Great Local Music at Your Libraries

Garage Bands in the Garage

Libraries aren't the typical venue for rock concerts, but the parking garage at Albany's Main Library is the perfect location for the award-winning Garage Bands in the Garage concert series. These free after-hours, all-ages rock concerts take place on the third Friday of each month this summer from 6 to 8 p.m. in the garage at the Main Library's back entrance on Elk Street. You can hear some great local bands and buy used CDs and LPs retired from the library's collection. This year's Garage Bands in the Garage shows are co-sponsored by WEXT 97.7 and Metroland.

July 16 (Friday) at 6 p.m. at Main: Charmboy and Beware! The Other Head of Science. Charmboy is a classic power trio who long for rock's bad old days. Beware! The Other Head of Science is a six-member group that was dubbed "best electro pop band" by Metroland in 2009.

Aug. 20 (Friday) at 6 p.m. at Main: Grainbelt and Knyghts of Fuzz. Grainbelt infuses country with cowpunk for glorious roots-rock and impassioned vocals by Howard Glassman. Knyghts of Fuzz is a newer band created by members of Rocky Velvet and other Albany-area rockers.

Sept. 17 (Friday) at 6 p.m. at Main: The Union Boots and Complicated Shirt. The Union Boots has a classic, rocking sound and hails from Albany. Complicated Shirt lives between garage rock and punk, but brings an inspired sound to both genres.



Acoustic Sidewalk

We've got more great local music for you in our Acoustic Sidewalk shows. This concert series consists of free afternoon musical performances each month, from April through September, on outdoor patios and sidewalks in front of the city's libraries.

July 23 (Friday) at 5 p.m. at the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch Library. Guitarist/singer Kyle Miller recently released an indie album of original folk/blues/rock songs.

Aug. 6 (Friday) at 12 p.m. at the Main Library. Singer/guitarist John Florussen has written and performed original folk-inspired pop for 10 years and has a new collection, "Nothing Wrong With Love," coming out this fall.

Aug. 23 (Monday) at 5 p.m. at the Howe Branch Library. Singer/songwriter Courtney Biondo has been performing live since she was 13 and is known for her original acoustic rock.

Sept. 10 (Friday) at 5 p.m. at the Delaware Branch Library. Cavanaugh & Kavanaugh performs traditional and original songs on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and more.

For more information about these two concert series, call the Main Library at 427-4300.

As you can see, Albany Public Library should be YOUR entertainment destination this summer. We've got activities galore for people of all ages, plus the latest blockbuster books and DVDs too. Stop by one of our libraries and check out what we have to offer!

From one bookworm to another,
Stephanie Simon
Albany Public Library