Whassup in the 518? Weekend Shows

Whassup in the 518?

Friday, December 12^th

Whiskey Myers & Friends Acoustic w/s/g Bones Owens & Rob Leines, The Palace, Albany, 7:30pm

PBR: Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour, MVP Arena, Albany

The PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour will return to Albany for the first time since 2017, when top bull riders and their bovine dance partners storm into MVP Arena Dec 12-13.

Over the course of the two-day event, 35 top riders will appear in the two initial rounds, taking on some of the sport’s toughest bulls. After two rounds, the top 10 riders with the highest aggregate scores ride for a chance at the event title. The riders will battle it out for the crucial Velocity Global points, which contribute to the Velocity Global Standings and determine new riders added to the elite Unleash The Beast tour throughout the season. The Top 3 Velocity Global riders who have not already qualified for PBR World Finals are also invited to the marquee event in bull riding in May 2026.

Children ages 2 & above need a ticket.

Danú: An Emerald Isle Christmas, SPAC, Saratoga, 7pm

Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert Series

Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College

Following their sold-out “Sounds of the Season” performance in 2022, Danú returns with An Emerald Isle Christmas, bringing the extraordinary music, song, and dance of Irish holiday traditions to Saratoga. Recognized worldwide as one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles, the group blends ancient Irish music with fresh repertoire, delivering a mix of virtuosity and energy. For over two decades, their musicians — on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, bouzouki, and vocals in both Gaelic and English — have toured globally, winning multiple BBC and Irish Music Magazine awards. Featuring celebrated vocalist Nell Ní Chróinín and the vibrant flair of Irish step-dancers, Danú embodies the rich traditions of Ireland in a joyous holiday celebration.

The McKrells Christmas, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

“The McKrell-Melick interpretation of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ is an absolute classic. It’s the best Marx Brothers routine that the Marx Brothers never did, with Kevin McKrell playing a mix of wisecracking Groucho and straight-man Zeppo, while the bug-eyed, puppy-dog-eager Brian Melick channels Harpo with amazing accuracy.” – Greg Haymes Times Union

Great American Ghost, Empire Underground, Albany, 7pm

Big Fez and The Surfmatics, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 7pm-10pm

Join us for our Surfin’ Christmas Party with Big Fez and The Surfmatics! Performing classic surf and beach music from the early 1960’s

Bright Series: High Horse, Caffe Lena, Saratoga, 8pm-10pm

Get ready for a rollicking ride with High Horse, a progressive-acoustic “boy band” that blends the raw energy of alternative rock with the soul of Bluegrass, Old-time, and Celtic traditions. Featuring four friends, three bows, and one pick, this dynamic quartet delivers virtuosic musicianship, tight vocal harmonies, and infectious good vibes.

Bimbo Nite: Naughty vs Nice (Ages 21+ w/valid ID), No Fun, Troy, 8pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

12/12 5:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Yanni’s Too

12/12 5:30 PM Josh Clvenstine- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery

12/12 5:30 PM Open Mic hosted by Phillip Shaver- Real McCoy Brewery Ballston Spa

12/12 5:30 PM Richard Clements- Unified Beer Works

12/12 5:30 PM Tame The Rooster Lite- Bootleggers

12/12 6:00 PM Eric Kufs- Carsons Woodside Tavern

12/12 6:00 PM Justin Joyner- The Scarlet Knife

12/12 6:00 PM Tyler Giroux- 677 Prime

12/12 7:00 PM Dan Bernstein- Emack & Bolios

12/12 7:00 PM Like Bunny- Unihog

12/12 7:00 PM Vagabond- O’Slattery’s

12/12 7:30 PM Big Fez- Rustic Barn Pub

12/12 8:00 PM Supersuckers & King Sickabilly- Hanger On The Hudson

Saturday, December 13^th

Isaac Thomas + Haydn’s ‘Surprise’ Symphony, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 7:30pm

Isaac Thomas + Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony
Saturday, December 13 at 7:30pm
Sunday, December 14 at 3:00pm
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

David Alan Miller, conductor
Christina Bouey, violin
Ji Weon Ryu, flute
Yi-heng Yang, fortepiano

Johann Sebastian Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5
Isaac Thomas: New Work (world premiere)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20
Franz Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 94, “The Surprise”

Bored Teachers, The Palace Theatre, Albany, 7:30pm

Bored Teachers are BACK with all new material on their “The Struggle is Real!” Comedy Tour. For years, Bored Teachers Studios has brought a sense of humor to teachers around the world to ease their daily struggle in the classroom. They’ve amassed over a billion views on their viral videos on social media, over 10 million followers, and the #1 ranked teacher-comedy podcast—#6 of all Stand Up Comedy shows on Apple Podcasts. Since 2022, Bored Teachers has been selling out comedy clubs and major theatres across 49 states, bringing laughter to over 150,000 teachers throughout the school year and has become the main event to attend in all of teacher world. Even non-teacher fans have reviewed it as one of the funniest stand up shows they’ve ever seen! The Bored Teachers Show is a comedy powerhouse that anyone who’s ever been in a classroom can relate to

PBR: Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour, MVP Arena, Albany

The PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour will return to Albany for the first time since 2017, when top bull riders and their bovine dance partners storm into MVP Arena Dec 12-13.

Over the course of the two-day event, 35 top riders will appear in the two initial rounds, taking on some of the sport’s toughest bulls. After two rounds, the top 10 riders with the highest aggregate scores ride for a chance at the event title. The riders will battle it out for the crucial Velocity Global points, which contribute to the Velocity Global Standings and determine new riders added to the elite Unleash The Beast tour throughout the season. The Top 3 Velocity Global riders who have not already qualified for PBR World Finals are also invited to the marquee event in bull riding in May 2026.

Children ages 2 & above need a ticket.

Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos​: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, SPAC, Saratoga, 5pm

Experience a Beloved Holiday Tradition — For the First Time with CMS in Saratoga

This December, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center brings one of the Baroque era’s most iconic masterpieces to Saratoga Springs: the Complete Brandenburg Concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Hailed by The New Yorker as “joyous, effervescent, and yes, festive,” CMS’s performances of these concertos have become a treasured holiday tradition in New York City. Now, for the first time in our 12-year partnership, SPAC audiences can experience all six works in one dazzling evening—performed by twenty of the world’s finest chamber musicians on the stage of the Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College.

Northeast Ballet’s Annual the Nutcracker, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Northeast Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker brings you international guest artists and the best of the best that regional talent can offer. Our cast reaches over 100 to entertain and welcome the holiday season.

Become a traveler in Clara’s magical dream through the glistening snowfall to the Magic Kingdom of Sweets. Experience all the thrilling variations from the various countries she visits.

The Acacia Strain: Tune Low Die Slow Ho Ho! Empire Live, Albany, 12:45pm

518 Burton Street, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 7pm-10pm

518 Burton St. brings acoustic energy, killer guitar work, and feel-good vibes to The Rustic Barn Pub!

Mike McMann & the UnderDawgz, Lark Hall, Albany, 12pm-1:30pm

Nickopotamus at The Eleven (Santa Speedo/FREE Show), The Eleven, Albany, 3pm

NOYK & American Foundation for Suicide Prevention presents Jingle Bell Rock, Lark Hall, Albany, 7pm-11:30pm

Jimkata w/ Escaper, Putnam Place, Saratoga, 7:30pm-8:30pm

Blurring the line between rock band and electronic act, Jimkata is onto an entirely new era on stage. Once again a quartet, the band has been proving that no songs from their extensive catalog is off limits. Described as “A hard hitting dance party with soaring guitar riffs and soul tickling lyrics,” Jimkata takes you on an emotional joyride before tucking you gently in to bed, still humming the words.

With a life long friendship at it’s core friends since middle school, Evan Friedell, Aaron Gorsch and Packy Lunn infuse Jimkata, with an adventurous musical streak & relatable lyrical themes. Adding Cooper Casterline into the mix holding down the low end has allowed the band to stretch the music out in a live setting. Mixed in with the modern sensibilities & hard driven indie rock are influences drawn from the likes of Motown, singer-songwriters & even old country songs, where storytelling & a quick turn of phrase share priorities with melody & the beat.

65th Anniversary Folk Heritage Series: The Kennedys Rockin’ Holiday Show, Caffe Lena, Saratoga, 8pm-10pm

Vocalists/guitarists Pete and Maura Kennedy, a husband and wife duo, first met when Pete was playing guitar in Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra. When Maura replaced Iris DeMent as a harmony singer on a Griffith tour, they found themselves in the same band, and opened shows for Griffith as a duo. The Kennedys hosted the late lamented Dharma Café program on Sirius satellite radio, and on Broadway, they are regular cast members of Theatre Within’s annual tribute to John Lennon – working in that capacity with Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, Jackson Browne, Cyndi Lauper and a host of others.

Lowercase: MOVE YOU Rave – Underground House & Techno, No Fun, Troy, 8pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

12/13 1:00 PM BR and B- Lakeview on Crystlal Lake

12/13 12:00 PM Hayley Jane- Ophelia’s Restaurant

12/13 5:00 PM K&O Duo- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery

12/13 6:00 PM Frankie Lessard- The Mill

12/13 6:00 PM Franklin Micare- 677 Prime

12/13 6:00 PM Jeff Walton- Carsons Woodside Tavern

12/13 6:00 PM Matt Cosgrove- The Scarlet Knife

12/13 7:00 PM DJ Jason Irwin- Sammy Cohens

12/13 7:00 PM Harmonic Duo- American Legion Wynanskill

12/13 7:00 PM River Country Band- Outpost 40

12/13 7:00 PM Ruby Rose- Cherry Plain Square #17

12/13 7:00 PM Sticks & Stones- O’Slattery’s

12/13 8:00 AM Jingle Bell Rock With Shannon Tehya , Keegan James, Dj Fearless- Lark Hall

12/13 8:00 PM Wonka Willy EDM Tour- Ophelia’s Restaurant

Sunday, December 14^th

Isaac Thomas + Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony Matinee, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 3pm

Isaac Thomas + Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony
Saturday, December 13 at 7:30pm
Sunday, December 14 at 3:00pm
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

David Alan Miller, conductor
Christina Bouey, violin
Ji Weon Ryu, flute
Yi-heng Yang, fortepiano

Johann Sebastian Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5
Isaac Thomas: New Work (world premiere)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20
Franz Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 94, “The Surprise”

Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole, SPAC, Saratoga, 3pm

Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert Series

Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College

Rising jazz sensation and viral star Stella Cole will bring her signature voice and holiday spirit to Saratoga as part of her 2025 holiday tour. With over 1.7 million social media followers and millions of views on her viral performances, Cole has been hailed by People as a “powerhouse rivaling Judy Garland and Rosemary Clooney.” She recently released her sophomore album It’s Magic on Decca Records US, following the success of her holiday EP Snow!, which features classics like “White Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Cole will perform holiday favorites from Snow!, selections from her growing repertoire, and beloved seasonal standards in a performance that promises to be both nostalgic and fresh.

Northeast Ballet’s Annual the Nutcracker, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Northeast Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker brings you international guest artists and the best of the best that regional talent can offer. Our cast reaches over 100 to entertain and welcome the holiday season.

Become a traveler in Clara’s magical dream through the glistening snowfall to the Magic Kingdom of Sweets. Experience all the thrilling variations from the various countries she visits.

Christmas Oratorio Tea, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga

Ring in the holiday season with Charles Weidman’s “Christmas Oratorio,” set to the exquisite music of Bach. This breathtaking modern dance classic will be elevated with expanded live music and choral accompaniment, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Under the direction of Noah Palmer, an orchestra, choir, and opera soloists will bring this masterpiece to life like never before.

The Acacia Strain: Tune Low Die Slow Ho Ho! Day 2, Empire Live, Albany, 12:45pm

Second Sunday Bluegrass Jam, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 5:30pm-9pm

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

Winter Solstice Paint & Sip with Laura Leigh, Lark Hall, Albany, 1pm-3pm

Nordlys Global Voices Series: Kongero, Caffe Lena, Saratoga, 7pm-9pm

Experience the spellbinding sound of Kongero—a world-renowned Swedish Folk’appella quartet whose voices weave together with breathtaking power, beauty, and precision.

CRBN “Memphis Bound” Benefit Concert, Hangar on the Hudson, Troy, 2pm-5pm

Holiday Sing and Shop, Lost and Found, Albany, 5pm

K-Pop Dance Night: DJ ODD.I.C/ KLOSURE, No Fun, Troy, 5:30pm – 11pm

From “Bar People.”

12/14 2:30 PM Hammerhead Horns- Lark St. Tavern

12/14 3:00 PM John Nolan- O’Slattery’s

12/14 3:30 PM Dan Sherwin- Hank Hudson Brewing

12/14 6:00 PM Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey & Drank The Gold- Cock & Bull

12/14 7:00 PM Mary & Me- Emack & Bolios

12/14 Bobbie Van Detta- Charlton Tavern