Park News Article
Nine Must-See Live Shows Coming to Albany in September
August 14, 2023
Summer may be coming to an end, but the thriving live music scene of Albany is still going strong! This month features the return of the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival, the first annual Born Dead Metal Festival, and plenty of new acts and returning favorites. From world-famous artists to up-and-coming acts, September is shaping up to be another amazing month full of diverse and memorable concerts. And for those traveling downtown, safe and convenient parking is available nearby at our three centrally located parking garages just a short walk from your destination.
9/2: Born Dead Festival – Day 1 with Hatebreed at Empire Live
The Born Dead Festival makes its debut in Albany this month, bringing an absolutely stacked lineup of national and local hardcore/metal bands to Empire Live and Empire Underground over three action-packed days. Saturday’s headliner features the legendary Hatebreed, renowned hardcore titans who have carved out their place as one the most well-known metal collectives to ever come from the East Coast. Formed in 1994, this Grammy-nominated quintet from Connecticut is known for their chaotic live shows and their massive cult following. Thanks to their eight critically acclaimed studio albums and precise fusion of hardcore with beatdown and metalcore, Hatebreed’s legacy and impact on the heavy music simply cannot be ignored.
9/7: The Psychedelic Furs at The Egg
A staple of the UK post-punk scene, The Psychedelic Furs are back again in Albany! After rocking Empire Live last March with a 17-song career-spanning setlist, these London rockers are set to rock the Capital City all over again, this time taking on The Egg. Formed in 1977, this six-piece ensemble quickly rose to fame following the success of their self-titled debut album in 1980, which introduced elements of art rock and vocalist Richard Butler’s signature use of recurring motifs and sarcastic vocal delivery. The Psychedelic Furs continued to grow their post-punk/new wave sound and tour until their hiatus in 1992, taking eight years off before regrouping in 2000. Since then, this group has toured worldwide and achieved recognition as one of the United Kingdom’s most prolific post-punk outfits. With co-headliners Squeeze joining the bill, fans of British rock are to love this energetic show at the Empire State Plaza’s iconic venue.
9/9: The 2023 Albany Jazz Festival at Jennings Landing
This year marks the 21st annual Albany Jazz Festival at Jennings Landing, a city-wide favorite that brings world-class jazz musicians from all over the world to the Hudson Riverfront. Each year, this engaging event draws thousands of jazz enthusiasts and after nearly 8 hours of dance-worthy live music, the evening is capped off with amazing fireworks over the scenic Hudson River. Located just over the pedestrian bridge connected to our Riverfront Garage, parking is easier than ever for this vibrant event by the City of Albany! This year’s exceptional lineup features live performances from the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band, The String Queens, Roni Kaspi, Ashley Keiko, plus Kevin McNeal and Blueswing! Each Jazz Festival features the biggest names in jazz, plus rising stars on the scene, both of which consistently put on an awe-inspiring show at Jennings Landing. And let’s be honest: incredible music plus an afternoon along Albany’s scenic waterfront is always a great time, and you won’t want to miss this amazing annual event!
9/15: After The Burial at Empire Live
After The Burial is arguably one of the biggest acts in progressive metal, and they’re slated to take on Empire Live and kick off another eventful weekend in Downtown Albany with a bang! Hailing from Minnesota, this quartet formed in 2004 and have churned out six mind-bending studio albums that infuse progressive elements into metalcore, djent, and deathcore. Consistently delivering dizzying rhythmic arrangements behind crushing vocals, After The Burial has cemented their unique musical style in the metal community for years and are considered key figures in the development of progressive metalcore and djent. Before the show, be sure to park at the nearby Quackenbush or Riverfront Garages and grab a bite and a pint before this high-octane concert featuring support from special guests Alpha Wolf!
9/15: Julian Lage at Lark Hall
Renowned guitarist Julian Lage has been a driving force in the world of jazz since he was only eight years old! In 1996, Lage was featured in a short documentary titled “Jules at Eight”, highlighting his prodigal talents and building his fame which later led him to perform at the 2000 Grammy Awards at 12 years old. And only three years later, he became a faculty member at Stanford University’s Jazz Workshop! It’s sufficient to say that Lage is a world-class talent, and his recent albums “Squint” and “Views With A Room” have been met with critical acclaim within the jazz community. Take a trip uptown to vibrant Center Square, enjoy dinner and drinks along Lark Street, and head to the intimate quarters of Lark Hall to experience Lage’s extensive discography during an unforgettable evening in Albany. Driving to the show? Parking is free in nearby Washington Park!
9/18: The Melvins at Empire Live
Get ready to slow it down and sludge it up at Empire Live when The Melvins hit the stage during the “Twins Of Evil” Tour! The rock keeps on coming in Downtown Albany, and this show is sure to be incredible. The Melvins are a quirky trio known as one of the nation’s most influential rock bands, boldly paving the way for the proliferation of both sludge metal and grunge in the United States. Consisting of Buzz Osborne, Dale Crover and Steven Shane McDonald, this group formed in early 1983 and have crafted a unique sound of slow, downtuned guitars that have influenced a slew of West Coast grunge acts and nationwide metal bands. It seems if you put sludge metal, grunge, experimental rock, noise rock, and punk rock in a blender, the result still wouldn’t be able to properly define The Melvins’ unique sonic achievements and legacy over the past 40 years. This magnificent Monday show also features co-headliners Boris, completing the other half of the “Twins Of Evil” Tour featuring support from special guests Mr. Phylzzz!
9/17: Of Montreal at Lark Hall
They’re not quite from Montreal, but this Georgia quartet brings an infectious stage presence that you’ll have to see to believe! Fans of flashy, psychedelic-infused pop are in for a treat with this unique ensemble, known for their heavy inspiration from 1960s psychedelic pop acts. Of Montreal was formed in 1996 and have established themselves as an enchanting act that not only offers dramatic performances, but an ever-changing sound that draws from a different set of influences for each new album. Concertgoers can expect pop, funk, R&B, electropop, and plenty of psychedelia infusion along the way during this special performance at Lark Hall, located right around the corner from an array of diverse dining and nightlife options to enjoy before and after this electrifying show. Need parking before the show? Parking is free along nearby Washington Avenue after 5:00pm and all day on weekends!
9/22: Blue October at The Egg
It just makes sense that a venue as dynamic as The Egg welcomes a band as dynamic as Blue October, right? This Texas quintet is slated to deliver their powerful alternative rock in the Hart Theatre between the release of Parts 1 & 2 of their double album “Spinning The Truth Around”. Blue October’s recent acclaimed release was partially co-written with Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, with one of their singles even causing a delay in the release of Part 2 due to its massive impact on the Top 40 Rock Charts! From their formation in 1995 to today, Blue October has been nothing short of a powerhouse, churning out 11 studio albums and enthralling fans of art rock, post-grunge, shoegaze, and synth-pop along the way! Experience this distinctive band in the “Hart” of Albany this month and be sure to unwind with dinner and drinks at an amazing local establishment beforehand.
9/28: Yelawolf at Empire Live
Channeling his experiences growing up in the southern United States, rapper Yelawolf brings a unique style of hip-hop that few have been able to replicate. Michael Atha, better known as Yelawolf, describes himself as someone representing the people at the core of America, detailing experiences associated with rural poverty and working-class living through masterful, creative storytelling. His renowned gritty delivery has been described as ranging from “beer-swilling rowdiness to a crawling, contemptuous sibilance”. Since his career began in 2005, Yelawolf has risen to fame through sixteen releases and the founding of the “Slumerican” record label. This rousing show brings supporting acts Caskey and Cowboy Killer to the bill, creating an electrifying show that fans of hard-hitting, gutsy rap will absolutely love. And don’t forget to park at the nearby Quackenbush or Riverfront Garages and enjoy dinner and drinks downtown before you rage with one of America’s most unique hip-hop acts at Empire Live.
