ALBANY — Whatcha doin’ Saturday, Sept. 19, say around 1 p.m.?
COVID-19 has taken away Alive at Five, Eastbound Throwdown, and a ton more live shows we’re accustomed to seeing around these parts. Players of the local scene have taken shows to the internet to bring the music back to fans, and that’s what’s happening tomorrow.
WEQX has curated a list of local favorites to take the virtual stage. It’s not Caroline Rose leading a crowd through Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” with her grade school recorder, but it’s the next best thing. The caliber of talent speaks to the depth of our scene, considering the independent radio station often scours the national landscape to select up-and-coming artists each year. This show promises to not skip a beat.
MIRK
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This year’s fest begins with MIRK’s soulful, R&B tunes to help slide us into the day. “Sense” was a gem of an album and was considered one of the best releases of 2018. Josh Mirsky is everpresent in Albany, and his Foster House Studios has helped many locals artists along the way.
That makes for a good segue…
Victory Soul Orchestra
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Victory Soul Orchestra is a powerful, nine-piece band that features an energetic horn section that adds the oomph to its high-energy act. In recent years the funk band has added a layer of hip-hop to its repertoire with the help of JB! aka Dirty Moses. The two have been inseparable the past two years and the pairing has produced amazing results.
Wild Adriatic
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Immensely popular, Wild Adriatic is familiar with all stages, big and small. The Eddie Award-nominee often tours throughout the year, and plans an annual festival at The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls, but COVID put the clamps on that. Personally, I’m looking forward to the chance to hear them perform “Cooperstown.” It’s kind of on our “Rolling out the 518” Spotify playlist for a reason.
Eastbound Jesus
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The 518 was robbed the opportunity to hear “Grapplin’ Greg” from every local stage. The track off the band’s 2020 release “Full Moon Over Salem” pays tribute to Guthrie/Bell Production’s Greg Bell. And, if not from The Palace or Cohoes Music Hall, then at least at Eastbound Throwdown. Nonetheless, Mirth Films captured the band as it performed in the second episode of Palace Sessions. This six-piece Americana rock band seldom fails to get people up and dancing.
Watch from the comfort of home, or make your reservation to experience the live stream from Downtown restaurants while enjoying dining and drink specials. For more information and a list of participating locations visit Downtownalbany.org/pearlpalooza
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