Two free summer concert series feature variety of artists
ALBANY, N.Y. » Two free summer concert series in the Capital City have announced their lineups for season, featuring weeknight entertainment in all different genres.
Albany’s free Alive at Five concert series returns for its 28th season on June 8 at the Jennings Landing along the Hudson riverfront.
This series premiered in the summer of 1990 with a performance by legendary folk artist Richie Havens, and has since grown into a staple of summer in the Capital Region. This year’s season begins on June 8 and runs through August 3 (with no show on July 6), showcasing a diverse lineup of big names, up-and-coming acts and some of the region’s most talented original local artists. The concerts take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday nights.
This year’s acts are Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Let’s Be Leonard on June 8; Average White Band and Victory Soul Orchestra on June 15; Naughty By Nature, JB aka Dirty Moses, DJ Trumastr and Paul Nice on June 22; The Outlaws and The Steppin Stones on June 29; Funk Night with The Funky Meters and Wurliday on July 13; Country Night with Lindsay Ell on July 20; Marian Hill on July 27; and Reggae Night with King Yellowman and the Sagittarius Band as well as Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets closing the series on Aug. 3.
A $5 flat fee parking will be available at the Riverfront Parking Garage, located at 677 Broadway in Albany. For additional parking options, visit www. parkalbany.com. Alive at Five transportation sponsor CDTA will provide free Event Day Bus Passes for the dates of each Alive at Five concert to Albany County residents. Riders will be able to pick up passes at various locations throughout the city on the Wednesday before each show, while supplies last.
Alive at Five’s rain location at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch will continue to serve as an alternate site in case of inclement weather.
For more information on Alive at Five visit www.albanyevents.org.
Additionally, there is a separate lineup of mostly Wednesday night concerts that are part of Summer at the Plaza, held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.
These concerts will start on June 28, with events through September.
This lineup includes Reggae Night featuring Freddie McGregor with special guest Anthem Band on June 28; New York State’s Fourth of July Celebration on July 4 with United States Air Force Heritage of America Band and special guest Tonic; The Sam Roberts Band and Rechorduroys on July 12; Kids Day with PJ Masks and storytime performances with Pete the Cat on July 15; Soul Asylum and Cracker on July 19; Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires on July 26; the Black Arts and Cultural Festival featuring Jody Watley and Shalamar Reloaded on Aug. 5; the New York State Food Festival ft. The Charlie Daniels Band on Aug. 9; Jazz Night featuring Alex Torres on Sept. 13; and Jazz Night featuring Hot Club of Saratoga on Sept. 20. There will also be three Capitol Park After Dark movie nights featuring Key Largo on Aug. 16, Rear Window on Aug. 23 and Annie on Aug. 30.
For event times and additional information on these Empire State Plaza events visit summer.empirestateplaza.org.