Massry Center Opens 2019-2020 Season; Features Jazz Up-and-Comer Kandace Springs September 28

The Massry Center for the Arts presents a 2019-2020 Season of exceptional performances. The line-up includes a September 28 performance featuring jazz and soul singer Kandace Springs. One of Prince’s last protégés, and called “Nashville’s soulful hidden treasure” by NPR, Springs is one of the premier jazz/soul vocalists of our time.

This season, Saint Rose once again partners with the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall to present the Premiere Performances Series. The series begins September 14 with the Saint Rose Camerata, a Saint Rose faculty ensemble offering high-caliber performances to the community at no charge.

The 2019-2020 Premiere Performances Series includes:

The Saint Rose Camerata – September 14, 7:30 p.m., free admission
Kandace Springs – September 28, 8 p.m., $35; $10 for Saint Rose students
Martha Redbone – October 12
The Saint Rose Camerata – October 26
Dallas Brass – November 9
The Saint Rose Camerata – February 15, 2020, 7:30 p.m., free admission
The Saint Rose Camerata – March 28, 2020, 7:30 p.m., free admission
Kat Edmonson – April 25, 2020

Additional show announcements and details are coming soon.

More on Springs, who Prince once said “has a voice that could melt snow”:

Kandace Springs is renowned for her unique piano style and soul-drenched, smoky vocals. She is touring in support or her latest album, scheduled to come out in February 2020, titled “The Women Who Raised Me.” It is a loving tribute to the great female singers who inspired her to begin her journey towards becoming a musician. The album features her unique interpretations of songs that she first heard growing up in Tennessee, and ranges from such classic icons as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Carmen McRae, through ’60s legends Nina Simone and Dusty Springfield, and up to modern masters such as Sade and Lauryn Hill. Hear Springs perform in this video.

“My father used to play me records when I was young, and I fell in love right away with all these great singers,” says Springs. “I literally learned to do what I do by singing along with them. Ever since, I’ve wanted to pay that forward by reminding people of how great these ladies are; we all owe them so much.”

The album reunites Springs with Larry Klein, Grammy legend and producer of her brilliant debut LP Soul Eyes. In addition, a stellar cast of guest artists has joined with Kandace to make this album a truly special experience. Most notably, Norah Jones sings a duet with her on the classic ballad “Angel Eyes.” “It was incredible to have one of my idols sitting right there, playing and singing with me,” says Springs. “I’m still pinching myself.”

David Sanborn blows a searing solo on the iconic “I Put A Spell On You,” while superstar bassist Christian McBride drops in for a sizzling bass/vocal duet on “Devil May Care.” The list continues, with memorable contributions from jazz luminaries Chris Potter on sax, Avishai Cohenon trumpet, and rising new star Elena Pinderhughes on flute. “I’m so thrilled that all my friends came out to support me on this project,” Springs says. “Maybe it’s because they could tell how much this music and these artists mean to me.”

But at the center as always is Kandace’s unique piano style and vocals, which will be showcased in her debut on the Massry Center stage.

The Massry Center for the Arts is located at 1002 Madison Avenue, Albany. Free parking for performances is available in lots adjacent to the Massry Center.