Buggy Jive with Lennox – Live & Local at the Linda

Soul rock singer-songwriter Buggy Jive has always made music while in hiding, quietly uploading songs and music videos from a basement studio somewhere in Upstate New York. Equal parts Zeppelin and D’Angelo and Prince and Joni in sound and sensibility, his lyrics often mine the literature of the past to make sense of the present – from Ellison to Morrison to Eliot to Didion. Even before his pandemic-era music video and reclusive rallying cry “Ain’t Going Anywhere” went viral, the only way to see him perform live was the occasional house concert streamed live from his basement studio.

But after a big 2023, Mr. Jive may be ready to come out of the hole. So what made the year so special?

It started with a Tiny Desk Contest shoutout from NPR’s Bob Boilen and Bobby Carter for the featured “Top Shelf” entry, “Don’t Quit Your Day Job”; then Album of the Year and Best Music Video wins at the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards; a well-received opening slot for Macy Gray’s “Reset” tour kickoff in Troy, NY; a commissioned song and performance for “Kaleidescape” in celebration of the glorious sonics of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall; and an evening sharing songs in tribute to Buggy’s beloved Joni Mitchell at historic Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs.

It’s a lot for an artist who, until now, has been notoriously reclusive. But it seems like Buggy finally got the bug to do more in 2024. Stay tuned.

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Exciting news for local music fans! WAMC, and WEXT are teaming up to launch “Live and Local at The Linda,” a new monthly concert series with a mission to showcase the up-and-coming standout local bands in the Capital Region.

“These groups represent the rich and varied music scene we have here in the Capital Region, and they’re sure to put on a great show,” says Chris Wienk, WEXT.

We’re all about supporting our local musicians. That’s why WAMC and WEXT are covering all other expenses so that the bands get the full benefit of ticket sales. All ticket proceeds go directly to the performing bands, underscoring the combined commitment of the presenters to nurturing and supporting the dynamic local music scene.

“It’s an unprecedented collaboration and opportunity we’re really excited about,” says Peter Hughes, GM and programmer of The Linda. “We all wanted to do something spectacular that puts our money where our mouths were on local music. Live and Local at The Linda is that.”