Whassup in the 518 – Weekend Shows

Whassup in the 518?

Friday, May 16^th

Josh Gates Live! The Egg, Albany, 7:30pm

Adventurer, television personality, and author Josh Gates is the host and executive producer of the smash-hit Discovery Channel series, Expedition Unknown. The show follows Gates as he sets out on a global journey to explore archaeological discoveries, historic mysteries, and scientific breakthroughs. Josh immerses himself in each story, conducting his own investigations, showcasing the work of dedicated explorers while also highlighting vibrant cultures and fascinating destinations. Armed with a degree in archaeology, a quick wit, and a hunger for adventure, Gates travels to some of the most remote corners of the planet in immersive, hilarious, and thrilling journeys.

The Great Gatsby, The Palace Theatre, Albany, 7pm

World Ballet Company

Something Great is coming to Albany this Spring! Join us for the World Premiere of The Great Gatsby Ballet!

Step into the jazzy world of the Roaring Twenties with this new production of the World Ballet Company. See the glitz, glamor, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel LIVE on stage, featuring a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers, an all-star creative team, lustrous hand-crafted costumes, and lavish, groundbreaking sets. The original score evokes the energy and atmosphere of the 1920s.

A Salute to America’s Veterans, Proctor’s Theatre, Schenectady

From the Revolutionary War to modern times, our nation has found solace and strength in song during moments of conflict and strife. We invite you to join us in celebrating our national heritage by singing these timeless pieces, honoring our veterans and the enduring spirit of our country.

Myers Annual Dance Concert, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Celebrate the 41st Anniversary of Myers Studio with original choreography created by the Myers Studio Staff and dancers. Under the Artistic Director of Darlene Myers.

Crazy Train, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7:30pm-10pm

E1PRESENTS brings Crazy Train back to Cohoes Music Hall with a special guest opener to be announced soon. CRAZY TRAIN is the ultimate touring Ozzy Osbourne Tribute show, hosted by Vinny Cormier, the best Ozzy impersonator around, and supported by a Berkeley level crew, including his son Dylan on guitar. Crazy Train delivers a musically and visually captivating show unlike no other tribute, packed  with Special Effects and “wow” moments you won’t forget! Crazy Train plays every show like it is “LIVE AND LOUD 1993! ” Crazy Train rolls over all of the Prince of Darkness’ noteworthy hits anywhere from Sabbath  to Patient #9.

Neon Avenue, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm-11pm

Neon Avenue is more than just a Grateful Dead Tribute band—they’re a journey through the heart and soul of the Dead’s legendary sound.

Run Rabbit Run, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm

E1Presents is bringing you the experience of Pink Floyd’s masterpieces lovingly recreated and reimagined by a supergroup of veteran performing artists from New York’s Capital Region RUN RABBIT RUN.If you love Pink Floyd or are taking your first dive into this incredible musical experience, Run Rabbit Run is sure to impress. Run Rabbit Run will be paying tribute to 50yrs of everyone’s favorite album ” Wish You Were Here ” in its entirety! YES, the whole album, plus some extra favorite hits to pack this night full of surprises. Run Rabbit Run will be Performing songs like ” Shine On You Crazy Diamond” , “Welcome To The Machine, “ Wish You Were Here“, and so many more .Come experience all the magic of Pink Floyd right here at Lark Hall on May 16th, 2025.Band Introduction: On vocal and guitar we have Carl Blackwood, Drums and vocals by Cody Bingham, Bass and vocals go to Sean Fortune, Lady T with just pure vocals, Keyboards and synth is none other than Chris Andreski, Lo Baboulis is all vocals, Scott Vorwald on Saxophone, & Eric Halder jamming out on the guitar.Bring your friends, family, even bring your kids, this will be an epic night of pure musical bliss!

Sophistafunk & Friends w/ Capital Zen, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 9pm-12:30am

Come join us for a very special show with Sophistafunk & Friends featuring special guests: Rob Compa (Dopapod /Neighbor), Mike Gantzer (Aqueous), Sam Kininger (Soulive / Lettuce), Josh West (Annie in the Water) and more. They will be joined by Capital Zen, who will kick off the evening.

Sophistafunk is rooted in undeniable musicianship and authenticity, blending intoxicating beats with mind-expanding flows. Mad scientist Adam Gold is known for his heavy synth basslines and funky vocals. He plays four vintage keyboards at the same time, sometimes even while beatboxing! Gospel trained drummer and singer Emanuel Washington combines neo-soul with deep house, reggae, and more. Frontman / emcee Jack Brown evokes comparisons from Mac Miller to Michael Frantí, but his lyrical skill and conscious vibes are truly one of a kind. The band also features musical guests, ranging from brass instruments to guitars, turntablists, female singers, & other surprises. Lately, they’ve been touring with sax powerhouse Tommy Weeks of the Funky Dawgz Brass Band.

Don Armstrong & The Wiskeypalians, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Caffè Lena favorite Don Armstrong first attended a show at the legendary venue 62 years ago at age 15. Under the watchful eye of Lena Spencer, he learned through the graces of the performers passing through: Paul Clayton, Dave Van Ronk, Rev. Gary Davis, Bob Dylan, Hedy West, John Herald, Gil Robbins, Ian & Sylvia, Utah Phillips. Since then, it’s become a home away from home.

Plight / Service Industry / Happy Birthday James / CPS, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

5/16 5:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Wheatfields Clifton Park

5/16 5:30 PM Jack Kelle- Bootleggers

5/16 6:00 PM Dan Dekalb- 677 Prime

5/16 6:00 PM Eric Peter- Powers Pub

5/16 6:00 PM Mark and Jill Sing The Blues- Lionheart on The Green

5/16 6:00 PM Nick Horace- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

5/16 6:00 PM Plus One Duo- Indian Ladder Farms

5/16 6:00 PM Ruby Rose Duo- Sofia’s of Clifton Park

5/16 6:00 PM Shine On- Bound By Fate Brewing

5/16 6:00 PM Tops Of Trees- Eleven at Lark Hall

5/16 6:30 PM Kyle Hommel- Other One Brewery

5/16 6:30 PM The Earlybirds- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

5/16 7:00 PM Chuck Ayers- Druthers Clifton Park

5/16 7:00 PM Dan Bernstein- Emack & Bolios

5/16 8:00 PM Neon Avenue- Rustic Barn Pub

5/16 8:00 PM Nymbis- Nanola

5/16 8:00 PM Rabbit Run- Lark Hall

5/16 9:00 PM Refrigerators & DJ Reel- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

Saturday, May 17^th

Barbara’s School of the Dance 50th Anniversary Recital, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

This year’s 50th Anniversary Recital titled, Steal the Show at Proctors on Saturday, May 17th!

There will be two shows again:

Recital 1 is 12-2pm

Recital 2 is 4-830pm

Chopping Wood by Seeger & Bernz, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

“‘Chopping Wood’ is Pete Seeger up close and personal like never before. Derived from years of conversations between Seeger and his close friend and collaborator David Bernz, it takes readers on a uniquely personal journey through this legendary folksinger and songwriter remarkable life and career, in his own words.” AMAZON

Sara Evans, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

Multi-platinum entertainer Sara Evans is at the top of her game. As the fifth most-played female artist at country radio in nearly the last two decades — her five No. 1 singles include “No Place That Far,” “Suds In The Bucket, “A Real Fine Place To Start,” “Born to Fly” and “A Little Bit Stronger”. Several of those #1’s spent 2 weeks in the top spot and were certified platinum by the R.I.A.A. Overall, she’s had 15 songs chart in the top 20.

David Halprin, Empire Underground, Albany, 7pm

Matt Mirabile Band, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm-11pm

Blues & R&B

Lark Hall presents Carsie Blanton, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm

Carsie Blanton is a songwriter with hooks,chutzpah, and revolutionary optimism. “It is possible to face the world as it is – rapidly heating, ruled by grifters, ravaged by profitable wars – and still have hope,” she says of her newest release, After the Revolution. “Not the narrow, grasping hope you might hang on an election or a billionaire, but a patient, zoomed-out hope.”

Of After the Revolution, NPR’s Fresh Air says “”Protest music tends to be strident or self-righteous or just bluntly angry. But Blanton, a folk singer with a rock attitude, knows how to construct songs with real melodies and storylines that don’t obscure her messages.”

Dead Man’s Waltz, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 7:30pm

Interweaving the classic songs and jams of The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band and The Band, Dead Man’s Waltz is an all-star collective from the Northeast festival scene. Dead Man’s Waltz features top-notch musicianship and offers a refreshing twist to the music of three legendary and iconic bands. While staying true to the spirit of the music, the band members put their own dynamic spin on a vast catalog of beloved songs that are now part of the new American song book.

Ladies Night ft: King Bully & Sly Fox, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 11:30pm-3am

Come get down on the biggest dance floor in Saratoga for our weekly “Ladies Night” 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.

Bettye LaVette, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Experience the unparalleled talent of Bettye LaVette, one of the greatest voices in American soul and blues, live at Caffè Lena. With a career spanning over 60 years, LaVette is a 7-time Grammy nominee, Blues Hall of Fame inductee, and R&B Pioneer Award winner, renowned for her ability to transform songs into deeply personal and moving performances.

From her breakout single “My Man – He’s a Lovin’ Man” at just 16 years old, to her acclaimed Broadway run in “Bubbling Brown Sugar”, to her powerful reinterpretations of classic songs, Bettye has consistently pushed boundaries, making every song uniquely her own.

Experimental Music Night w/ Eve Essex / Armbruster / Kevin Kenkel & more, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

5/17 1:00 PM Richard Clements Band- Brookside Nurseries

5/17 2:00 PM Jeff Stein- Niskayuna Block Party

5/17 4:00 PM Red Haired Strangers- Helderberg Mountain Brewing

5/17 4:20 PM Jack Kelle- Northern Lights Dispensery

5/17 5:00 PM POGO- Frog Alley Brewing

5/17 5:30 PM Insolent Willies- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery

5/17 6:00 PM DJ Romantic’s- The Scarlet Knife

5/17 6:00 PM Part Time- Sofia’s of Clifton Park

5/17 6:00 PM Scott Chamberlain- Powers Pub

5/17 6:00 PM The Next Chapter- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

5/17 6:00 PM Tyler Giroux- 677 Prime

5/17 6:00 PM Warden & Company- Carsons Woodside Tavern

5/17 6:30 PM Don Ferlazzo- Other One Brewery

5/17 7:00 PM Alan Goldberg- Emack & Bolios

5/17 7:30 PM DeJa Vu Tribute- Cohoes Music Hall

5/17 8:00 PM Carsie Blanton- Lark Hall

5/17 8:00 PM Donna Tritico Band- September’s Too

5/17 8:00 PM Lucid Street & DJ Tomb- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

5/17 8:00 PM Matt Mirabile Band- Rustic Barn Pub

5/17 8:30 PM Dr. Jah & The Love Prophets- Centre St Pub

5/17 8:30 PM Skeeter Creek- Frog Alley Brewing

Sunday, May 18^th

NY Folklore presents Techung and Ensemble: The Music and Culture of Tibet, The Linda, Albany, 3pm-4:30pm

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

Techung and Ensemble – Music and Culture of Tibet

Techung is an accomplished Tibetan folk and freedom singer/songwriter, and a masterful multi-instrumentalist who hails from the vibrant town of Dharamshala, India and presently resides in New York. He is a past recipient of the New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Folk and Traditional Arts.

Techung creates music that navigates and weaves both the secular and sacred aspects of Tibetan culture, while capturing the soundscapes of Tibet and the profound longings of Tibetans who have endured decades of exile living in India. Techung has more than twelve recorded albums of Tibetan folk and contemporary music to his name. He shared the stage with numerous popular artists, including the likes of Patti Smith, Philip Glass, U2 and the Beastie Boys. At the 2018 Tibet House benefit concert held at Carnegie Hall, Techung collaborated with composer Philip Glass, who commended him as “a man of such talent representing the culture of this exiled and oppressed community.” Techung’s traditional and modern performances not only aim to preserve the music of his ancestors but also strive to disseminate the rich Tibetan cultural heritage with global communities around the world.

Matt Rife, SPAC, Saratoga Springs, 8pm

The Dance Studio, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Join the students of The Dance Studio as they bring to life tap, jazz, ballet and point routine to songs from musical icons across generations!

Bluegrass Jam featuring Alan Epstein and Bruce Thompson, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 5:30pm-8:30pm

Bluegrass Jams are for making new friends, sharing songs, playing and listening to blue grass and new-grass. All skin levels are welcome.

Latin Night w/ BoyBoy, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 7pm-1am

Join us for Latin Night every Sunday at Putnam Place and get down to the hottest Latin beats by BoyBoy!

Want to learn Latin dancing?  Our friends from Tango Fusion Dance Company will be here from 7pm – 8pm (every Sunday) offering free dance lessons.  No partner or experience necessary!

Food will be available for purchase, or perhaps you would rather enjoy a hookah, provided by our friends at Hookah Mami’s.

Sing in the Streets, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 12pm-4pm

American Roots Blues Family Folk Jazz Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter Soul

Join us for Sing in the Streets, Caffè Lena’s beloved outdoor music festival celebrating 65 years of live music, community, and connection!

This free, family-friendly event fills the streets of downtown Saratoga Springs with 15 acts across 7 stages, featuring folk, blues, jazz, Americana, soul, and kids’ music. It’s a joyful afternoon of discovery, with performances tucked into alleyways, storefronts, patios, and parks surrounding Caffè Lena’s historic home on Phila Street.

Dikembe / Teenage Halloween / Glazed / ETLY / Scotchka, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

5/18 1:00 PM Matty Finn- Other One Brewery

5/18 11:00 AM Kristian Montgomery / Doc Horton & Jay St. BandRiver Street FestChris Busone Band / Peak Music Allstars- River Street Fest

5/18 3:00 PM CRBN Fundtaiser- Hanger on The hudson

5/18 3:00 PM Cryin Out Loud- Wicked Eatery

5/18 3:00 PM Jeff Brisbin- Druthers Clifton Park

5/18 3:00 PM Mark And Jill Sing The Blues- Hanger on The hudson

5/18 3:00 PM Russ Kennedy- Basin Grill

5/18 3:00 PM Zac Nightingale- Klam’r Tavern & Marina

5/18 5:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Yanni’s Too

5/18 5:30 PM Bluegrass Jam With Alan Epstein- Rustic Barn Pub