Each summer in the Adirondacks there is an abundance of music series in the towns and villages that dot the Adirondack Park. One of those towns, Tupper Lake, features two free music series on Monday and Wednesday evenings throughout the summer, if you are able to escape to this remote outpost in the Adirondacks.
Tupper Lake is located in Franklin County, located within the Adirondack Park. Tupper Lake makes up the Tri-Lakes region along with nearby Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. The village was first settled during the town’s lumber production period in 1844, making the village the top lumber producer in New York State.
Since 1976, Tupper Lake has been celebrating its artists and artisans that make up the small community. Before Tupper Arts, there was the Tupper Lake Arts Council, then named Tupper Lake Presents. Throughout the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, the Arts Council continued strong, most notably starting the annual tradition that is the Tupper Lake Arts Show, now entering its 49th year.
In 2018, current Tupper Arts Vice President Louise McNally headed the planning to re-establish the Arts Council as the community entity it is today. Along with 11 board members, the Arts Council was saved and renamed as Tupper Arts and incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to allow for the collection of donations to start strengthening the arts involvement in Tupper Lake. Tupper Arts has grown and set up a tradition of year-round programming to involve the community and provide easy access to the arts, through gallery shows, classes for all ages, live performances, and community events.
The Tupper Lake Municipal Park is located on Demars Boulevard off Route 3. This park is the center of the Tupper Lake community. The park is home to the best sunset views, a waterfront walkway, picnic table area, two covered fishing overlooks, public boat slips, playground, sports fields, skateboard park, and much more.
All summer hows at Tupper Lake Municipal Park are FREE, with shows starting at various times, and ending by 8:45pm (9pm on the 4th of July only).
Tupper Lake Monday Summer Sunset Series Lineup
July 4 – Night School & Spring Street
Night School is a five piece dance-rock band from Tupper Lake, performing some of the most popular dance hits from yesteryear and today, everything from The Beatles to Talking Heads, from Rick James to The B-52’s. Spring Street is a unique mix of old and new rock, blues and strong vocal harmonies make Spring Street a must-see when visiting the Tri-Lakes area.
Hours: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Night School, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Spring Street
July 11 – Ursa and the Major Key
Ursa and the Major Key is an indie/psychedelic rock band from Plattsburgh, NY. Their first album, Daytime/Nighttime, is out now on Cricket Records. Originating from the scenic Adirondack region of New York State, the foursome infuse influences from classic artists including The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, and The Band, as well as modern artists like Whitney, Beach Fossils, and Levitation Room.
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
July 18 – Geo Beat
Geo Beat Quartet celebrates musical traditions ranging from Jazz and Bossa Nova to World Beat with a few pop standards and original compositions. Crispin Catricala leads the group on guitar, Dave Casner plays Vibes, Michael Hurt is on Bass and Percussion Master Brian Melick rounds out the ensemble with a variety of instruments to bring infectious grooves and harmonious melodies to the stage.
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
July 25 – Darkside Skinny Dippers
Darkside Skinny Dippers, often known more affectionately as the world’s greatest hashtag #DSKINNYD, evolved into a ferocious rock band that defined the course of music history in the late 70’s into the mid 80’s. Recommended by 0 out of 10 doctors, the band all but guarantees a baby boom that would rival the mid 40’s-mid 60’s. In short, #DSKINNYD is best described as diverse rock and roll with attitude! There’s a little something for everyone.
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
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August 1 – Shakespeare in the Park: Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Adirondack Lakes Summer Theatre Festival returns with an abridged A Midsummer Night’s Dream A family-friendly production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will feature all the beloved characters of the play, including the Royals, the Rustics, the Lovers, and, of course, the Fairies. This abridged version, directed by Karen Lordi-Kirkham, will run between an hour and fifteen minutes and an hour and a half and takes place outdoors.
Featuring: Mason Barber as Nick Bottom; Jadzia Briggs, Angeliq Hammie, Kirsten Denis, and Dante Giacovelli as the Lovers; George Cordes, Fred Balzac, Dave Myers, and Monica Bills as the Rustics; Mike Corey as Egeus/Philostrate; and Karen, Ted, Christabelle, and Felonica Kirkham as the Royals and Fairies.
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
August 8 – Martin and Kelly
The incredibly talented duo of Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly have become the next must-see act from New England to Nashville. Over the years, they’ve been featured as support acts for many traditional, and mainstream country artists. Standouts in today’s crossover country music scene, Jilly & Ryan’s songs bridge the boundary between traditional and new country.
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
August 15 – The Big Takeover
Fronted by the charismatic Jamaican-born singer and songwriter Nee Nee Rushie, the seven-piece New York band The Big Takeover plays original music that is rooted in and reverent toward the genres and rhythms of Jamaican pop: reggae, rocksteady, ska. They are devotees of Desmond Dekker and the way the old school did it. At the same time, The Big Takeover crosses lines and blends traditions like global pop fusionists. Their deceptively complex arrangements and big hooks connect with the spirit of Motown and the uptown sophistication of the 21st century retro soul and R&B revival scene.
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
August 22 – The Bob Stump Band
Bob Stump and his band feature a collection of Americana sounds, including a mix of Bluegrass, blues, country, rock and jazz. Hudson Valley-based, Bob enjoys making his way around the North Country, sharing stories through his music.
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Tupper Lake Wednesday Summer Sunset Series
July 6 – On 3
On 3 is the partnering of Jim Boucher, Eric Pasternak, and Josh Pratt. Their music consists of 70’s and 80’s, up to some modern covers, highlighting harmonies, guitars, mandolin, ukulele, and percussion.
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
July 13 – The Altered Tones
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
July 20 – Larry Lee Ebere
Popular Chazy-born country singer Larry Lee Ebere got his musical start singing with his family at a young age. He has since been traveling and singing for 25 years, and notably placed 16th in the Nashville Talent Competition, and was also featured in Country Living.
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
July 27 – Claire & Mickey
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Army Band
Location: Tupper Lake Sunset Stage, Flanders Park, Tupper Lake
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August 3 – Crackin’ Foxy
Crackin’ Foxy is a ukulele-driven ensemble featuring close vocal harmony and tight instrumental arrangements. The Saranac Lake—based quintet is inspired by Traditional New Orleans Jazz but plays with a fresh and joyful energy all its own. Influences include the Boswell Sisters, Anette Hanshaw, and Django Reinhardt as well as Vaudeville and Hawaiian music of the early 20th century.
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
August 10 – TBA
August 17 – The Rustic Riders
The Rustic Riders “songs are bouncy and danceable and carry a loving message. A little bit of percussion and a variety of instruments keep things fresh, and they’re really good at getting the crowd laughing and singing-along.” Sarah Craig, Caffe Lena Executive Director
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Army Band
August 24 – Blessid Dirt
Tereson Dupuy and Eric Pasternak make up this beautiful, Adirondack grown acoustic duo called Blessid Dirt. Both singer-songwriters, their original music is ripe with life experiences most can relate to. Classified as heavy-folk, they have been influenced by greats such as John Prine and Led Zepplin alike. Eric, a native New Yorker, dazzles listeners with some wicked dirty strings and brilliant lyrical balance. While Tereson, a transplant from New Orleans, adds a bit of soulful Southern charm making this duo something to be experienced.
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
August 29 – TBA
