Friday July 13 Annie & The Hedonists—Acoustic blues, swing, and folk!
…A band with a great lead singer and tight harmonies, covering an eclectic mix of acoustic music, torchy blues, standards, bluegrass, gospel, labor ballads, early jazz, …A wild ride across the vast acoustic music landscape Greg Haymes, Times Union
Annie and the Hedonists blew the place away Ralph Hunt, Heartland Music
Annie Get Your Fun! Tom Keyser, Times Union
Cafe open from 5–10pm with music in two live shows from 6–7:30 or 8–9:30 5$ Cover.
Call 518 326 2064 for reservations
~ Tapas Menu Specials for Fri Jul 13 ~
Chicken Croquettes w/ Spicy Chipotle Aioli
Spicy Grilled Chicken Breast W/Mango-Avocado Salsa, served with rice and beans.
Pan Seared Pork Tenderloin Medallions W/ Papaya Black Bean Sauce served with yucca fries
Sauteed Garlic Shrimp W/ Rum Sauce, served over saffron rice
Potato Kneidlach W/ sauteed seasonal veggies in a white wine sauce.
George Fletcher’s Folding Money Plays the Blues Live at Carmen’s Cafe Friday, July 6, 2012
George Fletcher’s Foldin’ Money plays a variety of blues that teeters on rock, occasionally jazz, and even a little reggae. Expect to hear Foldin’ Money’s takes on the music of Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf, Little walter, Freddy King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, …Stevie Ray Vaughan, George Benson, Bo Diddley, Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana. In addition, some standards from the great American songbook occasionally find their way in to the set as well as a bunch of great original tunes.
Cafe open from 5–10pm with music in two live shows from 6–7:30 or 8–9:30 5$ Cover.
Call 518 326 2064 for reservations
This Friday, July 6, is Paella Day at Carmen’s!
Sample Three Paellas—
Mark Emanation and Acoustic Sky Special Tribute To Ernie Williams This Friday, June 29 at Carmen’s
Shows at 6 & 8, $5 Cover
Mark Emanatian’s Acoustic Sky will be playing two shows on Friday, June 29. This special show will feature songs of Ernie Williams. Mark Emanatian was a longtime member of Ernie’s band and he will honor Ernie’s memory with acoustic renditions of some of Mr. Williams’ best loved tunes.
Folding Sky. Blues for the new century. Ancient Rhythms. Melodies from the turning of the earth. Songs that touch the sky while staying rooted in the ground. Beauty, power, passion, grace. Folding Sky will touch your heart, move your body and inspire your soul.
Folding Sky is first and foremost a band. A band in the old and real sense. Family. Committed. Telepathic. Folding Sky, based in Albany New York, has released 5 albums of original material: The brand new “Lost Roots” (2010), “Dancing with My Guitar” (2002), “Ghostyard” (2004), “FOUR DAYS IN THE GARDEN”(2006), and “Acoustic Sky” (2007). These albums have received rave reviews and have received extensive radio airplay. Anthony Sica of ELMORE Magazine called “Four Days In The Garden” “one of the best I’ve ever heard”. Folding Sky has been joined on stage by blues legend Big Time Sarah and guitar legend Rhett Tyler.
Led by Mark Emanatian, guitarist/singer/songwriter, who made a name for himself as the lead and slide guitarist for the highly acclaimed blues band Ernie Williams and the Wildcats. Emanatian recorded six independent-label albums with the Wildcats, co-producing and writing more than his share of the material. Emanatian has appeared on stage with blues notables such as Hubert Sumlin, Lonnie Brooks, and Buddy Guy. In addition, Emanatian has performed on stage with Patty Smith, Levon Helm, and Bruce Willis. Emanatian was voted Bandleader of the Year in 2000 by Metroland Magazine. After a decade with the Wildcats, Emanatian formed Folding Sky.
He is joined by the legendary drummer Al Kash. Kash, a master musician and force of nature, has toured and recorded for over thirty years. Kash, a self-taught drummer, started playing in 1964 in Perth, West Australia and moved to Sydney in 1969. There he joined Blackfeather and toured & recorded the self-titled album [with guest Bon Scott]. Kash moved to New York in 1977 and formed the Units/Fear of Strangers. His credits include Kim Simmonds/Savoy Brown, Billy C. Farlow, Commander Cody, Bo Diddley, Dave Hole, Ellen McIllwain, and Ernie Williams.
On bass is the longtime roots musician and extraordinary instrumentalist Tom Dolan. His impressive resume includes The Slugs; Good Friday; the Jim Carrey Blues Band; the Chromatones; and Dolan, Dolan, Dolan.
On co-lead guitar is the equally accomplished Grant Perry. Grant began his performance career as the cofounder of The Majestics, playing high school dances, college frat parties, and local clubs. Looking beyond the Capital Region for more musical opportunities, he traveled south and west. After adventures in Miami and Austin, Grant settled in the French Quarter of New Orleans Louisiana for nearly a decade, playing Bourbon Street clubs and local uptown venues such as Tipitinas. Moving west, Grant’s home base became San Francisco for the next decade, performing professionally in venues reaching from Las Vegas, Los Angles, Reno, and of course back home in San Francisco. Grant has backed well known artists such as, Elvin Bishop, Doug Kershaw, Frankie Ford, Vikki Lee, and Chris Rowan, just to name a few. He has recorded albums at Sea Saint Studios in New Orleans, Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, and The Plant in San Francisco.
~ Dinner Specials for Friday June 29th ~
–Many Veggies are F-r-r-r-e-s-h from the garden–
APPETIZERS
Gazpacho….Served Chilled w Crackers
Chicken Croquettes
TAPAS SPECIALS
Corn Meal Crusted Salmon w/Grilled Peach Salsa, over Red Jasmine Basmati Rice
Cuban Chicken Wings w/Spicy Mango Sauce, Served w/Rice & Beans
Pulled Pork w/Guava BBQ Sauce, Served w/Yucca Fries
What do you get when you mix a spunky NYC cabaret singer with a burning ’60s rock band? Well, it ain’t cabaret!
Lisa Gordon on keys, harmonica and lead vocals, treats audiences to punchy covers of Grace Slick, torchy renditions of Dusty Springfield, Joplin, and more. Looking for Beatles, Kinks or Cream? Burning guitarist Rob Piorkowski, slick bassist Nick Bisanz and hot percussionist Johnny Easy blend their instrumental and vocal talent with harmonies that result in a DIRTY BOY sound much bigger than a quartet.
Cafe open from 5–10pm with music in two live shows from 6–7:30 or 8–9:30 5$ Cover.
Call 518 326 2064 for reservations
~ Specials Menu for Friday June 22nd ~
~ APPETIZERS ~
Shrimp and Scallop Cocktail
Eggplant sliders,
grilled, topped with avocado, and guava sauce, served on a multi grain dinner roll
~ TAPAS ~
Chicken breast
stuffed with chorizo, olives, raisins and onions, served with rice and beans
Beef tamales
served with yucca fries and seasonal veggie
Red snapper
w/ avocado sauce, served over saffron rice and veggies
Black bean patties
w/pineapple rice, seasonal veggies and lime creme
~ DESSERT ~
Strawberry shortcake
served on a house made biscuit, with fresh strawberries and creme fraiche
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Pancakes with nutella mousse and salted caramel sauce Steak….filet mignon…. and eggs, served with home fries and toast
Todd Nelson brings Impeccable Jazz and Snappy Hats to Carmen’s this Friday, June 15
Shows at 6 & 8, $5 Cover
Todd Nelson Trio TN3 mixes elements of jazz, rock and electronics, playing original songs and new arrangements of unusual covers, including pop, folk and gospel and any other genre signified by the muse.
The music of TN3 is improvisational but not noise; exploratory in texture and sound but melodic; arranged but open-ended; structured while embracing the random; aware of the past without repeating it; unafraid of space, subtlety or beauty, and it rocks.
Bio:
Todd Nelson has recorded or performed with Terry Adams (NRBQ), Gary Burke (Bob Dylan, Joe Jackson), Hayseed, Aimee Mann, Ed Mann (Frank Zappa), Pal Shazar, Jules Shear, Rumdummies, Malcolm Travis (Sugar), The Wheelers and Dealers and others. Todd is currently performing original songs and arrangements for his instrumental trio, TN3 featuring Kyle Esposito on fretless bass and Manuel Quintana on drums and percussion. He also performs with singer-songwriters Anna Cheek and Bruce Kean.
This Sunday— Free Brew for Dad on Father’s Day!
Dads, Come to Carmen’s for a meal and get a free beer*
*or Sangria, Raspberry Lemonade, or Coffee, Tea, Juice
Cuban Crusted Filet Mignon
Grilled & Sliced, Served w/ Grilled Peppers & Onion
over Saffron Rice & Plantains
Sauteed Scallops & Shrimp
w/ Tomatoes, Onions, Peppers, & Corn
Topped w/ Fried Yucca Slivers & Avocado,
served on a Bed of Greens
Pan Seared Chicken Breast w/ Grilled Pineapple topped with Avocado, served w/ Saffron Rice & Beans
House Made Grilled Flatbread w/ Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade
w/ Manchego Cheese & Seasonal
Veggies, Topped w/ Arugula
Peach Pie
Raspberry Lemonade
Either Dry or Wine Based
~Breakfast-Lunch Specials ~
for Sat & Sun, June 16 & 17:
Steak & Eggs
Put the Pow into Powerful Father Figure
with sliced Filet Mignon, Two Eggs & Home Fries, toast and coffee
Ranch Eggs
Two Eggs Sunny Up
Your Choice of Chorizo or Veggie Hash
Mashed Black Beans w. Spicy Tomato Sauce Drizzle
Our Own Homemade Lime Cremé Dressing & Toast
Friday June 8 Charlie Smith & Rob Aronstein bring the Blues back to Carmen’s.
Get rhythm when you get the blues. These guys have the stuff to get your feet happy as you start tapping your toes, bopping to the beat these cats lay down as they have for decades. Charlie can evoke that sophisticated big city Chicago blues in the vein of Otis Rush, or just as handily, take you on a river cruise of the Mississippi Delta. Rob is going to tickle those ivories in a perfect weave to Charlie’s guitar licks.
It’s a killer combination, it’s a blues sensation.
Cafe open from 5–10pm with music in two live shows from 6–7:30 or 8–9:30 5$ Cover.
Call 518 326 2064 for reservations
~ Friday Night Specials Menu June 8 ~
Appetizer Bacon wrapped scallops w/avocado sauce.
TapasSpecials
Cuban BBQ Spare Ribs, served w/arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and veggie.
Fried Chicken…boneless thighs w/ a spicy mango sauce, served with saffron rice and black beans.
Grilled Salmon w/black bean mango salsa, served w/yucca fries and veggie.
Crispy Tofu w/seasonal veggies in a cool coconut curry sauce.
Eggplant sliders….grilled, and served with avocado slices and guava glaze on a multigrain roll.
Cafe open from 5–10pm with music in two live shows from 6–7:30 or 8–9:30 5$ Cover.
Call 518 326 2064 for reservations
And the Graham Tichy Trio is gonna rock and swing the night away. Let’s heat up the night with some good friends, some great tapas, homemade sangria, and the rockin beat of Graham Tichy’s trio.
Dinner Specials for Friday, June 1:
Ropa Vieja
Shredded Beef in Spicy Tomato Sauce
w/ Peppers & Onion, Served w/ Yucca Fries & Veggies
Seafood Bouillaibasse
w/ Shrimp, Scallops, Tilapia & Red Snapper over Saffron Rice
Cafe open from 5–10pm with music in two live shows from 6–7:30 or 8–9:30 5$ Cover.
Call 518 326 2064 for reservations
For greater taste and freshness, We are now making our own Chorizo!
We’ll be giving out samples of our famous Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms.
And for our Vegetarian friends, Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms!
Specials for Friday, May 25:
Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Simmered in White Wine Sauce
Served w/ Sun Dried Tomatoes and Artichoke Hearts
over Ruby Red Jasmine Rice
Beef Tamales
Served w/ Veggies and Yucca Fries
Crab Cakes w/ Spicy Remoulade Sauce
Over Ruby Red Jasmine Rice
Cuban Risotto
Served w/ Mushrooms, Zucchini Squash,
Red Pepper, Eggplant & Asparagus
Cous-Cous Salad
w/ Cilantro, Mint, Jicama, Tomatoes, & Red Onions
Over A Bed Of Greens w/ Lime Vinaigrette
Sonny Daye and Perley Rousseau achieve a rare musical symbiosis. The husband and wife team have spent the last several years developing and perfecting their unique blend of Jazz, Brazilian Bossa Nove, and International Cabaret which has become their musical signature. An eclectic repertoire including Great American Songbook standards, French love songs and irresistible Bossa Nova sounds of Jobim is part of the reason for their impressive performance schedule, an average of 250 dates per year throughout New York, New England and in Europe. The true test, however, is in live performance where “they deliver the goods”. (7 Days Magazine)
Perley was raised on the jazz greats from day one (Ella was the first recorded voice she remembers hearing), and as a young girl she was captivated by the Bossa Nova sounds of Sergio Mendez and Brazil 66. At the age of 22, while living in Chicago, she entered a talent contest on a dare from a friend. Singing a capella “My Funny Valentine” and “Lady is a Tramp”, she won first place, which gave her the impetus to study jazz vocals. While studying in Chicago and sitting in as guest vocalist in many jazz clubs she landed her first “real paying gig” and began persuing a dream that had been brewing since childhood. Desiring pure tone and a firm foundation, she continued her study of voice in New York with 4 years of private study in classical technique with international opera diva Sylvia Kutchukian, which Perley in turn teaches to her own vocal students. Having a “beautifully rich voice, with the emotional power, swing and improvisational feel of a true jazz singer” (The Jazz Observer) brings a distinction to her captivating effervescence and saucy stage presence in cabaret performance. Yet it is her genuine warmth and love of the music graced by her “inimitable style” (Paul Elisha, WAMC radio) which draws listeners into her unpretentious and heartfelt interpretation of Great American Standards, BrazilianBossa Nova, and French songs, many sung in the original language.
Sonny’s musical training began with the drums which he began playing at 7 years old. His inspiration came from his father, his aunt Marion and his godfather who made sure he had a heavy dose of listening to the jazz greats. Aunt Marion, a nun at the time, took it straight to the top when she sat in on drums with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra in full habit! His love of rhythm and improvisation were firmly established as he immersed himself in jazz and began playing in bands in his teens. He later went on to study music at North Texas University where his foundation for piano work began. Some touring and free lance work ensued in his 20’s and early 30’s including a tour with the Ted Weems Orchestra. Sonny met Perley when he returned to upstate NY and worked as a substitute drummer in her trio. It was love at first sound. The two were soon married and began a lifelong musical collaboration.Their performances are often sprinkled with a spontaneous banter that only a 25 year marriage can enliven. Perhaps that is why Chronicle Magazine declares them “harbingers of aesthetic jazz…[and] romanticism”.
Sonny & Perley keep a busy performance schedule, touring with their trio, quartet, or quintet, performing for concerts, festivals, cabaret shows and private events.. Three CD releases, “Love Dance” 1996, “East of the Sun” 1999, and “Let It Happen” 2004, and “Love Is Here To Stay ~ LIVE!” 2009 have generated international air play and received critical acclaim. In 2005 they were invited to participate in a collaborative effort of original compositions involving 13 other outstanding artists of the Capital District of NY which resulted in “Saratoga Pie”, a CD produced by the Grammy winner Joel Moss, producer of Tony Bennett, Rod Stewart, Bill Charlap and many other notables.
Dinner Specials for Friday, May 11:
Braised Beef Short Ribs w/ Guava Glaze
Served w/ Veggies & Yucca Fries
Ceviche of Shrimp, Scallops & Tilapia
Served On a Halved Avocado Over Mixed Greens
Carmen's Bistro 