By CHRIS SURPRENANT
Arts Editor
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 7, 2011
At this time of year, college students are returning to their studies, and are most likely already pulling their hair out. What’s a stressed-out college kid to do? Go to concerts, of course. On Fri. Sept. 9, the Empire State Plaza will be hosting the first-ever Local Legends Live concert series, showcasing great local talent from the Albany area.
Local Legends Live is a new addition to the At the Plaza Summer Series, and will present nine local bands from noon to nine at night. Groups such as The City Never Sleeps, Tom Evans Blues Band and Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned are each scheduled to perform an hour long set, giving the public a taste of what their area has to offer.
“There are so many talented musicians in the area, we wanted to put together a grass roots event showcasing the musical diversity that the Capital Region has to offer,” said Special Event Coordinator Jason Rumpf.
This was by no means a small undertaking. Rumpf and his associates partnered with several prominent members of the music industry in the Albany area, including Howard Glassman, owner of rock club Valentine’s, DJ Chris Wienk of WEXT 97.7, Mike Guzzo of the CRUMBS blog through Times Union and Metroland Music Editor Josh Potter. Together, they formed a committee, hand-selecting the homegrown bands.
Though a lot of planning has gone into the event, it was not difficult to get the bands on board.
“All the bands were really enthusiastic about the idea,” said Rumpf, “The most challenging thing was choosing the nine bands.”
The lineup this year also includes: John Scarpulla, Stray Dogs, Taina Asili y La Banda Rebelde, Barons in the Attic, Severe Severe, Charlie Watts Riots
Some of the bands performing have been around longer than others, and are looking to establish themselves as part of the Albany music scene. The City Never Sleeps has been working on their current lineup since last year, and have been working to play many venues in town.
“I’m hoping to network, play for, meet and hear new local bands and I’d expect anyone, musician or not, to find something they will enjoy at LLL,” said Dave Parker of The City Never Sleeps.
For college students looking for something to do over the weekend, this may be a great way to spend a Friday. The event is free and open to the general public and food and beverages will be sold. Spending the afternoon with music and food is the best way to wind down after a stressful week, while appreciating the great talent the area has to offer.
“I feel like it’s a good demonstration not only to the Albany community, but to the college students, of the talent and the caliber of musicianship in the Capital District,” said sophomore Brian Picente.
That sentiment is just what Rumpf is aiming for.
“I’m hoping they go away with the feeling that this was a great event and they can’t wait for it again next year,” said Rumpf.
Make sure to catch the first annual Local Legends Live concert on Friday, Sept. 9 from noon to nine pm at Empire State Plaza, and support all the talent the Capital District has to offer.
