Held annually in the parks of Round Lake, just north of Albany, the Markets at Round Lake announced the music lineup and information for the 2023 extravaganza, held on the second weekend of August.
Taking place Saturday, August 12 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday, August 13 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, the free event highlights local music, food options, and shops that shine in the community.
Including 12 different food trucks, over 40 local vendors, and 5 performers, Markets at Round Lake ensures to have something for everyone in attendance.
Saturday’s music lineup will roll through the entire day including four artists, while Sunday will feature an all-day set by DJ Selector David Suede.
In addition to the shops and live entertainment, a book market will be held at the Round Lake Auditorium, an annual sale featuring more than 15,000 used and rare books available in hardcover and paperback.
Rain or shine, the event will go on as planned. Free and paid parking options are also available for those who attend.
Admission is free. The music lineup and event/parking map are below.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announced that it will present modern dance troupes Pilobolus and BalletX in the Spa Little Theatre as part of its commitment to world-class dance.
BalletX.
Presented as part of SPAC’s 2023-2024 fall and spring seasons, the performances mark the first time that full dance productions have been mounted in the Spa Little Theatre in decades. “There is literally nowhere else in the Capital Region to experience full dance productions in this intimate and visceral way,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Kicking off the series is Pilobolus with two productions on Oct. 8, 2023, of its new Re: Creation Tour, featuring groundbreaking new pieces and beloved works from the past to create an experience both timely and timeless. Building on the success of their critically acclaimed Big Five-OH! Anniversary tour, Pilobolus moves confidently into the next half-century of creation and performance. The performances mark the SPAC debut of the company, following their participation in SPAC’s Festival of Young Artists event in 2021.
Following their debut on the SPAC stage alongside The Philadelphia Orchestra in 2022, BalletX will grace the stage for two performances on March 16 and 17, 2024. Based in Philadelphia, BalletX is one of the nation’s premier contemporary ballet companies. They create extraordinary dance experiences that inspire human connection through live performances, dance education in Philadelphia public schools, free community pop-ups, and more. BalletX’s dancers were named “among America’s best” by The New York Times, commissioning choreographers from around the world to create dance that is “fresh, inclusive, and connects to what people want” (Philadelphia Citizen).
Pilobolus, photo by Grant Halverson.
The announcement follows SPAC’s spring season in the Spa Little Theatre and is part of SPAC’s mission to present year-round programming that extends beyond the traditional summer months. Additional programming for the 2023-2024 Spa Little Theatre season will be announced soon. Tickets will be available for purchase on Aug. 10, 2023.
Sly Fox and the Hustlers opened classic rock night under I-787. They formed in Albany in 2010 after Sly’s long time friend decided to embark on a solo career. He enlisted the help of guitarist, Zak Young and drummer, Sean Ireland to form the band. They created a classic blues rock and roll sound which has so far produced two albums. Sly Fox and the Hustlers are working on releasing their third album sometime this year.
Sly Fox and the Hustlers played about an hour set with the addition of three members. Saxophonist, Luke McNamee, Brian Mangini on the keyboard and John Dievendorf on the bass took the stage to with Sly Fox to modest crowd of Albany’s most loyal rock and rollers. The mood was a bit more mellow as their music leaned more towards a classic blues sound than a typically head banging rock n’ roll beat. Many of the songs were centered more around love, which may have helped to audience understand Sly more. Most of crowd saved their energy by resting in their lawn chairs in anticipation for Sweet. They were left off with a warm farewell before the night was revved up.
Sweet was a band in the 70s who gained popularity in the UK with from their single “Blockbuster!” They had many songs reach the charts in both the UK and England before they disbanded in 1981. Most of the founding members died between 1997-2020, but they did not stop the legacy from continuing. Guitarist Andy Scott, has formed his own version of Sweet that continues to play shows today and even make music. His version of Sweet, however, was not the version that was in Albany.
Bassist Steve Priest came out of retirement in 2007 and formed his own version of Sweet. This version shares similarities with Scott’s version, but are not actively making new music. They still are keeping the legacy alive by playing some of Sweet’s best songs at their shows. Their show in Albany was no show for the week hearted as they really gave it their all with the short window they had.
The show was moved to Albany’s rain location under I-787, but a torrential storm was so strong the highway could not protect everyone. Nonetheless, the show still went on with a few changes to the set.
Coming out strong with hits like “Teenage Rampage” and “Set Me Free”, there was not one person still sitting in their seat for the show. Lead singer, Patrick Stone, really meshed with the crowd well by encouraging participation from all. Stone stuck his mic over the crowd, stood on the front speakers, and even ran through the crowd twice to keep everyone energized.
Patrick Stone singing with fan at Alive at 5 – Photo by Jarron Childs
Even though they could not complete their whole set, they were able to get off their two most notable songs before they departed early. “Fox on the Run”, which regained popularity after being on the The Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, still hit the same as it probably did back in 1974. Crowd members needed very little encouragement to sing it word-for-word with Sweet. The set ended early with “Ballroom Blitz,” which still left the energy on high just before the downpour.
Steve Priest’s Sweet continues to tour with their next stop being Louisville Kentucky on August 25th.
Sly Fox and The Hustlers Setlist: Back in Funk, Rough Patch of Road, Giving Dream, Revolution 2012, Look At You, Let Me Down Easy, Smooth, Home By Morning, Forever Young, Find Someone, S.U.N.Y. Girl, American Gypsy, Sympathy
Sweet Setlist: Action, Teenage Rampage, Set Me Free, Love Is Like Oxygen, Sweet F.A., No You Don’t, Done Me Wrong, Willie/Block/Wig, AC/DC, Fox on the Run, Ballroom Blitz
The Grammy Award winning band Baha Men will perform on the waterfront at Caroga Lake Music Festival on Saturday, July 22.
In honor of their triple platinum track “Who Let the Dogs Out”, Caroga Arts will be directing $1 of every ticket sold to the Fulton County Regional SPCA to help animals in need.
Baha Men will be joined this evening by Balla Kouyaté and Mike Block Band.
Caroga Lake Music Festival began in 2012, when Kyle Price invited friends to his grandmother’s house on Caroga Lake, where they presented a week of free concerts, ambitiously calling themselves the Caroga Lake Music Festival (CLMF). During the first five seasons, CLMF grew from one to five weeks, presenting concerts at a variety of local venues. In 2016, to accommodate the growth, the organization gained 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status as Caroga Arts Collective.
Today, Caroga Arts presents over 50 performances and community events annually bringing world-class artists from various genres of music, visual art, poetry, and film to the Southern Adirondacks.
Premium Seats are $35 with General Admission $25, and free general admission for students. Caroga Arts offers free admission to concert goers age 17 and under for all Caroga Arts presented concerts at Sherman’s. Get Tickets here
The Brunswick Summer Concert Series is back for its 23rd season. The performances are held on each Tuesday at the Brunswick Community Center from June 27 to September 5.
With concerts scheduled to run 6:30-8:00 PM, the community center’s vast lawn provides a perfect backdrop for summer evenings. In addition to live music there will also be food trucks and other refreshments available.
The Brunswick Summer Concert Series looks to provide guests with quality music from all different kinds of genres. This year’s lineup features acts from all over the region. Local standouts include New York’s favorite horn band The Refrigerators, Celtic-rock outfit Get Up Jack, as well as country-rock group Whiskey Highway.
Located northeast of Albany, Brunswick has a long and storied history. The town’s first inhabitants settled in the early 18th century and were originally considered to be part of Troy. Positioned near the Hudson River, Brunswick and its neighboring towns became stopping points during the Revolutionary War. Famed American writer Herman Melville was a school teacher in the town during the mid 1800s.
Concerts are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and/or blankets. Here for more details and information.
Summer Lineup
6/27 The Refrigerators- Funk/ R&B/Rock
7/11 The Tichy Boys- Country/Rokabilly
7/18 The Lustre Kings- Country/Rokabilly
7/25 Big Fez and The Surfmatics- Surf and Beach Music
8/1 Harmony Rocks- One Hit Wonders
8/8 Get Up Jack- Celtic / Americana
8/15 The Hammerhead Horns- Roots, Ragtime and Blues
The initial lineup for the 2023 Wild in the Trees Music and Skate Festival in Lake George has been announced by Mirth Films.
Taking place October 7-8 at the Lake George Skate Plaza, this year’s lineup is set to feature Joe Mansman and The Midnight Revival Band, FUNGKSHUI, Candy Ambulance, Victory Soul Orchestra, Hilltop, Shu, Fine Grain, The Skunches and many more. The multi-talented Connor Dunn will also be hanging out for the weekend as the Artist at Large.
The first ever Wild in the Trees Music and Skate Festival took place October 1-2, 2022 hosting local acts and also included five different skateboarding events. On the grounds of the festival you can find some of the area’s best food and craft beer along with over 20 craft vendors located at the space. Wild in the Trees pays homage to efforts made in 2008 to raise money to build the Lake George Skate Plaza while embracing all the incredible musical talent regionally and beyond.
photo by Frank Cavone
Back in 2008, local skateboarders in Lake George, NY brought to the towns attention about the need to have a skate park. Through various town board meetings and the creation of a skateboarding committee put together by skaters, family members and community leaders, it was time to raise money to make the dream come true.
Throughout the early 2010’s, local skateboarders held various fundraisers over the years including spaghetti dinners, coin drops, benefit concerts and much more. Between all the efforts locally along with a few grants, the skateboarders were able to raise nearly $100,000. By 2014, the park was designed with oversight from the local skaters. In 2015, ground was broken at the newly created Charles R. Wood Park and the dream was realized. The Lake George Skate Plaza attracts skateboarders from all across the Northeast and beyond each year giving kids a safe place to skateboard without getting in trouble.
photo by Frank Cavone
Wild in the Trees will also feature two days of skateboarding contests including Best Trick, Spot-Based Jam, Game of Skate, High Ollie and much more. Skaters will have the chance of winning prizes from Seasons Skateshop and Corners Skateshop.
If you thought Reubens were good, just wait until this year’s Wild in the Trees Music and Skate Festival!
Frank Cavone, owner of Mirth Films stated
The headliner to this year’s Wild in the Trees Music and Skate Festival will be announced on August 15th. This year will also feature an official after party with Two Planets Away at The Lagoon in the heart of Lake George on October 7th.
Wild in the Trees Music and Skate Festival 2023 is made possible by sponsors, including Lake George Steamboat Company, Seasons Skateshop, Ginter Electric Uncommon Grounds, S.F. Janitorial, Law Office of Paul Ryan, Altered Apparel, Radio Radio X and Corners Skateshop.
Weekend and single-day passes are available now at Mirth-Films.com/WildintheTrees. 50 percent of all ticket sales will go directly to the Ronald McDonald House of the Capital Region.
2023 marks the 16th anniversary of the Schaghticoke Summers Eve Concert Series, presented by the Schaghticoke Entertainment Committee. Each summer, mid-June through August, Thursday evenings are dedicated to bringing relaxation, entertainment, food, and fun through free musical performances. Shows take place from 6:30-8:30 pm at 290 Northline Drive in Melrose, NY.
Silver Bay YMCA has announced the first ever Bluegrass In Heaven Music Festival, taking place September 15th- 17th. Located along the northern end of Lake George, Bluegrass In Heaven will bring together some of the top bluegrass artists such as 2019 Grammy Bluegrass Album of the Year winner Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper and regional talent such as the Bob & Sarah Amos Band.
Festival attendees will not only be able to listen to some of the top artists in bluegrass today, but they will also have access to the programs offered at Silver Bay YMCA during the festival as well. Between sets festival guests are encouraged to take a paddle on the northern end of Lake George, read a book in the Silver Bay YMCA library, play a round of disc golf, or partake in one of the many other programs and activities offered.
“We are thrilled to announce the start of a new annual tradition here at Silver Bay YMCA: the Bluegrass in Heaven music festival! Thanks to the cooperation and support from key partners in our community, we are going to build off the success of our summer concert series and bring you a whole weekend of family fun. We have a full schedule of musicians of nationally and regionally acclaimed performers – this weekend festival will be a real treat for any music enthusiast”
Zac Smalley – Director
The festival will be spread out throughout Silver Bay YMCA’s 700-acre waterfront campus, providing a one-of-a-kind venue for artists and music enthusiasts alike. To encourage festival attendees and artists to explore Silver Bay YMCA’s personal piece of heaven a Bluegrass in Heaven themed photo wall will be hidden somewhere on campus. Guests who find this unique photo wall are encouraged to share their photos with Silver Bay on social media using #BLUEGRASSHEAVEN. Additionally, Silver Bay YMCA is partnering with local businesses to highlight what the northern part of Lake George has to offer.
There are two ticket options available for purchase: a Festival Pass and an All-Inclusive Festival Pass. The Festival Pass costs $40 and includes access to YMCA workshops, a variety of vendors, and performances by local and regional talent. The All-Inclusive Festival Pass costs $80 and includes everything in the Festival Pass plus access to headliner performances which will take place at the YMCA’s historic auditorium.
The latest updates about the festival’s lineup, schedule, and anything BGIH related can be found at the Silver Bay YMCA website.
During the fall of 2023, the historic Caffè Lena of Saratoga Springs will be hosting a benefit celebrating the legacy of the legendary folk singer and artist, Joni Mitchell. The event, “Both Sides Now: Songs of Joni Mitchell,” will take place on Nov. 4 at 8:00 PM, just days before the singer’s 80th birthday.
Caffè Lena first opened in May of 1960 making it America’s longest-running coffeehouse. Being closely tied to the music industry and its history it is no surprise that the venue has chosen to honor such an icon. Although Mitchell has never performed at the venue, both are connected through their strong foundation in folk tradition, fierce independence, and relentless musical vision.
The event will be produced and hosted by Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards Hall of Fame inductee Michael Eck and will feature stellar performances from incredible artists. Throughout the night the lineup of performers including Hall of Famer Sara Ayers; multiple Eddie Award-winner Buggy Jive; Eddie nominee Kate McDonnell; the dynamic Kate McKrell; reclusive regional favorite Rosanne Raneri; and rising star Angelina Valente will take turns singing through Mitchell’s classics.
The tribute will take on all stages of the artist’s career, highlighting her success and affirming her immense impact on the music world.
“Joni has re-emerged to stir idealism and hope, which is exactly the spirit Caffè Lena wants to foster,” says Executive Director Sarah Craig. “This slate of top-tier regional talent, including some rarely seen artists, proves how much pull Joni has on both musicians and fans these days.”
Over July 10-21, Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts is hosting Rock Camp, a program designed to provide an environment for aspiring musicians (ages 10-16) to strengthen their skills, develop new techniques and build confidence in performing.
From 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, Rock Camp deals with several aspects of music, including technical aspects of instruments, the musical history of the genre, song writing, theory, arranging, rehearsal techniques, stage presence, and more.
With practical instruction from professionals, students are exposed to the elements of performing, arranging original music, forming a band, and much more. Additionally, a gig in the Great Hall of Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) to showcase their talents. We spoke with Crispin Catricala, the director of Rock Camp this summer, to learn more about the program, its origins, audition process, and outcomes.
Background
Rock Camp is not the first musical camp to be hosted at Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts. However, the origins of Rock Camp begin with director Crispin Catricala, selected specifically for the program.
Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts has had long success with their other camps like the Broadway Camp, Broadway Camp Junior and Summer Stage Young Acting Company. I was honored when, just after I had retired from teaching public school, they approached me to be the director for a new summer camp for young rock musicians up at UPH in Saratoga. With a bit of a delayed start due to the pandemic, we started our first summer session in 2021 and have been growing ever since.
Crispin Catricala, born into a musical family, has long possessed a passion for music, playing guitar by 13, and playing professionally by 17. Crispin would go on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition and a Master’s Degree in Musical Education, teaching public school music education for more than 28 years. Additionally, Crispin has worked as a private guitar instructor for more than 30 years, and has played in several bands throughout all that time.
Audition Process
An audition based program, Rock Camp requires musicians to record a performance of two songs that they feel comfortable with. However, the recording itself can be quite basic – according to Crispin, an iPhone video would suffice. Musicians can play along with tracks, as long as it is clear that their playing is separate from the original recording.
So, what qualities does Rock Camp look for in potential musicians? While Rock Camp is open to all styles of rock music, Crispin noted that they specifically seek individuals who possess basic, foundational skills, and demonstrate a desire to enhance their knowledge and acquire additional expertise. Critical thinking and active listening skills are important for applicants, but most of all, a love and passion for music and an openness to feedback within the creative process are necessary.
This year, 17 young musicians were selected to join the program.
A Typical Day at Rock Camp
The two week program runs Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm. Crispin’s detailing of a typical day at Rock Camp reveals the enriching, well-rounded nature of the program.
Morning sessions generally deal with either a guest artist/presenter, a lesson that deals with either your instrument or maybe a lesson that deals with music history or theory. By afternoon we’ve broken down to smaller ensembles working on specific songs and by the end of the day meet upstairs to play for our peers on the main stage and group discussion.
Rather than form one or two bands that rehearse a set of songs together, the program forms numerous combinations of musicians, making up several groups song by song for an evening’s performance. According to Crispin, this allows the musicians to engage with everyone in the camp and not be grouped into one ensemble or style.
Rock Camp is open to young musicians ages 10-16. While the age gap may seem wide to some, Crispin explained that the music itself works as an equalizer.
Once you start making music with people, age is not a huge factor. Plus, we’ve had 11-year-olds that have been playing since the age of five and 14-year-olds that started when they were twelve. So really, everybody has something to bring to the table.
Program Goals and Outcomes
At the end of the two-week camp, the groups will perform an hour-plus concert, open to the public at UPH, complete with incredible lighting and sound in one of the area’s newest and most beautiful premiere performance spaces. While the performance will surely showcase the talent and accomplishments of the program, Crispin hopes that the impacts of Rock Camp on the musicians will run deeper.
Our hope and our expectations are that the experience leaves everyone better at their instrument and overall craft. Also, that new musical connections and friendships have been created that could last long past Rock Camp.
For more information about Rock Camp, the audition process, and ticket reservations for their performance at UPH, visit this website. To learn more about camp director Crispin Catricala, visit his website.
