Whassup in the 518

Whassup in the 518.

Friday, April 25^th

Chris Distefano, The Egg, Albany, 7:30pm

Chris Distefano is one of today’s biggest and most beloved names in comedy. He became the first stand-up comedian to sell out both the world-famous Radio City Music Hall and the Theater at Madison Square Garden on consecutive nights in 2023, but his fearless yet endearing stage presence and natural ability to connect with audiences around the world has made him a household name in not just comedy, but all of entertainment. Chris quickly rose to success after being named the funniest person on MTV for his show-stopping performances on the Guy Code/Girl Code series. From there, he went on to star in IFC’s Benders, co-host the Netflix gameshow Ultimate Beastmaster, and starred in his own CBS sitcom. In 2022, Chris was selected by Jimmy Kimmel to host Jimmy’s latest TV venture, Super Maximum Retro Show, for ViceTV. Outside of TV, he’s become one of the most well-respected and flat-out funniest comedians in the stand-up world. Fresh off his appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Seth Meyers in 2019, Chris released his first full-length special, Size 38 Waist, on Comedy Central, which perfectly encompassed both his Brooklyn-born edge and nice-guy charm. His second special, Speshy Weshy, premiered on Netflix in May of 2022.

UA Student Association Parkfest, MVP Arena, Albany, 7:30pm

Featuring Quavo

Hamro, Empire Underground, Albany, 7:30pm

Nick DiPaolo, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 8pm-10pm

In this day of watered down comedy, Nick Di Paolo’s brutally honest performances remind us of what great stand up should be – funny, socially relevant, and a little bit reckless.

His strong political opinions and razor wit make him a perfect fit for talk radio. He currently hosts “The Nick Di Paolo Show” Mondays through Thursdays and has been featured on “The Nick Di Paolo Show” on SiriusXM, and “The Nick & Artie Show” on DirectTV.

Ginger Geezus, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm-11pm

Upstate NY Blues Rock Band with Modern Vibes. Classic 60s and 70s covers and Original Songs.

Happy Hour with the New Planets at The Eleven at Lark Hall (FREE SHOW), The Eleven, Albany, 6pm-8pm

Join us in welcoming back the New Planets on Friday 4/25, 6-8pm for an unforgettable Happy Hour!

Moon Hooch w/s/g Future Joy, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm

Moon Hooch began busking in the subway platforms of NYC in 2010, quickly getting noticed by the NYPD, who had to ban them from locations that couldn’t handle the crowds. In a few short years they were opening for the likes of Beats Antique, They Might Be Giants, and Lotus, while selling out their own headline shows at marquee venues around the United States and Europe. Their unconventional sound and techniques, utilizing found objects like traffic cones, landed them appearances on NPR’s Tiny Desk in America, “Later…with Jools Holland” in the UK, “Hamish & Andy’s Gap Year” in Australia, and private audiences with the Premier League’s Chelsea F.C. They are currently touring the world.

Nicole Fiallo w/ Xamxara, Ronnie Rave, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 9pm-2am

Join us for our highly anticipated 2nd Annual Midnight Mass | Bloomin’, an event that promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees. This year, we are thrilled to announce that we will be featuring some of the world’s biggest and most renowned artists, alongside a curated selection of the area’s favorite local talent. These performers are set to deliver an electrifying lineup that will keep you dancing and engaged throughout the night. Expect an evening filled with foot-stomping grooves, infectious rhythms, and captivating visuals that will transport you to another realm.

Laurie MacAllister of Red Molly, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-9pm

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Laurie MacAllister, the soulful singer-songwriter best known as a part of the beloved Americana trio Red Molly. With her warm, captivating voice and heartfelt storytelling, Laurie has been a cherished figure in contemporary folk music for over two decades. From headlining festivals like MerleFest to lending her voice to the iconic Folgers Coffee jingle, Laurie’s journey has been as remarkable as her music.

Her solo album, The Lies the Poets Tell, is a tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrated by SiriusXM as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.”

In late 2024, Laurie launched her solo career, marking the start of an exciting new chapter. Now, on her Solo Debut Tour, she brings her soul-stirring songs and intimate stage presence to fans old and new.

NOYK Presents Feminomenon and Emo Night, Lost and Found, Albany, 9pm

Hellseeker Goth Nite w/ Midnight Choir, No Fun, Troy, 8pm-12am

From “Bar People.”

4/25 10:00 PM Boombox- Putnam Place

4/25 5:00 PM DJ Trumastr- 677 Prime

4/25 5:30 PM Rob Aronstein- Wishing Well

4/25 5:30 PM Rob Fleming- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery

4/25 6:00 PM Ben Zoleski- Prime at Saratoga National

4/25 6:00 PM Ben Zoleski- Prime at Saratoga National

4/25 6:00 PM Bennett Brothers- Dock Browns Tavern

4/25 6:00 PM Dan M- Spa City Tap & Barrel

4/25 6:00 PM Eric Kufs- Thirsty Owl

4/25 6:00 PM Jack Kelle- Anthony’s Italian Restaurant

4/25 6:00 PM Keith Pray Trio- Cock & Bull

4/25 6:00 PM Matt Evans- Powers Pub

4/25 6:00 PM Micah Scoville- Carsons Woodside Tavern

4/25 6:00 PM Thom Powers- Inn at Saratoga

4/25 6:00 PM Travis Rockenstire- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

4/25 6:00 PM Wreckles Duo- Saratoga Winery

4/25 6:30 PM Chris Dollard- Diamond Club at Embassy Suites

4/25 6:30 PM Coverups Duo- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

4/25 6:30 PM Juniper- Artisanal Brew Works

4/25 6:30 PM Trivia Night- S&S farm Brewery

4/25 6pm DJ Romantic’s- The Scarlet Knife

4/25 7:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Trestle Restaurant & Pub

4/25 7:00 PM Lifeline- Kraverie

4/25 7:00 PM Like Father Like Son with Taylor Jarvis- Quarters

4/25 7:00 PM Litt Hour- The Bunker Saratoga

4/25 7:00 PM Pat Decker- 151 Bar

4/25 7:00 PM POGO- O’Slattery’s

4/25 7:00 PM Radio Gold- Panza’s

4/25 7:30 PM Double Tap- Holy Moses Tavern

4/25 7:30 PM The Accents- Vapor

4/25 8:00 PM DJ Dillon Robert- Misfit

4/25 8:00 PM Ginger Geezus- Rustic Barn Pub

4/25 8:00 PM Matt Cosgrove- Bourbon Room

4/25 8:00 PM Moon Hooch & Future Joy- Lark Hall

4/25 8:00 PM Steve Candlen- Cooperstown Distilling Saratoga

4/25 8:00 PM Tailspin- Saratoga City Tavern

4/25 8:00 PM Watchdog- Wicked Eatery

4/25 8:30 PM Funk Evolution- Frog Alley Brewing

4/25 9:00 PM Rick Rosoff Quartet- Nine Maple

4/25 9:30 PM Wide Awake- Spa City Tap & Barrel

Saturday, April 26^th

Albany Pro Musica will close its 2024-25 season with an homage to Broadway! Albany Pro Musica and the Pro Musica Pops will present some of our audience’s all-time favorite showtunes, arranged for chorus, small ensembles, and soloists, and featuring Broadway talent Jamari Johnson Williams.

RAEL – The Music of Peter Gabriel and Genesis, The Linda, Albany, 8pm-10pm

RAEL – The Music of Genesis is a New York and Northern New Jersey-based tribute band that recaptures the energy and originality of the “early years” live stage performances by Genesis. RAEL pays homage to the most groundbreaking and influential band in the progressive rock genre by incorporating the musical excellence, lyrical storytelling, and theatricality that brought Genesis to a position of prominence in the rock world. RAEL-The Music of Genesis brings older listeners back to the day, while introducing progressive rock newcomers to the sights and sounds right along with other legendary bands such as Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Yes, Rush, and King Crimson to name but a few. RAEL is focused on faithfully reproducing full album versions from the Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett days of Genesis. Performances include tracks from Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, and A Trick of the Tail. Concert audiences rave about their high-energy shows and musical detail. RAEL also performs solo Peter Gabriel hits in their live shows.

Pro Musica on Broadway – at The Egg, Albany, 7:30pm

Albany Pro Musica will close its 2024-25 season with an homage to Broadway! Albany Pro Musica and the Pro Musica Pops will present some all-time favorite showtunes, arranged for chorus, small ensembles, and soloists, and featuring Broadway talent Jamari Johnson Williams.

Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence, SPAC, Saratoga Springs, 3pm

Revel in the incredible talent of CMS musicians led by Artistic Director, David Finckel as they close CMS’s 24/25 year-round season at SPAC. The sextet lies at the center of this program, anchored by Tchaikovsky’s lush and exuberant “Souvenir de Florence”. Additional works by Bach and Strauss showcase the versatility of the six-piece ensemble while two string trios by Haydn and Schubert offer listeners an exhilarating detour from the full ensemble.

Golden Oldies Spectacular – 2025, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

An incredible five act GOLDEN OLDIES SPECTACULAR comes to Proctors on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 7:00 pm.

A long-time favorite of Proctors oldies fans is headlining the show:  Jay and the Americans.  They have come a long way from when they started as teenagers in Sandy Yaguda’s basement, and founding members Sandy and Yaguda and Marty Kupersmith continue to deliver a great performance.  In the 1960s, JATA had twelve top 10 hits, including “Cara Mia,” “Come a Little Bit Closer,” “Let’s Lock the Door (and Throw Away the Key),” “This Magic Moment,” “Only in America,” “She Cried,” “Walkin in the Rain” and “Some Enchanted Evening.”

Passport Series: Vieux Farka Touré, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

Often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara”, Vieux Farka Touré was born in Niafunké, Mali in 1981. He is the son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Touré, who died in 2006. Ali Farka Touré came from a historical tribe of soldiers and defied his parents to become a musician. When Vieux was in his teens, he declared that he also wanted to be a musician. His father disapproved due to the pressures he had experienced being a musician. Rather, he wanted Vieux to become a soldier. But with help from a family friend the kora maestro Toumani Diabaté, Vieux eventually convinced his father to give him his blessing to become a musician shortly before Ali passed.  In 2013, Vieux Farka Touré’s beautiful and critically acclaimed album Mon Pays was released as an homage to his homeland. Being that his native Mali had recently been splintered by territorial fighting between Tuareg and Islamic rebels since January 2012,

Brick By Brick, w/s/g 25 Ta Life, Oakheart, Balor, Everdredd, Kakos, and The Lycan, Empire Live, Albany, 5:30pm

Been Stellar, Empire Underground, Albany, 8pm

Start Making Sense & The Ocean Avenue Stompers, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 8pm-11pm

Start Making Sense & The Ocean Avenue Stompers Horns present: the music of Talking Heads, David Byrne and More…

Start Making Sense is a Talking Heads Tribute band and they will be joined on stage by The Ocean Avenue Stompers, a four-piece horn section, for the entirety of the show. Many Talking Heads songs will be played, as well as non-Talking Heads songs. All will feature the Ocean Avenue Stompers. There will be no opening act. There will be two sets of music and both sets will feature horns. You don’t want to miss this show. Coming to select venues in March/April 2025!

Coconut Telegraph, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 7pm-10pm

Come see Coconut Telegraph, the ultimate Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band Experience!

Happy Hour with Todd Nelson at The Eleven at Lark Hall, Albany, 6pm-8pm

Todd Nelson is a highly regarded guitarist, composer and arranger who plays a

unique combination of Blues, Country, Folk, Jazz, Rock and Classical styles.

He is equally at home accompanying vocalists, leading an instrumental group

or playing in a large ensemble. Todd has recorded or performed with Terry Adams

(NRBQ), Gary Burke (Bob Dylan, Joe Jackson), Aimee Mann, Ed Mann (Frank Zappa),

Lonesome Val, Rumdummies, songwriters Jules Shear and Pal Shazar, the Wheelers

and Dealers and others. He is a founding member of Fear of Strangers (aka the Units), a

band that was an integral part of the Punk/New Wave scene in the Capital District of

New York in the 1980s, releasing an album on Miles Copeland’s Faulty Products label.

The band shared stages with the Police, Squeeze, the B-52s, XTC, REM and others.

Todd is currently performing music from his latest release, jazzamericana

Grateful Dub w/ Roots of Creation, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 7pm

Roots of Creation has taken on a unique new project: Grateful Dub. Combining their longtime love for reggae-dub style music and the Grateful Dead, RoC reworked some of the world’s favorite Dead tunes into a new studio album. RoC had the pleasure of working in the studio with the legendary 5-time Grammy winner Errol Brown who was Bob Marley’s engineer and now Rebelution’s live sound engineer for this project.

Grateful Dub is being performed live in its entirety at festivals, theaters, and clubs around the country, and features rotating special guests including Melvin Seals (JGB), Scott Guberman (Phil Lesh) full horn sections, and others. Grateful Dub captures the spirit and magic of the Grateful Dead, while laying it down reggae-dub style.

Roots of Creation will also open the show with an original set of music.

 

Ladies Night ft: King Bully & Sly Fox, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 11:30pm – 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 Cosgrove & Good Medicine, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

When it comes to jaw-dropping guitar work and crowd-pleasing performances, Mark Cosgrove and his band take a backseat to no one. A National Flatpicking Champion and Doc Watson Guitar Champion, Cosgrove is known for his lightning-fast picking, rich musicality, and dynamic stage presence.

But this isn’t just a solo act—this band delivers. Featuring some of the most respected players in roots and acoustic music, this quartet brings incredible energy, chemistry, and musicianship to every show:

Nate Grower (David Bromberg Quintet & Big Band) – A monster fiddler whose playing is both fiery and expressive

Peter Lorch – Brilliant high harmony singing & rhythm guitar, adding depth and texture to every song

Larry Cohen (Tony Trischka & Skyline) – A new acoustic music pioneer, holding down the bottom end on bass

With a blend of bluegrass, swing, folk, and country, this band will take you on a high-energy, masterfully played musical journey.

Red Herrings / Candy Ambulance / Zombie Giuliani / Curb Kisser, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

4/26 3:00 PM Eric Fernandez- Helderberg Mountain Brewing

4/26 5:00 PM Shannon Tehya & Hunter Frost- Artisanal Brew Works

4/26 5:30 PM Matty Finn- Tinney’s Tavern

4/26 5:30 PM Rob Aronstein- Wishing Well

4/26 6:00 PM Brian Kane Duo- Dock Browns Tavern

4/26 6:00 PM Chuck Kelsey- Powers Pub

4/26 6:00 PM Hannah Kosiba- Prime at Saratoga National

4/26 6:00 PM Jay Emery Band- The View at Brookhaven Golf Course

4/26 6:00 PM Jenna Sue Duo- Carsons Woodside Tavern

4/26 6:00 PM Joe Adee & The Lug Nuts- S&S farm Brewery

4/26 6:00 PM Justin Joyner- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

4/26 6:00 PM Northern Borne- Inn at Saratoga

4/26 6:00 PM Pat Decker- Thirsty Owl

4/26 6:00 PM Pat Decker- Thirsty Owl

4/26 6:00 PM Russ Kennedy- Henry’s Tavern

4/26 6:00 PM Todd Nelson & Friends- Eleven at Lark Hall

4/26 6:00 PM Tyler Giroux6- 77 Prime

4/26 6:00 PM Wayne Hawkins- Panza’s

4/26 6:30 PM Steve Candlen- Diamond Club at Embassy Suites

4/26 6pm Carmen Lookshire Duo- The Scarlet Knife

4/26 7:00 PM Ain’t No Strangers- Quarters

4/26 7:00 PM Chuck Ayers- Ships Pub

4/26 7:00 PM Dave Brennan- The Bunker Saratoga

4/26 7:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Kris’ Mid City Tavern

4/26 7:00 PM Josh Clevenstine- Back Barn Brewing Co.

4/26 7:00 PM Off The Record- Melvin Roads American Legion

4/26 7:00 PM On Tap Duo- Kraverie

4/26 7:00 PM Shades Of Blue- Emack & Bolios

4/26 7:00 PM Trevor Wheelock- Bunker Clifton Park

4/26 7:30 PM Vieux Farka Toure- Universal Preservation Hall

4/26 8:00 PM Deb Zep-Douglas- Bourbon Room

4/26 8:00 PM DJ Mic Power- Misfit

4/26 8:00 PM Escaper- Parting Glass

4/26 8:00 PM Psycho Mutton Chops- September’s Too

4/26 8:00 PM Rael- The Linda

4/26 8:00 PM Tommy V Live- Wicked Eatery

4/26 8:00 PM Union Depot Band- Nanola

4/26 9:00 PM Big Sky Country- Vapor

4/26 9:00 PM Deadbeat Valentine- Saratoga City Tavern

4/26 9:00 PM Joe Barna Quartet- Nine Maple

4/26 9:30 PM Double XP- Spa City Tap & Barrel

4/266:00 PMMatt Evans Spa City Tap & Barrel

Sunday, April 27^th

New York Folklore presents: Arab American Heritage Month Concert, The Linda, Albany, 3pm-4:30pm

New York Folklore presents a multi-part showcase of New York’s diverse folk music traditions.

The concert will feature a short bilingual presentation by New York Folklore Fieldworker Nada Odeh, about Arab art and culture. The concert will kick of with two performances, by the Middle Eastern Music Ensemble at Cornell, and Paul Hage and Hicham Mihab.

The Middle Eastern Music Ensemble at Cornell performs traditional music from the Arab World, Turkey, and Iran, as well as related music from neighboring cultures.

The Eddies Regional Music Awards 2025, Proctors Theater, Schenectady, 6pm

The seventh annual Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards hits the MainStage at Proctors 6 p.m. Sunday, April 27!

The Eddies is an opportunity to amplify, empower and celebrate professionals working in the area’s wide-ranging music scene.

This year, we honor +190 finalists in over 30 categories for their work during 2024. Nominations and voting are determined by a group of judges representing the local music community. Each judge is provided with a copy of the quarterly Local 518 Music (and More) Reports for the year in question. This has been produced by Andy Gregory at WEXT since 2012; copies are available for free on the station’s website. This is a very thorough almanac of record, album and video releases in the market, complete with links to the work. We feel that this is the best way to ensure work is not overlooked.

Start Making Sense & The Ocean Avenue Stompers, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7pm-10pm

This added Sunday show will feature a different playlist than Saturday’s show, but still include the Talking Heads biggest hits that fans expect!

Start Making Sense & The Ocean Avenue Stompers Horns present: the music of Talking Heads, David Byrne and More…

Start Making Sense is a Talking Heads Tribute band and they will be joined on stage by The Ocean Avenue Stompers, a four-piece horn section, for the entirety of the show. Many Talking Heads songs will be played, as well as non-Talking Heads songs. All will feature the Ocean Avenue Stompers. There will be no opening act. There will be two sets of music and both sets will feature horns. You don’t want to miss this show. Coming to select venues in March/April 2025!

“A Joyful Noise!” Sunday Gospel Dinner with Soulist Garland Nelson & Friends , Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 2pm-4pm

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 early Sunday 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 mid-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!

An early Sunday 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.

Niis / Pollyanna / Bloodx3, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

4/27 1:00 PM Ian Losz Album Release Party- Nanola

4/27 2:30 PM Kilashandra- Lark St. Tavern

4/27 3:30 PM Dan Sherwin- Hank Hudson Brewing

4/27 4:00 PM Juniper & Chris Carey- Carsons Woodside Tavern

4/27 6:30 PM Scott Chamberlain- Other One Brewery