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. Screaming Females – Oct. 28, Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park, NY
The Screaming Females are primarily a Rock n’ Roll/Punk band that originated in New Brunswick, NJ. Marissa Paternoster is the lead vocalist and guitarist along with Mike Abbate on the Bass and Jarrett Dougherty on drums. The band has been together for over a decade and are fresh off of their sixth album. Their latest music has been tailored to add energy and spontaneity to the live shows. And so far, people have been loving it. Paternoster has a deeper, slightly raspy voice that compliments the harder hitting drums and guitar riffs well. As a whole, the group has gotten more experimental and have been breaking barriers with their music — but what they produce is still recognizable as Screaming Females’ sound — edgy and unapologetic, like what a good underground band should sound like — which has only been possible from their dedication t. This promises to be a lively and exciting show.
4. Rotem Sivan Trio – Oct. 25, Troy, NY
Rotem Sivan Trio is an experimental jazz band from Manhattan, NY. The lead man, Rotem Sivan, was born in Israel, and completed his studies in both classical composition and performance with honors in Tel Aviv and NYC. Sivan and his band members — Nathan Ellman-Bell and Chris Gaskell — tour the world playing in famous and exclusive festivals and clubs. Their music is based in jazz, but Sivan experiments and creates sounds similar to rock or other classical music styles, which gives a very modern feel to the music as it flows over the listener and surrounds them with rhythms that vary from fast to slow, complimenting their signature guitar riffs. While Rotem Sivan Trio is a classical group — yes, that means no singers — their sound is still easily accessible and interesting. Their music has a way of becoming whatever you want it to be. This concert will be a special experience for anyone that attends.
3. The Big Takeover – Oct. 27, The Linda in Albany, NY
The Big Takeover is a Reggae/Ska band that hails from New Paltz, NY. NeeNee Rushie, the lead singer and songwriter, was born in Jamaica which influences the band’s relaxed sound that is good for easy listening. Their songs have the classic reggae beat, but also contain a heavy Motown influence that is unique and memorable, adding another layer of listening to each song. Much like Bob Marley and classic Motown bands, the group heavily uses horns and saxes — making their music not only soulful, but transcendent. But even with all of these influences, their music is completely their own. Although much of their music is relaxed, there are some songs that have faster beats and are more reminiscent of traditional pop songs. The Big Takeover’s wide musical range makes for a great concert to attend, and you won’t be disappointed.
2. Dark Honey – Oct. 26, The Hollow in Albany, NY
The Indie Pop/Rock band Dark Honey is a hidden gem. Comprised of three brothers and a childhood friend, the group has been making music together since they were kids. Dark Honey, which has similar vibes to Vampire Weekend or The 1975 (in both their rhythms and lyrics) writes songs that draw inspiration from the “rough things” in life, characterizing the moments they fell flat on their face with grave detail, never shying away. The lead singer has a smooth tenor voice that complements their use of the bass guitar very well. Dark Honey’s music would be a great addition to a fall Sunday afternoon playlist. They are incredible at making a connection with an audience, making you feel whatever they want you to feel.
1. Billy Wylder – Oct. 27, Wolf Hollow Brewing Company in Schenectady, NY
Billy Wylder, an indie band with rock and folk influences, is comprised of four members, with Avi Salloway as the lead singer and band leader. Before starting Billy Wylder, Salloway was touring the world with musicians from around the globe, including Bombino, a guitarist from Niger, Africa, who influenced much of the debut album from Billy Wylder. Together, the band members have performed across five continents, playing in revered buildings such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, as well as at festivals like Coachella. Their music and lyrics are reflective of life: showing the highs, with bouncier beats and happier lyrics, and the lows, with slower moving chords and more melancholy lyrics. Together, the group of friends have poured their souls into the music in order to really make it accessible for listeners, but to also draw attention to environmental issues and other points of activism that they are interested in. The band’s connection with each other shines through with their connection to the audience, which makes for a special and intimate concert every time.
Photo taken from fishercenter.bard.edu