Summer Begins As OGS Rolls Out The Empire State Plaza Concert And Festival Schedule

• by New York State Office of General Services

ALBANY, NY (06/25/2008)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner John C. Egan, Assemblyman John McEneny and Senator Neil Breslin came together today to officially kick off summer in Albany with the announcement of the 2008 At The Plaza summer schedule of Empire State Plaza concerts and festivals.

"OGS is pleased to again host this wonderful free concert series starting with the traditional Fourth of July festival," Commissioner Egan said. "This family-oriented concert series offers music and good times for people of all ages. OGS is looking forward to providing the public an entertaining summer in downtown Albany."

Assemblyman John McEneny said: "We are fortunate to be able to continue our tradition again this year of having events of interest to various ages, musical tastes and ethnic groups with all-day, afternoon and evening events."

Senator Neil Breslin said: "My family and I look forward to this concert series every year. This is a great chance to be outside and to enjoy some wonderful music. We are fortunate that OGS has lined up such terrific acts for this year."

The 2008 At the Plaza schedule is as follows:

Friday, July 4

2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Price Chopper's July 4^th on the Plaza

A Capital Region family tradition, this day-long holiday event will feature rock headliner John Waite, whose No. 1 Billboard hit - "Missing You" remains as popular today as it was when it topped the charts in 1984. Price Chopper Fourth of July at the Plaza promises fun for everyone including games, giveaways, music and great food. As always, the day is capped off with the best fireworks show in the region.

Sunday, July 13

Noon - 5 p.m.

GE's Kids Day with the Sippy Cups

The San Francisco-based, Sippy Cups, bring a high-energy, rock-and-roll experience to all ages. Flanked by giant puppets and juggling unicyclists, and Pogo-ing preschoolers, the Sippy Cups craft a pint-size version of a magical mystery tour. Also featured will be the music of Uncle Rock and kids of all ages will enjoy the talents of ventriloquist Sylvia and The Magic Trunk. The day will also provide a wide range of events for kids, including a kite building workshop and the ultra-smart and ultra-cool GE Scientists.

Wednesday, July 16

6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band in Concert

Featuring special guests Arrested Development and Danielia Cotton

Pedal steel guitar phenomenon Robert Randolph is brings his infectious sound to the Plaza stage. Fresh off tours with Eric Clapton and the Dave Matthews Band, Robert Randolph and the Family Band is poised to become the next great American band. Also performing is Arrested Development. It's been 15 years since they broke through with their lyrics of hope. Now they're out to change the world of music again.

Saturday, July 26

2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Plaza Music Fest featuring Cowboy Junkies

Also featuring with Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, The Mother Truckers and Rocky Velvet.

From their first shows in Toronto in 1985, the Cowboy Junkies have been a fan favorite, with a career the spans 11 studio albums. On tour to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of their breakthrough album The Trinity Sessions, they've redefine themselves with their latest release Trinity Revisited.

Wednesday, July 30

6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Swing Night with the Count Basie Orchestra and Royal Crown Revue

With special guest, Tony DeSare

Dance the night away to the sounds of the Count Basie Orchestra - 18 great jazz performers dedicated to upholding sound of Count Basie's sound. The Royal Crown Revue provides a unique blend of vintage sounds, style and fashion that created the blueprint for the entire neo-swing movement of the 1990's.

Saturday, August 2

Noon - 7 p.m.

African American Family Day, Celebrating the African Diaspora

Featuring The Temptations Revue featuring Dennis Edwards

Also onstage, the Mystic Jammers and a Community Dance Party with Solid Smoke

African American Family Day is dedicated to embodying Five Community Principles - family, love, peace, unity and respect. This year we welcome Motown legends The Temptations and the all-new Madison Avenue Block Party.

Wednesday, August 6

11 a.m. -10 p.m.

At the Plaza Food Festival

Featuring K.T. Tunstall with Leon Russell, Martha Wainwright and the Audiostars; Lunchtime music provided by Nite Train. This event features great music and food with more than 70 specialty vendors serving up your favorite lunch and dinner treats and this year, don't miss the new and improved Pride of New York Marketplace.

Saturday, September 13

3 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Hannaford Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Featuring Tiempo Libre , Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra and Hermanos Mariachi

Queridos Amigos.

Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with Grammy-nominated Tiempo Libre, one the hottest young Latin bands today. The Miami-based band has become known for their incendiary, joyful performances of timba - an irresistible, dance-inducing mix of high-voltage Latin jazz. Local favorite Alex Torres and the traditional Hermanos Mariachi are also sure to bring seductive rhythms and a time honored Latin sound to the Plaza.

All of the At The Plaza events are FREE at the Empire State Plaza, Madison Ave., Albany. Free parking in the East Garage is also available.

For more information on any of the above listed events call the OGS Special Events Office toll free at 1-(877) 659-4ESP or visit our new website at www.empirestateplaza.org.

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