Park News Article
Ten Must-See Live Shows Coming to Albany in December
December 1, 2024
Welcome to December! The year is winding down, but the live music scene is still going strong for another action-packed month in Albany, New York! Whether you’re looking to embrace the holiday season with dazzling Christmas music, bang your head with renowned rock/metal bands, or experience acclaimed Americana stars, there’s an amazing live show for nearly every taste this month! No matter where your concert plans bring you this month, our garages and lots are always a quick walk away from the action. And to stay up to date with these shows and other can’t-miss upcoming events, explore our extensive events calendar to start planning your next outing in Albany!
12/2: The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight at the Palace Theatre
Enjoy the mesmerizing atmosphere of classical + rock music with striking candlelight this December at the Palace Theatre! Comprised of 14 classical musicians, this one-of-a-kind show brings an unexpected union of rock/metal with traditional classical instrumentation, creating a powerful wall of distortion you’ll have to see to believe! The musicians of The Rock Orchestra don skeletal, rhinestone masks and perform in the foreground of an awe-inspiring setting, complete with crooked lurching skull towers, floating lanterns, giant headbanging puppets, and 1,000 candles! Effortlessly transitioning from whimsical classical melodies to powerful rock and metal hits, The Rock Orchestra breathes dark, dazzling energy into a 90 minute, can’t-miss setlist of music from artists like Vivaldi, Rage Against the Machine, Iron Maiden, Queens of the Stone Age, and Beethoven! The iconic Palace Theatre is the perfect place for this group’s renowned spectacle to enchant fans in Albany, featuring their unique sound complemented by an ethereal candlelit stage illuminating the intricate details of the Palace’s stage and surroundings. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, hard-hitting rock, striking theatrics, or a bit of everything, this show at the Palace is sure to be an unforgettable night of music and stunning visuals in Downtown Albany!
12/4: Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening at the Palace Theatre
Fans of English rock titans Led Zeppelin are in for a treat when Jason Bonham’s brings his Led Zeppelin Evening to the Palace Theatre this month! Led by Jason Bonham, this dynamic tribute band has been paying homage to the music of Led Zeppelin since 2010. As the son of one of the world’s most celebrated drummers, Jason learned to play the drums by 5 years old and appeared alongside his father in the 1976 film The Song Remains the Same playing on a scaled-down drum kit. Following the passing of John and disbandment of Led Zeppelin in 1980, Jason played with his father’s band in 3 reunion shows in 1988, 1990, and 2007. After the 2007 reunion, Jason expressed interest in recording and touring with the band, but vocalist Robert Plant was not on board with the idea. By 2010, Jason recruited members from his previous band “Bonham” and formed what was then known as “Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience”. The group has since changed its name to “Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening” and has been rocking along to the world-famous hits of Led Zeppelin ever since! From the group’s renowned takes on these classic songs to Bonham’s world-class drumming skills, this band remains a must-see act for rock fans of all ages! Be sure to park at the Quackenbush or Riverfront Garage and grab some pre-show bites and pints from a nearby eatery before you experience this iconic group live at the Palace!
12/5: Anthony Green at Empire Underground
Get excited for a night of post-hardcore, indie, and emo music with Anthony Green’s solo show at Empire Underground! Since 1997, this Pennsylvania singer has been a staple of the rock/emo scene with his distinctive high vocal timbre and frontman duties in iconic bands like Saosin, Circa Survive, The Sound of Animals Fighting, and L.S. Dunes. To this day, Green remains the vocalist for all 4 of these bands and leads his own solo project! As a member of 5 separate projects, Anthony has maintained a steady touring schedule and offered plenty of guest appearances with other post-hardcore/rock bands throughout his near 30-year career. His solo project began in 2008 and incorporates elements of indie rock and emo. Between EPs, compilation records, remix albums and LPs, Green has released 22 works over the span of 16 years! His current solo run features backing instrumentals from “The Boom Done Band”, named after his 2022 album Boom. Done. With only 4 shows planned for Anthony’s solo tour, the intimate space of Empire Underground is the perfect place to enjoy this renowned rocker in-person and experience his storied discography during a special show with support from Queen of Jeans and Keith Goodwin!
12/6 – 12/7: The Acacia Strain at Empire Live
One of the hardest-hitting metal acts of the last 20 years is headlining two days of special holiday shows at Empire Live this month, and you won’t want to miss any of the action! The Acacia Strain has been a staple of the metalcore movement since their inception in Chicopee, Massachusetts in 2001, and now that they’re based out of Albany, New York, the band sought to bring fans a special hometown holiday treat, featuring 2 days of their “Tune Low, Die Slow Ho Ho” celebration! Comprised of vocalist Vincent Bennett, guitarists Devin Shidaker & Mike Mulholland, bassist Griffin Landa, and drummer Matt Guglielmo, the band’s constantly evolving sound has led them to be among the most recognizable metal groups on the scene today. With their first release “…And Life Is Very Long” debuting in 2002, The Acacia Strain has since pulled influences from sludge metal, doom metal, noise, and death metal, crafting an apocalyptic sound that has garnered a massive fanbase through their subsequent 12 releases. With 22 years of charting albums and singles under their belt, this group’s 2-day gathering in Downtown Albany is sure to feature plenty of old favorites and modern tracks that both new and old fans will love! Plus, The Acacia Strain is proudly featuring a stacked lineup of other renowned metal bands and local favorites, giving hometown fans a lot to look forward to during a must-see Friday/Saturday of pummeling metal!
12/8: Albany Symphony Orchestra at the Palace Theatre
The Albany Symphony Orchestra is back for their annual holiday show this December! “The Magic of Christmas” is the symphony’s yearly holiday spectacular, bringing fans from all over the region to Albany for an afternoon of incredible music, family-fun, and holiday cheer! Led by David Alan Miller, the Albany Symphony Orchestra is the oldest professional symphony orchestra in New York’s Capital Region, releasing more than 20 albums encompassing nearly 60 works. This iconic local collective has even won two Grammy Awards, one in 2014 and another in 2021! Each year, the symphony takes over the beautiful halls of the Palace Theatre and creates an amazing atmosphere, complete with stunning Christmas décor, carols, and even a visit from Santa himself! With their lauded musical prowess and storied role in the Capital Region’s thriving music scene since 1930, performances by the Albany Symphony Orchestra are always a memorable outing! Heading to experience this must-see holiday spectacular live? Park early at the nearby Quackenbush or Riverfront Garage and be sure to grab some pre-show food and drinks from a wonderful eatery nearby!
12/8: Kathy Mattea at The Egg Performing Arts Center
Catch bluegrass icon Kathy Mattea at The Egg Performing Arts Center this December before she’s “Goin’ Gone”! Since 1983, Mattea has charted over 30 singles on the Billboard Hot Country charts and released 14 studio albums of her trademark blend of traditional country, folk, bluegrass, all with influences from traditional Celtic music. Born and raised in West Virginia, Kathy attended West Virginia University in 1976 and joined a bluegrass band before dropping out to pursue a music career in Nashville. Initially working as a tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Mattea worked on the side as a demo singer and was eventually discovered by producer Byron Hill, who helped her sign to Mercury Records in 1983. Her self-titled debut album came out in 1984, and four of its singles made the Hot Country Charts, helping Mattea reach mainstream audiences and further develop her artistic vision. By the release of her third album Walk the Way the Wind Blows in 1986, Kathy introduced her now-famous folk and acoustic elements, and this became her breakout album “both critically and commercially”! Her fame and success would only skyrocket from there, as Mattea released 14 more studio albums, 3 compilation albums, and 1 EP. Of her 17 studio albums, each one charted on US Country/Bluegrass/Folk charts and 5 were certified gold! She even won 2 Grammy awards in the 1990s, one for the song “Where’ve You Been” and another for her Christmas album Good News! With over 40 years of critically acclaimed music under her belt, Kathy Mattea remains a bluegrass legend, and with the renowned acoustics of The Egg, this is a December show you won’t want to miss!
12/11: Shakey Graves at Empire Live
From a one-man band to a rising Americana star, Shakey Graves is a truly unique artist that you’ll want to catch live at Empire Live this month! Born Alejandro Rose-Garcia in 1987, this Texas singer/songwriter combines blues, folk, country, and rock and roll. Prior to his music career, Rose-Garcia was an actor, appearing in iconic franchises like Friday Night Lights and Spy Kids. When he turned 20, he kicked off his music career with his 2011 debut release Roll the Bones, an album in which most of the music features him playing solo. As he grew tired of having to borrow kick drums and high hats in order to perform, a close friend built him a custom suitcase that was modified to function as both a kick drum and a tambourine stand for his solo performances! With this uncommon solution employed and his music catching the attention of other Americana and indie artists, he was asked to be the official “busker” for the 2011 Mumford & Sons Railroad Revival Tour, where he played music for concertgoers entering each venue. By 2013, Shakey Graves was being courted by several record labels and he chose to sign with Dualtone Records, with whom he released his second album And the War Came, which reached Number 4 on US Folk Charts and Number 8 on US Indie Charts! Thanks to this album, Shakey Graves won the Best Emerging Artist award at the 2015 Americana Music Awards, and his fame continued to grow from there! Since 2015, he has released 2 more studio albums, 3 EPs, 2 compilation albums, and performed with his 2 new bandmates on Jimmy Kimmel Live alongside Trixie Mattel! From acting to crafting a thriving music career, this rising artist is bringing his beloved sound to Downtown Albany alongside co-headliner Buffalo Hunt for an evening of extraordinary Americana! Be sure to park early and grab dinner and drinks from a wonderful downtown eatery and say “Cheers” before attending this must-see show at Empire Live!
12/16: Samara Joy at The Egg Performing Arts Center
Jazz has taken a youthful turn thanks to Samara Joy! At only 25 years old, she has emerged as one of America’s premier jazz singers, and she’s bringing her very special holiday-themed show to The Egg Performing Arts Center this December! Born and raised in the Castle Hill neighborhood of the Bronx, Samara grew up in a musical household. Her family introduced her to soul and Motown music and by the time she reached high school, she joined the school’s jazz band and won Best Vocalist at the Essentially Ellington Festival! She later attended SUNY Purchase as a voice major and was named an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar, where friends introduced her to legendary jazz vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. From there, Samara won the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition and released her self-titled debut album while still in college! This caught the attention of the jazz community, and she was named Best New Artist by Jazz Times and was featured in Women of Color on Broadway, Inc.’s music video “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess. Thanks to several viral videos of her singing between 2020-2022, Samara embarked on a European tour with numerous sold-out shows, a U.S. tour, and appearances at numerous U.S.-based jazz festivals. As a result of her lauded vocal abilities and 3 charting jazz albums, Samara won 2 Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album for Linger Awhile! With so many accolades and endorsements under her belt at such a young age, Samara Joy is an unmistakable talent that jazz lovers won’t want to miss! Her 2023 EP A Joyful Holiday is being celebrated during her special holiday spectacle this month and is certain to make for a dazzling holiday event this month in the striking halls of The Egg!
12/17: Steely Dead at Lark Hall
The curious fusion of Steely Dan and the Grateful Dead’s music returns to Albany this month, this time with a can’t-miss show at Lark Hall! Formed in Denver, Colorado, Steely Dead consists of Dave Abear on guitar, Matt Abear on bass, Dylan Teifer on the keyboard, and Chris Sheldon on the drums. This group’s electrifying improvisational chops provide a unique flow between Steely Dan’s iconic calculated sound and the Grateful Dead’s renowned free-flowing discography, culminating into a mind-blowing live act that has gained them a loyal fanbase within both the jam band and tribute band communities. Featuring a carefully selected repertoire of both Grateful Dead and Steely Dan songs, Steely Dead combines elements of both bands and transforms them into mesmerizing transitions, groove-heavy jams, and plenty of dance-worthy instrumentals. For fans of yacht rock, psychedelic rock, or jam bands, this show at Lark Hall is the perfect way to kick off your weekend as the holiday season winds down! For those traveling from out of town, free on-street parking is available near the venue and close to plenty of incredible bars and restaurants along vibrant Lark Street!
12/30: Zakk Sabbath at Empire Live
Paying homage to the godfathers of doom metal, Zakk Wylde is bringing his acclaimed tribute to Black Sabbath to Empire Live for a night of hard-hitting rock and metal! Zakk Sabbath, the ultimate tribute to Black Sabbath, is led by iconic guitarist Zakk Wylde of the bands Black Label Society and the Ozzy Osbourne Band. Since 1987, Wylde has been a staple of the rock community thanks to his world-renowned guitar skills and guest appearances in bands like Pantera, Generation Axe, Hatebreed, and Dope. Through his work with Black Label Society and Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk sought to branch out and pay tribute to Osbourne (who’s also the godfather of Zakk’s son) and his legendary band Black Sabbath. Calling the group Zakk Sabbath, he formed the group in 2014 and assumed vocal/guitar duties and recruited bassist Rob Nicholson of Rob Zombie/Danzig, and drummer Joey Castillo of Queens of the Stone Age/Danzig. The band tours intermittently due to Zakk’s extensive work and touring with other projects, and Zakk Sabbath has only released one single three-track vinyl in 2016. Throughout the years, Zakk Sabbath has been a somewhat elusive fan-favorite collective, and now they’ve made a triumphant return to the U.S. touring circuit with their highly anticipated “King Of The Monstours” Tour! For one last night of hard-hitting rock in New York’s Capital City this year, Zakk Sabbath is the perfect show to bang your head and experience both the legendary music of Black Sabbath and the mind-blowing guitar skills of Zakk Wylde!
These concerts are an amazing way to finish out your year with a bang in Albany! From metal to bluegrass, there’s a show for everyone throughout the city this December. No matter where you choose to enjoy a live show this month, ParkAlbany’s garages and lots are always just a short walk from your destination. To stay informed with these and other wonderful upcoming events throughout Albany, NY, check out our events calendar for more details!
