Melvin Seals has been a powerful presence in the music industry for over 30 years with a long-established reputation as a performer, recording artist and producer. Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. Melvin spun his B-3 magic with the Jerry Garcia Band for 18 years and in doing so helped pioneer and define what has now become “Jam Band Music”. From blues to funk to rock to jazz, Melvin Seals serves up a tasty mix with a little R&B and gospel thrown in to spice things up.
Melvin and JGB bring an intuitive, expressive style, soul, spontaneity and remarkable chops to the table. John Kadlecik on lead guitar and vocal duties, John-Paul McLean’s savory bass, Jeremy Hoenig on the drums and, of course, a heapin’ helpin’ of the wizard’s magic on Hammond B-3 Organ and keyboards. Their chemistry is the focus from which they create a spontaneous and high art where the sky is the limit musically. They offer an exciting, often psychedelic musical journey that changes nightly and keeps the audience dancing and smiling (and some staring in amazement) for hours.
Adding his rock-gospel-soul-rhythm and blues touch with his funky style of playing, no wonder Jerry nicknamed him “Master of the Universe”. Melvin continues to treat music lovers to his unique brand of melodic flavor with JGB. Come see and hear for yourself!
Join Us for a three night blowout with Gubbulidis at the Strand Theater in Hudson Falls, NY
Gubbulidis is a duo from Castleton VT that features Twiddle frontmen Zdenek Gubb on Bass Guitar and Vocals and Mihali Savoulidis on Guitar and Vocals. This duo melts faces.
All seating is General Admission, lower and upper balcony. First come first served.
There are a limited number of Three Day Tickets available.
All ages shows
No refunds unless shows are cancelled.
There is currently no Covid restrictions.
If you are sick or running a fever please stay home. Safety first.
By purchasing a ticket and entering the venue, you agree to hold harmless Gubbulidis, Improv Records Inc, The Strand Theater, all employees, volunteers, and other patrons for any and all incidence and or illness that may arise by doing so.
Join Us for a three night blowout with Gubbulidis at the Strand Theater in Hudson Falls, NY
Gubbulidis is a duo from Castleton VT that features Twiddle frontmen Zdenek Gubb on Bass Guitar and Vocals and Mihali Savoulidis on Guitar and Vocals. This duo melts faces.
All seating is General Admission, lower and upper balcony. First come first served.
There are a limited number of Three Day Tickets available.
All ages shows
No refunds unless shows are cancelled.
There is currently no Covid restrictions.
If you are sick or running a fever please stay home. Safety first.
By purchasing a ticket and entering the venue, you agree to hold harmless Gubbulidis, Improv Records Inc, The Strand Theater, all employees, volunteers, and other patrons for any and all incidence and or illness that may arise by doing so.
Join Us for a three night blowout with Gubbulidis at the Strand Theater in Hudson Falls, NY
Gubbulidis is a duo from Castleton VT that features Twiddle frontmen Zdenek Gubb on Bass Guitar and Vocals and Mihali Savoulidis on Guitar and Vocals. This duo melts faces.
All seating is General Admission, lower and upper balcony. First come first served.
There are a limited number of Three Day Tickets available.
All ages shows
No refunds unless shows are cancelled.
There is currently no Covid restrictions.
If you are sick or running a fever please stay home. Safety first.
By purchasing a ticket and entering the venue, you agree to hold harmless Gubbulidis, Improv Records Inc, The Strand Theater, all employees, volunteers, and other patrons for any and all incidence and or illness that may arise by doing so.
We’re sad to announce that the Marvel Years/ Maddy O’Neil/Father Figure show has been canceled due to one of the artists testing positive for Covid. It will be rescheduled sometime in 2022.All tickets will be refunded asap . Thank you for understanding . We are dealing with strange times.
Melodically, their sound contains lush, multi-layered, psychedelic rock arrangements, but lyrically their compositions show elements of space rock, including unusual song and album titles—such as “Psychiatric Explorations of the Fetus with Needles”, “Free Radicals (A Hallucination of the Christmas Skeleton Pleading with a Suicide Bomber)” and “Yeah, I Know It’s a Drag… But Wastin’ Pigs Is Still Radical”. They are also acclaimed for their elaborate live shows, which feature costumes, balloons, puppets, video projections, complex stage light configurations, giant hands, large amounts of confetti, and frontman Wayne Coyne’s signature man-sized plastic bubble, in which he traverses the audience. In 2002, Q magazine named The Flaming Lips one of the “50 Bands to See Before You Die”.
Save the date! Our annual block party is back and it’s going down on Troy Night Out (Sept. 24) from 5-9 PM. Catch live performances from Chestnut Grove, Let’s Be Leonard and Laveda outside on the street, where Rare Form Brewing Company will be serving beers and we’ll be slinging food from the truck. Plus, check out live painting and a selection of works from Troy Art Group and stick around for the afterparty, hosted by Katie Cusack. It’s fun and it’s free! See you soon!
This event has been rescheduled from July 10, 2021 to September 17, 2021. All original tickets (July 2020 or July 2021) will be honored for the new date.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no opener and the show will start promptly at 7:30 PM. Please plan accordingly and leave yourself plenty of time to clear security and find your seat, to avoid missing any of the show.
General parking is $10 per vehicle and must be paid via credit or debit card upon entry to the lot. Oversized vehicles (busses, limos, RVs) will be charged $100.
Children 2 and under are free for this event, all other ages are full price.
COVID-19 TESTING OR VACCINATION
All attendees of our Dave Matthews Band show on September 17-18 must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test within 48-hours prior to entry, or must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
We are offering a limited number of tests at the venue. For $39.99, you can sign up to receive a Rapid Covid Antigen test onsite. Simply schedule your 15-minute rapid antigen test, show up to the venue at your requested time, and proceed to the designated testing area. Your confidential results will be uploaded to your phone so you can enter the gates with proof of a negative test!
All fans must have received a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test within 48-hours before entry to the facility and provide printed proof of a negative result prior to entering the venue. Or, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least two weeks after final dose) and provide proof of vaccination – either the original vaccination card or a printed copy of the vaccination card.
Unvaccinated fans under 12 years of age will be required to take a COVID-19 diagnostic test within 48-hours before entry to the facility and will provide printed proof of negative result prior to entering the venue.
Unvaccinated fans over 12 years old with a valid medical restriction & medical note will be required to take a COVID-19 diagnostic test within 48-hours before entry to the facility, and will provide printed proof of negative result prior to entering the venue.
PLEASE NOTE: These confirmations will apply to all members of your party before they are allowed to enter the event and to any users of the tickets purchased by you.
For more info on testing or vaccination requirements, click here.
To see all bag, camera policies, items allowed and not allowed plus all the latest info: CLICK HERE
Your safety and security are most important to us. Click here to learn more about our guidelines and procedures.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
MASK POLICY
For those who are not vaccinated, it is recommended to wear masks at all times per CDC guidelines.
LAWN CHAIRS & BLANKETS
Personal lawn chairs & small blankets are permitted for this event. For the safety and convenience of all our guests, only collapsible lawn/camping chairs will be permitted with the height of the chair not to exceed 43″ when collapsed. Canopies, footrests, side tables, and other attachments are prohibited. This policy will be strictly enforced. Chairs not meeting these specifications will not be allowed entry.
CASHLESS TRANSACTIONS
All points of sale will only accept credit and debit.
For fans who wish to use cash, Cash to Card conversion will be under the wooden pavilion in the main plaza.
In the event you are not carrying a credit or debit card, there is a Cash to Card kiosk in the main concession plaza to exchange cash for card, dollar for dollar, without any service fees.
MOBILE TICKETING
This is a mobile entry event, which means your phone is your ticket!
PLEASE NOTE: Previously issued hard tickets will be honored.
Tickets will not be emailed or available for print (for previously scheduled shows where you selected to print at home or mail, your tickets will be honored accordingly). Screenshots will NOT be accepted.
You have two options to access your tickets and display them on your phone:
1. Add tickets to your mobile wallet by downloading the Live Nation App.
– Click “My Tickets” and select your upcoming show.
– Add the ticket(s) to your phone’s wallet and you’re done!
– On your mobile phone, visit livenation.com in your web browser and select “My Tickets.”
– Sign in and select your desired order.
– Add the ticket(s) to your phone’s wallet and you’re done!
– Present your mobile ticket(s) at entry.
Phone troubles? Visit the box office on event day for assistance. Be prepared to show your ID.
Additional Tips:
Purchase tickets for a group? Arriving separately? Transfer tickets directly to friends and family using the Live Nation App. To expedite entry, we recommend doing this prior to arriving at the event.
– Using the Live Nation App or your phone’s browser, sign into your account.
– Select the desired order and tap “Transfer Tickets” (event eligibility may vary).
– Select the ticket you’d like to transfer. Add the recipient’s information and send. The recipient will receive an email with the ticket.
– Lastly, make sure you have a fully charged battery!
Due to large crowds and high traffic, be sure to leave early and give yourself plenty of time at the venue. Increase your phone screen brightness to assist with scanning. Lastly, make sure you have a fully charged battery!
Click here to learn more about our safety guidelines and procedures.
This event has been rescheduled from July 10, 2021 to September 17, 2021. All original tickets (July 2020 or July 2021) will be honored for the new date.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no opener and the show will start promptly at 7:30 PM. Please plan accordingly and leave yourself plenty of time to clear security and find your seat, to avoid missing any of the show.
General parking is $10 per vehicle and must be paid via credit or debit card upon entry to the lot. Oversized vehicles (busses, limos, RVs) will be charged $100.
Children 2 and under are free for this event, all other ages are full price.
COVID-19 TESTING OR VACCINATION
All attendees of our Dave Matthews Band show on September 17-18 must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test within 48-hours prior to entry, or must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
We are offering a limited number of tests at the venue. For $39.99, you can sign up to receive a Rapid Covid Antigen test onsite. Simply schedule your 15-minute rapid antigen test, show up to the venue at your requested time, and proceed to the designated testing area. Your confidential results will be uploaded to your phone so you can enter the gates with proof of a negative test!
All fans must have received a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test within 48-hours before entry to the facility and provide printed proof of a negative result prior to entering the venue. Or, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least two weeks after final dose) and provide proof of vaccination – either the original vaccination card or a printed copy of the vaccination card.
Unvaccinated fans under 12 years of age will be required to take a COVID-19 diagnostic test within 48-hours before entry to the facility and will provide printed proof of negative result prior to entering the venue.
Unvaccinated fans over 12 years old with a valid medical restriction & medical note will be required to take a COVID-19 diagnostic test within 48-hours before entry to the facility, and will provide printed proof of negative result prior to entering the venue.
PLEASE NOTE: These confirmations will apply to all members of your party before they are allowed to enter the event and to any users of the tickets purchased by you.
For more info on testing or vaccination requirements, click here.
To see all bag, camera policies, items allowed and not allowed plus all the latest info: CLICK HERE
Your safety and security are most important to us. Click here to learn more about our guidelines and procedures.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
MASK POLICY
For those who are not vaccinated, it is recommended to wear masks at all times per CDC guidelines.
LAWN CHAIRS & BLANKETS
Personal lawn chairs & small blankets are permitted for this event. For the safety and convenience of all our guests, only collapsible lawn/camping chairs will be permitted with the height of the chair not to exceed 43″ when collapsed. Canopies, footrests, side tables, and other attachments are prohibited. This policy will be strictly enforced. Chairs not meeting these specifications will not be allowed entry.
CASHLESS TRANSACTIONS
All points of sale will only accept credit and debit.
For fans who wish to use cash, Cash to Card conversion will be under the wooden pavilion in the main plaza.
In the event you are not carrying a credit or debit card, there is a Cash to Card kiosk in the main concession plaza to exchange cash for card, dollar for dollar, without any service fees.
MOBILE TICKETING
This is a mobile entry event, which means your phone is your ticket!
PLEASE NOTE: Previously issued hard tickets will be honored.
Tickets will not be emailed or available for print (for previously scheduled shows where you selected to print at home or mail, your tickets will be honored accordingly). Screenshots will NOT be accepted.
You have two options to access your tickets and display them on your phone:
1. Add tickets to your mobile wallet by downloading the Live Nation App.
– Click “My Tickets” and select your upcoming show.
– Add the ticket(s) to your phone’s wallet and you’re done!
– On your mobile phone, visit livenation.com in your web browser and select “My Tickets.”
– Sign in and select your desired order.
– Add the ticket(s) to your phone’s wallet and you’re done!
– Present your mobile ticket(s) at entry.
Phone troubles? Visit the box office on event day for assistance. Be prepared to show your ID.
Additional Tips:
Purchase tickets for a group? Arriving separately? Transfer tickets directly to friends and family using the Live Nation App. To expedite entry, we recommend doing this prior to arriving at the event.
– Using the Live Nation App or your phone’s browser, sign into your account.
– Select the desired order and tap “Transfer Tickets” (event eligibility may vary).
– Select the ticket you’d like to transfer. Add the recipient’s information and send. The recipient will receive an email with the ticket.
– Lastly, make sure you have a fully charged battery!
Due to large crowds and high traffic, be sure to leave early and give yourself plenty of time at the venue. Increase your phone screen brightness to assist with scanning. Lastly, make sure you have a fully charged battery!
Click here to learn more about our safety guidelines and procedures.
The Garcia Project’s performances are based on actual set lists performed by The Jerry Garcia Band. All of their shows are classic recreations of a Jerry Garcia Band set list from the 1976 to 1995. For anyone that never had a chance to experience the Jerry Garcia Band or for fans that want to relive a classic show, The Garcia Project delivers.
With precise arrangements and the proper instrumentation and feel for any and all given eras, The Garcia Project faithfully channels and projects the feelings, emotions and music that propelled the Jerry Garcia Band and the fans through many years of musical bliss. It’s about family, soul searching, rejoicing, contemplating, celebrating, seeking truth and loving one another.
“I spent a lot of nights in a lot of places with the Jerry Garcia Band, and I’m here to say that I really enjoy what The Garcia Project does with those memories. Mik’s guitar and his and Kat’s vocals stir up some very sweet vibes…sometimes they almost make me feel like I’m back in, say, 1992 at the Warfield. Check ‘em out.”
— Dennis McNally, former publicist for the Jerry Garcia Band
“For those of us who crave late 70’s (and through the 80’s and 90’s) Jerry Garcia Band, The Garcia Project scratches that itch for hearing live renditions of Jerry Garcia Band shows from that period.”
— Bob Minkin, legendary Grateful Dead and Jerry Band rock photographer
“I first met Jerry Garcia in 1974 when he asked me to sing harmony with him on his second solo album and started recording and sitting in with The Jerry Garcia Band whenever possible. I became an official member of The Garcia Band in 1977 through 1979 recording, gigging and touring with them, and have many fond memories of that unique experience! Recently, I was asked to sit in with a wonderful band called The Garcia Project, who lovingly and reverently recreate different specific sets of the Garcia Band in their hayday. They don’t merely recreate Jerry’s music, as far as I’m concerned, they are channeling it. Performing with them, I am moved and touched by how much the music moves the audience into a state of joyous community and rapture. The Garcia Project brings us all back to that special time and I’m excited and blessed to participate in giving new and old audiences alike, the chance to relive the Spirit & Magic of the Jerry Garcia Band.”
— Maria Muldaur
“If you close your eyes, you’ll swear you are at a Jerry Garcia Band show.”
– ecoLocal Magazine, Albany, NY
“…it was hard to tell that it wasn’t Jerry signing on “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down….The Garcia Project’s attention to detail on intonation and performance structure does set them apart as an authority on Jerry Garcia.”
– NYS Music
“In order for a tribute band to be successful, fans need to look at them as the authority on the artist they are emulating. The Garcia Project pulls it off effortlessly. Go see them live …The Garcia Project is the whole package.”
– Jim Gilbert, Upstate Live
“The Garcia Project was on point with the whole experience and it didn’t seem like a cover band more like a mirrored band…they are just as real as the Jerry Garcia Band. “
– Buffalo FM Review
“”Deadicated“ to carrying on the music and vibe of Jerry that so many still carry in their hearts.”
Stella and the Reptilians lead singer Lily Morgan is a singer/songwriter from Chester, New York. Lily started Stella and the Reptilians after having a brief solo career. The band’s atmospheric alt indie vibe has captivated everyone who listens. Lily’s unofficial releases include a mix of spacious synth sounds highlighting her upper register and the high sweet tones in her voice. She uses a variety of lyrics in her songwriting that incorporate lots of imagery that make you experience her songs with her. Lily’s vision for her band expands everyday with the opportunities that are presented to them. Since the band formed during the Covid-19 pandemic they have had to be creative when it comes to performing and really gaining traction but it has not stopped them. Stella and the Reptilians will continue to put their good energy, vibes and music out into the world especially during the hardest times when they feel their audience needs it most.
Lily’s musical journey has been nothing short of a catchy, lyrical take on the indie-folk sound. Hailing from Poland, Maine, lead, Nick Santos’, music encapsulates that feeling of being cold with an overlying contention of being at peace with it. The folky, guitar-driven sound is met with the lively feel of indie-pop, whilst retaining a genuine “DIY or die” aesthetic by recording and producing the music himself. It’s an honest reflection of personal feelings and gut instincts, but it’s caked in an amusing light that makes it easy for the listener to digest. Lily’s debut ten-track album, “Honesty Hour,” is set to be released on all platforms April 30th!
Hailing from Albany NY, The Jagaloons play guitar-driven, reverb-drenched, all-instrumental rock and roll. This quartet takes the surf music sound of the 1960s and adds modern and eclectic influences, creating a sound all of their own.
After releasing a couple of EPs themselves, the Jagaloons signed on with UK-based Sharawaji Records for their 2019 debut album “Ruin The Party”. The album has been very well received and has been featured on numerous radio stations across the globe. “Ruin the Party” was recently named #37 on the list of the top surf records on the 2010’s by stormsurgeofreverb.com.
Last December, The Jagaloons hit the studio to put a collection cover songs from their live set to “tape” with the idea of streaming one song per week on Bandcamp. Once all the songs were released, the entire album was made available for purchase both digitally and on CD. The album title, “Knock You Up”, and cover art are even an homage to The Ventures.
Since 2010 the El Dorados have been bringing old time rock and roll to the Capitol District. The band plays a collection of favorites that include hits from Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and many more. In their travels, the El Dorados have had the opportunity to play the Empire Plaza, Saratoga music hall, Saratoga race track ‘Final Stretch’ festival, Revolution Hall and various venues in the Capital District. The band was formed by Paul Dorado whos unique vocal style carries the band to a time when cars were cooler and beer was cheap;) For more information about the El Dorados, please visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/rockingeldorados for band updates and where to see us play. Cheers!
They are joined by Ethan, Christian, and the Eligible Spatulers
A comedy music duo featuring comedian Ethan Ullman (as heard on the Howard Stern Show, Kevin Allison’s RISK! Storytelling podcast, and Dave & Ethan’s 2000” Weird Al Podcast) as well as singer-songwriter and producer Christian Portwine. Their debut track “Petroleum Habit” has been praised and heard around the globe on the world-famous Dr. Demento Show.
Justin Friello is a multi-genre composer and performer based in Upstate NY. For the last 16 years, he has performed all over New York State and beyond as a solo artist and with his bands, Stockade Kids and Filming Ohio. Justin’s discography includes 3 studio albums, 4 live albums, numerous singles and demos, and 10 holiday EPs, all of which feature him on numerous instruments. In 2016, Justin released “Jack & Jill”, a combination EP and short film, both of which were premiered at a concert at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, NY, featuring a 90-minute performance with a 9-piece chamber ensemble. Justin studied Classical Composition and Music Theory at SUNY Purchase and SUNY Albany .He is also an alum of the BMI Musical Theatre Advanced Writing Workshop, where he began developing From The Fire, an original musical, with Cleo Handler. From The Fire is a two-time semi-finalist at the National Music Theatre Conference. Justin is a proud member of Actors’ Equity and has appeared in numerous mainstage and touring productions. Visit justinfriello.com for more.
Joing Justin will be Richard Lovrich performing exerts from his book HAVE A VERY BAD DAY with Ryder Cooley
About Richard Lovrich – AUTHOR – HAVE A VERY BAD DAY “I officially admit to being the author of this book. HAVBD comprised of nearly 300 dark, very short stories about unfortunate events and predominately awful people. I might have spent the same amount of time it took to write and edit this collection learning how to invest, or perhaps working a lucrative side-hustle, but no. So there you have it. My goals for HAVBD remain completely realistic. I expect that Hollywood will make a movie of each story and that Disney will create a HAVBD theme park to provide some respite for adults who are weary of fun. The world, spittle flecked with madness, finally has its book. Enjoy. Would you like to ask me why I had decided to write a book about murder, mayhem, disappointment, failure, revenge, accidents, dismemberment, misery and chaos? Would you like to ask me anything else? I am at your disposal. lovrich@haveaverybadday.com“
Join us for the first Diggin Roots music festival at Magic Forest Farm in Coeymans Hollow, NY! Taking place on October 8th and 9th, Diggin Roots will feature an amazing lineup of bands, kid friendly activities, food vendors, local craftsman and more! Magic Forest Farm also has multiple hiking and walking trails to explore and animals to meet. Whether you come for a day or camp for the weekend, we hope you’ll join us and celebrate this unique music venue!
Magic Forest Farm, Coeymans Hollow, NY
October 8-9, 2021
Join us for the first Diggin Roots music festival at Magic Forest Farm in Coeymans Hollow, NY! Taking place on October 8th and 9th, Diggin Roots will feature an amazing lineup of bands, kid friendly activities, food vendors, local craftsman and more! Magic Forest Farm also has multiple hiking and walking trails to explore and animals to meet. Whether you come for a day or camp for the weekend, we hope you’ll join us and celebrate this unique music venue!
My addiction to music festivals and the jam band scene began when I was 16. In 1994, I attended my first festival, the Honeoye Hootenanny. This was a small event near my home town in the finger lakes. It really “opened” my mind and introduced me to the world of the Grateful Dead and Phish. I started attending shows whenever I got a chance. After Big Cypress, Phish’s festival for New Years 1999, I was hooked on tour life. I left college and started traveling full time with different bands. Mainly Phish and whatever band Bobby or Phil were playing with at the time. I would also attend festivals, nearly every weekend during the summer. I moved to Northern California and was very involved with the festival scene.
After nearly 10 years of chasing music, I decided I needed a change. I put my energy into homesteading and learning the “farm” life, only attending a few shows a year. I met my partner Joan in 2012, and realized the potential her land had in becoming a great music venue. We started the farm together in 2015. I immediately began the forestry work clearing the amphitheater and creating a view behind the stage. Our friend Mitch, who has lived on the farm and rented an apartment from us, volunteered his time and constructed the stage in 2019. Due to the pandemic we held off opening until this summer. We are excited to bring music and my vision to the capital region!
Join us for the first Diggin Roots music festival at Magic Forest Farm in Coeymans Hollow, NY! Taking place on October 8th and 9th, Diggin Roots will feature an amazing lineup of bands, kid friendly activities, food vendors, local craftsman and more! Magic Forest Farm also has multiple hiking and walking trails to explore and animals to meet. Whether you come for a day or camp for the weekend, we hope you’ll join us and celebrate this unique music venue!
My addiction to music festivals and the jam band scene began when I was 16. In 1994, I attended my first festival, the Honeoye Hootenanny. This was a small event near my home town in the finger lakes. It really “opened” my mind and introduced me to the world of the Grateful Dead and Phish. I started attending shows whenever I got a chance. After Big Cypress, Phish’s festival for New Years 1999, I was hooked on tour life. I left college and started traveling full time with different bands. Mainly Phish and whatever band Bobby or Phil were playing with at the time. I would also attend festivals, nearly every weekend during the summer. I moved to Northern California and was very involved with the festival scene.
After nearly 10 years of chasing music, I decided I needed a change. I put my energy into homesteading and learning the “farm” life, only attending a few shows a year. I met my partner Joan in 2012, and realized the potential her land had in becoming a great music venue. We started the farm together in 2015. I immediately began the forestry work clearing the amphitheater and creating a view behind the stage. Our friend Mitch, who has lived on the farm and rented an apartment from us, volunteered his time and constructed the stage in 2019. Due to the pandemic we held off opening until this summer. We are excited to bring music and my vision to the capital region!
ALBANY – PearlPalooza, downtown Albany’s highly-anticipated, free, all-ages music festival, returns for its 12th year on September 18. Presented by SEFCU, in association with WEQX, The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID), and Sugar Productions, the event includes a diverse lineup of locally- and internationally-acclaimed musical acts, MVP Health Care’s YogaPalooza mass yoga gathering, and high-quality local vendors - all just steps away from some of downtown Albany’s finest dining, retail, and entertainment establishments.
All performances will take place on the Remarkable Liquids Stage at N. Pearl Street & Sheridan Avenue. DJs from WEQX will spin music between sets, and attendees are encouraged to enjoy food, beverage, and retail specials and events from nearby businesses.
This year’s PearlPalooza features performances from:
Slothrust– 4:45 PM Educated musicians all with backgrounds in classical, jazz and blues, the band’s newest work, Parellel Timeline, once again sees Slothrust leaning into improvisation — something that in the past has lent itself to the infectious energy of their live shows. Parallel Timeline, mixed by industry legend Billy Bush and mastered by Heba Kadry, is a masterclass in balancing tenderness with the fierce guitar work bandleader Leah Wellbaum has become known for. With a distinct yet unified sound that blends progressive rock, acoustic and pop, Slothrust has never been more confident.
Jocelyn & Chris – 3:30 PM Think rock is dead? Meet Jocelyn & Chris. Two analog souls hell-bent on inciting a new rock revival. Jocelyn & Chris and their band have charted three consecutive commercial radio singles in the Billboard AAA Top 40, taken two records to #1 on the Relix Jambands Top 30 Album Chart, and appeared nationally on NBC’s Today Show. Jocelyn & Chris’s new single “Sugar and Spice,” released in July 2021, was lauded by American Songwriter as “pure American rock goodness” and was a Most Added US Radio Single for three consecutive weeks. The video for the track was also added to rotation on MTV.
Glass Pony – 2:15 PM Encapsulating influences stretching across decades from psychedelic and jam-focused rock, to funk, post-punk, and even modern indie and post-rock, the Albany collective Glass Pony offer a sound that truly translates through generations, with a stylistic blend built to engage a broad listenership. With a focus squarely set on delivering the most captivating live performance possible, the band utilizes infectiously danceable grooves colored with virtuosic individual performances that deftly blend into a cohesive whole.
Timbre Coup – 1:00 PM Timbre Coup was formed in 2007 just outside Albany, NY in the town of Altamont. After many years and hundreds of shows alongside bands like The New Deal, Dopapod, Papadosio, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and Consider the Source, along with festival appearances at such events as Camp Bisco, Moedown and Mountain Jam, Timbre Coup brings a little something for everyone. With dynamic compositions, melodic and haunting vocals, as well as slick chops, this quartet entertains with a fervor.
MVP Health Care presents YogaPalooza – 12:00 PM The Capital Region’s only street-wide yoga event returns for its fifth year to kick off the activities on Pearl Street in front of the Remarkable Liquids Stage at 12:00 PM. Instructors from local studio The Hot Yoga Spot will offer a free, one-hour, all-levels yoga class led from the stage. Find more information and register for Yogapalooza here.
“SEFCU is thrilled to join WEQX, The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, and Sugar Productions in bringing PearlPalooza to life. The fantastic music, art, and of course, great food, will make the event another one to remember for all who attend,” said SEFCU President and CEO Michael Castellana. “Along with giving people of the Capital Region a fun and safe way to come together to kick off early fall, PearlPalooza is a wonderful way to highlight everything Downtown Albany has to offer, including restaurants, and venues for culture, entertainment, and family fun.”
“We are super grateful to be able to work with such amazing partners at The Downtown Albany BID and the area businesses who put a lot of thought and effort into this year’s event. We cannot thank the sponsors enough for making PearlPalooza possible,” said WEQX Program Director Jeff Morad. “The one-stage approach will allow for more space not only for attendees but also for vendors who have really taken a hit over the past year-plus. We are thrilled to be able to spotlight three incredible Capital Region based bands who also took a hit in an already difficult world to live…the world of being a band. Slothrust as headliner is a dream come true for the entire staff here at EQX and we hope it is for you too!”
“YogaPalooza is a fun and exciting opportunity to showcase the benefits that yoga can have on a person’s overall health and well-being,” said MVP Health Care’s President and CEO, Christopher Del Vecchio. “We are so proud to sponsor this annual celebration of holistic wellness, which highlights the importance of creating a healthy community through exercise and a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to seeing you there!”
“We are delighted to collaborate with an incredible team of local partners to help highlight the heart of Downtown with this annual festival,” said Downtown Albany BID executive director Georgette Steffens. “After pivoting the event to the virtual realm in 2020, we are excited to bring live music back to Pearl Street this September. This year’s single stage format will allow attendees more room to spread out and more time to visit a number of new businesses and Downtown favorites between sets. With YogaPalooza, great local vendors, and Downtown’s best dining and retail steps away, PearlPalooza is like no other free music festival.”
$5 event parking is available at ParkAlbany’s Riverfront Garage (Broadway & Columbia Street) and Quackenbush Garage (Orange Street between Broadway & Water Street) – both just a few blocks from the action! Find more at downtownalbany.org/parking.
Event Ground Rules: no outside alcoholic beverages, glass containers, dogs or pets (with the exception of ADA-certified service animals), recording of performances, or bad attitudes will be allowed at PearlPalooza. Security personnel have the right to inspect any bags brought onto the premises.
Please do not attend the event if you have tested positive or display any symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been in close contact with anyone that has tested positive in the past 14 days. If unvaccinated, please practice social distancing and wear a mask in compliance with current New York State and CDC safety guidelines. COVID-19 is still a risk and attendees acknowledge that they are responsible for their own safety at the event.
Multi-Eddy Award Winner Girl Blue is the project of solo artist Arielle O’Keefe. Compared often to the likes of Laura Marling, Jeff Buckley, and Alanis Morissette, she is a powerhouse vocalist with the rare ability to write songs that both catch the ear and touch the heart. She plays out regularly around the country and records music in upstate NY with Just Pretend Records. Join Girl Blue in a solo performance that is sure to captivate and awe.
