Author

Mike Stampalia814 posts 13 comments

Mike Stampalia is a part time music critic and historian, and has been an active supporter of the local music scene for more than three decades. He enjoys writing the daily “Top Tips for Live Music” column for Nippertown, and reviewing local concerts of particular interest. He hopes to one day lead a tribute band dedicated solely to the music of The Australian Pink Floyd.

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 23, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 23, 2023

Best bet: Elise Trouw / Girl Blue / The Age @ Empire Underground, Albany.A good week for Empire Underground. I'm interested in seeing what 23-year-old…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 22, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 22, 2023

Best bet: Jesse Malin / Tommy Stinson @ Empire Underground, Albany.There are several legitimately interesting shows around tonight, at Fuze Box, Argyle Brewing, the…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 21, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 21, 2023

Best bet: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy.It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy have been bringing the fun for…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 20, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 20, 2023

Best bet: “Super Dark Monday” with Small Ghosts / Zombie Giuliani / Bare Mattress / Cashlin @ Desperate Annie’s, Saratoga Springs.Mondays mean Super Dark, and tonight's…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 19, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 19, 2023

Best bet: Empire Wild @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs.Caffe Lena actually has two great shows today (Vance Gilbert is tonight), but we're intrigued by the genre-bending…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 18, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 18, 2023

Best bet: The Wonder Years / Hot Mulligan / Carly Cosgrove @ Empire Live, Albany.Pennsylvania's pop punks have sold out Empire Live tonight in support of their latest…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 17, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 17, 2023

Best bet: John McEuen & the Circle Band @ The Linda, Albany.Multi-instrumentalist, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band founder, and banjo-teacher-to-Steve-Martin comes to Central…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 16, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 16, 2023

Best bet: “Upstate Irish” featuring Kevin McKrell @ The Egg (Hart Theatre), Albany.With Jeff Strange of Donnybrook Fair, John Haggerty and Michael…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 15, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 15, 2023

Best bet: Toto @ The Egg (Hart Theatre), Albany.I've lost track of what version of the band this is. But Lukather is a guitarist extraordinaire and has been on more…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 14, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 14, 2023

Best bet: "Song City" with Pink Nois / Matt Plummer (Bendt) / Hold On Honeys / Mayheaven @ The Ruck, Troy.Look at all that's going on in Troy and on a Tuesday no less.…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 13, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 13, 2023

Best bet: “Super Dark Monday” with Angels on the Fourth / Gusto / Simple Sin @ Desperate Annie’s, Saratoga Springs.Mondays mean Super Dark. Keeping it close to home…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 12, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 12, 2023

Best bet: Larry Gatlin / Whiskey River @ Wood Theater, Glens Falls.Get up close and personal with the Grammy-winner and Grand Ole Opry star. Kevin Richards has a great…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 11, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 11, 2023

Best bet: “A Night of Joni Mitchell” with Belle-Skinner / Girl Blue / Hold On Honeys / Zan and the Winter Folk @ Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes.Four of our very best local…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 10, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 10, 2023

Best bet: Dark Star Orchestra @ Palace Theatre, Albany.Safe to say it's DSO Weekend around Albany. The first of a two-night stand, and there are afterparties around as…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 9, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 9, 2023

Best bet: Life of Agony / Sick of It All / Coventry Carols / Faded Line @ Empire Live, Albany."River Runs Red," played in its entirety. Expect a packed house. (7:00)…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (March 8, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Mar 8, 2023

Best bet: Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew / Cool Cool Cool @ Empire Live, Albany.Evoking the legendary Talking Heads 1980 tour for Remain in Light, the two share lead…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 23, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 23, 2023

Best bet: Steve Morse Band @ The Egg (Swyer Theatre), Albany.Reunited and performing together for the first time in over 10 years. (7:30)Other Featured Events…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 22, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 22, 2023

Best bet: Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn, and Sarah Jarosz @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy.These three immensely talented artists will be on stage for the entire evening -…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 21, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 21, 2023

Best bet: John Lodge of the Moody Blues @ Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes.The bass player and vocalist for the Moody Blues will reprise the entirety of "Days of Future Passed"…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 20, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 20, 2023

Best bet: “Super Dark Monday” with Kendra McKinley / The Hold On Honeys @ Desperate Annie’s, Saratoga Springs.This week's Super Dark Monday features the quiet folk of the…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 19, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 19, 2023

Best bet: Dave Gunning & J.P. Cormier (CD Release) @ 8th Step at Proctors, Schenectady.The two impressively credentialed Canadians kick off their tour in support of…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 18, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 18, 2023

Best bet: Haley Moley (record release) / Roost.World / Natural Classics / Honey Collective @ The Hollow, Albany.The synth-rock outfit from Troy celebrate the release of…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 17, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 17, 2023

Best bet: Mitsuko Uchida @ Union College (Memorial Chapel), Schenectady.Literally one of the very best pianists in the world. She is only performing recitals in four U.S.…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 16, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 16, 2023

Best bet: The Honey Dewdrops @ The Cock ‘n Bull, Galway.Virginia-raised and Maryland-based Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish have several albums and 13 years of touring…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 15, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 15, 2023

Best bet: Within Destruction / VCTMS / Fox Lake / Carcosa / The Phoenix & the Raven / Unbound @ Empire Underground, Albany. (6:30)Slovenian deathcore outfit showcases…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 14, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 14, 2023

Best bet: “Song City” with Katie Hammon / Liam Davis / Sam Torres / Katie Martucci @ The Ruck, Troy.Four songwriters. Twelve songs. One audience. Take your Valentine…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 13, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 13, 2023

Best bet: “Jazz Jam” with Joe Barna @ 518 Craft, Troy.With Ian Macdonald on piano, Tarik Shah on bass, and Joe Barna on drums and cymbals. Be sure to ask Joe about the…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 12, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 12, 2023

Best bet: Celebration of Life for Bob Bates @ The Strand Theatre, Hudson Falls.Come celebrate the life and legacy of Bob Bates. All proceeds will be donated to Amorak…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 11, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 11, 2023

Best bet: Gringo Starr and His All Starr Band / Freek’s Garage @ The Hangar on the Hudson, Troy.Chris Sprague brings along the Tichy boys, Rabb, Tommy Love, and more.…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 10, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 10, 2023

Best bet: The Figgs @ No Fun, Troy.The marquee night of a terrific "Valentine's Week" at No Fun. Saratoga's favorite sons The Figgs headline, just like back in the day.…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 9, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 9, 2023

Best bet: Sean Rowe @ The Cock ‘n Bull, Galway.Sean's talent and appeal extend far, far beyond his home here in Nippertown. Any chance to see him perform locally is a…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 8, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 8, 2023

Best bet: Angel Olsen & the Big Time Band / Erin Rae @ Bearsville Theater, Woodstock.Take advantage of the opportunity to see her locally, before her tour heads off…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 7, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 7, 2023

Best bet: “Taco Tuesday” with The Tradition @ Unihog, Hoosick Falls. (7:00)The always-talented band is planning to release three EPs this year - get a preview. They are…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 6, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 6, 2023

Best bet: Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys @ McGeary’s, Albany.The band's first Monday residency at McGeary's continues tonight. A delightful tradition. (7:00)…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 5, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 5, 2023

Best bet: Ida / Storey Littleton @ Levon Helm Studios, Woodstock.Wow, what a strong Sunday of choices we have around Nippertown today. Blues, classical, avant-grade, you…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 4, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 4, 2023

Best bet: Nite Train (Tribute to Thomasina Winslow) @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs.On Jan. 12, the world lost Thomasina Winslow, a beloved musician from the Capital…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 3, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 3, 2023

Best bet: The Disco Biscuits / Snakes and Stars @ Palace Theatre, Albany.The innovators of "trancefusion" celebrate the release party for "Shocked" right here in…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 2, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 2, 2023

Best bet: Mandy Patinkin @ Proctors (MainStage), Schenectady.Expect the Emmy and Tony-winning legend to perform many of his favorites - Irving Berlin, Stephen Sondheim,…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Feb. 1, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Feb 1, 2023

Best bet: “Wednesday Night Swing Dancing” with the Dylan Perrillo Quartet @ The Linda, Albany.A free dance lesson is included with admission at the beginning of this and…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 31, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 31, 2023

Best bet: Jon Spencer and the HITtmakers / Bloodshot Bill @ Lark Hall, Albany.Electro-boogie, constructivist art pop, a psychedelic swamp of industrial sleaze and…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 30, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 30, 2023

Best bet: “Super Dark Monday” with Grampfather / Grape Juice / Pocket Vinyl @ Desperate Annie’s, Saratoga Springs.It's Super Dark Monday! This week's installment brings…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 29, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 29, 2023

Best bet: Kronos Quartet @ Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs.For nearly 50 years, San Francisco’s Grammy-winning Kronos Quartet have reimagined the string…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 28, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 28, 2023

Best bet: Lurrie Bell @ The Linda, Albany.Chicago blues giant visits the Linda. With Jason Ricci on harmonica. (8:00)Other Featured EventsGay Tastee Zed /…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 27, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 27, 2023

Best bet: Larry Carlton Quartet @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs.Mr. 335. The 19-time Grammy nominee, four-time Grammy winner, and all-time guitar great performs two shows.…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 26, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 26, 2023

Best bet: Cliff Brucker Full Circle Sextet featuring Leo Russo @ The Linda, Albany.The show celebrates a musical friendship four decades deep between Brucker, an active…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 25, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 25, 2023

Best bet: Boombox / Ethno @ Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs.Brothers Zion Rock Godchaux and Kinsman MacKay bring their heavy organic grooves and soulful beats to Saratoga.…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 24, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 24, 2023

Best bet: Slaughter Beach, Dog / Whitmer Thomas @ No Fun, Troy.Jake Ewald and the band continue their swing through our area tonight. Very strong Tuesday night show.…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 23, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 23, 2023

Best bet: “Super Dark Monday” with Small Ghosts / Merci Van / Ceremonial Abyss @ Desperate Annie’s, Saratoga Springs.An (unsurprisingly) eclectic triple bill for Super…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 22, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 22, 2023

Best bet: Dar Williams @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs.Dar Williams at Caffe Lena is long overdue, but at least there are two shows. She is described as "one of America's…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 21, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 21, 2023

Best bet: Kyla Silk and Friends / Otobo / Stonk @ Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs.Proceeds to this event will be donated to the Kyle Robinson Memorial Fund for their…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 20, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 20, 2023

Best bet: Circles Around the Sun / Rich Ruth @ Lark Hall, Albany.The LA-based instrumental group recorded the musical accompaniment to the interludes on the Grateful…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 19, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 19, 2023

Best bet: Sarah Borges and the Together Alone Band / Miss Tess @ The Hangar on the Hudson, Troy.Both artists on this terrific co-headlining gig span genres effortlessly.…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 18, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 18, 2023

Best bet: “Wednesday Night Swing Dancing” with the Lustre Kings @ The Linda, Albany.The Wednesday Night Swing Dancing series brings a regular rotation of excellent…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 17, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 17, 2023

Best bet: Sonny and Perley Quintet @ Lark Street Tavern, Albany.Tuesday nights mean jazz at the Lark St. Tavern. Tonight it's the international/bossa nova sounds of Sonny…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 16, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 16, 2023

Best bet: Family Tree > Sly Fox’s Open Mic Jam @ Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs.Happy Birthday Lori Friday. (7:00)Other Featured Events“Open Mic Night” @…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 15, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 15, 2023

Best bet: “More Music Less Violence Concert Gala” @ Capital Rep, Albany.The stacked lineup includes Doc Horton and The Jay Street Band, Camtron 5000, The Leik, Quav13,…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 14, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 14, 2023

Best bet: Roomful of Blues @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs.Caffe Lena's terrific run of shows this week continues with two shows from Rhode Island-based blues and swing…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 13, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 13, 2023

Best bet: The Figgs celebrate Josh Chambers @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs.Hometown heroes return to Saratoga to celebrate Josh Chambers, a Greenwich native and Skidmore…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 12, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 12, 2023

Best bet: Julian Taylor @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs.Julian Taylor is a major label veteran, Toronto music scene staple, and musical chameleon. Should be a great show.…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 11, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 11, 2023

Best bet: Angelina Valente @ The Cock ‘n Bull, Galway.Angelina and the Cock 'n Bull are both local gems. Together, they're more than the sum of their parts. (7:30)…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 10, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 10, 2023

Best bet: “Song City" with Greens / The Sea The Sea / Caitlin Barker / Zan Strumfeld @ The Ruck, Troy.Four great local songwriters singing three songs apiece. A great…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 9, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 9, 2023

Best bet: “Super Dark Monday” with Black Tongue Reverend / Gozer @ Desperate Annie’s, Saratoga Springs.Mondays mean Super Dark. Tonight's Albany-flavored double bill…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 8, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 8, 2023

Best bet: Hot Club of Saratoga (album release) @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs.A celebration of the Hot Club's much anticipated second album "Just Horsin' Around." (7:00) …

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 7, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 7, 2023

Best bet: ShortWave RadioBand / Under the Den / Gozer / Seize Atlantis @ Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs.Four awesome Nippertown-area bands take the stage at Putnam Place…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 6, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 6, 2023

Best bet: Ray Vega / Keith Pray Quintet @ Alias Coffee, Troy.Today and tomorrow, Nippertown will be treated to two nights of high-energy musical explorations. These…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 5, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 5, 2023

Best bet: The Ruta Beggars @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs.The Boston-based Ruta Beggars play bluegrass and early swing, filled with intricate vocal harmonies, fiery…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 4, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 4, 2023

Best bet: “Irish Session” @ Olde English Pub, Albany.Have you been to an Irish Session night at the Olde English Pub yet? You should. (5:30)Other Featured Events …

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 3, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 3, 2023

Best bet: Donna Trunzo Trio @ Lark Street Tavern, Albany.Tuesday Night Jazz at the Lark Street Tavern. (7:00)For additional listings, see our Calendar. Is there a…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 2, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 2, 2023

Best bet: Family Tree > Sly Fox’s Open Mic Jam @ Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs.If you're short a resolution, making a point to see Family Tree at Putnam Place would…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Jan. 1, 2023)

Mike Stampalia Jan 1, 2023

Best bet: The Berkshire Bach Society: “Bach at New Year’s” @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy.Celebrate the new year with the virtuosi of The Berkshire Bach Ensemble in…

Best of 2022: Mike Stampalia’s Sweet Sixteen Music Stories

Mike Stampalia Dec 31, 2022

After two Covid-devastated years, 2022 proved to be a most welcome return-to-almost-normal as far as the local music scene was concerned. There was plenty of local music to…

Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 31, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 31, 2022

Best bet: “Saratoga New Year’s Fest” @ Various Locations, Saratoga Springs.First Night, Version 2.0, with a focus on bigger named musical acts. Headlined by the Cowboy…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 30, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 30, 2022

Best bet: Hold On Honeys @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs.Hold On Honeys have made a lot of waves locally in a very short time. This New Year's Eve's Eve show promises to…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 29, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 29, 2022

Best bet: Blackcat Elliot / Black Belt Jones / Caffeinated Yolk @ Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs.Good triple bill in Saratoga tonight, with Blackcat Elliot, Greg Aidala’s…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 28, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 28, 2022

Best bet: “Jazz Jam” with Joe Barna @ 518 Craft, Troy.Monday's jam was such a success, they are doing two more - tonight and tomorrow. Read about Monday night's here.…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 27, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 27, 2022

Best bet: Sarah Lee Guthrie @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs.Sarah Lee, the youngest daughter of Arlo, is very much a 21st Century folksinger. As she put it herself,…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 26, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 26, 2022

Best bet: Family Tree > Sly Fox’s Open Mic Jam @ Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs.Tonight's Family Tree will be in memory of Frank Daley. Come celebrate his life. (7:00)…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 25, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 25, 2022

Best bet: "Jazz Vespers" with Max Caplan, Pete Toigo, and Nathan Schied @ First Reformed Church of Schenectady, Schenectady.Max Caplan (piano), Pete Toigo (bass), and…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 24, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 24, 2022

Best bet: Rockin’ Rob Christmas Eve @ Rustic Barn Pub, Troy.If you need a quick blast of live music before heading off to Christmas Eve with the family, stop over at the…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 23, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 23, 2022

Best bet: Samara Joy @ Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs.The 23-year-old earned two Grammy Award nominations this year, for Best New Artist and Best Jazz…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 22, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 22, 2022

Best bet: Carolyn Shapiro @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs.The reigning Eddies Award winner for Best Folk/Traditional Artist plays on her home turf tonight, with a full…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 21, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 21, 2022

Best bet: The 8th Step presents “Kim and Reggie Harris & Magpie Sing Solstice” @ Proctors (GE Theatre), Schenectady.A bright, warm, and wonderful musical celebration…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 20, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 20, 2022

Best bet: Quintocracy: “A Breath of Fresh Air, New Music by Women Composers” @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy.Join Quintocracy on the stage for an intimate…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 19, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 19, 2022

Best bet: “Super Dark Monday” with Nathan Meltz and the House of Tomorrow / Pony in the Pancake / The Sugar Hold @ Desperate Annie’s, Saratoga Springs.Mondays mean Super…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 18, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 18, 2022

Best bet: Tony DeSare “Home for the Holidays” @ The Strand Theatre, Hudson Falls.Local boy Tony DeSare closes out his three-day stand at the strand. This is a major…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 17, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 17, 2022

Best bet: “Jim-Bo-Ree Birthday Bash” with Super 400 / Sirsy @ Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs.Sure, it's Nippertown owner Jim Gilbert's birthday party. But it's also two…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 16, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 16, 2022

Best bet: “The Sounding Joy” with Natalie Merchant / Kate Pierson / Joan as Police Woman / Catherine Russell / Kat Wright & more @ Levon Helm Studios, Woodstock.…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 15, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 15, 2022

Best bet: Jack DeJohnette with Jon Batiste & Matthew Garrison / Roy Wood Jr. @ Ulster Performing Arts Center, Kingston.I absolutely love nights like this in and…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 14, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 14, 2022

Best bet: “The Lift Series” with Rajna and Utsav @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy.The LIFT Series returns. Sit right on stage with these two acclaimed performers for…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 13, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 13, 2022

Best bet: Jorma Kaukonen @ The Egg (Swyer Theatre), Albany.Pretty solid night of music choices around Nippertown, especially for a Tuesday. Legendary Jefferson…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 12, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 12, 2022

Best bet: “Super Dark Monday” with Bendt / Rhoseway @ Desperate Annie’s, Saratoga Springs.When in doubt on a Monday, head to Saratoga for the 1-2 punch of Family Tree at…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 11, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 11, 2022

Best bet: Danu “An Emerald Isle Christmas” @ Spa Little Theatre, Saratoga Springs.Hailing from Counties Waterford, Cork, Dublin and Donegal in Ireland, Danú is one of the…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 10, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 10, 2022

Best bet: “Here Comes Success - Iggy Pop / Stooges Cover Show & No Fun’s 1 Year Anniversary” @ No Fun, Troy.Better to ask who won't be there tonight than who will.…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 9, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 9, 2022

Best bet: Pokey LaFarge / Cicada Rhythm @ The Egg (Swyer Theatre), Albany.Great shows both upstairs and downstairs at the Egg tonight. The old-timey LaFarge is a…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 8, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 8, 2022

Best bet: “Jim Morrison - Absolutely Live” @ Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes.It seems to be "Tribute Night" around Nippertown, with tribute acts to Joni Mitchell, Tom Petty,…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 7, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 7, 2022

Best bet: Soweto Gospel Choir @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy.Comprising a line-up of some of South Africa’s best vocalists, these uplifting performers have shared…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 6, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 6, 2022

Best bet: Lindsey Stirling @ Palace Theatre, Albany.In the words of Lindsey: "It's going to be such a fun night - full of Christmas, full of sparkles, full of dancing..."…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 5, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 5, 2022

Best bet: “Super Dark Monday” with Shallow Waves / dblgoer / Proximity Crush @ Desperate Annie’s, Saratoga Springs.Mondays mean Super Dark. Tonight's version features…

Today’s Top Tips for Live Music (Dec. 4, 2022)

Mike Stampalia Dec 4, 2022

Best bet: David Bromberg Big Band @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy.Bromberg at the Bank never disappoints. With special guest Jack Broadbent. (7:00)Other…

Concert Review: Lucas Garrett @ Caffe Lena, 12/1/2022

Mike Stampalia Dec 3, 2022

SARATOGA SPRINGS - On Thursday, Lucas Garrett and his band took the stage at the famed Caffe Lena. The occasion was the official release celebration for his most recent…