Whassup in the 518? – Weekend Shows

Whassup in the 518?

Friday, January 23^rd

512: The Selena Experience, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7:30pm-9:30pm

512: The Selena Experience is a mind-blowing experience and the closest one you can get to live a Selena concert. Simply, the best Selena tribute production out there! These musicians came together and orchestrated an extraordinary show that will take you back to 1995 within seconds of their first song. 512 will bring to you the finest Selena tribute that you can possibly imagine. Performing all of Selena’s hits including Como La Flor, Amor Prohibido, Si Una Vez, Bidi Bidi Bom Bom and more…Now, get ready to sing, dance, and relive Selena!

Shannon Roy, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 7pm-10pm

A voice with grit, a story with heart—Shannon Roy brings her powerful blend of rock, blues, and folk to Rustic Barn Pub. Shannon’s music is raw, soulful, and unapologetically real. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music and storytelling!

Happy Hour at The Eleven with Monkey and The Crowbar Duo, Lark Hall, Albany, 6pm-8pm

Monkey and the Crowbar have been playing for years in the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region. Their acoustic vibe of originals and Grateful Dead adjacent tunes makes for a hoot of a time. Fronted by Todd Herringshaw(guitar, vocals), band members Tree Casullo(percussion, vocals), Joe Sinchak(fiddle, mandolin, vocals) and Sharon Charles(bass) give an old-timey spin to tunes we all know and love. For a special show, Todd and Tree will perform as acoustic Monkey-duo.

An Evening with LaMP ft Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm-11:59pm

On a magical night at Nectar’s, in Burlington, VT, in December of 2018, three musical masters — Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger and Ray Paczkowski — came together with alchemical synthesis, and created a fresh, so-tight-it’s-free sound, permeated with technical prowess and a deep-pocket punch. The packed house fortunate enough to be in attendance that night witnessed the birth of something very special: LaMP.

2026 Saratoga Film Showcase, Putnam Place, Saratoga, 7pm-11pm

The Saratoga Film Showcase is a weekend-long exhibition of the newest generation of filmmakers, and a celebration of their work in our region and beyond. Hosted at Putnam Place and Saratoga Arts, and sponsored by Discover Saratoga, SFS will offer audiences a comprehensive glimpse into independently-produced cinema, as well as an opportunity to connect with the artists. This year’s weekend-long showcase will feature a panel of special effects artists who will reveal how they create the impossible, culminating in a live demonstration by Cherry Valley-based SFX make-up artist RJ Young. The short film offerings have nearly doubled this year, spanning drama, horror, experimental, comedy, and more.

Ari Hest, Caffe Lena, Saratoga, 8pm-10pm

Grammy-Nominated Singer-Songwriter · Soulful · Poignant · Unforgettable

With a rich, gravelly warmth that instantly pulls listeners in, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Ari Hest crafts songs that feel deeply intimate, emotionally resonant, and profoundly human. His voice—equal parts velvet and grit—adds vulnerability and clarity to lyrics that often articulate what the rest of us feel but struggle to express.

Over the past two decades, Ari Hest has built a remarkable, singular career. Beginning as an independent artist in 2001, he toured the college circuit relentlessly, sharing stages with Martin Sexton, Suzanne Vega, Ani DiFranco, Judy Collins, and The Indigo Girls, building a loyal and passionate following one room at a time.

Liam Kazar w/ Babehoven, Hangar on the Hudson, 8pm-11pm

Liam Kazar is a Chicago-born, Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter whose music finds folk, rock, pop, jazz, and alt-country within moments of each other. Raised in a rich musical community and performing from a young age, Kazar honed his craft through years of collaboration and touring with artists like Jeff Tweedy, Hannah Cohen, and many others. His solo work began in 2021 with his debut Due North, a boisterous offering full of existential fears and manic guitar arrangements.

No One You Know Broadway Musical Night, Lost and Found, Albany

Weirdo Night III, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

1/23 5:00 PM Natalie Santini- Saratoga Winery

1/23 6:00 PM Brian Kane- Dock Browns Lakeside Tavern

1/23 6:00 PM Bronte Roman & Steve Viglucci Duo- Sophia’s

1/23 6:00 PM Chad McLoughlin Trio- Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino

1/23 6:00 PM Dan Dekalb- 677 Prime

1/23 6:00 PM Hammerhead Horns- OK Social Club

1/23 6:00 PM James Kelly- Hank Hudson Brewing

1/23 6:00 PM Jeff Grippin- Tinney’s Tavern

1/23 6:00 PM Justin Joyner- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

1/23 6:00 PM Lustre King Duo- Carsons Woodside Tavern

1/23 6:00 PM Margo Macero- Spa City Tap & Barrel

1/23 6:00 PM Matt Cosgrove- The Scarlet Knife

1/23 6:00 PM Monkey & The Crowbar- Eleven at Lark Hall

1/23 6:00 PM Music Bingo- S&S farm Brewery

1/23 6:00 PM Rich Ortiz … Candlelight Concert Series- The Hidaway

1/23 6:00 PM Rob Aronstein- The Wishing Well

1/23 6:00 PM Sheri Nolan & Katy Dwyer- Inn at Saratoga

1/23 6:00 PM Tooty and The Motherpluckers- Powers Pub

1/23 6:00 PM Wayne & Joey- Saratoga Elks Club Maple Ave

1/23 6:30 PM K&O Duo- Artisanal Brew Works

1/23 6:30 PM Pat Decker- DIamond Club at Embassy Suites

1/23 6:30 PM Ryan Nilsen- Other One Brewery

1/23 7:00 PM 18 Strings of Trouble- Kraverie

1/23 7:00 PM Bad Monk & Dj Biz- Night Owl

1/23 7:00 PM Bypass- O’Slattery’s

1/23 7:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Dukes Chophouse At Rivers Casino

1/23 7:00 PM Professor Louie & The Crowmatix- Parting Glass

1/23 7:00 PM Radio Gold- Panza’s

1/23 7:00 PM Shannon Roy- Rustic Barn Pub

1/23 7:00 PM Steve Cowles & Company- The Bunker Saratoga

1/23 8:00 PM Ari Hest- Caffe Lena

1/23 8:00 PM DJ Vision- Misfit

1/23 8:00 PM Gianna Robustiano & Ben Zoleski- Katie O’Byrnes

1/23 8:00 PM LaMP- Lark Hall

1/23 8:00 PM Will Capuano- Cooperstown Distilling Saratoga

1/23 8:30 PM Aquanett- Vapor

1/23 9:00 PM Rick Rosoff- QuartetNine Maple

1/23 9:00 PM The Refrigerators- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

1/23 9:30 PM TBD- Spa City Tap & Barrel

Saturday, January 24^th

Kirill Gerstein, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 7:30pm

Program:

Liszt: Three Petrarch Sonnets   19’

Liszt: Après une lecture de Dante: Fantasia quasi Sonata, S. 161 No. 7   18’

Brahms: Scherzo in E-flat minor, Op.4   10’

Brahms: Piano Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 5   36’

Matt McCusker: Healing Frequency Tour, The Egg, Albany, 7pm

Matt McCusker is a comedian, novelist, and actor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Affectionately known as “The Shaman,” Matt is the co-host of the industry-changing cult comedy show Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast with Shane Gillis. The show is the number one Patreon podcast in the world, dominating the charts with over 5.5 million downloads each month and consistently ranking in the Top 15 on Spotify’s Comedy Charts. The duo recently announced a major partnership with Spotify to bring video episodes to the platform, marking an exciting new chapter for their devoted audience.

NY Cat Film Festival 2026, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

The NY Cat Film Festival™ is an exploration of the fascinating felines who share our lives. Cats have a unique and indescribable bond with people, even when living independently as community cats. These are not random internet “cat videos” — these are films made with an intention, concept, or story conveying something essential about cats. The 21 films in the 8th Annual NY Cat Film Festival were carefully picked from 70 films submitted from 14 countries. Apparently, cats rule the world. Note that a portion of every ticket purchased goes to a local animal welfare non-profit, bringing community awareness and support for the needs of local kitties.

The Taylor Party: Taylor Swift Night, Empire Underground, Albany, 9pm

The Emo Night Tour, Empire Live, Albany, 8pm

Run Rabbit Run: A Tribute to Pink Floyd, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7:30pm-9:30pm

E1PRESENTS – Bringing back the ultimate tribute to Pink Floyd, “RUN RABBIT RUN”   Experience Pink Floyd’s full albums and masterpieces, lovingly recreated by Run Rabbit Run. These veteran artists from New York’s Capital Region play tribute across all eras of Pink Floyd’s discography–including immersive performances of complete albums. For Pink Floyd fans and newcomers alike, it’s an unforgettable concert of incredible music and compelling visuals.

Harmonic Duo, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 7pm-10pm

Experience the mesmerizing harmonies of the Harmonic Duo, with the sound of a full band!

Happy Hour at The Eleven with Mike McMann & the UnderDawgz, Lark Hall, Albany, 6pm-8pm

Mike McMann is a native of the Capital Region of NY currently residing on the NY/MA border in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. From classic rock to southern rock to bluegrass, roots music to acoustic, instrumental – Mike has a wide range of styles, influenced by Doc Watson, Tony RIce, Mark Knopfler, Jerry Garcia, Jeff Beck and others. He has played guitar in area bands for thirty years, including Euphoria, The Tropical Hotdogs,the Kenny Gwynn Band, the Kim Buckley Band, The Doornails, The Nellies and of course, the Mike McMann Band. He has shared the stage with Tony Markelis, Pete Vumbaco, Kevin Maul, Dale Haskell, the Sun Mountain Fiddler – Dick Solberg, Luke McNamee, Marty Satalino, Rick Lipe, Peter Bearup, Gordon Gaines, Evan Kremin and more. See the More Info page for an update on the bands Mike is currently booking gigs with for 2021. And of course – all gigs are subject to change – call ahead to confirm with the venues.

Little Lies: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, Putnam Place, Saratoga, 8pm

Little Lies is a high-energy, authentic tribute band dedicated to bringing the timeless music of Fleetwood Mac to life. With a passion for preserving the iconic sound of one of rock’s most beloved bands, Little Lies takes audiences on a journey through the legendary catalog displaying Fleetwood Mac in their prime with a fresh take on their classic vibe. The band also faithfully recreates their greatest hits with precision, power, and heart.

Formed by a group of talented musicians from MA who share a deep love for Fleetwood Mac’s music, Little Lies delivers an immersive experience that captures the essence of the band’s distinctive style—from the magical harmonies of Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie to the unforgettable guitar riffs of Lindsey Buckingham and the steady rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.

Dirty Grass Players, Caffe Lena, Saratoga, 8pm-10pm

With a nod to tradition and a fearless sense of adventure, The Dirty Grass Players are pushing the boundaries of bluegrass—and having a blast doing it. Hailing from Baltimore, this high‑energy quartet blends razor‑sharp harmonies, rootsy improvisation, and modern songwriting into a sound that’s fresh, fast, and unmistakably their own.

Equally convincing on a two‑minute Flatt & Scruggs classic or a ten‑minute jam‑band detour, The Dirty Grass Players walk the line between reverence and rebellion. Their latest album, Shiny Side Up—produced by Cody Kilby of The Travelin’ McCourys—has earned praise from Bluegrass Unlimited and audiences across the U.S. and Europe. Their daring bluegrass take on Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child” proves these guys aren’t afraid to get a little dirty.

Trans Rage: DAMAG3 / Film and Gender / Chaser Bait / Dog Pisser / Trepidation, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

1/24 1:00 PM Brian Kane Trio- Lakeview on Crystlal Lake

1/24 10:00 AM Far Eye Reggae- Saratoga Farmers Market at Wilton Mall

1/24 3:00 PM Five To Midnite- Helderberg Mountain Brewing

1/24 5:00 PM Brandon LaRocca- Franklin Square Market

1/24 5:00 PM Brandon LaRocca- Franklin Square Market

1/24 5:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Frog Alley Brewing

1/24 5:00 PM K&O Duo- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery

1/24 5:00 PM Shine On- Artisanal Brew Works

1/24 6:00 PM Ben Hart- S&S farm Brewery

1/24 6:00 PM Ben Zoleski- Spa City Tap & Barrel

1/24 6:00 PM Jeff Stein- The Scarlet Knife

1/24 6:00 PM Jeffrey Halstead- Panza’s

1/24 6:00 PM Juniper – Inn at Saratoga

1/24 6:00 PM Matty Stecks & The 518- Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino

1/24 6:00 PM Mike McMann & The Underdawgz- Eleven at Lark Hall

1/24 6:00 PM Rob Aronstein- The Wishing Well

1/24 6:00 PM Rooster Lite- Carsons Woodside Tavern

1/24 6:00 PM Russ Kennedy- Powers Pub

1/24 6:00 PM Stretch Duo (Joley & Tom Miller)- Sophia’s

1/24 6:00 PM Tyler Giroux- 677 Prim

1/24 6:00 PM Vinyl Evolution- The View at Brookhaven Golf Course

1/24 7:00 PM Alan Goldberg- Emack & Bolios

1/24 7:00 PM Completely Different- Kraverie

1/24 7:00 PM Get Up Jack- Parting Glass

1/24 7:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Rustic Barn Pub

1/24 7:00 PM Pat Decker- Lakeview Tavern

1/24 7:00 PM Ryan Clark Band- The Night Owl

1/24 7:00 PM The Coverups- The Bunker Saratoga

1/24 7:00 PM Will Proper- Rail To River Brewing

1/24 8:00 PM Dirty Grass Players- Caffe Lena

1/24 8:00 PM DJ Postman- Misfit

1/24 8:00 PM Little Lies- Putnam Place

1/24 8:00 PM Ten Most Wanted- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

1/24 8:30 PM Big Sky Country- Vapor

1/24 9:00 PM John Savage- QuartetNine Maple

1/24 9:30 PM Ill Funk Ensemble- Spa City Tap & Barre

Sunday, January 25^th

Adam Ray, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 7:30pm

Who Is Me Tour

Adam Ray is a seasoned comedian and actor hailing from Seattle, renowned for his versatile performances across television, film, and digital platforms. His extensive acting credits include roles in critically acclaimed shows and movies such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Barbie Movie, MadTV, Hacks, Pam & Tommy, and The Heat, among many others.

In addition to his prolific work in traditional media, Adam has made significant strides in the digital space and live performances. His appearances on popular podcasts like Kill Tony, Bad Friends, and Two Bears, One Cave have garnered millions of views, with some episodes ranking among the most-watched in the shows’ histories.

Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra – Concert II: The Game is Afoot, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga

Step into the world of mystery and deduction with “221B: A Sherlock Holmes Opera,” inspired by the legendary detective stories of Arthur Conan Doyle. The opera is composed by SSSO Conductor and Artistic Director Glen Cortese, with the libretto by Brian Clay Luedloff. Featuring singers from Saratoga Voices under the leadership of Artistic Director Noah Palmer! This thrilling musical experience brings the intrigue of Baker Street to life through a gripping operatic mystery.

Dust Bowl Faeries, Caffe Lena, Saratoga, 7pm-9pm

Dust Bowl Faeries perform a faerie-tale of dark cabaret and macabre polka music, infused with a dose of witchcraft and a dusting of woodland magic. Hailing from the haunted villages of the NY Hudson Valley, the Faeries perform original songs peppered with nuances of tango, flamenco, Klezmer, Balkan and Romani swing music. Singing saw, piano accordion, lap-steel, bass, acoustic guitar and percussion combine to create the Dust Bowl Faeries otherworldly sound.

Badheart Burlesque presents: Oops! All Drag! No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

1/25 2:00 PM Lost Radio Rounders- Guilderland Public Library

1/25 3:30 PM Kevin Green & Josh Sheridan- Hank Hudson Brewing

1/25 5:00 PM Bobbie Van Detta- Charlton Tavern