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. Surplus Daughters – Feb. 2 @ Old Songs in Voorheesville, NY
Comprised of Magdalen Wulf, Amy Anders, and Carling Berkhoult, Surplus Daughters creates an intimate feeling through their music. The folk band has a classic sound that makes it seem as if you were sitting around a campfire listening to stories. Their music is meant to be listened to live, where you can truly appreciate their authentic and awe-inspiring skills in the banjo, the guitar, the fiddle, and vocals. Their harmonies evoke nostalgia and wonder while also making it seem as though they were letting you in on a secret. Surplus Daughters is a genuine group whose concert will make for a memorable experience.
4. Stealing Oceans – Jan. 31 @ The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY
Stealing Oceans is an alternative hip hop band that hails from Nashville, TN. Their deep messages about life, combined with a rap beat and subtle saxophone make for an energetic and thoughtful performance. Their songs always have a positive outlook, encouraging listeners to follow their dreams and live their best life. And it’s easy to tell that Stealing Oceans are following their dreams when you see the band play a show or do a music video.
3. Funky Dawgz Brass Band – Feb. 2 @ Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, NY
Funky Dawgz Brass Band is just what they sound like: a funk band that is good at making a crowd happy. A large group with two trombones, an alto sax, a tenor sax, a trumpet, a sousaphone and two percussionists, they have combined the spirit and traditions of New Orleans R&B with their own spunk and skills. Because of this, their live shows feel like more of a dance party or festival than a normal concert. The band has played backup for artists such as Dispatch and have toured internationally. They aim to connect, engage, inspire and rejuvenate music education in inner city schools across the nation, and in order to do this they give performances and master classes to students across the country. They are not only a band of talent, but also a band of passion with an awareness of their platform to help people understand the importance of music.
2. Young the Giant – Jan. 30 @ The Palace Theater in Albany, NY
The sound of Young the Giant, an Indie pop/rock band from LA, is not easily forgotten. From high energy songs that encourage the fight for freedom to more mellow love songs, their lyrics shine. They have a way of weaving together words and melodies to create an immersive and deep experience that is pleasing to the ear. In a way, it is like listening to a language that you don’t know, where, when rhymed, the words have a melodious flow. Their songs are the perfect choice for any mood; the blend that they have found of each member’s unique background, makes for an out-of-body listening experience, especially when live.
1. Sure Sure – Jan. 30 @ The Palace Theater in Albany, NY
Sure Sure is an Alternative band made up of Chris, Charlie, Kevin, and Michael. They combine the piano, synth and bass to bend music to their will. Most of their songs have an upbeat feel with piano riffs, or a more relaxed feeling with smooth baselines. Some of their more experimental music has a darker sound, but can still be considered easy listening. In some instances, they even sound similar to Portugal. The Man or Vampire Weekend, but in others they create their own timeless melodies. It is obvious that the Sure Sure — who hail from Los Angeles — are playing music because they love what they create. Don’t miss their show or their upcoming EP!
Photo from First Avenue