Yacht Lobsters at Ryan’s Wake on January 16th

TROY, N.Y. (Jan. 6, 2026) — As snow blankets Troy this winter, the Yacht Lobsters will deliver a dose of summertime warmth when the New York City-based tribute band returns to Ryan’s Wake Public House on Friday, Jan. 16.

Yacht rock, the polished soft rock style that peaked from the mid-1970s to early 1980s, blends jazz, R&B, and soul influences with pristine production, lush harmonies, and catchy, laid-back melodies. Hits like Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song),” Michael McDonald’s “What a Fool Believes,” and Christopher Cross’ “Sailing” capture an easygoing spirit often associated with sunny days on the water.

Formed in 2022 and partly named after the B-52’s song “Rock Lobster,” the Yacht Lobsters deliver faithful yet fresh interpretations of hits from Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, Hall & Oates, Toto, and other iconic acts. The group also infuses New Orleans funk, classic rock drive, and jazz improvisation, along with original songs that echo the late-1970s sound.

Keyboardist Michael Moshan, a longtime live performer, explained the music’s lasting appeal:

“These are songs I listened to driving with my father, windows down, singing along to the FM radio,” Moshan said. “This music brings joy and nostalgia to a particular generation, but it’s not just older fans coming to these shows, which is really cool.”

The genre draws audiences across age groups, with younger listeners discovering it through movies, social media, and playlists.

“They come dressed in sailor outfits and captain hats, ready from the first note to dance and sing along,” Moshan added.

The term “yacht rock” first appeared in 2005, coined by J.D. Ryznar, Hunter D. Stair, Lane Farnham, and collaborators for a comedy web series called Yacht Rock. The series debuted at Channel 101, a monthly short-film festival in Los Angeles, and quickly became a cult hit online.

The upcoming show continues a growing yacht rock tradition at Ryan’s Wake, marking the third such event in recent years after strong turnout for the Yacht Lobsters’ outdoor set during last summer’s Wake Up Wednesday series and a prior performance by YachtMastersNY. (The name “Ryan’s Wake” nods to both the Ryan family funeral business and the tradition of celebrating life at an Irish wake, while playfully referencing the wakes created by boats on the Hudson River that flows past the pub.)

Staff at the venue join the fun, often wearing tropical shirts, sunglasses, and sailor caps. One bartender created a persona, “The Captain,” which has become a crowd favorite on social media and was even asked to lead a conga line at a recent wedding.

“After the Yacht Lobsters drew a big crowd outdoors last summer, bringing them inside during winter gives everyone a chance to escape the cold with those warm, breezy sounds,” said Jared Kingsley, general manager of Ryan’s Wake Public House. “It’s a perfect mid-January break.”

The Jan. 16 performance takes place on the Flynn Side (in the spacious Flynn bar), with doors at 5 p.m. and music starting at 7:30 p.m. The band plays two sets, ending around 10:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for the concert area. The original Ryan’s Wake pub side remains open with no cover.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
• Venue: Ryan’s Wake Public House, 403 River Street, Troy, N.Y.
• Location: Flynn Side (ticketed concert)
• Doors: 5 p.m.
• Showtime: 7:30 p.m. (two sets, ends approx. 10:30 p.m.)
• Tickets: $20
• Note: Original pub side open, no cover required
• For tickets and info: ryanswake.com, purchase in advance at the bar, or pay at the door.

Space is limited.