No One You Know put on a fun night of Taylor Swift music with the “Spin the Wheel of Eras” show, with Sydney Worthley and DJ Fearless playing requests.
Photography by Timothy Reidy.
Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets @ Ophelia’s, 7/18/2024
Dr. Jah kept all the reggae lovers happy well into the night.
Photography by Timothy Reidy.
Caity Gallagher @ The Eleven, 7/24/2024
Third World / Upstate Reggae Possie @ Alive at Five
Reggae night at Alive at Five, with Third World and Upstate Reggae Possie. 7/18/2024
Photography by Timothy Reidy.
Show Detective – Weekend Shows – 7/26 – 7/28
Show Detective.
Friday, July 26th
Kidz Bop, SPAC, Saratoga Springs, 7pm
Broadway Camp Presents: Fiddler on the Roof, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady
Join the most innovative theatre training program in the Capital Region! Broadway Camp provides an environment where aspiring performers, stage managers and technicians learn the true meaning of Broadway while working as an ensemble to produce a full-scale musical. Through skill-building workshops, studio classes and hands-on training, Collaborative School of the Arts cultivates an environment built for student success.
Frozen Soul, Empire Underground, Albany, 7:30pm
Tim Palmieri (Lotus, Zdenek Gubb (Twiddle) Adrian Tramontado (Twiddle), Twisted Fiddler, Troy
DJ Pstar, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 10pm-3am
Party down on the biggest dance floor in Saratoga with beats by DJ Pstar
Katy Kirby / Mei Semones / Keta Ester, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm
From “Bar People.”
7/26 1:00 PM The Dylan Perrillo Band- Saratoga Race Course
7/26 10:00 PM DJ Pstar- Putnam Place
7/26 11:00 AM Pat Decker- Kings Tavern
7/26 5:00 PM Joe Severino- Frog Alley Brewing
7/26 5:00 PM Mike McMann Quartet- S&S farm Brewery
7/26 5:00 PM Mike McMann Quartet- S&S farm Brewery
7/26 5:30 PM Caity Gallagher- Back Barn Brewing Co
7/26 5:30 PM Dan Sherwin- Bootleggers
7/26 5:30 PM Dan Sherwin- Bootleggers
7/26 6:00 PM Azzaam Haneed & Ralph Douglas- Mouzon House
7/26 6:00 PM Blues House Rockers-Carsons Woodside Tavern
7/26 6:00 PM Bob Fox- Thirsty Owl
7/26 6:00 PM Chris Carey- The Scarlet Knife
7/26 6:00 PM Chris Dollard- Prime at Saratoga National
7/26 6:00 PM Chuck Kelsey- Olde Bryan Inn
7/26 6:00 PM DJ Tomb- Sunset Sips at Rivers Casino
7/26 6:00 PM Don Hoffman- Inn at Saratoga
7/26 6:00 PM Jacksland- Trackside Grill
7/26 6:00 PM Jay Yager- The Bunker North Greenbush
7/26 6:00 PM Jay Yager- The Bunker North Greenbush
7/26 6:00 PM Keith Pray Trio- Cock & Bull
7/26 6:00 PM Nancy Timpanaro & Dave Gleason- Panza’s Saratoga
7/26 6:00 PM Pat Decker- Lago’s by Druthers
7/26 6:00 PM Rob Fleming- Powers Pub
7/26 6:00 PM Russ Kennedy- Hilton Garden Inn… 30Park
7/26 6:00 PM TBD- Saratoga Winery
7/26 6:00 PM The Tyes- Crossroads America Grille
7/26 6:00 PM The Tyes- Crossroads America Grille
7/26 6:00 PM Vagabond- Indian Ladder Farms
7/26 6:30 PM Country Kickers with Kevin Richards- VFW Saratoga
7/26 6:30 PM Steve Candlen- Diamond Club at Embassy Suites
7/26 6PM New York Players – Siro’s
7/26 7:00 PM Bob Barker Band- Quarters
7/26 7:00 PM Christine Spero-Dukes Chophouse At Rivers Casino
7/26 7:00 PM Completely Different- Kraverie
7/26 7:00 PM Cryin Out Loud- Dock Browns Tavern
7/26 7:00 PM Frankie Lessard- Seven Bistro
7/26 7:00 PM Get Up Jack- Parting Glass
7/26 7:00 PM Jeff Walton- Principessa Elena
7/26 7:00 PM John Eisenhart- Hometown Pub & Grub
7/26 7:00 PM Liam Davis- Bourbon Room
7/26 7:00 PM Lost Radio Rounders & Mark & Jill Sing The Blues- Mabee Farm Historic Site
7/26 7:00 PM Rhythm Pilots- Saratoga County Fairgrounds
7/26 7:00 PM Sean Lyons- Bunker Mohawk Harbor
7/26 7:00 PM Stretch- Finnigans on The Lake
7/26 7:00 PM Sugar Pill- Druthers Clifton Park
7/26 7:00 PM Ten Most Wanted- Horseshoe Tavern
7/26 7:00 PM Ten Most Wanted- The Horseshoe Bar & Grill
7/26 7:00 PM Tim Palmieri / Zdnek Gubb / Adrian Tramontano- Twisted Fiddler
7/26 7:00 PM Tim Palmieri / Zdnek Gubb / Adrian Tramontano- Twisted Fiddler
7/26 7:00 PM Warden & Company- Peddlers Bar & Bistro
7/26 8:00 PM Grand Central Station- Wicked Eatery
7/26 8:00 PM Katalyst- Nine Maple
7/26 8:00 PM Matt Cosgrove & Kirk Diehl- Saratoga City Tavern
7/26 8:00 PM Powersiren- Melvin Roads American Legion
7/26 8:00 PM Powersiren- Melvin Roads American Legion
7/26 8:00 PM Radio Junkies- Druthers Saratoga
7/26 8:30 PM Hungry Dingo Band- Frog Alley Brewing
7/26 9:00 PM Ill Funk Ensemble- Centre St. Pub
7/26 9:00 PM Scars & Stripes- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino
7/26 9:00 PM Scar’s & Stripe’s- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino
7/26 9:00 PM The Coverups- Ice House
7/26 9:00 PM The Schmooze- Dango’s
Saturday, July 27th
Bryan McPherson, Twisted Fiddler Troy, 7pm Door/8pm Show
Pat Travers, Joe Mele Project, Uncle Sam Jam, Powers Park, Troy, 3pm-7:30pm
Triskele, 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 Capital Region’s Premier All~Female Irish Band! Stunning harmonies that touch your soul.
Broadway Camp Presents: Fiddler on the Roof , Proctors Theatre, Schenectady
Join the most innovative theatre training program in the Capital Region! Broadway Camp provides an environment where aspiring performers, stage managers and technicians learn the true meaning of Broadway while working as an ensemble to produce a full-scale musical. Through skill-building workshops, studio classes and hands-on training, Collaborative School of the Arts cultivates an environment built for student success.
DJ King Bully, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 11:30pm-2am
Come get down on the biggest dancefloor in Saratoga. DJ King Bully will be spinning the hottest beats late in to the evening.
DJ King Bully blurs the lines between Dancehall, Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, and Latin into what is a refreshing departure from anything else you’ve heard. The Troy NY native not only dominates the Capital Region club circuit, he also boasts an impressive list of concerts, which includes acts like Dababy, Lil Baby, Cardi B, Fabolous, DMX, Ja Rule, Ashanti and more. Always sure to get the crowd hype and the club packed, DJ King Bully is the sound that keeps any party going strong.
Upstate, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm
Transitions are both inevitable and startling – like a scenic drive before a hairpin bend, an abrupt storm, a rediscovered love. For Upstate, the past three years have been a litany of transitions as members Mary Webster, Melanie Glenn, Harry D’Agostino and Dylan McKinstry navigated some of life’s most pivotal moments. Amid a whirlwind of marriages, babies, funerals, and spiritual awakenings, mourning and celebration, was a long, uncertain pause. This restful time apart from the demands of the road fostered for Upstate the chance to make music that could touch on every corner of their lives, a deeply honest portrait. The band’s passionate songwriting, rich harmonies and stellar instrumentation, with a touch of nostalgia and vulnerability are perfectly at home in Caffè Lena’s listening room.
Sousaphunk, Lost and Found, Albany, 9:30pm
Woodstock ’99 – 25th Anniversary Cover Show, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm
From “Bar People.”
7/27 1:00 PM Donna Tritico Band- Saratoga Race Course
7/27 11:00 AM Powersiren- Stoned Wraps Artisan Gallery
7/27 11:00 AM Powersiren- Stoned Wraps Artisan Gallery
7/27 11:30 PM DJ King Bully- Putnam Place
7/27 4:00 PM Five to Midnight- Helderberg Mountian Brewing Co
7/27 4:00 PM Marcus Ruggiero- Basin Grill
7/27 5:00 PM Red Haired Strangers- S&S farm Brewery
7/27 5:00 PM Red Haired Strangers- S&S farm Brewery
7/27 6:00 PM DJ Tomb- Sunset Sips at Rivers Casino
7/27 6:00 PM Eric Kufs- Thirsty Owl
7/27 6:00 PM Franklin Micare – 677 Prime
7/27 6:00 PM Jake Juron- Ravenswood
7/27 6:00 PM Jay Yager- Hilton Garden Inn… 30Park
7/27 6:00 PM Jeff Walton- Olde Bryan Inn
7/27 6:00 PM John Webber- Galley Bar & Grill
7/27 6:00 PM Juniper & Steve Zucchini- Inn at Saratoga
7/27 6:00 PM Pat Decker- The Scarlet Knife
7/27 6:00 PM Stretchin’ The Truth- Carsons Woodside Tavern
7/27 6:00 PM Thom Powers- Powers Pub
7/27 6:00 PM Tooty And The Motherpluckers- Bunker Clifton Park
7/27 6:00 PM Whiz Bang- Lago’s by Druthers
7/27 6:30 PM Brian Kelly- Diamond Club at Embassy Suites
7/27 6:30 PM Dan Sherwin- Finnigans on The Lake
7/27 6:30 PM Don Ferlazzo- Other One Brewery
7/27 6PM Sass and Brass -Siro’s
7/27 7:00 PM Brian McPherson wsg Danny Quane & Xavier Morris- Twisted Fiddler
7/27 7:00 PM Brian McPherson wsg Danny Quane & Xavier Morris- Twisted Fiddler
7/27 7:00 PM DJ John Brown- Bunker Mohawk River
7/27 7:00 PM Get Up Jack- Freedom Park Scotia
7/27 7:00 PM Gravity- Horseshoe Tavern
7/27 7:00 PM Jacksland- Peddlers Bar & Bistro
7/27 7:00 PM Jessica Louise- Kraverie
7/27 7:00 PM Jessica Louise- Kraverie
7/27 7:00 PM Rich Clements Band- Druthers Clifton Park
7/27 7:00 PM Roger Morris- Panza’s Saratoga
7/27 7:00 PM TBD- Quarters
7/27 7:00 PM The Brokenhearted- Dock Browns Tavern
7/27 7:30 PM Luke Barnhart- Cherry Plain Square #17
7/27 7:30 PM Luke Barnhart- Cherry Plain Square #17
7/27 8:00 PM Erin Harkes Comedy- My Place & Company
7/27 8:00 PM John Eisenhart- Seven Bistro
7/27 8:00 PM John Savage Quartet- Nine Maple
7/27 8:00 PM Maggies Clan- Parting Glass
7/27 8:00 PM The Hawthornes- Bunker Saratoga
7/27 8:00 PM Wallies- Druthers Saratoga
7/27 8:30 PM Playing With Fire- Frog Alley Brewing
7/27 9:00 PM Coverups- Caroline St. Pub
7/27 9:00 PM Kelly & Sons- Saratoga City Tavern
7/27 9:00 PM The Ultimates- Centre St. Pub
7/27 9:00 PM Tommy V Live- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino
7/27 9:30 PM IMI Band- Spa City Tap & Barrel
Sunday, July 28th
The Head and the Heart, The Palace Theatre, Albany, 8pm
wsg Phosphorescent
2023 was a whirlwind of a year for The Head And The Heart. The acclaimed Seattle band sold out the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the seventh time, co-headlined a tour with The Revivalists and then a second tour with Father John Misty, and held their own boutique two-day music festival in Napa, CA, Down in The Valley.
Tracheotomy, Empire Underground, Albany, 6:30pm
Upstate, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 7pm-9pm
Transitions are both inevitable and startling – like a scenic drive before a hairpin bend, an abrupt storm, a rediscovered love. For Upstate, the past three years have been a litany of transitions as members Mary Webster, Melanie Glenn, Harry D’Agostino and Dylan McKinstry navigated some of life’s most pivotal moments. Amid a whirlwind of marriages, babies, funerals, and spiritual awakenings, mourning and celebration, was a long, uncertain pause. This restful time apart from the demands of the road fostered for Upstate the chance to make music that could touch on every corner of their lives, a deeply honest portrait. The band’s passionate songwriting, rich harmonies and stellar instrumentation, with a touch of nostalgia and vulnerability are perfectly at home in Caffè Lena’s listening room.
Bill Kirchen, Hangar on the Hudson, Troy, 8pm-10:30pm
Upon tallying how many decades he’s worked as a professional guitar slinger, Telecaster master Bill Kirchen quips, “Well, they don’t make 50 years like they used to.” They don’t often make careers like his, either.
From performing with his Who Knows Pickers jug band in Ann Arbor High School’s senior talent show (also on the program: the future Iggy Pop), to birthing the Americana genre with the original “hippie country band,” Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, this affable Austinite has been everywhere, man, flying alongside some of the planet’s coolest cats — including the Jesus of Cool, Nick Lowe, and Lowe’s old protégé, Elvis Costello.
From “Bar People.”
7/28 1:00 PM Mark & Jill Sing The Blues- Dock Browns Tavern
7/28 1:00 PM The Switch- Saratoga Race Course
7/28 1:30 PM Grand Central Trio- Daley’s On Crooked Lake
7/28 1:30 PM Grand Central Trio- Daley’s On Crooked Lake
7/28 10:00 AM Pogo- Frog Alley Brewing
7/28 10:00 AM Zorbas Trio- Spa City Farmers Market
7/28 10:30 am Erin Powers- The Scarlet Knife
7/28 3:00 PM Derrick Forget- Druthers Clifton Park
7/28 3:00 PM Jeff Brisbin- Druthers Saratoga
7/28 3:00 PM Jukebox Rebellion- Wicked Eatery
7/28 3:00 PM Kevin Kennedy- Market Bar & Cafe
7/28 3:00 PM Russ Kennedy- Basin Grill
7/28 3:00 PM Wallies- Lago’s by Druthers
7/28 4:00 PM Papa Rich & Wayward Souls- Artisanal Brew Works
7/28 4:00 PM Roxy & The Rollers- Saratoga County Fairgrounds
7/28 4:00 PM The Accents- Carsons Woodside Tavern
7/28 4:30 PM Dan Shewin- Yanni’s Too
7/28 5:00 PM Rob Fleming- Cabana Patio at 410 Waters Edge
7/28 5:30 PM Christine Spero- Wishing Well
7/28 6:00 PM Joe Barna & Annello Band- North Greenbush Town Park
7/28 6:00 PM Joe Barna & Annello Band- North Greenbush Town Park
7/28 6:00 PM Karaoke hsted By Deb Zep- 518 Craft
7/28 6:00 PM Karaoke hsted By Deb Zep- 518 Craft
7/28 6:00 PM Sinatra & Friends- Panza’s Saratoga
7/28 7:00 PM G Love & n The Special Sauce- Frog Alley Brewing
7/28 7:00 PM Latin Night with DJ Boy Boy- Putnam Place
7/28 7:00 PM Rosa Love- Peddlers Bar & Bistro
7/28 7:00 PM Skippy & The Pistons- Congress Park Saratoga
7/28 7:00 PM The Lustre Kings- Freedom Park Scotia
8/11 4:30 PM Dan Shewin- Yanni’s Too
8/4 4:30 PM Dan Shewin- Yanni’s Too
Recap: Cassadee Pope, Natalia Taylar and The Foxies at Empire Underground
Recap: Cassadee Pope, Natalia Taylar and The Foxies at Empire Underground 7/23/2024
As you know by now, my recaps are not the norm. This particular recap will be an interesting read, I can assure you of that.
So here’s the deal folks, as our commander in chief would say… I originally wasn’t trying to go to this show to be honest. And that’s me just being the music snob that I am. I remember the name Cassadee Pope from The Voice and I thought she was a pop-country artist. I’m not into pop-country but my wife (Laurie) sure loves that shit and she wanted to go. So I sent my contact at Empire as message that read: “We (RadioRadioX/Xperience) are requesting a photo pass for our photographer Tim Reidy for Cassadee Pope July 23rd at Empire Underground. My wife is a fan of Cassadee Pope, so I could cover that show if I could get a press pass with a plus one for my wife. If it’s possible, it’ll make me look cool and maybe she’ll love me long time lol.”
My contact responded that Laurie and I were all set but they haven’t heard anything back from Cassadee’s management about our photo pass request for Tim. I replied with a thank you and a bummer for Tim, but what can you do?
Here’s the thing, Laurie gets up very early in the morning for work and although this was all her idea in the first place, she f**king bailed on me. So here I am going to a concert that I didn’t even think that I would enjoy because my wife decided it was going to be too hard for her get up in the morning. Before I left for the show I sprayed some cologne because I didn’t have time to shower after work. When I kissed Laurie goodbye she said “oh, you’re wearing cologne, who are you trying to impress?” Laurie actually felt bad that she couldn’t go and said that she would owe me when I got home, just wake her up! Okay, it’s game on now.
If you aren’t familiar with Empire, there are two venues built into one building. Empire Underground where Cassadee was playing downstairs and Empire Live upstairs where at the same time As I Lay Dying was having their concert. As I approached the venue I saw a number of people walking that I assumed were going to see the upstairs concert, solely based on what they were wearing but to my surprise they were coming to the Cassadee show. Remember we didn’t get a photo pass for Cassadee, so that’s why all you get with this recap are my shitty cellphone shots. For our As I Lay Dying photos click HERE because they did approve our photographer Josh.
I guess I had this whole Cassadee Pope show all wrong. I envisioned a bunch of teeny-boppers that listen to Fly 92 as the audience and that I would be the old guy with no date. I purposely wore my press pass for that reason because I didn’t want to look like a creep. Although, I became friends with Moriah Formica, who also appeared on The Voice, for some reason I thought this show was going to be too pop for my taste. I walked in and was greeted by Mike Valente at the door, if you know, you know! I was happy to see a comrade and I totally expected that Mike would’ve been upstairs because he’s a hardcore dude. The first thing Mike asked me was “Do you have a photographer?” Haha, I wish.
Natalia Taylar opened the show and I’ll be damned, she was rocking. Okay so far I’m really feeling the vibe here. I took a photo of Natalia with my phone and sent it to my wife. She responded with “She’s Hot!” I replied, “yeah except she could probably be my kid, she said she grew up listening to Hannah Montana from stage.” I later met Natalia and I let her know that I thought she did a great job. I asked for her email so I could interview her at a later date and time because that’s kind of what I do. I then joking sent my wife a message saying well I did get her email and Laurie said “see it’s the cologne, lol.”
The Foxies were next to hit the stage and boy did they bring the energy. Front-woman Julia Lauren Bullock really delivered and if I had to describe her style it was like Blondie meets Billie Eilish. Hopefully, Julia takes that as a compliment and doesn’t get offended. I know people don’t like to be compared to others but that was my take. I also really enjoyed their music and I think we should start playing The Foxies on our radio station.
Finally the moment everyone was waiting for… Cassadee Pope and her band came out in full force. Oh, shit! They rock too! I had no idea. I guess if I was paying attention to a fairly recent Billboard interview when she said “I guess rock is in my bones more,” I would’ve known better. I wasn’t familiar with her material before the show but the audience certainly was and they were all singing along. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of her performance and shall I say: I stand corrected. I’ll admit I was wrong on this one and Cassadee Pope had gained a new fan in me! I sent my wife another message letting her know how awesome this show was and that she totally missed out. My wife replied with “do I still owe you, tonight?” I said, “oh, hell yeah!” I can never turn down a great opportunity.
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical Coming to Proctors July 30 – August 4
SCHENECTADY (July 24) – Proctors is delighted to announce that the national tour of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical will be on the MainStage for eight performances as part of the KeyBank Broadway Series from Tuesday, July 30-Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. Tickets are currently available through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at (518) 346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or by visiting atproctors.org. Groups of 10 or more can get their tickets by calling (518) 382-3884 ext. 139.
The North American touring cast is led by Ari Groover (TINA Broadway, Head Over Heels, Holler If Ya hear Me, Little Shop of Horrors) and Zurin Villanueva (The Lion King, Mean Girls, Shuffle Along) who will evenly share the role of Tina Turner, each playing four (of eight) performances a week. Also starring are Deon Releford-Lee as Ike Turner, Roz White as Zelma Bullock, Carla R. Stewart as Gran Georgeanna and Sarah Bockel as Rhonda.
The ensemble includes John Battagliese, Brittny Benai Smith, Daelyanna Kelly Benson, Antonio Beverly, Ben Bogen, Karen Burthwright, Brianna Cameron, Andrew Eckert, Amahri Edwards-Jones, Gordia Hayes, Andre Hinds, Crystal Joy, Symphony King, Kendall LeShanti, GiGi Lewis, Natalia Nappo, Nia Nelson-Williams, Terance Reddick, Shari Washington Rhone, EricSiegle, ChristineSuddeth, RowanVickers, Dylan S. Wallach, KristopherStanleyWard, Gerard M. Williams.
“The North American tour of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is one of eight productions that have opened around the world since the show began in the West End in 2018, which is testimony to Tina’s extraordinary legacy,” the producers, Tali Pelman from Stage Entertainment and Jimmy Nederlander said. “We can’t wait for America to see the two megawatt superstars who share the role of Tina, Deon Releford-Lee in the role of Ike, and the incredibly talented company who are on the road in this tour!”
Produced by Stage Entertainment, James L. Nederlander and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICALwas written by Tony Award nominee and Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins.
TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICALis directed by Tony Award nominee Phyllida Lloyd with choreography by Tony Award nominee Anthony van Laast, set and costume designs by Tony Award nominee Mark Thompson, Music Supervision, Arrangements & Incidental Music byNicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Tony Award nominee Bruno Poet, sound by Tony Award nominee Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Tony Award nominee Jeff Sugg, orchestrations by Tony Award nominee Ethan Popp, wigs, hair and makeup design by Drama Desk Award winner Campbell Young Associates,and casting by The Telsey Office.An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.
One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows were seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.
Featuring her much loved songs, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.
This new musical based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner received its world premiere in April 2018 in London, where it opened to five-star reviews and has broken box office records at the Aldwych Theatre. In March 2019, the German production opened at Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg, the Broadway production followed in November 2019 and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical. The Dutch production opened at the Beatrix Theater, Utrecht, in February 2020. A third European production opened in Fall 2021 at the Teatro Coliseum in Madrid, Spain and the most recent production opened at the Theatre Royal Sydney in Australia in May of 2023.
TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL originally opened on Broadway on November 7, 2019, was nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical. The production reopened at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on October 8, 2021, following the 18-month industry wide shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Broadway production ended performances Sunday, August 14.
Produced by Stage Entertainment and Ghostlight Records and featuring the original London cast, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical: Original Cast Recording is available worldwide on CD, both online and in stores. The CD features a 20-page booklet, which includes liner notes, synopsis, and production and studio photography. The album was recorded in February 2019 at Angel Studios and RAK Studios, produced by the show’s Music Supervisor Nicholas Skilbeck and Kurt Deutsch, and co-produced by Tom Kelly. To download or stream the album, or order the CD, please visit http://www.ghostlightrecords.
When she was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in October, 2021, Tina Turner became one of only three women in the institution’s history to be inducted twice (she was initially inducted in 1991, alongside Ike Turner).
The Emmy-nominated feature documentary TINA is now available to stream on HBO Max. A revealing and intimate look at the life and career of musical icon Tina Turner, TINA charts her improbable rise to early fame, her personal and professional struggles throughout her life and her even more improbable resurgence as a global phenomenon in the 1980s. The feature documentary is from Academy Award-winning directors Dan Lindsay, T.J. Martin and Lightbox, the production company founded by Academy Award-winning producer Simon Chinn and Emmy-winning producer Jonathan Chinn, together with Emmy-nominated producer Diane Becker.
Follow @TinaBroadway on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
Recap: Nas at The Palace Theatre in Albany
Way back in the day, somewhere around 1991 or 1992… I (Rob Smittix) went to the Palace Theatre for the Hit Squad tour featuring EPMD, Das EFX and Redman. For whatever reason K-Solo wasn’t there but fortunately K-Solo and I became friends in recent years. Anyway, that show back in the early 90’s was not a diverse crowd at all, in fact I may have been the only white kid there. I remember hearing from my uncle Bill who ran security that a lot of chairs got broken at that show and it was a very long time before Hip Hop had a chance to return to The Palace after that.
Fast forward to last Friday, July 19th and what a difference. This crowd was from all walks of life with no problems at all. It was just a bunch of fans that got together to hear the music they grew up with. It’s great that Hip Hop has returned to The Palace and Nas is one of the greatest MC’s of all time. This show came just after the recent Alive at 5 with KRS-One at Albany’s Jenning’s Landing and that show was also a tremendous success as well, with yet another one of the greatest. Although KRS-One has the song “The Bridge is Over” that dissed Queens rappers with the line “Queens keeps on fakin’ it.” But Nas has the retort song “The Bridge is Over” with the lyrics “the bridge is over” Nah, this is a time we destroy and rebuild it.” Anyway we all know that Hip Hop started in the Bronx but we also know that many of the greatest rappers ever came out of Queens. But that beef has long been squashed but it’s still fun to reminisce.
The Capital Region’s DJ TGIF opened the show spinning classic rap for the crowd before the headliner. I was very happy to see one of our very own have the opportunity at such a big event. Nas came out swinging and went non-stop hit after hit. I took my brother with me to the show and my wife was texting me while I was there “why didn’t you take me?” She’s not a hip hop fan like we are, so I responded with “name one Nas song right now!” She came back with “Oochie Wally.” I was actually surprised that even people that don’t follow the genre know Nas tunes.
All in all, it was very cool to finally see Nas live but to see Nas at the venue I grew up in was the icing on the cake for me. More legendary Hip Hop is coming soon to The Palace, November 1st The Lox will be performing. You best believe I’ll be there for that one too!
Rock Voices Saratoga and Rock Voices Albany Pay Tribute to Queen in back-to-back Summer Performances
Rock Voices Saratoga and Rock Voices Albany Pay Tribute to Queen in back-to-back Summer Performances
Rock Voices Saratoga and Rock Voices Albany, two area Community Rock Choirs, are excited to announce their upcoming summer concerts, a spectacular tribute to the legendary band Queen. These highly anticipated events will take place on August 9th and 10th in Saratoga Springs and Colonie, respectively.
Rock Voices choirs bring together passionate singers from across the Capital Region to celebrate music that has shaped generations. In this special summer tribute concert, the choir will perform an electrifying repertoire featuring Queen’s greatest hits, accompanied by a live band, promising two evenings of unforgettable music and entertainment. In addition to the stellar performances, Rock Voices will host a raffle during each concert to benefit The Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher House Foundation provides comfortable homes where military and veterans’ families can stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital.
“We are thrilled to bring the music of Queen to life with our Rock Voices community,” said Nate Altimari, Director of both Rock Voices choirs. “This concert not only celebrates this iconic music but also supports a cause that is close to our hearts. We invite everyone to join us for what promises to be an amazing evening.”
Tickets for the Rock Voices Summer Tribute to Queen are available for purchase online at Eventbrite, with tickets also available at the door.
For additional event details and information, please visit www.RockVoices.com.
Event Details:
- Rock Voices Saratoga
- Date: August 9th, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Maple Ave Middle School, Saratoga Springs, N
- Rock Voices Albany
- Date: August 10th, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Colonie Central High School
Tickets available at Eventbrite, and at the door
Media Contact: Nate Altimari, Director capitalregionrockvoices@gmail.com 413-320-7573
About Rock Voices Saratoga and Rock Voices Albany: Rock Voices Saratoga and Albany are community rock choirs based in the Capital Region, dedicated to bringing together singers of all skill levels to perform classic and contemporary rock music. Under the direction of Nate Altimari, the choirs deliver high-energy performances that captivate audiences and celebrate the healing power of music.
About The Fisher House Foundation: The Fisher House Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. With locations near military and VA medical centers nationwide, the foundation ensures that families can be together during times of medical crisis.
Sammy Hagar’s All Star Band w/s/g Loverboy Steam Rolled SPAC! By Michael Bruce
I don’t even know where to start with this. Let’s just say, it will be hard to sit down for a week because Sammy Hagar and crew kicked my ass! WOW! Saratoga Performing Arts Center is loved by many musical artists. It seems like they always give just a little more there. Last night was no exception. Let’s start with the opener…Loverboy!
Loverboy came on to the nationally recognized music scene in 1980. Loverboy, their self-titled debut album, took off fast and they never looked back. The boys from Canada had a slew of big hit songs that made them an 80s staple. 44 years later I’m watching these men who look like super cool grandfathers, BUT sound fantastic! The band musically sounded great with original members Paul Dean, Doug Johnson, Matt Frenette, and newer guy Ken Sinnaeve. Mike Reno on lead vocals has totally still got it! Loverboy ripped through their set with hit after hit. Their songs are just so rockin’ radio fun! Notorious, Lucky Ones, Queen of Broken Hearts, The Kid Is Hot Tonight, Loving Every Minute of It, Hot Girls in Love, Turn Me Lose, and Working for the Weekend were all on the menu. The SPAC crowd was “Loving Every Minute of It”!
So after the fun of Loverboy, came this giant hammer called Sammy Hagar. To help him swing the hammer, he brought along long time Van Halen, Chickenfoot, The Circle, bandmate bass player Michael Anthony. Also from Chickenfoot, virtuoso guitarist bandmate Joe Satriani. On the drums was Jason Bonham, son of the late great John Bonham. (Whose face appeared on Jason’s bass drums) And on keyboards, all the way from Australia, was Rai Thistlethwayte.
This all-star band, combined with the all-star power of lead singer Sammy Hagar was a true wrecking ball. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Now, why did I write that? I wrote that because they were so freaking great, that you could see and hear THE WORK that went into this show to give people the best possible Van Halen/Sammy Hagar experience you could possibly have. None of these guys are young kids. They take care of themselves, but youth is not on their side. They got in musical and physical shape to do this tour, to create this experience, and I thank you for giving me two hours of excellence! Joe Satriani is a beast guitar player. However, he did not mail it in! Even the great Joe Satriani had to practice his ass off, and figure out how to play Eddie Van Halen like Eddie Van Halen. That is an impossible task, but you can come really close, and Joe really captured Eddie’s sound and feel. I could easily tell Joe wanted to give the late great EVH all the respect he deserves, and really try to nail his playing. A fat thank you to Jason Bonham for not mailing it in! I could tell he studied Alex Van Halen, and gave him all the respect he deserves for his great drum parts. People, to cover Alex and Eddie, and make it feel like Van Halen playing alongside Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony, is a super tall task! They did it! And thank you to Rai on those keys for nailing his parts. You think songs like “Right Now” are easy?
The whole night was not only great musicianship, but great personality. Follow any of these guys on social media, and you will quickly find out how great their personalities are. They are just fun loving people who want to have great time, and create a great time. The stage is where they can let it all hang out. Sammy Hagar is infectious. There is not a negative bone in that guy’s body. He is caring, loving, and loves to entertain. He wants to bring smiles to faces. He and longtime friend Michal Anthony said from the beginning that they want to deliver the best Van Halen/Sammy Hagar experience they can. They also wanted to play deeper cuts for the true fans to go along with the big hits. It was a great mix of David Lee Roth Van Halen (I could have used just a little more of) Sammy Van Halen, Sammy Hagar songs, and a splash of Montrose, and Chickenfoot. It truly was the best of all worlds.
Opening the show were the songs Good Enough, then Poundcake, then Runaround. The show was off to fiery start, and Sammy was in great voice for a guy who is 76! Deeper cut Judgement Day was next, followed by Sammy’s There’s only One Way to Rock. Panama rocked, but then came the song 5150. How that song wasn’t a number one hit…I’ll never know. It was amazing to hear them pull off that very difficult song. Summer Nights was followed by Michael Anthony taking lead vocals on Ain’t Talkin’ bout Love. Top of the World, Best of Both Worlds rocked the house. (Rai came down from the keys stage to join Michael and Sammy in the “5150 Walk”…look it up if you don’t know what it is) Then having some fun, Sammy let the boys loose and took a break while they jammed the Joe Satriani hit “Satch Boogie”. Another deep cut was next when they performed the powerful “The Seventh Seal” from the Van Halen Balance album. Up next was the incredible Right Now, and Pat Monahan from the band Train came out to sing with Sammy. It just kept going! Why Can’t This Be Love, Eagles Fly, Mas Tequila, Heavy Metal, were all just crushing at this rock n’ roll party. At one point Sammy acknowledged the electricity in the air when he told the huge crowd, “Look, I got goosebumps, yes I get them too”. The atmosphere WAS electric! Then Sammy explained that he got a speeding ticket on our very own I 87, A.K.A. “The Northway”, at 2AM while traveling at 62 miles per hour from Albany, to Lake George! This inspired his huge hit I Can’t Drive 55. Then he played Space Station #5. This is off of the first Montrose Album which was of course his first national level band. They performed half of that song, and then performed half of Big Foot by Chickenfoot. Chickenfoot released a couple of records and featured Anthony, Hagar, Satriani, with Chad Smith on drums. The last two songs of the night were Jump and When It’s Love. Pat Monahan came back out to sing the “nah part”, but this time he was also joined by Reo Speedwagon’s lead singer Kevin Cronin. Train with Reo are performing at SPAC tonight.
Read Sammy’s book. The guy came from nothing, and not the greatest childhood. He, unlike so many others, did NOT use that as an excuse to be waste of space on the planet. He used it to drive him to be a success. He’s not only a successful musician, he’s a successful businessman. Sammy is known for his great tequila among other business ventures. He even passed some out to the crowd last night while singing his song “Mas Tequila”.
I could go on and on about this show. The bottom line is…exciting rock songs rocks were being performed by exciting people, and that equals 14,000 people going crazy! Hey kids out there reading this…if you want to have a huge musical career, then write exciting fun songs. Van Halen and Sammy Hagar sure as hell did, and that’s why in 2024 they are touring and filling up venues with crazy happy crowds. Fittingly, after the band bows, Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar were the last two on stage to say goodbye. However, Sammy’s last words on the microphone were, “Thank you so much, you make me so happy. Mike and I will keep doing this thing as long as we can.” Thank YOU Sammy. I just got goosebumps.