RECENTLY ANNOUNCED: Stars to shine at Songfest

Mar 08, 2018 Spotlight News Entertainment, Music

THE VOICE -- "Blind Auditions" -- Pictured: Moriah Formica -- (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

ALBANY — On the day many in the Capital District will celebrate the arts on social media with the #518Day tag, The Egg presents an event featuring the art of songwriting.

The annual local music showcase 518 Songfest returns on 518 Day to the Swyer Theater at The Egg, on Friday, May 18, at 7 p.m.

Advanced reserved seating tickets are $9.77, $15 and $20. Tickets are available now through The Egg Box Office or online at theegg.org.

Songfest is a unique live concert experience, in that the artists get to perform their songs, as well as talk a bit about their music and experiences as creators and musicians. Featured this year is Moriah Formica, a near Final 12 contestant on Season 13 of NBC’s The Voice.

Other artists involved are 518 favorites Super 400, playing a rare acoustic set, and up-and-coming singer/songwriter Sydney Worthley, along with Sandy McKnight’s Pop-Clique and the event special guest, Grammy Award-winning songwriter Julie Gold (“From A Distance”). Along with performing, they will also be interviewed about their songwriting process, motivation, and experiences, from Exit 97.7 WEXT on-air personality Dave Michaels and Andy Gregory, host of The Local 518 Show on Exit 97.7 WEXT.

“We want to remove the barrier between audience and performer,” said McKnight, who has produced other local music shows at The Egg. “We think that if the audience gets to know them and what makes them tick, they’ll have a deeper connection to their music, and more reason to follow their progress. It’s a chance for the artists to make new fans and connect with their audience.”

The event is a fundraiser for Exit 97.7 WEXT, the Capital District’s listener-supported roots and rock radio station, and Columbia Arts Team (CAT), a non-profit arts company that showcases local original music and brings arts programs into area schools. WEXT and CAT are both committed to exposing local, original music as part of their mission. All contributions are tax deductible.

The Swyer Theater at The Egg will open its lobby at 6 p.m. to allow attendees to browse the booths of the performers and sponsors. Seating will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Reserved seating tickets will be available on day of show. 518 Songfest is sponsored by The Spot 518, Camelot Print & Copy Centers, and Exit 977 WEXT.

Moriah Formica is on her way up. At the young age of 16, her debut album/EP was released July 2016. The original collection of work showcased her talent and creativity as a truly unique vocalist, musician and songwriter. She had the privilege of working with some amazing professionals and nationally recognized musicians in the production of her EP. Through her experience, she learned invaluable lessons that have made her a more skilled, focused and confident performer. She remains open and energized to continue her journey.

Super 400 began when guitarist Kenny Hohman and drummer Joe Daley unexpectedly met bassist Lori Friday during a Monday night blues jam. The three made a date to jam in a Troy warehouse, and after 45 minutes, Super 400 was born. With a classic ‘power trio’ approach to its live show, they take up the sonic space of an airplane hangar, rocking to the heavens, adding vocal dynamics and a spiritual synergy causing the sound to swell to the bursting point. The band has become one of the most loyally followed rock bands in the Northeast, and the fan base is constantly growing. In fact, the mayor of Troy gave Super 400 its own ofﬁcial holiday, ‘Super 400 Day’, February 25, in 2008 to recognize the band’s musical achievements as well as the love and support the city has shown for them.

Sydney Worthley is a shining young singer/songwriter from New York’s Capital District who melds country, pop, folk, and rock into a sound all her own. Sydney’s debut album, Strong, is a 14-track roller coaster built on strength, courage, and perseverance. From the warm opening guitar riff of title-track “Strong,” to the brooding refrain of “Better Than You,” to the rock anthem “Part of Me,” “Strong” takes a powerful stance in the face of tremendous loss and heartbreak.

Julie Gold is a New York Songwriter best known for Bette Midler’s version of her song “From A Distance” which won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1991. Other artists who have recorded her songs include Patti LaBelle, Patti LuPone, Lea Salonga, Andrea Marcovicci, Carol Woods, Sinead O’Connor and Kathie Lee Gifford. Gold has served on The Board of Governors for NARAS and is a guest artist for Lincoln Center’s prestigious Meet the Artist Series. She performs and gives motivational speeches around the country.

Sandy McKnight is a veteran singer-songwriter, writer, producer, having had over 500 songs published, 200+ recorded and covered by various artists, and produced hundreds of recordings for other artists.