Alive at Five kicked off its 10-week summer concert series last week, once again drawing thousands of those looking to get an early start to the weekend to Albany’s happening riverfront scene.
A notably more mature crowd was in attendance for 60’s and 70’s headliner band Felix Cavalier’s Rascals, who are known for their hits Good Lovin’, `Girl Like You,` `Groovin’,` `You Better Run,` and `A Beautiful Morning.`
This Thursday, June 14, American Idol winner Ruben Studdard is expected to draw a huge crowd of young and old alike, and on Thursday, June 21, 1970’s hit-makers ASIA, who recently reunited, will take the stage with all of its original members.
Robert Johnson, a big fan of the Rascals who says he’ll be back for Ruben Studdard, believes Alive At Five is the best event Albany has to offer.
`It’s free, the timing of the year is right where the weather is conducive most of the time, and the people are beginning to behave themselves and come and just appreciate the music,` he said.
Alive at Five was created by the City of Albany Office of Special Events and Volunteer Services, which also puts on the Tulip Festival, Albany Jazz Festival, Albany Winterfest, and The Father’s Day Pop’s Concert.
It has come a long way since 1990, first taking place on South Pearl Street every Friday night and attracting a crowd of a couple hundred. Yet, coordinators at Albany’s special events office saw bigger and better things for the event, and it was eventually relocated to the newly renovated riverfront.
Soon, thousands began making their way over the Corning Preserve Bridge to enjoy free music from local bands and internationally established artists, food from Albany’s favorite local vendors, beer, and fresh squeezed lemonade.
Now in its 18th season, and a winner of the 2000 Hospitality Excellence Award, the event has evolved into more than just a fun thing to after work.
For those seeking further late night excitement, Alive at five has created a whole new night out downtown. According to Sue Cleary, director of the Office of Albany Special Events, Pearl Street bar and restaurant owners have coined the term `Alive After Five,` to describe their thriving business after the riverfront festivities end.
`After 8 o’clock, 10,000 people continue their walk from our river front site across the bridge, to go and continue their weekend on a Thursday night,` Cleary said. Many people leaving Alive at Five eventually gravitate toward places like Jillian’s, McGeary’s, The Pearl, Blue 82, and The Skyline.
Chances are that Thursday nights will continue to look very good for these places this summer. Touting a great line-up of bands already scheduled for the month of June, Cleary says she doesn’t expect to see a slow night at all until the series ends on Aug. 16.
As far as Cleary’s concerned, there’s no big secret to Alive at Five’s success.
`It’s a summer, outdoor, free concert series,` she said. `What’s not to like?`
Alive at Five concerts will take place on Thursday evenings between now and Aug. 16. Opening bands begin at 5 p.m.; headliners go on at 6:30 p.m.; and shows end at 8 p.m. Concerts take place at Albany Riverfront Park in the Corning Preserve. For information, visit www.albanyevents.org/alive_at_five.“