At The Park Concert Series Returns To Downtown Albany

Summer Lunchtime Music Series Begins Sixth Season

ALBANY, NY (05/28/2008)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) brings mid-day entertainment to downtown Albany for the sixth consecutive year with its At The Park lunchtime concerts. The free, 16-week, outdoor series is presented by Citizens Bank and brings some of the area’s most popular performers to Ten Eyck Plaza on North Pearl Street to entertain downtown employees, residents and visitors throughout the summer. The concerts will begin Tuesday, June 3 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, and continue each week through Tuesday, September 16. (During the last week of July, the scheduled performance will take place on Thursday, July 31.) In the event of rain, concerts will be held on the Friday immediately following the scheduled performance.

“At the Park has become a signature downtown event and very popular with both the public and the musicians who perform here,” said Pamela Tobin, executive director of the Downtown Albany BID. “Ten Eyck Plaza is a wonderful summertime gathering place and the performances add a new dimension to the great quality of life within the district.”

Tuesday, June 3: Arc the Band

Arc the Band welds the sounds of rock, funk and blues with an earthly ramble of Americana music. They have gained critical acclaim for their superior song writing and live performances. Labeled “The Capital Region’s Most Promising Rock Band” by the Times Union, and “Best Live Band” by Metroland, they are sure to be a crowd pleaser. For more information visit www.Arctheband.com.

Tuesday, June 10: Maurizio

Maurizio describes his music as “folkified, refried rock.” Playing acoustic guitar, Maurizio blends most styles of music including rock, blues, alternative, country and folk music into his high energy performances. For more information visit www.thezo.com.

Tuesday, June 17: The Trapps

The Trapps are an adventurous American Rock and Roll Band led by Sean Schenker, Warren Gold, and Jason Sarubbi. They are self-described as “singer-songwriter meets jam band”. The Trapps have shared the stage with names such as Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd. The Hudson Valley Almanac said to “Enjoy The Trapps in tiny venues while you can.” For more information visit www.thetrapps.net.

Tuesday, June 24: Idette & the Sunrunners

Idette and the Sunrunners is a female fronted, five-piece band that plays all originals delivered in an incredibly tight sound and style. This unique band plays a mix of rock, blues, bluegrass, and funk music. When reviewed by the Times Union Idette and the Sunrunners were compared to the popular 1960’s band Jefferson Airplane. For more information visit www.IdetteandtheSunrunners.com.

Tuesday, July 1: George Kilby Jr.

George Kilby Jr. describes the sound from his three piece group as American roots music: original songs played with New Orleans flair. Kilby takes his sound from the traditions of Blues, R&B, and Country. Kilby’s astounding accomplishments include collaboration with the legendary Pinetop Perkins for the past 15 years, and taking his music from the road-houses of the Southeast to the major music festivals of Europe. For more information visit www.georgekilbyjr.com.

Tuesday, July 8: Happy Balky & the Good Livin’

Happy Balky & the Good Livin’ describe their music as Mountain-Pop – high-energy folk music that has been heavily influenced by bluegrass. They offer a refreshing sense of youth and energetic stage command to a genre where such is not typically found. For more information visit www.myspace.com/happybalkyandthegoodlivin.

Tuesday, July 15: Jump Daddies

The Jump Daddies play a mix of jazz, blues, and swing music that will get you on your feet. They are a four piece band led by vocalist TJ Ogle and play a variety of old and new swing music. For more information visit www.jumpdaddies.com.

Tuesday, July 22: Annie & the Hedonists

Annie and the Hedonists present a mix of blues, jazz, swing, folk, and country. The group features two married couples: Annie Rosen on lead vocals and Jonny Rosen on guitar and vocals; Steve Fry on guitar, mandolin, trumpet, keyboard, and vocals and Betsy Fry on bass and vocals. The band’s second CD, “Moonglow on the Midway” was ranked among the Times Union’s top ten “Best Local CDs” of 2005. For more information visit www.aberman.org/jonny/hedonist/.

Thursday, July 31: RumDummies

The RumDummies describe their music as “Swamp-jangle”, seamlessly combining pop and roots songwriting with the blues and world rhythms. From the late sixties urban blues scene of Providence, Rhode Island, to the outback of West Australia, to Hot Springs, Arkansas back to New York City, the RumDummies have combined their histories and experience to continue making great music. For more information visit www.RumDummies.com.

Tuesday, August 5: Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys

Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys play original up-tempo hard-driving Americana roots music specializing in authentic three-part vocal harmonies. The Times Union said "Gaudet takes a straightforward, honest approach to his music, infusing songs with a subtle, naked power that's breathtaking and heartbreaking." For more information visit www.jimgaudet.com.

Tuesday, August 12: The Reverberators

The Reverberators is a rock ‘n roll dance band formed in 2002 by Marty McDermott and Tom Holland. Known for their carefully arranged vocal harmonies, the group performs a varied mix of rock 'n roll juke box standards from the 50's through present day. Blues, ballads, rockabilly and a repertoire of original material round out their performances. For more information visit www.TheReverberators.com.

Tuesday, August 19: Mojo Magic

Mojo Magic plays classic rock with a twist, including unique four and five part harmonies. This talented six person band will be sure to get the crowd on its feet.

Tuesday, August 26: The Royals

The Royals are a tight rock band that fuses elements of classic rock with a hard hitting 90’s sound like the Black Crowes. They carved out their niche in the industry by writing and performing songs reminiscent of the glory years of rock and roll. The Daily Gazette said “their mix of Stones/Aerosmith grind and country-rock glide had newcomers gravitating across the lawn towards them.”

Tuesday, September 2: The Barefoot Boys

The Barefoot Boys are a string band that plays regional folksongs, mountain ballads, and instrumental medleys. They specialize in traditional music from the Hudson/Catskill/Adirondack regions, but occasionally mix in a sea song or ragtime tune. “Timeless songs, played with expertise, feeling, and a sense of humor”. For more information visit www.richbala.com/BarefootBoys.htm.

Tuesday, September 9: Rick Rourke and the Lost Wages

Born in Troy NY, Rick developed a love for Blues, Folk and Jazz that inspires his work today. Jennifer Layton of Indie-Rock.com described the result this way: “Rick Rourke has the soul of a grizzled poet. He plays down-home country flavored blues rock while telling stories and commenting on modern times... Rourke's as straightforward as they come, and his music is honest and passionate with sparks of quick humor and human drama.” For more information visit www.RickRourke.com.

Tuesday, September 16: Byrds of Prey

The Byrds of Prey are a self-proclaimed neo-classic rock and roll band featuring intense vocal harmonies. Their songs are diverse and sophisticated with a focus on rhythm and harmony. PYX 106 said “they kept the audience grooving throughout the night and had great original songs as well as popular covers.” For more information visit www.byrdsofprey.com.

The 2008 At the Park series is also underwritten by FYE with additional support from Price Chopper, Stewarts Shops, M&T Charitable Foundation and United Group of Companies. Media sponsors include Metroland Magazine, Times Union and WNYT/News Channel 13.

Metered parking is available on downtown streets near the Ten Eyck Courtyard. Convenient parking is also available at the Crowne Plaza parking garage (entrance on Pine St.) and the Columbia Street Garage, located two blocks east of the concert site.

For more information about the AT THE PARK concert series, call the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District at 518-465-2143 ext. 16, visit www.downtownalbany.org or stop by the BID’s office at 522 Broadway.

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About the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District The Downtown Albany BID, incorporated in 1996, is a private, not-for profit 501© (3) organization that works to restore, promote and maintain the character and viability of downtown Albany and to improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for all those who work in, live in and visit the Capital City. Ample public parking is available at downtown’s public garages, lots and on-street metered spaces. Metered parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all weekends. For information about the Downtown Albany BID, call (518) 465-2143 or visit www.downtownalbany.org.