Email
Print
FeedSpree Music with E. Lovria: The Albrights play the Harbor
Photo by Eddy Silverio, courtesy of The Albrights
It’s been quite a year for The Albrights. Since interviewing them last June as they were releasing their first album, Ask, Tell, they have performed at SXSW, worked with MusicalFare on the production of Oliver!, experienced a line-up change, gone from being a local buzz band to a premier Buffalo act, and received several awards, including Buffalo Spree’s Best Local Music Act and 2011 Concert in a Small Venue (with Aqueous at Nietzsche’s), and Artvoice’s Best Original Music Act award. Now, to top it all off, they will be playing Thursday at the Harbor on June 28 with Fountains of Wayne. For those of you who haven’t been able to catch this talented act, this is a one fantastic opportunity to see them.
When asked about the past year, the Albrights are reflective. Bassist Matthew Crane poignantly states he’s “proud of everything. We have grown significantly as a band, as friends, and as business people. We are still growing and moving forward.” The group’s desire to evolve and try new artistic outlets—such as their recent foray into musical theater—is proving to be a winning strategy. By participating in MusicalFare’s Oliver!, the Albrights gained the attention of the local theater community and acquired a whole new audience who, according to Joe Donohue III (vocals/guitar), “know the value of a good performance.” The overall experience was educational and with the help of director, Chris Kelly, the Albrights expanded upon its already entertaining performance making it more like a musical production than just your live music show. Says Donohue, “we try not to limit ourselves. Every time you come to see us, it’s a different show.”
The Albrights continue to surge forward. They not only received the Best Original Act from Artvoice, but they also played at the event, which according to Brandon Barry (vocals/guitar), gave the Albrights “huge exposure to a crowd at a perfect time. This is the most put together we have ever been.”
Currently, they are working on a new line of merchandise as well as new music videos. Their biggest project is a drive developed to raise money so that they can produce a B-sides album and hit the road for their first official tour. Like most well run fundraisers, there are incentives for pledges (ranging from items like a Facebook shout out, a dog or cat wash, or a personal live performance). Everyone who donates will receive a copy of the new B-sides album which will include some “reimagined” versions of songs as well as some new hits. More information on the music drive can be found at http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/thealbrights.
If you haven’t seen Buffalo’s new favorite band yet, grab the family and head down to the Harbor and catch the show. If you are not able to make it on the 28th, be sure to check the Albrights website for future dates.
Elizabeth Lovria is a graduate of Lake Shore Central Schools and Syracuse University. She resides in Hamburg with her husband and their daughter.
