Four girls and one dude, Chic Gamine is a wicked, witty update on the quintessential ’60s girl group. The Canadian (Winnipeg and Montreal) combo first got together in 2007, as Ariane Jean, Andrina Turenne and Annick Bremault brought in drummer Sacha Daoud and singer Alexa Dirks to create this intriguing configuration. Since then, the group has opened for Smokey Robinson, toured with Marc Broussard, played the Vancouver Olympics and earned two Juno (Canadian Grammy) nominations.
The music, featuring just vocals and drums, sounds wonderfully retro, from the early ’60s ooh, ooh, ohh of “Closer” or “Days and Days.” And there is certainly no need for more than these sweet, wicked and witty sounds.

Opening are regional favorites Olivia Quillo (who dropped out of college to pursue songwriting) and Maryleigh Roohan (Metroland’s best female songwriter 2012), who both play in the band Babe City.

— David Malachowski

Chic Gamine, 9 p.m., Red Square, 388 Broadway, Albany, $12, 465-0444 http://www.redsquarealbany.com

And, check it out, concert promoter Greg Bell is offering a money-back guarantee:

The summer season of entertainment at the Empire State Plaza begins Wednesday night with a concert featuring the Zombies (with opening act Et Tu Bruce).

One thing that is new this year, besides the higher number of acts than last year, is the policy on what can be brought onto the Empire State Plaza grounds.

People will not be allowed to bring in their own alcoholic beverages, coolers or glass containers, the Office of General Services has announced in an email interview. Visitors should also be prepared that any bags, containers or packages will be subject to search. On a further note, animals and pets are not allowed, unless the animal is an ADA-defined service animal.

Vendors will be on the plaza selling food and alcohol.

If you go

The Zombies With Et Tu Bruce

When: 5 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Empire State Plaza, Albany

Admission: Free

Info: 877-659-4377; http://www.ogs.ny.gov

Concert promoter Step Up Presents has announced that “due to unexpected illness,” Social Distortion is cancelling tonight’s concert at Upstate Concert Hall.

Refunds will be available at point of purchase.

For more information, visit the Upstate Concert Hall website.

As you should know by now, Willie Nelson sat down with Steve Barnes Thursday to talk about the upcoming Farm Aid concert on Sept. 21 at SPAC. You can read the full article here.

We think this is a really big deal, and great for the Capital Region. Right now, though, we want to know: Which act are you most looking forward to seeing.

[poll id=”118″]

By David Malachowski

When it comes to music, summertime is when heavy hitters go on tour to perform at large venues for the masses.

You can drop a whopping $353 for Thursday’s Andrea Bocelli concert at Times Union Center. That is the top ticket price. But, hey, you also get Fantasia Barrino and even the hometown singing sensations, Albany Pro Musica. Tickets for mere mortals start at $58, by the way.
By comparison, the top price for next Wednesday’s Fleetwood Mac show (also at Times Union Center): $122 (plus fees, etc., etc.).

Some of the most expensive tickets this summer, though, are in the special VIP packages for the Sept. 5 Maroon 5 show at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. What does a VIP get? In addition to prime seating in the first 10 rows, the ticket-buyer gets goodies (such as a gift bag and T-shirt) and, on the upper end, a pre-show reception. Top ticket price? $500.

Summertime, however, is also when a spate of free shows fill public parks across the greater Capital Region. So here, for the budget-conscious rocker, are some recommendations of the best in music you can experience for the low, low price of free.

Southside Johnny
& The Asbury Jukes
If Bruce Springsteen is the conscience and Bon Jovi the look, then Southside Johnny is the heart of Jersey Shore music. The lesser known of the three, Neptune, N.J., native John Lyon is considered the grandfather of the New Jersey sound. Jon Bon Jovi has said that Southside is his reason for singing. Songs like “I Don’t Want To Go Home,” “Fever” “Hearts of Stone” and “Talk To Me” helped define the scene, and though the soulful horn-driven sound was eclipsed by his more famous brethren, it still has a sense of romance and mystery that is always a joy to hear. The Troy River Street Festival headliner performs after festivities start at 10:45 a.m. with funky Jacamo, reunited Troy rockers Emerald City and one-man band Rich Ortiz, while the local stage holds chanteuse Erin Harkes, blues duo Holly & Evan and intriguing songstress Molly Durin. 4 p.m. SaturdayJune 15, River Street Festival, River Street from Fulton to Congress Street, Troy, http:.//www.downtowntroy.org

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