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.

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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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Twelve bands. Two days. One Tulip Fest.

Here’s the schedule:

Saturday
Main Stage
1 p.m. Royal Teeth
2:30 p.m. The Features
4 p.m. Silversun Pickups

Amp Stage
1 p.m. Tor & the Fjords
2:15 pm Olivia Quillio
3:30 p.m. Rick Rourke & Lost Wages
4:45 p.m. Bryan Thomas

Sunday
Main Stage
1:30 p.m. Annie & The Hedonists
3:30 p.m. Bennie and the Jets

Amp Stage
2:15 p.m. MaryLeigh & The Fauves
3:30 p.m. Dylan Perrillo Orchestra
4:45: Eastbound Jesus

Show you favorite band some love by voting for it in this poll by 3 p.m. today (Friday 5/10), the results of which will be published in Saturday’s print of edition of the Times Union.

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UPDATE: All-inclusive lawn tickets, at $15 plus fees, are on sale now through 10 a.m. Monday, May 6, at LiveNation.com and 1-800-745-3000.

ORIGINAL POST: The Rockstar Energy UPROAR Festival hits SPAC on Aug. 13, featuring Alice In Chains and Jane’s Addiction. Coheed and Cambria, and Circa Survive will also perform on the mainstage.

The Ernie Ball Festival Stage will showcase Walking Papers (featuring Duff McKagan), Middle Class Rut, New Politics, Danko Jones, Chuck Shaffer Picture Show and whatever band wins the Capital Region Ernie Ball Battle Of The Bands (details to be announced later).

The doors open at 2 p.m. Aug 13, and the show is slated to begin at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets go on sale at noon Thursday, April 25, and cost $20 for the lawn; $39, $49 and $59 for the amphitheater; and $85 for the pit. Tickets are available online at LiveNation.com, Charge By Phone at 1-800-745-3000 and select Walmart locations.

Richie Havens publicists have just announced:

Beloved folk icon Richie Havens died this morning in his home from a sudden heart attack. He was 72.

Havens first became part of musical history during his impromptu opening performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Best known for his distinctive intense, rhythmic guitar style and soulful covers of pop and folk songs, Havens toured and recorded music for over 40 years before retiring from the road 3 years ago. Beyond his music, those who have met Havens will remember his gentle and compassionate nature, his light humor and his powerful presence.

While his family greatly appreciates that Richie’s many fans are also mourning this loss, they do ask for privacy during this difficult time.

A public memorial will be planned for a later date

 

 

AmericanaramA Festival of Music — featuring Bob Dylan and his Band, Wilco, My Morning Jacket and Ryan Bingham — is slated to perform July 21 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, according to Dylan’s website.

Presale tickets are slated to be available beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27, and regular ticket sales are set for 10 a.m. May 3.

Ticket prices haven’t yet been announced.

 

The Silversun Pickups, an alternative rock band from Los Angeles, will be the headlining act at this year’s Tulip Fest in Washington Park.

Tulip Fest will be held from May 10-12 with the Silversun Pickups playing the main stage during Saturday’s afternoon concert.

The weekend’s free festivities will start at noon on May 10 when volunteers scrub the State Street at the intersection with Lodge Street.

The opening acts for Silversun Pickups on the mainstage on Saturday will be Royal Teeth and The Features.

The full music schedule:
Saturday
Main Stage
1 p.m. Royal Teeth
2:30 p.m. The Features
4 p.m. Silversun Pickups

Amp Stage
1 p.m. Tor & the Fjords
2:15 pm Olivia Quillio
3:30 p.m. Rick Rourke & Lost Wages
4:45 p.m. Bryan Thomas

Sunday
Main Stage
1:30 p.m. Annie & The Hedonists
3:30 p.m. Bennie and the Jets

Amp Stage
2:15 p.m. MaryLeigh & The Fauves
3:30 p.m. Dylan Perrillo Orchestra
4:45: Eastbound Jesus

Check out his backing band, Railbird.

Read past Sean Rowe coverage:
Review of Helsinki Hudson show in Feb. 2012.
Sean Rowe signs with Anti Records
Watch: Sean Rowe’s “American” video

By Kaitlyn Jasnica

The clock is ticking for “The Bomb.”

Albany singer-songwriter Olivia Quillio — who won the Times Union-College of Saint Rose Garage to Glory music competition in 2011 — has turned to Kickstarter to help fund the release of her debut album, “The Bomb.”

She has until midnight Friday March 1 to raise $3,500 through the online fundraising platform. As of 2:45 p.m. Thursday, she had raised $2,952.

“The eight songs from this album are the songs I won Garage to Glory with,” Quillio said. “It’s been a long time coming for this album, and I have a second one written already. I’m not the same girl that wrote ‘The Bomb,’ but people need to see that girl to see who I am now. Many people really liked the songs on the first album and have been anticipating its release.”

Although she spent two years recording the songs, Quillio still needs funds for more recording, mixing, mastering and printing (CDs and vinyl). Her music is a mix of folk-inspired lyricism and melodic jazz tonality played on ukulele and guitar.

Kickstarter is a website that helps people fund projects. If a person wants to help fund a certain project, they pledge money. Money will be charged only if the project reaches its funding goal.

After the person seeking funds sets a time frame to reach his or her goal, the date cannot be extended, and those who fall short of their goal receive nothing. Quillio is feeling a sense of urgency as her deadline nears.
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