Whassup in the 518? – Weekend Shows

Whassup in the 518?

Friday, June 27th

The Beach Boys, The Palace, Albany, 7:30pm

As The Beach Boys mark more than a half century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in America’s musical history. The Beach Boys – who have become synonymous with the California lifestyle and an American icon to fans around the world – are bringing “The Sounds of Summer” tour to cities around the globe.

Opera Saratoga Presents: La Vie Parisienne, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

Offenbach, Meilhac & Halévy’s sparkling, witty, and electric “La Vie Parisienne” takes us to the heart of the demi-monde in 1860s Paris where two bachelors play tour guide to a Swedish Baron and Baroness. They showcase the Paris of their imagination, complete with visits to dives that they claim are fancy palaces and meetings with friends who are disguised as aristocrats. La Vie Parisienne is social critique at its most hilarious. You will leave the theater humming catchy patter songs and raucous party numbers.

Opera Saratoga Presents: A Mass for Women in Bathrooms, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

A work-in-progress showing of award-winning Irish composer Emma O’Halloran and librettist Naomi O’Connell’s “A Mass for Women in Bathrooms.” This opera-theater work for three singers, an actress and electronic sound design by Alex Dowling reframes the structure of the Irish Catholic Mass to tell an intimate family story of three sisters and their mother. A story born from personal experience, A Mass for Women in Bathrooms examines themes of infertility, reproductive rights and dementia, while reclaiming bodily autonomy for women in a historically violent space. This project is funded in part by the Arts Council of Ireland.

Opera Saratoga Presents: She Loves Me, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

An intimate production of Bock, Harnick and Masteroff’s jewel-box musical “She Loves Me.” Famous for tunes like “Vanilla Ice Cream,” “She Loves Me” and “It’s Been Grand Knowing You,” this sweet story focuses on two employees in a Budapest parfumerie who are sworn enemies during the day but unsuspecting lonely hearts penpals at night. “After the success of ‘Guys and Dolls’ last summer,” said Birnbaum, “it was clear to me that young singers have something important to say within the canon of musical theater, and our audiences loved that new energy was infused into these timeless pieces.”

Sub-Radio, Empire Underground, Albany, 8pm

Sleepy Hallow & Sheff G, Empire Live, Albany, 8pm

Night Zero, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm

Join us in welcoming Night Zero feat. Rob Compa,Gubb, Adrian Tramantano, Leon Campos, to Lark Hall on Friday June 27th. 8PM

The Boombox Series: David Tort w/ Jungle Punk, Prophet, Skyway Collective, Groop.Lab, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 10pm-2am

Join us for our latest installment of The Boombox Series, featuring performances 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!

Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

If you’ve never attended a performance by Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys, you’re missing out on one of the Capital Region’s true musical treasures. Since 2006, The Railroad Boys—comprised of singer/songwriter Jim Gaudet on guitar, Bobby Buckley on bass and backing vocals, Sten Isachsen on mandolin and backing vocals, Sara Milonovich or Tucker Callander on fiddle, and ‘Upstate’ Richie Pagano on piano—have been playing festivals and venues, big and small, all over the country. Their original music, driving energy, and camaraderie have attracted many a guest artist over the years, and in January 2023, the group welcomed bassist Bob Buckley into the fold.

The Cactus Blossoms, Hangar on the Hudson, Troy, 8pm-11pm

At its best, harmony duo singing can transform simple math into a magic trick.

No One You Know Presents Feminomenom, Lost and Found, Albany, 9:30pm

Bob Log III / The Jagaloons / The Plisskens, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

6/27 5:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Wheatfields Clifton Park

6/27 5:00 PM Jim Kelly Dukes- Chophouse At Rivers Casino

6/27 5:30 PM Ragged Company- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery

6/27 5:30 PM Tame The Rooster Lite- Bootleggers

6/27 5:30 PM Yankee Holler- Lionheart on The Green

6/27 6:00 PM Chris Carey- The Scarlet Knife

6/27 6:00 PM Joe Adee & The Lug Nuts- S&S farm Brewery

6/27 6:00 PM Keith Pray Trio- Cock & Bull

6/27 6:00 PM Kyle Hommel- Emma Jaynes

6/27 6:00 PM On Tap Duo- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

6/27 6:00 PM Phil Drum- Powers Pub

6/27 6:00 PM Sam Lupowitz- Indian Ladder Farms

6/27 6:00 PM Sugar Pill- Carsons Woodside Tavern

6/27 6:30 PM Dave Render- Cherry Plain Square #17

6/27 6:30 PM John Repko- Other One Brewery

6/27 6:30 PM Travis Rockenstire- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

6/27 7:00 PM Chris Dollard- Dukes Chophouse At Rivers Casino

6/27 7:00 PM Chuck Ayers- Druthers Clifton Park

6/27 7:00 PM Joe’s Boys- The Bunker Mohawk Harbor

6/27 7:00 PM Stirred Up- The Bunker North Greenbush

6/27 7:00 PM Union Depot- Freedom Park Concert Series

6/27 8:00 PM Dealt The Blues- Nanola

6/27 8:00 PM Dueling Pianos- Frog Alley Brewing

6/27 8:00 PM Matty Finn- Katie O’Byrnes

6/27 9:00 PM Out Of Office- Centre St Pub

Saturday, June 28^th

Reese Fulmer, Troy Music Hall, Troy, 6pm

The Summer Square Concert Series is a free, outdoor event at 6 PM Saturday nights June -September in front of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

Rising Stars of Good Karma Studio and Peak Music: A Showcase of Aerial Art & Music, The Egg, Albany, 4pm

Don’t miss this inspiring afternoon of music and movement featuring the rising talent of Good Karma Studio and Peak Music Studios. Up-and-coming aerialists and musicians take the stage in a high-energy performance—sometimes collaborating in thrilling pieces that combine soaring aerials with live music. Rising Stars is a joyful fusion of music and movement. A perfect event for families and fans of the arts!

Good Karma Studio’s Aerial Dance of the Zodiac featuring Dark Ballet: After Dark, The Egg, Albany, 7pm

Two bold visions—twelve signs, one sky; one sound, pure fire—collide for an unforgettable night.

The evening opens with Dark Ballet: After Dark, a visceral performance where heavy metal meets ballet, aerial arts, and immersive video in a bold act of artistic defiance. With ballet dancers from Spendwood School of Dance and aerialists from Good Karma Studio, Dark Ballet confronts violence, silence, and survival through story-driven music and movement—while also celebrating joy, resilience, and personal transformation. From the raw force of War God to the haunting beauty of Girl in the Tree, the stage becomes a space for resistance and release—where art doesn’t just entertain, it disrupts, heals, and demands to be felt.

Saratoga Jazz Festival, SPAC, Saratoga Springs, 11am

Join us at the 48th Annual Saratoga Jazz Festival! 2 days, 2 stages and 22 electrifying artists from jazz to roots, funk, blues, rock, indie and beyond!

Kick off summer with good times and great vibes– enjoy local food trucks, craft beer, a fine arts and crafts fair, family fun, and more!

Opera Saratoga Presents: La Vie Parisienne, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

Offenbach, Meilhac & Halévy’s sparkling, witty, and electric “La Vie Parisienne” takes us to the heart of the demi-monde in 1860s Paris where two bachelors play tour guide to a Swedish Baron and Baroness. They showcase the Paris of their imagination, complete with visits to dives that they claim are fancy palaces and meetings with friends who are disguised as aristocrats. La Vie Parisienne is social critique at its most hilarious. You will leave the theater humming catchy patter songs and raucous party numbers.

Opera Saratoga Presents: She Loves Me, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

An intimate production of Bock, Harnick and Masteroff’s jewel-box musical “She Loves Me.” Famous for tunes like “Vanilla Ice Cream,” “She Loves Me” and “It’s Been Grand Knowing You,” this sweet story focuses on two employees in a Budapest parfumerie who are sworn enemies during the day but unsuspecting lonely hearts penpals at night. “After the success of ‘Guys and Dolls’ last summer,” said Birnbaum, “it was clear to me that young singers have something important to say within the canon of musical theater, and our audiences loved that new energy was infused into these timeless pieces.”

Murphy’s Law, Empire Underground, Albany, 6:30pm

Concert Crave Presents: I Love R&B Party, Empire Live, Albany, 8pm

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

Come get down on the biggest dance floor in Saratoga at 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.

Erin Harkes NEW Album Release Party! w/ opener Lulu Grey (an Overit HG Session), Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Erin Harkes is one of the Capital Region’s most beloved performers—and a true force of nature. With a big voice, a bold spirit, and an unshakable connection to her roots, Erin brings raw emotion, quick wit, and commanding stage presence to every show. Her songs, often drawn from life’s challenges, are filled with humor, resilience, and soul.

Hellseeker Goth Night, No Fun, Troy, 8pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

6/28 10:30 AM DJ Romantic’s- The Scarlet Knife

6/28 11:00 AM Carmen Lookshire- Menands Farmers Market

6/28 4:00 PM Off The Record- Helderberg Mountain Brewing

6/28 5:00 PM Growling Hazers- S&S farm Brewery

6/28 5:00 PM North Allen Duo- Frog Alley Brewing

6/28 5:00 PM On Tap Duo- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery

6/28 5:00 PM Peter Pashoukos- Yanni’s Too

6/28 5:00 PM Shine On- Ferdle Turtle

6/28 6:00 PM Carmen Lookshire Duo- The Scarlet Knife

6/28 6:00 PM Christine Spero- Powers Pub

6/28 6:00 PM Doug Villano Band- Carsons Woodside Tavern

6/28 6:00 PM Rich Ortiz- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

6/28 6:30 PM Jacksland- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

6/28 7:00 PM Chris Dollard- Dukes Chophouse At Rivers Casino

6/28 7:00 PM Frank Murray- Bunker Clifton Park

6/28 7:00 PM Hot Vox Trio- The Bunker Mohawk Harbor

6/28 7:00 PM Nate’s Playlist- O’Slattery’s

6/28 7:00 PM Up The River- Druthers Clifton Park

6/28 8:00 PM Stretch- September’s Too

6/28 8:00 PM The Deadbeats- Swifty’s in Delmar

6/28 8:30 PM Tommy V Live- Frog Alley Brewing

Sunday, June 29^th

Todd Rundgren, The Egg, Albany, 8pm

A pop savant who fastidiously avoided easy categorization throughout the course of his career, Todd Rundgren straddled the gap separating a mainstream star from a cult figure. Rundgren had plenty of hits in the 1970s and ’80s, many of them becoming enduring contemporary standards, such as the Carole King pastiche “I Saw the Light,” the ballads “Hello, It’s Me” and “Can We Still Be Friends,” plus the goofy novelty “Bang on the Drum All Day.” These hits displayed his sharp commercial instincts, impulses he’d wind up subverting and tweaking on such heady ’70s LPs as Something/Anything, A Wizard, A True Star, and Todd, records at the core of a discography that attracted a cult audience and stayed faithful for decades. His dedicated following allowed him to pursue a number of different creative avenues, whether it was leading his art-rock-cum-AOR side band Utopia, pioneering music video and computer software, or dabbling in electronic music. Rundgren balanced these explorations with scores of productions for artists as diverse as Badfinger, Meat Loaf, Grand Funk Railroad, the New York Dolls, and XTC. Collaborations remained a key component of his work even in the 21st century: he often toured as part of Ringo Starr‘s All-Star Band, teamed with electronica artist Lindstrom for Runddans in 2015, and polished off unfinished tunes by the likes of Rivers Cuomo, Neil Finn and Sparks for 2022’s Space Force.

Saratoga Jazz Festival, SPAC, Saratoga Springs, 11:45am

Join us at the 48th Annual Saratoga Jazz Festival! 2 days, 2 stages and 22 electrifying artists from jazz to roots, funk, blues, pop, indie and beyond.

Kick off summer with good times and great vibes– enjoy craft beer, tasty eats, a fine arts fair, family fun and more!

Opera Saratoga Presents: She Loves Me, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

An intimate production of Bock, Harnick and Masteroff’s jewel-box musical “She Loves Me.” Famous for tunes like “Vanilla Ice Cream,” “She Loves Me” and “It’s Been Grand Knowing You,” this sweet story focuses on two employees in a Budapest parfumerie who are sworn enemies during the day but unsuspecting lonely hearts penpals at night. “After the success of ‘Guys and Dolls’ last summer,” said Birnbaum, “it was clear to me that young singers have something important to say within the canon of musical theater, and our audiences loved that new energy was infused into these timeless pieces.”

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!

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

An Unforgettable Evening of Soulful Gospel and Delicious Dining

A Joyful Noise! Gospel Dinner with Soulist Garland Nelson & Friends is more than a concert—it’s a full-sensory celebration of community, comfort, and spirit. This one-of-a-kind evening blends the rich, uplifting power of live gospel music with a lovingly prepared Caribbean dinner by Vashti’s Kitchen Delights, creating an atmosphere that nourishes both body and soul. Led by the incomparable Garland Nelson, whose voice radiates warmth and joy, each gathering becomes a heartfelt experience of connection and praise. Surrounded by friends, familiar songs, and the clink of shared plates, guests don’t just attend—they belong. Join us for a night where the music moves you, the meal fills you, and the spirit of togetherness leaves you glowing.

Tiger Piss / Skives / Cheap Heat / Zombie Giuliani / Off Beat Degredations, No Fun, Troy, 4pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

6/29 3:00 PM Jeff Brisbin- Druthers Clifton Park

6/29 3:00 PM Russ Kennedy- Basin Grill

6/29 4:00 PM Ten Most Wanted- Carsons Woodside Tavern

6/29 5:00 PM Carmen Lookshire- Sofia’s of Clifton Park

6/29 6:30 PM Benjamin Zoleski- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

6/29 7:00 PM Music Company Orchestra- Freedom Park Concert Series