The Park Theater in Glens Falls will present free weekly Summer Series Concerts at the Crandall Park Bandshell each Friday evening in July.
The Park Theater is a premiere theater, concert, and private event destination in the heart of downtown Glens Falls. The newly renovated century-old theater holds a long and storied history within the historic town of Glens Falls.
Summer Series Concerts Poster
This free concert series will consist of five 90-minute live musical performances featuring local musicians and will serve to enhance the accessibility of the arts within the local community.
It’s amazing to think that just over a year ago we were announcing our first Summer Series in Crandall Park. What a long, meandering road it’s been between now and then. We’re so lucky and proud to offer our second summer of free performances to our community. These concerts are a way for us to say “Thank You” to all those who supported us through this past season. We look forward to welcoming you back – both indoors and out.
The Park Theater will partner with Doc’s Restaurant to offer a variety of small plates that will be available for purchase on-site each evening.
Summer Series Concerts Lineup
Friday, 07/01 – Let’s Be Dead (A Dead Band Plays “The Dead” – Formerly Let’s Be Leonard) Friday, 07/08 – Dylan Perrillo Orchestra (11-piece Big Band/Old School Jazz Orchestra) Friday, 07/15 – Josh Morris Band (70’s Singer/Songwriter meets 90’s Alt/Rock) Friday, 07/22 – Hartley’s Encore (Funk/Soul Band) Friday, 07/29 – Chestnut Grove (5-Piece Rock-n-Roll Band)
For more information, visit www.parktheatergf.com/events or phone the box office at 518-792-1150.
Ballard Park, located in the heart of historic Westport on Lake Champlain, has just announced their summer 2022 concert series. This summer’s concerts at Westport, New York’s Ballard Park will take place on Thursdays at 7 PM, from July 7th to August 18th.
Come enjoy a beautiful, outdoor summer evening listening to some of the finest musicians in New England and the Adirondacks. You won’t want to miss the beautiful view of this park either.
Ballard Park was once the location of the infamous Westport Inn, a grand hotel of the Adirondacks and a focal point of Westport summer life. Though demolished in 1967, the property was purchased by Anne Ballard (“Petey”) Cerf, a long-time summer resident.
Through her visionary philanthropy, Ballard Park was established in 1989, named in honor of her parents. Ballard Park serves as a park in the Adirondacks with lake and beach access, a summer concert series, and skating rink, that is open to all.
The summer series concerts are free to all, with open seating on a grassy hillside overlooking the Pavilion and Lake Champlain, with the Green Mountains of Vermont beyond. Blankets or low chairs are recommended, picnicking is encouraged but there will also be food available for purchase.
The series kicks off on Thursday, July 7 with Mile 12. Although their sound is rooted in traditional bluegrass, Mile Twelve surveys a broad landscape on their newest album, City on a Hill. All five band members bring their own influences and observations into the music, resulting in a project that feels contemporary, thoughtfully crafted, and relevant. City on a Hill follows significant recognition from the bluegrass community, including three IBMA Momentum Awards.
Ballard Park Summer Concert Series lineup
July 7th Mile 12, a Boston-based bluegrass band
July 14th Will Patton Ensemble, with Will Patton on mandolin and a musical world tour
July 21st HEARD World Music—vibrant, danceable music with a strong African beat
July 28th Ray Vega—Vermont’s master of jazz
August 4th Meadowmount School of Music, Petey Cerf Memorial Concert — strings students from Westport’s renowned summer camp
August 11th Cricket Blue—Vermont-based folk/indie group makes magic with cellos and voice
August 18th Big Hat, No Cattle—a hoe-down on the hillside with this upbeat cowboy Western swing group
For more information about upcoming concerts at this historic place, visit here.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from, Ian Nichols, Doctor Baker and many more.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Ian Nichols – “Cool and Cumbersome”
Albany based Nichols says of his latest track “Cool and Cumbersome”: retrofitting alt country vapor wAVE sounds within the confines of an attic that is in dire need of spray foam insulation. This song was an overhaul of bandages and anti-bacterial nothingness over the last two months in Upstate NY, tales of getting tied up in knots, stomach pangs theology and lust. The lo-fidelity, cheap vinyl siding, mandolins, and tepid crown moulding are desirable. To add, the flanged synthesizers give budget island vibes and provide 6 ounces of room temperature Sunday school apple juice that a child must imbibe to their advantage when hammering down a second rate bi-colored Oreo cookie.
Doctor Baker started out as an acoustic duo featuring singer-songwriter Ed Schwarzschild and guitarist Iggy Calabria, two wayward Philadelphians who met in Albany. After adding Danny Goodwin on drums and Chris Gockley on bass, Doctor Baker sounds a lot louder, and the band’s strong, sound medicine has begun to heal audiences in the Capital Region and beyond.
On Sunday night, EQXposure will play a fresh new unreleased track from Doctor Baker, “Trespassers”
On Friday, May 20, Albany folk singer Sabrina Trueheart released her debut EP, Holding Onto Something Good. The four-song project follows the release of singles “To Die Alone” and “Wait,” released in January and March respectively.
Cover art for Holding On To Something Good.
The instrumentation of Holding Onto Something Good is almost as simple as possible, featuring nothing more than Trueheart’s voice and acoustic guitar along with a simple drumbeat on the title track.
Trueheart’s singing is the EP’s best element, with her soft voice matching the project’s focus on tender emotions. She also makes sure to save her impressive vocal range for the right moments, going high in the final seconds of “Honey Bee” and “Skinny Dipping.”
In terms of Trueheart’s guitar work on the EP, while the first two songs consist of slow and simple finger picked melodies, the second half showcases some technical prowess with the quick chord changes on “Skinny Dipping” and closer “Two of Us.”
Lyrically, Holding Onto Something Good is introspective, with musings centered around romance and moving past personal hardship. “Used to wanna run, but those days are gone,” she sings on the pre-chorus of the title track, a moment showing the project at its catchiest.
The EP’s title track showcases the project at its catchiest.
“Skinny Dipping” shows some vulnerability with its use of imagery, as Trueheart sings, “your body glistening, medicine for my troubled mind.”
“Two of Us” closes the EP on an intimate note, painting a picture of romance between two imperfect people. “Life’s good when it’s the two of us, but I’m still me and you’re still you,” she sings in the closing seconds.
While just 12 minutes long, Holding Onto Something Good rings clear, painting Sabrina Trueheart as a person who acknowledges her growth and is looking forward.
Key Tracks: Holding Onto Something Good, Skinny Dipping, Two of Us
Coming this June to Albany’s Lark Hall is the first annual Capital District Digital Listen Up Awards. Sponsored by Mirth Films and RadioRadioX, the awards shows aim to give the fans a chance to vote for their favorites among a wide selection of categories – some typical, some unique to the Listen Up Awards.
With voting now closed, Mirth Films’ Frankie Cavone looks ahead to the awards show, to be held at Lark Hall on Friday, June 17th, starting at 7pm.
Discussing the genesis of the event, Cavone said “We started the Listen Up Awards to give fans a chance to pick who their favorite band is in the Capital Region throughout numerous categories. We thought this was a great way to see who the music fanatics in the Capital Region are going to see live, listening and following.” Cavone stressed the people’s choice style to the event, emphasizing, “Your Vote, Your Choice.”
Fans should not expect a traditional award ceremony, with superlative awards given out and a show-casual attire, meaning wear your favorite band shirt and a pair of blue jeans.
We want the Listen Up Awards to be a fun experience not only for the fans, but the bands and artists as well. There will be live music performances and much more that you will have to find out by coming to Lark Hall on June 17th
Frankie Cavone – Mirth Films
With the continually strong Capital District music scene having a diverse music scene, Cavone feels “We couldn’t have a better array of bands and artists across all genres. It has been great to get to know a lot of them over the years and watching their careers flourish just puts a smile on your face. It makes you love being part of the community that much more and coming back night after night. There is nothing I would change about it.”
“For us at Mirth Films, we as members of this community embrace and do our best to contribute to what exists. But most importantly remain a fan first, always. We at Mirth Films are just happy to be able to help assist them in anyway possible,”
The Listen Up Awards will be held at Lark Hall in Albany on June 17th starting at 7pm. See what bands/artists made the cut below.
Even though it may be 200 miles to the nearest (ocean) beach, Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs is heating things up – aloha style – to kick off the Saratoga Summer. On Thursday, June 9, Saratoga Living will present The Jagaloons with special guest DJ BoyBoy for “Beach Please.”
Hailing from Albany, The Jagaloons play guitar-driven, reverb-drenched, all-instrumental rock and roll. This trio takes the surf music of the 1960s and adds modern and eclectic influences, creating their own unique sound. The Jagaloons have performed all over the Northeast since 2015 and have released a couple of full length albums on UK-based Sharawaji Records.
Throw on your most sizzling upscale resort wear, with Tiki-chic beach attire encouraged – photos will be taken for the next issue of Saratoga Living.
“Beach, Please” Summer Kickoff attendees will receive:
A welcome tiki cocktail by Wine and Liquor Shop of Malta
Sip of Sunshine tastings and more beer from Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Venturing to the Village of Lake George is a typical Memorial Day Weekend activity for many in the greater 518 region, as the picture-perfect gateway to the Adirondacks offers a taste of summer up and down Canada Street. For those looking to start their summer with live music, the first annual Memorial Meltdown provided a fresh start to a season of live music in Lake George, with a lineup of regional favorites, highlighted by four sets of Twiddle.
Saturday began with The Whiskey Dicks, featuring Ryan Dempsey & Joe Cirotti, a self-described flaccid rock band from Burlington. Cirotti is a multi-instrumentalist from in Hackettstown, NJ who performs solo and with his rock band, Only Living Boy.
With the threat of rain passing the region, Marble Eyes filled in the late afternoon with rock and roll for the soul. Born in 2020 from the pandemic, Marble Eyes features a collection of New Hampshire Seacoast musicians, Eric Gould (Pink Talking Fish, Bass/Vocals), Mike Carter (Guitar/Vocals), Adrian Tramontano (Kung Fu, The Breakfast, Drums) and Max Chase (Keyboards/Vocals).
North Country legends Lucid brought the party into the early evening, with percussionist Lowell Wurster welcoming his father, George, to the stage to play harmonica on “Backwoods” and sang on The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues,” joining Ryan “Rippy” Trumbull (drums), Kevin Sabourin (guitar and vocals), Jamie Armstrong (saxophones, clarinet and vocals), Chris Shacklett (bass, trombone and vocals), and Andrew Dellar (keyboards, accordion and vocals).
Jack Brown (Sophistafunk) and Lowell Wurster (Lucid) – photo by Laura Carbone
Twiddle played their first two sets of the weekend with Adrian Tramontano filling in for Brook Jordan. If you’ve caught Twiddle in the past few months, you know the shift in their sound is apparent with the energetic Tramontano elevating the playing of his three on-stage counterparts. The second set closed with the newest single, the radio friendly “Beautiful,” off Twiddle’s upcoming studio album.
Set 1: Earth Mama, Stroganoff, Daydream Farmer, White Light, The Devil, Jamflowman [1]
Set 2: Enter -> [2] Orlando’s -> Apples -> Mamunes the Faun -> Dr. Remidis Melodium -> Orlando’s, Breakadidown, Beautiful [3]
Encore: Beethoven & Greene -> Frankenfoote
[1] – Contained Layla teases [2] – Contained I Dreamed a Dream teases [3] – First time played
Another gorgeous day in Lake George was accompanied by five sets of music, starting with Long Island’s Baked Shrimp. The group is on the heels of their recent release, Pork Etiquette, and just about to embark on a 50 show summer tour, capped off in September with their second annual LonCon Music Festival, held in Bethel at Yasgur’s Farm.
Sophistafunk, fresh from a trip to Los Angeles where the Syracuse funk group recorded an appearance for an upcoming TV show, dropped a funk filled set. Roots of Creation followed, opening up their set with a pair of Grateful Dead covers, “They Love Each Other” and “Scarlet Begonias,” a rousing response coming from the late afternoon crowd.
photo by Laura Carbone
For Twiddle’s first set of the evening, the upbeat opener “Collective Pulse” (which has a distinct ring of Warren Zevon’s “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead,” prior to the refrain) was followed by “Hattiebagen McRat” and Lowell Wurster joining the band on washboard. When he was introduced, Mihali was sure to give a nod to the many years Twiddle played at Backwoods Pondfest in Peru, NY, a festival favorite for many that elicited cheers from across the commons.
Following “Lost in the Cold” a jazzy segue into “Doinkinbonk!!!” evolved into a keys/drums segment that channeled Umphrey’s McGee with its velocity and new wave tone. The energy that Tramontano brought to the stage added greatly to the night, and was on display in a cover of Primus’ “Too Many Puppies.”
The final set of Memorial Meltdown began with “Milk” and was highlighted by “Wasabi Eruption” -> “The Box” and “Latin Tang” seguing into Led Zeppelin’s “Fool In The Rain.” An encore of Radiohead’s “Creep” -and the perennial crowd sing-along “When It Rains It Pours” closed out the evening at 11pm, the crowd dispersing into the night.
Promoter Dave Ehmann made the first Memorial Meltdown a rousing success, channeling the energy of the summer into two music-filled days. With ADK Fest over Labor Day weekend in Lake George, make plans to be visit the Queen of American Lakes later this summer.
Set 1: Collective Pulse, Hattibagen McRat [1], Lost In The Cold -> Doinkinbonk!!! -> Too Many Puppies -> [2] Doinkinbonk!!!, Zazu’s Flight, Frends Theme [3]
Set 2: Milk, Syncopated Healing, Wasabi Eruption -> The Box, Latin Tang -> Fool In The Rain -> [4][5] Latin Tang [5], Slippin’ In The Kitchen
Encore: Creep -> [6] When It Rains It Pours [7]
[1] Lowell Wurster (Lucid) on washboard [2] Primus [3] w/ Scott Hannay on keytar [4] Led Zeppelin [5] w/ Scott Hannay on guitar [6] Radiohead [7] Contained ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ teases
PRIDE is back, and New York State has dozens of celebrations, parades and events across the state. Celebrating PRIDE in also 2022 means live music and in person events, with a huge slate of events in all parts of the state. Kick off your summer with PRIDE month gatherings from Albany to Buffalo, Watertown to Long Island and NYC and all points in between.
Albany
June 12, 12-5pm – The signature Capital Region Pride event – the Capital Pride Parade & Festival – is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Northeast. The parade kicks off on State Street at noon, with Pride Fest held in Washington Park with live music, theatrical performances, and Albany’s Annual Drag Revue.
June 11, 12-5pm – In Our Own Voices will hold their 16th Annual Say It Loud! Black & Latino Gay Pride Celebration, an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ persons of color in the Capital Region. The main celebration will be held in Washington Park in Albany with performances from London Jae Precise, Aja, Jewel the Gem, and more.
Schenectady
June 4 – 2:30-6pm – Schenectady Pride will host their 10th annual festival at Gateway Plaza where the Rainbow Pride Arches are next to SUNY Schenectady. The Pride Festival features live entertainment, DJ RVMBA, Schdy Musical Theater & Drag Show, with food, drink and merchandise vendors along with local non-profits and more.
Binghamton
June 4 – Noon – Pride 2022 in Binghamton begins with a ceremonial flag raising by Mayor Jared Kraham.
June 4 – 4:30pm – join the Pride Protest Party at Peacemakers Stage, organized by Black queer and trans organizers from Binghamton. This year features local speakers, musicians, food/drinks, kid’s activities and the main event of the night, a Drag Show hosted by Vivi Nox.
June 11 – 12-6 PM. Pride-Palooza is held in Otsiningo Park. Bring blankets and chairs while listening to live entertainment with a drag show and The Binghamton Pride Idol Contest.
Hudson Valley
June 2, 7:30 pm – Rainbow flag-raising ceremony at Hudson City Hall (520 Warren St., Hudson)
June 3 – 6-9PM – Hastings-on-Hudson Friday Night Pride Parade will be held on Warburton Avenue.
June 4 – 2pm – Parade (from 7th St. Park to the end of Warren at Front Street, Hudson)
June 4 – 12 noon – Duchess County Pride Center Youth Pride Picnic, Bowdoin Park (85 Sheafe Rd, Wappingers Falls)
June 5, 12 – 5 pm – Hudson Valley Pride Coalition Pride March (New Paltz Middle School, 196 Main St, New Paltz) and Festival (Hasbrouck Park, Mohonk and Tricor Avenues, New Paltz).
June 5 – 4 pm – Out Loud Hudson Valley Pride Tea Dance, Featuring local DJ Bill Coleman, The Hudson House & Distillery (1835 Rte 9W, West Park)
June 5 – 11:30 AM-5 PM –Westchester Pride is back with host for the day, Olivia Lux, a former contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race. The day-long celebration happens in downtown White Plains, kicking off with a flag raising in Renaissance Plaza. There is a pet parade and there will be a Family Zone with special games and treats and Broadway Sings for Pride returns with Broadway stars and local performers belting out showtunes. Speakers throughout the day will discuss challenges the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face.
June 11 – 12 – 5 pm – PKGO Pride Parade and Festival in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County Pride Center, PKGO Pride Parade and Festival, Parade: At Market and Main Streets in front of the Bardavon Theater, Poughkeepsie, Festival: Waryas Park (Main St, Poughkeepsie)
June 11 – 7:30 pm – 1 am – Peekskill Pride, Dramatic Hall (900 Main St, Peekskill)
June 12 – 12-5 PM – Celebrate Rockland Pride with a day of music, dancing, and fun for the whole family. Downtown Nyack will close its streets to traffic to allow for strolling, shopping, and dining, with live performances by Frankie D and The Boys and special guests, plus the crowning of Mx. Rockland County Pride.
June 12 – 1 PM – Celebrate the third annual PUTNAM PRIDE in Brewster Village. The event begins at 1 Main Street with a march to Wells Park, 98 Oak Street, with speakers, vendors, and music to follow, with Angel Elektra and Shay D’Pines! Park at the Metro North train station as there is limited accessible parking at Wells Park. Bring a blanket/chairs, but no pets.
June 18 –12 – 4 pm – Newburgh Pride in the Park, Downing Park (123 Carpenter Ave, Newburgh)
June 1 – 12 PM– Saratoga Flag Raising, Saratoga Springs City Hall
June 11 – 12PM – Flag Day Parade – Join Saratoga Pride to march in the annual parade down Broadway in Saratoga Springs.
June 24 – 8:30 PM – late night – PRIDE Party at Putnam Place
June 26 – 2-5 PM – Saratoga Pride Festival, High Rock Park, Live Music, Family Activities, Community Groups and More.
June 26 – 5-7 PM – Pride After-Party – Solevo Kitchen + Social, 55 Phila St, Saratoga Springs.
Syracuse
June 9 – 6:35pm – The Syracuse Mets show their Pride at the annual Pride Night at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse. The first 500 fans to arrive at the game (against Scranton) will receive a Syracuse Mets Pride Jersey and the first 1,000 get a Pride flag. A portion of the proceeds of tickets purchased from this link will go to CNY Pride. Fans can take their seventh-inning stretch at the 315 Bullpen Bar, where DJ Joe Driscoll will be spinning tunes.
Watertown
June 17-19 – Celebrate Pride in the Thousand Islands all weekend long and beyond! Watertown Pride (New York) is three-days of celebrations around the historic downtown core of the small (20,000 residents) city along the Black River. It starts on Friday’s at the kickoff party at the historic Paddock Arcade, with The Paddock Club supplying food and drink specials. Then check out drag show performances at Savory Downtown. Saturday hundreds turn out for the annual Pride flag raising at City Hall, then head up to historic Olmstead-designed Thompson Park overlooking the city to be part of “Out in the Park,” a family-friendly event with live music and the popular 5K Color Run. Saturday night ends with a traveling Drag show and a majestic fireworks display at Duffy Fairgrounds. Sunday winds the weekend down with the annual Tea Dance at Garland City Beer Works, a local LGBTQIA+-owned brewery.
June 18 – 9 AM-3PM – River Pride features celebrations taking place all along the St. Lawrence River in communities like Cape Vincent, Clayton, and Alexandria Bay.
Rochester
July 16 – parade 1 PM, free, festival 2-8 PM, general admission: $5. VIP: $50 – After a two-year absence, the Rochester Pride Parade is back, thanks to the ROC Pride Collective, to mark the 50-year anniversary of Rochester’s first organized Pride events. The parade begins at 1 PM on Park Avenue and ends at Cobb Hill Park, where the celebration of Pride and community continues with Pride Fest with food trucks, wine and beer for sale, vendor tables, games and activities, and a designated play area for kids. There will be live music all day long, with surprise performances.
Catskills
June 18 – 1-6 PM– The hamlet of Callicoon comes together for Catskills Pride 2022. Entertainment will take place at several venues and local businesses will offer special food, drinks, and activities. Party like it’s prom night at The Callicoon Marketplace, whose merchants are coming together to provide 1970s dresses and tuxedos, and photo booths to capture you in those stylish threads. Callicoon Theater will feature LGBTQIA+ films and programming all day long. There’ll also be an event to honor the 20th anniversary of the Day to be Gay Foundation, a non-profit founded locally to support LGBTQIA+ youth.
The entire hamlet will be visually transformed by a professional event designer who is curating it with a Pride aesthetic. The focal point of events is Celebration Station, connecting Upper Main to Lower Main Street activities. This is where attendees can regroup and grab some shade, water, and snacks. The Catskills Pride afterparty will take place at the Delaware Youth Center from 8-11:30 PM. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. All ages are welcome.
Finger Lakes
June 4 – 11 AM-4 PM – Pride festivities begin in Centerway Square in Corning with Drag Queen Story Hour at 11 AM. At noon, radio personality Ally Payne will host activities, live trivia, and giveawayswith a DJ taking over to spin tunes until 4 PM. The Pride Car Parade begins in Elmira at noon and the caravan of cars and trucks, adorned in Pride-themed regalia, make their way down Market Street around 12:45 PM. Corning businesses are celebrating Pride, with shops, restaurants, and cafes on Market Street holding sales and special events like karaoke. The Corning Museum of Glass and The Rockwell Museum offer free admission (June 4-12) to everyone who attends the Car Parade.
Ithaca
June 26 – Pride Week Kick Off at Buffalo Street Books** – Check out special book lists for all ages at the bookstore and join us in kicking off the celebration of our LGBTQIA+ Community!
June 27 – Planned Parenthood PreP Meet and Greet on the Commons for HIV Testing Day
June 28 – 7-9pmCinemapolis Stonewall Anniversary Documentary Screening – Pay It No Mind: The Life and Times of Marsha P Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, Trans Movement Founder
July 2 – 11 am-1 pm – Youth Drag/Fashion Show, partnered with Tompkins County Public Library LGBTQIA+ Youth Programming attendees, coordinated by Regina DeMauro/TCPL Youth Programming.
July 2 1-5 pm – Music/Performances/Circus on the Bernie Milton Pavilion
July 2 – 6-8 pm – Drag Show*with host: Kyla Minx, Performers: Nigel Lestat, Femme de Violette, more TBD
July 3 – 2pm-6pm Family Picnic in Dewitt Park performances by the Ithaca Gay Men’s Chorus, AFAB4, and Jonah Hirst.
Buffalo
June 1 – Flag-raising ceremonies will be held at Artpark (9 AM), Niagara Falls State Park (10:30 AM), Niagara Falls City Hall (12 PM), and Lockport City Hall (2 PM).
June 1 – Niagara Falls will be lit up with Pride colors this evening.
June 5 – 11 AM-7PM – The week of celebration culminates with the Pride Parade. Bring your friends, family and chosen family to watch the floats march down Elmwood Avenue in celebration of our history and all who make up our vibrant LGBTQ+ community here in Western New York.
June 5 – 1-7 pm – Immediately following the Pride Parade, head to Canalside for a vibrant celebration of Western New York’s LGBTQ+ community, featuring entertainment, family-friendly activities, food and beverages, live performances as well as nonprofit and retail vendors.Tickets are available for purchased at buffaloprideweek.com
June 24 – 7:30pm – The rock-confessional musical, ¡Oso Fabuloso & The Bear Backs!, which tells the story of a queer Latine Bear named Oso Fabuloso (C. Julian Jiménez), who has recently been dumped by a two-timing Daddy bear. Oso seeks the help of his therapist Dr. Calvo (P.K. Variance), who convinces him to sing the blues away. Oso goes on tour with his therapist and his two best friends, Gummy (Vasilios Leon) and Grizz (Joseph Distl), hoping it will cure him of his romantic woes.
June 25 – 7:30pm – A heartfelt and hilarious one-woman show by Maureen Muldoon travels the journey of coming out as transgender from the point of view of the mother of a transgender child. The goal of Trans-Parent Love is to promote conversations that help people talk about the questions, concerns, and commonalities we have with each other. A discussion is held after the show where a panel of parents can share their stories. Tickets for both shows are available here.
New York City
June 4 – 12-7 PM – Open Streets + Brooklyn Pop-Up. The Fifth Avenue BID in Park Slope holds Brooklyn Pop-Up from Union Street to Sterling Place, bringing in over 50 vendors with everything from cards and ceramic art to roti and African baskets. DJ Disco Czech will be setting the vibe; find him on 5th between St Johns and Sterling Place.
June 5, 7, 8, 10 – Rufus Wainwright will hold a “Rufus Does Judy” residency on four nights in the first half of June at City Winery.
June 5 – Queens Pride with the Queens Public Library, Queens
June 10 – 6pm, June 12 – 5pm – ChamberQUEER Pride Festival Part of The Future Is… Festival ChamberQUEER is a multifaceted organization with the mission of highlighting historically underrepresented queer figures in western classical music and providing an intersectionally inclusive space within western classical music for artists and audience. ChamberQUEER 2022 opens their two-show engagement at National Sawdust on June 10. The concert weaves musical worlds together through reflective improvisations that converse with multifaceted experiences of queerness across the centuries. Confirmed performers for June 10 include violinist Mazz Swift and baritone vocalist Lucas Bouk alongside the core ChamberQUEER ensemble of Jules Biber, Danielle Buonaiuto, Brian Mummert and Andrew Yee.
The June 12 performance highlights Gay Guerrilla by iconoclastic queer composer Julius Eastman, in a new arrangement for string septet by Jessie Montgomery, and featuring the arranger on violin. The program traces lines to queer modernism of the earlier 20th century, including Benjamin Britten’s Les Illuminations, to the poetry of the visionary Arthur Rimbaud. Confirmed performers for June 12 include Montgomery and soprano vocalist Melissa Wimbish alongside the core ChamberQUEER ensemble of Biber, Buonaiuto, Mummert and Yee. $25 in Advance, $29 Day of Show
June 11 – 11 AM-5 PMCelebrate Brooklyn Pride with a week of exciting events, including Comedy Night at Branded Saloon and Pride Night with the Brooklyn Cyclones at Maimonides Park. Brooklyn Pride Day is Saturday, June 11 with a street festival and entertainment stage, and the twilight Brooklyn Pride Parade starting at 7:30 PM. Bring the kids out on Sunday for Brooklyn Pride’s first-ever Youth Pride.
June 11 – 2-8 PM Yonkers Pride Celebration will be held on Main Street in Downtown Yonkers. The Yonkers Pride Festival is an outdoor event showcasing celebrity entertainment, food, merchandise, activities, and numerous community organizations and will be held rain or shine.
June 17 – 7pm – Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America continues on June 17 with New York City Opera’s annual celebration Pride in the Park. City Opera will also be joined by the LaGuardia High School Choir, directed by Jeanne Cascio. Michael Capasso, General Director of New York City Opera, says, “‘The People’s Opera’ is thrilled to return to our summer home at Bryant Park, where we can continue our mission of free performances for New York audiences.” First-Come, First-Served Entry (All Bryant Park Picnic Performances Are FREE)
Elsewhere in Brooklyn has a series of events planned for Pride Month:
June 25 – 5pm –Dyke March (a protest march, not a parade). The March is a demonstration of the First Amendment right to protest and takes place without permits or sponsors. Thousands of Dykes take the streets each year in celebration of our beautiful and diverse Dyke lives, to highlight the presence of Dykes within our community, and in protest of the discrimination, harassment, and violence we face in schools, on the job, and in our communities.
June 25 – 12-6 PM – Celebrate Pride in the historic neighborhood of Harlem in New York City. Festival-goers will be entertained all day long with live performances, celebrity hosts, and DJs to get everyone up and dancing. This is an event for the whole family. Food and retail vendors will be on hand and there’ll be face painting and a Drag Queen Story Hour. While it’s a day of celebration, Harlem Pride will also be providing practical resources for the community; attendees will find referrals for health, legal, and financial services. Medical testing and health screenings will also be available.
June 25-26 – The premiere LGBTQIA+ music festival experience of Pride Weekend is Pride Island. For the first time ever, celebrate at the new location on Governors Island. Kim Petras headlines NYC Pride’s Pride Island while Lil’ Kim headlines Saturday Pride Island lineup, joining Shenseea, Netta, Raye, and Papi Juice.
June 26 – PrideFest at 11 AM, Parade at 12 PM The NYC Pride March is back for its 53rd year and it’ll be hosted by a slew of celebrity Grand Marshals includingSaturday Night Live’s Punkie Johnson. The parade kicks off at noon at 25th Street and 5th Avenue. NYC PrideFest, the LGBTQ street fair, is back at 4th Avenue between 13th and 9th Streets in Manhattan for musical performances, entertainers, food, activities, and Pride gear from unique vendors.
July 8 – New York City-based Japanese producer and musician rei brownhas released his second single, “Thinking Bout You,” featuring fellow rising Japan-born musician, Joji, where they yearn to be closer to their loved ones. Along with the single, rei brown announces the release of forthcoming full-length album, Xeno, due out July 8, with a sold-out North American tour with keshi underway.
August – Composer, actor and vocalist Boychik, the musical moniker of Ben Levi Ross, recently released their layered, piano-driven single, “Bombed Out Building,” following the debut single “Dust After Rest,” a track that frees Boychik of any gender constraints, and is filled with hope, gratitude and profound authenticity. A full album is expected in August.
Check out even more NYC Pride events below taking place in the days leading up to and following the Pride March and PrideFest. Events range from a circuit party to a symposium to a Broadway Sings concert honoring Taylor Swift.
June 4 – 12pm – The first ever East Hampton Village –and the Hamptons’– first Pride Parade!
June 12 – 12-6 PM – Long Island Pride is back and happening in the Village of Farmingdale for the first time, with 1000s of revelers expected to fill Main Street where the festivities will take place. The day-long celebration will include concerts and a festival with vendors, dancing, live performances, and plenty of food and drinks. The 32nd annual Pride Parade is back in full swing and fully in person for the first time since 2019.
The Lumineers kicked off the 2022 Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) season in Saratoga Springs on Sunday, May 29th with their Brightside World Tour. Upwards of 20,000 fans poured into SPAC on a beautiful May evening that felt more like mid-summer. They played songs spanning their entire catalog, including dusting off one that hadn’t been played in almost a decade.
SPAC 5/29/22
After a 2 year delay due to COVID, the Boulder, CO Folk/Rock band made its first stop in Saratoga Springs. While the band hails from Colorado, they are no strangers to upstate New York. Brightside, the new album, was produced by Palenville, NY native and renowned musician Simon Felice, and engineered by David Baron at his Sun Mountain Studios in Ulster County, NY. Currently in the middle of their east coast swing, the group will continue throughout the Northeast and Midwest, before returning to NYC for a two night stand at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens.
SPAC 5/29/22
The evening opened up with Ohio based Caamp, an American folk/indie group performing for the eager crowd. After a short break that allowed the audience to mingle and enjoy the picturesque grounds, the Lumineers took stage to thunderous applause. Beginning with “Brightside” from their new album, then followed by well known songs “Cleopatra” and “Ho Hey”.
At times, the audience started their own sing-alongs with some of their most popular songs. Towards the end of the performance front-man Wesley Shultz was assigning parts to the crowd, which they eagerly belted out. “Big Parade” which the band said hadn’t been played in about 9 years, was met with excitement. Another highlight came at the end of the show when they closed with the song “Stubborn Love” which had the crowd chanting along.
As the show ended, I overheard one fan exclaim to her friend “That was so much fun, I can’t wait for the next one” Fans certainly left with their hearts full of excitement, for the next stop on the tour, the next show at SPAC, and the summer season to begin in Saratoga Springs.
The Lumineers – SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY – May 29, 2022
Setlist: Brightside, Cleopatra, Ho Hey, Flowers in Your Hair, Angela, A.M. Radio, Dead Sea, Slow It Down, Charlie Boy, Never Really Mine, Gloria, Sleep on the Floor, Ophelia, Leader of the Landslide, Where We Are, Rollercoaster, Morning Song, Big Parade
Encore: Donna, Submarines, Birthday, Remington / Reprise, Stubborn Love
The lineup for the Freedom Park 2022 Summer Concert Series in Scotia has been announced, with the series beginning on June 18 and running through August 28.
We are so excited for another great summer at the park. Each year as we put together our lineup, I am amazed at the talent we have in our area. Our foundation focuses on local musicians, as well as local businesses, and we are truly proud of that effort.
Cathy Gatta, Freedom Park Foundation Board President and Entertainment Director
Concerts are set for every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer, with shows taking place rain or shine. Most shows start at 7 p.m. at the amphitheater located on Schonowee Avenue across from Collins Park.
As we do each year, we have a great season of rock, country, jazz, classical and more. But we couldn’t do it without our fabulous local businesses who support us each year, Jumpin’ Jack’s who is our Season Sponsor once again, and our media sponsors. Plus our 100% volunteer Board of Directors who donate their time and talents to make Freedom Park such a wonderful experience.
Cathy Gatta, Freedom Park Foundation Board President and Entertainment Director
Freedom Park Scotia will open it’s 2022 Summer Concert Series with a High School Rock Showcase on Saturday, June 18th with a variety of rock bands from Scotia-Glenville High School, and headliner Screaming Orphans on Wednesday, June 22nd. The River, a classic rock band, will perform on Friday, July 1st before Jumpin’ Jack’s annual fireworks display.
Attendees are encouraged to bring low chairs or a blanket to use at the outdoor amphitheater. A dance floor is located just below the stage for those looking to get down. Parking is available in Collins Park on with ADA complaint parking on the corner of Schonowee Avenue and Kiwanis Way. Concert-goers are asked to not park in the Jumpin’ Jack’s parking lot.
Freedom Park Scotia Summer 2022 Concerts
June 18: High School Rock Showcase, featuring a variety of rock bands from Scotia-Glenville High School. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. June 22: Screaming Orphans, a Celtic rock/pop band. June 25: The Rhythm Pilots, a dance party band. June 26: Music Company Orchestra, a classical music orchestra. June 29: WailOn, a tribute to Waylon Jennings and classic country. July 1: Up the River, a classic rock/jam band. The concert starts at 8 p.m. after the waterski show at 7 p.m. Fireworks at dark. July 2: Seeing Double, a college rock band. July 6: Get Up Jack, featuring Capital District Youth Pipe Band. July 9: Alan Payette & Wolfgang, a rock band. July 10: Sten & Maria Z Ensemble, a world music ensemble. July 13: Joey Thomas Big Band July 16: Mia Scirocco Trio, a pop/jazz standards trio. July 17: Watch Reggie Run, a children’s music band. July 20: Skeeter Creek, a country band. July 23: Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys, a bluegrass band. July 24: Dyer Switch Band, a bluegrass band. July 27: The Refrigerators, a party rock band. July 30: Nisky Dixie Cats, a Dixieland band. July 31: SUNY Schenectady Jazz Faculty Combo August 3: New York Players, a party rock band. August 6: The Brass Machine, a funk brass band. August 7: Quintocracy, a classical band. August 10: Grand Central Station, a party rock band. August 13: Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra August 14: Roben Kosek Jazz & Blues August 17: Lustre Kings, a rockabilly band. August 20: Big Fez & the Surfmatics August 21: The Legendary Characters, a 60s and 70s band. August 24: SIRSY, an alternative rock band. August 27: Shokazoba, a funk band. August 28: Heard, a world music band.
