmonic Duo, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 7pm-10pm

Experience the mesmerizing harmonies of the Harmonic Duo, with the sound of a full band!

Ladies Night ft: King Bully & Sly Fox, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 10:30pm-2am

Come get down on the biggest dance floor in Saratoga with King Bully and Sly Fox.

King Bully blurs the lines between Dancehall, Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, and Latin into what is a refreshing departure from anything else you’ve heard. The Troy NY native not only dominates the Capital Region club circuit, he also boasts an impressive list of concerts, which includes acts like Dababy, Lil Baby, Cardi B, Fabolous, DMX, Ja Rule, Ashanti and more. Always sure to get the crowd hype and the club packed, DJ King Bully is the sound that keeps any party going strong.

Guitarist Sly Fox is best knows as the front man for blues-rock outfit Sly Fox and The Hustlers.

Mary Fahl, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

An ethereal, viscerally powerful contralto who crafts cinematic songs with a haunting, gothic romanticism.

Fahl first achieved fame as lead singer and co-founder of the mid-1990s NYC-based chamber-pop group October Project, a band known for their lush harmonies, sweeping melodies and Fahl’s unique and powerful vocals. After two records on Epic, Fahl went on to pursue her own muse, whether that meant writing and recording songs for movies (including the theme for the Civil War epic “Gods and Generals”), singing arias and medieval Spanish songs for Sony Classical or releasing a unique album-length take on “Dark Side of the Moon.”

The AM’s Album Release Show, Hangar on the Hudson, Troy, 8pm-11pm

The AM’s celebrate the release of their new album Here Comes That Broken Heart

With special guests Zan and the Winter Folk (Trio)

MOVE YOU Rave – An Underground Dance Party w/ Seth Nichols / TheTryRun / PS11 / White Rabbit Audio, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

2/22 1:00 PM Tradition Trio- Lakeview Inn Restaurant

2/22 5:00 PM The Davey’s- Saratoga Apple

2/22 5:30 PM Carmen Lookshire Duo- The Scarlet Knife

2/22 6:00 PM Bruce Fallen- Powers Pub

2/22 6:00 PM Franklin Micare- 677 Prime

2/22 6:00 PM John Stack- Carsons Woodside Tavern

2/22 6:00 PM On Tap Duo- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

2/22 6:30 PM Trivia Night- S&S farm Brewery

2/22 7:00 PM Bennett Brothers- Spare Time City Sports

2/22 7:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Rustic Barn Pub

2/22 7:00 PM The Hammerhead Horns- McGeary’s Irish Pub

2/22 8:00 PM Guilty Pleasure- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

Sunday, February 23^rd

Leslie Mendelson, The Linda, Albany, 7pm-9pm

With her enchanted voice and evocative songwriting, Leslie Mendelson has won the hearts and minds of both an adoring fanbase and fellow artists alike. No less than Jackson Browne has declared, “Leslie’s melodies are timeless. They reach me way back in my youth somewhere. I hear traces of Burt Bacharach and Carole King, and hooks and passages that remind me of the pop songs I grew up hearing on the radio,” while The Wallflowers frontman Jakob Dylan shares: “Voices like Leslie’s can get away with almost anything. Along with being a great songwriter, this leaves her with few if any peers.”

A Grammy Award-nominated artist, Mendelson returns this summer with her fourth studio album, After The Party. For this latest effort, she collaborates with not one, but three producers: the legendary Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt), the young, in-demand Tyler Chester (Madison Cunningham, Sara Bareilles, Sara Watkins) and her longtime songwriting partner, three-time Grammy Award-winner, Steve McEwan. Recorded at Jackson Browne’s studio Grove Masters in Santa Monica, CA, she was joined by an ace band featuring guitarists Waddy Wachtel and John Jorgenson, bassists Leland Sklar and Derrick Anderson, and drummers Jim Keltner and Abe Rounds.

The Egg Presents: John Pizzarelli, The Egg, Albany, 7:30pm

Guitarist and singer JOHN PIZZARELLI has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” Established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Pizzarelli has expanded that repertoire by including the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim and the Beatles. In addition to being a bandleader and solo performer, Pizzarelli has been a special guest on recordings for major pop names such as Natalie Cole, Kristin Chenoweth, Tom Wopat, Rickie Lee Jones and Dave Van Ronk, as well as leading jazz artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Ruby Braff, Johnny Frigo, Buddy DeFranco, Harry Allen and, of course, his father Bucky Pizzarelli. He won a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category as co-producer of James Taylor’s American Standard in 2021. A radio personality who got his start in the medium in 1984, Pizzarelli is co-host, alongside wife Jessica Molaskey, of Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli. He has performed on America’s most popular national television shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and Great Performances, as well as the talk shows of Jay Leno, David Letterman, Regis Philbin and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Oscar Nominated Shorts: Documentary, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

For the 20th consecutive year, ShortsTV presents “Oscar-Nominated Short Films.” With all three categories offered – Animated, Live Action and Documentary – this is your annual chance to predict the winners! A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 2.

Word Plays: in the Twinkling of an Eye, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

What’s happening can change quickly. Come hear personal and historical stories as well as folk tales from Europe and a Pygmy Tribe from South Africa where events change in the twinkling of an eye. The story titles include:
Too Many Fairies
Jewish Rosary Beads
The Great Molasses Tragedy
Our tellers are: Siri Allison, Kate Dudding, Margaret French, Marni Gillard, Eileen Mack, Nancy Marie Payne, Sandy Schuman and Beverly Schwartz.

Sunshine and Submissions Presents: Rock ‘n’ Roll, Empire Live, Albany, 10am

Sunshine and Submissions is a small grassroots outdoor jiujitsu tournament that started in Saratoga Spa State Park in the park pavilions. We are pleased to announce our first winter indoor tournament at Empire Live in Albany, NY. Our mission is to grow the tournament in the capital district of New York with the hopes of fostering public interest in our beloved sport and expanding our jiu jitsu community. We also hope to work with and promote charity organizations that are local to the tournament sites. Come on out from your winter hibernation, put your skills to the test, and lets see what our sport can do!

Heathers the Musical, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7:30pm

Get ready for the darkly hilarious and wildly entertaining Heathers The Musical, a laugh-out-loud comedy, and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school. Based on the cult hit film starring Christian Slater and Winona Ryder, this edgy show takes you deep into the halls of Westerburg High, where misfit Veronica Sawyer finds herself entangled with the school’s most popular—and dangerous—clique, the Heathers. With a killer score, biting wit, and unforgettable characters, Heathers The Musical explores high school drama, love, and revenge like you’ve never seen before. It’s a rebellious, high-energy ride full of wicked fun. Don’t miss this show that everyone will be talking about—big fun is guaranteed!

A Joyful Noise, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 5pm-7pm

Saratoga and the entire Capital District will be thrilled to learn that A Joyful Noise is back every month this year! This is a soul-cleansing dinner hour of music directed by Soulist Garland Nelson. Nelson will be joined by a variety of his friends who are musicians and singers for a late afternoon of joyful noise. Songs range from traditional gospel and contemporary church music to soulful pop classics. Audience participation is downright thunderous. It’s impossible to stay quiet or in your seat as Garland Nelson stirs up the Spirit!

Russel the Leaf’s Thought Band | Blue Ranger | Robot Hand, Hangar on the Hudson, Troy, 7pm-10pm

New Music for 2025! From Russel the Leaf’s Thought Band, Blue Ranger, and Robot Hand. With special appearance by People Person Puzzle Tree

Wifey / Orca Bones / Cheesy Snacks / G.o.L.e.M, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

2/23 1:00 PM Bret Scott- Other One Brewery

2/23 3:00 PM Wamm Jam .. Ladies Open Mic- The Gallery at 344 2nd Ave Troy N.Y

2/23 4:00 PM Matt Donnelly & Susie Q- Carsons Woodside Tavern

2/23 5:30 PM Fresh Jazz wsg Jenna Sue- Grappa 72