(Photo taken from here)
Saratoga Springs’ many concert venues tend to feature up and coming artists who may not appear on your radar otherwise. While I believe there is nothing more fun than going to see new performers without any idea of who they are or what they sound like, it’s also nice to know what you’re in for before the opening song. Below is a comprehensive list of the performers coming to Saratoga this month, along with a brief description of their music and their most popular song on Spotify in date order. So, if you’re the type of concert goer that likes some background information and a little preview of the artist’s sound before attending a show, here it is!
The Big Takeover - Feb. 14 at The Flurry Festival at 7 p.m.
The Big Takeover is a Jamaican pop group from New York that puts a fun, upbeat spin on traditional reggae. Nee Nee Rushie, the band’s lead singer brings a swingy and soulful essence to the groups’ jazzy ska vibe. They will be playing at the Flurry Festival, a folk dance music event that features roughly 400 performers. With ample trombone, bass, saxophone, and drums, The Big Takeover creates an almost explosive experience that runs from the ears to the entire body. Their sense of retro rhythm with an emphasis on lighthearted, fun vocals against the backdrop of soaring instruments practically begs their listeners to dance around — which is why a dance music festival is so fitting for their sound.
The Ladybugs - Feb. 16 Caffe Lena 7 p.m.
The Ladybugs is a band of six led by Martina DaSilva. They utilize almost every instrument in existence to achieve their soft Sinatra-like sound. They cover songs by vocal jazz artists such as The Ink Spots, Louis Armstrong, and Peggy Lee. Even if you haven’t heard all the songs they cover (like me), The Ladybugs still produce sweet, swingy melodies and gorgeous vocals that definitely do the classics justice.
Low Lily - Feb. 20 at Caffe Lena 7 p.m.
Low Lily is a bluegrass group from Vermont that features a gorgeous blend of vocal harmonies and puts a pop-sounding twist on the typical structure of folk music. They were awarded “Most Wanted Band” in the 2016 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and are currently nominated for two New England Music Awards. Even if folky alternative music is not your typical go-to, I would still recommend checking them out at this event for their beautiful, seemingly effortless vocals that match their songs simple and light lyrics.