A rootsy Friday night at the Hangar with Reese Fulmer and Caity Gallagher.
Photography by Timothy Reidy.
Crash My Party / Joe Adee and the Lug Nuts @ Rockin’ on the River, 8/7/2024
Luke Bryan tribute band Crash My Party and Joe Adee and the Lug Nuts brought a honky tonk vibe to the final Rockin’ on the River of the year.
Photography by Timothy Reidy.
Jukebox – Music News Cuts – 8/16
Jukebox.
Hip-Hop 101 Festival
A number of Hip-Hop legends will be headlining the Hip-Hop 101 Festival taking place at the Oakland Arena on Saturday, November 9th. Notables include Public Enemy, Cypress Hill and De La Soul, with additional performers Too Short, Eric B & Rakim, Dilated Peoples and Mistah Fab.
Cypress Hill will have just concluded their North American tour, where they appeared at Riot Fest and Aftershock. Public Enemy will also be playing Riot Fest between now and then, as well as concluding their own tour.
Danny Elfman
The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View will be hosting musician and composer Danny Elfman, on Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd, respectively. It is dubbed the “Career Retrospective Concerts, with the backing of a full band and orchestra, Elfman will be performing songs from his whole career, from Oingo Boingo to his solo career, to his film and television work.
His band will include Stu Brooks of Dub Trio, Lady Gaga on bass, Nili Brosh of Dethklok on guitar, Robin Finck of Nine Inch Nails, Guns N’ Roses on guitar and Ilan Rubin on drums (Nine Inch Nails, Angels & Airwaves).
Lou Reed
Before the name “Lou Reed” was synonymous with The Velvet Underground, he was a songwriter for Pickwick Records, a record label that hoped to tap into the energies going on at the Brill Building in Manhattan. Reed had written dozens of songs, and sang on a few of them. Now a record is coming out, a compilation of Reed’s songs, including the opener, bubblegum garage single “The Ostrich,” by The Primitives, a studio band that would put Reed in the same room as John Cale, paving the way for The Velvet Underground.
The album will hit digital on September 27th, and physical on October 4th,
Why Don’t You Smile Now: Lou Reed at Pickwick Records 1964-65:
Side A
- The Primitives – “The Ostrich”
- The Beachnuts – “Cycle Annie”
- The Hi-Lifes – “I’m Gonna Fight”
- The Hi-Lifes – “Soul City”
- Ronnie Dickerson – “Oh No Don’t Do It”
- Ronnie Dickerson – “Love Can Make You Cry”
- The Hollywoods – “Teardrop In The Sand”
- The Roughnecks – “You’re Driving Me Insane”
Side B
- The Primitives – “Sneaky Pete”
- Terry Philips – “Wild One”
- Spongy And The Dolls – “Really – Really – Really – Really – Really – Really Love”
- The Foxes – “Soul City”
- The J Brothers – “Ya Running, But I’ll Getcha”
- Beverley Ann – “We Got Trouble”
- The All Night Workers – “Why Don’t You Smile”
- Jeannie Larimore – “Johnny Won’t Surf No More”
Side C
- Robertha Williams – “Tell Mamma Not to Cry”
- Robertha Williams – “Maybe Tomorrow”
- Terry Philips – “Flowers For The Lady”
- Terry Philips – “This Rose”
Side D
- The Surfsiders – “Surfin’”
- The Surfsiders – “Little Deuce Coupe”
- The Beachnuts – “Sad, Lonely Orphan Boy”
- The Beachnuts – “I’ve Got a Tiger in My Tank”
- Ronnie Dickerson – “What About Me”
Heist! – The Weird Side of the Internet
Heist! – The Weird Side of the Internet – by Liam Sweeny.
We all love a heist, don’t we? I mean, true, most of us are law-abiding citizens, it’s still a bit exhilarating to watch someone clever enough to steal from the rich and give to, well, themselves, but also to the liquor stores, brothels and Mustang dealerships (I don’t really know the favorite cars bought by high-end thieves.)
But just walking into bank with a mask and a gun isn’t good enough; anyone can do that. We want real heisting, the kind that requires planning, coordination, months to carry out. We want to hear about “the heist of the century.”
So the actual “heist of the century” involved a bank in San Isidro, Argentina in 2006. And if not for a metal rod, the second heist of the century would’ve been at the same bank.
A 220-foot tunnel from a nearby warehouse to the bank door. Right up to the door. Wooden bracing, lights, ventilation – we’re talking earth-mover equipment. San Isidro police said that it was a better tunnel than the one El Chapo Guzman used to escape prison in 2016.
What about that metal rod? They had drilled up through the road surface, likely to see where they were in relation to the bank, and a car happened to be parked atop the drill spot. The driver heard the rod scraping the undercarriage of his car and notified authorities.
Why would anyone go through all that trouble? Thrill of the heist? Maybe. But in the original crime, also using a tunnel, the takeaway was $19 million. So maybe it’s worth the cost of a mini excavator.
I can’t stop thinking of how cool it would be if the Ocean’s 11,12, and so-ons crew just got caught over something stupid. That would be a hell of a strange news story, right? But I guess all we get is the Argentinian tunnel thieves. They probably couldn’t get those Oceans actors to spend any real time in the dirt like that anyway. I mean, they have contracts and all.
38 Special Rocks The Plaza! By Michael Bruce
38 Special Rocks The Plaza! By Michael Bruce.
It was a beautiful Wednesday night for a show at The Empire State Plaza in New York’s capital city of Albany. The group on hand was the 1980’s top 40 rockers 38 Special. The first thing that comes to mind for me concerning the music of this is; my how times have changed. If 38 Special was a band that rolled out their hits within the past few years they would indeed be called a COUNTRY ACT. However, in the 1980s, they were considered a top 40 rock n’ roll act. The industry and all of its flaws has let such things happen. Bands that sound like 38 Special are now considered country because Heaven forbid we use the evil word ROCK associated with a guitar sound for top 40 music these days. Don’t get me started on the music industry’s many flaws. Instead, let’s focus on this really fun night where this band that started in Jacksonville, Florida performed a slew of hits that was all over 80s top 40 radio stations.
The band consisted of lead singer/guitarist, and original member Don Barnes. The other guitarist was Jerry Riggs. On keys (and some) lead vocals was Bobby Capps. Gary Moffatt played drums, and Barry Dunaway played bass. As just noted, Don Barnes is the only original member of the band, but he’s also the original voice. May times, people are cool with a different support cast as long as the lead vocalist is still around. However, let’s not forget this fun 38 Special nugget that Donnie Van Zant, younger brother of Ronnie Van Zant (co-founder of a little ol’ band called Lynyrd Skynyrd) was a co-founder of 38 Special. We also have to point out that the band used to be one of those…two drummer bands. However, they have reduced it to one.
38 Special is an 80s staple. Being at the show, I forgot about a half dozen songs they performed that I knew, because I remember hearing them on the radio, or seeing the video on MTV. They really did have a fantastic run through the decade with constant radio presence. Their formula is just good old fashioned straight ahead, pop/rock song writing. It’s catchy guitar chords with catchy melodies, and catchy lyrics. It’s simply called feel good music! The thousands on hand really enjoyed walking through memory lane with the band and their slew of hit songs. Many of these songs as Barnes pointed out were in movie soundtracks as well. Here’s the set list: Rockin’ Into the Night, Wild-Eyed Southern Boys, Back Where You Belong, The Sound of Your Voice, Back to Paradise, Honkey Tonk Dancer, Rough Housin’, Teacher Teacher, You Keep On Runnin’ Away, Somebody Like You, Second Chance, Like No Other Night, If I’d Been the One, Fantasy Girl, Good Times (a song Jimmy Barnes did with INXS), Caught Up In You, Chain Lightning, Hold On Loosely, and one CCR cover…Travelin Band.
Looking around, everyone was really having a great time. 38 Special was fun, and they sounded really good! The band was singing those songs that many of us grew up with, and was so great to hear. There were plenty of ‘young people’ as well who were into it. Their knack for writing a hook, combined with good vocals, and a touch of southern flair, really made them a unique band. Personally, I would put Back Where you Belong, Caught Up In You, and Second Chance on an ‘80s Best List’. If you have never seen them live, do yourself a favor and get to a show. 38 Special will deliver good music and a good time!
Show Detective – Weekend Shows – 8/16 – 8/18
Show Detective.
Friday, August 16th
The Egg Presents: Ruthie Foster, The Egg, Albany, 8pm
Ruthie Foster’s musical journey is as eclectic and vibrant as her soulful voice. Born into a family steeped in gospel tradition, Ruthie’s earliest influences were the voices of her mother, grandmother, and the gospel singers she grew up listening to — artists like the Gospel Keynotes and the Blind Boys of Alabama. However, her path to becoming a solo artist wasn’t a straightforward one. Despite a deep love for music, Ruthie initially shied away from the spotlight, preferring to play guitar, piano, and write songs for others.
French Montana & Fabolous and Fivio Foreign, The Palace Theatre, Albany, 8pm
Multi Platinum and Diamond Selling Artist French Montana embarks on his world tour with multi platinum fellow NY artist Fabolous and Fivio Foreign. Performing hit after hit, this will not be an event to miss. Music curated by local favorites Dj TGIF, DJ SIROC, DJ Static, DJ Lightshow and hosted by DJ TEK.
Yo-Yo Ma Plays Dvořák, SPAC, Saratoga Springs, 7:30pm
The Philadelphia Orchestra
The incomparable Yo-Yo Ma, beloved by SPAC audiences, returns to perform Dvořák’s Cello Concerto under the baton of conductor Xian Zhang. Opening the evening are two SPAC premieres by composers Nokuthula Ngwenyama and Zoltán Kodály.
ICFS Presents: We Are Fugazi from Washington, D.C., Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, 7pm
Explicitly billed as a nondocumentary, this compilation of mostly live performance footage of the beloved post-hardcore punk band, was mostly shot by fans and/or aspiring filmmakers… some from plum vantage points almost on top of the stage.
Bianca Del Rio: Dead Inside Tour, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs
Everyone’s favorite “clown in a gown,” Bianca Del Rio, is returning to the stage with a new comedy show aptly titled “Dead Inside.” This will be the seasoned comic’s sixth, worldwide stand-up comedy tour. Bianca will be entertaining the masses with her iconic lightning-fast wit and razor-sharp tongue. Her new show will cover politics, pop culture, political correctness, current events, cancel culture and everyday life through the eyes of someone who’s “dead inside” and finds humor in everything. As with all of her shows, there will be lots of audience interaction. When the “Joan Rivers of the Drag World” has a microphone in her hands, no one is safe!
The Extreme Music Awards Sponsor Party, Empire Live, Albany, 6:30pm
Ann Hampton Callaway – Finding Beauty: Inspired Classics and Originals, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm
One of America’s most gifted jazz/pop artists, Ann Hampton Callaway’s new spellbinding show combines originals and songwriting inspirations.
“For sheer vocal beauty, no contemporary singer matches Ms. Callaway.” – The New York Times
“Just as Ella Fitzgerald was the greatest jazz singer of her era, so too is the magnificent Ann Hampton Callaway of hers.” – Musical Theatre Review
Big Scary Indian / Adequate Phil / Otobo, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm
From “Bar People.”
8/16 1:00 PM Rodeo Barons- Saratoga Race Course
8/16 11:00 AM Pat Decker- Kings Tavern
8/16 5:00 PM Big Creek- S&S farm Brewery
8/16 5:00 PM Deraeled Duo- Frog Alley Brewing
8/16 5:00 PM TBD- Bunker Backyard Concerts
8/16 6:00 PM Bob Fox- Thirsty Owl
8/16 6:00 PM Bronte Roman- Sofia’s of Clifton Park
8/16 6:00 PM Chris Carey & Mike O’Donnell- Cock & Bull
8/16 6:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Ravenswood
8/16 6:00 PM Eric Erickson- Boathouse Grill … New Baltimore
8/16 6:00 PM Franklin Micare- 677 Prime
8/16 6:00 PM Funk Evolution- Siro’s
8/16 6:00 PM Justin Joyner- Hilton Garden Inn… 30Park
8/16 6:00 PM Matt Evans- Powers Pub
8/16 6:00 PM Mike McMann- Indian Ladder Farms
8/16 6:00 PM Northgate- Crossroads America Grille
8/16 6:00 PM Pat Decker- The Scarlet Knife
8/16 6:00 PM Sheri Nolan & Peter Von Allmen- Olde Bryan Inn
8/16 6:00 PM Sugar Pill- Carsons Woodside Tavern
8/16 6:00 PM The Girlz- Prime at Saratoga National
8/16 6:00 PM Thom Powers- Inn at Saratoga
8/16 6:00 PM Up The River- Saratoga Winery
8/16 6:00 PM Whiz Bang- Lago’s by Druthers
8/16 6:30 PM Marcus Ruggiero- Other One Brewery
8/16 6:30 PM Rob Aronstein- Wishing Well
8/16 6:30 PM Scott Simpson- Artisanal Brew Works
8/16 6:30 PM Steve Candlen- Diamond Club at Embassy Suites
8/16 6:30 PM TS Ensemble with Carmen Lookshire- Town Of Halfmoon Concert Series
8/16 6:30 PM TS Ensemble with Carmen Lookshire- Town Of Halfmoon Concert Series
8/16 7:00 PM Christine Spero- Dukes Chophouse At Rivers Casino
8/16 7:00 PM Chuck Ayers- O’Slattery’s
8/16 7:00 PM Coverups Duo- Peddlers Bar & Bistro
8/16 7:00 PM Derrick Forget- Druthers Clifton Park
8/16 7:00 PM Half Step- Quarters
8/16 7:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Finnigans on The Lake
8/16 7:00 PM Jeff Walton- Principessa Elena
8/16 7:00 PM Joe Archembeault- Signal 30 BBQ
8/16 7:00 PM Rick Bolton- Cooperstown Distillery
8/16 7:00 PM Rubie Rose- Cherry Plain Square #17
8/16 7:00 PM Ten Most Wanted- Horseshoe Tavern
8/16 7:30 PM Bianco Del Rio Comedy- Universal Preservation Halll
8/16 7:30 PM Radio Gold- Panza’s Saratoga
8/16 8:00 PM Ann Hampton- Caffe Lena
8/16 8:00 PM Brian Kane Duo- Katie O’Byrnes
8/16 8:00 PM DJ Mic Power- Misfit
8/16 8:00 PM Matt Cosgrove- Saratoga City Tavern Rooftop Show
8/16 8:00 PM Nick Rossi Band- Saratoga City Tavern
8/16 8:00 PM Pete Sweeney Trio- Nine Maple
8/16 8:00 PM Sugar Pill- Druthers Saratoga
8/16 8:30 PM Donna Tritico Band- Frog Alley Brewing
8/16 9:00 PM DJ Intell Hayesfield & DJ TSwag- Night Owl
8/16 9:00 PM Skippy & The Pistons- Parting Glass
8/16 9:00 PM Tame The Rooster- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino
8/16 9:00 PM The Schmooze- The Wild Horse
8/16 9:00 PM The Ultimates- Ice House
8/16 9:00 PM Wide Awake- Centre St. Pub
8/16 9:30 PM IMI Band- Spa City Tap & Barrel
Saturday, August 17th
Rhynhart-Hellwitz Duo, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 6pm
The Summer Square Concert Series is a free, outdoor event at 6 PM Saturday nights July and August in the Music Hall Courtyard.
The Rhynhart-Hellwitz Duo is relatively recent collaboration of long-time Albany residents Charlie Rhynhart on dobro guitar, harmonica, and vocals; Fred Hellwitz on electric guitar. Our music is a conglomeration of blues tunes, jazz standards, original songs, and the occasion folk or “pop” tune, often incorporating an “unconventional approach” to conventional genres.
Disney’s The Lion King in Concert, SPAC, Saratoga Springs, 7:30pm
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Thirty years after the original release, experience Disney’s The Lion King on the big screen, as the orchestra performs Hans Zimmer’s Oscar®-winning musical score live. Featuring unforgettable music from superstar Elton John and award-winning lyricist Tim Rice, and African vocal and choir arrangements by the GRAMMY® Award–winning South African producer and composer Lebo M (Rhythm of the Pride Lands).
DJ King Bully, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 11pm
Rory Block, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm
Rory Block is the standard bearer for American roots blues; a 7x Blues Music Award Winner whose music rings with unadorned power & truth.
For decades, Rory Block has lived and breathed music. Very early on, she dug her heels deep into the blues tradition and has since been recognized as one of the finest acoustic blues guitarists of the modern era. With a style similar to that of Robert Johnson’s Delta blues, she has undoubtedly become a dominant figure in the world of slide guitar – playing the blues the way it was meant to be played. (Guitar Girl Magazine)
Hip Hop Jam w/ Aila / Ricky Bandana / Capital City Crook$ / KDEUC3, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm
From “Bar People.”
8/17 1:00 PM Big Medicine- Saratoga Race Course
8/17 3:30 PM Harmonic Duo-Liberty Ridge Farm
8/17 4:00 PM Kitty Rodeo- Helderberg Mountain Brewing Co
8/17 4:00 PM Larry Hooker- Basin Grill
8/17 5:00 PM Brendan Dailey- Saratoga City Tavern
8/17 5:00 PM Diva & The Dirty Birds- S&S farm Brewery
8/17 5:00 PM Eric Erickson- Yanni’s Too
8/17 5:00 PM Margo Macero- Artisanal Brew Works
8/17 6:00 PM Big Fez & The Surfmatics- Wolf Hollow Brewing
8/17 6:00 PM Chris Dollard- Prime at Saratoga National
8/17 6:00 PM Chuck Kelsey- Powers Pub
8/17 6:00 PM Duo with Carla Metz- Olde Bryan Inn
8/17 6:00 PM Hayley Stafford- Galley Bar & Grill
8/17 6:00 PM Hey Nows- Siro’s
8/17 6:00 PM Jake Juron- Ravenswood
8/17 6:00 PM Jeff Brisbin- Dukes Chophouse At Rivers Casino
8/17 6:00 PM Joe Severino- Finnigans on The Lake
8/17 6:00 PM Juniper- The Scarlet Knife
8/17 6:00 PM Marty Brown – Thirsty Owl
8/17 6:00 PM Matt Mirabile Band- Powers Park Concert Series
8/17 6:00 PM ON Tap Band- The View at Brookhaven Golf Course
8/17 6:00 PM Russ Kennedy- Hilton Garden Inn… 30Park
8/17 6:00 PM Seth Warden- Inn at Saratoga
8/17 6:00 PM Skippy & The Pistons- Carsons Woodside Tavern
8/17 6:00 PM Tyler Giroux- 677 Prime
8/17 7:00 PM Beatin’ The Odds- Wicked Eatery
8/17 7:00 PM Bronte Roman- Panza’s Saratoga
8/17 7:00 PM Ginger Geezus Donnie Magoos
8/17 7:00 PM Gravity- Horseshoe Tavern
8/17 7:00 PM Leffler- Quarters
8/17 7:00 PM Liquid Courage- Cherry Plain Square #17
8/17 7:00 PM Roxy & The Rollers- Freedom Park Scotia
8/17 7:00 PM Skeeter Creek- Dock Browns Tavern
8/17 7:00 PM TBD- Peddlers Bar & Bistro
8/17 7:00 PM Up The River- Druthers Clifton Park
8/17 7:30 PM Sheri Nolan & Peter Von Allmen- Principessa Elena
8/17 8:00 PM Contagious- Bunker Saratoga
8/17 8:00 PM Joe Barna Trio- Nine Maple
8/17 8:00 PM Josh & Kevin- Katie O’Byrnes
8/17 8:00 PM Muscle Shoals- Frog Alley Brewing
8/17 8:00 PM Poor Dead Molly- Philly Bar & Lounge
8/17 8:00 PM Rory Block- Caffe Lena
8/17 8:00 PM TBD- Misfit
8/17 8:00 PM Wallies- Druthers Saratoga
8/17 9:00 PM DJ Wonder & DJ John Jamz- Night Owl
8/17 9:00 PM Erin Og- Parting Glass
8/17 9:00 PM Funk Evolution- The Wild Horse
8/17 9:00 PM Rhythm Pilots- Centre St. Pub
8/17 9:00 PM The Dude Abides- Saratoga City Tavern
8/17 9:00 PM The Schmooze- Caroline St. Pub
Sunday, August 18th
Latin Night w/ DJ BoyBoy, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 7pm
Martin Sexton, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 5:30pm-7:30pm; 9pm-10pm
Singer-songwriter Martin Sexton is a musical force, weaving folk, rock, blues, and gospel into an unwavering commitment to the power of song
Martin Sexton returns to Caffè Lena with what Rolling Stone calls his “soul-marinated voice,” acoustic guitar, and a suitcase full of heartfelt songs. His 2023 North America tour in support of 2020 Vision will showcase new material, as well as a reinventing of his own classics. Still fiercely independent and headlining venues from The Fillmore to Carnegie Hall, Sexton has influenced a generation of contemporary artists. His songs have appeared in television series such as Scrubs, Parenthood, Masters of Sex, Sprung, and in numerous films, though it’s his incendiary live show, honest lyrics, and vocal prowess that keep fans coming back for a new experience every time.
Dress Like a Banana Party. Music by Tru-Master, Lost and Found, Albany, 5pm
From “Bar People.”
8/18 1:00 PM Alta Havana- Saratoga Race Course
8/18 1:00 PM Jack Kelle- Altamont Fairgrounds
8/18 1:00 PM Reggie’s Red Hot Feetwarmers … Strolling Saratoga Race Course
8/18 1:00 PM Upstate Bluegrass Band Strolling- Saratoga Race Course
8/18 10:30 AM Steve Candlen- The Scarlet Knife
8/18 12:00 PM Coverups Duo- Kings Tavern
8/18 12:00 PM Powersiren- Camp Adventure
8/18 2:00 PM Insolent Willies- Allied Brewing Company
8/18 2:00 PM North Allen Duo- Frog Alley Brewing
8/18 3:00 PM Jeff Brisbin- Druthers Clifton Park
8/18 3:00 PM Jimi Justin- Basin Grill
8/18 3:00 PM Steve Candlen- Druthers Saratoga
8/18 3:00 PM Tim Wechgelaer- Franklin Square Market
8/18 3:00 PM Triple Trouble wsg Carolyn Shapiro- Artisanal Brew Works
8/18 4:00 PM The Accents- Carsons Woodside Tavern
8/18 5:00 PM Mike Lamkin- Sofia’s of Clifton Park
8/18 5:30 PM Martin Sexton- Caffe Lena
8/18 6:00 PM Christine Spero- Wishing Well
8/18 6:00 PM Jack Kelle- Altamont Fairgrounds
8/18 6:00 PM Karaoke hsted By Deb Zep- 518 Craft
8/18 6:00 PM Sinatra & Friends- Panza’s Saratoga
8/18 7:00 PM Rosa Love- Peddlers Bar & Bistro
8/18 7:00 PM Three Quarter North- Freedom Park Scotia
8/18 8:00 PM Martin Sexton- Caffe Lena
The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus @ Prospect Park, 8/11/2024
The Contemporary Circus and Immersive Arts Center brought the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus to Prospect Park for a Monday matinee. Acrobatics, juggling, and amusements were all on display. There will be three different circuses performing through August 17 as part of their “Circus in the Park” series.
Photography by Timothy Reidy.
