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.
The 2021 Nippertown March Music Madness winner plays the Open for Business Concert Series with special guest comic Liz Glazer.
In accordance with CDC, state, and local recommendations, The Linda will require all patrons, staff, and artists to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19. In addition all guests patrons and artists must wear facemasks regardless of vaccination status. This is being done as a safety measure to ensure the health and well-being of our staff, artists, and guests while continuing to provide a top-shelf live experience. Facemasks may be removed while eating or drinking.
Encapsulating influences stretching across decades from psychedelic and jam-focused rock, to funk, post-punk, and even modern indie and post-rock, the Albany, New York 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. To accentuate their creative songwriting, they place a great value on improvisation and fluid set lists that change from show to show. The band is comprised of Chanda Dewey (drums), Eddie Hotaling (guitar, lead vocals), Jeff Picarazzi (bass), and Greg Pittz (lead guitar). If you’re seeking an experience that dives much deeper than the usual rigidly-arranged performance, hop on and enjoy the ride.
“…this year’s winners, Glass Pony is a powerhouse of a band with blazing guitar riffs, tight jams, and a melodic groove that is guaranteed to make the people dance.
-Nippertown.com (Albany,NY)
Liz Glazer is an award-winning standup comedian, actor, and writer. Liz won first place in the Boston Comedy Festival and Ladies of Laughter Competition, has been featured in a full article in the Wall Street Journal (as well as Above the Law, Lex Magazine, the Pennsylvania Gazette, and other publications), and has opened for Myq Kaplan and Maria Bamford. Liz was also a part of the Seattle International Comedy Competition and will be a part of the upcoming HBO Women in Comedy Festival. As an actor, Liz has appeared on ABC’s FOR LIFE and CBS’s BULL, and is on the faculty at Lesly Kahn & Co., the Los Angeles acting studio. Liz is also writing a television pilot about her life, a draft of which was a semi-finalist in the Stage 32 writing competition.
Dust Bowl Faeries play the Open for Business Concert Series w.s.g. poet R.M. Engelhardt
In accordance with CDC, state, and local recommendations, The Linda will require all patrons, staff, and artists to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19. In addition, all guests patrons and artists must wear facemasks regardless of vaccination status. This is being done as a safety measure to ensure the health and well-being of our staff, artists, and guests while continuing to provide a top-shelf live experience. Facemasks may be removed while eating or drinking.
Dust Bowl Faeries is a dark-carnival band from the New York Hudson Valley. Their eclectic repertoire of songs draw inspiration from circus, post-punk and Eastern European folk music. Accordion, singing saw, ukulele, lap-steel, acoustic guitar and percussion combine to create the Dust Bowl Faeries otherworldly sound. The band was founded by Ryder Cooley (faerie queen) and her taxidermy spirit animal Hazel the Ram. Ryder and Hazel are joined by Jon B. Woodin (rocket faerie), Rubi LaRue (feisty faerie), Liz LoGiudice (river faerie) & Andrew Stein (time faerie). Dust Bowl Faeries released a new album, The Plague Garden, in 2020. Previously, they released two EP’s, Beloved Monster and The Dark Ride Mixes, as well as their self titled debut album, produced by music critic Seth Rogovoy, featuring Tommy Stinson (Replacements) & Melora Creager (Rasputina).
R.M. Engelhardt is a poet, writer & author who’s work over the last 25 years has been published in such journals as Thunder Sandwich, Full of Crow, Rusty Truck, Writers’ Resist, Dry Land Lit, Rye Whiskey Review, Hobo Camp Review & many others. He currently lives & writes in Upstate NY and his new books of poetry are “DarkLands” (Published By Whiskey City Press 2019) & “We Rise Like Smoke Poems Psalms Incantations” 2021″ (published by DeadMansPressInk and available on Amazon.com).
In accordance with CDC, state, and local recommendations, The Linda will require all patrons, staff, and artists to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19. In addition all guests patrons and artists must wear facemasks regardless of vaccination status. This is being done as a safety measure to ensure the health and well-being of our staff, artists, and guests while continuing to provide a top-shelf live experience. Facemasks may be removed while eating or drinking.
Vocalist Kimberly Hawkey and accompanist selections from her new album We the Nighthawks
Multi-genre vocalist, instrumentalist and bandleader, Kimberly Hawkey, performs her 13-track album called We the Nighthawks. We the Nighthawks, an album that pulls art song, jazz, musical theatre and American songbook, will take listeners on a sonic journey that captures human stories of life, love and loss.
The project was conceived and driven creatively by songwriters Justin K. Rivers and Lecco Morris. Together with Hawkey, this unique New York-based trio worked to conceptualize We the Nighthawks in March 2020 as the country was heading into lockdown.
Justin Rivers and Lecco Morris
On the production side, We the Nighthawks benefits tremendously from the experience and wisdom of seven-time Grammy winning producer, Joel Moss. From Ray Charles, Stephen Sondheim and Lin-Manuel Miranda, to Tony Bennett and Johnny Cash, Moss has been a trusted producer in the music world for 50 years. In describing his exigence for taking on this indie project, Moss says, “My first listening of these Morris/Rivers compositions was a simple piano/vocal recording. The fact that its simplicity featured the brilliant playing of Assaf Gleizner and the angelic voice of Kimberly Hawkey was not wasted on my ready-to-be-unexcited ears. I was immediately captivated, and rather than quickly scanning, tune to tune, I listened intently, top to bottom…twice.” Moss enthusiastically signed on, completing the creative team.
Having already made music her life’s work, Hawkey shares a deep connection with the project’s gifted musical director, Grammy-nominated Assaf Gleizner. Gleizner’s orchestrations and arrangements were featured in Stephen Schwartz’ 70th Birthday Concert at the Hudson Theater featuring Ben Platt and many more.
This Saturday we’re gonna be kick in’ it outside with longtime fav Dr Jah. We’ve been killing the super safe outside show scene these last few months and look forward to more. Tickets available or online or at the door.
Share it up!
See y’all Saturday.
Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets have been bringing the reggae heat for over 25 years. Their original blend of conscious reggae and jam-band sensibilities have entertained audiences around the globe. A Dr. Jah show is a party like no other, with heavy reggae grooves and inspirational lyrics. The music is a blend pays homage to Bob Marley, The Grateful Dead, Sublime and many other influences. With great original music and classic re-imaginings of rock classics, Dr. Jah is a band not to miss!
We have made the extremely difficult decision to cancel much of our upcoming Fall Tour.
While the dates we had set out on this past August were primed to be an exciting return, there were many challenges we encountered in facing the reality of touring in these adverse conditions. Between unforeseen cancelations, health and safety risks, and logistical travel concerns, touring in this ever-changing reality proved to be very difficult. The resulting impact has forced us to take a hard look at our ability to go back out on tour while we are still facing these same issues and more, including continued public health concerns.
Touring is our life, and performing live for our fans is the best part of our job. This makes the realities we’re facing disappointing, but unfortunately necessary. The dates remaining are a result of reexamining what is logistically feasible, and keeps the many moving pieces in a band and touring operation of our size safe and secure. To the friends and fans in the cities that we must cancel, please know that we WILL be back! It’s just going to be a bit longer than we’d hoped for.
Refunds for all tickets purchased to all cancelled dates will be issued from the original point of purchase. Below is a list of tour dates that are still occurring. All Remain In Light performances will continue as planned. We’re grateful to our fans for understanding this decision and the difficult situation. Thank you for your continued support.
Turkuaz Tour Dates
10.28.21 Washington, DC: 9:30 Club
10.29.21 New York, NY: Webster Hall
10.30.21 New York, NY: Webster Hall
10.31.21 Live Oak, FL: Suwanee Hulaween*
11.04.21 Burlington, VT: Higher Ground
11.05.21 Boston, MA: Big Night Live
11.06.21 Portland, ME: State Theater
12.11.21 Denver, CO: Mission Ballroom^
12.30.21 Hartford, CT: Infinity Hall
12.31.21 Hartford, CT: Infinity Hall
01.23-25.22 Riviera Maya, MEX: Panic En La Playa
01.28.22 Miami, FL: North Beach Bandshell
01.29.22 Miami, FL: North Beach Bandshell
04.29.22 New Orleans, LA: Joy Theater*
05.05.22 New Orleans, LA: Tipitina’s
* Remain In Light w/ Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew
More about FreshGrass North Adams
Music starts early in the museum courtyards, moves to our spacious (and grassy!) urban concert meadow, and then continues until past your bedtime with wild and woolly late-night barn dances in the Hunter Center on Friday and Saturday nights. Concerts held rain or shine. The lineup is jam-packed with guitar gods and banjo gurus, traditionalists, and trailblazers — artists you already know and love interspersed with FreshGrass discoveries. Taken together, it’s an expansive group of performers who both draw on the past and look to the future. We like to think of it as “great music uprooted.”
The FreshGrass Award celebrates new talent, with cash prizes to the contest winners. Finalists in the band, banjo, fiddle, and the No Depression singer-songwriter categories perform for a panel of industry professionals on Saturday and Sunday of the festival, with winners announced on Sunday afternoon. Open to all festival-goers, the contest showcases the future of bluegrass and roots music when the bands play original and traditional tunes. With prizes totaling $25,000, grand prize winners receive a performance spot at next year’s festival, recording sessions at Compass Records, and handcrafted instruments from festival sponsors.
FreshGround is a tent-camping field within easy walking distance (.7 miles; 12 minutes) of the festival, convenient to downtown merchants, bars, and restaurants. A shuttle bus runs continuously to the festival from the campsite. Camping is on sale now.
Stay tuned to freshgrass.com for the latest news—the music never stops at FreshGrass!
More about FreshGrass North Adams
Music starts early in the museum courtyards, moves to our spacious (and grassy!) urban concert meadow, and then continues until past your bedtime with wild and woolly late-night barn dances in the Hunter Center on Friday and Saturday nights. Concerts held rain or shine. The lineup is jam-packed with guitar gods and banjo gurus, traditionalists, and trailblazers — artists you already know and love interspersed with FreshGrass discoveries. Taken together, it’s an expansive group of performers who both draw on the past and look to the future. We like to think of it as “great music uprooted.”
The FreshGrass Award celebrates new talent, with cash prizes to the contest winners. Finalists in the band, banjo, fiddle, and the No Depression singer-songwriter categories perform for a panel of industry professionals on Saturday and Sunday of the festival, with winners announced on Sunday afternoon. Open to all festival-goers, the contest showcases the future of bluegrass and roots music when the bands play original and traditional tunes. With prizes totaling $25,000, grand prize winners receive a performance spot at next year’s festival, recording sessions at Compass Records, and handcrafted instruments from festival sponsors.
FreshGround is a tent-camping field within easy walking distance (.7 miles; 12 minutes) of the festival, convenient to downtown merchants, bars, and restaurants. A shuttle bus runs continuously to the festival from the campsite. Camping is on sale now.
Stay tuned to freshgrass.com for the latest news—the music never stops at FreshGrass!
More about FreshGrass North Adams
Music starts early in the museum courtyards, moves to our spacious (and grassy!) urban concert meadow, and then continues until past your bedtime with wild and woolly late-night barn dances in the Hunter Center on Friday and Saturday nights. Concerts held rain or shine. The lineup is jam-packed with guitar gods and banjo gurus, traditionalists, and trailblazers — artists you already know and love interspersed with FreshGrass discoveries. Taken together, it’s an expansive group of performers who both draw on the past and look to the future. We like to think of it as “great music uprooted.”
The FreshGrass Award celebrates new talent, with cash prizes to the contest winners. Finalists in the band, banjo, fiddle, and the No Depression singer-songwriter categories perform for a panel of industry professionals on Saturday and Sunday of the festival, with winners announced on Sunday afternoon. Open to all festival-goers, the contest showcases the future of bluegrass and roots music when the bands play original and traditional tunes. With prizes totaling $25,000, grand prize winners receive a performance spot at next year’s festival, recording sessions at Compass Records, and handcrafted instruments from festival sponsors.
FreshGround is a tent-camping field within easy walking distance (.7 miles; 12 minutes) of the festival, convenient to downtown merchants, bars, and restaurants. A shuttle bus runs continuously to the festival from the campsite. Camping is on sale now.
Stay tuned to freshgrass.com for the latest news—the music never stops at FreshGrass!
Singer/Songwriter Caity Gallagher plays the Open for Business Concert Series
A folk singer songwriter based in Albany, NY, Caity Gallagher’s rootsy compositions and lilting vocal lines serve to showcase intimate lyrics that tell universally relatable stories. Originating in the Capital Region scene as a founding member of the pop-rock/folk band, Honey Slider, Caity spent the better part of this past year honing her individual sound, and recording her debut solo EP, “Happens All the Time.” Likened to a modern combination of The Cranberries and Jackson Browne, Caity elevates melodic, lyrical, and emotional expression in her music, with each song aiming to map the endless meandering paths of the human experience.
Her newest single, “Give It All,” is on all streaming services. It’s her latest release since “Pressed Flowers,” which dropped in December.
“Give It All” boasts the sound that makes Gallagher so uniquely her; vocals that feel light and magical, but still showcase power and emotion. The song, which touches on the feelings one has when they’re ready to jump into a new relationship but still feel some boundaries preventing them from fully investing, rings in at a little over three minutes.” – Nippertown.com
Originally from Bridgeport, CT, D. Colin is a poet, actor, and visual artist living in Troy, NY. As a multidisciplinary artist, she aims to inspire, empower and educate through poetry, paint and performance and is passionate about cultivating space for stories, healing and community. She is the author of two poetry collections, Dreaming in Kreyol and Said the Swing to the Hoop. She is also a Cave Canem, VONA and New York State Writers Institute fellow with degrees in English and Africana Studies. Since 2016, D. Colin has been running Poetic Vibe, a weekly open mic voted best in the Capital Region in 2019.
Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Leslie Mendelson is supporting her most recent studio album ‘If You Can’t Say Anything Nice…,’ as well as a solo acoustic EP ‘In The Meantime,’ that was recorded during quarantine earlier this Spring. Described by Relix Magazine as an artist with “a loyal, cross-generational audience that hugs the hippie, hipster, coffee shop and society crowds,” Leslie’s timeless musicality and evocative songwriting indeed cuts a wide swath. All Music writes that Leslie evokes “1970s songwriter influences in the vein of Carole King and Carly Simon,” while The Aquarian declares she is “the closest thing one can get to a truly honest musical experience.”
Leslie Mendelson’s previous work, including 2009 Grammy-nominated debut album ‘Swan Feathers’ and 2017 album, ‘Love & Murder’ dealt with matters of the heart. When it came time to compose the songs that comprise ‘If You Can’t Say Anything Nice…,’ however, she and her longtime writing partner Steve McEwan set out to examine the anxiety stemming from the current socio-political climate with songs like “Medication,” “I Need Something To Care About” and “Would You Give Up Your Gun.” It’s fitting extension of a more socially conscious outlook offered on “A Human Touch”—Leslie’s duet with Jackson Browne for the documentary film, ‘5B,’ released in 2019.
If Leslie Mendelson’s only collaboration with a legendary musician was Jackson Browne, it would be a worthy point to celebrate. What’s truly telling is that Leslie has also drawn the attention of The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir who recorded a duet with her on Roy Orbison’s standard, “Blue Bayou,” while no less than classic rock royalty The Who invited her to open two shows at Madison Square Garden last year. She was set to open three more dates for the band in 2020 that were unfortunately postponed due to the pandemic. With some of rock music’s most legitimate voices seeking Leslie out, it leaves no doubt the rarefied air she inhabits as an artist.
KWILLEO: To be soothed by sound is to truly feel music. Harnessing over a decade of song writing and performing – KWILLEO builds a sonic bridge between Earth and its inhabitants. KWILLEO is the project of singer/songwriter, Om Quillio, who found themselves in different creative territory after taking a hiatus to heal. With song, KWILLEO aims to help you tap into your own inner alchemy. Sound heals.
