Extreme Funk Down At Powers:

   I've been trying to book this band for the past three years. But they are just so darn busy, we couldn't get together on a date. 

   Like our local Refrigerators, this group has a similar reputation as the hottest party band in the NY Metro area. Check out their website or Facebook page for bio's, and general band info. Comprised of quite a few Berklee School of Music grads, this group is just so damned good. Tight musical arrangements, covers, original music, and the Wall St. Horn's --Wow! This is a don't miss show. 

   I've been Blogging quite a bit lately, and have a show at Prospect Park tonight, so I'll let you do the research on this amazing group of musical talent. Showtime on Saturday is at 6:00 p.m. There are no pets of any kind (except service dogs), allowed at the concerts.

   We'll be raising money for the 9/11 Memorial Committee this week, so bring your appetites, and a lawn chair for a great night of music with NY Funk Exchange --direct from Manhattan  -which you can no longer buy for $24 & some beads!

   Many thanks to our media sponsors, The Record, and WVCR, 88.3, The Saint for all the fantastic advertising this season.

  

Quiet As A Clam --I Don't Think So:

   The Standard Clam's will make their way to the Pavilion at Prospect Park on Friday night, at week # 3 of Troy's new Jazz series. Voted the top Jazz band in 2012 by Metroland readers, this group of veteran area musicians has been gaining wide spread recognition over their four years together.
   Playing standards by Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darrin, and Ray Charles, the band also infuses their own Jazz versions of popular rock tunes into the set list. The group is fronted by guitarist/singer Mike DeAngelis, of Hair of the Dog fame. Scott Apecelli mans the drums, Rob Cohen on guitar, with the eclectic Ed Tourge laying down the groove on bass guitar. 
   Showtime is at 6:30, with a 'No Pet' policy in effect for the weekly event. Festival food and beverages are available, as is a beer & wine bar, provided by RBC Jazz Club in Troy. Prospect Park Jazz is presented by Mayor Lou Rosamilia & the City of Troy. Media support and sponsorship is provided by The Troy Record, and WVCR, 88.3, The Saint. Info is available at, albanyjazz.com, & troyny.gov, or read more in Friday's Troy Record. Prospect Park Jazz is dedicated to Mrs. Georgia Urban --former Troy Record writer and Jazz enthusiast.

   FYI: Next week will be the final show of the short season. Showtime for the amazing Keith Pray will be at 6:00 p.m. 
    

Don't Go Changin --Rockin on the River Rocks:

   Rockin on the River continues it's stellar season tonight, with a first time Troy performance by headliner, Robert Eric -a Billy Joel Tribute artist. Robert's voice is dead on accurate in mimicking the voice inflections of Billy Joel. Backed by a fantastic group of musicians, the group promises to thrill fans, both young & and old.
   Tonight's opening act is solo performer, Rich Ortiz --recognized by many as being the #1 solo artist in the Great Northeast. Rich's 'white soul' is always a crowd pleaser. Show starts at 5 p.m. So join us tonight for all the fun and excitement, and come to Enjoy Troy.
   FYI: Beginning next week, Rockin on the River will be moving to Riverfront Park from it's present location.

See You On The Other Side My Friend:

   I try not to put personal things on my Blog, but a dear friend of mine passed yesterday and I need to say a few things about him. Gus Demars died in his chair on Monday, while just sitting there chatting with his lady of the past 37 years, Shirley Kelly. 

   He's been battling cancer for quite a while now, but stayed active with the Uncle Sam Day Parade Committee, as well as helping out with the weekly 50/50 raffle at the Powers Park Concerts. Gus served on the parade committee since day one, and was active in making people remember, and advocating for the Korean War vets. If Gus happened to enter the concerts while I was on stage with a live microphone, I would always announce his entrance --sometimes telling people he was the last remaining Civil, or Spanish American War vet alive. He always took my insults for what they were--me just joking with a friend.

   I used to tell Gus that when his time came, St. Peter would open up the pearly gates of Heaven for him quick so he could get away from Shirley faster. We had some incredible conversations over the 13 years I've been involved with the parade. I liked this man, I loved this man, and I respected this man. Like many veterans, Gus didn't like to get into details of certain aspects of war. But the stories he did share of his time overseas were fascinating, to say the least.

   I would sometimes call him, 'Cotton Hill', from a character on the TV show, King of the Hill. He never knew what the heck I was talking about, but would laugh, and raise a fist in mock anger at me  -cause he knew the remark was probably not a compliment! Gus and Shirley loved the attention I showered on them over the years, both from the Troy stages, and in this newspaper.

   The parade certainly won't be the same without him -same for the concerts. To his 8 children, along with my friend Shirley, my heartfelt sympathies go out to each and every one of you -- his family. Gus was hero in my book. I'll miss him a great deal.

Help Solve the Mystery - Support the Uncle Sam Parade:

We need you for two things:

1) To help support the upcoming Uncle Sam Day Parade.

2) To help us solve a murder --OJ may or may not assist.

Here's all the info:

What: Murder Mystery Dinner.

Title: Murder at the Wedding Reception  --performed by the Highlight Acting Troup

When: Friday, July 26.

Where: Italian Community Center -1450  5th Ave. Troy

Cost: $35 per person -tax deductible donation.

Details: 6 p.m. Italian buffet, beer, soda, and dessert. With a Silent Auction and 50/50 raffle.

So how do I buy a ticket Vito?

Just contact either Darlene Simpson ( 518 235-6533)/ darlenesimpson6@gmail.com, or call Nora Dwyer at, 518 527-1705

So join us this Friday for a night of good food, and quality entertainment --and help solve this whodunit. Help support the 38th Annual Uncle Sam Day Parade. Coming to you on September 15. Shirley Kelly or Gus Demars were not harmed in the production of this play!

Refrigerators Will Put The Big Chill In Powers Park:

   The gran-daddy of local horn bands, the Refrigerators, make their third appearance at Historic Powers Park this Saturday. Now in their 21st year of performing in the Great Northeast, the group continues to thrill local audiences, bringing them to a fever pitch with their rock solid, unmatched performances.
   Formed in 1992, the Refrigerators have become one of the most sought after bands ever to hit the local music circuit. Consistently voted 'Best Band' by many local music polls, the Refrigerators infuse funk, rock, and R&B with a driving rhythm section, powerhouse horns, and offer a kinetic stage presence. The result is something you need to hear and see for yourself.
   With their trademark high energy performances, they have earned  a spot on bills with such industry giants as the Village People, Average White Band, 98 Degree's, Joe Walsh, Government Mule, Sugar Ray, and KC & the Sunshine Band. 
   The Powers Park Concerts are presented by the City of Troy, along with health care provider WELLCARE. They are supported in part by Whitney Young Health/Troy, Snowman Ice Cream, Lansing Laundry, Beverage Barn, L& B Grocery, Advanced Auto Parts, Tri City Valley Cats, and the Friends of 112th St. Media sponsorship is provided by the Record, and WVCR, 88.3, The
Saint.
   There is a strict 'No Dog' policy in effect for each show, so leave Fido at home. This weeks 50/50 raffle will benefit the upcoming (Sept 15) Uncle Sam Day Parade. Deposit can donations will benefit Central Little League. Showtime is from 6 -8:30 p.m.
Make Powers Park in Lansingburgh your destination this weekend to enjoy this free show, with one of the Capital Regions most legendary bands. Join us and 'Enjoy Troy'!

Jazz Kick-off Tonight:

America's music takes over Prospect Park tonight with the first installment of the Prospect Park Series.
Everything kicks off at 6:30 with a performance by Groove Nouveau. Showtime is at 6:30 at the Prospect Park Pavilion. No Dogs or glass bottles are allowed/ Food & beverages are available. The series runs through August 9.