Whassup in the 518 – Weekend Shows

Whassup in the 518

Friday, August 15^th

Renée Fleming, SPAC, Saratoga Springs, 7:30pm

with The Philadelphia Orchestra

One of the most beloved and celebrated singers of our time, five-time GRAMMY-winner Renée Fleming returns to SPAC with an all-new program alongside The Philadelphia Orchestra.

This breathtaking performance begins with inspiration from the GRAMMY Award-winning album Voice of Nature: the Anthropocene, in which Fleming explores humankind’s evolving relationship with nature, performing works ranging from Handel to Björk and The Lord of the Rings, with a beautiful projected film created for the program by National Geographic. The second half of the program features beloved arias and songs, from Puccini to Rodgers and Hammerstein.

ICFS and Subway Cinema present: A Touch of Zen (1971), Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Part of Flying Sword Heroes: Gravity-Defying Tales from Taiwan Film Festival 

Directed by: King Hu
Starring: Hsu Feng, Shih Chun, Pai Ying, Tien Peng, Tsao Chien, Roy Chiao, Sammo Hung

Astonishing is the only word for it. Running three ecstatic hours, “A Touch of Zen” is the kind of movie you surrender to, and you’ll walk out of the theatre with your soul in better shape than when you came in. Butchered on release, it died at the box office and killed King Hu’s career until this three-hour cut played at the Cannes Film Festival three years later and received the Technical Grand Prize and almost took home the Palme d’Or. Ever since, it’s been considered one of the greatest Chinese movies ever made

Happy Hour at The Eleven with Nickopotamus (FREE Show), The Eleven, Albany, 6pm

Join us for a summer night of music with Nickopotamus. FREE event; 6-10pm

An eclectic juggernaut, Nickopotamus combines elements of rock, jam, funk, punk, groove, and zydeco to provide the listener with a visceral experience that will leave them singing along. Nickopotamus is a good-time/high energy live band that has been known to have just as much fun on stage as their fans do. Hailing from Albany, NY this 4 piece band is led by song writer/ guitarist Nick Souder.

George Boone Blues Band, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-11pm

From his suit and shiny black shoes to his powerful vocals filled with raw emotion, this veteran musician will immerse you in a deep river of the blues. George Boone won the respect and accolades of the great players in the blues scene and has shared the stage with legendary blues greats such as Albert King, Screaming Jay Hawkins and Johnny Copeland, to name a few.

As Matt Smith wrote in Metroland magazine “I think George Boone is one of the most amazing guys I’ve seen. He’s the real thing…” A night with George Boone is an experience. Rocking out, dancing, crying the blues, George Boone is a lesson in what the blues are all about. George Boone lives the blues. George Boone is the blues.

Jeffrey Gaines, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Experience the magnetic presence of Jeffrey Gaines—a masterful singer-songwriter whose voice, guitar, and passion for the stage have captivated audiences worldwide. Known for his soul-searching lyrics, intimate performances, and commanding vocal presence, Gaines brings a powerful honesty to every show.

The Hsevenfour / The Last Miller / Service Industry / Galene, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

8/15 5:00 PM Chris Sanders Music- Outpost 40

8/15 5:00 PM Moonrocks- S&S farm Brewery

8/15 5:30 PM Russ Kennedy- Fairways Of Halfmoon

8/15 6:00 PM Accents- Carsons Woodside Tavern

8/15 6:00 PM Caity Gallagher & Dan Dekalb- Boathouse Grille

8/15 6:00 PM Hammer & Nail- Indian Ladder Farms

8/15 6:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Martels Grill & Bar

8/15 6:00 PM Jacksland- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

8/15 6:00 PM Mike O’Donnell- Cock & Bull

8/15 6:00 PM Nickopotamus- Eleven at Lark Hall

8/15 6:00 PM Pat Sgambati- Emma Jaynes

8/15 6:00 PM Rob Fleming- The Scarlet Knife

8/15 6:00 PM Shaun McCarty Trio- Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino

8/15 6:00 PM TS Ensemble- Mechanicville FESTA

8/15 6:00 PM Tyler Giroux- 677 Prime

8/15 6:30 PM James Kelly- Other One Brewery

8/15 6:30 PM Kevin & Josh- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

8/15 7:00 PM Brian Kane and The Beginning- Daleys On Crooked Lake

8/15 7:00 PM Grand Central Trio- The Bunker North Greenbush

8/15 7:00 PM Jake Juron- Druthers Clifton Park

8/15 7:00 PM Joe’s Boys- Bunker Clifton Park

8/15 7:00 PM Tame The Rooster- Altamont Fair Grounds

8/15 7:00 PM Will Pedicone- Sand Bar

8/15 9:00 PM Hark with Erin Harkes- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

Saturday, August 16^th

As Iz, Troy Savings Bank 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.

As Iz (Izzy Singer) is an Albany, NY area based one-man band, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Izzy has performed and recorded his music since the late 1980s.

Community Block Party, The Palace Theatre, Albany, 12pm

Join us on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from Noon to 4PM as we close down Clinton Avenue and fill the area around the Palace Theatre with music, family friendly activities, vendors, community organizations & more! This event is free and open to the public. 

There’s fun for the whole family – Live Music by Lucid Street! A Kids Zone with Face Painting, Balloon Twisters, a Bounce House, Games and more! Free Hot Dogs & Hamburgers!

The Community Block Party is made possible thanks to the generous support of our community initiative sponsors JAMZ 96.3, Price Chopper/Market 32, National Grid, Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family, The Bender Family Foundation, CDTA, Ostroff Associates, Lamar Digital Billboards, The Business for Good Foundation, Nigro Retail Properties & The Spot 518.

ICFS and Subway Cinema present: A Touch of Zen (1971), Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Part of Flying Sword Heroes: Gravity-Defying Tales from Taiwan Film Festival

Directed by: King Hu
Starring: Hsu Feng, Shih Chun, Pai Ying, Tien Peng, Tsao Chien, Roy Chiao, Sammo Hung

Astonishing is the only word for it. Running three ecstatic hours, “A Touch of Zen” is the kind of movie you surrender to, and you’ll walk out of the theatre with your soul in better shape than when you came in. Butchered on release, it died at the box office and killed King Hu’s career until this three-hour cut played at the Cannes Film Festival three years later and received the Technical Grand Prize and almost took home the Palme d’Or. Ever since, it’s been considered one of the greatest Chinese movies ever made

ICFS and Subway Cinema present: The Valiant Ones (1975), Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Part of Flying Sword Heroes: Gravity-Defying Tales from Taiwan Film Festival 

Directed by: King Hu
Starring: Roy Chiao, Hsu Feng, Sammo Hung, Han Ying-chieh

For a microscopic story told like an epic, the tale couldn’t be tinier. Corrupt Ming officials have taken bribes and allowed a band of Japanese pirates to terrorize the South China coast. The government dispatches a small band of fighters, anchored by a husband-and-wife team, to take care of them. Outnumbered, they must rely on guile, cunning, and clever strategy to take down their opponents. What follows is almost non-stop action courtesy of fight choreographer Sammo Hung (Jackie Chan’s “Big Brother”) and director King Hu, who deliver some of their greatest set pieces, including a chess battle that has to be seen to be believed.

Sip, Savor and Swirl, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

Join NACRE Dance Group for Sip, Savor, and Swirl. This unique event pairs dance with wines from around the world, each choreographed piece capturing the essence of a specific wine through movement. The wines will be paired with cheese from The Cheese Traveler in Albany, NY, for a complete sensory experience.

Tonight’s The Night: A Tribute to Neil Young, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 7:30pm-10:30pm

Come check out the Capital District’s #1 homegrown tribute to Neil Young. Tonight’s the Night delivers Neil’s music with passion, precision and flair. From solo acoustic intimacy to Harvest-era twang to all-out grunge jamming, Tonight’s the Night covers all the bases.

Website: www.facebook.com/TonightsTheNight.NeilYoung

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, Sly Fox and percussionists Seth Casale and Johnny Ellis.

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.

The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 4pm-6pm; 8pm-10pm

Martin Sexton’s music has always had the rare power to unify. Described by The New York Times as bringing “unpretentious heartiness” to the universal goal of every soul singer—to amplify the sound of the ordinary heart—Sexton has spent decades building bridges through song.

With 10 acclaimed albums and countless magnetic live performances behind him, Sexton now brings his celebrated Abbey Road Tour to Caffè Lena. This special evening features Sexton performing The Beatles’ landmark Abbey Road album in its entirety, followed by a set of his own inspired originals. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience where nostalgia and contemporary artistry meet.

Sunnyboyy / Palamino / Gray Monitor, No Fun, Troy, 4:30pm-5:30pm

From “Bar People.”

8/16 1:00 PM Off The Record- Schenectady Library Clinton Street

8/16 1:00 PM Off The Record- Scotia Branch Library

8/16 12:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Liberty Ridge Farm

8/16 4:00 PM Matty Finn- Basin Grill

8/16 5:00 PM Mike McMann Quartet- S&S farm Brewery

8/16 6:00 PM Franklin Micare- 677 Prime

8/16 6:00 PM Jeff Brisbin- Dukes Chophouse At Rivers Casino

8/16 6:00 PM Jukebox Rebellion- Feast Of The Assumption Fest. Mechanicville

8/16 6:00 PM Out Of Office- Carsons Woodside Tavern

8/16 6:00 PM Ranzer- Rail To River Brewing

8/16 6:00 PM Russ Kennedy- The Scarlet Knife

8/16 6:00 PM Standerd Edition- Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino

8/16 6:00 PM Twilight Drive- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery

8/16 6:00 PM West Side Drive Band- Hoosick Falls Summer Concert Series

8/16 6:30 PM Amanda Case- Other One Brewery

8/16 6:30 PM Ava & Hayley- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

8/16 7:00 PM Alan Goldberg- Emack & Bolios

8/16 7:00 PM Sugar Pill- Druthers Clifton Park

8/16 7:00 PM Tame The Rooster- Freedom Park Concert Series

8/16 7:30 PM Ali Ryerson Quartet- Stella’s Pasta Bar at The Van Dyck

8/16 8:00 PM Dashboard Anthem & DJ Prophrt- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

Sunday, August 17^th

Troy Pig Out, Troy, 11pm-5pm

ICFS and Subway Cinema present: A Touch of Zen (1971), Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Part of Flying Sword Heroes: Gravity-Defying Tales from Taiwan Film Festival 

Directed by: King Hu
Starring: Hsu Feng, Shih Chun, Pai Ying, Tien Peng, Tsao Chien, Roy Chiao, Sammo Hung

Astonishing is the only word for it. Running three ecstatic hours, “A Touch of Zen” is the kind of movie you surrender to, and you’ll walk out of the theatre with your soul in better shape than when you came in. Butchered on release, it died at the box office and killed King Hu’s career until this three-hour cut played at the Cannes Film Festival three years later and received the Technical Grand Prize and almost took home the Palme d’Or. Ever since, it’s been considered one of the greatest Chinese movies ever made

ICFS and Subway Cinema present: The Fate of Lee Khan (1973), Proctors Theatre, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Part of Flying Sword Heroes: Gravity-Defying Tales from Taiwan Film Festival 

Directed by: King Hu
Starring: Tien Feng, Hsu Feng, Roy Chiao, Pai Ying, Han Ying-chieh, Angela Mao

King Hu’s most ferocious statement of feminist principles, this flick features five actresses throwing flying fists (Hu Chin, Helen Ma, Angela Mao, Hsu Feng, and Li Li-hua). The first half of the movie is all set-up, as rebels, spies, and government officials in disguise descend on a remote inn looking for a pivotal McGuffin (a battle map). The second half of the movie sees all hell break loose as identities are revealed, loyalties are betrayed, and all the furniture gets bashed, crashed, and thoroughly smashed. Think of it as “The Hateful Eight” but with women wielding swords instead of Jennifer Jason Leigh getting punched in the face a lot.

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 and percussionist John Ellis!

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!

Enjoy a hookah on the patio, provided by our friends at Hookah Mami’s.

Hungry? We will be serving up delicious Caribbean cuisine on the patio.

The Fleshtones w/s/g Vintri Hill, Hangar on the Hudson, Troy, 6pm-9pm

In a world where there are no more heroes, the Fleshtones walk the earth like Roman gods.

Since their inception in 1976 in Queens, New York, and their sweaty, boozy gestation at legendary venues such as CBGB, Max’s Kansas City, and the storied Club 57— recently feted at the Museum of Modern Art, where their proto-video underground film“Soul City” was unspooled for art stars, glitterati, and a raft of punk rockers who managed to get past the front gate — they have perpetrated their proprietary brand of SUPER ROCK, a frenetic amalgam of garage punk and soul, punctuated by the big beat and unleashed with the spectacular show business majesty which has kept them on the road for over forty years, adored by audiences whose love for them borders on religious fervor.

with special guests Vintri Hill

Banana Split Sunday Benefit for Albany Rock Pit & Big Brothers/Sisters, Lost and Found, Albany, 2pm

Mario Kart: All Jazzed Up, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

8/17 12:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Liberty Ridge Farm

8/17 12:00 PM Mark & Jill Sing The Blues- Stillwater Center

8/17 2:00 PM Matty Finn- Frog Alley Brewing

8/17 3:00 PM Cryin Out Loud- Wicked Eatery

8/17 3:00 PM Jimmi Justin- Basin Grill

8/17 3:00 PM Steve Candlen- Druthers Clifton Park

8/17 4:00 PM Bailee Jordyn- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

8/17 4:00 PM Ill Funk Ensemble- Carsons Woodside Tavern

8/17 5:00 PM Masters Of Nostalgia- Cock & Bull

8/17 6:00 PM Bailee Jordyn- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

8/17 7:00 PM Ain’t No Strangers- Niskayuna Town Hall on The Green

8/17 7:00 PM Mostly Modern FAB5- Freedom Park Concert Series