PREVIEW: Metroland Now sponsors local / original First Friday performances
02/07 in Downtown Albany
“It’s time to get back out of the house and get the band back together.”
Each month, the city of Albany brings the local arts and culture scene to life for First Friday. The evening is consistently a vibrant display of community, creativity and local talent spread across local venues and organizations. For the first time – but certainly not the last! – Metroland Now will be curating a number of local music showcases throughout the downtown area.
Stemming from a desire to give a more prominent platform to the incredible array of original music produced in the Capital Region, we are thrilled to partner with venues Ophelia’s on Broadway, Albany Distilling Company, Emack & Bolio’s, The Blake Annex and City Hall to feature first class local talent.
“I feel like the holidays have worn off enough,” editor-in-chief Erin Harkes asserts. “It’s time to get back out of the house and get the band back together.”
Ophelia’s on Broadway will host Cabin Fever Fest, featuring indie-rock outfit E.R.I.E., folk-rock group Little Saints, and two powerhouse sets from Erin Harkes herself. Music will kick off right at 5:00 PM and run through 9:00 PM.
The Blake Annex will feature the most unique slate of talent: a Youth Stage. Hosted by Ellie Friday-Hohman and featuring Lulu Grey, patrons can expect some of the best and brightest up-and-comers from the area! Come see these kids now so you can say you knew them when!
Elsewhere, City Hall will feature traditional African drum and dance artist Jordan Taylor Hill at 5:30 PM, Albany Distilling Company will feature folk-pop songwriter Sydney Worthley at 6:00 PM, and Emack & Bolios will feature not just delicious ice cream, but a set of music from duo Dan and Dave at 7:00 PM.
Most importantly, Metroland Now is committed to making sure NO artist goes unpaid. With the help of these venues, not only are we able to honor that commitment, but all of our sponsored events are FREE to the public to ensure access to all. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in some live, local and original music.
“Everyone does their best to make sure programs like this happen, but too often artists are asked to pay for the exposure,” Harkes admits. “We’re not about to start this endeavor by setting that precedent. Even though we’re brand new we’re going to make sure everyone gets paid and hopefully get some generous support from sponsors to turn this into a regular thing!”
In addition to the Metroland Now curated events, there will be ticketed programming at The Hollow (Sophistafunk with The Ky McClinton Band), and two additional free shows at The Eleven at Lark Hall (Two Planets Away), and DIVE (Cracked Karaoke). So come get a break from the cold and the winter blues and get to know some of our area’s incredible artists. You won’t be disappointed.
For more information on Cabin Fever Fest, visit the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/1295481768188327/