Show Detective – Weekend Shows – 3/28 – 3/30
By Liam Sweeny on March 27, 2025
Show Detective.
Friday, March 28th
Gaelic Storm, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 7:30pm
Roll Out The Barrel Tour
It’s hard to imagine a band just coming into their own after 20 years of success, but that’s exactly what makes a true anomaly.Gaelic Storm, a multi-national, Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and after two decades and over 2000 shows, they are a true force to be reckoned with.
The band attributes their continued success to their fanatic audience, and it’s a well-diversified crowd for sure – attracting fans of every genre with their rich storytelling, energetic instrumentals, devotion to Celtic traditions and passion for their stagecraft. They are as loyal to their fans as the fans are to them, as frontman Patrick Murphy states, “The fans are the ones that have given us this life. We’re here for them.”
The Egg Presents: Ragas in Motion, The Egg, Albany, 6pm
Ragas in Motion is an immersive celebration of Indian dance and music, tracing the timeless connection between movement, melody and storytelling. This special night showcases a dynamic journey through Indian dance forms, from the elegance of classical traditions like Bharatanatyam and Kathak to contemporary, modern interpretations. Witness how ancient and modern worlds converge, as dancers bring to life the spiritual and emotional depth of music and storytelling through motion.
Featuring the outstanding, innovative artistry of Barkha Patel, a visionary Kathak dancer and choreographer; Ishita Mili, a choreographer seamlessly integrating hip-hop, contemporary, and Indian dance forms to tell powerful stories: and Ravish Momin, a pioneering percussionist blending South Asian traditions with cutting-edge global rhythms.
Opening the night are performances by local Bharatanatyam dance schools Alapana Arts (Lavanya Raghuraman) & Mudra School of Dance (Mathangi Srinivasan).
Emma’s Revolution W/ Special Guest Lisa Gutkin, Fiddle, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady
“Pat’s songs will be sung well into the 22nd century”
Pete Seeger (on All Things Considered, PBS)
“Fervent and heartfelt” -New York Times
“Beauty, power and ferocity all mixed up with hope and love”
KZUM-FM
Award-winning singer-songwriter-guitarists EMMA’S REVOLUTION [Pat Humphries, Sandy O] have long harnessed the power of music to shine a light on cultural issues and promoted the power of people together working toward peace, environmental justice and human rights. Their reach is wide; their powerful songs have been sung for the Dalai Lama, praised and sung by folk icons Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert and Holly Near, among scores of others.
With soaring harmonies and genre-defying eclecticism, their music provides an uprising of truth and hope for these unsettled times.
Broadway Rave, Empire Underground, Albany, 9pm
The Broken Hearted, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm
The BrokenHearted takes you on a musical journey of the music of Tom Petty.
Stella Rose @ The Eleven at Lark Hall (FREE Show), Lark Hall, 6pm
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) 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.
Flashmob w/ Wave and Prophet, 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!
Cliff Eberhardt, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-9:30pm
Eberhardt blends pop, folk, & jazz with masterful lyrics. A Greenwich Village icon, his songs are covered by legends like Richie Havens.
“The missing link between Paul McCartney and Cole Porter” – Seth Rogovoy
Eberhardt’s guitar and piano melodies range from pop to folk to old-style jazz, with lyrics that find fresh, incisive ways to address the familiar themes of life gone good and bad. From melancholy to sweet optimism, Cliffs songs are the product of a mature and tested performer with the highest level of craftsmanship. A driving force of the Greenwich Village New Folk movement and beloved by his peers, Cliff’s songs have been covered by Richie Havens, Buffy St. Marie, Erasure, Lucy Kaplansky and the folk superstar band “Cry, Cry, Cry” (Dar Williams, Richard Shindell, Lucy Kaplansky).
Can’t make it in person? Stream the show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy two weeks access with your live stream ticket.
Flatwounds | Post No Bills | Take Steps | Unintelligents, Hangar on the Hudson, Troy, 8pm-11:30pm
Hellseeker Goth Nite, No Fun, Troy, 8pm-11pm
From “Bar People.”
3/28 10:00 PM Boombox- Putnam Place
3/28 10:30 AM Folk Club Kids- Caffe Lena
3/28 5:00 PM Josh Clvenstine- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery
3/28 5:30 PM Jay Yager- Tinney’s Tavern
3/28 5:30 PM Maggie Doherty & Katy Dwyer- Prime at Saratoga National
3/28 5:30 PM Rob Aronstein- Wishing Well
3/28 6:00 PM Christine Spero- Panza’s
3/28 6:00 PM Flying Rob & Friends- Indian Ladder Farms
3/28 6:00 PM Keith Pray Trio- Cock & Bull
3/28 6:00 PM Keri Alonzo & Jay Yager- Henry’s Tavern
3/28 6:00 PM Matt Evans- Spa City Tap & Barrel
3/28 6:00 PM On Tap Duo- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park
3/28 6:00 PM Pat Decker- Scarlet Knife
3/28 6:00 PM Rich Ortiz- The Hidaway
3/28 6:00 PM Seth WardenInn at Saratoga
3/28 6:00 PM Stella Rose- Eleven at Lark Hall
3/28 6:00 PM Steve Candlen- Thirsty Owl
3/28 6:00 PM Tooty & The Motherplucker- Carsons Woodside Tavern
3/28 6:00 PM Tooty And The Motherpluckers- Powers Pub
3/28 6:00 PM Up The River Duo- Saratoga Winery
3/28 6:30 PM Chris Dollard- Diamond Club at Embassy Suites
3/28 6:30 PM Natalie Santini- Artisanal Brew Works
3/28 6:30 PM Ron Comstock- Other One Brewery
3/28 7:00 PM 18 Strings Of Trouble- Kraverie
3/28 7:00 PM Completely Different Band- Hometown Pub & Grub
3/28 7:00 PM Country Converts- Quarters
3/28 7:00 PM Juniper & Chris Carey- Peddlers Bar & Bistro
3/28 7:00 PM Matt O’Rourke- Bourbon Room
3/28 7:00 PM River Road Boys Trio- Holy Moses Tavern
3/28 7:00 PM Shine On- Principessa Elena
3/28 8:00 PM Cliff Eberhardt- Caffe Lena
3/28 8:00 PM Deadbeats- Nanola
3/28 8:00 PM DJ Postman-Misfit
3/28 8:00 PM Kate Stano Duo- Cooperstown Distilling Saratoga
3/28 8:00 PM The Brokenhearted- Rustic Barn Pub
3/28 8:30 PM Refrigerators- Vapor
3/28 9:00 PM Arch Stanton Quartet- Nine Maple
3/28 9:00 PM Hark with Erin Harkes- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino
3/28 9:30 PM Watchdog- Spa City Tap & Barrel
Saturday, March 29th
SIRSY with special guest Chad Hollister, The Linda, Albany, 7:30pm-10pm
Hailing from Upstate NY, SIRSY plays sassy singer-songwriter pop-rock with lots of heart and soul. Sirsy is known for their passionate, honest, heartfelt live performances that have a charming intensity, loads of stories from the road, and even some nerdy jokes. They can somehow make an audience sing along, dance, laugh, and cry – all at the same show. You will be moved.
Playing more than 200 shows per year all over the US, Sirsy is fronted by a charismatic, soulful, powerhouse of a lead vocalist. (Seriously, wait until you hear Mel sing!) Mel is also the band’s drummer (and she’s been featured in Modern Drummer) who simultaneously plays bass on a keyboard with her drumstick. She also plays piano, melodica, and the occasional badass flute solo too. Mel’s bandmate, husband, co-writer, & bestie is Rich Libutti. Rich masterfully plays a well-loved and road worn Rickenbacker through a pedal board full of vintage effects. He sounds like 3 guitarists all on his own at live shows. Rich also plays bass (and at live shows often does it on a pedal board with his feet). These 2 multi-instrumentalists manage to sound like a full band and somehow do it all with big smiles on their faces. Their clever smart songs have more hooks than a tackle box, with lyrics that center around empowerment and resilience. Fans have supported the duo through the pandemic, their 11 records, and Mel’s 2 bouts with cancer. Every show is like a celebration for this couple and their fans. Come celebrate life with them!
Kathy Griffin, The Egg, Albany, 8pm
Presented by SLP Concerts
Kathy Griffin is a two-time Emmy and Grammy Award winning comedian, television star, best-selling author and advocate known for her biting satire and fearless comedy. The legendary performer holds the Guinness Book of World Records for writing and starring in an unprecedented 20 televised stand-up specials.
Kathy is perhaps best known for her hit Bravo series, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, which aired for 6 years and won 2 Emmys. Kathy starred on NBC’s Suddenly Susan and guest starred on Seinfeld, Law & Order: SVU, Glee, You, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. She has lent her unique voice to animated characters in Shrek Forever After, The Simpsons, American Dad, Futurama and Dilbert. Kathy co-produced and co-hosted CNN’s New Year’s Eve special, with Anderson Cooper for 10 years.
Kathy’s memoir, Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin, debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List. Her second book, Kathy Griffin’s Celebrity Run-Ins: My A-Z Index, was also a New York Times Best Seller.
Kathy is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, women, other disenfranchised groups, and is a cancer survivor herself.
Price Chopper/Market 32 Dance Competition & Step Show, The Palace Theatre, Albany, 6pm
Price Chopper/Market 32 Dance Competition & Step Show features some of the best dance, step and stroll teams from the Capital Region and beyond for an afternoon of high energy performances. The Dance Competition & Step Show is one of the most anticipated annual events in the area.
Competitive Dance as performed in the Capital Region and the choreographed stroll and step routines need to be experienced to be fully appreciated. The quick moves and split-second changes showcase just how much time and energy is put into the choreography. Beyond its entertainment value, the event is also highly educational as it relates to the concepts and themes of identity, culture, environment and society and their role in why these organizations came about and why they still exist today. The entertainment grabs your attention and draws you into wanting to learn more about these organizations and their history. This program and others like it offer participants not only a creative outlet, but also a chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet, SPAC, Saratoga Springs, 3pm
The musicians of CMS, led by Artistic Director Wu Han, perform Schubert’s iconic and charismatic “Trout” quintet. Noted for its unique instrumentation and light-hearted nature the work has endured as one of the most significant pieces of the chamber repertoire. The program begins with the often-overlooked music of Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (the oldest son of Johann Sebastian Bach) featuring his Fugue in F minor, arranged for string trio by none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose Adagio and Fugue in C minor and joyful piano quartet in E-flat major round out the program.
Dog Man: the Musical, Proctor’s Theatre, Schenectady
Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious production based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club.
Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re in 5th grade, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!! How hard could it be?
With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters.
Passport Series: Moonlight Benjamin, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs
Rebellious Caribbean blues-rock from voodoo queen priestess.
A primal scream, a mystifying and mystical musical mixture, almost shamanic, an incantation of liberation in the midst of raging guitars and propulsive drumming. As a longtime favorite of Martin Gore (Depeche Mode) and Iggy Pop, the Haitian vodou priestess Moonlight Benjamin explores the roots of blues and rock in this new opus. Carried by a deeper and darker sound, and by the unique voice of Moonlight, influenced by Alabama Shakes, Oumou Sangaré, and Dr John, the album Wayo is a primal scream, a mystifying and mystical musical mixture, almost shamanic, an incantation of liberation in the midst of raging guitars and propulsive drumming.
Seasons Skateshop – 15 Year Anniversary, Empire Underground, Albany, 8pm
The Emo Night Tour, Empire Live, Abany, 8pm
Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 11am
THE BELOVED CARTOONS COME TO LIFE ON STAGE, BRINGING CLASSROOM LESSONS, CATCHY TUNES AND BIG LAUGHS TO YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE!
A pop culture phenomenon comes to the stage in Schoolhouse Rock Live! The Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math and more through clever, tuneful songs, is a musical delight for all ages. Join us for an electrifying journey through the world of knowledge, where classic hits like “Conjunction Junction,” “I’m Just a Bill,” and “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly” come to life in a toe-tapping, heart-warming experience. Following daily matinees for Capital Regin schools for this month, performances on March 29 & 30 will be open to the public for all to purchase affordable tickets & enjoy!
Shannon Roy, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 7pm-10pm
A voice with grit, a story with heart—Shannon Roy brings her powerful blend of rock, blues, and folk to Rustic Barn Pub. Shannon’s music is raw, soulful, and unapologetically real. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music and storytelling!
Happy Hour with Monkey & the Crowbar at the Eleven (FREE show) The Eleven, Albany, 6pm-8pm
Monkey and the Crowbar have been playing for years in the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region. Their acoustic vibe of originals and Grateful Dead adjacent tunes makes for a hoot of a time. Fronted by Todd Herringshaw(guitar, vocals), band members Tree Casullo(percussion, vocals), Joe Sinchak(fiddle, mandolin, vocals) and Sharon Charles(bass) give an old-timey spin to tunes we all know and love.
Live Dead & Brothers Perform The Music of Grateful Dead & Allman Bros, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm-11:59pm
Live Dead & Brothers: An All-Star Celebration of Grateful Dead & Allman Brothers
Prepare to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the golden era of psychedelic blues and the seeds of the ‘jam band’ scene as Live Dead & Brothers takes the stage. Comprised of actual and legacy members from the extended Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers families, this exceptional ensemble is set to revive the timeless magic of the late 1960s and early 1970s, bringing fans an experience like no other.
The line-up is pedigree and generational featuring Berry Duane Oakley from The Allman Betts Band,
Mark Karan from Bob Weir & Rat Dog, Scott Guberman from Phil Lesh & Friends, Pete Lavezzoli from Oteil & Friends and very special guest, slide guitarist, Steve Kimock. Together, these accomplished musicians skillfully recreate the magic of the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers Band’s co-billed concerts during the period of 1969 to1973. Their performances capture the raw energy, improvisational prowess, and soul-stirring melodies that defined an era of musical innovation.
Ladies Night ft: King Bully & Sly Fox, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 11pm-3am
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.
Mark & Jill, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-9:30pm
Eddies Blues Artists of the Year Mark & Jill blend gospel, jazz & blues for soulful originals—New Orleans meets Austin vibes.
Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards Blues Artists of the Year. Steeped in the roots of gospel, jazz, and blues, Mark & Jill’s music is New Orleans meets Austin on original songs dealing with both the hard realities of life and the joys of being alive.
GOLEM / Gas Leak / The Strip / Super Ego and the ID, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm
From “Bar People.”
3/29 3:00 PM Zach Nightinggale- Klam’r Tavern & Marina
3/29 5:30 PM Carmen Lookshire Duo- Scarlet Knife
3/29 6:00 PM Duo- Carsons Woodside Tavern
3/29 6:00 PM Johnny Gonzoles- Schwalbacher Brewing
3/29 6:00 PM Russ Kennedy- Powers Pub
3/29 6:00 PM Russ Kennedy- Powers Pub
3/29 6:30 PM Justin Joyner- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park
3/29 7:00 PM Dave Hart- Emack & Bolios
3/29 7:00 PM Hardcore- Unihog
3/29 7:00 PM Whiskey Highway- Cherry Plain Square #17
3/29 8:00 PM Doug Villano Band- September’s Too
Sunday, March 30th
ESYO Symphony Orchestra, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 3pm
In this concert, a collaboration with the Rensselaer Orchestra and its brilliant conductor Robert Whalen, we present “Fluid Realities: An Orchestral Exploration of Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique.” Berlioz’s music tells the story of someone whose emotions flow from real-life experiences into a dreamlike world where reality starts to shift. As the music unfolds, this flow between the real and the imagined creates a journey through wild mood changes and vivid dreams. The result is a thrilling ride where fantasy and reality blur together, creating a soundscape where nothing remains fixed.
Also featuring the 2025 Lois Lyman Concerto Competition Winner.
The Egg Presents: Laurie Berkner, The Egg, Albany, 7pm
Bestselling, award-winning children’s recording artist Laurie Berkner is widely recognized as the uncrowned queen of children’s music. Laurie’s albums, released on her own label, have been bestsellers on a chart typically dominated by movie soundtracks and major label compilations. With more than 1 billion total streams, an average of more than 22 million monthly streams, nearly 450 million YouTube channel views, and millions of CDs and DVDs sold, Laurie’s songs have become beloved classics for children worldwide. Her debut DVD, which went quadruple platinum, was the first-ever indie children’s music DVD to enter Billboard’s Top Music Video chart at #1. Laurie’s 16th album, A Laurie Berkner Halloween, will be released in September 2024.
Gabriel Iglesias “Don’t Worry Be Fluffy”, MVP Arena, Albany, 7:30pm
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is one of the world’s most successful stand-up comedians. He recently became the second highest grossing touring comedian and is one of the most watched comedians on YouTube with over 1.9 billion views and over 32.5 million fans across social media.
Iglesias has been included in The Hollywood Reporter’s “Top 40 Comedy Players” issue alongside comedy giants Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Lorne Michaels and was also honored with the cover of Variety’s comedy issue. The comedian has had the distinct honor of being one of the few to headline and sell-out Madison Square Garden in New York, Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and The Sydney Opera House in Australia.
The Brokes – A Tribute To The Strokes, Empire Underground, 7pm
Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 2pm
THE BELOVED CARTOONS COME TO LIFE ON STAGE, BRINGING CLASSROOM LESSONS, CATCHY TUNES AND BIG LAUGHS TO YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE!
A pop culture phenomenon comes to the stage in Schoolhouse Rock Live! The Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math and more through clever, tuneful songs, is a musical delight for all ages. Join us for an electrifying journey through the world of knowledge, where classic hits like “Conjunction Junction,” “I’m Just a Bill,” and “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly” come to life in a toe-tapping, heart-warming experience. Following daily matinees for Capital Regin schools for this month, performances on March 29 & 30 will be open to the public for all to purchase affordable tickets & enjoy!
“A Joyful Noise!” Gospel Dinner with Soulist Garland Nelson & Friends, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 5pm-7pm
Dinner and soul-cleansing music by soulist Garland Nelson & Friends.
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!
Dinner served to your table is an integral part of this cultural event and is included in your ticket price. Your plate will be heaped with traditional food from the Carribbean. Coffee and tea is included. Caffe Lena’s drink and dessert menu will be available a la carte.
This event is made possible by the generous support of Dottie Pepper and David Normoyle.
Autoignition / Unseemlier / Sunbloc / Cinnamon, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm
From “Bar People.”
3/30 12:00 PM Jukebox Rebellion- Carsons Woodside Tavern
3/30 3:30 PM Chris Dollard- Hank Hudson Brewing
3/30 5:00 PM Bobbie Van Detta- Charlton Tavern
3/30 7:00 PM Arthur Bezo- Unihog