Best of 2011: Timothy Reidy’s Top 10 Albany Performances

Restoration Festival @ St. Joseph’s Church, August
One of the most amazing shows of my life. The Sunday performances really stood out, highlighted by We Are Jeneric, a strong opening by Slender Shoulders and a super closer by Sgt. Dunbar & the Hobo Banned.

Local Harvest Festival @ Washington Park, October
Ben KN started strong with a luscious park set, and Matthew Carefully and Olivia Quillio kept up with the pace.

Times Union Center, May
ZZ Top was the best well-known performance I saw this year, and Lynyrd Skynyrd did what they do best.

Tulip Festival @ Washington Park, May (Sunday)
Even though the Sam Roberts Band was the best act over the weekend, the amphitheater stage had some good vibes, plus Blotto gave its warmest performance of the year. (See his photographs)

99 Pine Street, September (Friday)
This performance art work was amazing with new experiences around every corner.

431 Delaware Avenue, February
An art / music show was well attended with a collaborative vibe.

PearlPalooza, North Pearl Street, September
This show showcased some exciting local performances with Around the World and Back, Wild Adriatic, Ten Year Vamp and Timbre Coup. Add Company of Thieves and Locksley, and a fun time was had by all.

Valentine’s Music Hall, New Year’s Eve, December-January
This show brought 2011 in style and grit, starring Barons in the Attic, Steer, Summer People and more.

Grand Street Community Arts, June
The Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars kept the folks from Albany and New York dancing all night long. A fun surprise. (Read his review)

Jillian’s, February
The crazy partiers the Constellations shook up Albany, while Northern Water Snake and Alta Mira opened in style. (See his photographs)

Review, photograph and video by Timothy Reidy, Nippertown contributor

MORE BEST OF 2011 LISTS…

Fred Rudofsky’s Top 10 Theater Concerts
Paste Magazine’s Top 20 New Bands
J. Eric Smith’s Top Album
Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Albums
Brian Patneaude’s Top 5 CDs
American Film Institute’s Top 10 Movies
Stanley Johnson’s Top 10 Concerts
Richard Brody’s Top Books
Sebastien Barre’s Best of the Year
New York Magazine’s Top 10 TV Shows
Fred Rudofsky’s Top 10 Bar/Club Gigs
Steve Nover’s Top 10 CDs
Greg Haymes’ Top Music Video
Paste Magazine’s Top 10 Albums
The New York Times’ Top 10 Books
Mike Hotter’s Top 10 Albums
Kirsten Ferguson’s Top 10 Live Cover Songs
The A.V. Club’s Top 10 Comedy Albums
Ed Conway’s Top 10 Concerts
The Los Angeles Times’ Top 10 Pop Albums
J Hunter’s Top 10 Live Shows
Mr. Eck’s Top 10 Albums
Richard Brody’s Top 10 Concerts
Mike Hotter’s Top 5 Songs
Fred Rudofsky’s Top 20 Albums
Greg Haymes’ Top 15 Theater Productions
Tim Livingston’s Top 5 Music DVDs
David Brickman’s Top 11 Art Exhibitions
J Hunter’s Top 10 Jazz CDs
Andrzej Pilarczyk’s Top 12 Concerts
Matt Mac Haffie’s Top 10 Albums
Shawn Stone’s Top 10 Movies