Philadelphia’s TAGABOW (They Are Gutting a Body of Water) played in front of a packed Hangar on the Hudson on May 14. Albany’s Sunbloc provided support.
Photography by Timothy Reidy.
More from Hangar on the Hudson here …
Keegan James – Thanks for Asking!
Image: Keegan James at the Albany Tulip Festival, May 9, 2026 – photo by Stephanie J Bartik
By Sara Busone.
RRX: Do you feel better when you sing about better times or worse times? Is there a difference you can describe?
Keegan James: I find that music has become the place where my frustrations get laid to rest. I think that’s a common thing in music, especially music made by United States citizens. My generation has been taught that it is our best effort to communicate kindly with others. This requires a lot of “filtering.” We all have heavy feelings and frustrations, but not all of them need to be said. Music is a place where I can put these feelings. It creates an opportunity for me to process them deeply and to eventually take them less seriously.
RRX: What instrument would you add to the band if you could? Is there anything you are trying to do musically that would be helped with one or more additional players?
KJ: Currently, I am looking to form a Keegan James “band”! Recently I’ve had the pleasure of performing at Albany’s Tulip fest, the Jive Hive, and Indie Whims with the very talented Hunter Frost on guitar and bass and also Peter Rodrick on drums! I’d love to consistently perform with a drummer and bassist/guitarist who’s passionate about funky pop grooves, who believes in me and has a keen sense of audio tech!
RRX: Is there a song you wrote that really died on the vine? Something you like but somehow just couldn’t make work? You swear never to play it live, that sort of thing?
KJ: HAH! I did write a song a few years ago that has been sitting in my archives. It remains untitled, but it very much has a club vibe to it. I wanted to test out writing music that would vibe at a place like Waterworks Pub. I sometimes listen to it on my own, but I have come to accept that it just isn’t a song that is meant to be released on my catalog. Maybe one day I’ll sell it as an exclusive on my website or pass it along to other artists, but for now it rests untouched!
RRX: Is there a favorite time of year? What time of year do you/does the band have the most shows? Is there a recurring thing in the year that’s particularly memorable?
KJ: I tend to have the most shows around this time of year, May-June! It’s an exciting time! Pride month is here, and everyone is hosting their summer events! I really love getting to be outside and seeing the community come together for things like Tulip Fest, NOYK presents Live! Loud and Proud, and Indie Whims! I also tend to do a lot during the holiday season! My background in musical theater jazz makes holiday music a specialty of mine!
RRX: What was your worst show like?
KJ: I feel as though I have become an expert at pivoting in this line of work! I tend to run into a lot of sound problems, whether it’s due to track malfunctions or microphone mishaps; I’ve learned the hard way how important a good sound check is. My bumpiest show was a ’90s-themed show at Lost & Found a couple years ago. It was my turn to perform and for some reason the tracks I was using lost the entire low end of the sound. It was painfully awkward, and I did my best to turn it into a comedy show. That’s when a miracle happened. Shannon Tehya and her band of five jumped up to the stage, took a look at my set list, and without a thought sight read all of my songs to back me up and keep the show going. It was one of the most magical moments I’ve experienced performing in the Capital Region!
RRX: What are some of your harmless vices?
KJ: Caffeine and Concerta. I have had ADHD my whole life, and on top of my (legally prescribed stimulants, you will often see me with a cold brew in my hand at 11 pm to keep me going for these late-night shows. Heck, I’m literally holding a latte right now.
RRX: With services like Spotify, streaming revenue can be pretty dismal. Without spilling secrets, do you have a promotional mindset or philosophy?
KJ: I’m painfully aware that when it comes to being a music artist, you must also be a walking brand/business if you want to survive. While I have side gigs like teaching yoga and music to students with special needs and dog sitting, I’m an artist full time and often struggle to make ends meet. I continue to explore many different avenues to generate as much revenue as possible. I’ll let you in on a little secret, the money doesn’t come from the streams and interviews. The money comes from things like merch sales, brand deals, and monetizing your skills through songwriting/producing. My friends and I often spend time together hand making our clothing merchandise; we design stickers and posters WITHOUT AI. We invest in materials that we know will bring us a return and do our best to provide what we believe will make our audience happiest! When you’re at a local show, the best way to show your support and keep an artist going is by taking a good look at their merch table and buying their music directly!
A Look Back: Talking Heads @ SUNY Albany’s Page Hall, 11/17/1977
It Was a Land of Buzzing Eardrums
By Mike Stampalia.
Last fall, former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne performed at Proctors as part of his “Who Is the Sky?” tour, and it commanded the highest-ticketed prices in that storied venue’s history. In March 2023, Heads keyboardist/guitarist Jerry Harrison played Empire Live alongside essential TH contributor and touring musician Adrian Belew, making for one of the most talked-about area shows of the year. Byrne returns to the area this September, this time at SPAC, where the top ticket price is $509, and that’s before the joy that is Live Nation/Ticketmaster’s “surge pricing” and “aftermarket offerings” kick in.
This all happens because Talking Heads are correctly lauded as a legendary, groundbreaking band, one of the best of all time. A band that was post-punk before punk had gotten out of the Bowery.
But it wasn’t always that way.
Talking Heads released their first album, “Talking Heads: 77” on September 16, 1977, and two months later visited our area for the very first time at SUNY Albany’s Page Hall, on November 17, 1977. They opened for the Good Rats, a band from Long Island that had been around for 13 years at that point. The review was not what you would expect, with 20/20 hindsight:
No Rats, but still good Rats were at Page Hall last night, where loud Rock and Roll abounded in the form of the Good Rats, the kings of Long Island Party Rock. More than 700 fans were greated with tumultous volumes of sound and energy not normally found in the Albany Area.
The Good Rats took the audience on an obsene, fun filled adventure through the land of the buzzing eardrum, while the warm up band, the Talking Heads, took us to the limit of migrane headaches and queasy stomachs, with their own form of punk Rock (or as Good Rats’ rythm guitarist Mickey Marchella called it, “skunk rock”), complete with pounding rythms and aching heads.
They looked harmless enough on the outside, but on the inside they were every bit the punks they proffessed to be. Incredibly drone, generating enough noise to cut through a jet blast, caressing our ears with tear jerkers such as “Hot Love” and “Psycho Killer”, and screaming sweet nothings into our ears, the Talking Heads transformed into the “Screaming Lips”, “causing the Rat fans to shout in disgust.
But the Heads took it as a compliment, for they returned to torment us again with an encore. If this is new wave, send me back out to see. I’ll drown in “Black Sabbath” before I listen to this.
Robert Gardner for the Albany Student Press, November 18, 1977
Talking with the Heads
The band was interviewed at Just a Song (record store) before the show:
The Talking Heads who wore the opening act for the Good Rats last night made an appearance at Just a Song Records yesterday afternoon to promote their new album, “Talking Heads 77.”
The group consists of songwriter, lead singer and guitarist David Byrne, drummer Chris Frantz, Martina Weymouth on bass, and Jerry Harrison on keyboards and guitar.
ASP: Could you tell me some of the history of the band?
Martina Weymouth: The band had been together nearlythree years with the exception of Jerry. We played at CBGB’s, the famed place. The next week there was a big thing in the Village Voice about the new rock and roll. After a lot of looking around we signed with Sire Records last November and Jerry joined us in time to record the album. Following that we toured Europe and were well enough received to be invited back.
ASP: You say you are not a “new wave” or punk rock band, how would you describe the Talking Heads?
Weymouth: The Ramones are our favorite new American band. We think it is very important to communicate to an audience in a sincere manner and we don’t like huge stadiums and things. But all the audience has to do is listen to our sound and they can tell that we are not punk rock. People basically like to have a good time, and we like to think of ourselves as new, the newest thing.
ASP: I have read that you think a hit single is important, do you still feel that way?
Jerry Harrison: We’ll just keep making records we like and if the programmers think one could be a hit we won’t discourage them.
ASP: How did you get the name Talking Heads?
Harrison: A friend of ours who lives in Chicago now picked it out of T.V. Guide.
ASP: What are your musical influences?
Chris Frantz: When I was younger I didnt have a record collection, I listened to whatever was being played on the radio. In the car my parents didn’t listen to the rock and roll stations but sometimes they did it just to shut me up! I heard stuff like “Flying Purple People Eater” and” Big Bad John,”” Duke of Earl” and Elvis. I liked *Trailer for Sale or Rent” and” Hit the Road Jack.” “Blue Velvet” by Bobby Vinton. Until the Beatles came out and thats when I thought about being in Rock and Roll. At that time it was impossible, but now it is and it’s fun.
ASP: What are your future plans?
Harrison: We will be playing in the U.S. until about Christmas and then we’ll go to Europe and then we may start on another album and tour some more.
Interview by Dennis Scheyer for the Albany Student Press, November 18, 1977
See pictures of the Jerry Harrison/Adrian Belew show at Empire Live here …
Week 20: Jesse Sample’s Feak of The Week “Sisters”
Jesse Sample’s Feak of The Week airs EVERY WEDNESDAY at 6pm EASTERN only on RadioRadioX.com
This is Jesse Sample. I’m listening to audiobook about the great movie director, Brian De Palma. He is known for great films like Carrie and Dressed to kill. Coming from a musical background, one can’t help but notice the similarities between great movie directors and great album producers. Both of these jobs require leading a team and creating and maintaining a clear and true vision of a story.
De Palma has often been pegged as the heir apparent to the great Alfred Hitchcock, but he brings his own essence to the vast underworld of the macabre. I took a little time to rewatch De Palma’s 1972 psychological thriller, Sisters. I settled into its dark and ominous aura and started writing this week’s project. There is a profound feeling of being tied to someone lost and being haunted by them so it sometimes seems like they are still there.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t wish my good friend and local horror aficionado, Anthony Vincent “Bear” Campo III Happy Birthday. I’m sure he will have a lot to say about this week’s write up.
Thanks to all of you tuned into RadioRadioX. This is the Freak of the Week, “Sisters.”
Blvck Hippie / Grocer / Xavier Ayy / Mall Goth @ No Fun, 5/13/2026
Wednesday at No Fun featured Memphis indie rockers Blvck Hippie, along with Grocer, Xavier Ayy, and Mall Goth.
Photography by Timothy Reidy.
Martin Lawrence Brings “Y’all Still Know What It Is!” Tour to M&T Bank Center in Schenectady
Martin Lawrence Brings “Y’all Still Know What It Is!” Tour to
M&T Bank Center in Schenectady on August 8, 2026
Tickets go on sale on this Thursday, May 21 at 10 a.m.
Schenectady, NY – Get ready for a night of hilarious, nonstop laughter as legendary comedian and actor Martin Lawrence brings his highly anticipated “Y’all Still Know What It Is!” Tour to the M&T Bank Center on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Lawrence’s appearance, his first headlining tour in over a decade, is presented by Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady in partnership with the M&T Bank Center management group, delivering one of the must-see comedy events of the summer.
Tickets go on sale this Thursday, May 21 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at mandtbankcenter.com. Tickets start at $59 (plus fees) and are subject to change. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8:00 p.m.
As one of the most influential comedians of his generation, Martin Lawrence has left an indelible mark on television, film, and stand-up comedy. A German-born American entertainer, Lawrence rose to prominence in the 1990s, becoming a leading force in Hollywood and a defining voice in comedy.
He is best known for his groundbreaking hit television series Martin, which ran from 1992 to 1997 and remains one of the most watched shows in syndication. The series helped pave the way for Black television and introduced some of the most iconic and beloved comedic characters in TV history.
Lawrence’s film career includes standout roles in House Party, Boomerang, and the blockbuster Bad Boys franchise, including Bad Boys for Life, which became the highest-grossing film of 2020. His extensive film credits also include Wild Hogs, Nothing to Lose, Blue Streak, Life, Big Momma’s House (1, 2 & 3), and A Thin Line Between Love and Hate.
Beginning his career in stand-up comedy in the Washington, D.C. area, Lawrence later moved to New York City, where he performed at the legendary Improv Theatre. His early success led to a breakthrough role in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, followed by appearances in films such as the House Party series and Boomerang. He also hosted HBO’s groundbreaking Def Comedy Jam, a show widely credited with transforming the comedy landscape.
Widely regarded as one of the most successful touring comedians of all time, Lawrence has entertained millions worldwide through his stand-up specials, including You So Crazy, Runteldat, and Doin’ Time in Hollywood. Now, for the first time in over a decade, he returns to the road with his headlining tour, bringing his signature humor to audiences across the country.
The CRBN Blues Jam @ McGeary’s, 5/10/2026
I caught the first two acts of the CRBN (Capital Region Blues Network) Blues Jam at McGeary’s on Sunday, the first of which featured members of the Ky McClinton Band.
Photography by Timothy Reidy.
More from the CRBN Blues Jams here …
New performance announcement Don McLean at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
New Performance Announcement!
SLP Presents
Don McLean
Saturday, November 14th, 2026 8:00PM
Tickets: (518) 273-0038 For venue information: www.troymusichall.org
TROY, NEW YORK: Legendary artist Don McLean returns to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on Saturday, November 14th at 8:00 PM. Pre-sale for the show starts Thursday, May 21st at 10am and tickets will go on-sale to the public on Friday May 22nd at 10am. Learn more below about the show:
Don McLean is a GRAMMY Award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. His smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named a Top 5 Song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA). A New York native, Don McLean is one of American history’s most revered and respected songwriters. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late 1960s, he went on to score mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air” and many more.
His catalog of songs has been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and countless others. In 2015, McLean’s handwritten manuscript of “American Pie” lyrics was auctioned by Christie’s, selling for just over $1.2 Million. 2019 honored Don with a star on the Las Vegas Walkway of Stars, and his song “And I Love You So” was the theme for Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding. Don landed a new recording contract with Time Life in 2020, with whom he released a catalog of recordings and a new album ‘Still Playin’ Favorites’. In 2021, Don’s “American Pie” was featured in the Avengers’ ‘Black Widow’ and the Tom Hanks movie ‘Finch’. McLean received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrated the 50th anniversary of “American Pie,” and recorded a version of the song with a cappella group Home Free. In 2022, McLean received six Telly Awards for his collaboration with international heavyweight Tyson Fury, released ‘American Pie: A Fable’ children’s book, and was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.
In 2023, the Telly award-winning documentary ‘The Day The Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s American Pie’ was released on DVD and Blu-Ray. McLean was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame during a public ceremony along with Darius Rucker, Joe Galante, and Duane Eddy in Nashville, Tennessee in 2023. In 2024, President Yoon of South Korea sang “American Pie” for a delighted audience of White House guests in Washington, D.C. Later that year McLean was invited to attend a State Dinner at the White House honoring President Ruto of Kenya. His latest album, ‘American Boys,’ was also released in 2024 as well as another award-winning children’s book based on his hit song “Vincent.”
Tickets are on sale at 10am, May 21st to Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Members. Anyone can become a member and gain access to the pre-sale. Single tickets go on sale the general public Friday May 22nd at 10am via phone, (518) 273-0038, in person, or online at TroyMusicHall.org. More information on the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and upcoming programs is also available on the website at www.troymusichall.org.
Caffè Lena Week At A Glance May 18th – May 24th
Monday
10:00 AM – Mandolin Vitamins — Tunes, Techniques and Ensemble Music with Alan Epstein
7:00 PM – Open Mic Night
Tuesday
3:00 PM – Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro
7:00 PM – ROCHMON RECORD CLUB LISTENING PARTY: LED ZEPPELIN II
8:00 PM – “Live From Caffè Lena” on WEXT 97.7 or 106.1 FM
Wednesday
10:30 AM – Folk Club Kids: Stories, Songs & Sing-Alongs (Infants to Pre-K)
2:30 AM – After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady
7:00 PM – Bluegrass Jam with Red Spruce
7:00 PM & 12:00 AM – “Live From Caffè Lena” on Folk Music Notebook
Thursday
9:00 AM – Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson
1:00 PM – Slow Jam
7:00 PM – 66TH ANNIVERSARY: STORIES FROM THE EARLY DAYS SOLD OUT
Friday
9:30 AM – Music with Miss Deb
3:30 PM – Run the Show: Live Sound and Production Class for Teens
8:00 PM – SAWYER FREDERICKS
Saturday
8:00 PM – SAWYER FREDERICKS
Sunday
7:00 PM – BOB DYLAN TRIBUTE: 85TH BIRTHDAY BASH SOLD OUT
Jo Agopovich – Thanks for Asking!
By Sara Busone.
RRX: What was your first show like?
Jo Agopovich: My very first band got offered an opening gig for a popular local band in Syracuse. So there was a good crowd there already. They were very, very nice to us (probably because we were all teenage girls except for our singer, who was a guy) despite our, ahem, musical limitations. They wanted an encore. We didn’t know any more songs, so we did the first song over again. Fun night!
RRX: Where do you see yourself next year? In the next five years?
JA: Next year, I hope to have some new Voodoo tunes released. Five years? Maybe I can at least semi-retire from my day job and be a full-time musician!
RRX: Who do you admire in your community, and why?
JA: We are blessed to have some awesome people in our neck of the woods. Three people I really look up to are Deb Cavanaugh, Niki Kaos, and Joanna Palladino. Great women!
RRX: Is there anyone who has passed that you feel you have immortalized in your work? If so, can you tell us a little about them?
JA: Johnny Mystery, of course. I hope I can keep his songs alive.
RRX: Any story about some comic inconvenience that happened to you while performing?
JA: It was at Valentine’s; my bass strap broke in the middle of a song, so I dropped to my knees so it wouldn’t hit the floor (it’s an expensive bass!!) Finished the song, then Johnny just looked over at me kinda blankly (hmm, wonder why she is on the floor) and started the next tune! Fortunately Josh from the Jagaloons came up on stage, somehow fixed my strap and got me back up. Oh, and I didn’t stop playing either.
RRX: Who’s one of your best fans? Without necessarily giving their name, what are they like?
JA: The best fan ever was Scott Cornish. It was always a joy to see him in the audience. Miss that guy!