Mayor Jerry Jennings and the City of Albany have (finally) announced the musical line up for the 2011 Alive at Five Concert Series. These concerts are presented free and open to the public from 5-8 p.m. Thursday evenings at the Albany Riverfront Park amphitheatre at the Corning Preserve.

June 2, Vertical Horizon

The multi-platinum band behind the smash hits “Everything You Want”, “You’re a God” and “Best I Ever Had (Gray Sky Morning)” have been evolving since their humble beginnings as an acoustic duo in the early ‘90s. Now touring to support their latest album, Burning the Days, Vertical Horizon thrives on nuanced rock songwriting and a dynamic, high-energy live show that keeps fans coming back for more. With Mirk

June 9, The Marshall Tucker Band

The Marshall Tucker Band began honing their definitive blend of rock, country, rhythm & blues, jazz and gospel in 1973. Along the way, these good ol’ boys from Spartanburg, South Carolina influenced countless major country acts and sold millions of records on the strength of classic singles like “Heard it in a Love Song”, “Can’t You See”, “Desert Sky”, “Fire on the Mountain” and “Take the Highway”. With Collette & The Mudcats

June 16, 10,000 MANIACS

Minus Natalie Merchant, that is. Celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2011 with an extensive US tour, multi-platinum Jamestown NY recording artists 10,000 Maniacs were one of the original alternative rock bands. The band’s powerful, danceable and socially conscious sound earned them critical acclaim and hit singles like “These Are the Days” and “Because the Night.” The band’s current incarnation features long-time Maniac Mary Ramsey on viola and lead vocals. With The Erin Harkes Band

June 23, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

Martha Reeves & the Vandellas put Motown at the top of the charts with classics like “Heat Wave”, “Jimmy Mack” and their signature “Dancing in the Streets”. It’s hard to believe that it was nearly 50 years ago when Motown’s ultimate soul diva first hit the scene with “Come and Get These Memories,” especially once you witness that unmistakable voice and energetic live presence in concert. With New York Funk Exchange



June 30, Thompson Square

Thompson Square isn’t a real place, exactly. It’s the musical territory staked out by the husband-and-wife duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson, an exciting and unpredictable area where country meets rock, rough meets smooth and one vagabond heart finds a harmonious common ground with another. With the #1 country hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?” and two CMT award nominations, music fans around the world are quickly finding out who Thompson Square are. With The Hillbilly Horns.

July 7, Burton Cummings

One of the great voices of rock, Burton Cummings scored an unprecedented string of hits with Canada’s original rock and roll superstars, The Guess Who. By 1970, The Guess Who had sold more records than the entire Canadian music industry combined with timeless singles like “American Woman”, “These Eyes” and “No Time,” all powered by Burton’s vocals and songwriting. Burton continues at the top of his game as a performer, singer, songwriter and recording artist second to none. With Sly Fox & the Hustlers

July 14, Irish Night with Carbon Leaf & Enter the Haggis

Carbon Leaf’s unique blend of Celtic, folk-rock, Americana, bluegrass, rock and pop keeps audiences around the world clamoring for more. The Richmond, Virginia band shows no signs of slowing down as they approach their 20th year of performing, with multiple new releases and extensive tours planned for 2011.

July 21, Kansas

America’s most successful progressive rock band, this eccentric little group from Topeka continues to rule classic rock airwaves with classics like “Dust in the Wind”, “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Point of Know Return.” Kansas played to sold-out stadiums throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s and produced no less than four platinum and eight gold records. The band is still following their own course more than 35 years into their career, much to the delight of their devoted fans. With Spaceland

July 28, Parrotbeach – A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett

Playing the best of Jimmy Buffett and all your favorite island tunes, Parrotbeach have been bringing the sound of the beach to appreciative audiences for over a decade. One of the only fulltime Buffett tributes in the country, Parrotbeach will have you singing, laughing and dancing in the streets in no time. With Electric City Horn

Aug. 4, Live’s Ed Kowalczyk

Former lead singer of the multi-platinum rock band Live, Ed Kowalczyk’s powerful voice and earnest songwriting drove his band to astounding success. Performing all the hits (“Lightning Crashes”, “I Alone”, “All Over You”, “Selling the Drama”, and more), plus selections from his critically acclaimed solo debut Alive, Ed remains one of alternative rock’s most influential stars. with Mission Hill

The rain location for these concerts is at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch under the I-787 Colonie Street overpass. Moving to the rain location is determined each week on the morning of the event to ensure proper set-up time.

Additional information: 434-2032 or www.albanyevents.org.