The Town of Clifton Park will once again sponsor the Performing Arts at the Common at the outdoor Clifton Common Stage. All performances are free, and take place on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
On Wednesday evenings, families are welcome to bring kids to the Clifton Park Stage for the Performing Arts Family Series. This series features a wide range of musicians, performers, and family-friendly events. Kids of all ages are welcome to join for a night of free entertainment and outdoor fun. On Sunday evenings, the Performing Arts at the Common Series will offer entertainment for all. A range of musicians and live performers will take the stage for a variety of shows.
Sunday Concerts and Wednesday Children’s Programs begin at 7:00 pm, rain or shine unless otherwise noted. Theater performances begin at 8:00 pm. Those in attendance are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. For more information, visit Clifton Park’s website.
The Powers Park Concert Series returns to Powers Park in Troy for its 20th Anniversary season. The free events are held every Saturday starting July 8 and ending Aug. 26, with 6:00 p.m. as the start time for most events.
The series kicks off with the Adirondack Muscle Car Show, which later features the bands Beatin’ the Odds and Skeeter Creek. Registration starts at 2:00 p.m. and the show ends at 6:00 p.m.. It costs $20 to register, with spectators able to attend for free. 16 trophies are to be awarded, with the proceeds being donated to H.O.P.E. animal rescue.
Upcoming Dates
Adirondack Muscle Car Show – July 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Beatin’ the Odds – July 8 at 3:00 p.m.
Skeeter Creek – July 8 at 6:00 p.m.
The Beginning – July 15 at 6:00 p.m.
B-Street Band (Fane Family Night) – July 22 at 6:00 p.m.
From July 6 to September 7, a Summer concert series will take place at Auburn’s Deauville Island, featuring 10 different shows over the next three months. Each concert will occur every Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Last year’s Summer Concert Series at Emerson Park on Deauville Island
In addition to the performances, vendors, and concessions will also be available for the public, including local businesses and food trucks. Villano’s Italian Kitchen, The Busted Yolk, D&G’s Mac and Cheese, Poppy’s Ice Cream, and more plan to attend the event.
A popular place for outdoor activities, small concerts, and sports, Emerson Park on Deauville Island has become a staple for the Auburn area, providing entertainment and recreational options for the community.
Made possible by the Friends of Emerson Park, they are a non-profit organization that promotes and supports the Parks and Trails Department in preserving/developing the area. Additionally, the organization manages the park and puts together community-oriented events, such as the Summer concert series.
This is not the park’s first go-around hosting concerts, with the venue holding shows in past years as well, including a successful 2022 event.
For more concert and organization information, you can visit the Friends of Emerson Park website.
Luzerne Music Center (LMC) is has announced their 43rd season, spanning from June 18 to August 13. Nestled in the peaceful setting of Lake Luzerne, New York, LMC is a summer music camp for talented youth and a host of the esteemed Luzerne Chamber Music Festival with a lineup of unforgettable performances by world-class guest artists and accomplished LMC faculty members.
With the commitment to artistic excellence and guidance of Elizabeth Pitcairn, a world famous violin soloist and Luzerne Music Center’s CEO and Artistic Director, they have meticulously curated an impressive selection of concerts to cater to a diverse audience.
Founded in 1980, Luzerne Music Center has been a beacon for thousands of talented young musicians, offering a unique blend of a high-intensity music festival and a traditional summer camp experience in the breathtaking foothills of the Adirondacks. With a commitment to fostering courage, resilience, empathy and compassion, Luzerne Music Center provides world-class instruction for gifted musicians aged 9 to 18, regardless of their financial circumstances. The center offers comprehensive training in both large and small ensembles, private lessons and group classes, attracting young talents from around the world.
Luzerne Chamber Music Festival
At the heart of the season lies the Luzerne Chamber Music Festival, featuring four magnificent concerts by world-class guest artists including musicians of the NYC Ballet Orchestra and The Philadelphia Orchestra, WindSync, Glen Inanga, Toby Blumenthal, Darrin C. Milling and Elizabeth Pitcairn. Expect to be taken on a journey of musical brilliance that will leave a lasting impression.
The concerts will be held in the Jack Lawrence Performance Lodge on Luzerne Music Center’s campus on Mondays at 7:30 PM.
July 3 – Musicians of the NYC Ballet Orchestra with Elizabeth Pitcairn, Glen Inanga and the LMC Faculty Orchestra
Jul 10 – WindSync (www.windsync.org)
July 24 – Toby Blumenthal’s 90th Birthday Celebration with Elizabeth Pitcairn, Darrin C. Milling and Fabulous Philadelphians
July 31 – Fabulous Philadelphians: Musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra
Tickets for the Luzerne Chamber Music Festival are available here. Prices include VIP $45/ Adults $35/ Seniors $25 / Students $5 / Under 18 Free.
Faculty Artist Series
Mark your calendars for an extraordinary series of six public concerts featuring programs curated and performed by the renowned LMC faculty. The performances will be held on Fridays, June 23 and 30; July 7, 21 and 28; and August 4, at 7:30 PM in the Jack Lawrence Performance Lodge on Luzerne Music Center’s campus. Each concert incorporates music from all periods, including LMC’s composers-in-residence Jake Gunnar Walsh and Robert Paterson, Director and Co-Founder of the Mostly Modern Festival based in Saratoga Springs, New York.
To discover the wealth of experience and artistry that each faculty member brings to the LMC community, please visit www.luzernemusic.org/faculty.
Tickets are available here. Prices are $15 for adults, $10 for Seniors, $5 for Students, and free for under 18.
Free Student Concerts
Visit Luzerne Music Center and be a part of the extraordinary student concerts, where the next generation of musicians will showcase their talent, passion, and dedication to the art of music.
Throughout the summer, LMC’s lakeside campus in the foothills of the Adirondacks will be a home for over 174 talented campers from 19 states and 12 countries. There, they will be able to immerse themselves in furthering their music studies, supported by LMC’s exceptional faculty and internationally recognized visiting artists and partake in many concerts both as performers and listeners; all during a life-changing summer camp experience fostering intellectual, social and emotional growth. All their remarkable progress and passion will be showcased during eighteen student concerts that are free and open to the public.
Student Showcases:
Saturday, June 24 – 7:30 PM Solo Showcase
Friday, June 30 – 3:30 PM Chamber Showcase
Saturday, July 8 – 7:30 PM Solo Showcase
Thursday, July 13 – 7 PM Chamber Showcase
Saturday, July 22 – 7:30 PM Solo Showcase
Saturday, July 29 – 7 PM Chamber Showcase
Saturday, August 5 – 7:30 PM Solo Showcase
Saturday, August 12 – 4 PM Student Composer’s Concert
Saturday, August 12 – 7 PM Chamber Showcase
Piano Prelude and LMC Symphony Orchestra:
Sunday, June 25 – 1:30 PM
Saturday, July 1 – 1:30 PM
Sunday, July 9 – 1:30 PM
Friday, July 14 – 1:30 PM
Sunday, July 23 – 1:30 PM
Sunday, July 30 – 1:30 PM
Friday, August 4 – 4 PM Orchestra Only
Sunday, August 6 – 1:30 PM
Sunday, August 13 – 1:30 PM Piano Prelude, Brass Choir, & Orchestra
Jeffery B. Ziegler Recital Hall and Jack Lawrence Museum Unveiling
Additionally, July 3rd marks the unveiling of Luzerne Music Center’s new recital hall and museum, the Jeffery B. Ziegler Recital Hall and Jack Lawrence Museum. The grand unveiling will take place during the intermission of the first Luzerne Chamber Music Festival concert of the season, featuring a captivating performance by musicians of the NYC Ballet Orchestra with Elizabeth Pitcairn, Glen Inanga and the LMC Faculty Orchestra. The concert program includes Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet, promising an extraordinary musical experience for all attendees.
At the heart of the transformed Luzerne Music Center campus, the Jeffrey B. Ziegler Recital Hall and Jack Lawrence Museum stands as a testament to the organization’s dedication to artistic excellence. This remarkable octagonal building spans 1,000 square feet, featuring stunning pine finishes and an abundance of natural lighting, creating an inspiring environment for musicians and composers alike.
Crafted by Topsider Homes in North Carolina and assembled on-site by local contractors, the recital hall serves as an intimate performance venue, a museum honoring the esteemed songwriter Jack Lawrence, and a versatile space for masterclasses and small group classes. The project was made possible through the generous support of Jeffrey B. Ziegler and the Jack Lawrence Charitable Trust. Their vision and commitment to the arts have been instrumental in bringing this transformative project to life.
Within the Jeffrey B. Ziegler Recital Hall, the centerpiece is the 1903 Steinway Model O grand piano, generously donated from Michael Kamen’s family. The hall’s modular seating allows for a diverse range of activities, including composition workshops, individual lessons, guest masterclasses, intimate studio recitals, group classes, chamber music rehearsals and small receptions. Adorning the interior perimeter of the hall, the Jack Lawrence archives will create a captivating retrospective, celebrating the life and legacy of this iconic songwriter.
The official opening of the Jeffrey B. Ziegler Recital Hall and Jack Lawrence Museum will be a momentous occasion, graced by the presence of esteemed musicians, including Elizabeth Pitcairn, Glen Inanga, Arturo Delmoni, Sarah Hewitt-Roth and Michael Roth. The intermission will feature a special ribbon cutting ceremony and a special performance by one of the student groups within the newly inaugurated space, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and acoustics of the recital hall.
CEO and Artistic Director
Luzerne Music Center’s CEO and Artistic Director Elizabeth Pitcairn has earned a stunning reputation as one of America’s most beloved violin soloists. She concertized with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Academy of Music, made her New York debut at Alice Tully Hall with the New York String Orchestra, and has since performed in halls across the world.
Ms. Pitcairn performs with one of the world’s most legendary instruments, the Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius of 1720. A gift from her grandfather in 1990, it was named the ‘Red Stradivarius violin’ while in possession of Joseph Joachim, and is said to have inspired the Academy Award–winning film The Red Violin.
Named Luzerne Music Center’s Artistic Director in 2011 and President in 2012, Ms. Pitcairn remains deeply passionate about youth and music education. She is formerly a member of the distinguished faculties at the Colburn School and USC’s Thornton School of Music. Ms. Pitcairn performs regularly around the globe as soloist and an ambassador to LMC. On tour, she makes time for school visits and leads master classes for aspiring music students. For tour dates and more information, visit her website here.
For more information about Luzerne Music Center and its programs, please visit www.luzernemusic.org.
The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) has announced their annual celebration of New York City’s West Indian Labor Day Parade. The festival is a celebration of West Indian culture that entails a full day of soca/dancehall music, vibrant costumes, dancing, and food for sale nearby. This all day event will occur on September 4th in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
Traditions of the West Indian Labor Day Parade Festival dates back to the 1920s. A Trinidadian immigrant named Ms. Jesse Waddle met with other immigrants to find a solution to their homesickness. The people missed celebrating cultural carnivals in their hometowns. As a result, Ms. Waddle organized a carnival celebration to take place in the months of February or March. The carnivals were held indoors at places such as the Savoy, the Renaissance, and the Audubon Ballroom due to New York’s cold winter weather. Eventually the indoor carnivals became an issue because of its space limitations. Ms. Waddle applied for and received a street parade permit in the 1940s. This shifted the celebrations to the summer.
The permit was originally used in Harlem but was revoked because of a violent riot. Five years later, a committee organized by Trinidadian Carlos Lezama acquired another permit for a parade on Eastern Parkway. Since then, the parade has begun from Eastern Parkway and Utica Avenue ending at Grand Army Plaza. The West Indian Labor Day Parade has grown into one of the biggest parades of New York City, attracting up to four million people.
Some Caribbean Islands celebrated by the parade include Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Barbados, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and Grenada, Afro-Panamanians, etc. The festival is a representation of Caribbean’s pride in their country, heritage, and culture. Participants of the celebration invest both money and time to brainstorm themes, costumes, and floats for the festivities. Face masks come in a variety of styles inspired by natural and spiritual elements, mythical creatures, political events, and popular culture. The artistic and historical value of the parade are displayed through costumes which are later recognized with prizes.
The march from Eastern Parkway to Grand Army Plaza is accompanied by the sounds of drums, whistles, calypso, soca, dancehall, kompa, and reggae music. Oftentimes people enjoy a battle of throwing paint and powder. There is also a wide range of ethnic treats to fuel up on to keep the party going. Although the parade itself is on Labor Day, the partying starts days before.
A celebration called J’ouvert marks the official start of carnival. It means “daybreak,” and occurs during early morning hours. J’ouvert was celebrated as the opportunity to embrace the emancipation of Caribbean slaves. During slavery the French excluded Black people from their masquerade balls so J’ouvert and Carnival became a celebration of culture. Like carnival, people are dressed in costumes with bright colorful feathers, glitter and sometimes you can even catch people walking on five- foot stilts. Both events are also used as a way for Caribbean immigrants to adjust to society without forgetting their roots.
The West Indian Labor Day Festival is welcome to all and free for everyone. End your summer with a bang by enjoying one of the most exhilarating parades of the summer with the Carribbean residents of New York City.
The Green Island Gazebo (GIG for short) has announced its 2023 Summer lineup, marking the 20th year of the concert series. Located just north of Albany and across the river from Troy, the village’s venue plans to hold concerts from July 5 until August 30.
Set up in River Park on the north end of Hudson Avenue, GIG’s summer concert series has been a free event supporting local artists and the community for years, additionally hosting the Festival of Trees in December.
Through nine different shows including unique themes, food specials, and local talents, the venue’s packed schedule for Wednesday nights will surely entertain those of all ages.
When it comes to available food options, volunteers prepare and serve the meals to attendees, along with a group of bakers who donate their products to the concert-goers.
A lot of the same bands also reappear from last year’s lineup, setting up even more familiar faces for the local crowd.
All concerts take place at the River Park Gazebo on Hudson Ave. In the event of rain, events will continue at a different location under the Collar City Bridge on Hudson Avenue.
GIG Concert Schedule (with Food Specials)
July 5 – The Accents (fried chicken breast and strawberry shortcake)
July 12 – NY Players (mac & cheese and rice pudding)
July 19 – Get Up Jack (corned beef sandwich and mint chocolate chip ice cream)
July 26 – The Oldies Show (pulled pork slider and cookies and cream ice cream)
August 2 – Swing Docs (sausage & peppers and fruit cups)
August 9 – Capt. Squeeze (hot dogs, mac salad, and rice pudding)
August 16 – Lustre Kings (steak sandwich and banana split ambrosia)
August 23 – Big Fez (Hawaiian chicken sandwich and peach pie with ice cream)
For 30 years, Music Haven has presented an amazing array of global sounds in Schenectady’s Central Park. Proctors Collaborative is extending its partnership with the storied summer concert series to bring a dynamic new slate of world music events to the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady, and Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs for the 23-24 season. While international travel offers little in the way of discounts, the Proctors Passport Series pass gives patrons tickets to all seven shows for the price of four. The series runs from October to May.
Saturday, Oct. 7 – Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto
To kick off the globetrotting series, world-renowned kora player and Senegalese griot Ablaye Cissoko teams up with the French diatonic accordion maestro Cyrille Brotto to create music to clear the mind and inspire the senses at the GE Theatre at Proctors 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7.
Friday, Oct. 20 – Lengaïa Salsa Brava
Lengaïa Salsa Brava, founded by Latin-Guyanese trombonist Giany-Frantz Huyghues-Despointes, is a 12-piece multi-awarded big band based in Montreal. The orchestration of three trombones and a baritone saxophone gives a powerful edge and identity to their music while maintaining the heritage of the ‘70s New York salsa dura style. They will be welcoming listeners and dancers alike to UPH 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20.
Friday, Nov. 3 – The Brooklyn Nomads
The Brooklyn Nomads is a celebrated cross-cultural ensemble rooted in musical traditions from the Arab World, with a mission to create memorable experiences for its audiences. Join them in Schenectady at the GE Theatre at Proctors 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3
Saturday, Dec. 2 – The Klezmatic’s Happy Joyous Hanukkah Concert
The Klezmatics’ Happy Joyous Hanukkah Concert–co-promoted with The Eighth Step–will celebrate the annual Festival of Lights in the GE Theatre at Proctors 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 with songs from the beloved Klezmer band’s Grammy-winning collaboration with recently discovered Woody Guthrie lyrics.
Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 – Bassekou Kouyate
The foremost of a new generation of bandleaders from the musical hotbed of Mali, Bassekou Kouyate has been revolutionary in developing new techniques of playing the ngoni, an ancient traditional lute found throughout West Africa. Join them at UPH 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16.
Thursday, April 18, 2024 – BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
Multi-Grammy™ winning BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been hailed as “the best Cajun band in the world.” Credited with taking the art form from its regional roots in Louisiana to popularity worldwide, Doucet and the band are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year with select dates, including one at UPH 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – Ricardo Ribeiro and Diana Vilarinho
Fado, with its spirited singing and lithe acoustic accompaniment, captures the spirit and inventiveness of Portugal in a seamless tradition stretching out over more than 150 years. One of few international art forms that have not yet been presented in the Capital Region, fado takes over the GE Theatre at Proctors 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, with a stunning double bill featuring one of the genre’s biggest stars, Ricardo Ribeiro, joined by breakout singer Diana Vilarinho.
Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at (518) 346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online at universalpreservationhall.org or proctors.org.
The Guilderland Performing Arts Center (GPAC) is having its 44th summer concert series known as “Jammin’ at GPAC,” featuring free local music at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland, NY. Most events are held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and feature a rotating cast of food trucks.
Work to build GPAC began in 1978 when a small group of citizens and members of the Guilderland League of Arts and the Town Band selected a site, which was cleared in 1979. Funds and expertise from Guilderland residents led to the completion of the stage platform in 1980, with future construction included a roof, sides, restrooms, and services for visiting artists.
GPAC considers itself “by the people and for the people” and is dedicated to quality entertainment for the local community.
Upcoming Shows
Hot Club of Saratoga – July 6, 7:30 p.m.
A 1930s Paris jazz and swing group, they are sponsored by Stewarts and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is Buena Comida.
Guilderland Town Band – July 13 & Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Conducted by Kathleen Ehlinger, the band dates back to 1969, organized through the Town of Guilderland Parks and Recreation Department. The food truck for July 13 is Muddaddy Flats, and is Buena Comida for Aug. 3.
Big Fez and the Surfmatics – July 20, 7:30 p.m.
Featuring classic surf music from the ’60s and beyond, this group has been sponsored by State Farm Agent Jolene Kahlor and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is High on the Hog BBQ.
River of Dreams – July 27, 7:30 p.m.
A Billy Joel tribute band, River of Dreams has been sponsored by Tri-City Rentals and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is Flaco’s Tacos.
National Night Out – Aug. 1, 6:00 p.m.
Featuring the band known as the Refrigerators, National Night Out has been sponsored by the Guilderland Police Department’s Community Services Unit. No food truck has been listed for this date.
An award-winning country and bluegrass band, they have been sponsored by McNamara Financial Consultants and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is High on the Hog BBQ.
Downtown Horns – Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Playing brass-driven hits from the ’60s to today, Downtown Horns is sponsored by Stewarts and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is Muddaddy Flats.
Rockin’ on the River 2023 announced the four-show series will return to its former location of River Front Park in Troy on Wednesday, June 28, July 12, July 26, and Aug. 9.
Photo by Dave DeCrescente.
Each concert at the Rockin’ on the River 2023 series is free to attend, happening from 5:30-9 p.m. and features vendors local to downtown Troy. Free parking is available on-street in designated areas and throughout the district, with several lots and garages all within walking distance of the show.
We are excited for Rockin’ on the River to return with four shows to one of its former original locations River Front Parks. This event brings a lot of buzz and excitement in Downtown Troy. We focus a lot on supporting our local bands as you’ll notice with our line-up, everything about Rockin’ on the River supports local, with this location we are such a short walk from one end of the downtown district to the other, it’s easy to enjoy great shopping before the show, and food and drinks after.
Olivia Clemente, Executive Director, Downtown Troy Business Improvement District.
Rockin’ on the River 2023 Lineup
June 28- Neon Avenue
Based out of Clifton Park, Neon Ave is a Grateful Dead tribute band that brings a different energy to the classic songbook, inviting audiences to jam out all night long. Kristian Montgomery & the Winterkill Band to open.
July 12- Legacy
Rockin’ on the River 2023 brings the audience back in time with Classic Rock tribute band Legacy dedicated to the “Rock Anthems” and Heartfelt Ballads of Foreigner and Journey. These timeless melodies are performed to perfection, letting the audience groove all night long. Sirsy to open.
July 26- Conehead Buddha
Conehead Buddha is an eight-piece ska-rock-funk-latin-reggae-jam-hop from New York. Josh & Tracy to open.
Aug. 9- Skeeter Creek
Skeeter Creek is a five-piece Americana band blending their own variants of country, folk, bluegrass, and rock, and is ranked among the best of the new and upcoming alternative artists. They have each toured with some of the biggest names in the industry and won several awards. Nick & Liam to open.
Hudson Yards will be hosting free outdoor concerts weekly throughout the summer. Concerts at the Wells Fargo Stage are open to the public and will take place every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Public Square & Gardens.
Audiences can watch the concerts at Hudson Yards, the newest neighborhood on Manhattan’s West Side. The Backyard at Hudson Yards concert series is located between 10 and 11 Avenue and between 30 and 34 Street.
July artists include Best New Artist Grammy-nominated jazz duo DOMi & JD BECK. Fresh off their stint at Coachella, acclaimed indie singer/producer Vagabon makes an appearance, as well as the band flor, whose career started on tour with Halsey. In August, The 502s will perform on the heels of their viral song “Just a Little While.”
Following each concert, select restaurants and bars at The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards will host “After Hours” events, featuring a live DJ with food and drink specials.
More information on each performer can be found here.
