To close out 2023 and ring in 2024 in Saranac Lake, the annual New Year’s Eve Bash at the Waterhole Music Lounge will feature not one but two bands – both with sets of brothers who have a history of rowdy and raucous performances in the North Country music scene. This year, The Mallett Brothers Band will bring along special guests DiTrani Brothers, who will start the night off at The Waterhole on Sunday, December 31.
With a sound that comes from deep in Maine, The Mallett Brothers Band have a style that ranges from alt-country to Americana, country, jam and roots rock, a musical melting pot influenced equally by singer/songwriter tradition as harder rock, classic country and psychedelic sounds.
A busy tour schedule has helped Mallett Brothers Band build a dedicated fan base across the US – including The Waterhole – and beyond while still calling the state of Maine their home.
Formed in 2009 in Portland, Maine,The Mallet Brothers Bandis an independent, nationally touring country rock and roll band consisting of brothers Luke and Will Mallet (vocals, acoustic and electric guitar), Nick Leen (bass), Andrew Martelle (fiddle, mandolin, guitar), and Brian Higgins (drums).
Kicking off the New Year’s Bash will be The DiTrani Brothers. Hailing from Brattleboro, Vermont they are no strangers to the North Country music scene. Most recently they performed at the 2023 Northern Current Community Music Festival, Party on the Patio, and the 2022 Bloody Mary Sunday Party at the Waterhole.
The band bends melodies and driving rhythms, playing perilous tunes for the hopeful. Drawing influences from Western and Eastern-European folk music, Roa Swing, early American Jazz, Ragtime and Balkan music. The band delivers both wistful and raucous performances that allude to past traditions with a contemporary sentiment.
Doors for this performance will open at 7:30, music will begin at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $15 flat rate and can be purchased at the downstairs bar in person in Saranac Lake, or by visiting the Waterhole website.
The Waterhole Music Lounge has announced the live music lineup for their most renowned concert series, Winter Carnival at the Waterhole.
Over the course of 10 days, The Waterhole will bring 13 live musical acts to the Upstairs Music Lounge to keep Carnival goers moving & grooving as our community celebrates the 127th annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.
The 2024 lineup features 13 different bands including a plethora of fan favorites, and pairs them up with unbelievably talented opening acts that are sure to entertain and excite.
Things kick off on Friday, February 2 with Annie in the Water, well known for excitable, high energy jams, funky tones, and chill vibes. Special guests Organ FairChild from Buffalo, NY will open up the evening. This old-school organ trio has dance-heavy grooves and adventurous jamming.
Joslyn & The Sweet Compression make their first Winter Carnival appearance on Saturday, February 3. This groove-hardy trip of soul music filtered through a vivacious, and sometimes lush, modern lens, a psychedelic soundscape that exemplifies truth in music’s ability to shake up the establishment. This band will make the journey to the North from their hometown in Lexington, Kentucky, a follow up appearance at The Waterhole after the crowd fell in love with their sound at a Party on the Patio performance in 2023.
Los Blancos are the perfect compliment to the Saturday night bill. This band has been playing the Waterhole since the creation of the Upstairs Music Lounge in 1991. They rip through blues, soul, zydeco, and with their bottomless bag of tricks they always get the party started.
Wednesday, February 7 Hayley Jane returns to the Waterhole with her new band. Known for her emotive and memorizing performances, her vocals have a delicacy that touches the heart and also a raw power that can drive one into a frenzy. Open and honest, she chooses words that are both brazen and playful as she spills secrets onto the stage, spinning them into a web of burred lines.
Giovanina Bucci, who was born and raised in Plattsburgh and a dear friend of Hayley Jane will open up the night. Her musical style is nothing short of eclectic. Rooted in blues, soul, and folk, she writes about the intimate experiences that have shaped her as a human and as a songstress showcasing her unique guitar style and sultry delivery.
Thursday, February 8 features The Strictly Hip: Masters of The Tragically Hip. The band takes an almost academic approach to performing the music of Canada’s most popular band, performing with reverence, respect and accuracy.
Friday, February 9 Bellas Bartok & Folkfaces partner up for an energetic and bedazzling co-bill that is sure to keep concert goers dancing the night away. Bella’s Bartok live shows are a theatrical mix of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ and the ‘Rocky Horror Picture’ show with a mesmerizing mix of Eastern European, Americana, punk and pop music. Folkfaces are a rowdy, roots quartet that takes its influence from weird old American music, offering an energetic variety show and traveling music review. The band explores a wide range of genres including country, blues, traditional jazz, rock & roll, honkey tonk, western swing, bluegrass, old-time, jug band and more.
Saturday, February 10 features two different shows – the first being the Post Parade Party. This day time show takes place immediately after the parade ends, and is well known as the biggest dance party of the entire year, plus its a free show headlined by another fan favorite, The Big Takeover.
Led by the powerhouse, Jamaican-born singer and songwriter NeeNee Rushie, The Big Takeover’s horn-powered global blend reveals deep fluency in reggae and world music, hints of soul and Motown, and their own infectious brand of pop classicism. Saranac Lakers will recognize The Big Takeover from their late night performance at the 2022 Northern Current Community Music Festival.
Later that evening, another show awaits Carnival goers. Fan favorite, West End Blend returns with funk and SOUL. Fronted by vocalist Erica Tracy Sullivan, WEB plays homage to classic throwback sounds while adding their own distinct vibe and flair. Behind her, the blend packs a four-piece horn section, two guitars bass, keyboards, and drums onto stages every night. From humble beginnings in an epic sweaty funky basement dance party, the Blend’s goal has always been to bring that same atmosphere to every show ever since.
Opening up for WEB will be All Night Boogie Band – hailing form the Green Mountains of Vermont, this band closed out the 2023 Party on the Patio 2023 season with a bang, and were thus invited to play during Winter Carnival. Think massive soulful vocals, big horns; and a powerfully tight rhythm section that creates a powerful and emotional blues that will make you shake your hips.
And last but certainly not least, Jatoba returns to the Carnival Lineup on Bloody Mary Sunday, February 11. This free day time show happens in the downstairs bar and will mark the band’s first Waterhole show since 2014. Jatoba sounds like groove-grass with quick bluegrass tempos driven by thumping and rockabilly-like bass lines, accentuated with soaring three part vocal harmonies. On top of this, they add effect-driven guitar solos, heavy rhythmic improvisation, beat boxing and even the occasional sitar interlude.
If you don’t want to miss a single beat of Winter Carnival at The Waterhole, consider purchasing a Week Pass for $76. This pass guarantees access to every ticketed event and saves you $24. Tickets are available for purchase on the Waterhole website saranaclakewaterhole.com and in person by stopping into the bar. As always, the Waterhole is a 21+ venue.
Jimkata, the three-piece anthemic, synth-washed, electro-rock band based out of both Ithaca and Los Angeles have announced Winter Tour dates for 2024, with six Northeast performances planned.
photo by Allison Marie
Jimkata has built a large grassroots following over the last two decades, including two and a half years on hiatus, which was recently ended. The group have released six studio albums all with their signature swirling synths, infectious pop hooks and candid lyrics.
Jimkata’s Winter Tour for 2024 will include stops in NYC at Nublu, Buffalo Iron Works, and The Waterhole in Saranac Lake. These dates are in addition to the upcoming show at Photo City Music Hall on Saturday, December 2.
Tickets here for all upcoming shows can be found at jimkata.com/tour
Jimkata 2023-2024 Tour Dates
December 2 – Photo City Music Hall w/ Edalo & CAT_A_TAC, Rochester
The Village of Saranac Lake Board of Trustees have turned down a requested zoning change that would have turned a field adjacent to a decommissioned landfill into a multi-use music venue, event space and athletic field.
The property, located on Moose Way and seen on the map below at right, is owned by Bob Farmer, who envisioned taking his property, as well as the former landfill – for which the village has a $435,000 grant to convert into athletic fields – and turn the field into Mountain View Performing Arts Field. These plans are now on hold as Farmer weighs his options.
At a village meeting on Monday, October 9, and as reported by Adirondack Daily Enterprise, locals and neighbors of Farmer’s property showed up to voice concerns that this change in zoning would lead to increased traffic, noise, and littering in the small Adirondack town.
This was not the first time Farmer has been turned down by a local board for use of the land for concerts, music and events. The town of North Elba rejected the proposal as it may set precedent for commercial use within a residential area.
With Farmer’s property located in North Elba, and not Saranac Lake, the village board rejected the proposal on this technicality, saying it would need to be annexed before consideration, but based upon concerns of locals, it seems the two best avenues for Farmer have dried up. Resident of Saranac Lake Jacquelyn Dubee said “I feel that it is unfair for the community members to be forced to take a say on what we’re going to be using that land for when we don’t want it to be used for anything,”
The Village of Saranac Lake
One resident, Shannon Madden, started a petition opposing the plan, which she said has 200 signatures so far. With the potential crowd capacity likely to be 3,000, Madden considered this potential venue leading to a “full town invasion.” For those unfamiliar – route 73 that brings most traffic in from I-87 and points east, is a two lane road, with no room for development to expand. The traffic heading into Saranac Lake is already intentionally slowed down as you approach the village center, making the potential for another 500-1000 cars enough to bring the village to a stand still, with no other roads in the area making this feasible.
Christine Collins, a Saranac Lake native and resident of Potsdam has been attached to be venue manager at the Mountain View Performing Arts Field. She pointed to playing it safe as the factor that is holding the town back. “This is about this village and its desperate need for change, culture, diversity and enrichment. While I respect the past, we must let go of antiquated thinking and begin to move forward.
While Farmer and Collins may have exhausted their options, the pair will press ahead and explore alternatives to bringing this site to fruition.
The Waterhole Music Lounge in Saranac Lake has filled their calendar with live music offering top touring acts starting this September all the way through to New Year’s Eve this fall season.
Music enthusiasts can expect a wide range of genres from folk music Fridays, a collection of tribute acts and a handful of side projects from big name acts including String Cheese Incident, EOTO, and Turkuaz The Brazilian Girls. Waterhole Lounge indulges attendees to parties on the patio a venue bar and an incredible scene perfect for live music.
To kick off the start to the fall music season, The Seapods and Raisinhead plan to perform September 9th following will feature triple header Mal Maiz on Thursday for Party on the Patio. The fall lineup also includes many talented tribute acts including The Dave Matthews Tribute Band a 5 member ensemble who match the excitement, intimacy and intensity of a live DMB show. Another highlight during the season is the annual Halloween Bash with funky music and costume contest where hip-hop jam band Sophistafunk from Syracuse plan to shake things up with opening act Chestnut Grove known for their rock n’ roll.
To close out the season The New Year’s Eve Bash will be headlined by The Mallet Brothers Band, a well admired alternative rock country band from the woods of Maine. New York looks forward to what Waterhole Lounge has in store this season that will bring audiences talented acts nationwide that they won’t get enough of. For more information visit The Waterhole Website.
Northern Current is back for another year of live music on Labor Day weekend. The annual free festival takes place on Sept. 3 at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake. The celebration gets underway at Noon and runs until 9:30 PM.
Located at the base of Lake Flower, Riverside Park provides a picturesque setting for the event. The festival looks to celebrate the beauty and richness of Saranac Lake and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Northern Current is focused on enriching the cultural and artistic diversity of the town by presenting a diverse set of performing artists. This year’s lineup features offerings of Rock, Blues, R&B, Afrobeat, Americana, Old Time Folk, Jazz, Country, and more.
www.northerncurrentadk.org
Headlining Northern Current is Canadian outfit Bywater Call. The group’s blend of rock, blues, and R&B results in a soulful and powerful sound. Standout vocalist Megan Parnell fits perfectly with the cascade of horns and noisy guitars that usually features in Bywater Call’s music. Together the group has carved out a lane somewhere between Southern Soul and modern blues-rock.
Local bands High on the Hog and Midnight Stargazers will open up the festival. Other New York acts include Afro-funk outfit Kaleta & Super Yamba Band and Americana pairing Richie & Rosie. The festival will also feature Huntress & the Holder of Hands, The Soggy Po Boys, Badenyah Drum & Dance, and DiTrani Brothers.
In addition to live music, Northern Current boasts a designated “kid zone,” merchandise, and local food vendors. The event is scheduled to take place rain or shine. Visit here for details and information about the event.
Saranac Lake’s Music on the Green concert series is back for another year of summer programming. Located in the picturesque Adirondack Mountains, Saranac Lake has been hosting the concert series for a decade.
Music on the Green runs from July 5 through August 9 and takes place every Wednesday evening from 7pm to 9pm. All the concerts are held at Riverside Park and are free to the public. The series aims to shine a spotlight on Saranac Lake’s downtown and arts scene.
Since its inception in 2013, Music on the Green has brought 60 different music groups from various genres to the mountains. This year artists from all over New York and Vermont will make their way to Saranac Lake to share offerings of rock, jazz, soul, country, and more.
Summer Lineup:
July 5: Los Blancos- a roots and blues group from Syracuse
July 12: Fenimore Blues- a blues and rock outfit based out of Saratoga Springs
July 19: Freight- an Ithaca alt-country group
July 26: Mo’ Mojo- a zydeco band looking to channel the spirit of New Orleans
August 2: High & Mighty Brass Band- a groovy Brooklyn jazz brass ensemble with hints of hip-hop
August 9: Mal Maïz- Vermont musicians with a unique take Cumbia and other Latin sounds
Today is May 18, or, 518 Day. The 518 is a huge region of New York State, an area code established in 1947 and covering 24 counties.
Extending from the Mohawk Valley just west of Utica, to the Vermont and Massachusetts borders, and north to Canada, the 518 includes Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Glens Falls, Plattsburgh and the entire North Country, Saranac Lake and the entire High Peaks region, plus Schoharie, Catskill, Hunter and Caroga Lake.
Among this wide swath of the state is a great deal of music, from bands to venues, festivals to promoters, concert series and figures in the scene, the 518 has a rich amount of music, so much that we thought a great way to celebrate 518 Day (May 18), was to come up with a list of Five Hundred Eighteen things that make the 518 a great place for music.
But we only had a week, so in working with our friends at 518scene.com, we came up with at least a start – 51.8 (rounded up to 52) music venues, bands, promoters, series and more, that make the 518 so great. Read our list below and their list here.
1. Caffè Lena
Founded in 1960 by Lena Spencer, Caffè Lena is the oldest continually running coffee house in the country. Home to an incredible array of folk, Americana, blues and international acts, this Saratoga Springs institution is a must for any music lover in the 518 and beyond
2. The Waterhole
Nestled in the Adirondack town of Saranac Lake, The Waterhole is a staple of the community, with concert series such as Party on the Patio, Saturday Night at the Waterhole, plus a packed calendar of music during Winter Carnival each year. If you’re in the Adirondacks for vacation this summer, stop in to see Eric and Kiki and catch a show at the fabled venue.
3. Tupper Lake Summer Sunset Concert Series
Just west of Saranac Lake on Route 3, you’ll find the town of Tupper Lake, and with it a pair of summer concert series, held on Monday and Wednesday nights. You’ll find unbelievable sunsets on Tupper Lake, a backdrop for music that photos just don’t do justice.
4. Ominous Seapods
A band that calls the greater 518 home, Ominous Seapods have long praised the region with songs like “Leaving the Monopole” and “Pull from Adirondack Blue,” the group have reunited in recent years to great fanfare, including guitarist Dana Monteith flying in from Australia for the shows.
5. The Park Theater
Glens Falls is undergoing a renaissance as of late, with a great deal of businesses, shops and restaurants peppering downtown and Glen Street, with the Park Theater a centerpiece to it all. The venue brings in national artist, comedy acts, jazz acts, Third Thursday and much more, as well as an educational partnership with nearby districts, bringing in a new generation of sound and light technicians.
6. Memorial Meltdown
Coming up over Memorial Day Weekend, the Charles R. Wood festival commons in Lake George will host the second Memorial Meltdown, featuring Twiddle and Frends, Dogs in a Pile, TAUK, One Time Weekend, Annie in the Water and much more. Tickets are on sale now.
7. Palace Theatre
Opened during the height of the Great Depression, Albany’s Palace Theatre shines brightly, entering its 10th decade and continues to host artists from all genres in a beautifully restored venue.
Artwork by Kelly Garrett
8. Annie in the Water
With a fanbase that is spread to every corner of the 518, and well beyond, Annie in the Water have established their catchy Indie/Americana sound all throughout the state, with fresh songwriting and energetic live performances a hallmark of their New York presence.
9. Caroga Arts Collective and Caroga Lake Music Festival
Located northwest of Amsterdam, the quiet town of Caroga Lake has woken up in recent years thanks to the Caroga Arts Collective bringing in music nearly year-round, as well as revitalization efforts on the century old Sherman’s Amusement Park. The lineup for music this year at Caroga Lake Music Festival is eye-opening too.
10. Greg Bell/Guthrie-Bell Productions
Local promoter Greg Bell has established the Albany jam-scene since the early 1990s, giving bands like moe., Ominous Seapods, Peter Prince and Moonboot Lover and dozens (if not hundreds more) a chance to make their name in a town rife with live music venues and crowds.
11. Freedom Park Scotia series
The annual series at Freedom Park in Scotia is flanked by Jumpin Jacks (great ice cream and burgers), the Mohawk River (with waterski performances) and a calendar of music that stretches from May to September each year.
12. Parish Public House
In downtown Albany along Broadway, you’ll find no better place for live music and cajun food than Parish Public House. Housed in a historic building and section of Albany, the legacy of live music in the 518 starts at the Parish door for bands looking to build their name and make fans in Albany.
13. Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Originally opened in the 1870s, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has some of the best sound in the region, hosting artists of all genres who praise the excellent acoustics of the room. The free Music at Noon series has recently returned, and is always worth checking out.
Artwork by Kelly Garrett
14. Mirth Films
The team at Mirth Films has been around for only five years, but in that time frame they’ve established themselves as the premier Audio/Video company, capable of covering shows in all corners of the Capital Region without blinking an eye. Its no surprise they recently won three Eddies Awards for their efforts. Check out their recent interview with harpist Mikaela Davis.
15. Indian Ladder Farming Man Festival
Returning in July for year two, Indian Ladder farms invites you to partake in great beer and cider, as well as great music and farm vibes at Farming Man Festival. This apple picking destination has the perfect summer getaway, well worth a trip towards the Heldeberg Escarpment.
16. moe.
You know moe. has made their name on the 518 when they get a street named after them, which is what happened in February on moe.day in Albany. Add in countless shows at Valentines, two snoe.downs in Lake Placid, and the roots established on Western Avenue in the 1990s, you’ll find members of moe. gigging around the 518 with BlueStar Radiation, Midnight Sun and more.
17. Putnam Place
Saratoga Springs is blessed with a wealth of history, but Putnam Place is where music history is written on a regular basis, as nationally touring bands are seen alongside regional artists, making the venue a must spot for fans looking for a break from the bars of Saratoga or just needing to see what the next big band is that’s touring through the area. Check out their calendar and don’t miss Prince/Bowie on May 20.
18. The Egg
Designed by Wallace Harrison, based on a concept from then-Governor Nelson Rockefeller (picture a half a grapefruit in a bowl, and you can see the origin), The Egg has two venues inside – The 900 seat Hart Theater, and the 450 seat Swyer Theater, both of which offer pristine acoustics for performances of all genres. Notably, Mike Gordon of Phish released a live album, The Egg, from a recording of a December 11, 2011 performance at The Egg.
19. Nanola
Looking for a quiet spot for loud music and great food? Malta is the spot for you, with Nanola located on Route 9, with excellent cajun food and a variety of musical offerings throughout the week and especially in the summer.
20. Lark Hall
The recently opened Lark Hall brings with it a century of music history, and has quickly established itself as a must-stop venue for musicans and fans alike. You’ll be able to catch performances of RENT in June, plus the reunion of Space Carnival on July 6, along with much more.
21. Cohoes Music Hall
Coming up on 150 years, the Cohoes Music Hall has been revitalized in the last 50 years, with renovations and restoration taking place, while welcoming musicals, live music, tribute bands and comedians.
22. MVP Arena
Whether you call it The Knick, The Knickerbocker, Pepsi Arena, Times Union Center, or MVP Arena, anyone in the 518 knows what you’re talking about. The downtown arena that opened in January 1990 and has played host to Billy Joel, Phish, NCAA Tournaments, demolition derbies, and even inaugurations of governors.
23. The Linda
Affectionately known as WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, The Linda is a restored 1926 art-deco bank that welcomes a widely-diverse roster of performing arts, concerts, debates, lectures, and also serves as a recording studio.
24. QE2
While not open under the name anymore, in the 1990s, the QE2 established Albany as a hotbed of the growing Alternative scene in the country. Grunge, hardcore and alternative rock acts could be found performing at the QE2 any given night in the ’90s. The venue has since been sold and renamed The Fuze Box, and continues to bring great music to the 518.
25. The Sembrich
The Marcella Sembrich Opera Museum, also known as The Sembrich, is an historic teaching studio located at Bolton Landing in Warren County. Built from 1922-24 as a teaching studio for New York Metropolitan Opera diva Marcella Sembrich, the 2023 “Trailblazers” Music Festival will celebrate the music of David Smith, Marin Alsop, Alma Mahler and Philip Glass.
26. Proctors Theatre
Originally a vaudeville theater, this Schenectady venue has welcomed legends of the stage and screen, as well as musicians to the stage. Proctors is nearing its centennial year in 2026, and always has the greatest hits from Broadway for fans looking to stay local as they take in a musical or play.
Artwork by Kelly Garrett
Ed note: new area code 838 is popping up in the 518, and we welcome a challenge to find Eight Hundred Thirty Eight things that make this region the best for music, but let’s take this one area code at a time.
The Waterhole Music Lounge in Saranac Lake has announced the schedule for the annual 2023 Party On The Patio concert series.
Waterhole Music Lounge is Saranac Lake’s music venue of choice, located right on Main Street. The three story lounge features multiple bar spaces, and an outdoor performance space that creates a truly unique concert experience. The annual free Party On The Patio shows are a regional favorite, taking place every Thursday night at 6pm, starting in April and running through October.
The Party On The Patio 2023 lineup has 24 bands from multiple states including Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. The lineup also includes local favorites from across the state, including Hanzolo, Folkfaces, Rasinhead, and Los Blancos.
Each show is free to attend, but limited to concertgoers 21 and up. For more information, and to view the full schedule, please visit the Waterhole’s website.
Musician and teaching artist Dave Ruch, along with Brant Lake singer Colleen Cleveland, will present a series of free and open-to-the-public workshopscelebrating traditional Adirondack Music the Capital Region in May.
The “New Audiences for Old Songs” project aims to expand awareness for and enjoyment of this rare and important collection of folk songs and traditional ballads from the Adirondack region of New York State; the kind of “self-made” music sung by everyday people and passed down through the generations in earlier days.
Traditional Adirondack music is typically anonymous, passed down orally and serves as an expression of the life of people in that given community.
These songs have been kept alive in one family – the Clevelands of Hudson Falls and Brant Lake, NY – and the music is little-known today outside a small circle of enthusiasts. The goal of the project is to introduce this material to musicians working in more mainstream genres so that they in turn can bring the music to their audiences.
These workshops will provide the opportunity to learn about the collection and hear Colleen sing some of her favorites as learned from her grandmother. Immediately after the session, a wide selection of the Cleveland family repertoire will be posted on the project’s webpage for all to access, and participating musicians are then free to work up one or more songs in their own style to be presented in their future performances.
The workshop is open to singers and musicians of all genres, and the general public is welcome to attend as well. Registration is not required though interested parties can RSVP to the Facebook events linked below.
Adirondack Music Workshops with Dave Ruch and Colleen Cleveland
Thursday May 4, 7-8:30pm View, Old Forge, NY event
Friday May 5, 7-8:30pm TAUNY Center, Canton, NY event
Saturday May 6, 10:30am-NoonBluSeed Studios, Saranac Lake, NY event
Saturday May 6, 3:30-5pmFolklife Center at Crandall Public Library, Glens Falls, NY event
