(Photo courtesy Michigan Radio)
Every week in Saratoga and the surrounding region, there are countless concerts, from unknown bands to pop stars on the radio. Here are the top five concerts in and around Saratoga Springs this week.
5. Girl Blue – Mar. 2 at The Linda in Albany, NY
Raised on an assortment of music from classical piano to hip hop, Arielle O’Keefe has a variety of influences and backgrounds. As a performer and songwriter, she is able to combine her love for singing with her unique production skills to create a blend of pop, R&B, and soul for the stage. Along with her original music that she produces as Girl Blue, she also makes covers, one of the most popular being “Dreams,” originally by Fleetwood Mac. Her reinterpretation of the song stays true to the Mac, while adding her own flare that sets her version apart from other covers and artists. O’Keefe also performs acoustically, which highlights her skilled vocals and guitar playing.
4. MIRK – Mar. 1 at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen in Albany, NY
MIRK has a way of combining sounds that seem like they shouldn’t go together, but somehow always work — like combining jazz saxophone with synths and a rap break. Credited with producing music for Jay-Z, Ciara, and many others, Joshua “Mirk” Mirksy started the band and began writing and producing music at the crossroads of pop, soul, rock, R&B, and hip hop. The band’s older music has more of a rap and rock beat, with an array of guitar sounds and building choruses of multiple people singing together. This has evolved into more synths and a darker, slightly more mature sound, with more pop-influenced percussion and choruses. The music is still entirely unique and does not seem like something that would be played on the Top 40.
3. Chestnut Grove – Mar. 2 at Gugs in Glens Falls, NY
Chestnut Grove is a band that plays rock and country, but dabbles with other genres as well. The talented musicians can switch the way they play on a dime and create a completely different feeling than the moment before. They are incredibly fun to see live and are in tune with the audience, making their live experience as enjoyable as possible. Chestnut Grove describes themselves as the cast of “Stranger Things,” but in their mid-twenties. The group has been friends since high school, and just want to jam and share their love of music with others. The passion with which they perform is evident and makes the shows a special experience.
2. The Greeting Committee – Feb. 28 at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen in Albany, NY
This alternative, rock, and pop band hailing from Kansas City, MO brings good, oddly nostalgic, and lively music to the table. Each song seems like it would be perfect for the soundtrack of an indie movie. Their harmonies and melodies fold together to create a sound that is easy to get lost in and forget where you are, resemble a bit of Vampire Weekend. Each song is a different story with clever lyrics that are great to analyze, or put on for easy listening,. Their live energy is incredible, and provides for great dancing, making The Greeting Committee a show that would be a shame to miss.
1. The Accidentals – Mar. 1 at The Linda in Albany, NY
The Accidentals, composed of Katie Larson, Savannah Buist, and Michael Dause from Traverse City, Michigan, have quite the impressive track record — they were named by many publications as a top band to watch between 2015 and 2017. Blending indie and folk together, the band recorded three albums, were guest artists on fifteen others, and had songs in multiple movies, documentaries and commercials, all before graduating high school. After they graduated, they went on to open for many musical greats (Andrew Bird, Brandi Carlile, Rusted Root, and many more), score operas and orchestras, and sign a major record deal. Their use of strings, vocals, and percussion creates a refreshing sound that can portray a range of emotions and show their love for what they do. These incredibly talented musicians are not ones that you will want to miss.