The special events season will kick it up a notch this week, with the kick off of Troy Pig Out, Powers Park Concert Series, and another high energy local music showcase at Rockin on the River.
Rockin on the River has been drawing its largest crowds ever this season, with its combination of national touring tribute’s, and top local entertainers. The ball keeps rolling on July 8, with two of the area’s biggest names in local music, Blue Hand Luke, and Super 400 joining the party. Both groups have long been staples of the local scene. Blue Hand Luke features Mick Jagger reincarnate, Tommy Love on vocals, with the enigmatic, well-traveled sax man, Luke McNamee leading the charge. Super 400 changed the face of the local music scene in the 90’s, by bringing national attention, and recognition to the Collar City. This show will be held under the Green Island Bridge behind Ryan’s Wake, beginning at 5 p.m.
Now in its eighth year, the annual Troy Pig Out on July 11th, will challenge barbeque masters from across the Northeast to duke it out for the top prize in the categories: Best Pulled Pork, Best BBQ Chicken, Best Pork Rib, Grand Champion, Mayors Choice and the Dinosaur BBQ People’s Choice Pork Rib Contest. The event is an official Empire State competition, sanctioned by New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo. This year’s edition will kick off at 10 a.m., on July 11, with the music beginning at 11 a.m., offering a mixed bag of entertainment. Appearing will be John Pipino, Holly & Evan, the Matt Mirabile Band, Super 400, and Capital District favorite party band, The Refrigerators. For the tentative schedule of Pig Out events, visit downtowntroy.org
The Powers Park Concert Series will be entering its 12th season on July 11th. At its first show in 2004, the event drew 35 – 50 people. Last season, over a two week period, more than 4,000 music lovers filled the historic park. Dubbed, ‘SPAC for the Burgh’, the lawn chair concerts now attract people from as far away as Western Massachusetts, and Southern Vermont for select shows. The relaxed atmosphere of the gated, historic park offers music lovers a chance to kick back and enjoy a hot summer night, listening to some of the top entertainers in the Great Northeast. This year’s schedule, as always, offers a journey across the borders of different musical genres.
Everything kicks off on July 11, with a tribute to the great Jimi Hendrix, performed by master guitarist, Jimi Graham. Funk ‘n’ Soul night comes to Powers Park on July 18 with The Getdown, making their first appearance at the park. Al Bruno returns to Powers for his 12th appearance at the series, headlining ‘Oldies Night.’ Bruno is the only performer to have played the series every year since it began. The electric, Chris Dukes will headline, ‘Indie Rock Night’ on August 1. The area’s #1 Classic Rock band, Emerald City makes their fourth appearance on August 8, featuring the unmatched, three guitar tandem of Joe Mele, David Costa, and Gary Tash. Horn bands seem to come and go in this area, but for the past 22 years, the undisputed king of party bands — The Refrigerators have kept it going strong. They make their fifth appearance at the series on August 15. Athena Christian & Lady Strange make their first stop at the concert series on August 22, for ‘80s and ‘90s Rock night. All of these shows begin at 6 p.m. Country Night comes back to the park on August 29, with Courtney Shayne Carl performing a tribute to the great Patsy Cline at 4 p.m., with Big Sky Country filling the bill at 6 p.m.
Adding to the allure of the series, a weekly 50/50 raffle is held to benefit local not-for-profits. There are no pets allowed at the event, but coolers are. Festival food’s and non-alcoholic beverages are available at each show. So join us for all the fun and excitement each week through the summer at the Home of Uncle Sam. Enjoy Troy!
Vito Ciccarelli is Troy’s Special Events Coordinator by day and WVCR radio disc jockey by night. He shares news on all the events happening at the home of Uncle Sam.
