A Look Back: June 22

By Mike Stampalia.

50 years ago: Benny Goodman @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Benny Goodman closes out the three-day Upstate Jazz Festival at SPAC – photo by the Saratogian

With his band dressed in burgundy outfits, Goodman marked his appearance on stage dressed in white and immediately drew applause. The warm welcome of the sudience lasted the whole performance through and before Goodman could make his opening remarks one woman in the audience shouted “Benny you’re the king!”

The remark brought a grin to Goodman’s face and there was no doubt that the “Swing” soundwould be the real king tonight.

– Bryan Jackson for the Saratogian

40 years ago: Dan Fogelberg / Chris Hillman Band @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Take “Same Old Lang Syne,” the ode to old love and lovers colliding in the surroundings of years gone by. Fogelberg gave it a soulful, bluesy tinge, balanced by a finely-crafted piano arrangement that reached a chilling crescendo in voice and keyboard. It brought the crowd of nearly 9,000 to its feet.

– Bob Niedt for the Syracuse Herald-Journal

30 years ago: The Grateful Dead @ Knickerbocker Arena

The second of a two-night stand, this show would be their last played in New York State, ever.

This show features an incredible “Franklin’s Tower,” clocking in at 18 minutes, a near-record for its final version ever. The final “Help on the Way” and “Slipknot” preceded the set closing jam, as did an emotional “It Must Have Been the Roses.”

– Pete Mason for NYS Music

1 year ago: Cake @ Brewery Ommegang

The show slowed back down for “Mexico” and the fans’ voices echoes the words and melodies back to them. The frontman explained that they usually stop for a set break but they would continue to play “Shadow Stabbing” and fight the impeding storm to stay away.

Sadly, lightning struck right after the song concluded and everyone was asked to evacuate the grounds to wait out the storm.

– Patrick Htoo for NYS Music

Visit onstagealbany.com to keep up with Capital District concert reviews, both old and new.