The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) has unveiled its lineup for the 2025 Capital Concert Series, promising a summer of diverse musical performances at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.
The Capital Concert Series is a free event that holds a series of four concerts on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. throughout July and August. Each performance promises something for all audience members, featuring renowned artists from a variety of genres, from Hip Hop to punk to reggae.
The series kicks off on July 9, with rapper and Hip Hop legend Doug E. Fresh. Fresh is known for his hit singles “The Show” and “La Di Da Di”, that pioneered the Hip Hop genre. He is also known by his moniker “The Original Human Beatbox” for his uncanny ability to mimic the sounds of a drum machine solely using his voice. Joining Fresh are the New York duo Nice & Smooth, Greg Nice and Smooth B, who became Hip Hop legends for their smashing radio hit “Sometimes I Rhyme Slow…” and Suzi, an emerging pop and R&B star who both sings and raps. Closing out the night is the 518 DJ Battle.
On July 16, punk rock band Gogol Bordello will take the Capital Concert Series stage. Known for their theatrical performances and frequent touring, Gogol Bordello formed in 1999 and since then has consisted entirely of international members from all over the world. The Big Takeover, seven-piece New York band fronted by singer-songwriter Nee Nee Rushie, will take over the stage with original music heavily influenced by the reggae and ska genres.
July 23 is the night for all things alternative rock; featuring a performance from Lit, widely known for their hit single “My Own Worst Enemy” off their certified platinum 1999 album A Place in the Sun. Also performing is Plush, a young all-female rock band skyrocketing to rock stardom.
The Capital Concert Series comes to a close on August 6, with a performance from Tarrus Riley and the Blak Soil Band. Riley follows in the footsteps of his father, reggae legend Jimmy Riley, paving the way for himself in the reggae genre with iconic songs like “She’s Royal” and “Gimme Likkle One Drop”. Rounding out the 2025 Capital Concert Series is The Meditations, the reggae vocal harmony trio still going strong since they formed in 1974. The Meditations earned early success with hits like “Woman Is Like A Shadow” and are still making music together after more than 50 years.
The 2025 Capital Concert Series continues the event’s long standing tradition of bringing free, live music to Albany’s Empire State Plaza.
“The Capital Concert Series is a great opportunity for people to come together after work to enjoy live music and socialize with colleagues and friends at the Empire State Plaza,” said OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy.
This year’s concertgoers can expect to hear from both well-known musical talents and rising artists, performing original music from a variety of genres.
For more information and event updates, visit the Empire State Plaza website.
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