There are nights in Albany when music, community, and celebration collide in perfect harmony and June 12th was one of them. As Funk and Pride Night took over Alive at 5’s new home on Broadway, the city’s summer concert series welcomed retro-funk revivalist Neal Francis and his electrifying band for a performance that was equal parts throwback, jam session, and joyous celebration of self-expression. Buzzing with energy and rainbow flags waving in the breeze, for a few golden hours, Broadway came to life in a beautiful, inclusive, and funky fashion.
The evening kicked off with an energetic opening set from local groove merchants The TV Doctors, whose tight improvisational jams set the tone perfectly. A brief interlude followed, with thanks from the event sponsors and a bittersweet announcement from Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, who shared that 2025 would mark her final year overseeing the Alive at 5 concert series. It was a poignant moment, but one that gave way to celebration as the sun began to dip and Neal Francis took the stage.
Neal Francis, a Chicago-born singer, keyboardist, and songwriter, has become a leading figure in the modern funk and soul revival movement. With a story of personal redemption having overcome addiction and rebooted his life and career, Francis has earned praise for his vintage flair and forward-thinking approach to classic grooves. Blending New Orleans piano, ‘70s soul, and jam-band sensibilities, he’s toured extensively, building a reputation as a must-see live act. His backing band, an ultra-tight unit of top-tier musicians, includes drummer Collin O’Brien, guitarist Kory Quinn, and bassist Mike Starr, each contributing not only expert musicianship but an undeniable onstage chemistry that keeps crowds dancing and guessing. This chemistry was on full display Thursday night, as Francis and company turned the WEXQ stage into a funk-fueled street party.
Mostly cloaked behind his vintage keyboard rig to start, Francis opened with the irresistible groove of “Already Gone,” seamlessly segueing into “What’s Left of Me” and fan-favorite “How Have I Lived.” From the jump, the crowd was moving. It wasn’t long before the sea of people on Broadway became a unified outdoor dancefloor, grooving as one to every beat, moving freely and joyfully in the summer air.
“Can’t Stop the Rain” proved to be an early standout, with many in the crowd singing along to its yearning chorus, proof of Francis’ growing reach. Showing off his playful side, Francis then grinned and asked, “Any dads in the crowd? This one’s for you,” before launching into a deep-grooved, jammed-out cover of Deep Purple’s “Hush.” It was funky, unexpected, and infectious fun.
The middle portion of the set showcased material from Francis’ latest album, Return to Zero, with standout performances of “Broken Glass,” “Need You Again,” and “Can’t Get Enough.” The album, released earlier this year, leans heavily into his love for analog textures and improvisational grooves, and hearing these tracks live reinforced just how well they translate to the stage. Francis’ taste for extended jams, call-and-response solos, and pocket-deep rhythm sections turned each track into a living, breathing dance machine.
As the band took a final bow, fans flocked to the merch booth and lingered for autographs and setlists, while others made their way to Ophelia’s for a funky nightcap with The TV Doctors. Alive at 5’s Broadway location felt like the perfect setting for this vibrant and affirming evening. Big enough to feel like a city-wide celebration, intimate enough to feel like a block party among friends. With its blend of funk, soul, jam, and pride, this Thursday night was a beautiful reminder of the power of music to bring people together, let them be themselves, and dance like no one’s watching. If this show was any indication, it’s going to be a very good summer in downtown Albany.
The main set closed with the infectious “BNYLV” (pronounced “bunny love”), a song as playful and soulful as its title suggests. As the final notes rang out, the cheers from the crowd made it clear they weren’t ready to go home yet. Francis returned to the stage with a sly smile and asked. “Who wants to hear one more?” After the inevitable uproar, he added, “How about four more instead?” The night rolled on with a euphoric encore that featured a triumphant run through “Changes, Pts. 1 & 2,” the euphoric “Higher,” and the celebratory “150 More Times.”
The next installment of Alive at 5 is June 19 featuring Lupe Fiasco.
Neal Francis | June 12, 2025 | Alive at 5 | Albany, NY
Setlist: Already Gone ~ What’s Left of Me, How Have I Lived, Can’t Stop the Rain ~ Problems ~ Hush* ~ Broken Glass ~ Need You Again ~ Can’t Get Enough ~ BNYLV
Encore: Changes, Pts. 1 & 2, Higher, 150 More Times
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