Albany And Albany Parking Authority Present Dad Fest On June 19th

Press release from the City of Albany:

June 6, 2022

ALBANY, NY – 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

CLASSIC CAR SHOW PRESENTED BY ALBANY PARKING AUTHORITY

This press release was produced by the City of Albany. The views expressed here are the author's own.