Park News Article
Ten Must-See Live Shows Coming to Albany in August
August 1, 2024
Welcome to August! Summer is in full swing and live music is still going strong throughout Albany, New York! This month features the grand finale of the Alive at 5 Summer Concert Series, the long-awaited return of several world-class musicians, and the Albany debut of several rising names in folk, rock, and metal. From free outdoor music to intimate shows within Empire Underground and the newly opened Ophelia’s on Broadway, it’s another great month to get out and experience a diverse range of live music in New York’s Capital City. For those driving into the city for their shows, ParkAlbany is proud to continue offering convenient parking at our parking garages and lots, located right around the corner from all the action at these must-see shows! To stay up to date with these and other must-see upcoming events, be sure to browse our events calendar for more information on each event and the best places to park during your visit.
8/1: Galactic at Alive at 5
Get ready to jam out with Galactic along the Hudson River for the Alive at 5 Summer Concert Series’ grand finale! Kick off August with Funk Night at Jennings Landing, and Galactic’s legacy within the funk and jam band community makes them a perfect fit for this must-see show! Founded in 1994, this collective formed under the name “Galactic Prophylactic” after guitarist Jeff Raines and bassist Robert Mercurio, who were childhood friends, moved to New Orleans from Maryland to attend both Tulane and Loyola Universities. Enamored with the local funk scene, Raines and Mercurio teamed up with four others: Ben Ellman, Rich Vogel, Theyrl DeClouet, and Stanton Moore, filling out roles for saxophone, organ, vocals, and drums (respectively). The band ultimately released 4 energetic studio albums between 1996-2004, bringing a punchy blend of jazz-funk/jazz rap/acid jazz/New Orleans R&B to their releases. After the release of Ruckus in 2003, vocalist Theyrl DeClouet departed the band for health reasons and Galactic continued as an instrumental act until 2007, when they released their notable album From the Corner to the Block, featuring vocal guest spots from rappers like Juvenile, Boots Riley, Chali 2na. Following its commercial success, Galactic has featured a rotating roster of vocalists and released 4 more studio albums between 2010-2019, 2 of which reached the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Today, this dynamic funk-infused jam outfit is best known for their mesmerizing improvisational abilities and for featuring prominent New Orleans-based artists in their live shows. Vocalist Angelika “Jelly” Joseph has been a commanding presence on vocals for Galactic since 2023, and this group shows no signs of slowing down! So, grab your sunglasses and your dancing shoes and don’t miss a funky evening along the Hudson River during this can’t-miss show to close out Alive at 5 for 2024!
8/2: King 810 at Empire Underground
Whether the world is ready or not, nu-metal is back again, and King 810 is leading the charge to bring it to the forefront of the rock & metal scene! Formed in the City of Flint, Michigan, King 810 has been providing a crushing take on this genre of 1990s/2000s fame, notably incorporating lyrics stemming from vocalist David Gunn’s experiences growing up in a rough neighborhood and moving throughout the legal system. He wrote lyrics in jail for the band, who had already formed in December of 2007, and adapted his lyrics to fit the hard-hitting nu-metal/hard rock sound that was being cultivated by the other 3 members. In 2012, Gunn was robbed and assaulted, an experience he used as inspiration for their debut independent EP Midwest Monsters. Two years later, King 810 banded together to release their first full-length album Memoirs of a Murderer under their new label Roadrunner Records, which was met with positive reviews and earned them spots near the top of the Billboard Hard Rock & Heatseekers Charts. With this release, King 810 had pushed their distinctive nu-metal to radio airplay and garnered far more attention than their independent EP releases. The band has since been noted for several run-ins with the law and have drawn ire within the music industry for their lyrical themes, which Gunn asserts are from the band members’ lived experiences and relevant to their stage presence. They have since released 3 more charting studio albums, 3 more EPs, and 14 music videos. In 2024, King 810 remains a prominent band in the nu-metal scene, and their hard-hitting sound combined with their rowdy live shows have all but proven that nu-metal is back. Metal fans looking for an energetic evening in Downtown Albany should look no further than this Friday night spectacle at Empire Underground, which is located just a quick walk from the nearby Quackenbush & Riverfront Garages!
8/9: Steely Dead at Ophelia’s on Broadway
Do you like the precise yacht rock aura of Steely Dan? How about the legendary genre-spanning improvisational jams of the Grateful Dead? If so, you won’t want to miss a wonderful fusion of these two iconic acts with Steely Dead! This unique act was formed in Denver, Colorado and consists of Dave Abear on guitar, Matt Abear on bass, Dylan Teifer on the keyboard, and Chris Sheldon on the drums. Their live act features a carefully selected repertoire of both Grateful Dead and Steely Dan songs, offering mind-blowing improvisational takes on both bands and mesmerizing transitions between Steely Dan’s calculated sound and the Grateful Dead’s free-flowing discography. Elements from both groups are combined for a truly electrifying sound that has earned Steely Dead widespread recognition within both the jam band and tribute band communities. Fans can expect a loyal traveling fanbase and plenty of unique interpretations of both Steely Dan and the Grateful Dead’s legendary music. Steely Dead is set to bring their one-of-a-kind act to the newly opened Ophelia’s on Broadway and it’s the perfect place to kick off your weekend in Albany! Be sure to grab some delicious food and drinks before singing and dancing along with this renowned jam band in this amazing new venue, which is just around the corner from the Green-Hudson Garage in the heart of Downtown Albany!
8/10: Jonah Kagen at Empire Underground
*PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED*
At 24 years old, Jonah Kagen has been making quite the name for himself in the folk/pop/rock community! This rising star from Georgia has already amassed 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and is set to kick off his first ever headlining tour, with his Albany debut stopping by the intimate space of Empire Underground. When he was just six years old, Jonah took up the guitar after his grandfather showed him videos of guitar performances, spurning his interest in exploring the technical skills and aspects of the acoustic guitar. Andy McKee, known for his technical prowess and impressive acoustic guitar chops featured in numerous viral videos, was of particular interest to Jonah and he was specifically inspired by McKee’s finger-style technique. Through this inspiration, Kagen sought to create a truly unique, one-of-a-kind sound with his music and stated that “If you can bring somebody something with your music that they can’t get anywhere else, there’s nothing better than that.” In 2022, Jonah released his first EP Georgia Got Colder and was met with widespread acclaim for his distinctive blend of folk and pop, which channeled his earlier aspirations of crafting a one-of-a-kind sound to stand out in the scene. He has since released a second EP titled The Roads, which has been highly regarded for its lyrical vulnerability and musical prowess. As of 2024, he has amassed nearly 200 million global streams and is now setting out for his “Save My Soul” Tour, featuring this rising star’s hits and support from special guest Vincent Lima. Whether you’re a fan of folk music or dazzling guitar skills, this weekend show is a fantastic outing for an unforgettable night of music in Downtown Albany! Be sure to park early at the Quackenbush or Riverfront Garage and enjoy some pre-show dinner and drinks from one of the many wonderful bars & restaurants downtown!
8/10: Blackberry Smoke at The Egg
Catch country rock icons Blackberry Smoke at The Egg Performing Arts Center for a thrilling weekend show! Formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000, Blackberry Smoke is best known for their jam-infused gritty country rock mixed with elements of southern rock, hard rock, and blues. The band is comprised of Charlie Starr on lead vocals & guitar, Richard Turner on bass & backing vocals, Paul Jackson on guitar & backing vocals, Brandon Still on keyboards, and Richard Turner on drums (Richard’s brother Brit was the drummer of the band until his passing in March of 2024). After their formation, Blackberry Smoke released two studio albums between 2003-2009 with little commercial success, however their third album The Whippoorwill was their first release to hit the country charts, jumpstarting their success and leading them to the forefront of the country rock/southern rock movement of the 2010s. With this new success and recognition, the band toured extensively and spurred the creation of their fourth studio album Holding All The Roses, all of which secured Blackberry Smoke the notable accolade of being the first independently released artist to hit Number 1 on the Billboard Country Album charts in modern history! This and their following releases would all hit the Billboard Country/Rock/Americana charts and cement their unique placement as a band that can cater to both country fans and rock fans. The Egg’s world-class design always makes for a dazzling show between its visual appeal and exceptional acoustics, and fans are in for an incredible show when this renowned act takes the stage within one of America’s most distinctive and lauded performance venues!
8/14: 38 Special at the New York State Food Festival
What’s better than amazing food and live music during the summertime? The annual New York State Food Festival brings delicious food from across the state to the iconic Empire State Plaza for a vibrant celebration of cuisine, culture, and music, with this year’s celebration welcoming 38 Special to New York’s Capital City! This notable rock group from Florida has been a staple of the southern rock/arena rock scene since the early 1970s, and their massive hits have been a mainstay on rock and classic rock radio stations for nearly half a century! Formed by Donnie Van Zandt (the younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zandt) and Don Barnes in Jacksonville, Florida, legend has it the band got their name when they received a noise complaint from neighbors while practicing in a warehouse. When the police arrived, they discovered the band had accidentally locked themselves inside, to which an officer responded “That’s alright. We’ll let this .38 Special do the talking.” and shot off the lock, ultimately leading to naming the band 38 Special! By 1979, the band had released 3 studio albums, with the first two featuring southern rock as the driving genre and the third pivoting towards a more radio-friendly, arena rock sound. Rockin’ into the Night was their first album to hit the Billboard charts, and their eponymous single launched them to stardom! Since then, the band has released 9 more studio albums featuring massive hits like “Caught Up In You”, “Teacher, Teacher”, and “Hold On Loosely”. Albany is in for a treat when this iconic act hits the outdoor stage at the striking Empire State Plaza, and fans are sure to be “Rockin’ Into The Night” during their lively performance during this vibrant festival! Reminder that parking is available on-street around the Empire State Plaza for free after 5:00pm on weekdays (and all day on weekends)!
8/16: French Montana at the Palace Theatre
Hip-hop fans are in for an “Unforgettable” show at the Palace Theatre when French Montana brings his highly anticipated “Gotta See It To Believe It” Tour to Downtown Albany! Born and raised in Morocco, French Montana and his family immigrated to New York City when he was 13 years old, where he further developed his interest in rapping, thanks to the booming hip-hop scene in city during the 1990s. By the early 2000s, Montana started his career as a battle rapper under the name “Young French” and created an underground DVD series both showcasing his musical talents and focusing on the city’s hip-hop scene and street beefs. The series ran for 8 years and thanks to its popularity, he went on to release his now-famous mixtape Coke Boys in 2010, featuring collaborations with rappers like Gucci Mane, Fat Joe, Akon, and Three Six Mafia. Rapper Waka Flocka Flame was featured on the song “Choppa Choppa Down”, which became a massive hit in the southern United States and led to their longtime friendship and collaboration, as well as a deal with Mizay Entertainment, fronted by Waka Flocka’s mother, in 2010. Montana would go on to release his debut album Excuse My French in 2013 and has since released 3 more studio albums, 10 mixtapes, and has appeared as a featured artist on countless hip-hop songs from rappers throughout the industry. This Bronx rapper has been a mainstay in the hip-hop charts for over a decade now, and his distinctive flow has earned him a spot amongst the 2010/2020s most recognizable artists. The “Gotta See It To Believe It” Tour features a star-studded roster of performers with Montana like Fabolous and Fivio Foreign, along with local rising DJs and rappers ready to ensure a thrilling evening at the Palace Theatre with this iconic NYC hip-hop sensation!
8/16: Ruthie Foster at The Egg
Feeling the blues lately? Head to The Egg Performing Arts Center and kick off your weekend with Grammy-nominated blues singer/songwriter Ruthie Foster! Hailing from Texas, Foster is best known for her soulful blues and her lauded flow between genres like gospel, jazz, and folk music. Raised in a family of gospel singers, Ruthie was a soloist in her hometown choir by 14 and went on to study music and audio engineering at McLennan Community College in Waco. With hopes of honing her performance skills and gaining new perspectives towards the world, she enlisted in the United States Navy and sang in the naval band Pride, which played funk and pop hits at recruitment drives throughout the southeastern United States. After her tenure in the Navy, Foster moved to New York City and became a regular performer at numerous folk venues, which ultimately attracted the attention of Atlantic Records who offered her a deal with the intention of her pursuing pop music instead of folk. Ruthie declined and stayed true to her folk roots, later releasing her first album Full Circle independently in 1997. The success from this and her following release led her to sign with her longtime label Blue Corn Music, from which she’s released 10 more studio albums. By 2008, Ruthie Foster became a household name for folk lovers, and the accolades came rolling in! She has been nominated for 3 Grammy Awards, won 10 Blues Music Awards, and a US Artists Fellowship award. Today, Ruthie Foster remains a dazzling name in the world of blues and soul, and her show at The Egg Performing Arts Center is the perfect dynamic venue for such a dynamic presence in the music world.
8/23: Dweezil Zappa at the Palace Theatre
Celebrating 50 years of the iconic albums Apostrophe (‘) and Roxy & Elsewhere, Dweezil Zappa is bringing his “Rox-postrophy” Tour to the Palace Theatre for a remarkable evening paying tribute to Frank Zappa’s legendary music! As the second oldest child of Frank Zappa, Dweezil had a close connection to his father and his groundbreaking music as he grew up in Los Angeles during the 1970s-1980s. After being fired from his role as an MTV VJ in the early 1980s, Dweezil further embarked on his music and acting careers, appearing as Stevie in The Running Man with Arnold Schwarzenegger, as Simon in Pretty In Pink, and as co-host of Dweezil & Lisa on the Food Network with then-girlfriend Lisa Loeb. His musical endeavors include 4 appearances on his father’s albums, 6 solo albums, and 2 albums with his brother Ahmet. As a result of his deep connection to the music and the industry through his father’s music, Dweezil has been paying homage to Frank’s legacy since his death in 1993 under the name “Zappa Plays Zappa”, releasing 6 albums and maintaining an extensive touring schedule. Today, Dweezil is set to stop by the historic Palace Theatre to pay homage to two of Frank’s albums, offering the same enchanting storytelling and world-class guitar playing that has honored Zappa’s music for over 30 years! Remember that our Quackenbush & Riverfront Garages are just a quick walk away from the action and serve as the perfect place to park and start your journey towards the amazing sites of Downtown Albany before and after your show!
8/27: Joe Bonamassa at the Palace Theatre
Can’t get enough of the blues this month? You’re in luck, because renowned blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa is back this month for the second time in two years to deliver another electrifying show at the Palace Theatre! The “Blues Deluxe” Tour celebrates Joe’s latest album Blues Deluxe Vol. 2, the massive successor to Blues Deluxe, which was released 20 years earlier in 2003. Bonamassa wanted to continue the first version of this record with a similar blues/hard rock tone to see how much he’s progressed in the last 20 years. This Utica native has been a massive success in the blues rock community since the late 1980s and rose to fame after opening for B.B. King at just 11 years old! His guitar skills gained him widespread attention and by 2000, Bonamassa released his first album A New Day Yesterday with his following 3 records hitting Number 1 on the Billboard Blues Charts. With continuing success furthered his rise to stardom and allowed him to fulfill his childhood dream of performing at Royal Albert Hall in London, where he performed alongside Eric Clapton. Since then, Bonamassa has continued to churn out chart-topping blues rock and remains a powerhouse within the blues rock and guitar enthusiast community. Noted for his extensive collection of close to 400 vintage guitars and amplifiers, many of which he collected through his parent’s music shop in Upstate New York, Joe’s live performances often feature highlights of his rare and eccentric gear. Today, Joe stays busy between touring and running the blues music label “Keeping The Blues Alive Records”, with co-founder Roy Weisman and featuring notable artists like Joanne Shaw Taylor, Dion, and Jimmy Hall. Whether you’re a fan of rare music gear, world-class guitar skills, or good old-fashioned blues music, Joe Bonamassa’s legacy speaks for itself and his show at the Palace Theatre is an absolute must-see for any music fan! Be sure to park early and grab a bite to eat from one of the many incredible restaurants and bars nearby before you enjoy another electrifying Albany show with Bonamassa!
There’s nothing quite like a thrilling summertime show, and Albany is going big again this month with more world-class talent throughout the city’s amazing performance venues. No matter where you’re headed, ParkAlbany is happy to continue to provide safe and secure parking near your show and around all the vibrant action throughout Downtown Albany! To stay informed on other must-see shows and upcoming events in Albany, New York, browse our events calendar to find out showtimes and the best places to park!
