PREVIEW: Greg Bell’s Halliday Ball
12/20 @ Lark Hall, Albany
**This article originally appeared in our December print issue**
“Celebrating his 30th year in the business, and retirement, Bell has become a cornerstone of New York’s Capital Region music scene. He emphasizes live music as an important shared experience between artist and audience, not a commodity.”
A favorite Albany tradition returns this December as Greg Bell’s Halliday Ball brings a powerhouse show of jam, funk, soul, and reggae bands to Lark Hall. Featuring jam bands Moon Boot Lover, Ominous Seapods, Conehead Buddha, and Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets, this concert highlights the music community that Greg Bell has grown for over 30 years as well as celebrates his legacy.
Bell began promoting shows in late 1992, when he and Dale Metzger formed Two Fools Presents, producing small festivals and club gigs. In 1993 he partnered with Jeff Guthrie to create Guthrie/Bell Productions, and although Guthrie stepped away a few years later, Bell carried the name forward. Celebrating his 30th year in the business, and retirement, Bell has become a cornerstone of New York’s Capital Region music scene. He emphasizes live music as an important shared experience between artist and audience, not a commodity. He has led by example of what it takes to be not just a promoter, but a community builder whose work has brought people together across generations. That ethos has made Guthrie/Bell Productions a home for local musicians, rising national talent, and established touring acts alike, bringing exciting shows to the area all year long. Bell’s work has made Albany a destination that bands want to add to their tour dates.
On December 20, Conehead Buddha will bring their ecstatic, rhythm-forward performances that have earned them a long-standing place in the East Coast jam circuit.
Another force of the 90s jam band wave, Ominous Seapods, return with their humor and adventurous improvisation. The Seapods have toured nationally with bands like moe. and Disco Biscuits, playing legendary venues from Red Rocks to NYC’s Wetlands. Their reunion shows since 2018 have reminded fans why the band remains essential listening.
Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets bring an uplifting fusion of reggae, ska, jam, and rock. Their message-driven, movement-making sound continues to bring people together.
Closing out the night is Moon Boot Lover, the long-running “Rocket Soul” band led by Peter Prince. Emerging from NYC’s vibrant 90s music scene, the band gained traction alongside Schleigho and moe., propelled by Prince’s Flying V guitar work, irreverent stage persona, and soulful vocals. Over the years, Moon Boot Lover has featured a rotating lineup of standout musicians, while Prince has recorded with an impressive list of artists across the jam, funk, and rock worlds such as Derek Trucks, Grace Potter, and Oteil Burbridge.
With four iconic acts and a promoter whose name has become synonymous with Albany’s live music culture, Greg Bell’s Halliday Ball promises to be a night of celebration of the unifying spirit of live music in the Capital Region.
For tickets, visit larkhallalbany.com
Bell/Guthrie Productions will also present moe. and Eastbound Jesus at The Palace Theatre, celebrating Greg Bell’s retirement on December 27, which is sure to be another great show.