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. Hartley’s Encore – Dec. 5 at the City Beer Hall in Albany, NY
Hartley’s Encore, a funk and soul band that formed in Albany, NY, whose mission is to make music that is equal parts the soundtrack to your Saturday night, and bacon for your Sunday brunch. Coming off of their debut EP, this group of musicians is having a blast playing their music. They always enjoy their time on stage, as seen in videos of live performances, and want to make sure that the audience is enjoying themselves as well. Their sound is groovy and easy to listen to while still being powerful with horns and saxophones. They are sure to put on a show that will make you happy to be there.
4. Bird Streets – Dec. 7 at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen in Albany, NY
Bird Streets is the name John Brodeur has chosen for his next step in the music world. He primarily plays indie rock music that tells stories of his life, with a sound that is similar to the Dave Mathews Band or the Barenaked Ladies. The constant bass strums and drum beats echo the constant progression of life, which he sings about in many of his songs. His sometimes-depressing messages are joined by more hopeful sounds and lyrics in following tracks, and most of his songs will end up giving you a nostalgic feeling due to the vibe they create. Bird Streets’ simpler yet full sound translates well into live shows; you won’t want to miss this!
3. The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow – Dec. 8 at The Linda in Albany, NY
The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow is a group of five singer-songwriters from Massachusetts who play Americana, rock, and folk music, all the while sharing their love of each genre with the public. In 2015, they were the subject of an award-winning short documentary titled the same name as their band. The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow are ultimately a group of good friends that just want to spread their love of music, their state, and good, well, whiskey. Their music consists of upbeat chords, and tell stories of different places and events, all overlaid with themes of love. Along with original tracks, the group covers songs from artists that they like. They are currently raising funds to record a second album so there is no better way to help than to go see them for yourself!
2. And The Kids – Dec. 6 at Jupiter Hall in Albany, NY
And The Kids is a group made up of four women who have begun to take the world by storm. Playing rock and indie music, the group was even featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, and have only grown in depth since then. Their most recent single displays their message of keeping control of your own life, with soft singing voices contrasting the harder electric guitar, giving a unique sound combination that is unlike other bands of today. They’ve somehow even mastered the art of making the listener feel both nostalgic even when they are listening to something completely new. Their live show promises to pull listeners in and transport them to another place. This is a show that would be a mistake to miss, especially because they are the openers for the next band on this countdown.
1. Rubblebucket – Dec. 6 at Jupiter Hall in Albany, NY
Rubblebucket are unlike any band I have ever heard. The indie-rock with some pop and funk band combine horns and saxes with darker lyrics, but can then switch sounds right in the middle of a song to be more introspective and almost hopeful. Other songs on their album are more dream-like, but all of them have one thing in common: they are all deeply personal to songwriters and exes Kalmia Traver and Alex Toth, who have had a myriad of experiences from successful tours and engagements, to breakups and cancer. They are incredible musicians that have continued working together through everything, and it is obvious that they put their hearts and souls into the amazing music they create. If not for the music or incredible story of Rubblebucket, be sure to get to this show for the dancing. As with the music, it is unlike anything else, yet it adds another dimension to the experience that makes it an incredible and completely incomparable experience.
Picture taken from rubblebucket.com