Complete Line-Up for Alive at Five Concerts Announced for 2013
The summer line-up of free concerts for the 2013 Alive at Five concert series has been officially announced. All concerts will take place at Albany’s Riverfront Park at 5pm on Thursdays from June 6 through August 8. Six shows of the nine-concert series will feature Local 518 bands opening for national bands, while three of the concerts will be devoted exclusively to local music double-bills.
The rain location for this year’s series will be the Palace Theatre.
Here’s the line-up of bands:
JUNE 6
THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS
With Super 400
For nearly 40 years, the Austin-based Fabulous Thunderbirds – still led by founding member-vocalist-harmonicat Kim Wilson – have been a quintessential American band, incorporating Cajun, blues, rock and R&B sounds into barnstorming signature hits like “Tuff Enuff,” “Wrap It Up,” “How Do You Spell Love” and “Powerful Stuff.” They’ll roll into town in support of their new album, On the Verge.
JUNE 13
JT TAYLOR
With the Ill Funk Ensemble
As the lead vocalist with the massively popular R&B group Kool & the Gang, Taylor’s vocals ignited classic hits like “Celebration,” “Ladies’ Night,” “Too Hot” and more for a total of 10 Number One singles.
JUNE 20
THE REFRIGERATORS
With Molly Durnin
The popular Local 518 horn-fueled party band.
JUNE 27
GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC
With Funk Evolution
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic revolutionized funk music while racking up three platinum albums and more than 40 R&B hit singles, including such number one hits as “Flashlight,” “One Nation Under a Groove” and “Aqua Boogie.” Can Clinton out-funk Bootsy Collins’ killer show of last summer? We’re betting that he can…
JULY 11
SATISFACTION
With the Chris Dukes Band
A Rolling Stones tribute band.
JULY 18
STARSHIP featuring MICKEY THOMAS
With Wild Adriatic
“We Built This City”! “We Built This City”! “We Built This City”!
JULY 25
THE TOM HEALEY BAND
With Blues Sanctuary
It’s Local Blues Night featuring the two winners of last week’s Downtown Albany Blues Music Competition.
AUGUST 1
THE ORIGINAL WAILERS
with Mirk
The legendary reggae band carries on the legacy of Bob Marley, led by guitarist Al Anderson.
AUGUST 8
SKEETER CREEK
With Whiskey City
Wrapping up the 2013 Alive at Five season is a double-barrelled night of homegrown country music.
ADDITIONAL REAL GOOD FOR FREE EVENTS FOR 2013
New York State Writers Institute readings @ various locations (various days)
Albany Tulip Festival @ Washington Park, Albany (Saturday & Sunday, May 11 & 12)
SPAC’s Rock & Run @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs (Sunday, May 19)
Art On Lark @ Lark Street, Albany (Saturday, June 8)
Music at Noon @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy (select Tuesdays through May)
Jazz On Jay @ Jay Street, Schenectady (Thursdays from June through September)
New York State Writers Institute films @ UAlbany’s Page Hall, Albany (select Fridays)
local is good!
At first glance, the line-up may seem a little thin compared to certain previous years. But there is some real good stuff at a great price, especially if you’re willing to expand your musical horizons. Thanks for keeping the series alive, Albany.
I thought Blues Sanctuary won the BID Blues competition? Regardless, both bands are great. Also think I will be at a few of these shows. George Clinton and P Funk? Great! Kim WIlson and Fab T-Birds — also great even if there’s no Jimmy Vaughan anymore. Plus I give considerable credit to Mayor Jennings for keeping it Alive@5. One could only hope that the state would return to providing free concerts at the ESP Plaza. Sure there is still the 4th of July and the food fest, but there also used to be a great blues fest and many more concerts catering to many different tastes.