The low-key hustle of workers during the day in the downtown areas of Albany and Saratoga turns into an excited buzz once the sun goes down, as many hit their favorite bars and clubs. There are many places around the region to unwind and meet new people, but the hot spots are North Pearl Street and Lark Street in Albany and Caroline Street in Saratoga.
After a long workweek enjoy a few spirits at The Pearl Restaurant & Lounge, Blue 82, a martini bar just a few doors down, or the latest—Noche’s—in downtown Albany. All three places offer great happy hour drink specials and an upscale lounge-type atmosphere that will make you feel as though you were toasting with the best of them in Manhattan.
How does a romantic dinner accompanied by live music or a night of laughs at a comedy club sound? One Caroline Street Bistro in Saratoga and 677 Prime in Albany offer the best in fine dining and live jazz music, and The Comedy Works, also in Albany, will have your stomach aching—not from the full-course dinner, but from laughing so hard you’ll fall out of your chair!
If you’re looking for a late night of dancing or a low-key sports bar where you won’t be rubbing elbows with college freshmen, The City Tavern and The Parting Glass in Saratoga are two great choices, as well as Savannah’s and The Skyline (formerly the Big House Brewing Company) in Albany. If something sweet is what you have in mind, check out Caffé Lena in Saratoga, where you can enjoy a decadent dessert and sip hot chocolate while watching a live acoustic performance.
So, don’t let the cold weather keep you holed up at home! The Capital Region offers a ton of great venues all with various types of entertainment. Get out and warm up among the crowds!
Compiled by Arcangela Mele
DOWNTOWN ALBANY
Blue 82
82 N. Pearl Street, Albany
445.8082
Relax on the sofa of this small, yet cozy lounge—a great place to meet friends after work to enjoy a martini or a glass of wine from their extensive wine list. Keeping with its name, the wall behind the bar is lit with blue lighting, as is a side wall. Between 4pm-7pm, Blue 82 attracts a mature, quite crowd. Monday night is Pitcher Night, featuring $6 Michelob Light, and $8 for Blue Moon, Stella Artois, and Magic Hat #9. Get half off any pizza when ordering a pitcher. Wine Tasting Tuesdays feature Flight and Cheese specials. Wednesday is Trivia Night sponsored by New Castle, featuring $2.50 New Castles (registration begins at 6:30pm). Thursdays are Ladies Night from 10pm-close – $4 martini’s, champagne flutes and wines. Friday is the Classic Happy Hour Special from 4pm-8pm, featuring $2.50 Bud and Bud Light bottles, $6 classic Skyy Martini’s, $4 for the house wine.
The Skyline
4 Sheridan Avenue, Albany
Highlights of the Skyline (formerly the Big House Brewing Company) include live music, a bar and cozy lounge on the first floor, games and a brick oven that serves pizza on the second floor and a third floor dance club, overlooking downtown Albany. Lunch Buffet every weekday from 11am-3pm. Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3pm-8pm featuring $2 imported drafts and $1 domestic drafts. Hours are Monday-Friday 11am-close; Saturday 5pm-close; closed on Sunday.
Noche
895 Broadway, Albany
Located in downtown Albany, this new, upscale lounge brings a touch of sizzle to the warehouse district. A red carpet leads you inside where you can kick back and socialize in the big black leather seats and munch on Spanish Tapas. Noche is open daily from 4pm-4am, and Happy Hour starts each night with 2 for 1 drinks. Learn how to salsa dance on Wednesday nights—classes are taught beginning at 7:30pm followed by open salsa dancing. You may also want to enjoy bottomless glasses of wine during Unwined on Friday nights.
The Bayou Café
79 N Pearl Street, Albany
With a great Cajun and Southwestern menu and possibly the best live music downtown, you can expect a crowd at the Bayou almost every night. Wednesday’s are open mic with Joey “Pots and Pans” Pucci and the Butt Cheek Band. Various rock, country, and blues artists take the stage beginning most Thursdays and also Friday and Saturday nights. Happy Hour specials vary weekly, and the dance floor is open and kicking on busy nights. Restaurant opens 11:30am Monday-Friday and Saturday at 4:30pm.
Angelo’s 677 Prime
677 Broadway, Albany
42-PRIME; www.677prime.com
An exquisite upscale steakhouse, 677 Prime, located near Capital Repertory Theatre and The Palace Theatre, offers two floors of exceptional fine dining. The first floor is a modern, stylish dining room and bar area, and the second a private event gathering room. A great place to enjoy Happy Hour before seeing a show. Jazz on Thursday nights at 7pm and occasional Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm-12pm, enjoy Frank Sinatra cover singer Eddie C. Lunch hours are Mon-Sat 11:30-2, and dinner is served from 5-10.
The Pearl Restaurant and Lounge
1 Steuben Pl., Albany
Blond wood and stylish, elegant chandeliers and abstract artworks dominate this martini bar, a popular hangout for busy professionals. There are two dining rooms, offering American cuisine such as veal, duck, chicken, seafood and pasta. With two bars and an outdoor patio, dinner can extend into late night fun. Often featured are half-price drink specials from 5pm-7pm, and 2 for 1 Martini’s on Fridays.
Mad River
86 N Pearl Street, Albany
Located in the heart of Albany’s downtown nightclub and restaurant scene, Mad River offers three floors of former warehouse space designed especially for spacious socializing, dancing, dining and live entertainment, which is reserved for the summer months. Thought the late-night scene tends to be a young, hip crowd, the bar is said to be a hot spot during the week for local professionals looking for a comfortable place to relax after work. The atmosphere is casual, and the menu is traditional American pub fare— burgers, steaks, sandwiches and finger foods. Right now, for those who may be looking to host their own party, currently featured is a Friday night Happy Hour special from 8pm-11pm, in which guests are offered mixed drinks for only $2 and domestic drafts for only $1.
The Albany Pump Station
19 Quackenbush Square, Albany
447.9000; www.evansale.com
The C.H. Evans Brewing Company at the Albany Pump Station, known to most as simply “The Pump Station”, is in an historic large brick building located downtown across from Broadway and the Palace Theatre. The award winning restaurant and brewery serves over seven varieties of its authentic Evan’s Ale, including the “ Kick Ass Brown”, which was twice awarded The Great American Beer Gold Medal for the best Brown Ale in the country. Beer is not all there is to enjoy here—the restaurant offers quick seating with an extensive lunch and dinner menu, and the warmth of a fireplace. Happy Hour specials on Thursdays and Fridays are $2 off appetizers and $1 off pints and wines. Full-menu hours are Monday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm; Friday and Saturday 11:30am-11pm; Sunday noon-8pm.
McGeary’s
4 Clinton Square, Albany
463.1455; www.mcgearys.com
Celebrating over 21 years in downtown Albany, McGeary’s is a downtown favorite. From the Celtic themed dining room to humorous and historical memorabilia that line the walls, McGeary’s mixes Irish tradition with contemporary specialties. Featuring live bands throughout February—Hair of the Dog, Bobby Vandetta, The Heaters, and the Burner’s UK are regulars. Happy Hour runs from 4pm-7pm and features $3 23 oz. beers.
Savannah’s
1 S. Pearl Street, Albany
If you’re looking to hang out among a mature crowd while enjoying delicious food and great music, then don’t pass up a night at Savannah’s. Every night is lively beginning at 8:30pm when this low-key, intimate jazz club welcomes great talent to its stage. Every Monday night sing along with piano man Nate Buccieri, or get in on the open jam on Tuesday nights featuring Tommy Love and the Buckidellics. Every second and fourth Wednesday The Shanghai Cowboys and Me perform and every third Wednesday it’s The Swing Docs turn to take the stage. Three different bands featured every Thursday. Friday and Saturdays are a mixture of blues and funk, and Happy Hour is from 5pm-8pm with free appetizers, various specials and occasional live music. Food is served from 11:30am-10pm on weekdays, and beginning at 7pm on Saturdays. Bar hours are 1pm-4am.
The Red Square
388 Broadway, Albany
Music lovers interested in exploring the local hip and upcoming music scene, should head to The Red Square (formally Doc McCutchen’s). This new, live music venue and bar is looking to improve Albany’s art and music scene by introducing an eclectic mix of music such as indie rock, acid jazz, funk and soul. Every Tuesday is Eclectic Night beginning at 7pm, an invitational open mic featuring all original music from all genres; on Wednesday’s The Brother’s Wheeler throw down a mix of organic and electronic music beginning at 9pm, and Friday’s feature Rise: A night of eclectic music and culture. This late night party extravaganza of live bands and a DJ also features an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet starting at 3:30am.
Junior’s
1094 Madison Avenue, Albany
With multiple big screen TV’s, a bar and electronic table games, Junior’s is a place to kick back, relax and have a little fun. Watch your favorite sports or just chat with friends in the booths and take advantage of the drink and food specials. Happy hour runs from 3:30pm-6:30pm. $2 drink specials on domestic and imported beer offered after 9pm. Cheeseburgers are $2 after 9pm on Mondays after 9pm; $.20 cent wings on Tuesday’s.
Jillian’s
59 N. Pearl Street, Albany
Known for its three floors of fun, Jillian’s is a popular favorite offering a little something for everyone. Late night weekends the restaurant turns into a “clubbing scene”, but Jillian’s is also a favorite for lunch or some after work fun. The Video Café on the main floor features giant TV screens for optimal sports viewing, and there is a new menu with an eclectic blend of appetizers, entrée’s and desserts. There is also a nine-ball lounge with tournament quality billiards and The Amazing Games Room filled with the latest electronic and simulation games. Live music every Friday and Saturday night. Events for February are: Chippendale’s: “The Ultimate Girls Night Out” (February 11, 8pm-10pm) and Fat Tuesday: An All Day Event (February 28). Jillian’s is open Sun-Wed 11am-2am, and Thurs-Sat 11am-3am.
LARK STREET
Tess’ Lark Tavern
453 Madison Avenue, Albany
A traditional Irish pub-style bar and restaurant “Where Good Friends Meet”. Centrally located between Madison and Lark, The Lark Tavern attracts an eclectic mix of business professionals and students alike. The atmosphere is friendly and casual; the food is classic, all-American—fried and grilled. Happy Hour is five days a week from 3pm-7:30pm, with $2 drafts, $2.50 well drinks, and $3 Stoli’s. Wednesday’s are open mic, Thursdays are Nouveau Chill, a lounge and dance. Friday is hip hop night, and every last Monday of the month is Poet’s Speak Live, a poetry open mic that starts at 7pm. Cabaret and comedy shows also happen every so often.
Justin’s
301 Lark Street, Albany
A quiet and romantic restaurant with dim lights, lush plants, modern art and live entertainment. They serve a traditional American cuisine with duck, lamb, chicken, beef, pork and seafood entrees. Live jazz music Wednesday-Sunday, including occasional special guests on Friday and Saturday. Food is served from 11:30am-1pm. Hours are Monday-Friday 11:30am-1am; Saturday & Sunday 11am-1am.
Bomber’s Burrito Bar
258 Lark Street, Albany
463.9636; www.bombersburritobar.com
Notorious for their gigantic burritos and delicious wings, Bomber’s highly casual atmosphere and unconventional style is a staple of Lark Street. Silverware is hard to come by, and napkins are substituted for a swinging paper towel roll above the front counter, yet for many, this is the beauty of Bombers. So if you’re looking for cheap food that’s double the size of most places, and carefree self-service, then Bomber’s is the place to be. The basement is quick and more casual, yet the upstairs bar and restaurant serves Mexican American favorites until 11:30pm. $.25 cent wings on Mondays, karaoke on Wednesdays. Hours are Monday-Saturday 11:30am-11:30pm, Sunday 11:30am-10pm.
SARATOGA
One Caroline Street Jazz & Blues Bistro
One Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs
If you’re in search of a relaxing evening of fine dining and jazz music, this quaint, intimate bistro located in downtown Saratoga is a great choice. The menu is French and Italian inspired, featuring both traditional and original dishes, and there are 22 varieties of world-renowned wines to choose from. If you start your night with an early dinner around 6pm, you will be graced with light classical piano music, and at 7pm or 8pm you’ll be front row to some of the best jazz and blues acts the Capital Region has to offer. Performers featured are Masters of Nostalgia, Chuck D’Aloia, The Brian Patenaude Trio and many others. Performances are most days of the week, and a day-by-day performance schedule is available on the website. Reservations suggested. Hours are Monday-Thursday 5pm-9pm; Friday-Saturday 5pm-10pm.
Gaffney’s
16 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs
Casual gourmet dining and live music are the highlights of this popular bar/restaurant. The first floor of this four-story building has a large bar and plenty of seating, including an additional indoor heated patio. The large outdoor area known as “The Garden” is open during the summer. Live entertainment, including solo artists and local bands, take place on the second floor Wednesday-Saturday, free of cover charge and Tuesday nights are open mic. Happy Hour special on Mondays is from 4pm-7pm, featuring $1 off draft beer. Hours: Lunch 11:30 am-3pm; dinner 5:30pm-11pm; Sunday brunch 10:30am-4pm.
Saratoga City Tavern
19 and 21 Caroline Street,
Saratoga Springs
583.3661; www.saratogacitytavern.com
With four floors and a rooftop terrace, The City Tavern has something for everyone, including a bar, restaurant, dance floor, and its very own private party room. The first floor, known as “ The Tavern” captures the “old Saratoga” feel with its mahogany bar and relaxed atmosphere, and gives a full view of the action taking place on both Caroline and Maple Streets. The second floor is more intimate and pub-like, featuring a small stage for live music and a bar. Menus are available on the first and second floors. The third floor is a unique apartment-style lounge with couches, armchairs, pool table, bar and fireplace, and is available for private parties. The fourth floor features a three windowed open-space dance floor that looks down over the city, and becomes a full out dance party with a live D. J. on Friday and Saturday nights. Happy Hour is every Wed-Fri from 6-10 pm, various drink specials. Friday and Saturday night live music by various artists, including Jeff Walton, Tim Wechgalaer, Rick Bolton, and Mikki Bakken.
Circus Cafe
392 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
The theme at this place is characteristic of its name—an “over the top” vision of an old-fashioned circus that creates an exciting dining and drinking experience. Rest assured there are no goofy clowns running around here! The décor is colorful, but sophisticated with murals and lights that transform the walls from pale yellow to deep red, Venetian chandeliers and red and gold velvet curtains that hang above the tables to create an air of privacy. The American menu features “comfort food” entrées and there is also a colorful drink menu. Every Wednesday throughout February “The All Star Jazz Series” plays from 7:30pm-10:30pm, and every first and third Saturday karaoke begins at 10pm. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 4pm-7pm featuring Guinness, Bass, and Magic Hat #9 for $3.50, and house wines, well drinks, Margaritas, Mojitos and Cosmos for $4.
Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill
Corner of Nelson Avenue And Gridley Street, Saratoga Springs
587.4909; www.thehorseshoeinn.com
Located directly across from Gate 10 of the Saratoga Racetrack, The Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill features fine Italian and American entrees and smokehouse favorites, the best breakfast trackside, and the best blues music in town. Enjoy an evening of live music with Jeff Walton every Thursday night, or join the Super Bowl Party on February 5th featuring great food and drink specials, contests and giveaways all day long. Open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 4pm for dinner, and Saturday and Sunday at 9am for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Caffe Lena
47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs
583.0022; www.caffelena.org
A nationally recognized acoustic music venue since 1960, Caffe Lena has lent its stage to classic greats such as Bob Dylan, Don McLean, and Arlo Guthrie. It still continues its tradition in a relaxed, intimate, alcohol and smoke-free setting, serving coffee, tea and fine desserts. Performances by national musicians weekly. Reservations are often necessary. Open mic night every Thursday—admission $3.
The Parting Glass
40-42 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs
583.1916; www.partingglasspub.com
Known as Saratoga’s original Irish pub, The Parting Glass offers traditional pub style grub for lunch and dinner, and a wide selection of domestic and imported beer. The music room presents regular live traditional Irish and American folk music, and The Game Room features a large English dart hall, which is home to the Parting Glass Dart League. There is a new full service bar, Backgammon, tournament sized shuffle board, and televised sporting events. Live music takes place on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring bands such as Hair of the Dog, The McKrells, Sirsy and Jeff Strange. Hours are Mon-Thurs 11am-1am and Friday and Saturday 11am-3am.
The Wine Bar
417 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
584.8777; www.thewinebarofsaratoga.com
The Wine Bar is a comfortable environment where people can share a casual evening with friends and choose from a list of 50 wines by the glass. It offers a full 40-seat bar, separate smoking lounge, entrees and a selection of gourmet cheeses and fine desserts. Live piano music is played every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm-10pm. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 4pm until last call, and dinner is served until 10pm.
DOWNTOWN TROY
The Taproom Restaurant at Brown’s Brewing Company
425 River Street, Troy 273.BEER;
www.brownsbrewing.com
The Taproom at Brown’s Brewing Company (formally The Troy Pub and Uncle Sam Brewery) is still serving a wide variety of it’s own freshly brewed ales and lagers and multi American pub fare, yet now under its very own brand name, “Brown’s”. The menu is smaller to ensure better quality food, and there are a few new beers on tap, like the Imperial Stout and E. S. B., or Extra Special Bitter. Happy hour is from 4pm-7pm weekly featuring $3 pints and local live music is featured every Thursday and Friday from 8pm-11pm. You may even want to join The Mug Club for an annual fee of $50 and drink 22-ounce mugs of ale at happy hour rates anytime. Restaurant opens at 11:30am on weekdays, and Sunday at 12pm. Food is served until 11pm on weekdays, later on weekends.
The Ale House
680 River Street, Troy
The well-known and cozy Irish neighborhood pub serves award-winning wings, homemade soups, chili, clams, burgers and sandwiches. There is a full bar featuring microbrews and imported drafts. Live roots rock, blues, and alternative music takes place on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 9pm. Food is served 1am-midnight Monday-Saturday; noon-10pm on Sunday.
Positively 4th Street
46 4th Street, Troy
Formally Artie’s on River Street, Positively 4th is at a new location, yet is still serving a lunch of classic bar food with daily specials, a happy hour from 4pm-7pm with $1 off domestic and well drinks, and live entertainment several days a week. Wednesday’s and Sunday’s are open mic. Hours are until 1am daily.
CLIFTON PARK
The Rusty Nail
1781 Route 9, Clifton Park
A fun, homelike bar with a nice atmosphere and free popcorn, the Rusty Nail is known for great food and service. Various bands are welcomed on Thursday nights, and Happy Hour is from 4:30pm-8pm with weekly specials on draft beers.
Northern Lights
1208 Route 146, Clifton Park
This Capital Region premier concert venue has welcomed some of the area’s favorite national recording artists, such as Michelle Branch and Ryan Cabrera. Northern Lights offers an intimate and memorable concert experience in a small lounge and bar.
The Old Dublin Inn
130 Meyer Road, Clifton Park
A refreshing mixture of an upscale restaurant with the boisterousness and goodwill of a local pub, The Old Dublin Inn is a great place for satisfying Irish fare accompanied by a fine selection of beer and wines. Happy Hour is from 3pm-6pm and features $3 20-ounce drafts. Features well-known Irish bands, such as Hair of the Dog, Jeff Strange and Kevin McKrell. The Polar Beer Club meets fireside every Sunday. For a monthly band listing, visit the website.
SCHENECTADY
The Van Dyck Restaurant and Brewery
237 Union Street, Schenectady
This 58 year-old historical building has been recently transformed into one of the country’s premier restaurants, breweries and jazz clubs. Well-known musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Chick Corea have even played here. Located only a few minutes from Proctor’s Theatre, plan your afternoon with a pre-theatre luncheon or dinner, or spend your night enjoying cocktails and a one of a kind jazz performance, in a comfortable and charming setting with excellent food and freshly brewed beer.
Ambition Café
154 Jay Street, Schenectady
This artsy café is also a meeting place for local musicians and actors alike. From the painted murals on the walls portraying American classic film stars to the giant stiletto shaped chairs, Ambition provides a comfortable and stimulating atmosphere for creative minds. The menu is described as ‘light fare with a gourmet flare’, and an extensive mixed drink list is available as well as a full bar. Live music on Thursday at 5:30pm, featuring local bands, such as Erin Quillinan playing acoustic alternative easy listening, Joe Nacco, who plays alternative mid -90’s covers, and the Stringdusters, a well known mountain bluegrass band.
Moon & River Café
115 S. Ferry Street, Schenectady
Non-alcoholic café featuring live music seven nights a week, always free. Music begins at 8pm and includes folk, jazz, blues, and acoustic. Featured February guests are Aaron Civic (2/4) The Stringdusters (2/7) Jazz Trio (2/15) and a belly dancing show on the 11th. On Valentine’s Day poet Melinda Perrin will read from her book Love Poems for the Old and Foolish. Open mic every Sunday. Modestly priced vegetarian cuisine. Open Monday-Sunday 4pm-11pm.
Performance Schedules
The Bayou Café
February 1-Open Mic Night with Joey “Pots & Pans” and The Buttcheeks Band.
February 2-Big Stage: Atomic Johnson. 9pm.
February 3-Big Stage: Black Tooth Grin. 10pm. Front Bar: John Repko. 5pm.
February 4-Big Stage: Rum Rats. 10pm.
February 8-Open Mic Night w/Joey “Pots & Pans” and The Buttcheeks Band.
February 10-Big Stage: Insignificant Others. 10pm. Front Bar: Franklin Micar. 5pm.
February 11-Big Stage: Cell 213. 10pm.
February 15-Open Mic Night w/Joey “Pots & Pans” and The Buttcheeks Band.
February 16-Big Stage: Crawdaddies. 9pm.
February 17-Big Stage: Square Pegs. 10pm. Front Bar: Mitch Frazier. 5pm.
February 18-Big Stage: Philip The Meatbox. 10pm.
February 22-Open Mic Night w/Joey “Pots & Pans” and The Buttcheeks Band.
February 24-Big Stage: Good For The Soul. 10pm. Front Bar: Schmoozak. 5pm.
February 25-Big Stage: River City Slim and the Zydeco Hogs. 10pm.
The Lark Tavern
Monday (every last of the month): Poet’s Speak Loud open mic at 7pm.
Tuesday: Family Tree Improv. Featuring Steve Candlin and Ryan Lucas.
Wednesday: Open mic with Mother Judge and John Brodeur, no cover.
Thursday: Nouveau Chill Lounge and Dance Party, every Thursday night, no cover.
Friday: Hip-hop and various dance music.
Saturday: (every 3rd of the month): The Brew Ha Ha, A Professional Stand-up Comedy Showcase hosted by Greg Aidala, 8:30pm
Bomber’s Burrito Bar
Monday: Monday Night Football
$.25 cent Wings All Day
$2 Coors Lite & Newcastle Drafts
Tuesday: 2 for 1 Drafts & Smart Ass Trivia Night— Sponsored by Newcastle (prizes & giveaways every week), hosted by Tequila Jeff and his loyal sidekick, Paco.
Wednesday: Karaoke Night with King Entertainment—Sponsored by Sauza Tequila (prizes & giveaways every week) $5 jars of margaritas, $2.50 Corona and Corona Light.
Thursday: Martini Night/Theme Night $5 Special Martinis. New flavor and new theme each week. $2 Molson Bottles.
Sunday: BINGO 9pm, with hosts Tequila Jeff and Scooch.
Justin’s
Wednesday: Sensemaya at 9pm
Thursday: Adrian Cohen at 9pm
Sunday: Brunch with Lee Shaw 11:30am -2:30pm
The Circus Café
Every Wednesday in February 7:30pm-10pm
February 1: Brian Mellick Trio with Doug Moody
February 8: From New York City, Jazz Vocalist Jeanne O’ Connor will be singing the classic American songbook standards of Gershwin, Kern, Loesser, and Rogers & Hart with swing and soul.
February 14: Valentine’s Day Special with soul artist Garland Nelson
February 15: Brian Mellick Trio w/ Howie Brown
February 22: Jazz Vocalist Sonny and Perley
The Skyline
Wednesday: EQX presents local live bands
Friday & Saturday: Live bands downstairs; regulars are The Schmooze, Hair of the Dog, and The Refrigerators: Pizza and appetizers served until 4am
Gaffney’s
Tuesday: Open mic with host Pete Pashoukos at 9pm
Wednesday: Jeff Walton at 9pm
Thursday: Starting Gate Songwriter Series at 9pm featuring local musicians who write their own music.
Friday and Saturday: Live Acoustic rock music from 10pm -2, featuring one artist a night. Regulars are Tim Wechgelaer & Sherri Nolan, Rick Bolton and The Dwyer Sisters, The Ginger Brothers and Erin Harkes.
Northern Lights
February 5-Super Sunday Super Bowl Party, featuring 20ft TV screen and an all you can eat buffet supplied by Bennigan’s, 2$ beer specials, and great prizes and giveaways.
February 10-Brian Kaplan Band, Hector On Stilts, The Winter Pills, and My Last Sunrise.
February 19-Sponge
February 20-Live
February 23-Channel 103-1 Presents: The Winter Fresh Sno Core 2006 Tour, featuring Seether & Shinedown with Fly Leaf and Halestorm
February 24-L.A. Guns
February 25-“Dr. Dirty” John Valby
Also, Thursday nights, open bar with DJ and drink specials.
The Van dyck
February 3-Hudson River Delta, hot blues duo. $8. 8pm.
February 4-Annie & The Hedonists “Best of Capital Region” rock band for 2005. $12. 8pm.
February 9-Furious Improv—Working without a script, without a net, and with no regard for their own personal safety, {The Insert Something Funny Players} create scenes and songs inspired by audience suggestions. A new show every night, with brilliant improv that’s mostly intelligent. $10. 8pm.
February 10-The Riverview Ramblers—An up-and-coming area bluegrass band that play a variety of tunes ranging from straight-ahead bluegrass to newgrass and a few things in between. $5. 8pm.
February 11-Country Joe MacDonald. $22. 7pm & 9:30pm.
February 16-GEGR Whitney Club Mid-Winter Music Night— Employees of GE Global Research will perform music ranging from folk to roots to pop and rock, and everything in between. Featuring solo acts, duos, trios and full bands. 7pm. No charge.
February 17-Paddy Kilrain Band. $6. 9pm.
February 18-The John Klein Combine, a blues band on tour from New Jersey. $15. 8pm.
February 25-Rachael Z Trio with Bobby Rae—Rachael plays keyboard for Peter Gabriel, but will be performing with her jazz trio tonight. $15 two shows. 7pm & 9:30pm.
Caffé Lena
February 3-Rachael Sage and Pamela Means—this show will pair a couple of dynamic young women whose do-it-yourself style has won them fans and press accolades coast to coast. $12/10. 8pm.
February 4-Professor Louie & the Crowmatix—this Woodstock quintet has got to be one of the best darn bands anywhere, anytime. $15/12. 8pm.
February 5-Lowen and Navarro—They’ve been writing and performing together for 16 years and playing Lena’s for the past six. $20/18. 7pm.
February 10-Trio Pamplemousse—led by French cabaret singer Nicole Peyrafitte, trio Pamplemousse is a voco-musical-visual adventure. $10/8. 8pm.
February 11-Foothills Trio—this beloved folk, Irish, maritime band returns to Caffé Lena as part of their annual post-retirement tour (their fans simply won’t let them quit!). $15/12. 8pm.
February 12-Torey—this Saratoga Springs artist wraps together soul, classic country, garage rock and folk into a show that draws power from the roots of American music, but twists them into a whole new form. $10/8 students. 7pm.
February 17-Beppe Gambetta—Italy’s charming and personable Beppe Gambetta has received worldwide acclaim for his distinctive blend of traditional European and American acoustic guitar styles. $15/12. 8pm.
February 18-Guy Davis—he’s got some blind Willie Mctell and some Fats Waller, some buddy guy and some Taj Mahal, plus some Zora Neale Hurston and Garrison Keillor. $18/16. 8pm.
February 19-Genticorum—2006 will bring the 19th annual dance flurry to Saratoga Springs. Taking over much of the downtown area, the flurry offers thousands of participants dancing of every variety, plus concerts and lessons. $16 ($15 with dance flurry pass). 7pm.
February 24-Anglefoot —this five-man Canadian band is bounding with high energy, big vocals and fine songcraft. Using Celtic, maritime and French Canadian influences, they have created an extensive repertoire of traditional sounding new ballads that bring down the house everywhere they play, both here and abroad. $18/15. 8pm.
February 25-Sloan Wainwright band—A deep woman who offers more than just music at her concerts. $12/10. 8pm.
February 26-Full Frontal Folk—this quartet from Philly offers amazing vocal harmonies and a fresh, fun-loving attitude that takes audiences off guard. $12/10. 7pm.
Dinner and a show!
The Lake George Dinner Theatre
Route 9, Lake George
Celebrating its 39th season of quality dining and entertainment, The Lake George Dinner Theatre is a great place to go if you’re looking for something fun and a little bit different. The theatre, located at the Holiday Inn & Turf is currently featuring the production Power Play: A Corporate Comedy by Richard Strand.” The play is described as a fast paced, modern farce about three candidates competing for a position at a Chicago corporate sales department, in which cordial office behavior is thrown out the window. Dinner shows ($53) run Tuesday-Saturday. Dinner served at 6:30pm; show at 8:15pm. Luncheon Matinee ($45) every Wednesday, Thursday, and selected Saturdays. Lunch served at 11:15am; show at 1pm.
Reel Meals Dinner and a Movie and Cabaret
86 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs
At Reel Meals (formally Broadway Joe’s), you can catch a current flick while enjoying a full course dinner or a few drinks. The restaurant requires that all guests purchase a minimum of $8.50 from their expansive dinner and drink menu, but the movie tickets are only $6 for adults $5 for seniors. Bring the kids along (12 and under) for a movie, kids meal and beverage for only $11.95 per child. Theater reservations are recommended on weeknights and required on weekends. A credit card is required to hold a reservation for a party of five or more on weekends. You should plan to arrive at the theater 30 minutes before the listed show time.
The Saratoga Comedy Club
86 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs
Reel Meals is also the home of the Saratoga Comedy Club, and you can enjoy dinner or drinks along with this option as well. The Comedy Club features three nationally known comics each week and a Dinner and Show package for $39.95, or a show for $15. Show times are Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 8: 30pm. Those who are eating dinner should arrive an hour before show time.
February 3 and 4-Aaron David Ward and Tim Gage.
February 10 and 11-Joe Bronzi, Jody Wiener, Rick Colon.
February 17 and 18-Mark Riccadonna and Paul Bond.
February 24 and 25-Vanessa Hollingshead and Mark Demayo.
The Comedy Works
142 State Street, Albany,
Albany’s only premier first-class comedy show, The Comedy Works offers fine dining and laughs in a formal, intimate setting. You can enjoy a full course dinner and show for $39.95 on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 6:30pm (reservations required), Showtime is from 8pm-10pm. Or, if you want something lighter, you can order snacks, sandwiches and drinks.
February 3 & 4-Jackie Martling and Tom Briscoe
Show $25, dinner and show $49.95.
February 10 & 11-Rich Vos and Bonnie McFarlene
Show $25, dinner and show $49.95.
February 10 & 11-An evening with Paula Poundstone at The Palace Theatre, 8pm.
February 17 & 18-Otto and George and Mitch Walters
Show $20, dinner and show $45.95.
February 24 & 25-Jim Norton and R.C. Smith
Show $25, dinner and show $49.95.