The Caroga Arts Collective announced the events for the fourth annual WinterFest, including music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah, and favorite Christmas singalongs. These events will be happening from Dec. 14-17.
The Caroga Arts Collective presents over 50 performances and community events in the Southern Adirondacks throughout the year, featuring world-class musicians from across the country and from various styles of arts and entertainment.
Before kicking off the WinterFest, there will be the fifth annual tree lighting ceremony at Sherman’s Park on Nov. 26, and the Caroga Arts Collective is asking for volunteers to help light up the park. On Dec. 14, the popular “SAUNDERSFEST Christmas” hosted by Canada Lake-based brothers Geoff and Rich Saunders will be happening at The Nick Stoner Inn & 19th Hole at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.
On Dec. 15 and 16, the Caroga Arts Ensemble will perform the Tchaikovsky Holiday Spectacular at Paul Nigra Center. They will perform selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite and other beloved works. Tickets are on sale now for both events.
The last day of WinterFest brings the free Hallelujah, it’s Handel! event. The Caroga Arts Ensemble will perform music by Handel, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and more at St. John’s Episcopal Church. There will also be selections from Handel’s Messiah and Christmas sing-a-longs.
The Caroga Arts Collective’s fourth annual WinterFest will take place from Dec. 14-17 at various locations in the Adirondacks, showcasing the talent of the area in different musical forms.
Timber Banks, a golf course-based residential community in Baldwinsville, will soon be hosting the “Jazz at Timber Banks” music series at their brand-new Persimmons Restaurant.
Running from November 30 to May 10, the series will showcase events every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. It will begin with a performance by Edgar Pagán and his “Grupo Pagan Lite” trio, playing pop and Latin pop selections, on a night featuring free finger food.
Promotional poster for “Jazz at Timber Banks.”
Excluding a holiday break, Fitzsimmons will host every week over the course of its 5+ month run. No show will include a cover charge. Edgar Pagán’s GPL will also feature at the series’ closing event.
CNY Jazz is presenting the series as their latest “CNY Jazz Club” offering. “Now the northern suburbs will have nearby access to great music of all kinds on a regular basis in a cabaret setting,” said Larry Luttinger, leader of the upstate non-profit operation and series curator of the concert series.
21 events and 15+ acts strong, the series bills itself as multidisciplinary, featuring blues, funk, R&B, Americana, country swing, Latin crossover, modern pop, and Sinatra in addition to jazz.
CNY Jazz donor cardholders will receive 10% discounts on food and drink at all events scheduled at Persimmons.
Information on more upcoming CNY Jazz events can be found here.
Music has been an integral part of the moviegoing experience ever since the Lumière Brothers screened the first silent shorts with musical accompaniment in Paris in 1895. Today, Upstate Films is continuing the tradition of celebrating film and music together at its theaters in Rhinebeck and Saugerties and many other locations via its traveling Hudson Valley Picture Show.
From musicals to documentaries and biopics to staging live performances before and to complement silent film screenings, Upstate Films is putting a uniquely creative touch to the fusion of music and moviegoing.
The venture launched in 1972 as a single-screen, not-for-profit cinema in Rhinebeck. In 2010, it added to its footprint by leasing Woodstock’s Tinker Street Cinema for a decade. With its departure from Tinker Street in 2020, Upstate Films moved on to an even grander space, The Orpheum Theater in Saugerties. This new acquisition was forged by Upstate Films’ newly appointed co-executive directors, the creative team of Jason Silverman and Paul Sturtz.
“The Orpheum Theater is a true classic,” says Katie Cokinos, Senior Programmer for Upstate Films. “It opened in 1908 as a vaudeville theater and has a big, beautiful stage which is ideal for live events. We’ve had everything from staged readings of plays to poetry and book events and, of course, a bounty of live music. That’s not only here, but also at our Rhinebeck location and throughout the area with our Hudson Valley Picture Show.”
Launched in Spring 2021, The Hudson Valley Picture Show is a traveling film experience, one that is often staged “al fresco” at some of the region’s most bucolic backdrops. With the purchase of a state-of-the-art outdoor screening system including a 24-foot screen, an ultra-bright projector and a powerful sound system, Upstate Films has popped up at venues like Olana, Kingston’s Old Dutch Church, Catskills Community Theater and many more.
“Our Hudson Valley Picture Show events always incorporate a live music component,” says Jason Silverman. “My co-director Paul and I really love music. And since we are new to the area, we thought this would be great way for us to not only get to know but showcase the unparalleled wealth of musical talent that call the Hudson Valley home.
“Over the course of the past two years, we’ve probably had 40 acts performing in our theaters and Hudson Valley Picture Show,” continues Silverman. “We’ve had everyone from jazz greats like Bill Ware and local legends like Simi Stone to up-and-coming younger bands and solo artists as well as a revival of the John Street Jam, a long-running singer-songwriter event in Saugerties that was without a home for a few years. ”
On Friday, October 28, Upstate Films’ Hudson Valley Picture Show will present a screening of the 1920 horror classic, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, with live musical accompaniment by The Anvil Orchestra. Founded by Roger Clark Miller (Mission of Burma) and Terry Donahue more than 30 years. The event will take place at The Community Theater in Catskill, New York.
“The marriage of silent film and live musical accompaniment is something we’ve been exploring since we reopened The Orpheum in November 2021,” adds Silverman. “Our opening weekend actually featured a screening of Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. with a live score by pianist Barbara Lee. It was something that not only pleased adults but kids as well. We look forward to doing more of it in the future.”
Upstate Films and its Hudson Valley Picture Show have also boasted screenings of many of the best music documentaries. The list includes the Prince-focused Sign of the Times, the recent Bowie doc Moonage Daydream and Anonymous Club, a critically-acclaimed profile of enigmatic singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett.
Barry’s book is a ‘fly on the wall” account of the final chapter of Helm’s life and the scene that grew up around his legendary, star-studded home concerts, the Midnight Rambles. These weekly events were a way for Helm to both recover from bankruptcy and battle against throat cancer, something that had robbed him of his legendary voice for a time. Barry spent years just hanging and recording conversations with Helm, both in his home and on the road. The book, which took the writer 14 years to complete, may provide the truest look into the spirit of this legendary American music-maker and his triumphant final turn with the Grammy-Award winning album, Dirt Farmer, before his passing in April 2012.
Barry was joined at the sell-out event by Barbara O’Brien, who served as Helm’s manager during this final chapter, and Radio Woodstock’s amiable morning host Greg Gattine. The trio provided many humorous and heartfelt anecdotes about their time with Helm, providing unique insight into both his music and his life in Woodstock. The event was co-sponsored by Inquiring Minds Books in Saugerties which, in this writer’s estimation, has the largest selection of music biographies and histories to be found in the Hudson Valley. For more information on Barry’s book, visit rockrollramble.com.
Silverman continues: “We think of ourselves as a cultural center, something that is about film, of course, but also about the other arts that flourish here in the Hudson Valley. We pay every musician who plays here too, which is important. There are many ways to use a theater and music is just one. But it’s one that is a true cornerstone of Hudson Valley culture, one, as with Helm’s story, can have a lasting, worldwide impact.”
Upstate Films will mark the holidays with two additional musical events. Woodstock-based singer/songwriter Chris Maxwell will be teaming with Holly Miranda and Ambrosia Parsley on a quirky holiday musical/variety show, The Great Big Christmas Show. Slated for December 11 at The Orpheum Theater, it will include tune created by the trio for their 2016 holiday CD, Catskill Christmas. Also upcoming in a holiday themed rock-and-roll performance by the youngsters at Woodstock’s own rock school, The Rock Academy, at The Orpheum on December 4 at noon.
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall have announced the return of popular lunchtime series, Music at Noon. Back for the 2022-23 season, Music at Noon has taken place on the second Tuesday of each month from October to May, since 1988.
The free concert series has presented exceptional musicians with a diverse mix of musical styles. Sponsored by the New York State Council on the Art and the Fagan Associates,the kickoff to the season will feature guitar and vocal pops from Hui Cox and Laura Roth on October 11 and run until May 9, with various genres gracing Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Other Music at Noon performers will include Acoustic guitarist Thomasina Winslow, Classical Pianist Akina Yura, country/bluegrass quartet The Buebillies, among many other diverse performers.
While Music at Noon performances are free to attend, Teachers with buses and large groups should call ahead to reserve seats. There will also be a limited number of handicapped accessible spaces available. Groups with special seating requests can contact the box office. More information about Music at Noon or Troy Music Hall’s upcoming programs can be found on their website.
Music at Noon Lineup
October 11th – Hui Cox & Laura Roth, Guitar and Vocal Pops
November 8 – Thomasina Winslow, Acoustic Blues
December 13 – Carl Gutkowski & James Fitzwilliam, Classical Flute & Piano
January 10 – The Bluebillies, Country/ Bluegrass Quartet
February 14 – Bleecker Consort, Renaissance & Medieval Music
The Lake George Arts Project’s Jazz at the Lake is back for 2022, with a lineup including some of the most outstanding performers in jazz.
The festival will take place from Sept. 16-18 in Shepard Park in Lake George. The free event will have a lineup full of great jazz performers, with eight acts over a few days.
Shepard Park is conveniently located in the Lake George village, with many nights of the week having free concerts and entertainment in the amphitheater overlooking the lake.
On the last day, Sept. 18, the Grammy-award-winning Zack Brock Quartet featuring Aaron Goldberg, Yasushi Nakamura, and Clarence Penn will be playing at 1 P.M. At 3 P.M. comes Vanderlei Pereira & Blindfold Test, then closing off the festival at 5 P.M. is Elio Villafranca & The Jass Syncopators, who have received a GRAMMY Nomination in the Best Latin Jazz Album of the Year category.
The Jazz at the Lake festival in Lake George will be happening from Sept. 16-18 at Shepard Park for free.
The 10th annual Summer Hoot Festival will return to Olivebridge, NY, from Aug. 26-28 for three days of music, food, nature, and community. The festival will feature nearly two dozen musical performances in a family-friendly environment.
Folk-roots musicians Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar Merenda of The Mammals together produce and host the event. The duo started the Hoot Festival back in 2013 with friends and hold the event twice a year in the winter and summer to celebrate music and nature.
This year’s lineup features the talents of NY-based Naiika Sings, Catalan instrumentalist Lau Noah, Hudson Valley’s What?, dancers City Stompers, The Mammals, and many more. The Hoot has long attracted some amazing acts, including previous performances from Pete Seeger, David Bromberg, Natalie Merchant, Ani DiFranco, and Amy Helm, among others.
The Summer Hoot Festival promotes environmental sustainability alongside its intention to spread a love of music. The festival is completely powered by solar energy and uses reusable pint cups to reduce waste. Additionally, festival proceeds will benefit the year-round cultural and environmental education programs at the Ashokan Center.
It’s not every day that people of all ages can safely explore nature and enjoy new music together, but here at the Hoot that’s just the beginning. This festival lets us share the joy and freedom I was privileged to experience in my own childhood at Ashokan, and keep the party going for generations to come.
– Ruth Ungar Merenda, Hoot Event Producer and Director of Community Outreach for the Ashokan Center
The Summer Hoot Festival musical acts will take place across two stages with speakers in between sets offering talks on nature, nutrition, fitness, and more. Guided hikes to the Ashokan Center’s Cathedral Gorge and historic Covered Bridge will also be made available.
Information about ticket prices, additional programming, camping, and more, can be found on the festival’s website. The Summer Hoot Festival will take place at the Ashokan Center, located at 477 Beaverkill Road in Olivebridge, New York.
From August 19-21, the Lake George BBQ & Music Festival will host 18 bands over the course of three days for audiences to enjoy. The festival includes live music across two stages, barbeque from local vendors, an art marketplace, and activities for kids and families.
The festival kicks off with acoustic solo act Rich Ortiz beginning at 3:15 P.M. on Aug. 19 at the Pavillion Stage. The first day includes a wide array of genres and acts including blues band Sunny Bleau, country artist Jennie Angel, indie pop act Thanks!, and blues-rock group Miller and the Other Sinners.
Saturday, Aug. 20, begins with a kids show from folk and americana artist Deb Cavanaugh from 12:15 P.M. to 12:45 P.M. The George Boone Band will take the spotlight next, with a set of blues music. Attendees can also enjoy the talents of blues group Amy Ryan Band, rock jammers eberwine, roots duo Northern Borne, and more. Sly Fox and the Hustlers will close out the full day of concerts with their blues-rock sound from 8-9 P.M. on the main stage.
Opening up the main stage for the last day of festivities is blues duo Mark & Jill at 12:15 P.M. on Sunday, Aug. 21. Folk and traditional act Reese Fulmer will open the Pavillion Stage starting at 1:10 P.M. Deb Cavanaugh will also return to the festival with Dandelion Wine for a folk performance. Muddy Ruckus, a duo who fuses indie, punk, and blues together, will entertain audiences next. Blues Hall of Famer, Michael Charles, will close out the main stage and the entire festival with a memorable performance drawing from his 39 years of original music.
In addition to the live music, kids can enjoy a pony ride, bouncy houses, and more. Kids are free, adult daily tickets are $7, and a weekend pass is $10. For tickets and more information regarding food and activities available, visit the Lake George BBQ & Music Festival’s website.
On Sunday, August 14, the Beacon Sloop Club will hold their Annual Corn Festival from 12-5pm at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park in Beacon. The family friendly event on the shores of the Hudson River is free to attend and will have plenty of fresh-picked, sweet Hudson Valley corn served with butter and special toppings.
In addition, treats such as chilled watermelon and ice cold fresh squeezed lemonade will be available to quench your thirst on this August day.
The Beacon Sloop Club is an all volunteer and non-profit organization. The Beacon Sloop Club’s Corn Festival raises money for the public sailing program on the Woody Guthrie and other environmental education programs, for which there is never a charge for sailing. The Beacon Sloop Club meets the first Friday of each month at the clubhouse in Beacon for a potluck dinner, business meeting and live music. The clubhouse is located on the banks of the Hudson River near the Metro-North train station. Everyone is always welcome.
Held rain or shine, the Beacon Sloop Club Corn Festival features two solar powered music stages, one dedicated for young folks (children) to enjoy, will provide live music throughout the day. Numerous food and craft vendors will be on hand. Environmental non-profits will feature displays of local river history and the environment including information about their organization. Families can enjoy many free activities for children in addition to the dedicated children’s stage.
The music line up includes Noga Cabo, Lydia Adams Davis, Mighty Girl, Spook Handy, Ken Miller, Sharleen Leahey, Ernie Sites, Double Trouble, and Howland Wolves.
Guests can enjoy the day surrounded by the majestic Hudson River. and visit the Beacon Sloop Club’s boat, the Woody Guthrie, where guests can take free sails from the Beacon Harbor, weather permitting. The public may sign up for an afternoon sail to relax and experience the beauty, power and grandeur of the Hudson. Sign up at the Beacon Sloop Club table starting at noon.
The Northern Current Music Festival in Saranac Lake returns for Labor Day weekend, featuring local and international artists representing contemporary music’s past, present, and future.
The festival’s mission is to enrich Saranac Lake’s cultural diversity by celebrating various musical heritages. The event is free, and family-friendly, with various activities for kids and adults. The daylong celebration will happen in Riverside Park in Saranac Lake on September 4.
TEKE is a female-fronted Montreal-based Japanese psych-rock group that features traditional Japanese instruments, flute, and trombone alongside raging guitars and a pulsing rhythm section. They create a sound reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s era psychedelic Japanese soundtracks.
Leading The Big Takeover is Jamaican-born singer and songwriter NeeNee Rushie, creating a horn-powered global blend of reggae and world music, with hints of soul and Motown, and their infectious brand of pop classicism.
Hailing from Brooklyn, Ghost Funk Orchestra is the brainchild of producer and multi-instrumentalist Seth Applebaum. The band has evolved from a one-man band to a ten-piece powerhouse live band that draws heavy influence from the worlds of soul, psych rock, salsa, and beyond.
Rooted in southern dance tradition and the addition of soft vocal harmonies, Rose & The Bros from Ithaca will serve with their Lousiana sound and reggae undertone.
The Outcrops are from the woods of Northern New Jersey, presenting original blues-infused rock and roll. The four-piece was formed in 2016 by lead vocalist Cassidy Rain and lead guitarist Bryan Schroder.
Crackin’ Foxy is a ukulele-driven ensemble, featuring tight instrumental arrangements and close vocal harmonies inspired by 30s swing, Hawaiian, and NOLA jazz.
For more information about the Northern Current Music Festival happening in Saranac Lake on September 4, go here.
During the entire month of August, there will be numerous summer concerts held in Otsego County, from areas like Cooperstown to Richfield Springs and even Edmeston.
Otsego County is located in Central New York with a population of about 60,000. The county seat is Cooperstown, and the name Otsego is from a Mohawk or Oneida word meaning “place of the rock.” August brings a lot of music to the area, with different artists and bands featured all over the county.
Richfield Springs will continue its Wednesday evening “Concerts in the Park” series with free performances beginning at 7 P.M. in Spring Park on U.S. Route 20.
Cooperstown has many concerts coming up in August, in different locations. The Lakefront Concert Series begins Tuesday evenings at 6:30 P.M. at the bandstand in Lakefront Park.
Delhi will be hosting the Honest Brook Music Festival, which was founded in 1989 by Michael Cannon and the late Christopher Desler and has become a popular fixture of the classical music scene in Delaware County and the surrounding area. Performances are held in a converted dairy barn, with warm, resonant acoustics. To reserve a seat, go here.
Edmeston will be hosting Saturday afternoon concerts at the Pathfinder Pavilion. Pathfinder Village celebrates its 24 annual series of summer concerts with free, live performances starting at 2 P.M. The series is made possible from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the New York state Legislature.
Saturday afternoons at the Pathfinder Pavilion
August 6: Double Barrel (classic rock and country duo)
Otsego County is hosting many different summer concerts throughout the county. For more information about the county and more events happening in the area, go here.
