New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced the lineup for this year’s Capital Concert Series, which will feature performances by Doug E. Fresh, Gogol Bordello, Lit, and Tarrus Riley.
“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,” Commissioner Moy said. “I’d like to thank DeCrescente Distributing Company, Broadview Federal Credit Union, and our other sponsors for generously supporting these concerts that bring everyone down to the Plaza, year after year.”
July 9, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Doug E. Fresh with Nice & Smooth, Suzi, and the 518 DJ Battle – Presented by Miller Lite
Doug E. Fresh’s peers have dubbed him the “World’s Greatest Entertainer” and the “Original Human Beatbox.” During his nearly 40-year career, he has etched himself into the annals of music history with his creation of the human beatbox art form, whereby he vocally simulates the sounds of drums and other musical instruments with stunning accuracy. His unrivaled skill and myriad talents have resulted in an enduring legacy that continues to break new ground. As a pioneering hip-hop artist, Fresh possesses the unrivaled ability to captivate audiences. He made history as the first rapper booked to perform in Africa and the first rapper to perform at the United Nations, alongside his longtime friend and collaborator Stevie Wonder.
Nice & Smooth is an East Coast hip-hop duo from New York that consists of Greg Nice (Greg Mays) and Smooth B (Daryl Barnes). Nice & Smooth’s biggest radio fame came from “Sometimes I Rhyme Slow...,” from the group's second album, “Ain't a Damn Thing Changed,” released in 1991. The song was a moderately somber rhyme with introspective lines about poverty, AIDS, and drugs that was set to the guitar loop from Tracy Chapman's hit "Fast Car." They may be hip-hop legends, but Nice & Smooth will always be the people’s favorites based on the entertainment value and the integrity of the group.
Suzi’s passion for music and poetry ignited early in her life. Influenced by her older brother and cousin’s rap sessions, she began crafting her own lyrics to capture their attention. Her family’s deep-rooted musical background significantly influenced her artistic development. Suzi’s mother was a poet, and her aunts formed a girl group that became acquainted with Motown Records. Known for her exceptional penmanship, Suzi garnered numerous accolades in talent shows, poetry slams, and freestyle battles throughout her school years. Suzi’s journey reflects her dedication to her craft and ability to resonate with audiences through authentic storytelling and lyrical prowess.
July 16, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Gogol Bordello with The Big Takeover – Presented by Miller Lite
Gogol Bordello is an international punk band that has existed since 1999. Led by Ukrainian frontman Eugene Hütz, the band fills rooms with an energy that could run a whole city, and their latest album “Solidaritine” is no exception. The band has lit up stages around the world alongside System of a Down, Primus, Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, dueted with Regina Spektor, appeared in films such as Liev Schreiber’s “Everything Is Illuminated” with Elijah Wood and “Filth and Wisdom,” helmed by Madonna, and cut albums with legends Rick Rubin and Steve Albini. Russia's war in Ukraine is personal for Eugene and the band, who have been tirelessly advocating for Ukrainian solidarity, partnering with Nova Ukraine, ArtDopomoga, and beyond. In 2023, the documentary “Scream of My Blood: A Gogol Bordello Story” held its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, taking home a Special Jury Mention for Best New Documentary Director Award.
The Big Takeover is fronted by the charismatic Jamaican-born singer and songwriter Nee Nee Rushie. The seven-piece New York band plays original music that is rooted in and reverent toward the genres and rhythms of Jamaican pop: reggae, rocksteady, and ska. They are devotees of Desmond Dekker and the way the old school did it. At the same time, The Big Takeover crosses lines and blends traditions like global pop fusionists. Their deceptively complex arrangements and big hooks connect with the spirit of Motown and the uptown sophistication of the 21st century retro soul and R&B revival scene.
July 23, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Lit with Plush
Lit is considered one of the preeminent bands to emerge from the post-grunge era of the late 1990s. It helped define an entire generation of SoCal power punk with hard-charging hits such as “My Own Worst Enemy,” “Miserable,” “Zip-Lock,” and “Lipstick & Bruises.” The band has released six worldwide studio albums, including its RIAA-Certified Platinum album, “A Place in the Sun,” and the band is preparing to release new material.
Plush is a rock band with a mission to bring rock back to the forefront of the music industry. Their debut album featured the Billboard Top 40 charting singles “Hate” and “Better Off Alone.” Plush has been electrifying audiences with live performances across the United States, supporting Disturbed, Kiss, Alice In Chains, Evanescence, Daughtry, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy, and The Conspirators, among others, as well as the big festival stages of Welcome to Rockville, Louder Than Life, Rocklahoma, and more.
August 6, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Tarrus Riley and Blak Soil Band with The Meditations
Tarrus Riley’s ongoing legacy is that his music transcends generations and stands the test of time. Embedded in his DNA via his late father, veteran reggae singer Jimmy Riley's musical gift, the generational singer has broken barriers to give the world a soundtrack to their lives. Armed with prolific lyrics, a powerful, distinctive voice, and the dexterity to pen meaningful words, Tarrus Riley has found a way to bring music notes to life. From social commentary to feel-good music, inspirational tracks, and love compositions, the multi-award-winning crooner's impressive discography runs the gamut of life. Having honed his craft since his teenage years, Tarrus Riley’s kinship with music has seen him work alongside an eclectic array of artists and producers such as renowned saxophonist Dean Fraser, Major Lazer, Big Youth, Konshens, Ed Sheeran, and Ellie Goulding, among others. From topping the Billboard Reggae Charts to making his way onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Tarrus Riley has kept delivering beautifully crafted music. Alongside his 2004 debut album "Challenges," 2006 album “Parables," 2009 hit-filled “Contagious” album, 2012 acoustic album “Mecoustic,” critically acclaimed 2014 “Love Situation,” and worldwide top charting B.L.E.M project (Blending Life's Experiences Musically), the reggae star has duly cemented his name in the reggae landscape.
The Meditations is part of the foundation of reggae music and has been producing, writing, arranging, and performing for over 40 years. They performed at the historic One Love Peace Concert in 1978 at the request of Bob Marley and worked with legends such as Jimmy Cliff, Sly and Robbie, Philip Smart, Willie Lindo, and Gregory Isaac. For the past 10 years, they’ve been touring without two of their original members but have kept the legacy alive. Joining forces with long-time keyboard player/vocalist Laury Webb, who is also featured on “The Good of Man” album, and vocalist Daddylion Chandell, they’ve created a new sound, a new feel, that remains true to the culture and origins of the band. Their live performances have been praised by fans internationally, expanding their fan base and introducing them to a new generation of music lovers.
The Capital Concert Series is part of the 2025 Summer at the Plaza series of free events at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Sponsors of the Capital Concert Series include Miller Lite, CDTA, Renaissance Albany Hotel, Broadview Federal Credit Union, Metroland Now, Jamz 96.3, and PYX 106.
OGS is implementing a new emergency text alert system, which the public can use at events to receive emergency notifications specific to the event they are attending. For the Capital Concert Series and all 2025 Summer at the Plaza events, the public can text ESP25 to 888777 or sign up online here for event alerts.
For event updates and additional information, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Instagram, or call (518) 474-4759.
