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Whassup in the 518? – Weekend Shows

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March 26, 2026

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Whassup in the 518?

Friday, March 27^th

The Dollop: The Dollop Podcast Live, The Egg, Albany, 7:30pm

The Dollop is a podcast hosted since April 2014 by American comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds. Each episode centers around an event or person from history selected for its humorousness or peculiarity. Typical episodes feature subjects from American history described by Anthony and commented on by Anthony and Reynolds.

The Egg Presents: Peter Rowan with Sam Grisman Project playing music from Old & In The Way and more! The Egg, Albany, 8pm

Sam Grisman is a bass player, music appreciator, and bandleader who grew up in Mill Valley, California in a home where some of the great acoustic music of our time was being recorded on a regular basis. His father, legendary mandolinist, composer, and producer, David Grisman, was constantly having friends come over to his home studio for recording sessions and rehearsals. These friends, such as Doc Watson, Jerry Garcia, John Hartford, Mike Seeger, and Tony Rice all left an impression on the younger Grisman and inspired him to pursue a life making music with his many talented friends.

ICFS presents Billy Idol Should Be Dead (2026), Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, 7pm

This new documentary traces the life and career of punk pioneer turned rock n’ roll icon Billy Idol. Through never-before-seen archival and personal interviews with Idol, his family, peers, and collaborators, the documentary digs deep into his emergence as a prototypical punk rocker, his meteoric rise as a global superstar in the MTV era, and the myriad of challenges Idol had to overcome to not just survive, but to remain one of the most beloved figures in rock n’ roll, 50 years into his career. Not Rated. 118 minutes.

The Lycan, Empire Underground, Albany, 7pm

Yacht Lobsters, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7:30pm-9:30pm

Established 2022 in New York City, the Yacht Lobsters sail the waves of the butteriest Soft Rock of the 70’s and early 80’s. Their big sound recreates – and at times reimagines – the studio mastery of retro-rock icons like Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, Hall & Oates, Toto, etc.

The Deadbeats, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm-11pm

Calling all Deadheads! The Deadbeats, a Capital District Grateful Dead tribute band, bring the spirit, jams, and timeless tunes of the Dead to life. Join us at the Rustic Barn Pub for a night of great music, good friends, and good vibes.

Happy Hour with CC Smokes at The Eleven, Lark Hall, Albany, 6pm-9pm

Join us for the debut of CC Smokes at The Eleven at Lark Hall Albany on Friday, March 27th. 6pm/ FREE

Comedy Night: Anthony Zenhauser, Shawn Barnes, Holly Viggiano & More, Putnam Place, Saratoga, 7pm-9pm

Anthony Zenhauser teams up with Shawn Barnes, Holly Viggiano, Duncan Harris, and host Caleb White for a night of comedy at Putnam Place.

Chris Jones & The Night Drivers , Caffe Lena, Saratoga, 8pm-10pm

Chris Jones & the Night Drivers make some of the most distinctively elegant yet driving bluegrass music heard anywhere today. Deeply rooted in tradition but never bound to it, they deliver original music with tight arrangements, emotional authenticity, and engaging humor. As actor and banjo player Steve Martin says, “Chris Jones’ voice is there with the great masters,” adding that the Night Drivers are “some of the best players in bluegrass.”

Hellseeker Goth Nite (Ages 21+ w/ valid ID), No Fun, Troy, 8pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

3/27 6:00 PM Bob Fox- Thirsty Owl

3/27 6:00 PM Caity Gallagher- Treehouse Brewery

3/27 6:00 PM CC Smokes- Eleven at Lark Hall

3/27 6:00 PM Christine Spero- Panza’s

3/27 6:00 PM Dan Dekalb- 677 Prime

3/27 6:00 PM Derrick Forget- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

3/27 6:00 PM Garlend Nelson… Candlelight Concert Series- The Hidaway

3/27 6:00 PM Geo Doody- Conroys Irish Tavern

3/27 6:00 PM Kilashandra- Normandside Country Club

3/27 6:00 PM Margo Macero- Spa City Tap & Barrel

3/27 6:00 PM Matty Finn- Tinney’s Tavern

3/27 6:00 PM Nick Horace- Seven Bistro

3/27 6:00 PM Rick Bolton- Carsons Woodside Tavern

3/27 6:00 PM Rick Bolton- Stella’s Pasta Bar at The Van Dyck

3/27 6:00 PM Rob Aronstein- Wishing Well

3/27 6:00 PM Russ Kennwdy- The Scarlet Knife

3/27 6:00 PM Sheri Nolan & Peter von Allmen- Inn at Saratoga

3/27 6:00 PM Shine On- Saratoga Winery

3/27 6:00 PM Thom Powers- Hank Hudson Brewing

3/27 6:30 PM Justin Joyner- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

3/27 6:30 PM K&O Duo- Artisanal Brew Works

3/27 6:30 PM Pat Decker- Diamond Club at Embassy Suites

3/27 7:00 PM Ain’t No Strangers- Kraverie

3/27 7:00 PM Comedy Night- Putnam Place

3/27 7:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Ameican Legion Wynanyskill

3/27 7:00 PM Jeff Walton- Principessa Elena

3/27 7:00 PM One Heart- O’Slattery’s

3/27 7:00 PM Stirred Up Band- Holy Moses

3/27 8:00 PM DJ Vision- Misfit

3/27 8:00 PM Jimmy Kelly- Parting Glass

3/27 8:00 PM Karaoke with Danny Marcil- September’s Too

3/27 8:00 PM Rhythm Pilots- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

3/27 8:00 PM River Country Band- Outpost 40

3/27 8:00 PM Rusticators- Cooperstown Distilling Saratoga

3/27 8:00 PM The Accents- Wicked Eatery

3/27 8:00 PM The Lustre Kings- Rustic Barn Pub

3/27 8:30 PM Aquanett- Vapor

3/27 9:00 PM Kurt Herman Quartet- Nine Maple

3/27 9:30 PM Open Bar Band- Spa City Tap & Barrel

Saturday, March 28^th

Let’s Sing Taylor! Celebrating Taylor Swift, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 7:30pm

We can show you incredible things, including the most faithful and lively covers of Queen Taylor’s expansive and sacred catalog. Taking the country by storm, we’re bringing the communal experience of celebrating Taylor’s music in a live setting to Swifties near and far.

Sal Vulcano, The Egg, Albany, 7pm

Best known for co-creating, executive producing and starring in one of the most recognized and long-standing comedy shows of all time, Impractical Jokers, comedian Sal Vulcano recently announced the EVERYTHING’S FINE TOUR – his newest national stand-up tour – kicking off in Fall 2024 after selling out in over 60 markets during his previous tour, including notable landmark venues such as The Beacon Theatre and The Ryman Auditorium.

They Built America: Workers of the Erie Canal, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, 11am

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

Kaleb Cohen, Empire Underground, Albany, 8pm

Concert Crave Presents: I Love R&B, Empire Live, Albany, 8:30pm

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 2pm

We are in a play!
(Wait… what?)
Yes, it’s true. Gerald (a careful, worried elephant) and Piggie (a joyful, jumpy pig) are the STARS of this MUSICAL. There will be singing! There will be dancing! There will be Squirrelles! And bananas! But MOST OF ALL… there will be FRIENDSHIP. Because when your best friend is by your side, anything—even being in a play—can be the best surprise ever.

Coconut Telegraph, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 7pm-10pm

Come see Coconut Telegraph, the ultimate Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band Experience. Live at The Rustic Barn in Troy, NY March 28.

Deadbeats Trio at The Eleven, Lark Hall, Albany, 6pm-8pm

Lets welcome the Deadbeats Trio to The Eleven at Lark Hall on Saturday, March 28th. 6pm/FREE

Mike Johnson (vocals, guitar) and Denise Parent (vocals, drums) have been keeping the Deadbeats flame burning in Albany and the surrounding regions for over 30 years, with Brian Miller (vocals, bass) for half of that. With their soulful 3-part harmonies and inspired improvisation, you’ll experience essential music jams from the Grateful Dead, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, the Band, the Doors, and more, plus some originaltune

Shakedown Citi, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm-11:59pm

Join us in welcoming back NYC natives and Grateful Dead Tribute, Shakedown Citi to our stage on Saturday, March 28th. Doors 7pm//Show 8pm

Shakedown Citi is a fresh new force on the jam band scene, born in the heart of a Grateful Dead parking lot at Citi Field in 2023. When the band’s members crossed paths on Shakedown Street, something clicked – and the music hasn’t stopped since.

Neighbor w/ Creamery Station, Putnam Place, Saratoga, 8pm-12:30am

With a diverse catalog of hundreds of songs, the musical juggernaut Neighbor has become one of the most exciting and unpredictable live bands on the music scene today. Not boxed in by a single genre, their songwriting brings elements of Americana, Funk, Rock, Jazz, Soul and more.

Peak Jazz Series: Catherine Russell, Caffe Lena, Saratoga, 5pm-7pm; 8pm-10pm

A Voice from the Heart of American Song

Vocalist Catherine Russell is a native New Yorker born into musical royalty—and she carries that legacy forward with joy, depth, and irresistible swing.

Her father, the late Luis Russell, was a legendary pianist, composer, bandleader, and longtime musical director for Louis Armstrong. Her mother, the late Carline Ray, was a pioneering vocalist, guitarist, and bassist who performed with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Mary Lou Williams, and Sy Oliver. Steeped in this extraordinary lineage, Catherine Russell brings an authenticity to American song that is both deeply rooted and entirely her own.

EDM/House DJ, Lost and Found, Albany, 9:30pm

Collar Works’ Annual MAD Collar Party, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11:30pm

From “Bar People.”

3/28 10:00 AM TBD- Saratoga Farmers Market at Wilton Mall

3/28 5:00 PM Catherine Russell- Caffe Lena

3/28 5:00 PM Shine On- Artisanal Brew Works

3/28 6:00 PM Broken Spur Band- The View at Brookhaven Golf Course

3/28 6:00 PM Christine Spero Duo- Carsons Woodside Tavern

3/28 6:00 PM Christine Spero Duo- Stella’s Pasta Bar at The Van Dyck

3/28 6:00 PM Deadbeats Trio- Eleven at Lark Hall

3/28 6:00 PM Franklin Micare- 677 Prime

3/28 6:00 PM Jeremy Gold Group- Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino

3/28 6:00 PM Juniper & Chris Carey- Inn at Saratoga

3/28 6:00 PM Pat Decker- The Scarlet Knife

3/28 6:00 PM Phil Shaver- Thirsty Owl

3/28 6:00 PM Rob Aronstein- Wishing Well

3/28 6:00 PM Wide Awake- Spa City Tap & Barrel

3/28 6:30 PM Harmonic Duo- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

3/28 7:00 PM 18 Strings Of Trouble- Kraverie

3/28 7:00 PM Chris Dollard- Principessa Elena

3/28 7:00 PM Coconut Telegraph- Rustic Barn Pub

3/28 7:00 PM Deep River Duo- Seven Bistro

3/28 7:00 PM Kilashandra- Parting Glass

3/28 7:00 PM Myrthtones- Forty One Sports Bar

3/28 7:00 PM Pearl- Emack & Bolios

3/28 7:00 PM River Country Band- Outpost 40

3/28 7:00 PM The Wheel- Mixed Breed Brewing at Van Patten Golf Course

3/28 8:00 PM Catherine Russell- Caffe Lena

3/28 8:00 PM DJ Postman- Misfit

3/28 8:00 PM Doug Villano Band- AL’s Roadhouse

3/28 8:00 PM Ill Funk Ensemble- September’s Too

3/28 8:00 PM Kilashandra- Parting Glass

3/28 8:00 PM Neighbor & Creamery Station- Putnam Place

3/28 8:00 PM Shakedown Citi- Lark Hall

3/28 8:00 PM The 80’s Band- Wicked Eatery

3/28 8:30 PM Big Sky Country- Vapor

3/28 9:00 PM Gadget- Nine Maple

3/28 9:30 PM Hit n Run- Spa City Tap & Barrel

Sunday, March 29^th

The Egg Presents: Laurie Berkner (3PM), The Egg, Albany, 3pm

Recognized as “the queen of kids’ music” by People magazine, Laurie Berkner is a singer, songwriter, performer, author, and founder of Two Tomatoes Records, LLC. With more than 1.7 billion streams, an average of more than 22 million monthly streams, more than 535 million YouTube channel views, and millions of CDs and DVDs sold, Laurie’s songs have become beloved classics for children worldwide.

Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra Concert III: Voices of Freedom, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, 3pm

This evocative program explores the intersection of literature and music. Debussy’s “La Cathédrale Engloutie” inspired by medieval legend and Albert Le Grand’s writings, conjures the image of a sunken cathedral rising from the sea. Schwantner’s “New Morning for the World: Daybreak of Freedom” weaves excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches into a stirring orchestral tribute. The concert concludes with Corigliano’s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” a unique and powerful reinterpretation of Bob Dylan’s iconic lyrics.

Tombs, Empire Underground, Albany, 5:30pm

Tigers Jaw w/special guest Hot Flash Heat Wave, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 2pm

From “Bar People.”

3/29 1:00 PM Jeff Grippin- Other One Brewery

3/29 2:00 PM Matty Finn- Rookies Sports Bar

3/29 2:30 PM TBD- Lark St. Tavern

3/29 3:00 PM Women Making Music- 344 2nd st Troy

3/29 3:30 PM Marcus Ruggiero- Hank Hudson Brewing

3/29 4:00 PM Chloe & Jeff- Carsons Woodside Tavern

3/29 4:00 PM Chole & Jeff- Stella’s Pasta Bar at The Van Dyck

3/29 4:00 PM Seth Warden & Lovella Singer Songwiter Afternoon- Artisanal Brew Works

3/29 5:00 PM Bobbie Van Detta- Charlton Tavern

3/29 6:00 PM Sinatra And Friends- Panza’s

3/29 6:00 PM Trivia Night- S&S farm Brewery

Biohazard @ Empire Live, 3/22/2026

Photos

Stephanie J Bartik

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March 25, 2026

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Nearly 40 years after forming, Brooklyn legends Biohazard continued to bring it like only they can at Empire Live.

Photography by Stephanie J Bartik.

More coverage of the show here …

Billy and the Great Western Postal Service / Sabrina Trueheart and Crimson Retro @ No Fun, 3/18/2026

Photos

Timothy Reidy

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March 25, 2026

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Billy and the Great Western Postal Service / Sabrina Trueheart and Crimson Retro @ No Fun, 3/18/2026

On March 18, the back half of the lineup at No Fun featured Billy and the Great Western Postal Service, along with Sabrina Trueheart and Crimson Retro.

Photography by Timothy Reidy.

“Warren County” Premiere

Interviews

Joshua Scarselli

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March 25, 2026

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The premiere of “Warren County” was held at the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls, New York, on March 19, 2026. Featured image provided by Frank Palangi | Photo by Elissa Ebersold.

By Joshua Scarselli.

One of the hardest-working men in indie horror is at it again! Frank Palangi and Palangi Films have a new release to frighten audiences – “Warren County.” Palangi Films is finding massive success with online streaming. Their previous premiere at the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls, New York (“Say Cheese”) has over one million views. Now Palangi brings us a new tale grounded in the here and now: “Warren County.”

“Warren County” follows the tales of everyday serial killers. That means the stories lack a supernatural element. Instead, we explore what drives an everyday person to become a monster. Is it the search for the perfect sound? Can it be something darker?

We caught up with Frank and he took the time to chat with us about “Warren County” and what’s up next for Palangi Films.

Provided by Frank Palangi | Photo by Elissa Ebersold

RRX: How did you come up with the idea to make a movie concentrating on Warren County?

Frank Palangi: Well, there are a few Warren Counties in the US, and in the 1978 film “Halloween,” there’s a Warren County as well, so it’s not actually based on our area, but I do film locally and incorporate what I can for locations in that area.

I set my current films since “American Psychopath” in the universe of Warren County, and I thought to make a movie under that title that showcased it more with a variety of killers.

RRX: Where did you get the inspiration for the stories? Are any of them based on true stories or urban legends?

FP: Urban legends would be fun! They are all original ideas based on the type of serial killer character that I create, or inspired by masks and costumes I have. Sometimes it comes from old “Outer Limits” or “Twilight Zone” black-and-white shows. I start to form a plot around the killers and develop the ideas from there. When I work with my cast, I always take on creative ideas, and we all help shape it on some level. I have a very specific tone and cinematography to film the movie.

RRX: Since “Warren County” and “American Psychopath” are in the same universe, is this the start of the Palangiverse?

FP: It already has begun! Haha, “Say Cheese” and “Farm House” are in that universe as well. In production for 2026 is “Say Cheese 2” and that will dive in deeper as well.

RRX: So, Warren County is kind of like Springfield in this situation? It can be anywhere?

FP: It’s more the history of serial killings in one location through the years.

RRX: This movie, being about serial killers, makes it more grounded. How did that change your production style as opposed to movies you have made with a supernatural tone?

FP: I thought of “Silence of the Lambs” and true crime type films being made over the past few years, and I wanted something in the middle; that feeling of where it’s not so dark that it’s really brutal and more than a PG13 type film. I wanted things to feel real, and you’re right, no supernatural element.

RRX: Where can we catch “Warren County” and what’s next from Palangi Films?

FP: You can watch the film on Tubi & Fawesome TV as of now. I have “Say Cheese 2” and a GoFundMe going for a sequel to “At Death’s Door,” which is my “Chapter Two” story, as I call it. Everything before “Say Cheese 2” will be Chapter One in my journey, and I’ll have interviews and more on my YouTube channel, with maybe a Chapter One doc-style film release for the near future.

https://tubitv.com/movies/100051916/warren-county

https://gofund.me/febd5b48f

Red Hot Chili Pipers @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, 3/18/2026

Photos

Timothy Reidy

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March 25, 2026

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Red Hot Chili Pipers @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, 3/18/2026

The Red Hot Chili Pipers brought bagrock to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on March 18, accompanied by Ally the Piper and the Capital District Youth Pipe Band.

Photography by Timothy Reidy.

Faded Line @ Empire Live, 3/22/2026

Photos

Stephanie J Bartik

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March 25, 2026

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Vegas Nacy led Faded Line through another powerful performance at Empire Live.

Photography by Stephanie J Bartik.

More coverage of the show here …

Lazyhorse @ No Fun, 3/16/2026

Photos

Timothy Reidy

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March 25, 2026

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Lazyhorse was instrumental-focused at No Fun on March 16.

Photography by Timothy Reidy.

Catherine Russell – An Xperience Interview

Interviews

Staff

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March 25, 2026

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Catherine Russell – An Xperience Interview – by Liam Sweeny.

Catherine Russell is a Grammy Nominated jazz vocalist, and she brings a powerful, and infectious energy to the stage. Please welcome Catherine Russell.

RRX: Are you working on anything right now? Any projects, albums, anything released or in the works?

CR: We have a new live album coming out in April. And then I will do another studio album, probably over the summer for release, maybe next year type of thing, so. OK,

RRX: Your father was a legendary pianist, composer, and bandleader Luis Russell. He was also Louis Armstrong’s musical director. Growing up, did you get to see them a lot, like hanging around in the house, relaxed or discussing ideas, stuff like that?

CR: They took me to visit Louis Armstrong in his home, Louis and Lucille, which is now the museum. Louis Armstrong House Museum. I was there a few times as a child. And my dad and Louis Armstrong were very close. They were very good friends. So it was always a good time, with them, when they had time with each other. And Louis Armstrong was a very nice person to children. I remember that. He liked children, and he never talked down to me or anything like that. I could ask him something. And he would just answer me like a person. I remember that. So they like to eat and laugh and listen to music and go over different charts and stuff like that. That’s what I remember.

RRX: You’re from New York. You are in a world of giants, and your father’s one of them. What does New York look like for you growing up? What do you think you saw that maybe other people wouldn’t have?

CR: It’s a city full of culture. My parents, particularly my mother, because my father died when I was 7 years old. My mother got me involved in dance when I was maybe five and I was able to perform with a dance company. We went to the ballet, we went to opera, we went to theatre, we went to Broadway shows. My mother played in a few Broadway shows, so I got to do that. Concerts, jazz later on. When I was old enough to go to jazz clubs, I did that. And rock concerts; every kind of thing that you can do. My childhood was full of cultural events, Leonard Bernstein’s children’s concerts, that type of thing. It’s just very easy to get around here, so you can get to many things without driving. So it’s a convenience living in New York. It’s very easy to get to things.

RRX: You belong to a musical family, and there’s always a question of nature versus nurture. Do you think that musical families have bloodlines in the sense that there must be something about like a talent that runs down generations, or do you think that it’s just that musical families are more supportive? So better outcomes just because of that?

CR: It depends on if your parents are supportive of the kind of music you’re into. If, for instance, my parents both were studied classical musicians, but my mother never told me what kind of music to go into, or what kind to listen to. I was allowed to listen to everything, from rock and roll to American songbook to blues. We listened to everything. So I think that depends on the environment that you come up in.

RRX: Your repertoire contains songs that were, at least written in the 1920s, and so you’re performing these songs in a different ‘20s altogether and they’re two very different worlds. What’s in the music from the original ‘20s that we can apply to today’s ‘20s?

CR: The themes are universal, so first of all, if it’s twenties blues, the Bessie Smith, for instance. We’re talking about universal lovelorn themes, wanting to be strong in life, survival, all types of really universal themes for women in particular, because the blues, the women sang lyrically is different in my opinion than the blues that men sang; a lot of love themes, nothing like violence or putting men down or anything. It’s always asking questions and trying to find strength and harmony in life. So the themes don’t go away.

RRX: Jazz makes us feel good, deep down good when we hear it, but when people think about playing jazz, it’s like this inaccessible barrier. Sometimes it seems like only really smart people should understand jazz. How can jazz thinking mix with rock and roll thinking?

CR: Jazz is a very big word. It’s over 100 years old now. And it all depends on what kind of jazz we’re talking about, what era of jazz. And are we talking aboutt songs with lyrics? Are we talking about instrumental material, we’re talking about swing-based material, blues-based material, you know? I think that when people in general think about jazz, they think about a lot of notes and maybe Miles Davis turning his back to the audience or whatever. And a lot of chord changes that they’re not gonna understand and things like that. That’s one. kind of jazz, but there’s vocal jazz. The lyrics include the listener, they include the audience, so that’s the jazz I’m that I’m involved in, I’m talking about swing and blues, swing based material and blues based material. Which is different than um instrumental long form jazz. I’m also talking about short form songs, you know, so really based in the first half of the 20th century type of thing,

RRX: I didn’t really feel like this would be considered the jazz because I’m thinking of the long form jazz. But I’m listening to it. it’s almost like sometimes when the music happens and it just happens and at the end of the music you just end up grabbing a label and slap it on that. OK, well now this is gonna be jazz and it doesn’t really matter because it’s all one music really.

Yeah, and that’s exactly what happened. Rhythm and blues, for instance, they weren’t CR: calling it rhythm and blues then. They labelled it after the fact so for marketing purposes or whatever.