Whassup in the 518? – Weekend Shows

Whassup in the 518?

Friday, March 20th

DIRECT FROM SWEDEN – THE MUSIC OF ABBA, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 7:30pm

“The music of ABBA” are no strangers to the incomparable sound and look of Sweden’s greatest music export with meticulous attention to costumes, make-up, musical arrangements, movements and the singing, nothing is left to chance. Adding a few of Abba’s live traits such as great solos, musical numbers and a complete live band with back-up singers, ensures an extra dimension unheard of in most similar productions.

Dance, sing along and enjoy the hits such as Dancing Queen, Chiquitita, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, The Winner Takes it All, Fernando, SOS, Take a Chance, Money Money Money, Knowing Me Knowing You, Super Trouper, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Voulez-Vous and many more.

The Egg Presents: Ballet Hispánico New York, The Egg, Albany, 7pm

Ballet Hispánico New York performed at our Grand Opening Weekend in 1978. Nearly five decades later, as we celebrate our 2026 re-hatching after renovations, we are thrilled to welcome them back to help usher in this next chapter.

Since her debut in 1875, Carmen, the titular character from Bizet’s opera, has become a timeless cultural icon, inspiring generations of composers, choreographers, and writers to attempt to capture her elusive and alluring nature. Ballet Hispánico honors the powerful Spanish leading lady with Gustavo Ramirez Sansano’s electrifying CARMEN.maquia. One of today’s most sought-after choreographers, Sansano’s quintessential ballet invigorates this timeless tale with an unrelenting energy that leaves you breathless. Highly original and full of explosive movement, CARMEN.maquia is a bold reimagining of this tragic tale.

The Sound of Music, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, 8pm

For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our “favorite things.” With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed – it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing.

Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family will captivate audiences with its universal themes of love, resilience and the power of music.

Featuring beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Edelweiss,” THE SOUND OF MUSIC is the iconic tale of a spirited nun who chooses not to live behind closed doors – and, by following her heart, learns to climb every mountain.

Broadway Rave, Empire Underground, Albany, 8:30pm

RAEL – The Music of Genesis and Peter Gabriel, Cohoes Music Hall, 7:30pm; 9:30pm

RAEL-The Music of Genesis and Peter Gabriel is a New York and Northern New Jersey-based tribute band that recaptures the energy and originality of the “early years” live stage performances by Genesis. RAEL pays homage to the most groundbreaking and influential band in the progressive rock genre by incorporating the musical excellence, lyrical storytelling, and theatricality that brought Genesis to a position of prominence in the rock world. RAEL-The Music of Genesis brings older listeners back to the day, while introducing progressive rock newcomers to the sights and sounds right along with other legendary bands such as Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Yes, Rush and King Crimson to name but a few.

Mike McMann and The Underdawgs, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm-11pm

Get ready to rock down memory lane with Mike McMann and The Underdawgs live at Rustic Barn Pub in Troy, NY.

The Eugene Tyler Band at The Eleven at Lark Hall, Albany, 6pm-9pm

The Eugene Tyler Band returns to The Eleven on Friday 3/20 6-8pm. FREE Show.

Indie-bluegrass trio Eugene Tyler Band is a road band, cutting their teeth on the bluegrass festival circuit and clubs across the northeast. Sharing stages with bands like Mountain Grass Unit, Sicard Hollow, The Kitchen Dwellers, and Michigan Rattlers,  they’ve carved out a unique voice in the bluegrass scene, with sharp songwriting and high-energy performances. Blending indie spirit with bluegrass grit, their live shows strike a balance between tight musicianship and loose, conversational banter. Called “a trio that punches above its weight”, ETB is back on the road this spring, bringing their charismatic brand of new acoustic music to audiences around the country.

Eugene Gardner (vocals/guitar/mandolin/tenor guitar), Danny Tyler (banjo/guitar) and Marc Jaffee (upright bass/vocals) all grew up within a few miles of each other in New York’s Hudson Valley, where they are currently based.

WINNER Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival Band Competition

The Samples w/ Rob Beaulieu Band, Putnam Place, Saratoga, 8pm-11:45pm

The Samples, led by founding singer-songwriter Sean Kelly, have been blending rock, reggae, and folk into their signature melodic sound since emerging from Boulder, Colorado in the late ’80s. Best known for hits like “Nature,” “Did You Ever Look So Nice,” and “When It’s Raining,” the band built a devoted following through national touring, standout festival appearances, and their feel-good, harmony-rich live performances.

Momentum Series: Joy Clark with opener Buggy Jive, Caffe Lena, Saratoga, 8pm-10pm

Caffè Lena is thrilled to welcome Louisiana-born singer-songwriter and guitarist Joy Clark, a rising force in Americana and folk whose debut album Tell it to the Wind marks her arrival as a bold new voice. Raised just outside New Orleans in a tight-knit, deeply religious family, Joy first learned guitar and harmony in her parents’ church. As she came into her identity as a queer Black woman, songwriting became her path toward freedom and self-definition.

CPS / OTOBO / Purple Lung / Horse Grave, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

3/20 5:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Wheatfields Clifton Park

3/20 6:00 PM BJ Fitzgerald- Spa City Tap & Barrel

3/20 6:00 PM Christine Spero- The Wishing Well

3/20 6:00 PM Dan Dekalb- 677 Prime

3/20 6:00 PM Doc Orloff- Powers Pub

3/20 6:00 PM Eugene Tyler Band- Eleven at Lark Hal

3/20 6:00 PM Foil In The Muck- Conroys Irish Tavern

3/20 6:00 PM Gordan Grey- Carsons Woodside Tavern

3/20 6:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Saratoga Winery

3/20 6:00 PM Jason Irwin- VFW Lansingburgh

3/20 6:00 PM Jay Yager- The Scarlet Knife

3/20 6:00 PM Matt Ryan- Thirsty Owl

3/20 6:00 PM Nick Mattison- Holy Moses

3/20 6:00 PM Russ Kennedy- Treehouse Brewery

3/20 6:00 PM Steve Candlen- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

3/20 6:00 PM Thom Powers- Inn at Saratoga

3/20 6:00 PM Wayne & Joey- Saratoga Elks Club Route 9 North

3/20 6:30 PM Kyle Hommel- Other One Brewery

3/20 6:30 PM Margo Macero- Artisanal Brew Works

3/20 6:30 PM Warden & Company – Peddlers Bar & Bistro

3/20 7:00 PM DJ Chizzzik- Night Owl

3/20 7:00 PM Duck & Du- Emack & Bolios

3/20 7:00 PM Jeff Walton- Principessa Elena

3/20 7:00 PM John Eisenhart- Seven Bistro

3/20 7:00 PM Lacey Allen & Mike Bruce- Bunker Clifton Park

3/20 7:00 PM Tiny Planet- Kraverie

3/20 7:00 PM Vagabond- O’Slattery’s

3/20 7:30 PM 8 Track Massacre , Devil You Know , Deadbeat Valentine- Wicked Eatery

3/20 8:00 PM Bailee Jordyn- Cooperstown Distilling Saratoga

3/20 8:00 PM Buggy Jive & Joy Clark- Caffe Lena

3/20 8:00 PM Comedy Night- Ft. Orange Brewery

3/20 8:00 PM DJ Chris G- Misfit

3/20 8:00 PM Karaoke With Dan Leto- September’s Too

3/20 8:00 PM Mike McMann & The Underdawgs- Rustic Barn Pub

3/20 8:00 PM The Samples wsg Rob Bealuieu Band- Putnam Place

3/20 8:30 PM American Honey- Vapor

3/20 9:00 PM Brian Patneaude Quartet- Nine Maple

3/20 9:30 PM The Schmooze- Spa City Tap & Barrel

Saturday, March 21^st

Gaelic Storm, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 7:30pm

It’s hard to imagine a band just coming into their own after 20 years of success, but that’s exactly what makes a true anomaly.Gaelic Storm, a multi-national, Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and after two decades and over 2000 shows, they are a true force to be reckoned with.

The band attributes their continued success to their fanatic audience, and it’s a well-diversified crowd for sure – attracting fans of every genre with their rich storytelling, energetic instrumentals, devotion to Celtic traditions and passion for their stagecraft. They are as loyal to their fans as the fans are to them, as frontman Patrick Murphy states, “The fans are the ones that have given us this life. We’re here for them.”

The Egg Presents: FIREBIRD, The Egg, Albany, 3pm

An epic adaptation of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite performed by a monolithic orchestra of tail lights.

This is a guided, immersive audiovisual art experience. Attendees will start on the Concourse (under The Egg) before they make their way up into the venue.
FIREBIRD is both an audio experience and an otherworldly light show. Inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s 1919 “Firebird Suite”, a unique orchestra of over 600 recycled car lights unleashes a hypnotic choreography of light upon the audience to a pre-recorded composition. Together, they bring the mythical firebird to life in an overwhelming visual and musical spectacle.

Clover Fest 2026, MVP Arena, Albany, 7pm

Featuring Meek Mill, DaBaby, JT, BTB Dezz, Thetylilshow, Rakai, Raysianboy, Reggie, 3xpunga, Valiant, Zeddy Will, BunnaB, Hurricane Wisdom, Chuckyy, Trim, Biggz the MC, DJ Static, DJ JP, DJ Hell Rell, Morefiyah Dread, DJ Bully.

The MVP Arena Box Office will be open from 2:00PM to 9:00PM on the day of the show.

The Sound of Music, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, 2pm;8pm

For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our “favorite things.” With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed – it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing.

Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family will captivate audiences with its universal themes of love, resilience and the power of music.

Featuring beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Edelweiss,” THE SOUND OF MUSIC is the iconic tale of a spirited nun who chooses not to live behind closed doors – and, by following her heart, learns to climb every mountain.

They Built America: Workers of the Erie Canal, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga, 11am

Join Kelly McPhearson, a fearless Irish lass, on an incredible journey to find her brother (her only family in America), who’s working on the canal. Sourced from more than 35 historical records, this original work celebrates the real men, women, children, politicians, farmers, merchants, and laborers who built the Erie Canal – the miraculous waterway that transformed America from a burgeoning country into a great nation! Told with live music and text, history comes to life with figures such as physician Dr. Finch, Italian mason Antonio, Swedish packet boat Captain Gus, Governor DeWitt Clinton, congressmen, and many more!

All of Us Presents: Bloomin’, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga

Spring is calling… and we’re answering on the dancefloor.

All of Us Events proudly presents the 3rd annual Bloomin’ — returning for a night where electronic music, renewal, and community collide. Bloomin’ celebrates the Spring Equinox — the moment when darkness and light meet, and everything begins to grow again.

A Night of the Kinks, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 8pm-10pm

From the host that brought you sold-out evenings of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Simon & Garfunkel, and CSNY, come celebrate one of the most influential British rock groups of all time: The Kinks! Featuring a mix of Capital Region’s premier singers and musicians for this very special tribute, with performances by The Abyssmals, Super 400, Chris Carey, Mike O’Donnell, and Raurri Jennings. Produced by A Zan Strumfeld Show.

Chris Carey
Chris Carey is a native of New York’s Capital Region. A born musician, he grew up playing any instrument within reach (or turning any random object into one). He has spent the last two-plus decades in many different musical roles. These include session musician/sideman to several local greats including Super 400 and Sean Rowe, engineer and producer at his Millstone Studio in Saratoga Springs, solo artist/songwriter, educator at Troy Music Academy and co-frontman of local folk-rock favorites Rodeo Barons.

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 Oobleck, Lark Hall, Albany, 6pm-8pm

Join us on Saturday, 3/21 to welcome back our favorite funk band, Oobleck to The Eleven at Lark Hall. 6pm// FREE

Oobleck is a melee of horns, super heavy drums and bass, and your favorite type of chunky guitar riffing that leaves your bum shaking and your face grinning. When we say funk, we actually mean funked-out-afro-rock-alt-dub-whatever.Balancing razor-sharp horn lines with live group improvisation, Oobleck mesmerizes…delving fearlessly where the moment takes them. Pushing the bounds of sound, Oobleck’s funk is an unbridled expression of the dark and light: a quintet’s worth of energy and synergy, infusing you with the raw love of music that comes only from playing, dancing and breathing from a place deep down. In the end, it’s funk to fuel your soul.

One Time Weekend w/s/g Dysfunktone, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm-11:59pm

Join us in welcoming back One Time Weekend wsg Dysfunktone to Lark Hall on Saturday, March 21st. Doors 7/ Show 8.

Shred, funk, metal, jam. Take these four ingredients and sauté them in a sauce of songwriting and groove, and you might create something that tastes like One Time Weekend. Known for their electrifying live shows, OTW delivers an unforgettable high-energy experience at every performance. They’ve performed at major festivals such as The Peach Music Festival, Northlands, and Memorial Meltdown, and have toured with acts like Twiddle, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and High Fade. Over the last ten years the band has released four studio albums and over one hundred live albums. With millions of streams across platforms and a rapidly growing social media following, One Time Weekend continues to expand their reach through relentless touring, engaging live shows, and a strong connection with their community of fans aka “OTW Nation”.

Bright Series: Andrea von Kampen Trio, Caffe Lena, 8pm-10pm

Intimate Songs • Lyrical Guitar • Thoughtful Storytelling

Described by The New York Times as “a fine singer with guitar work reminiscent of the cult hero Nick Drake,” Andrea von Kampen is a songwriter of rare subtlety—an artist whose music invites deep listening, reflection, and connection.

Her songs are intimate and introspective, guided by graceful melodies and a calm, expressive voice that feels both timeless and immediate. After a series of well-received EPs, von Kampen released her full-length debut Old Country in 2019, followed by That Spell (2021) on Fantasy Records. In 2022, she made her acting debut in the independent film A Chance Encounter, starring in the film and writing and recording its soundtrack, also released via Fantasy Records.

Karaoke with JC, Lost and Found, Albany, 9pm

RECON / Shattered Realm / Frozen Ground / War Nerve / Price of Redemption, No Fun, Troy, 6:30pm-11:30pm

RECON / Revenge (Late Show 11PM) No Fun, Albany, 11pm-12pm

From “Bar People.”

3/21 10:00 AM Grace Corbett- Saratoga Farmers Market at Wilton Mall

3/21 3:00 PM Ron Comstock- Helderberg Mountain Brewing

3/21 5:00 PM Jay Yager Duo- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery

3/21 5:00 PM Juniper- Artisanal Brew Works

3/21 6:00 PM Ben Zoleski- Spa City Tap & Barrel

3/21 6:00 PM Brian Kane Duo- Carsons Woodside Tavern

3/21 6:00 PM Christine Spero- The Wishing Well

3/21 6:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Tinney’s Tavern

3/21 6:00 PM Erin Powers- S&S farm Brewery

3/21 6:00 PM Franklin Micare- 677 Prime

3/21 6:00 PM Jeff Walton- Henry’s Tavern

3/21 6:00 PM Larry Gravett- The Scarlet Knife

3/21 6:00 PM Maggie Doherty & Rick Bolton- Keuka Wine Tasting Saratoga

3/21 6:00 PM Oobleck- Eleven at Lark Hall

3/21 6:00 PM Ryan Clark- Thirsty Owl

3/21 6:00 PM Ryan Clark- Thirsty Owl

3/21 6:00 PM Shine On- Inn at Saratoga

3/21 6:00 PM Will Pedicone- OK Social Club

3/21 6:00 PMParty Of 3- The View at Brookhaven Golf Course

3/21 6:30 PM Jeff Brisbin- Diamond Club at Embassy Suites

3/21 6:30 PM Titanics- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

3/21 7:00 PM Alan Goldberg- Emack & Bolios

3/21 7:00 PM Chris Dollard- Principessa Elena

3/21 7:00 PM Completely Different Band- Kraverie

3/21 7:00 PM DJ Tune- Night Owl

3/21 7:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Rustic Barn Pub

3/21 7:00 PM Joannes Driving The Bus- Outpost 40

3/21 7:00 PM North & South Dakota’s- Unihog

3/21 7:00 PM Tooty and The Motherpluckers- Seven Bistro

3/21 7:30 PM BR & B- Kris’s Mid City Tavern

3/21 7:30 PM Doug Villano Band- Wicked Eatery

3/21 8:00 PM Andrea Von Kampen Trio- Caffe Lena

3/21 8:00 PM DJ Chizzzik- Misfit

3/21 8:00 PM Dysfunktone- Lark Hall

3/21 8:00 PM Mark Hodgkins- Excelsior Pub

3/21 8:00 PM Matty Finn- Parting Glass

3/21 8:00 PM Stretch- September’s Too

3/21 8:30 PM DJ NPG- Vapor

3/21 9:00 PM John Savage Quartet- Nine Maple

3/21 9:30 PM Ill Funk Ensemble- Spa City Tap & Barrel

Sunday, March 22^nd

Next Generation Festival, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 3pm

Music history is the story of premieres—Beethoven’s concerto debut in Vienna, the Rhapsody in Blue, The Rite of Spring. And nowhere is it more exciting than when the next generation takes the stage: students, making their debuts in the hall renowned for some of the greatest acoustics in the world. Combine that with the enormous wealth of music programs here in the Capital Region, Mid-Hudson & Berkshires, and you have a festival of music as only the young can bring it: from a flute trio to the Moldau, from Renaissance polyphony to percussion quintet and even the World Premiere of a Sonata by one of the performers, they bring their energy and excellence to a program that spans centuries and a debut that will only ever happen this once. Be there to enjoy and support them! Students from SUNY Schenectady, UAlbany, UMass Amherst, Queens College CUNY, SUNY New Paltz and RPI, curated and hosted by your WMHT-FM hosts live on stage and recorded for broadcast on both WMHT TV and radio.

A Music Dialogue: Bamboo Meets Brass on the Silk Road, The Egg, Albany, The Egg, 2pm

This one-of-a-kind concert is a true musical dialogue between East and West. Along the historic Silk Road, Chinese music blended with Central Asian and Middle Eastern elements—including Persian, Arab, and Indian influences—forming new genres and introducing improvisation as a powerful mode of musical dialogue. Even Country music lovers will also be delighted to hear timeless classics through live improvisation with Eastern folk musicians.

The Sound of Music, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, 2pm
For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our “favorite things.” With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed – it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing.

Biohazard, Empire Live, Albany, 6pm

The Gambler Returns: The Ultimate Kenny Rogers Tribute Show, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 10pm-4pm

Experience the music of GRAMMY® Award-winning superstar Kenny Rogers. A musical experience that spans over six decades of hit after hit song! His music is loved throughout the world and connects with generation after generation. Kenny’s command of the stage, heartfelt performances, gift for storytelling and distinctive voice are all on full display in this honoring recreation of his LIVE performances.

Join us as, award winning country recording artist Alan Turner, recreates the magic of a night with Kenny in the Ultimate Kenny Rogers Tribute Show, The Gambler Returns. This full band top production show will take you on a musical journey through the career of an American Icon and Legend that sold over 120 million albums worldwide and racked up some 24 No.1 hits (including “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me” and so many more). Audiences leave the performance wanting more.

One Day of Peace and Music, Lost and Found, Albany

Ulrika Spacek / Bruiser and Bicycle / Gray Monitor, No Fun, Troy, 5pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

3/22 12:00 PM Caity Gallagher- Lost & Found

3/22 2:30 PM Leslie Barkman & Friends- Lark St. Tavern

3/22 4:00 PM Shannon Lynch Duo- Carsons Woodside Tavern

3/22 4:00 PM Triple Trouble wsg Dan Bernstein- Artisanal Brew Works

3/22 5:00 PM Bobbie Van Detta- Charlton Tavern

3/22 5:00 PM Brian McCann- Conroys Irish Tavern

3/22 6:00 PM Sinatra And Friends- Panza’s

3/22 7:00 PM Mark & Jill Sing The Blues wsg Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim- Caffe Lena