The City Of Albany And Albany Parking Authority Present Dad Fest June 19th

By Press release submission

Jun 7, 2022

The City of Albany and Albany Parking Authority are proud to present Dad Fest, a free Father’s Day event at the Washington Park Parade Grounds Sunday, June 19th! Dad Fest will feature a classic car show, presented by Albany Parking Authority plus live music The Wheel, Sydney Worthley, and Erin Harkes on the Motor Oil Coffee Stage, great food, vendors, kids’ activities and more family fun on Sunday, June 19th from 10:00am to 4 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, Dad Fest will be held the following Sunday, June 26th, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Media sponsors for the show are 98.3 TRY.

Now in its eighth year, Dad Fest is the City of Albany’s celebration of all the fantastic fathers and father figures out there. It’s a chance for the whole family to kick back and enjoy an early summer afternoon at one of the Capital Region’s most picturesque parks, surrounded by classic cars, good folks, good tunes and good times. Of course, you don’t have to be a dad to enjoy Dad Fest – this event offers a little fun for everyone.

For more information on Dad Fest and all of the City of Albany’s free, family-friendly events, visit albanyevents.org, 518.434.2032 or follow albanyNYevents on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

THE WHEEL

Buckle up, put it in gear, and enjoy the ride with the North East’s authentic Grateful Dead tribute band, The Wheel. “The Wheel brings a big, danceable groove to the party, driven by the deep pocket of rhythm guitarist and bandleader Andy Morse, bassist Dave Pallas, drummer Joe Sorbero and percussionist Pete Andriakos. They provide an unshakable foundation over which lead guitarist Bryan Gautie and keyboardist Rick Rothermel weave solo after evocative solo together with virtuosity and taste. Yet they are also capable of complex, interwoven conversations that display the nuance and dynamic range of the Dead’s music in quieter, more blissful passages. Vocally, The Wheel possesses a diverse blend of styles, from Morse’s smooth, heartfelt delivery, Rothermel’s full-throated soul, Bryan Gautie’s Jerry Garcia-like tenderness to Jill Gautie’s soaring harmonies.” - Nippertown 2021. Andy Morse: (Rhythm guitar and vocals) Known to many a family as Andy "The Music Man" (www.andysings.com) has been a full time musician since 1995 when he hung up his time card and picked up his guitar to become a traveling troubadour bringing music to children's lives across the county. Andy's been known to sneak in some GD licks at the family concerts. He also ran children's activity tents and performed at major rock festivals across the country since 2000. Gathering of the Vibes, Langerado, Furtherfest and Nateva. Andy studied under Mathew Smith currently of Six String Ranch in Austin TX. Andy also plays with Rainbow Full of Sound. Bryan Gautie: (Lead guitar and vocals) Bryan joined The Wheel in the summer of 2015 adding his dead on 70's style of Jerry leads driving the band down the road to colorful destinations. Bryan unknowingly followed a similar path of Jerry, studying bluegrass and then eventually discovering the music of the Grateful Dead. Gratefully he still has all ten fingers. Bryan has played in Ice Nine, Yukon Cornelius and Slipknot. Jill Gautie (vocals) Hmmm her last name is the same as Bryan's! Jill has performed in many bands over the years and is able to reach deep down to your soul with her vocals. Dr. Dave Pallas: (5 string bass) The Dr. is in session! When you're not sitting on the couch in front of him you'll find him supporting the back bone of the beat while adventuring into uncharted waters. No life raft needed. Dave has played in many bands over the years, Duck Duck Goose, The Swing Docs, Missing Link. Andy and Dave have been jamming together on a consistent basis since 1985, life long musical friends. Joe Sorbero (drums and vocals) Joe was born with drums sticks in his hinds with a passion for holding down the rhythm like no other. Joe's Dad also a life long drummer who helped pave the way that lead him to The Wheel. When Joe’s not on stage with The Wheel you can find him dancing on the skins for the NolaNauts and he’s also a managing partner in The Crescendo Team. Rick Rothermel (keyboard and vocals) Rick is an animal at the keys, a foundation in the Capital Region music scene. Rick has played with NolaNauts, Yukon Cornelius, School Bus Yellow, Brian Lapoint and many others. Try and stump him on some GD history, you'll never win. Dr. Pete Andriakos (percussion) When you’re not on “Dr. Sleep’s” surgery table you’ll find him adding many beautiful colors and rhythmic patterns to complete the canvas. Grateful to have Pete along for the ride as our newest member.

12:30 pm - 2:00 Pm

SYDNEY WORTHLEY

Sydney Worthley rings out melodies and vocal parts nodding towards Florence and the Machine, while songwriting styles comparable to Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers shine through her songs. By writing from personal brooding memory, Worthley strives to make connections with her audience through her healing processes. Now in 2022 following the release of her 2020 EP "Rose Colored Glasses", she has two nominations at the Eddie's Music Awards, a feature on NPR's Heavy Rotation list, and a new project right around the corner."Right when Worthley’s voice struck the microphone, it was easy to hear the effortless power and true passion behind her enchanting voice." –Nippertown.

11:00 am-12:00 pm

ERIN HARKES

It’s hard to say exactly what Erin Harkes is. She’s a singer/songwriter. She’s a full time musician. She’s also a part time standup comedian. Whatever she is doing she is doing it on stage! Erin began writing her own songs at age 19 and has released four albums of original material since then. Her first CD was aptly titled “Bar Napkins and Magic Markers” due to the crude way the lyrics were jotted down during her college years. Her music comes from triumphs over tragedy. Though sometimes somber there’s always a resounding theme of resilience. The power of her voice and the emotion that comes through her lyrics make you want to sit and listen to every word. Erin’s lyrics tell stories of her life, sung through a big voice that’s often compared to Janis Joplin. Hearing Erin sing is a powerful experience that grabs anyone within earshot. Erin’s spontaneity and willingness to perform won her a spot on “Battle of the Instant Bands” on the Jimmy Fallon show in April of 2010. Having only 20 minutes to prepare with an impromptu band made up of complete strangers, Erin won over both Jimmy Fallon and the studio audience by naming the band (“Fallon Angels”) and the song (“Free Jimmy”) – the band performed the song with Erin on vocals to an explosive audience response and easily won the contest. After years of being told she was funny, on and off stage, in 2012 Erin decided to try her hand at standup comedy. Having found great comfort in front of an audience she was able to make this transition smoothly. In a very short amount of time she achieved much local success and has since performed nearly every major club in NYC and in Toronto and Montreal. She is also a regular feature at Funny Bone Comedy Clubs across the country. Erin is regularly voted Best Singer/Songwriter, Solo Musician and Comedian in the Capital Region by the Times Union Reader’s Poll, The Alt and the (sadly now defunct) Metroland. She has been the subject of several cover stories by both of those newspapers. She is definitely a local favorite. Erin has had the privilege to have shared the stage with national acts such as David Allen Coe, Leon Russell, Melissa Ferrick, Eric Burden and recently opened for one of her musical idols, Beth Hart. In comedy she has worked with Jeff Dye, Demetri Martin and In Living Color's Tommy Davidson. Erin likes to say that music is her spouse and comedy is her mistress. She tries to give them equal amounts of love and attention. Whether singing songs or telling jokes, Erin commands attention every time she steps foot on stage.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW PRESENTED BY ALBANY PARKING AUTHORITY

10:00am - 2:00pm

The 5th Dad Fest Classic Car show presented by Albany Parking Authority in partnership with Capital Car Shows will circle the inner roads of Washington park with a hundred cars to walk through and admire! 20% of the registration proceeds go toward the Henry Johnson Vet House of Albany. Enter your car or get more information.

Dad Fest is presented by generous event sponsors: