New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced that 38 Special will perform at this year’s NYS Food Festival on Wednesday, August 14, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

“Every year, OGS brings people from across the Capital Region together for the Food Festival at the Empire State Plaza to enjoy a variety of global cuisines and live music,” Commissioner Moy said. “One of the biggest events during our annual Summer at the Plaza series, the Food Festival is a great time to create memorable moments with friends and family. I invite everyone to come and join us for a day full of fun.”

New York State’s Food Festival pairs delicious food and beverages with an exciting program of activities and free entertainment. Food vendors will offer a range of culinary options, including West African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, American, and Asian cuisines. This year’s entertainment will be headlined by 38 Special, with an opening performance by Bluz House Rockers. Earlier in the day, at noon, the band Rock Voices will take the stage and perform a lunchtime tribute to legendary rock band Queen. 

Southern and arena rock band 38 Special has an onstage presence that celebrates camaraderie and brotherhood. Established in 1976, the band currently consists of guitarist/vocalist Don Barnes, keyboardist/vocalist Bobby Capps, drummer Gary Moffat, bassist Barry Dunaway, and guitarist Jerry Riggs. Since they started playing, 38 Special has released more than 15 albums, many of which have been awarded Gold and Platinum status.

With sales over $20 million, many associate the band with some of their arena-rock pop smashes, “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” “Fantasy Girl,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You Belong,” “Chain Lightnin’,” and “Second Chance.” Their timeless hits remain a staple on radio and are immediately recognizable from the first opening chord.

Tentative Performance Schedule

Lunchtime at the Plaza Stage (at the Empire State Plaza Farmers Market)
Noon              Rock Voices

Main Stage
5:00 p.m.       DJ Mr. CEO
5:30 p.m.       Bluz House Rockers
6:40 p.m.       DJ Mr. CEO
7:15 p.m.       38 Special

Sponsors of the New York State Food Festival include Highmark Blue Shield, Times Union, Renaissance Albany Hotel, Decrescente Distributing Company, Miller Lite, I LOVE NY, and PYX 106.

Free parking is available in the East Garage, Madison Avenue, and Grand Street parking lots. Paid parking is available in the visitor lot underneath the Empire State Plaza.

For event updates and additional information, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Instagram, or call (518) 474-4759.

OGS is implementing a new emergency text alert system, which the public can use at Summer at the Plaza events to receive emergency notifications specific to the event they are attending. For the New York State Food Festival, the public can text ESPFF to 888777 to opt in and receive emergency messages.

Upcoming 2024 Summer at the Plaza Activities

• Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Saturday, September 14, featuring a performance by Alex Bueno, 5-9 p.m. in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.
• Hops and Harvest Festival, Wednesday, September 18, 5-9 p.m., performers to be announced.
• The Capitol Park After Dark Movie Series will include screenings of “Dial M for Murder,” on August 21, “Matilda” on August 28, and “The Thin Man” on September 4. All movies will start at 8 p.m. in West Capitol Park.