Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Congrats to Larry Campbell on his Americana Music Association Nomination

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

Unlike so many other award shows that seem to create dozens and dozens of categories in an effort to insure that almost everyone wins an award – yeah, we’re lookin’ at you, Grammys – the fourth annual Americana Music Association keeps their trophies valuable – if not positively precious – by only honoring musicians in a mere six categories.

The nominees have been announced for the 12th annual Americana Honors & Awards, which will held at the historically cool Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Wednesday, September 18. Jim Lauderdale will once again host the ceremonies, while Buddy Miller will lead the all-star band.

Among the nominees for Instrumentalist of the Year is Larry Campbell, who was previously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his multi-instrumental work in 2008, the same year that his longtime boss Levon Helm garnered the Artist of the Year trophy.

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Downtown Albany Blues Contest Winners Announced

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Videos by Dan Hogan

Downtown Albany was awash in the blues last Friday night, as 10 bands performed at eight different venues as they battled for top honors in the second annual Downtown Albany Blues Music Competition.

This year’s competition was based on a new scoring system – 50% of the vote was calculated by popular vote of the general public, while the other half of the point total was determined by the competition’s guest judge Steve Daub, a 2012 inductee into New York State’s Blues Hall of Fame and longtime radio host of WRPI’s “Stormy Monday Blues.”

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RIP: George Jones, 1931-2013

Friday, April 26th, 2013

The great country music singer George Jones died this morning at the age of 81…

READ: The New York Times obituary

Catskill Recording Studio Racks Up Honors

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013

Old Soul Studios racks up nominations in this year’s Independent Music Awards.

Kenny Siegal’s Old Soul Studios in Catskill has been recording some first rate records for more than a decade, but recently the studio snagged nominations in five different categories for this year’s Independent Music Awards.

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The City of Albany Considers New Legislation for Live Music Venues

Monday, April 1st, 2013
The Washington Avenue Armory

The Washington Avenue Armory

Story by Romulus Smyth
Nippertown Senior Investigative Journalist

The City of Albany is considering a bill to license establishments that offer live music. Through reliable but confidential sources, the senior investigative reporting team at Nippertown.com has gained access to drafts of this legislation.

Go here to read the complete bill. Below are excerpts from this legislation and some additional context from our sources. We urge all Nippertown readers to contact their government representative and share their thoughts.

1. “All performers must have names that clearly identify the kind of show they will perform.”

The authorities have trouble figuring out what kind of show bands named Ex-Acid Bath or 1 Through 10 actually do. Unless we know what they are up to, they may pose a menace to our community as well as our pets.

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Tonight’s Show Goes On at the Washington Avenue Armory

Friday, March 29th, 2013

The Washington Avenue Armory in Albany won a court ruling on Thursday when a New York State Supreme Court justice ruled in its favor against the City of Albany, allowing the Armory to resume hosting concerts inside the arena at the corner of Lark Street and Washington Avenue.

The decision by State Supreme Court Justice Michael C. Lynch blocks the city from shutting down large EDM dance parties at the armory – at least temporarily. The first win for the armory in the ongoing legal battle with the city over the shows, the stay of further proceedings precludes the city from enforcing the Board of Zoning Appeals’ decision which restricted the Armory’s ability to host concerts.

“Thursday’s decision by Justice Lynch isn’t just a win for the Armory, but it’s a huge victory for the arts and entertainment community here in Albany,” said Michael Corts, operating manager of the Armory. “We look forward to working with the city to identify any future concerns and to engage in a working relationship that benefits both the Armory and the city.”

The ruling allows for the Armory to host shows, including tonight’s Stuff Your Face With Bass: White Massive. Doors open at 7pm. All tickets are general admission and $25.

READ MORE:
Jordan Carleo-Evangelist’s story at The Times Union

Bits + Pieces

Friday, March 29th, 2013

Jazz saxophonist Brian Patneaude will be spinning platters and stepping up to the radio microphone on Saturday morning (March 30) for his annual tribute to the late saxman Michael Brecker. Listen in on DJ Bill McCann’s weekly “Saturday Morning Edition of Jazz” radio program on WCDB 90.9FM from 8-12noon on Saturday.

The Foundry for Art Design + Culture in Cohoes is launching of their latest cultural enterprise — Foundry Press, A Print Collective. Housed in the annex of the Cohoes Public Library, Foundry Press will provide letterpress printing and bookmaking services, classes and workshops, open studios and tours with the goal of furthering the craft of traditional printing and book arts.

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Goodbye, Bayou Cafe! Hello, Bayou Cafe!

Friday, March 29th, 2013

Mike Philip – formerly of Jillian’s – took over downtown Albany’s Bayou Cafe back in December, but now he’s decided to change the name to the Hollow Bar + Kitchen.

Meanwhile…

Ironically, Shane Spillenger – also formerly of Jillian’s in Albany – has just signed a lease to open a new Bayou Cafe at 2638 Route 9 in Malta, just north of Northway Exit 12. Spillenger is hoping to open the new Bayou Cafe by June.

And just for the record, Ralph Spillenger – yes, formerly of Jillian’s – is still at the helm of the original Bayou Cafe in Glenville.

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