This weekend filled with the sound of music diverse in venue, style and price
By Bob Goepfert Entertainment contributor
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — In the world of musical concerts, September is a transitional month. There are still several major outdoor concerts happening, yet the move to indoor venues is imminent.
The major concert event this week is the Dave Matthews Band at SPAC on Friday and Saturday.
The show was originally scheduled for early July and moved to September. There was always some doubt that the pandemic would permit the gathering of large crowds even with a delay of two months.
Well it is happening, but under controlled conditions. No one will be permitted inside the gates without proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 48 hours.
Entry to large rock concerts has always been tedious because of search procedures, but COVID safety protocol suggests you leave yourself plenty of time and arrive well before the scheduled 7:30 start.
Under the heading of not getting enough of a good thing, The Parting Glass, a popular Lake Ave. pub in Saratoga Springs is, on Saturday, presenting Proudest Monkey. They are a popular and successful Dave Matthews tribute band. They play from 4-7 and might just whet your appetite for the big event at SPAC. Or, it might satisfy you enough that you can avoid the crowds and a $49.50 lawn fee.
If money is a deciding factor on deciding where to listen to music this weekend, Jazz on the Lake is offering three days of free music. Starting 7 p.m. Friday night, continuing all day Saturday and Sunday.
Starting at 1 p.m. the finest performers of jazz will be playing for free at Shepards Park in Lake George.
Friday offers a unique event featuring Daniel Kelly and the Blind Visionaries. Their original compositions are supported by a background of changing images projected on a video screen.
Using a process called “light painting“, the audience participates in a unique dream world consisting of surreal portraits taken by blind or visually impaired photographers. Adding to the experience is the addition of recorded interviews with the photographers reflecting upon their personal experiences with blindness.
On Saturday and Sunday, Jazz on the Lake features performances at 1 p.m. 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Closing the event at 5 p.m. on Sunday is the all-star quintet Black Art Jazz Collective.
Indeed, imbedded in their music is a message of unity, integrity and pride. It seems a fitting mantra for all the great musicians performing over the weekend.
There is a special 7 p.m. performance on Saturday, highlighting the festival’s feature artist Yosvany Terry. The Cuban saxophonist, percussionist, composer leads his jazz quintet celebrating Cuban Roots music with jazz interpretations. It’s all free. Bring a lawn chair and blanket.
Also free is Peal-Palooza taking place downtown Albany on N. Pearl Street from 1-6 p.m. It features a diverse line-up of local music acts, and some international guest artists, with appeal to all ages. Strict rules on alcohol are in effect and COVID protocol is encouraged, but voluntary.
If you prefer your music indoors, the Cohoes Music Hall has an interesting lineup this weekend.
They are using a tribute formula. One group plays tribute to the legacy of the performers, the other recreates a concert experience.
On Friday the Aztec TwoStep 2.0 with narration by Tony Traguardo plays tribute to the Simon & Garfunkel Songbook. Along with the sharing of insightful stories about the duo and their legacy, playing the songs they created should be a nostalgic lovefest. While the Simon & Garfunkel show plays tribute to the musical team, it is not meant to be a recreation of one of their concerts.
However, the following night, Saturday, September 18 “Forever Seger: The Silver Bullet Experience” is more a recreation. It features lead singer Kevin Reed, who is backed by a huge array of talented musicians, as the group attempts to generate the excitement and thrill of being at a Bob Seger performance. This show is rescheduled from a previous date and tickets to the original show will be honored. Face masks are required at both shows.
If tributes are not your thing and its authenticity you are seeking, do not miss Bill Staines at Caffe Lena on Friday night.
The New Hampshire musician has been performing twice a year at the Saratoga Springs coffeehouse since 1967. He’s an iconic performer and a folk legend. Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test is necessary for admission and masks must be worn inside.
Inside or out, there are a lot of diverse musical choices taking place this weekend. Enjoy whichever suits your musical tastes.