For Immediate Release

OGSpressoffice@ogs.ny.gov| 518-474-5987

 

May 17, 2024

NYS OGS ANNOUNCES SUMMER AT THE PLAZA PRIDE NIGHT CELEBRATION FEATURING DRAG PERFORMERS AMANDA TORI MEATING AND JASMINE KENNEDIE TO BE HELD ON JUNE 12

Lunchtime at the Plaza Concert Series Presented by M&T Bank Starts Wednesday, June 5

 Lunchtime Food Vendors Scheduled at the Empire State Plaza and Harriman Campus  

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced the Summer at the Plaza series of free concerts and events will feature a pride night celebration, Pride at the Plaza, Wednesday, June 12, in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, with performances by drag artists Amanda Tori Meating and Jasmine Kennedie. Commissioner Moy also announced that the Lunchtime at the Plaza Concert Series Presented by M&T Bank will kick off Wednesday, June 5, at noon.
 
“The trees are in bloom, the reflecting pools are filled, the farmers market is back outside, and we are ready to welcome everyone back for another exciting summer season of festivals, concerts, and great food at the Empire State Plaza,” Commissioner Moy said. “We’re looking forward to getting the Summer at the Plaza series underway with a fun-filled Pride Night Celebration. We also want to thank M&T Bank for their generous sponsorship of the Lunchtime at the Plaza Concert Series, which, combined with our weekly farmers market and food vendors, offers the community another great reason to come to the Plaza this summer.”
 
“At M&T Bank, we believe it’s important to invest in the communities where we live and work,” said Charles Pinckney, M&T Bank Regional President. “When we support programs like the Lunchtime at the Plaza series, it helps bring people together and adds to the vibrancy of Downtown Albany, fostering its growth as a dynamic neighborhood for residents, workers, and visitors. M&T Bank is excited to team up with Commissioner Moy and NYS OGS to make Empire State Plaza a lively space to connect with neighbors and support local musicians, small businesses, and farmers.”
 
Pride at the Plaza, 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, June 12
 
This year’s Pride at the Plaza event at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center will feature drag artists Amanda Tori Meating and Jasmine Kennedie. Hosted by Amanda Blair and DJ Phoenix, the pride celebration will include performances by Rosetta Stoned, Empress Champagne, London Jae Precise, and DJ Phoenix.
 
The pride celebration will kick off earlier in the day, with a special performance by the Albany Gay Men’s Chorus from noon to 1 p.m. at the Lunchtime at the Plaza Wednesday afternoon concert series presented by M&T Bank.
 
Amanda Tori Meating Amanda Tori Meating is the breakout star of “RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16.” She is known for her comedy, high-energy dance performances, and iconic onscreen moments. Before “Drag Race,” she was seen in the international touring company of the hit Broadway musical “Kinky Boots,” which ignited her love for dancing around in wigs and makeup. During her time on the show, she won over the hearts of the fans with her bright personality and charisma while simultaneously creating some of the most memorable moments in “Drag Race” history. Since the premiere of her season, Amanda has been touring the United States US (& soon the world!) while embarking on various projects, including her unhinged YouTube videos and her debut EP “Personality Hire,” which is currently available on all platforms.
 
Jasmine Kennedie is known as the babbling, backflipping bimbo of New York City! Starting her drag journey at the age of 16 in her hometown of Binghamton, New York, this young queen graced the East Coast with performance art and pageantry alike, leading up to her appearance on Seaspm 14 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Earning the title “Mouth Almighty,” this chatty Kathy is known for her fierce lipsyncs, iconic runway moments, and her ability to act (well, kinda).
 
Pride at the Plaza sponsors include CSEA, Transfinder, Alliance for Positive Health, Price Center of the Capital Region, and M&T Bank.
 
Lunchtime at the Plaza Concert Series Presented by M&T Bank
 
Held in conjunction with the Empire State Plaza outdoor farmers market and food vendor programs, the free outdoor concert series presented by M&T Bank provides live music from noon to 1:30 p.m. on 10 Wednesdays between June 5 and August 21.
 
Lunchtime at the Plaza Concert Schedule
  • June 5 — Operation Unite Kuumba Dance and Drum (African drum and dance)
  • June 12 — Albany Gay Men’s Choir (Chorus)
  • June 26 — Next Level Band (Caribbean music)
  • July 10 — Rheinbach German Jazz Band & Chorus (jazz and horns band from Germany) and the Old Time Dance Band (dixie and swing)
  • July 17 — Hammer Head Horns (New Orleans jazz/ragtime)
  • July 24 —  Veena and Devesh (sitar and table duet)
  • July 31 — Veteran’s Appreciation Day, featuring Gone Grey Band (classic rock)
  • August 7 — Caity Gallagher (singer-songwriter)
  • August 14 — Rock Voices (Choir performing the music of Queen)
  • August 21 — Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise (rapper and harp duo) 
Empire State Plaza Food Trucks and Vendors
 
The outdoor lunchtime food vendor program runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Wednesday, weather permitting, on the Plaza near The Egg. The vendors offer a diverse range of prepared foods to satisfy a variety of palates. 
Participating vendors include: 
  • La Empanada Llama — empanadas, tamales, and traditional Peruvian fare
  • PDT Catering Food Truck —sliders, macaroni & cheese, chicken tenders, and more
  • Sabor Caribeño — authentic Latin American fare
  • Smokey Salsa Grill — burrito bowls and tacos
  • SUNY Schenectady — rotating menu, including pizza, hot sandwiches, barbeque, and more.
  • The Plated Palette — grilled cheese, quesadillas, wraps, wings, and more
  • The Skinny Pancake — sweet and savory crepes, fresh brewed iced tea, and homemade lemonade
  • This Guy Bites — poke bowls, tacos, poutines, and more
  • THORN + ROOTSd — cold-pressed juices, smoothies, avocado toast, power bowls, and salads. 
Empire State Plaza Farmers Market
 
The Empire State Plaza Farmers Market is the place to find the season’s freshest produce, cheeses, baked goods, cider, and much more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Wednesday on the north end of the Plaza closest to the Capitol. The Plaza Farmers Market is part of the New York State Fresh Connect program, which is designed to meet the needs of communities by bringing fresh food to under-served areas, improving nutrition education, and helping create local jobs.
 
Participating vendors include: 
  • Bee Hollow Farm
  • Big Sky Farm
  • Bulich Creekside Farm
  • Eat with Aliens
  • Fresh Starts Family Farm
  • Maynard Farms & Orchards
  • Meredith’s Bread
  • Morning Pine Acres
  • New Scotland Spirits
  • The Bread Butler
  • The Bull and Bee
  • Worldling’s Pleasure
  • Quantum1219 Flower Farm 
Summer at the Campus Lunchtime Food Vendors and Monthly Craft Shows
 
At the Harriman Campus, participating food vendors serve lunch in the Building 8A courtyard by buildings 4, 5, and 8 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some of the vendors serving breakfast, beginning at 8 a.m.
 
The summer program at the Harriman Campus also includes monthly craft shows in the courtyard. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
 
Harriman food vendors include:
  • Vincent’s Catering
  • The Hungry Traveler
  • DC’s Pizza and Catering
  • Miranda Enterprises
  • The Spud Shack
  • At First Bite
  • Old Daley Inn
  • The Press 
Harriman Craft Shows will be held: 
  • June 13, 2024
  • July 18, 2024
  • August 22, 2024
  • September 12, 2024 
In the event of inclement weather, the craft shows will take place the following day.
 
OGS will continue to announce the lineup of events and performers for the 2024 Summer at the Plaza season in the coming weeks.
 
For event updates and additional information, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @Plazaevents on Instagram, or call (518) 474-4759.

 

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