Port Jefferson plays host to several different concerts and festivals throughout the summer months. Perfect for any music lover, the Long Island town boasts local concerts nearly every Wednesday and Thursday, July 5 through Aug. 30.
All of the shows are set to take place at Harborfront Park. The Sunset Concert Series runs from 6:30-8 on Wednesdays on the Harborfront performance stage. However, the Harborside concert series takes place at 7 on Thursdays in the Harborfront Park. The Harborside series will run each week July 6 through 20 and then two dates in August.
Port Jefferson is not the only town in the region to put on local shows. Over in Riverside, about 20 miles south of Port Jefferson, there will be a free African American Educational and Cultural Festival on July 15. The event is scheduled from 3-8 p.m. at Grangebel Park in Riverside. Alongside live music performances from some of the best local talent, the festival will also feature food trucks, merch vendors, and raffles. Visit here for details and information.
Staying close to Port Jefferson, the Port Jefferson Station & Terryville Free Summer Concert Series will happen in July and August. Scheduled for each Wednesday, July 5 to August 2, the concert series takes place at the Chamber Train Car Park. The shows are free and will feature performances from several local artists. Visit here for more details and information.
Port Jefferson Summer Concert Lineup
July 5- The Well Diggers- 6:30 PM
July 6- Solid 70s- 7 PM
July 12- Quarter Horse- 6:30 PM
July 13- Bangos- 7 PM
July 19- Arbutus & Vine- 6:30 PM
July 20- Southbound- 7 PM
July 26- “Pure Joy” with Paige Patterson- 6:30 PM
August 2- Roger Street Friedman- 6:30 PM
August 9- The New Students- 6:30 PM
August 10- Fleetwood Macked (tribute band)- 7 PM
August 16- Teddy Kumpel and Nome Sane?- 6:30 PM
August 23- Gene Casey & The Lone Sharks – 6:30 PM
August 24- Foreign Journey- 7 PM
August 30- Kaido- 6:30PM
All concerts take place at Harborfront Park. Here for more details and information.
The Capitol Theatre has spent 2023 providing audiences with top entertainment by impressive musical and comedic talent from all over, and there is no end in sight as the venue has over twenty more performances planned before the year ends. The Port Chester stage will be welcoming everyone from ZZ Top to Kevin James with all performances beginning at 8:00 PM and doors opening at 6:30 PM.
Peter Frampton – Never Say Never Tour – July 23 & July 25
Being one of the most celebrated artists and guitarists in rock history, Grammy-winner Peter Frampton will be performing at the theatre this July. His success has lasted decades as at the early age of 16, he was lead singer and guitarist for British band the Herd and by 18 he co-founded one of the first super groups, seminal rock act Humble Pie. His collaborations range from such legendary artists as George Harrison, Harry Nilsson, David Bowie, Dion, and many others.
Nickel Creek – July 26
Nickel Creek is the platinum-selling, internationally renowned roots trio consisting of mandolinist Chris Thile, violinist Sara Watkins, and guitarist Sean Watkins. The Grammy-winning band has revolutionized folk and roots music since first performing together as children in 1989.
Jason Isbell is largely known not only for his solo career but also for his work with the country band, The 400 Unit. The group will be performing together once again celebrating their newest album Weathervanes which dropped on June 9.
Diana Krall – August 5
Also making an appearance at Capitol Theatre is Grammy and Juno award-winning jazz singer, Diana Krall. Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and has also earned nine gold, three platinum, and seven multi-platinum albums.
Ilana Glazer Live! – August 17
The Long Island native, llana Glazer, is a creator and comedian who co-created and co-starred in the critically acclaimed series BROAD CITY and is going on the road with her live show all summer long!
Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton – August 18
The American music collective, Parliament Funkadelic will be taking the Port Chester stage in August with leader George Clinton by their side. Being active since the 1960s, the group consists of a collective of rotating musicians bringing funk to everyone they meet.
Shakti: 50th Anniversary Tour featuring Zakir Hussain & John McLaughlin – August 19
Following word of the Summer 2023 release of This Moment – their first new studio album in 46 years – world music ensemble Shakti will continue to discover and explore the musical common ground bridging East and West on an extensive U.S. tour, beginning August 17.
Tusk: Fleetwood Mac Tribute with Tom Petty Project – August 24
Tusk has been performing across the country since 2008 as The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute. The band consists of more than five skilled professionals turned masters through decades of individual musical study, live performance, creative risk, and devotion to the art which make them a must-see this August.
Liverpool Is The Place (LITP) is back with another summer of concerts in Johnson Park, with 22 acts in total. The series started back on Memorial Day and runs until Aug. 16. With almost two shows per week, concerts take place on Monday and Wednesday at 7 PM.
Liverpool is located just North of Syracuse, on the shores of Onondaga Lake. Liverpool Is The Place is focused on organizing cultural events and raising money for local programs. The goal of LITP is to encourage community gatherings between people of all ages and backgrounds in the Greater Liverpool area.
Each concert takes place at Johnson Park, where guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or blankets. This summer’s lineup of performers features a wide variety of sounds and genres. Rock, pop, folk, country, and blues will all be represented by a diverse set of artists.
Shooter Jennings just announced he will celebrate the late, great Warren Zevon with the first-ever East Coast performance of SHOOTER JENNINGS AND THE WEREWOLVES OF LOS ANGELES DO ZEVON, a very special evening of wall-to-wall Zevon songs set for Nov. 1 at Brooklyn Made.
Shooter Jennings and the Werewolves of Los Angeles – which includes multi-instrumentalist Brian Whelan (Dwight Yoakum, Jim Lauderdale) alongside longtime Jennings collaborators drummer Jamie Douglass, bassist Ted Russell Kamp, and guitarist John Schreffler, will celebrate the iconic Warren Zevon on this special night.
This last year we had a blast doing two separate shows paying tribute to one of my favorite artists of all time, Los Angeles legend Warren Zevon. When Zevon was picked to be potentially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year we, along with millions of Zevon fans, were hoping that he would finally get his due in the halls of Rock & Roll History. Unfortunately, Zevon didn’t make it in this year and won’t be honored on November 4, 2023, in New York City at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. Upon hearing this news, the Werewolves of Los Angeles gathered in our Wolfcave to discuss what we could do about it. We decided that even though Warren wasn’t going into the Hall of Fame, we could take a special trip up to New York City that weekend and do our own celebration of Warren’s bad-ass music.
Shooter Jennings
Jennings, a three-time Grammy award winner, has defied expectations while constantly expanding the parameters of country, rock ‘n’ roll, and beyond. He is a truly limitless artist whose ambitious experimentation spans myriad genres and creative platforms, from releasing eight solo LPs, and countless EPs, and founding his label and multimedia outlet, Black Country Rock, as well as much more. Named “Hot New Producer” in Rolling Stone‘s 2020 “Hot List” issue, Jennings honed his production skills by helming sessions from such iconic artists as Jamey Johnson, Wanda Jackson, Billy Ray Cyrus, and his mom, Jessi Colter, and has kept up the pace with several acclaimed productions.
Shooter Jennings and the Werewolves of Los Angeles will make their first ever East Coast performance on Nov. 1 at Brooklyn Made. Tickets are on sale now.
JazzBuffalo announced the lineup for this summer’s Jazz on the Plaz! concert series. The event takes place in downtown Buffalo every Friday at 5 PM from July 7 to Aug. 25 at the West Plaza of Seneca One Tower. The concerts feature some of the best jazz artists from around Western New York.
The Seneca One Tower is one of the mainstays of the Buffalo skyline. Originally built between 1969-1974, the building has long served as headquarters for banking institutions. Now, the tower has become a multi-use space, housing start-up companies and apartments. Thanks to recent updates, the building now aims to be a collaboration hub within the city.
Courtesy of JazzBuffalo.com
Jazz on the Plaz! is part of JazzBuffalo’s extensive programming of shows, educational opportunities, and events. Created to build appreciation for the genre, JazzBuffalo is committed to impacting and encouraging the arts scene in the city. There will also be food trucks and beverages available as part of the performances. All concerts are free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged and will go toward the Keep Jazz Alive Fund. Click here for parking information and here for more details about the performances.
Summer Lineup
July 7: My Cousin Toné
July 14: Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble
July 21: Jay Sharp-tet
July 28: Donny Frauenhofer Trio: Jazz Fusion Exprience
Glenville’s summer music concert series ‘Thursdays in the Park’ is returning this August for a five week run of incredible live performances. Thursdays In The Park is set to begin on August 3rd and continue every Thursday in August at 7:00 PM at Indian Meadows Park.
Thursdays In The Park has been a free annual summer event for the community of Glenville for years, and this summer is bringing a diverse and highly talented lineup to the park. The duo Double Barrel will kick off the series on August 3rd by delivering a country set list for audience members to enjoy while later in the month Nymbus will make an appearance with some classic rock!
Various other genres will be featured throughout the month, but music isn’t the only attraction. The series also offers free Stewart’s Ice Cream for every performance as well as an additional movie night on August 26th at Maalwyck Park where members of the community can sit back and relax while watching the cinematic hit Top Gun 2.
Thursdays In The Park Lineup
August 3rd – Double Barrel (Country Duo)
August 10th – Little Bit of Everything (Folk Music)
August 17th – West Side Drive (Dance Music)
August 24th – Nymbus (Classic Rock Music)
August 26th – Special Family Night Movie @Maalwyck Park (Top Gun 2)
The Lake George Arts Project has announced its plans to continue the town’s Summer concert series, offering free concerts every Wednesday night at the Shepard Park Amphitheater. From July 5 to August 30, the Lake George venue will host ten shows, moving forward a tradition that has been a part of the community for over forty years.
This year’s lineup showcases a diverse, talented group of artists, from New York, New England, Nashville, and other various regions. What makes the lineup so special is the wide array of musicians specializing in different genres, ranging anywhere from bluegrass to hip-hop.
A non-profit organization, the Lake George Arts Project began in 1977 to promote music and artists throughout the region, also providing arts programs for the town.
The Lake George Arts Project also puts on an array of other cultural programs like the Jazz at the Lake jazz festival, the aforementioned Summer Concert Series, and the year-round Courthouse Gallery Exhibition.
In addition to the Wednesday night shows, there will be a special Thursday show on August 24. The show celebrates the 50th-anniversary party for The Stony Creek Band with The Switch, presented in partnership with the Village of Lake George.
As for the start times for the shows, most plan to begin at 7:00 pm (with the exception of the August 24 show). Admission is free and attendees should bring chairs, blankets, or comfortable seating.
Lake George Summer Concert Schedule
July 5: Annie and the Hedonists
July 12: Kyshona
July 19: Guy Davis
July 25: The Clements Brothers
August 2: Three Quarter North
August 9: ARKAI (presented in partnership with the Lake George Music Festival)
August 16: Zikina
August 23: The ILL Funk Ensemble
August 24: 50th Anniversary Party for The Stony Creek Band joined with The Switch
The summer of live music is heating up all around the state as the City of Cohoes has kicked off its Rock The Block Concert Series earlier this month. The 2023 summer performances take place every Thursday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in Canal Square with the series coming to an end on August 3rd.
The rockin’ eight week concert series started on June 15th with a memorable performance by the impressive Fleetwood Mac tribute band Tusk. The connection between the five band members is close to unheard of as their relationships have spanned more than four decades. Tusk was followed the next week by Steven Adler of Guns N’ Roses who rocked the crowd with all of the band’s greatest hits. In the coming weeks there will be so much more to enjoy, as select groups and performers will take the stage including the Eagle tribute band Eaglemania and the country/rock group Vinny Michaels Band.
Every performance of Rock The Block welcomes individuals from the community with free admission as well as food and drink available for purchase, so bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the summer.
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.
It is safe to say that summer concert season is in full swing. June has come and gone, with a flurry of outdoor music festivals to kick start the season. Don’t you worry, however. July has arrived with an equally impressive slate of music coming through Central New York. Here are five shows you don’t want to miss in the greater Syracuse area in July.
Singer-songwriter and musical legend Elvis Costello brings his “We’re All Going On A Summer Holiday” tour to the Landmark Theater on July 8. The English native, known for his blending of folk rock and power punk musical styles, has been touring for over fifty years. He boasts an impressive resume, with over 30 album releases, 15 Grammy award nominations, and an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. He will be joined on this tour by backing band, The Imposters and special guest Charlie Sexton. Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets open the show. Music starts at 7:30.
Indie folk-rockers Fleet Foxes bring their harmonious sounds to the picturesque Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard on July 12 for a performance. The Seattle natives are touring in support of their latest release, Shore. The album, released in 2020, received much critical acclaim and earned the band their second Grammy nomination. Nigerian born singer-songwriter Uwade opens the show. Uwade is familiar to Fleet Foxes fans, as she sings the opening lyrics on the album Shore. This should lend to some unique and interesting collaborations through out the performance. Music starts at 7pm.
Soul singer and songwriter Arleigh Rose comes to the 443 Social Club in Syracuse for an intimate performance on July 27. Rose, known for her years as the front woman of the band Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, has taken on a more scaled back and intimate sound, following her return to touring after the Covid pandemic. Rose, once described by The Baltimore Sun as having “… one of the biggest voices in the business. Prepare to be blown away”, is now joined by her brother Jackson with the goal of offering more scaled back and intimate performances “that will leave audiences with a deeper understanding of who Sister Sparrow really is”.
Doors open at 5:30pm with music starting at 7pm. The performance is currently sold out, however a wait list is available on the venue’s website.
If you’re willing to take a short drive south on interstate 81, you’re in for a real treat. Blues saxophonist and vocalist Vanessa Collier has scheduled a free performance on July 28 as part of the Cortland Main Street Music Series. Since turning in back to back blistering performances at the NYS Blues Festival in 2021 and 2022, Collier has performed four sold-out concerts at 443 Social Club & Lounge in Syracuse. Always the hot ticket in Central New York, Collier once again returns to the region, this time with a free outdoor performance at Courthouse Park in Cortland.
Music starts at 6pm. See the entire summer line up of the Cortland Main Street Music Series here.
Deadheads will want to unite for this one, as a two day festival celebrating (and recreating) the infamous 1973 Summer Jam music festival comes to the Wonderland Forest in Lafayette. The original festival, which took place in Watkins Glen and hosted over 600,000 music fans, saw performances from The Grateful Dead, The Band, and The Allman Brothers. Surely this festival won’t see as many in attendance but it is certain to share a similar celebratory atmosphere. The Wonderland Forest incarnation will see two days of performances from Dark Star Orchestra (recreating the Grateful Dead performance), Daniel Donato’s Cosmic County featuring Peter Levin (celebrating the Allman Brothers Band) and The Weight Band (celebrating the music of The Band). Each band will perform both days.
Music starts at 4pm on Friday and 1pm on Saturday.
