Author: Michael Erkan

Tupper Lake, the nature-filled crossroads of the Adirondacks, has announced the lineup for its annual Summer Performance Series. The free and open-to-the-public series will begin on July 5 and feature shows for a variety of ages on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The gorgeous small town of Tupper Lake is situated right alongside the scenic Raquette Pond, with an intimate population of roughly 3,000. Despite this, Tupper Lake has always had a thriving community of artists and artisans.

This summer, Tupper Lake’s annual Summer Performance Series is returning with an all-new lineup of local and visiting performers. Bands and artists of all genres will be playing, so there’s bound to be a show suited to anyone. Some of the performing artists include Ursa and the Major Key, an indie psychedelic rock band, Martin & Kelly, a contemporary country duo and Blessid Dirt, a heavy-folk duo.

After a grand opening that will take place on July 4, all shows will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Shows on Mondays and Wednesdays will be live music in a variety of genres, with shows on Fridays focusing more on children’s entertainment, hence the 11:00 a.m. times. All performances will take place on the Tupper Lake Sunset Stage at Flanders Park, right next to the water, so bring some chairs and a blanket!

And while you’re in Tupper Lake, take some time to explore the biking and hiking trails, stroll through the scenic town, and enjoy some of the delicious local eateries.

July 4 Grand Opening

On3 – 4:30 PM

On3 is a three-piece band comprised of Tupper Lakers, Jim Boucher (vocals and mandolin) Josh Pratt (percussion), and Eric Pasternak (vocals and guitar) of Bloomingdale. On3 mixes strong vocal harmonies with traditional songs, originals, classic rock, and instrumentals to create a unique live experience.  At times quiet, and at other times rockin’.  

The dynamics that they present span generations of music and draw from a wide variety of influences, including artists such as Tom Petty, Cheap Trick, and John Mayer, as well as 100-year-old traditional music. And sometimes, nothing is off-limits!

Night School – 7:00 PM

Alright class, settle down…Night School is a five-piece dance-rock band from Tupper Lake, NY consisting of brothers Andrew and Ben McClelland, alongside Jay Martin, Micah Tyo, and Ryan Gillis and back-up vocalists Lauren Mather and Corrine Mather. Performing some of the most popular dance hits from yesteryear and today, everything from The Beatles to Talking Heads, from Rick James to The B-52’s. Night School is guaranteed to get you moving and grooving. Class is in session.

Monday Summer Series Lineup

July 8 – The Altered Tones – 7:00 PM

The Altered Tones is a local band featuring four members on guitar, bass and drums playing acoustic and electric covers of classic alternative and rock songs. 

July 15 – Ursa and the Major Key – 7:00 PM

Hailing from Plattsburgh, Ursa and the Major Key combines the classic sounds of the 60s and 70s with a modern musical palette. The band fuses influences from classic artists including The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, and The Band, as well as modern artists like Whitney, Beach Fossils, Pacific Range, and Levitation Room.

July 22 – The Dave Matthews Tribute Band – 7:00 PM

For over 20 years, the Dave Matthews Tribute Band has been performing sold out shows around the world; playing over 2,000 concerts in 46 states and 9 countries. Throughout the years, the band has evolved from a bar hopping cover band into a dedicated and true tribute band with one goal; to recreate the classic Dave Matthews Band sound so many of us know and love.

July 29 – Shakespeare in the Park – 7:00 PM

One of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, Hamlet explores themes of revenge, madness, mortality, and the moral complexities of action and inaction. As the Prince of Denmark, Hamlet’s life is thrown into chaos following the sudden death of his father. When the ghost of his father appears to reveal a shocking truth, Hamlet is set on a path of revenge! This timless story resonates with audiences for its exploration of ambition and the human condition.

There will be two Tupper Lake performers in this production: Annachristi Cordes in the title role of Hamlet and George Cordes as the Ghost of Hamlet’s father.

August 5 – Frankie & the Moonlighters – 7:00 PM

Frankie & The Moonlighters are a nostalgia band, formed in 2022.  They perform hits from the 50s and early 60s with period correct wardrobe and stage set.  The band is made up of members from all walks of life who work regular jobs, in addition to performing.  Hence, The Moonlighters.  The band is comprised of Frankie Wayne as lead vocalist, The Moonlighters, Donna Fortune – lead and backing vocals, Jessica Kemp – Lead and backing vocals, Melissa Nugent – Lead and backing vocals, with Mike “Mad Dog” Harrigan on guitar, Kevin KMAN McLaughlin on drums, Sue “Suzie-Q” Grimm on Keyboards, and Barb “Boom-boom” Curtis on upright bass.

August 12 – Mickey and Claire – 7:00 PM

Mickey and Claire are brother and sister playing together for decades. This dynamic duo will be playing classic rock & country. Put on your dancing shoes!

August 19 – Gratefully Yours – 7:00 PM

Gratefully Yours has emerged as one of the premier Grateful Dead cover bands in the Northeast. Based out of the Hudson Valley in NY, the band is comprised of an all-star lineup of long time jam band musicians from the area. Their willingness and ability to improvise, and their openness to spontaneity and the energy of the moment lie at the core of their performances and truly sets them apart. It is about creating that Grateful Dead “magic” that Gratefully Yours truly aims to “cover” and pay tribute to. The band members are Alex Mazur, Jude Defalco, Garrin Benfield, Frank Casciaro, Robert Schiff and Jessica Barlow

Wednesday Summer Series Lineup

July 10 – Blessid Dirt – 7:00 PM

Tereson Dupuy and Eric Pasternak make up this beautiful, Adirondack grown acoustic duo called Blessid Dirt. Both singer-songwriters, their original music is ripe with life experiences most can relate to.

Classified as heavy-folk, they have been influenced by greats such as John Prine, Mary Gauthier, Townes Van Zandt and Led Zeppelin alike.  Eric, a native New Yorker, dazzles listeners with some wicked good pickin’ with a brilliant lyrical balance. He brings a dry humor and real life edge to this duo’s setlist. While Tereson, a transplant from New Orleans, adds a bit of soulful Southern charm, making this duo something to be experienced. 

Blessid Dirt just released their debut album, appropriately titled “Blessid Dirt.” It is a good sampling of their range of songwriting that is still being explored as they grow as artists. 

July 17 – Gadget – 7:00 PM

“Gadget” band plays soul, funk and jazz to bring you to your feet! They came together to celebrate the original funk, soul and jazz of the late 60s and early 70s along with more modern interpretations of the genre. It features original music by Crispin Catricala and select covers from John Scofield, Medeski, Martin and Wood along with New Orleans funk based band “The Meters” among others. The band features veteran performers Crispin on guitar, Michael Hurt on bass, Butch Gage on drums and Dave Casner on keys. 

July 24 – Darkside Skinny Dippers – 7:00 PM

Since the beginning of time ‘twas written in the stones, that one day a band would come. Well, that band did come and they’re ready to come again. Formed in the late 60’s as an art collective, Darkside Skinny Dippers, often known more affectionately as the world’s greatest hashtag #DSKINNYD, evolved into a ferocious rock band that defined the course of music history in the late 70’s into the mid 80’s. Since reuniting over Zoom in 2020 this group of youngish men have been working tirelessly 1-2 times a year, perfecting their craft and completing the Richard Simmons 5-minute ab workout in its entirety. They feel confident they can bring you a show that at least half of 20% of you can tolerate. Recommended by 0 out of 10 doctors, the band all but guarantees a baby boom that would rival the mid 40’s-mid 60’s. In short, #DSKINNYD is best described as diverse rock and roll with attitude! There’s a little something for everyone. But don’t take their word for it…

July 31 – Spring Street – 7:00 PM

For 15 years, Spring Street has been rocking the tri-lakes with a unique mix of old and new rock. One of the hottest bands in the Adirondacks, Spring Street serves up Val’s incredible vocals over an instrumental section that gets you moving at every show. Whether they’re cranking out an old rock classic or a new hit song, Spring Street delivers night after night.

August 7 – DiTrani Brothers – 7:00 PM

The DiTrani Brothers, by way of bent melodies and driving rhythms, play perilous tunes for the hopeful influenced by elements of Balkan music and early American jazz/swing. The band delivers both wistful and raucous performances that allude to past traditions with a contemporary sentiment.

August 14 – Adirondack Jazz Ensemble – 7:00 PM

The AJE is a small jazz ensemble made from select members of the Adirondack Jazz Orchestra. Each performance, a different group of AJO members is featured to fit a customized selection of jazz standards, funk, blues, R&B, or whatever type of music we choose to play! The AJRE is promoting music education in upstate New York.

August 21 – Martin & Kelly – 7:00 PM

The incredibly talented duo of Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly have become the next must-see act from New England to Nashville. With compelling song-writing, dynamic vocal harmonies, and good ole’ country pickin’ Jilly & Ryan bridge the boundary between traditional and new country. Most recently they warmed up audiences for artists such as Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Little Big Town, Alabama, Dwight Yoakam, Rodney Atkins, Phil Vassar, Lonestar, Chris Janson, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Sara Evans, the Bacon Brothers, and many more.

Friday Summer Series Lineup

July 5 – Stephen Gratto – 11:00 AM

New York State School Superintendent by day, Stephen moonlights as a physical comedian and much much more.  His performances are fast-paced and exciting displays of many classic vaudeville and  circus skills including juggling, unicycling, rope walking, object balancing, and many other feats of daring, bravery, and side-splitting  foolishness.

July 12 – Two of a Kind – 11:00 AM

We are an award-winning husband & wife musical duo, specializing in interactive performances for children and families. We get audiences of all ages involved in the performance, through singing, movement, sing language, lyrics-on-the-spot, puppets and more. We feature a wide variety of musical styles, with vocal harmonies, intricate guitar work and multi-ethnic drumming and percussion. Many thematic programs are available, including songs about reading & books, environmental science & animals, and interpersonal topics such as diversity, conflict resolution, character education and making a difference. We also do lots of songs that are just plain fun and silly.

July 19 – Kit’s Interactive Theater – 11:00 AM

This interactive show depicts the arduous life of early America as well as the revelry. Though days of rest and merriment are few, today is the day of the Colonial Faire. Help indentured servant Katie Cotswold finish her chores so all may skip off to the faire. Partake in the games and frolics where merriment abounds just before the rollicking Maypole dance!

Performance combines history, dance, music, imagination, and improvisation with a great mixture of humor. Kids and adults are cast right into the show.

Developing her original style of interactive theatre since 1987, Kitty writes, choreographs, produces, and performs all of her material for Kit’s Interactive Theatre. Her passion for history and love of theatre have inspired her to create 16 different, high-energy programs ranging from Ancient Egypt to Women’s Rights. With so much creativity, spontaneity and wit packed into each show, adults have as much fun as the kids! Great for ages 5 through adult.  

July 26 – The Puppet People – 11:00 AM

Are all princesses helpless? Are all knights brave and strong? Are all dragons evil? Find out in this whimsical retelling of the fairy tale by E. Nesbitt. Explore  the issues of stereotypes, discrimination, self-esteem, greed, and friendship with this vivid puppet production. This show features  classical music, large rod puppets, mouth puppets, a 7 ft dragon and a life-size knight on horseback for a jousting scene your audience will never forget!

August 2 – Meadow Perry – 11:00 AM

Meadow Perry is a Magician, Bubble Artist and Actress who creates breathtakingly beautiful magic out of thin air. Discover true wonder as this sorceress of soap bubbles takes the rules of bubbles outside the box and takes you on an elegant journey exploring the soapy secrets that bubbles hold. Her internationally acclaimed show, “Bubble Magic” combines skillful bubble artistry, magic, music and theatre to create a unique experience for her audience. Meadow Perry has appeared on The CW’s Masters of Illusion as well as at The World Famous Hollywood Magic Castle in the prestigious Palace of Mystery.

August 9 – Jessica Black – 11:00 AM

Jessica is a multi talented artist based in the Catskills area of NY, bringing elegance and passion whether she’s on the ground or in the air. She has performed around the world as a professional dancer showcasing her classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, and showgirl techniques in dance. She has worked on 3 cruise ships, one contract specializing in musical theater in the Broadway show CATS. 

Jessica is currently freelancing with 20+ entertainment companies performing for circus’s, private events, festivals, weddings, birthdays, fairs, parades, etc. 

In the circus realm, Jessica specializes in aerial hoop, silks, sling, aerial bartending, and stilt walking.

More information on the Tupper Lake Summer Performance Series can be found here.