Eclectic Performances Announced for Steamer No. 10 Theatre
Over the course of the past two decades, the Steamer No. 10 Theatre has become one of Albany’s prime destinations for children’s entertainment. But every once in a while the intimate little theater plays host to some fine grown-up entertainment, too.
In celebration of the theater’s 20th anniversary, guest producer Michael Eck is presenting a new Electic Performance Series at the theater, a slate of six exciting evening concerts aimed at adult audiences and featuring some of the area’s finest musicians both past and present. Among the upcoming performers are Hamell on Trial, Sean Rowe, the Star Spangled Washboard Band, Val Haynes & Todd Nelson, Rosanne Raneri, Bryan Thomas, Rosary Beard, Winterpills and Frank Jaklitsch.
“Michael put on a successful series of ‘unplugged’ acoustic concerts here in the 1990s,” says the theater’s founder and artistic director Ric Chesser. “We wanted to recapture some of that energy as we move into our third decade of making magic happen at Steamer No. 10.”
“The Steamer is a true listening room,” says Eck. “Its combination of intimacy, theater-style seating and warmth of sound is unique in the area.”
Tix for all performances are currently on sale – $13 in advance; $15 at the door. Additions to the schedule will be made in coming weeks and touring acts are already being considered for the fall.
“We’re going to have some great nights here at the Steamer,” Eck says.
Here’s the line-up of new shows at the Steamer No. 10 Theatre:
Saturday, February 25, 8pm
HAMELL ON TRIAL
The award-winning singer-songwriter-performance artist presents a world premiere of his new, as-yet-untitled one-man theatrical presentation.
Saturday, March 17, 8pm
SEAN ROWE
The soulful Troy singer-songwriter showcases selections from his upcoming sophomore album for Anti- Records.
Saturday, April 14, 8pm
ROSANNE RANERI and BRYAN THOMAS
Two of the area’s most talented singer-songwriters, as well as two of the most reclusive, team up for an all-too-rare double-bill spin in the spotlight.
Saturday, April 21, 8pm
THE STAR SPANGLED WASHBOARD BAND with VAL HAYNES & TODD NELSON
Before they became Blotto, they were one of the Capital Region’s wildest and wooliest ’70s bands, and now they’re reuniting for only their second performance in more than 30 years. Val Haynes & Todd Nelson, of Fear of Strangers, open the show.
Friday, May 4, 8pm
ROSARY BEARD with WINTERPILLS
Just a pair of acoustic guitarists – Matthew Carefully (formerly of Kamikaze Hearts) and Hunter Sagehorn (of Alta Mira) – make sparkling instrumental music, as featured on their upcoming debut CD. With Northampton’s Winterpills opening the show in support of their upcoming album, “All My Lovely Goners.”
Saturday, May 5, 7pm
FRANK JAKLITSCH & FRIENDSOne of the Capital Region’s most engaging and most generous singer-songwriters plays a special benefit concert.
May I be the first to say, “WOO-HOO!” for the musical return of Rosanne! It’s been too long! To see a show by Rosanne just refreshes the soul. And sharing the evening with Bryan too! I just hope nothing prevents me from being in the audience with friends enjoying the music of friends that night!
Hats off to Michael Eck, who’s destined to present great concerts in the Capital Region. Not like we haven’t known that all along. See you at the shows!
Time to dust off my original Star Spangled Washboard band vinyl and give it a listen….maybe i should bring it to be autographed!
Circle those Feb. 25 and April 21 shows! Bravo, Mr. Eck!
Thank you Mr. Eck. The line-up looks great. I need a dose of Hamell, missed the show at Valentine’s last month.