Katherine Kiessling

2 days ago | timesunion.com | Katherine Kiessling

Before they were creative partners and founders of Improv Spaces, a Saratoga County-based experimental music hub, percussionist Adam Forman and harpist Alexandra Chang were two musicians breaking out of their classical backgrounds through improvisation. “I got a really small harp that you could travel with because I just always had to have a harp,” Chang said. “It was electric, so I plugged it into guitar pedals immediately. Because why not? It’s electric.

2 days ago | timesunion.com | Katherine Kiessling

ALBANY — This summer’s Alive at Five will launch from the rain site due to weather. Thursday's concert, featuring Queensryche with special guest Gozer, will perform at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch under the I-787 bridge. Currently, there is a chance of thunderstorms midway through the concert. Article continues below this adQueensryche will kick off this year’s Alive at Five. The free concert series, now in its 36th year, was moved back to Tricentennial Park following a $1.25 million renovation.

4 days ago | timesunion.com | Katherine Kiessling

ALBANY — Summertime in Albany means free concert season, and the 35-year-old Alive at Five series is one of the most popular. Each year, the city invites big name artists and Capital Region favorites to perform in themed, Thursday night concerts (think classic rock or disco). While the rain-or-shine series had long been held at Jennings Landing down at the Corning Preserve, it’s returning to its downtown roots this summer and relocating to Tricentennial Park.

6 days ago | timesunion.com | Katherine Kiessling

On Oct. 26, 1825, cannon shots rang along the Erie Canal to celebrate its completion. The manmade waterway — frequently referred to as the nation’s first superhighway — connected the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, drastically reducing the cost and time to transport goods and people across New York state. But the Erie Canal has always been more than a passageway. As it sliced across the state, it carved out new communities and displaced others.

1 week ago | timesunion.com | Katherine Kiessling

ALBANY — Metroland will be the new steward of First Friday, the monthly celebration of arts and culture across the city. When local musician and comedian Erin Harkes revived the arts and culture publication last fall, she set it up as a nonprofit. This allows Metroland to apply for grants that can support this next era of First Friday, she said, and the series will be seeking sponsors as well. The driving force behind seeking funding is to ensuring all participating artists can be paid.