TROY — Craft beer and music will team up once again for a rocking night downtown; this time, Wurliday and Dark Honey will join forces for a bill of local talent next Thursday, Aug. 15.
The show, aptly named River Jams in honor of the Hudson River only steps away, is a collaborative effort between Brown’s Brewing Company and Ryan’s Wake. It will take place along the waterfront behind Brown’s Brewing Company, Ryan’s Wake and TRIP/RCHR at 417 River Street, Troy, NY.
There will be two sets, according to Wurliday general manager and guitarist Justin Henricks. One set will be a homage to Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Dark Honey will open the show.
“We are stoked to play with Dark Honey,” Henricks said. “This will be our one and only hometown show for the summer, so we are excited to get on stage.” Henricks added the band is especially excited for the shared bill because not only are the groups good friends, but there is also member crossover.
Dark Honey vocalist Jimi Woodul agreed with Henricks. “We feel super stoked to be on the same bill as Wurliday,” Woodul said. “It’s gonna be a terrific show, they are incredible musicians.” Woodul added the band is excited to rock hard, “maybe too hard…we will see.”
Event organizer Pearson Constantino, who is also Brown’s Brewing Company’s director of marketing and sales, is continuing to plan the show with the help of several people, including Jeff Morad of WEQX and Christine and Roger Sharp from HighPeaks.
“A lot of really great things happen when craft beer and live music come together; special bonds are made between the artists and audience, all accompanied by a beautiful beer to ensure those good vibes are interwoven and sealed on someone’s mind for a long time,” event organizer Pearson Constantino said. “This is a tradition for Brown’s Brewing Company, beer and rock ‘n’ roll. It just makes sense to us.”
Constantino explained how he and his team landed with Wurliday and
Dark Honey, each who have had success in the 518 music scene. Morad reached out about Wurliday wanting to do a Stevie Wonder tribute. Constantino immediately thought to reach out to his associates at Ryan’s Wake, and the concert was in the works almost instantly.
“…When an artist comes along and approaches us … if it makes sense, then we’ll give it a shot,” Constantino said. “But, our focus is truly on crafting the very best beer we can, pairing that liquid with a righteous meal, and providing a cool space to indulge in. If a live show makes sense like this Wurliday [and Dark Honey] hit, then it’s on.”
Wurliday, an Albany-based group, brings together six impressive talents from across the region for a fusion of soul and funk. The band has shared the stage with national acts The Meters and EnVogue.
Dark Honey, a group of three brothers and their childhood friend, has been making music since its members were children. It sticks to its roots and self-releases all of its music. After spending some time in the south, the band moved back north and now perform throughout the Capital District.
River Jams is strictly a 21-plus show with valid identification. Bicycles, lawn chairs, pets and outside food and drinks are prohibited. Ridesharing will be available at the event.
