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SCOTIA – Summer concerts return to Freedom Park in Scotia next month, with performances by the Screaming Orphans, Erin Harkes, Ally the Piper, Joe Adee &The Lug Nuts and others.
The first show is set for Wednesday, June 21 with the Celtic rock group the Screaming Orphans. Performances continue Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer. They’re held rain or shine starting at 7 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater on Schonowee Avenue, Scotia across from Collins Park. Additionally, Joe Adee & the Lug Nuts, a southern rock Americana band, will perform on Friday, June 30 before Jumpin’ Jack’s annual fireworks display.
The music won’t be the only thing in the spotlight this season.
“This year, we are very excited to not only offer some of the best bands in our area but prior to a few of the shows we will hold free dance lessons,” said Cathy Gatta, Freedom Park Foundation Board president and entertainment director.
The Albany Swing Dancers will be teaching 60’s dance moves at the Big Fez & the Surfmatics show, and beginner jitterbug lessons at The Lustre Kings concert. Other dance lessons include Robin’s Renegades teaching line dancing before Skeeter Creek and Felix Ortiz from BailaAlbany.com teaching salsa lessons at the Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra show.
The 2023 season also features 11 new groups to the Freedom Park stage, including Harvest & Rust – a Neil Young Experience, the Capital Region Wind Ensemble, Taina Asili an Afro-Latin reggae & rock fusion artist, country-blues band the Red Haired Strangers and more.
“For the kids, we’re bringing back The Puppet People who will be performing ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ and another show that we’re very excited about is Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza on August 20,” Gatta said.
A Guinness Book of World Record holder, Boyer will present a show featuring bubble rainbows with people inside, volcano bubbles, and gigantic bubbles that blow their own bubbles. With comedy, music, and lots of audience participation, it’s set to be a sensory-friendly bubble extravaganza.
Attendees are encouraged to bring low chairs or a blanket to use within the outdoor amphitheater. Parking is available in Collins Park, and the Foundation asks that eventgoers not park in the Jumpin’ Jack’s restaurant parking lot.
Here’s the 2023 schedule:
Wed., Jun. 21 – Screaming Orphans – Celtic rock/pop
Sat., Jun. 24 – Alan Payette & Friends – rock & roll
Sun., Jun. 25 – Music Company Orchestra
Wed., Jun. 28 – Capital Dist Youth Pipe Band with Ally the Piper
Fri., Jun. 30 – Joe Adee & The Lug Nuts – rock & roll
Sat., Jul. 8 – Big Fez & the Surfmatics – Learn 60’s dance moves during the show
Sun., Jul. 9 – Donnie P & Celebration Family – polka
Wed., Jul. 12 – The Refrigerators – party rock
Sat., Jul. 15 – Third Quarter & Whits End – rock/heavy metal
Sun., Jul. 16 – Brian Patneaude Quintet – jazz
Wed., Jul. 19 – Erin Harkes in Hark! – rock
Sat., Jul. 22 – Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra – Learn to salsa with Felix Ortiz
Sun., Jul. 23 – Capital Region Wind Ensemble
Wed., Jul. 26 – Grand Central Station – party rock
Sat., Jul. 29 – Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys – bluegrass
Sun., Jul. 30 – Heard – world music
Wed., Aug. 2 – Skeeter Creek – country – Learn to line dance with Robin’s Renegades
Sat., Aug. 5 – Taina Asili – Afro-Latin, reggae & rock fusion
Sun., Aug. 6 – The Puppet People present “The Wizard of Oz” – kids
Wed., Aug. 9 – Cryin’ Out Loud! – party rock
Sat., Aug. 12 – Harvest & Rust – A Neil Young Experience
Sun., Aug. 13 – The Lustre Kings – rockabilly – Learn the jitterbug with Albany Swing Dancing
Wed., Aug. 16 – Get Up Jack – Irish
Sat., Aug. 19 – Red Haired Strangers – country/blues
Sun., Aug. 20 – Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza – kids
Wed., Aug. 23 SIRSY – alt rock
Categories: Entertainment, Life and Arts, Life and Arts, Scotia Glenville
