Photography by Joe Chaos – Chaos Photography.
Schism @ Putnam Place, 12/6/2024
Tool tribute band Schism brought the theatrics to Putnam Place.
Photography by Joe Chaos – Chaos Photography.
Jukebox – Music News Cuts – 12.13
Jukebox.
System of a Down
System of a Down will be playing three giant North American stadium shows in 2025, with a major rock co-headliner. The concerts will begin in MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey with Korn and join Avenged Sevenfold at Soldier Field in Chicago, and will end the tour with The Deftones at Rogers Stadium in Toronto. Openers for all three shows will be the bands Polyphia and Wisp.
System of a Down hasn’t released an album in 19 years, and they play rarely. Singer Serj Tankian has been beset with back issues which have threatened his ability to continue performing.
Each of the three shows will have two nights due to “incredible demand.” General ticket sales begin today via Ticketmaster.
See the dates and the individual posters for each stadium show below.
System of a Down 2025 Tour Dates:
08/28 – East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium *
08/31 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field ^
09/03 – Toronto, ON @ Rogers Stadium #
* = w/ Korn, Polyphia, and Wisp
^ = w/ Avenged Sevenfold, Polyphia, and Wisp
# = w/ Deftones, Polyphia, and Wisp
Charli XCX
Variety names Charli XCX Hitmaker of the Year at their eighth annual Hitmaker’s brunch last week, and the performer noted that the definition of “hit” doesn’t have to simply be about numbers. She mentioned the wild popularity of The Velvet Underground and Nico despite initial sales numbers that put them on the back end of the Billboard 200. She said, “In my humble opinion, this record is the definition of a hit. This record is arguably one of the most influential and groundbreaking records of our time. This album is the apex of fine art and DIY culture colliding. It’s high and low. It’s poetry means drugs. It’s earnest meets arrogance. And even if you have never heard a single song from this album, you will undoubtedly recognize its cover.”
Charli XCX will be touring arenas next year.
SXSW
SXSW has added 160 new musicians to their previously announced lineup. The festival will be taking place in various locations in and around Austin, Texas from March 10th to March 15th. In addition, the festival won’t be sponsored by the U.S. Army in 2025. Badges are currently on sale.
SXSW 2025 LINEUP ADDITIONS
2fox (London UK-ENGLAND)
Adjua (Cardiff UK-WALES)
AHI (Brampton CANADA)
Aiko (Prague CZECHIA)
Ailbhe Reddy (Dublin IRELAND)
Aili (Brussels BELGIUM)
Alix Fernz (Montreal CANADA)
Altre di B (Bologna ITALY)
Archer Oh (Moreno Valley CA)
ARSUN (New York NY)
Ashes to Amber (Orange CA)
AyooLii (Milwaukee WI)
badfocus (Prague CZECHIA)
Beth McCarthy (York UK-ENGLAND)
Big Freedia (New Orleans LA
Big Special (Walshall UK-ENGLAND)
Big Zeeks (London UK-ENGLAND)
BLACKGOLD (London UK-ENGLAND)
Black Polish (Los Angeles CA)
BOLD LOVE (Dublin IRELAND)
Borderline (Auckland NEW ZEALAND)
C4 (Birmingham UK-ENGLAND)
Campfire Social (Wrexham UK-WALES)
Candi Jenkins (Lexington KY)
Carpetman (Kyiv UKRAINE)
Catcher (Brooklyn NY)
Chace (Yancheng CHINA)
Chiaki Mayumura (Shibuya-ku JAPAN)
Chlöe’s Clue (Valencia SPAIN)
Cliffords (Cork IRELAND)
Cloudy June (Berlin GERMANY)
Coldwave (Adelaide AUSTRALIA)
CONSUMABLES (Brooklyn NY)
The Courettes (Aalborg DENMARK)
The Criticals (Nashville TN)
Cruzloma (Quito ECUADOR)
CVC (Cardiff UK-WALES)
Cysum (Austin TX)
Damaris Bojor (Hermosillo MEXICO)
Daniela Pes (Tempio Pausania ITALY)
DarkoVibes (Accra GHANA)
Daydream Twins (Austin TX)
Die Heiterkeit (Berlin GERMANY)
Dilettante (Leeds UK-ENGLAND)
Dusted (Canning CANADA)
El Culto Casero (Asunción PARAGUAY)
Elephant Kind (Jakarta INDONESIA)
Elín Hall (Reykjavik ICELAND)
Emily Frembgen (Brooklyn NY)
Famous (London UK-ENGLAND)
Fashion Club (Los Angeles CA)
FearDorian (Atlanta GA)
FLAKO STIK (Austin TX)
Flawless Issues (Stuttgart GERMANY)
Flor (Los Angeles CA)
Fourth Daughter (Edinburgh UK-SCOTLAND)
Francesca Bono (Bologna ITALY)
Freak Slug (Manchester UK-ENGLAND)
Frederick Boom (Chicago IL)
Gen and The Degenerates (Liverpool UK-ENGLAND)
Gloin (Toronto CANADA)
Glue Trip (São Paulo BRAZIL)
Go Cactus (Palma SPAIN)
HEAL (Barcelona SPAIN)
Her New Knife(Philadelphia PA)
Her Skin (Bologna ITALY)
Hierba Malita (Houston TX)
Holly Arrowsmith (Ōtautahi/Christchurch NEW ZEALAND)
INSXGHT (London UK-ENGLAND)
Jacob Alon (Fife UK-SCOTLAND)
JahleelFaReal(Austin TX)
JaRon Marshall (Austin TX)
jasmine.4.t (Manchester UK-ENGLAND)
Jasmine Wesley (Los Angeles CA)
Jazz refreshed DJs (London UK-ENGLAND)
J’cuuzi (Austin TX)
JD Clayton (Fort Smith AR)
Jennifer Touch (Berlin GERMANY)
Joan & The Giants (Perth AUSTRALIA)
Joelton Mayfield (Nashville TN)
Jopy (Brighton UK-ENGLAND)
JOSEON (Los Angeles CA)
Judy Blank (Utrecht NETHERLANDS)
Karl Benjamin (London UK-ENGLAND)
Ken Pomeroy (Tulsa OK)
Knitting (Montreal CANADA)
Korda Korder (Hastings UK-ENGLAND)
KUČKA (PerthAUSTRALIA)
LAKE (Olympia WA)
Lassy-Eskola: Nordic Stew (Helsinki FINLAND)
Last Waltzon (Montreal CANADA)
Little Moon (Provo UT)
Lizzie Berchie (London UK-ENGLAND)
Lola Moxom (Kent UK-ENGLAND)
Loverman (Brussels BELGIUM)
lúpína (Reykjavik ICELAND)
luvis (Kyoto JAPAN)
Mad Madmen (Jakarta INDONESIA)
MAGNA (Medellin COLOMBIA)
Maryze (Montreal CANADA)
Master Peace (London UK-ENGLAND)
Millian (Lagos NIGERIA)
Mint Field (Mexico City MEXICO)
Monsoon (Athens GA)
MORDÁI (Budapest HUNGARY)
Morgan Munroe (London UK-ENGLAND)
My Son The Doctor (Brooklyn NY)
Nektunez (Accra GHANA)
No Windows (Edinburgh UK SCOTLAND)
Ny Oh (Tauranga NEW ZEALAND)
The OBGMs (Toronto CANADA)
ŒUVAL (Lafayette LA)
OneDa(Manchester UK-ENGLAND)
Open Head (Kingston NY)
Oreglo (London UK-ENGLAND)
Paisley Fields (Brooklyn NY)
Paris death Hilton (Tokyo JAPAN)
Pavey Ark (Hull UK-ENGLAND)
Plastic Palms (Turin ITALY)
Polo Perks (Harlem NY)
Population II (Montreal CANADA)
Princess Superstar (Los Angeles CA)
PYPY (Montreal CANADA)
Quinn (Baltimore MD)
redolent (Edinburgh UK-SCOTLAND)
Ribbon Skirt (Montreal CANADA)
Sam Ryder (London UK-ENGLAND)
Sex Week (Brooklyn NY)
Shallowater (Houston TX)
Sierra Spirit (Tulsa OK)
simmcat (Copenhagen DENMARK)
Skateland (Austin TX)
Slash Need (Toronto CANADA)
Sly Withers (Perth AUSTRALIA)
Somebody Someone (Austin TX)
SoundMass (Austin TX)
Squid The Kid (Melbourne AUSTRALIA)
Steam Down (London UK-ENGLAND)
STEEF (New Orleans LA)
Stella Bridie (Melbourne AUSTRALIA)
Steve Wynn (New York NY)
Strawberry Launch (New York NY)
Sunna Margrét (Reykjavík ICELAND)
sunnbrella (London UK-ENGLAND)
SWEET SPINE (Greenville SC)
Tagua Tagua (São Paulo BRAZIL)
tamanaramen (Tokyo JAPAN)
Tami Hart (Brooklyn NY)
Taxidermists (Hadley MA)
TEll A ViSiON (Berlin GERMANY)
Teo Glacier (Auckland NEW ZEALAND)
The Tiarras (Austin TX)
T Mulla (Hackney UK-ENGLAND)
Total Fucking Darkness (Montreal CANADA)
Truck Violence (Montreal CANADA)
Vines (Brooklyn NY)
Vintage Jay (Austin TX)
Vraell (London UK-ENGLAND)
Wade Forster (Winton AUSTRALIA)
Weird Bloom (Rome ITALY)
Wes Denzel (Austin TX)
West Texas Exiles (Austin TX)
Winnie Ama (Belfast UK-N. IRELAND)
Wynona Bleach (Belfast UK-N. IRELAND)
Xavier Omar (San Antonio TX)
Yung D3mz (Tema GHANA)
Zach Edwards & The Medicine (Lafayette LA)
Zamaera (Kuala Lumpur MALAYSIA)
Cleaning Bandits – The Weird Side of the Internet
Cleaning Bandits – The Weird Side of the Internet – by Liam Sweeny.
Sometimes I read an article and jump to the conclusion, and sometimes I jump too far, and sometimes not far enough. I don’t know where I landed on this one. Okay, so it was in Nova Scotia, and the Mounties advising people two lock their doors after two women were seen in someone’s house. A vigilant neighbor spotted them, and notified the homeowner. But the funny part is, the women were there cleaning. Apparently they were paid to clean a house, and they had the wrong house. Meanwhile, the homeowner had left the apartment unlocked to let someone come in and walk their dog.
So I’m thinking, at first, that these women are breaking into peoples’ houses to clean. Yeah I jumped to that conclusion a bit beyond the landing pad, or whatever they call that thing you land on in the pole vault. But I will damn put my whole and entire reputation on the fact that there is a legit burglar out there that breaks into peoples’ houses to clean. Now he may steel some panties while he’s doing it, but cleaning services are more expensive than panties, so win-win?
I would looooove someone to break into my apartment to clean. “Oh, please, just take some knick knacks, please don’t mop the floor. We don’t want any trouble, just wipe off the kitchen counters and clean out the microwave. You can have it all (to clean.)
It must be nice in Nova Scotia that the Mounties are only now telling people to lock their doors. We were having those talks in the seventies. I wonder if people can just ride their bikes and park them without locking them up? I learned that sh*t in the eighties. Twice.
You could probably play this game at home by placing at least some of your valuables by the cleaning supplies and see if any would be scofflaw takes the hint.
Larry London, an Xperience Interview
Larry London, an Xperience Interview – by Liam Sweeny.
Voice of America is a little-known broadcasting entity. It’s not a company but an agency of the U.S. government charged with telling America’s story abroad. Larry London, host of the popular show “Border Crossings,” has been telling that story through music. I connected with Larry, and we had a pleasant conversation.
RRX: Let’s talk about “Border Crossings.” What’s the premise? And why is it called “Border Crossings?”
LL: Great question. The show was started in 1996 by Judy Massa, who passed away a few months ago. She was the music director at Voice of America at that time, and she coined the name “Border Crossings.” The only assumption I can make as to why it’s called “Border Crossings” is because the show plays request music from the audience, and we aren’t limited to any particular genre or era. We can go from Drake or Travis Scott to Dolly Parton, and you won’t find that in any Top 40 radio station in America. Plus, we’re playing requests. It’s all programmed by the audience. I have a TV show that also airs on the radio every Tuesday, the audio does. It’s interviewing celebrities, interviewing stars. And in the 23 years I’ve been here at VOA, from 2001 until now, I’ve interviewed over two thousand artists, quite a big list of artists. Tom Hanks was on the show. He’s, of course, an American icon. He’s not a singer, but he made a musical movie. He produced “This is Us.” I know it was about a band. He’s an icon and he gets it. One of the things he said during the interview was that VOA is the window to the world. I thought that was wonderful. I’ve also had Beyonce on, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson. The list goes on and on: Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Adele. I’ve had them all on for over 23 years at various stages of their careers. So here we are, that’s kind of what I do, and that’s why it’s called “Border Crossings.”
RRX: The people you’ve interviewed are idolized but they’re people. Have you ever seen, like, a common thread in who they are in their personalities? Something that’s unique to that level of success?
LL: Everybody loves adoration. Everybody in the show business industry, they all play. It may get excessive when the paparazzi and the fans are in your face all the time, and you can’t have a meal without being interrupted ten times to sign an autograph, take a photo, or whatever. But all the singers that I know, from Paul Anka and Chubby Checker on, they’re still doing it. They don’t have to, they got millions of dollars, but they love the thrill, the high, the adrenaline rush of being out on stage and having 20,000 people screaming at you, adoring you. That’s very infectious, that’s hard to give up. I always say that music has become more of a business and less of an art because there are artists out there who do it on their own terms, their own way. They struggle, you know, they are struggling. They busk with a guitar case open at Santa Monica Beach or wherever, play their songs in the subway station and they don’t get discovered but they’re doing it their way, they’re doing what they want to do. Now we got Tik TikTok and Instagram and people are getting exposed and getting attention, people are getting hit songs on the charts because of being successful virally. So I would say that everybody in the business has that same love of positive reinforcement, which is why you see many of them say, “I’m leaving Twitter. Close my account with Instagram because of haters, because of the negative noise.” They don’t wanna hear that negativity, and it’s so easy now with social media where people can hide behind, you know, “Big John,” which isn’t even his real name, and he’ll say you suck and get off the stage, and you’re terrible. That’s horrible to say that. That’s not what it was meant for, but that’s what it gets used for. Everybody wants to be liked; that’s a common thing. Nobody wants to be disliked. In show business especially, you get the spotlight and the glamour, and you get the limos and the interviews and all that stuff. That’s what I see is common throughout the industry.
RRX: How was your interview with Taylor Swift? She’s so big, what was it like?
LL: It was at the early part of her career. I interviewed her at a place called Merriweather Post Pavilion, which is a long way out in Virginia. Bristol, Virginia. A lot of acts come there; they still tour there. A lot of country acts play there often, and she (at that time) was transitioning from country to pop. She was young when I had her on; she doesn’t do many interviews these days. In a post-COVID era, a lot of the stars are on quote-unquote “vocal rest,” where they’re not doing interviews. So says the publicist or the record company, people whose job it is to protect them. But some do interviews. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to get an interview. And Taylor was a pleasure to talk to. She’s sweet. She was less polished then because she was not new. I mean, she’d had like two or three albums, but now she’s got what, 12 albums? It’s a long way down the road. So she’s much better and more polished and professional watching her dance and her choreographed moves and everything. She’s come a long way from being, I don’t know, 19, 20, to being 3o, what she is now, 30-something. But yeah, I loved talking to her, and she answered the questions, she was down to earth. She answered everything. She didn’t have a problem. We had a nice conversation.
RRX: She gives to food banks at the places she goes, I heard.
LL: She’s paid college tuition for her fans. She paid for cancer treatments for her fans. She understands how it works. She understands, you know, never losing sight of where you came from.
RRX: She never really did.
LL: Yeah. She knows that she was one of those kids who was bullied growing up. She was ostracized. She was not popular in school. That’s why the family moved from wherever they were living. I don’t remember where from Tennessee to wherever they ended up, but she was not a popular girl in school. So, you know, that’s one of her early stories that she got; she, her family, upped and moved and things turned around for her.
RRX: You had a cool moment with Smokey Robinson. Can you tell us about it?
LL: I was interviewing Smokey Robinson when he came here to DC for some event. I was in his hotel room with him. I was given 15 minutes. We were talking, it was already 38 minutes into the interview. His manager knocks on the door and says, “Smokey, you gotta catch a flight,” and he said, “Reschedule the flight, I’m doing an interview.” So, to me, to have a music icon – I’m from Detroit, I was born and raised there – to have Smokey Robinson change his travel plans to accommodate me was like, “What?”
The Sugar Hold / Yort / Big Maybe @ No Fun, 11/27/2024
Show Detective – Weekend Shows – 12/13 – 12/15
Show Detective.
Friday, December 13th
Christmas with the Cadets | Cadets of Past, Present, and Future, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 7pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Cadets of La Salle Institute perform their annual Christmas Concert! This special event will feature performances from the dedicated Middle School Band, the distinguished Symphonic Band, and the award-winning Cadet Blues Jazz Ensemble.
Tony Trischka “of a winter’s night”, The Linda, Albany, 8pm-10pm
of a winter’s night is Tony Trischka‘s acoustic celebration of the holiday season. Based on his 2015 CD release of the same name, recorded at Levon Helm’s Barn in Woodstock, NY, this show features a wide variety of seasonal tunes where he turns his considerable melodic inventiveness loose on Bluegrass and Americana music for the holidays. Joined by multi-instrumentalist & shape-note singer Tim Eriksen, Trischka and Eriksen put a warm spin on a wealth of festive fare. Eriksen, a master of Americana music, has also worked closely with T Bone Burnett on the soundtrack for the film Cold Mountain. Trischka & Eriksen have invited Hannah Read on guitar, violin and vocals to join them. The stark, haunting sound of shape note music is the perfect complement to the music Trischka recorded on his critically acclaimed Rounder Records Glory Shone Around and the new music he has arranged for this show.
Mendelssohn Club of Albany Holiday Concert, The Egg, Albany, 7:30pm
The Mendelssohn Club of Albany is composed of men with a variety of occupations and interests who live in the greater Capital District, Hudson Valley, and Berkshires. Since its inception in 1909, this chorus has become the longest continuously performing arts group in the Capital District of New York State. The Club is dedicated to preserving and presenting male choral music and blends musical experiences with fellowship for members through rehearsals, concerts and other musical events, afterglows and social gatherings. The Club performs a mix of music: show songs, hymns, spirituals, classical, pop. A guest artist or group is engaged for each subscription concert and the Club frequently performs selections with the guests. The Holiday Concert, which marks the onset of the holiday season for many in the area, will be held this year at the Egg on December 13th, 7:30pm. Guest artists will be soprano Vedrana Kalas and the Troubadours from Albany High School. For more about the Club please visit Mendelssohn.org.
The Weight Band, The Egg, Albany, 8pm
Performing the album Music from Big Pink
Plus music from their record Shines Like Gold and other songs of The Band
Performing their current album, World Gone Mad, as well as classic songs of The Band, The Weight Band is led by Jim Weider, a 15-year former member of The Band and the Levon Helm Band. The Weight Band originated in 2013 inside the famed Woodstock barn of Levon Helm. Weider was inspired by Helm to carry on the musical legacy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group.
Jeff Dunham , Artificial Intelligence Tour, MVP Arena, Albany, 7pm
Having just concluded his 2022-2024 “STILL NOT CANCELED” Tour, Jeff Dunham will be returning to the stage with his signature wit and beloved cast of colorful characters. He’s sure to win over audiences across the continent in the same manner that he’s done for decades worldwide, which earned him titles such as “Billboard’s Top Comedy Tour” for three consecutive years, “America’s Favorite Comedian” via Slate, as well as a Guinness World Record for “Most tickets sold for a stand-up comedy tour.”
Aside from all his achievements, Dunham and his wife, Audrey, have also created the “Jeff Dunham Family Fund”, through which a portion of every ticket sold is given to various charities and charitable organizations of all persuasions.
A Time for Three Holiday, SPAC, Saratoga Springs, 7pm
Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert Series
Defying conventions with genre-bending excellence, Time For Three’s captivating sound merges classical, Americana, modern pop, and singer-songwriter styles, and their charismatic performances push creative boundaries. In addition to incredible arrangements of Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Led Zeppelin and others, the trio featuring Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals), will present original music and special arrangements of holiday favorites.
Elf (2003), Proctors Theatre, Schenectady
Start smiling! The annual holiday viewing of “Elf” is back at Proctors.
This very special ICFS showing will have prizes and surprises including All-You-Can-Eat Popcorn with toppings from the Elves’ four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup; Elf trivia; a holiday sing-along AND if everyone stays on the Nice List, we may get a visit from You-Know-Who! The movie will begin right around 6 p.m.
Rated PG for some mild rude humor and language. 97 minutes.
Gideon, Empire Underground, Albany, 7pm
Soul Sky, The Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm-10pm
Soul Sky is a dynamic, bluesy, jammy, rock band with excellent guitars and awesome rhythm section.
Capital Zen live at The Eleven at Lark Hall (FREE SHOW), Lark Hall, Albany, 7pm-10pm
Mixing rock, funk and hip hop, Capital Zen brings more than a decade of experience for their debut at The Eleven at Lark Hall.
A genre blending live music experience, Capital Zen has been playing shows around New England for over a decade. Combining elements of rock, funk, hip-hop, and prog, Capital Zen gives fans fully crafted originals, a unique blend of covers, and always a couple “I can’t believe they’re playing this” moments. Come to one Capital Zen show, and we guarantee it won’t be your last.
King Bully & Sly Fox, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs
The Empty Pockets Mistletunes Holiday Tour, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm
Chicago roots rockers The Empty Pockets return to Saratoga to celebrate the Christmas season. This Billboard chart-topping quartet bring joyful energy to seasonal classics like “Silent Night” and “Run Run Rudolph,” and their fun, original songs like “Party at the North Pole” and “Snow Day” are a welcome change from the season’s familiar standards. Seen most recently at Caffe Lena backing the legendary Al Stewart for two nights last summer, The Empty Pockets ignite a bright flame with Americana, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll spiked with roots soul. The “Polished yet rootsy Chicago outfit” (Rolling Stone) offers spotless instrumentation and effortless, upbeat vocal harmonies. As the Daily Vault Album Reviews proclaims: “Buddy Holly would be proud.”
Hammerhead Horns, Lost and Found, Albany, 9:30pm
ANIME RAVE: Bitchin’ Betty / DJ 2ND CH!LD / DJ P!nk P!xe1 / DJ Dogtoy, No Fun, Troy, 8pm-11pm
From “Bar People.”
12/13 5:30 PM Russ Kennedy- Wheatfields Clifton Park
12/13 6:00 PM Chris Dollard- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park
12/13 6:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Ravenswood
12/13 6:00 PM Drank The Gold- Cock & Bull
12/13 6:00 PM F.O.G.- Indian Ladder Farms
12/13 6:00 PM Franklin Micare- 677 Prime
12/13 6:00 PM Matt Cosgrove- The Scarlet Knife
12/13 6:00 PM Phil Drum- Powers Pub
12/13 6:00 PM Shine On- Carsons Woodside Tavern
12/13 6:00 PM Tim Wechgelaer- Ancient Order Of Hibernians Albany
12/13 6:30 PM Natalie Duo- Peddlers Bar & Bistro
12/13 7:00 PM Daryl Daily- The Bunker Mohawk Harbor
12/13 7:00 PM Nick Rossi- Bunker Clifton Park
12/13 7:00 PM Peter Apple- Cherry Plain Square #17
12/13 7:00 PM Travis Rockenstire- O’Slattery’s
12/13 8:00 PM Skeeter Creek- Wicked Eatery
12/13 8:00 PM Soul Sky-Rustic Barn Pub
12/13 8:00 PM Twilight Drive- Nanola
12/13 9:00 PM Dirt Cheap- Vice & Virtue Restaurant & Bar
12/13 9:00 PM Funk Evolution- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino
12/13 9:00 PM Hammerhead Horns- Lost & Found
Saturday, December 14th
The McKrells Christmas, The Egg, Albany, 7pm
The McKrells bring their signature Celtic-infused bluegrass for an evening of holiday cheer – featuring traditional and original songs, classic Christmas stories and good humor. The band is led by singer/songwriter Kevin McKrell and features Frank Orsini on fiddle, Scott Hopkins on banjo, Peter Pashoukas on guitar, Arlin Greene on bass and Brian Melick on percussion.
Albany Berkshire Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker, The Egg, Albany, 1:30 PM; 5:30pm
The Albany Berkshire Ballet (ABB) is bringing back its Annual Tour of the holiday classic The Nutcracker. Choreographed by ABB’s Artistic Director Madeline Cantarella Culpo, the production features lavish sets and scenery designed by Stockbridge native and renowned theater and movie set designer Carl Sprague, as well as costumes designed by Sam Meredith. In this performance, young local dance students will share the stage with professional ABB dancers, portraying special children’s roles. This year’s company includes International dancers as well as dancers from around the United States.
Twas a Girls Night Before Christmas, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady
The new Christmas sequel will feature the 5 ladies we have all come to know and love gathering for a night on the town to laugh, cry, gossip and just let their hair down during the craziest of times: THE HOLIDAYS! This musical is guaranteed to resonate with anyone who has survived the holiday season, from the LONG visits with in-laws to the overcrowded malls. TWAS GIRLS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS will feature the touching and hilarious writing by Roche that has entertained audiences worldwide, with classic Christmas songs and contemporary Hits that will have everyone singing and dancing along.
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.
Holiday Vibes Toy Drive, Empire Underground, Albany, 6pm
Big Fez and The Surfmatics, The 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
Lark Hall presents Holiday Jamboree Market, Lark Hall, Albany, 11am-4pm
Lark Hall presents Twice Twice at the Holiday Jamboree Market, Lark Hall, Albany, 12pm-2pm
Stella Rose @ The Eleven at Lark Hall (FREE Show), Lark Hall, Albany, 3pm-5pm
Meet “Stella Rose”, a gateway to the timeless tunes of the Jerry Garcia Band and the Grateful Dead, where the spirit of the music lives on. The group’s harmonious blend resonates with authenticity and genuine love for the music.Bryan Gautie, the mastermind behind the strings leads the way playing soulful guitar and lead vocals. Jess Bowan (Fiddle/Vocals) and Brian Bean (Bass/Vocals), each a seasoned performer, join forces to weave a tapestry that captures the essence of these iconic bands.Percussionist Pete Andriakos drives the group adding his rhythmic pulse to the mix, while infusing each performance with an infectious energy.Jill Gautie completes the ensemble. Known for her captivating stage presence and harmonies that literally dance around the music.With roots extending from The Wheel, The NoLaNauts, and House of Saturn, the Stella Rose collaboration invites you on a musical journey that transcends time, keeping the flame of Jerry Garcia’s spirit burning bright.
Mirth Films Presents “It’s a Gala” Formal, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm
Come and get fancy with Mirth Films at “It’s A Gala” our annual formal party taking place December 14th at Lark Hall in Albany, NY!
There will be live music from Glass Pony and Lucid Street.Doors will open at 7pm with food and refreshments.Tickets are $20 at the door and online. Come out, get goofy with us and atay tuned for more details. Show starts at 8pm
Jocelyn & Chris + Marco Macero, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs
Little Folks Series: John & Trish, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 3pm-4pm
Treat your kids to an hour of fiery fiddle tunes, folksongs and fancy footwork! All ages enjoy John & Trish’s witty songs, engaging stagecraft and warm, clear singing.
John Kirk is the primary vocalist and instrumental wizard on fiddle, mandolin & more. Trish Miller plays banjo, guitar and provides percussive dance steps. Together, this married couple has been working and teaching in upstate New York for over three decades.
McKinley James, Hangar on the Hudson, Troy, 8pm-11pm
McKinley James is equal parts old soul and modern man. Armed with an electric guitar and sharp songwriting chops, he breathes new life into classic sounds with Working Class Blues, a debut album that introduces his mix of American rock & roll, amplified soul, and raw rhythm & blues.
No Fun’s 3rd Birthday Party- A Tribute to Lou Reed, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm
No Fun’s 3rd Birthday Party- A Tribute to Lou Reed w/ Haunted Cat / Mystery Girl / The AM’s / Apple Pie / Headless Relatives / Stroma / Bare Mattress / The Plisskens / Landfill Band / Belle Curves / 100 Psychic Dreams / Proximity Crush / 1983
From “Bar People.”
12/14 6:00 PM Chris Carey- The Scarlet Knife
12/14 6:00 PM Christine Spero- Powers Pub
12/14 6:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Across The Street Pub
12/14 6:00 PM Franklin Micare- 677 Prime
12/14 6:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Martel’s Grill at Town Of Colonie Golf Course
12/14 6:00 PM POGO- O’Slattery’s
12/14 6:00 PM Steve Candlen- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park
12/14 6:00 PM Travis Rockenstire- Carsons Woodside Tavern
12/14 6:30 PM Stretch Duo- Other One Brewery
12/14 7:00 PM Big Fez and The Surfmatics- Rustic Barn Pub
12/14 7:00 PM Brian Martin- Frog Alley Brewing
12/14 7:00 PM CJ Field- Unihog
12/14 7:00 PM Dave Render- Cherry Plain Square #17
12/14 7:00 PM John Eisenhart- Hometown Pub & Grub
12/14 7:00 PM The Herring & The Hummingbird- Nanola
12/14 7:00 PM Tom Nitti & Ashley Bryant- The Bunker Mohawk Harbor
12/14 9:00 PM Wide Awake- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino
Sunday, December 15th
The Many Moods of Christmas, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 3pm
Albany Pro Musica’s beloved holiday concert with chorus and full symphony orchestra brings the light of the Christmas season to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. From the hushed opening notes of Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium” to the joyful mix of traditional carols in Bennett and Shaw’s “The Many Moods of Christmas” suite, this concert inspires and delights audiences each year. Hurry, tickets sell out quickly!
Albany Berkshire Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker, The Egg, Albany, 11:30 AM; 3:30pm
The Albany Berkshire Ballet (ABB) is bringing back its Annual Tour of the holiday classic The Nutcracker. Choreographed by ABB’s Artistic Director Madeline Cantarella Culpo, the production features lavish sets and scenery designed by Stockbridge native and renowned theater and movie set designer Carl Sprague, as well as costumes designed by Sam Meredith. In this performance, young local dance students will share the stage with professional ABB dancers, portraying special children’s roles. This year’s company includes International dancers as well as dancers from around the United States.
Finding Christmas: An Old Fashioned Rock ‘n Roll Holiday, The Palace Theatre, Albany, 2pm
Kick off the holiday season with this high-energy, family-friendly show that blends rock ‘n roll, holiday cheer, and incredible performances – all for a great cause! Finding Christmas is presented by Peak Music Studios, headlining some of the area’s most talented stars, and supporting Building on Love, a local charity dedicated to helping families in medical crisis.
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.
Sing Solstice! Proctors Theatre, Schenectady
“. . . Beautiful harmonies and evocative accompaniment give the modern classics and originals on Guide My Feet a timely and timeless feel”
ALL MUSIC GUIDE
“Breathtaking vocal harmonies, sensitive musical accompaniment . . . An impressive album by a talented group of singers with a strong musical personality” — COUNTRY MUSIC INTERNATIONAL
Christmas Oratorio Tea, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs
Join NACRE for a delightful Holiday Tea featuring the modern dance classic Christmas Oratorio, set to the beautiful music of Bach. Experience a heartwarming story of hope and joy as we kick off the holiday season!
Pathogenic, Empire Underground, Albany, 6pm
The Rock & Roll Playhouse plays Music of Taylor Swift + More for Kids, Lark Hall, Albany, 12pm-1pm
The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (NY Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. The Rock and Roll Playhouse is an early and often first introduction to a child’s lifelong journey with live music and rock and roll. This children’s concert is not associated with or endorsed by the artist. See you at the show!
The Millstone Rounders, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 7pm-9pm
The sound that The Millstone Rounders seek to create harkens back to a not-so-distant musical past where musicians played acoustically, standing close to one another balancing their voices and instruments using their ears and technique. Until the widespread use of amplification, this would have been the norm everywhere. Furthermore, prior to the advent of the recording industry the idea of musical genres was much less of a thing than it is today. When groups of performers from different regions got together it was truly an event. Because music wasn’t widely disseminated through recordings or the internet, folks from divergent backgrounds would bring together songs and tunes from a wide variety of traditions. Perhaps a gospel hymn might be followed by an old English ballad, a jug band breakdown, an Irish pub song, some country blues, and then a rollicking Scottish fiddle tune.
Johnny Rabb & The Tichy Boys Rockin’ Christmas! Hangar on the Hudson, Troy, 7pm-10pm
Johnny Rabb’s annual Christmas extravaganza. Feat. The Tichy Boys!
VCR Vortex – VHS Night – Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 (1987) / Jack Frost (1997), No Fun, Troy, 8pm-11pm
From “Bar People.”
12/15 5:00 PM Carmen Lookshire- Sofia’s of Clifton Park
12/15 7:00 PM Rubie Rose- Cherry Plain Square #17
2025 Extreme Music Awards Nominees Announced!
ALBANY, NY – The people have spoken: The Extreme Music Awards 2025 (EMAs) nominees have been selected! Once again, this year’s crop boldly represents the vast talents of the heavy music community in the greater Capital/Western Mass. regions.
The panel of judges will now have a hard task ahead of them, to select the best of the best in each category. This year’s event also includes four new categories, spotlighting the best guitarist, bassist, drummer and vocalist in the scene. These categories are absolutely stacked, boasting an incredible group of individual players.
Now less than a month away, organizers of the EMAs are in the final stages of kicking off the biggest heavy music awards show of the year. The winners will be announced live at the awards show, on January 11th at Empire Live in Albany!
Nominees and presenters are listed below. Hyperlinks have been added so you can check out each band/album/video:
2025 NOMINEES
Best Death Metal Band – Presented by Joe Keyser (Skinless)
Invoke Thy Wrath
Intrusive
Tyranize
Concrete
Best Black Metal Band – Presented by Paul Delaney (Black Anvil)
Malefic
Blackbraid
Misery Machine
Vintertodt
Best Doom/Stoner Band – Presented by Joe Altier (Brand New Sin)
Gozer
Jupiter Queen
Carnwennan
Flatwounds
Best Metal/Power Metal Band – Presented by Dave Ellefson (Megadeth)
The Antarctican
Deveria
Allumination
Against the Reign
Best Progressive/Math Metal Band – Presented by Gary Holt (Exodus/Slayer)
Outta My Head
The Phoenix and the Raven
Psychomanteum
Horse Grave
Best Hair/Glam/Sleaze Band – Presented by Brendan Manley (518scene.com)
The Erotics
Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band
Untaymed
Mystery Girl
Best Thrash Metal Band – Presented by Brian Fair (Shadows Fall)
Hate The Adversary
Ice Queen
Faced
Vaexus
Best Grindcore Band – Presented by Gary Aldrich (Dark Tower Tattoos)
Horse Grave
Urine
Vaginal Fungus
D.B. Cooper
Best Metalcore Band – Presented by Matt Byrne (Hatebreed)
Faded Line
Oakheart
Adhara
Deadweight
Best Punk Band – Presented by Danny Diablo/Hoya Roc (Skarhead/Madball/Smoke AD)
VinTri Hill
RBNX
The Hauntings
Gusto
Best Hardcore Band – Presented by Craig Ahead (Sick of it All)
Fromwithin
Violent By Design
Spiritkiller
Cold Kiss
Best Hardcore Beatdown Band – Presented by Ray Mazzola & Mike Valente (Brick by Brick)
Torn Out
Gateway
Confinement 413
x5x1x8x
Best Hardcore Punk Band – Presented by Stikman (Fury of Five)
Halo Bite
Murderer’s Row
Wet Specimens
Schenectavoidz
Best Video in 2024 By A Metal Band – Presented by Don Capria (110 Films/producer of Director’s Cut)
The Antarctican – “Stolen Throne”
Jupiter Queen – “Just A Taste”
Deveria – “When Darkness Falls”
Concrete – “Cyber Vermin”
Album of the Year – 2024 – Presented by Mario and Kim Cangemi (Upstate Records)
Outta My Head – Sick Nasty
Malefic – The Second Coming
The Erotics – Destined To Damnation
Invoke Thy Wrath – W O R M S
Lifetime Achievement Award (25+ years in the scene) – Presented by Mike Valente (Brick by Brick) and Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall/Category 7)
Mike Trash
Jeff Caro
Darek Polcare
Paul Rukwid
Best New Band (together less than 2 years) – Presented by Art Fredette (RadioRadioX)
Against The Reign
Gateway
Outta My Head
Altar
Best Veteran Band (together 10+ years) – Presented by Fuzz Kebabjian (That Fuzzing Rock Show)
Concrete
Tyranize
The Erotics
Assault on the Living
Best Bassist – Presented by Dave Ellefson (Megadeth)
Justin Stupplebeen – The Phoenix and the Raven
Drew Bartlett – Concrete
Brian Crosby – Oakheart
Derek Polcare – Crimson Mask
Best Guitarist – Presented by Jon Donais (Shadows Fall/Anthrax)
Dillon Schwertner – Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band
Roman Singleton – Deveria
Gary Wood – The Phoenix and the Raven
Jared Weed – Concrete
Best Drummer – Presented by Sal Abruscato (Life of Agony/Type O Negative) and Matt Byrne (Hatebreed)
John Glassbrenner – Concrete, Malefic, more
Walter MONSTA Ryan – Faded Line,
SMW & the House Party Band – Interview – Thanks for Asking!
SMW & the House Party Band – Interview – Thanks for Asking! – by Liam Sweeny.
RRX: Every artist’s first song is a milestone. But so is the latest song. Describe the first song/album you recorded, and also the latest song/album you recorded; what are the differences?
SW: It’s all been a wonderful growing experience doing the original music, especially because we initially started out solely as a cover band. The first original song we put out was called Wild Child (Dead Man Dance), which was initially written for a film that’s coming out next year called Dead Man’s Party. Writing and producing that track inspired me to change focus and write more originals. We are now releasing our fourth single this year, Love Vibration. This was definitely our most collaborative effort yet. It’s hard for us to always get in the room together because we all live a distance from one another, so we record remotely. The past three originals we’ve done, I had sent a pretty well fleshed out demo for the band to learn. But everyone wrote their own parts for Love Vibration, and it’s just exhilarating to listen to. It’s my favorite track we’ve done yet.
RRX: Music genres are difficult for some artists. Some strictly adhere; others not so much. What is your perspective on the genre you play, or the genres you hover around?
SW: I’m a major 80s culture enthusiast; I’m a big fan of Oingo Boingo and Danny Elfman’s arrangements. It’s an incredible sound that no one had ever heard before back then, and there’s never been anything like it ever since. Combining that influence with my musical theatre background, and classic rock creates a unique sound for us. It’s not always an easy one to market though, but I do know that being distinct is only an advantage. The House Party sound is big and high octane energy — like getting a B-12 shot.
RRX: With services like Spotify, streaming revenue can be pretty dismal. Without spilling secrets, do you have a promotional mindset or philosophy?
SW: The overall purpose of this music, however, is to lift vibrations, build community, and to create a sound of joy and hope. This project has been therapeutic for me, and I can only hope that it does the same for others who will give it a chance. I don’t necessarily have a philosophy, but I always approach it all with authenticity and light-heartedness. But ya know, at the end of the day…an ad is an ad, and somebody can simply write it off as just self promotion and noise. It’s creative practice for me either way; if it reaches someone and they love it and want to share it, that’s bonus points.
RRX: We have to play somewhere, and sometimes those places have more going for them than a stage and a power outlet. What is a memorable place you played, and bonus points if it’s not a well-known place.
SW: We’ve only been around for about two years, but we’ve had some memorable shows at great venues. The first show ever was opening for Corey Feldman at our homestead, Colony Woodstock. The vision of the band wasn’t formed yet, but that was a very surreal night. The most memorable show for me and the band was a corporate gig we did in Hawaii at the Four Seasons though. Those folks knew how to party. There are so many stories…it really was like a movie.
RRX: I know when pitching it helps to tell someone it’s “this meets that.” So let’s try that with you. If you had to give me two bands that meet each other in your sound, what are those bands? More than two bands?
SW: Our music is a love child of all my influences. Oingo Boingo, Steve Perry, Billy Joel, AC/DC, maybe a little Queen…definitely Van Halen on our newest song. Our power ballad, Shadows, was an ode to Heart and Pat Benatar. I also try to bring some Little Richard energy to it all as well. He’s a major influence.
RRX: Let’s talk about your next project, your next few. Just not the ones you’re working on now. The ones you have your eyes on for the future. What’s coming to us?
SW: I always have things cooking ~ nothing I can announce just yet though. I’m manifesting more travel and reaching a wider audience in the new year.
You can find out SMW & The House Party Band anywhere you stream music. Our new single, “Love Vibration” is out December 20.