Schenectady’s Music Haven Concert Series will welcome two Alligator Records artists to Central Park on Sunday, August 3. San Francisco’s Rick Estrin & The Nightcats and Florida’s Selwyn Birchwood will headline the series’ annual Blues BBQ, bringing a mix of gritty streetwise blues and electric swamp rock to upstate New York.
Rick Estrin & The Nightcats bring decades of blues expertise to the Schenectady stage. With a reputation built on tight musicianship and witty, insightful lyrics, the band’s music is both grounded in tradition and full of fresh energy. Estrin’s harmonica playing and storytelling carry the soul of classic blues, while the band’s dynamic live shows have earned them recognition and a loyal following.
“This band is killer. I’m enjoying this all more than ever…It’s a blessing…there’s so much energy, so much collaboration. The band is just so good right now. And the live show is off the charts.”
Rick Estrin
Selwyn Birchwood represents the next generation of blues innovators. Blending gritty blues with elements of funk, rock, and soul, Birchwood’s labels his unique sound as “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues.” His intense guitar work and commanding presence make him a standout performer, capturing the spirit of the blues while carving out his own unique path.
New Yorkers can catch multiple shows spanning from July, until mid August. All shows are free to everyone at Schenectady’s Central Park, 500 Iroquois Way. Concessions will be available at 6pm, but showtime begins at 7pm.
Music Haven 2025 Summer Concert Series Calendar
July 13 – Red Baraat; Guest: Quadrature
July 18 – SUNY Schenectady Faculty Jazz Combo; Guest: Nestor Torres
July 20 – Bamba Wassoulou Groove; Guest: Ballet Waramba
July 26 – WEXT Fest
July 27 – Solas; Guest: Matt & Shannon Heaton
August 3 – Blues BBQ with Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Selwyn Birchwood; Guest: Annie & The Hedonists
August 9 – Classical Mystery Tour (Beatles tribute) with the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra
August 10 – The SteelDrivers; Guest: Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band
August 16 – WAMC On the Road with Wanda Fischer, Michael Jerling, Kate McDonnell, Dan Berggren & Joe Jencks
August 17 – Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience; Guest: Keith Pray’s Mohawk Brass Band
To find more free events in your area check out NYS Music’s Local Series!
Below is a live performance showcasing Selwyn Birchwood’s sound. Learn more about Alligator Record Artists here.
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