📣 Did Hozier's sell-out SPAC show sell out guests?

Good morning, Capital District! Today, we’re covering the concert dustup at Hozier’s sold-out SPAC show. Let’s just say some folks didn’t think it was a SPAC-tacular night. Plus, our Top 5 Weekend Picks for your long Memorial Day weekend 🇺🇸

Let’s dive in, shall we?

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📣 TALK OF THE TOWN

Did Hozier’s sell-out show sell out SPAC lawn guests?

On Sunday, Irish singer-songwriter Hozier brought out his largest US-crowd ever—more than 25,000 people—to the outdoor amphitheater at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Unfortunately, according to several accounts, it was a less-than-ideal concert experience, especially for folks on the lawn (the vast majority of ticket holders). Take me to church? Nah, how about take me to hell.

For this first-time SPAC concert goer, it was a nightmare: Parking was a huge hassle, making them 40 minutes late to the show. The Disneyland-level crowd made it hard to even move around. “We couldn’t see the stage, could only distantly see the screens, and the music and the crowd sounds cancelled each other out,” said Redditor addie43 on this 🔥 thread. “The density of the crowd at this concert felt borderline dangerous.”

John Norris, who went to the concert with his girlfriend, reported a similar experience in his Nippertown column. He blamed Live Nation for a show that was “WAAAY oversold,” calling it “a sad money grab” that made the experience “unenjoyable for longtime SPAC concert goers.”

The 518 reached out to SPAC for a comment. They came back with a non-response, saying it wasn’t an official SPAC event and passed our inquiry on to Parks Police and Live Nation. A concert that takes place at SPAC “isn’t a SPAC event”? Got it. (To be fair, there were warnings of a traffic nightmare ahead of the show.)

Apparently, lawn tix are not the way to go. "This is very on-brand for a SPAC concert with grass tickets,” said Redditor unrequitedghosts. “If you’re going to go to a concert at SPAC, you really need to get actual seats if you want to enjoy the show.” ✍️ for future shows.

What’s your take on this concert controversy?

Lots of sound & fury over Capital District concert venues

We’re sensing a theme here. This week, there were rumors that Albany’s Fuze Box might be closing. Thankfully, that turned out to be a false alarm. William Yager, better known as Tragedy or Trag, wrote in to say the venue is only suspending new shows as it looks for a replacement general manager and sound engineer.

“Live music WILL continue currently, and in the future, of Fuze Box,” Trag assured fans.

Meanwhile, No Fun in Troy is being put up for sale, but will also continue to stay open. Owner Augusta Rosa, who also operates the Pint Sized bars in Albany and Saratoga, is simply looking for some work-life balance. Got $149K? You can have a lot of fun running the No Fun.

Btw, Rosa says the Pint Sized bars will rebrand as Dive starting July 5.

Cheez-It diner opens in Woodstock for one week only

Someone give the marketing team at Cheez-It a not-so-cheesy bonus. They have transformed the former Dixon eatery in Woodstock into the Cheez-In diner, complete with a themed menu (Cheez-It milkshake, Cheezy Chicky Tendies, Sweet-N-Salty Cheezcake) and a jukebox that accepts only crackers (wha?). Hurry, this cracker joint at 261 Tinker Street is only open until May 26. The Times Union has the deets.

🌞 WEATHER WATCH

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🗞️ CAPITAL DISTRICT DIGEST

New Saratoga parking fees starting up

Get ready to pay for parking in Saratoga Springs if you’re not a resident. The city’s new scheme plan to charge visitors $2 per hour to park in city lots takes effect on Memorial Day and goes until Labor Day. Residents can get a free pass by registering with the city. The plan is expected to raise up to $250K for city coffers, but some business owners are worried about driving away them tourists.

We love our schools in the Capital District (mostly)

School district budgets, board seats and propositions were on the ballot Tuesday, and the unofficial results are in. Voters in Albany overwhelmingly approved the school district’s $362 million budget, which will fund 25.6 new positions. Wonder what that 0.6 person does? 🤔 More results across the Capital District here.

Got a restaurant? Better watch your used oil

Apparently, there’s an active black market for used frying oil. A 30-gallon barrel of oil can fetch about $150. But the Paesan’s Pizza shop in Latham was able to thwart some would-be thieves with a $10,000 pilferage-proof tank. Only problem: The oil bandits hit a neighboring Ted’s Fish Fry, which doesn’t have a similar device.

🎟️ TOP 5: WEEKEND PICKS

👻 WEIRD NEWS WEDNESDAY

Is Syracuse the new Salem? An actual “practicing witch” 🧙‍♀️ near Syracuse was charged on May 8 for allegedly intimidating a family with witchcraft and “hot foot powder”—which (witch?) can sometimes contain wasp's nests, sulfur, and graveyard dirt. Umm, ok.

The woman now faces two counts of fourth-degree witness tampering and other misdemeanors. Does anyone at Witches & Heathens of CNY care to comment?

💰 CAPITAL DISTRICT DEALS & DISCOUNTS

We’re debuting a new regular feature to show you the best deals, discounts & coupons to be found around the Capital Region. You can thank us by spreading the word about the newsletter!

Regal Cinemas is offering early bird tickets before noon for just $5 and $8, depending on location. Details here.

The PF Chang’s at Colonie Center is offering a free order of lettuce wraps with a purchase of any entree. Dine-in only. Details here.

Get 50% off at Nocturnal Cookies (5 Clinton Square, Albany). Details here.

Buca di Beppo in Colonie is offering $25 off your next bill of $50+ when you sign up for inKind, an app that gives you cash back at restaurants nationwide. Details here.

Got a great coupon or deal to feature? Get in touch: [email protected]!

🎸 MUSIC & EVENTS ROUNDUP

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