Category: Folk/Americana

  • In Focus: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at Beak & Skiff

    Day long winds and heavy rain, along with a gloomy evening forecast did not deter the strong contingent of Jason Isbell fans from turning out to Beak & Skiff in LaFayette on Saturday June 29, as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit made their return to Central New York

    Isbell, the critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist has been touring endlessly in support of 2023’s acclaimed release, Weathervanes.  The album showcases Isbell at his finest, with a package of songs focused on heavy topics like love and loss, addiction, and nostalgia, backed by powerful guitars and haunting melodies.  Isbell, an Alabama native, formed with the 400 Unit in 2009 after he departed the Drive By Truckers.  The 400 Unit, which consists of Sadler Vaden (guitars), Chad Gamble (drums), Anna Butterss (bass guitar), Derry deBorja (keyboards), and Will Johnson (percussion), have become an integral piece to both Isbell’s studio albums and live tours.  

    Heavy winds and rains started early and often on Saturday and continued until one final rain shower blew through the outdoor concert field shortly before 6pm. The tumultuous weather forced the cancelling of opener Courtney Marie Andrews’ set and led to a restructured timeline for the music events on this evening.  That did not deter music fans from turning out in near capacity, and shortly before 7pm they were rewarded with a sun which had finally broke free of the heavy cloud cover that had dressed the fields through out the day.  

    Just after 7pm Isbell stepped on stage with his bandmates, flashing a smile and delivering praise to those in attendance for riding out the weather.   The band launched into the gritty rocker “When We Were Close” which immediately had fans out of their chairs and making way close to the stage.  Isbell wasted no time showing off tracks from his 2023 release, opening the concert with four consecutive tracks off the album.  The third song this evening, “King of Oklahoma” which features a powerful, stadium-anthem like chorus, saw the first of several epic guitar-solo duals between Isbell and Vaden.  

    Through out the evening it became abundantly clear why Isbell has received such high praises as a songwriter.  Few artists have the ability to place the listener into the scene with their lyrics quite like Isbell can.  Vivid imagery, like on “Strawberry Woman” place the listener next to the song’s narrator, while addressing heavy topics all too familiar to many.  

    Over the course of the 110 minute set, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit treated those in attendance to a set spanning their entire catalog, performing favorites like “Alabama Pines”, “If We Were Vampires”, “24 Frames”, “Flying Over Water” and “Cover Me Up”. They even paid tribute to The Cure, by playing “Just Like Heaven” late in the set. It was a simple gesture to pay homage to the band’s classic rock roots, and one that was well received by all in attendance.

    The Beak & Skiff Summer Concert Series continues on Sunday, July 7, with a performance by Lake Street Dive.

  • Schroon Lake’s 50th Summer Of Live Music At Boathouse Theatre

    Schroon Lake Arts Council will present its 50th summer of Live music in the Boathouse Theater from July 3 to Aug 10.

    This year’s theme is “Roots of Adirondack Music” featuring the bands and artists that make up the Adirondack style of folk. All of the concerts are free and volunteer run. The concerts also overlook Schroon Lake located in the eastern part of Adirondack State Park.

    Boathouse Theater has been operating since 1874 and is just one of the attractions in the town of Schroon. People come to the area for fishing, hiking and to soak in views of Schroon lake.

    The lineup of bands is full of folk, blues and genre bending performances. On July 3, Get Up Jack, an Irish folk band, will start off the series. They have performed at Boathouse theater for multiple years and are a fan favorite. Music isn’t the only thing that brings people to the theater. On July 13, The Puppet People will present their “Puppet Potpourri.” Additionally, on July 15, the arts council will show the PBS documentary, “Songs To Keep: Treasures Of An Adirondack Folk Collector,” about the Adirondack folk artist Marjorie Lansing Porter.

    To find more information on the series, you can visit the arts council website here.

    Roots of Adirondack Music 2024

    July 3: Get Up Jack

    July 9: Dave Ruch

    July 13: The Puppet People

    July 15: Songs To Keep: Treasures Of An Adirondack Folk Collector with Dan Berggren

    July 16: Annie and The Hedonists

    July 23: The Kennedys 

    July 30: Marsh Lights

    Aug 3: Lake George Music Festival Preview Concert

    Aug 10: Goodnight Moonshine

  • Catch Adirondack Band nubble this Summer in the North Country

    Saranac Lake-based band nubble is set to tour around the North Country this summer, bringing their Adirondack-themed folk music with them. Their imagery and subject matter are all distinct to the Adirondacks, featuring local references and atmospheric sound.

    nubble

    nubble was formed about a year ago by Gene Baritot (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Edek Falkowski (fiddle, banjo, vocals), Christian Eggleston (bass, vocals), and Chris Radey (drums, vocals). nubble’s tour will offer an excellent opportunity to support local musicians while enjoying their unique sound.

    Their experiences living in the Adirondacks come through in their songwriting. nubble expressed the excitement about sharing their love if the region with others, saying “we have the chance to share our songs which have been entirely inspired by the beauty of the area that we live.”

    One of the band’s tracks, “Ghosts,” is about the haunted cure cottage one band member lived in. The tuberculosis cottage in Saranac Lake was featured on Animal Planet’s “The Haunted,” while another track, “Buzz Away, Black Fly”, is about the bug of certain local renown.

    nubble expressed their gratitude for the ability to “express [themselves] in [their] small mountain communities”. nubble’s goal is to “share what feels good”, and they hope the ADK feels the same way. Their album, Live at Riverside Park, is available on Bandcamp, and tour dates are available below.

    Wednesday, July 3 @ Riverside Park in Saranac Lake, NY – 7 pm

    Thursday, July 4 @ Mids Park in Lake Placid, NY – 1 pm

    Tuesday, August 30 @ Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake, NY – 8 pm

    Thursday, September 12 @ South Acres Park in Plattsburgh, NY- 4:30 pm

    Saturday, September 21 @ Ausable Brewing in Keeseville, NY – 12:30 pm

  • James Taylor and All-Star Band To Perform At Tanglewood

    The legendary James Taylor and his All-star band will perform two nights at the Tanglewood concert series on July 3 and 4.

    The “Fire and Rain” singer is also a six-time Grammy award winner and was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Taylor started his journey playing with a band in Greenwich Village, NYC. After leaving a rehabilitation center for drug abuse, he signed to Warner Bros. Music and released his iconic sophomore album Sweet Baby James.

    Throughout his long and ongoing career, Taylor has released 20 studio albums and collaborated with other folk artists like Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt.

    Taylor is currently touring with his talented band members including Kate Markowitz and Dorian Holley on vocals. His instrumentalists include Andrea Zonn on fiddle, Larry Goldings on piano, Lou Marini on horns, Walt Fowler on keyboard and horns, Michael Landau on Guitar, Jimmy Johnson on bass, Luis Conte on percussion and Steve Gadd on drums. 

    After his July 3 performance, Taylor will receive The Tanglewood Medal due to his contribution to the concert series. Altogether, he has performed on the Koussevitzky Music Shed 51 times.

    James Taylor’s July 4 performance will end in a celebration of fireworks and in addition, all the proceeds from his performance will be donated back to Tanglewood. 

    Tanglewood James Taylor

    Tanglewood is located in the Berkshire hills of Western Massachusetts. The series is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and features performances from other stars like Brandi Carlile, Jason Mraz and Jon Batiste. 

    To find more information and to purchase tickets you can visit the website here.

  • Grammy Winning Artist Brandi Carlile To Perform At Tanglewood

    Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, Brandi Carlile, will perform at Tanglewood on Sunday, June 30. 

    Tanglewood brandi Carlile

    Carlile grew up outside of Seattle, Washington and played in clubs across the city. In 2004, she was signed to Columbia Records and released her first self-titled album in 2005. Her second album, The Story, topped international charts and sold over 257,776 copies in the U.S.

    Her song “The Joke” off of the 2018 album, By The Way I Forgive You, earned her two Grammy awards for both best American roots song and best American roots performance. The album won Best Americana album.

    In 2018, she founded her music festival “Girls Just Wanna Weekend” in Cancun, Mexico. The festival headlined female only bands and artists like The Indigo Girls, Maren Morris and Patty Griffin. Most recently, she’s collaborated with big names like Noah Khan, Hozier and Miley Cyrus on their albums.  

    Joining Carlile on the Koussevitzky Music Shed, is a group she performed with during her Seattle beginnings, The Hanseroth Twins. Phillip John and Timothy Jay Hanseroth have been writing music since the 90’s and have written many widely popular Carlile songs such as “The Joke,” “The Story,” and “The Eye.” They’ve performed alongside Carlile herself as well as Joni Mitchell and Kristoffer Kristofferson.

    Tanglewood brandi Carlile

    Each year the Tanglewood concert series in the Berkshire hills of Western Massachusetts, becomes the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Tanglewood which will run until Aug 31, welcomes headliners from across the world.

    For more information about Brandi Carlile’s Tanglewood performance you can visit the Tanglewood website here.

  • Ray Brothers BBQ to Host Tribute to Bob Dylan

    Ray Brothers BBQ will host bob., a tribute to Bob Dylan on August 11. The show will take audiences on a journey through Dylan’s timeless melodies and poignant lyrics.

    Musicians from multiple bands will come together to pay tribute to Bob Dylan’s unparalleled artistry. Doors open at 3:00, and the show will run from 4:00 to 7:00.

    The performance will feature Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico of the band moe. along with special guests. Known for their captivating stage presence and rhythmic wizardry, moe. has become a pioneering force in the jam band scene. moe. will be joined by Charley Orlando singer and multi-instrumentalist, Brian Lauri on keyboard, and Zach Fleitz on bass. From classic hits like “Highway 61 Revisited” to ballads like “Girl From the North Country,” bob. is sure to deliver a thrilling performance of all your favorites.

    Located on Route 20 in Bouckville, Ray Brothers BBQ has received critical acclaim. Additionally, Food Network voted Ray Brothers BBQ the best ribs in the state. Owned by brothers Tucker and Colin Ray, Ray Bros has been serving authentic, slow cooked barbecue since 2014.

    Ray Brothers’ outdoor venue offers a great opportunity to enjoy summer weather, great food, and even better music. Ray Bros sell out daily, so don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy critically acclaimed food and music.

    More information about the tribute show is available at the following link. Ray Brothers BBQ’s episode of America’s Best Restaurants is available below.

  • NYC Vocalist Morley Releases Highly Anticipated Single “It’s Hard To Stop” 

    On Friday, June 21, Manhattan-based singer-songwriter Morley released her newest single, “It’s Hard to Stop.” The single is the first off of her forthcoming album, Follow the Sound, set to release on September 27.

    In collaboration with her husband, Chris Bruce, “It’s Hard to Stop” is a soft, soothing recollection on the tenderness of the human condition and heartbreak.

    morley

    Over the course of the last decade, Morley has received widespread critical acclaim for her contributions to the arts. Before releasing her first album, Morley worked for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, a modern dance company based in Manhattan, as a choreographer. During her tours with the dance center, she began writing and composing original music.

    Morley’s style combines elements of jazz, folk, and classic Americana glued together by free-flowing improvisation. “It’s Hard to Stop” is no different. The single incorporates elements of acoustic folk and indie with her bluesy voice reminiscent of Nina Simone.

    Since then, she has used her music to become a widespread advocate for social justice. Morley has performed all over the world, including for and alongside prominent activists, charities, and religious figures, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Virgin Unite. In 2019, Morley released the album Borderless Lullabies, which continues to raise funds for K-I-N-D (Kids In Need Of Defense).

    morley

    Now, Morley is ready to unleash her creativity through a combination of her iconic folk and jazz-inspired sounds. Along with her husband, producer Chris Bruce, Follow The Sound has contributions from several artists and instrumentalists. Meshell Ndegeocello (bass), Shara Nova a.k.a. My Brightest Diamond (vocals), Toumani Diabaté (kora), Jon Cowherd (piano), Chris Bruce (guitar, bass), Arun & Trina Ramamurthy (violins), Jack DeBoe, Jay Bellerose and Abe Rounds (drums), and Cole Kamen (trumpet) all contributed to the highly-anticipated album.

    ‘It’s Hard To Stop’ arose from an improv, a stream of consciousness while Chris and I were playing in our apartment one night. Looking out the window at all those city lights got me thinking about all the dreams and tender hearts striving to have a beautiful life inside them, glimpses of our highest possibilities came to mind, and how hard it is to stop from wanting things to be different in the world than the way they are, right now.

    Morley

    For more information on the artist and future releases, visit their website. To Stream “It’s Hard To Stop,” click HERE.

  • Jazz Festival Livens up Rochester

    Year 21 of the Rochester International Jazz Festival kicked of this weekend, with 13 indoor venues as well as four open air stages being used during the nine-day event.

    Bad Sneakers

    Starting on June 21, streets around the famed Eastman School of Music were closed and transformed into a music lovers haven, with Gibbs St being becoming Jazz St for the next 9 days. The hub of the festival, Jazz St has a large stage with viewing from 180 degrees around, a large air-conditioned merchandise shop, beer trucks, and culinary promenade the opposite end. There are also info booths around to help visitors navigate and get questions answered.

    Kingfish Ingram

    Also conveniently located along Jazz St are four indoor venues, including Kodak Hall (Eastman Theatre), which hosted the legendary Taj Mahal on Friday night and Lee Ritenour on Saturday.

    Mahal brought a show that mixes old school stripped down blues with tropical vibes, as he played the keyboard, guitar, and banjo. With steel drum, bass, and drums to add to the sounds, Taj and crew energized the crowd on the first of nine amazing nights of music.

    Christie Dashiell

    The following night, Ritenour took the stage and wowed yet another packed house of music fans. With sixteen Grammy nominations and one win (1985 “Early A.M. Attitude”), Ritenour’s music has not gone un-noticed, as he showcased his guitar skills with specials guests Randy Brecker and Bill Evans for roughly two hours.

    Across the street from Kodak Hall is Max Rochester, which provides an airy atrium setting, with amazing acoustics for more casual sets, such as the soulful sounds of Christie Dashiell and Franck Amsallem‘s perfectly arranged piano pieces. Stop by Max at Eastman this week for some amazing culinary delights and perfect ambient sounds as you sip your spirits.

    One of my favorite venues during the festival is The Little Theatre. Just outside the perimeter of the festival, this nostalgic theatre greets you with the aromas of classic popcorn as you make your way across the hall to the 1929 300 seat theater. A step back in time, indeed. As with recent years, The Little hosts Roots and Americans acts. Small acts, with minimal gear to set up, but amazing sounds and stories. This weekend, Thunderstorm Artis stopped by and told stories of being one of eleven kids (number 7 to be precise) and island life in Oahu. His laid-back personality, smooth and poignant vocals, and witty rizz paired perfectly the crowds for each of his 2 shows as well the venue itself. A finalist from The Voice, Artis is quickly making his name known.

    You want free shows? They are plentiful each night of the festival. The blues serenaded the intersection of East Ave and Chestnut St for nearly three hours as Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Chris Beard played on Saturday night to a packed street that stretched nearly a full block out and half block each way. This festival is more than grammas jazz records, as it encompasses many genres and takes.

    The Jazz St Stage hosts free shows from 330pm until 10 every night. Local high school jazz bands get showcased, the Army band, and various other young local ensembles have opportunities. Later on, more noticeable acts will shake the stage, as Miss Emily did.

    Hailing from Prince Edward County in Ontario, Miss Emily has a powerful soulful voice that resonates to every corner of the room she is in. Playing songs she wrote for her daughter and about mother nature (ironically as the winds picked up around the area), Emily played 2 sets for the Sunday evening crowd. Chatting with her after her first set, she says said she was amazed at the festival and the area in general and would love to come back with a full band in the future. This night was just her and the keyboardist.

    ”Miss Emily’s voice has got to be heard to be believed – raw, expressive, transitioning flawlessly from a plaintive cry to a sonorous growl, weaving blues, country and rock while she does it. Miss Emily is unafraid to dig deep when she sings, tackling big, messy feelings in her songs – and you can feel it in every note.” 

    – Rob Baker (The Tragically Hip)

    New venues for this year’s festivities are The Duke and Inn on Broadway. The Duke sits just outside the perimeter of the festival, and it is taking up space in a former retail mecca that is growing back up with the area around it. 18 sets will adorn the small stage over the week. It is the fourth business for ownership who also own a small plate venue right across the hall.

    The Inn on Broadway is 95-year-old, 25 room boutique hotel and steakhouse that many visitors will pass as the make their way to the main event. The musical venue is an elegant second floor ballroom, with great sound and lots of natural light.

    With the first weekend in the books, the Rochester Jazz Festival is primed for a strong finish as acts such as Sheila E, Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Bill Charlap, Samara Joy, and John Oates roll into town. Local favorite, Joy, is making her first appearance as a headliner at the festival, after playing smaller stages in recent years. The festival concludes Saturday night, June 29.

  • Saranac Lake Announces 2024 Music on the Green Lineup

    The Village of Saranac Lake has announced the artist lineup for the 2024 Music on the Green Summer concert series. The concert series will showcase a vast array of genres, including funk, folk, indie, and bluegrass. This year’s run will begin on July 3rd, and continue weekly until August 14th, with weekly concerts Wednesday 7-9pm.

    Music on the Green is an annual tradition for Saranac Lake, bringing the community together to enjoy artists. The village’s mission is to provide its residents with live music that is accessible, both in location and price. Due to this, admission to all Music on the Green concerts is free.

    Music on the Green began in 2013, and has since attracted over 68 performing artists to Saranac Lake. In the past, concert-goers have enjoyed performances ranging from alternative rock to swing to folk. The variety in this year’s lineup continues in this tradition of diversity.

    The 2024 season kicks off on July 3rd with a concert from local folk band Nubble. The band’s style mixes alternative with folk. As the band says about their music “Sometimes we get a little sad, but mostly we stay pretty happy.” With this emotional range, it is sure to be a captivating show to start the season.

    Frankie and the Moonlighters will perform on July 10th. The Saranac Lake-based band specializes in covers of well-known 1950s and 60s hits. Their smooth covers feature vocal harmonies, and rhythms that are sure to get audiences dancing.

    Double Axel has captivated audiences for 50 years. This classic North Country band will perform at the July 17th concert. The group will take audiences back in time with decades worth of classic rock.

    July 24th will feature a concert by Massachusetts’ Dis-N-Dat Band. The band’s sound is a fusion of Caribbean sounds, incorporating reggae, dancehall, and R&B. The band has toured the US for over 20 years, with its singer Sista Dee also being resident singer of Holland America cruises.

    Waiting on Mongo will perform on July 31st with their signature funk stylings. Starting from their home of Asbury Park, NJ, the band has lit up concert venues across the country with their powerful psychedelic funk. With danceable guitar riffs, funky horns, and driving organs, each performance by the band is a groovy journey.

    5 Pound Horse

    5 Pound Horse will kick off the August portion of the season with a concert on August 7th. The Berkshires-based ensemble has traveled the world absorbing influences into their sound. The band began by playing roots rock, with steel guitar, fiddle, and driving rhythms. Since their travels, the group has incorporated aspects of African music, pop, and jazz, making each one of their performances extremely captivating.

    An August 14th set by the Beat Authority will close out Summer Season. The Beat Authority has been a staple of North Country Public Radio since its inception. Led by DJ David Sommerstein, the program broadcasts dance music from around the world, ranging from Cumbia to Afrobeat. This set is sure to get audiences dancing to beats from around the globe.

    Artist lineup for 2024 Music on the Green

    Music on the Green Schedule

    7/3 – Nubble

    7/10 – Frankie and the Moonlighters

    7/17 – Double Axel

    7/24 – Dis-N-Dat

    7/31 – Waiting on Mongo

    8/7 – 5 Pound Horse

    8/14 – Beat Authority

    All Concerts take place in Saranac Lake’s Riverside park from 7-9pm. For more information on the summer festival, visit the village website here.

  • Upbeat on the Roof and More Return to Tang Museum in Saratoga Springs

    The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College announced the list of events they will be hosting during the summer season. Events include Frances Day, Family Saturdays, Crafts on the Grass, and the inaugural Skidmore College Juneteenth Celebration.

    The most anticipated of these events is the 2024 rendition of its summer concert series, “Upbeat on the Roof,” located in Saratoga Springs, NY. The series will run each Thursday from July 11 through August 15. All events are free and open to the public. Art-making activities are geared toward children 5 and older, with an adult companion. 

    A wide variety of performers will attend the concert series, including both revisiting and new performers. This year, a new collaboration with The Orchard Project and a theater and performance incubator in residence at Skidmore are among the newcomers.

    upbeat on the roof 2024
    The Tang Teaching Museum – Official website

    For 23 years, the Tang Teaching Museum has brought the summer concert series to Saratoga Springs. However, the concert series is not just for musicians, as the aforementioned arts and crafts events, as well as the debuting of art for the museum’s gallery, take place after the performances. Showcasing a diverse set of performers and artists, and spanning across several genres, Upbeat on the Roof brings the best of what Skidmore College has to offer.

    The Tang Teaching Museum located at Skidmore College is a monumental feat in the world of education. With exhibition programs that bring together visual and performing arts with interdisciplinary ideas from history, economics, biology, dance, and physics, the Tang inspires learning on a higher level adapted to our modern times. The Tang has one of the most rigorous faculty engagement initiatives in the nation, as well as a robust publication and touring exhibition program that brings the Tang all around the world.

    Staff at Upbeat on the Roof are dedicated to providing a family-friendly, fun space for their upcoming concert series. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, camping chairs, food, and drink to picnic on the lawn. Craft kits will be available at 5:30 pm; concerts begin at 6 pm.

    Below is the full schedule of summer events hosted by the Tang, including the lineup of the 2024 rendition of Upbeat on the Roof.

    Skidmore College’s Juneteenth CelebrationSaturday, June 22, noon to 3 pm

    Celebrate Juneteenth at Skidmore College’s annual celebration. The event features Juneteenth-themed arts and crafts, storytelling, food, and performances, with ongoing activities and timed events inside and outside the Museum. Black-owned businesses will have items for sale, including clothing, hand-crafted products, flowers, baked goods, and more. Live musical performances are scheduled for the event, as well. It’s a great opportunity to support local Black artists!

    Musical performances will be:

    • Noon-12:15 pm: Welcome and hip-hop dance performance by Prodigal B
    • 12:15-1:15 pm: Neo-soul music performance by Adrian Emanuel
    • 1:15-2 pm: Congolese dance and drumming workshop by Nkoula Badila and Angel Lau
    • 2-3 pm: Gospel performance by The Heavenly Echoes Gospel Band

    Family SaturdaysSaturdays, July 6, August 3, August 17, 2 to 3:30 pm

    Our popular Family Saturdays foster multigenerational creative cooperation through looking at artwork, discussing it, and engaging in a hands-on art-making activity. The programs, which are free and open to the public, run from 2 to 3:30 pm. They are suitable for children ages 5 and older, accompanied by their adult companions. No registration required; supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Led by Njeri Jennings, the Laurie M. Tisch Educator for K-12 and Community Programs at the Tang Teaching Museum, the programs are inspired by current exhibitions and art from the Tang collection. Details for each Family Saturday will be announced later.

    Crafts on the GrassThursdays, July 11 to August 15, 5:30 pm

    Before each Upbeat on the Roof concert, Tang museum educators will offer Crafts on the Grass, art-making kits for kids starting at 5:30 pm. A different kit with a craft project will be available each week. All projects are suitable for children aged 5 and up, with adult supervision. Materials will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Frances DaySaturday, July 20, 2­ to 6:30 pm

    The Tang Teaching Museum’s annual open house features contemporary art exhibitions, art-making activities, tours, food, music, and more in honor of the museum’s namesake, Frances Young Tang. Details of Frances Day—including tours, art-making activities, and musical guests—will be announced soon and listed on the Tang website.

    upbeat on the roof 2024
    Visitors of all ages engage in art-making activities during the 2023 Frances Day community open at the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College. This year’s Frances Day is July 20. Photo by Megan Mumford.

    Upbeat on the Roof Summer Concert Series

    July 11 – Future of Broadway

    The Orchard Project is a preeminent artistic development laboratory and accelerator for creators of performance and dramatic stories, in residence each summer in Saratoga Springs. This special Upbeat on the Roof performance features selections from project-in-residence Safety Not Guaranteed, a theatrical version of the 2012 feature film, with music by Guster’s Ryan Miller and Nick Blaemire, that will have a major New York City production this fall; and from composers-in-residence Jesse J. Sanchez, Anna DeNoia, and others

    July 18: Great Mutations

    Great Mutations is a Troy, New York-based rock band that brings melodic, intricate songs about love, work, and death to their performances. Since their formation in 2012, they have released four studio albums, including their most recent LP, Gifted Kids, in April. Band members are singer and guitarist Matthew Thouin, bassist Mitchell Masterson, drummer Ian White, and guitarist Tommy Krebs. Join them for the 2024 Upbeat on The Roof on July 18!

    upbeat on the roof 2024
    Great Mutations – Bandcamp

    July 25: Dust Bowl Faeries

    Celebrating their tenth year in 2024, Dust Bowl Faeries perform a faerie-tale medley of dark cabaret and gothic polka music, infused with a dose of witchcraft and a dusting of woodland magic. Hailing from the New York Hudson Valley, the band draws inspiration from circus music, murder ballads, and Eastern European folk songs. Instruments like the accordion, lap-steel, electric bass, percussion, and acoustic guitar combine to create the Dust Bowl Faeries’ mystic sound. Founded by Ryder Cooley (“faerie queen”), Dust Bowl Faeries includes Jon B. Woodin (“rocket faerie”), Jude Roberts (“hobbit faerie”), Rubie LaRue (“feisty faerie”), and Andrew Stein (“time faerie”).

    upbeat on the roof 2024
    Dust Bowl Faeries, photo by Stephen Spera  

    August 1: Drank the Gold

    Drank the Gold is made up of two members: fiddler Oona Grady and multi-instrumentalist James Gascoyne. In 2023, the band was named the Folk/Traditional Artist of the Year at the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards. The duo plays North Atlantic dance tunes and traditional folk songs with their own original twist, bringing a new face to the folk scene. See them perform at Upbeat on the Roof on August 1.

     Drank the Gold, photo by Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes

    August 8: Dan Carr and the Cure for Asthma

    The band, in their own words: “Deep within the piney hills of Albany, New York, lurks a gaggle of obnoxious strummers, bangers, and sangers on an epic plot to take over all of Albany. Their music is so incredibly catchy it will brainwash and destroy all the evil-doers in Albany AND Troy. Rock, Country, distortion, they have it all. Tori, Juliana, Gabe, Joe, Sam, and Dan won’t stop ever.” Join them for a rock’n’roll night at Upbeat on the Roof on August 8.

    August 15: Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band

    The 2023 and 2024 Americana Artist of the Year at the Thomas Edison Music Awards, Reese Fulmer and his band are among the fastest-rising groups in the Capital Region. The Carriage House Band has appeared in duo, trio, quartet, 5- and 6-piece formats, and has featured artists including Chris Carey, James Gascoyne, Andy Arnold, Connor Dunn, Dustin DeLuke, Julia Alsarraf, JP Hubbs, Orion Kribs, Bobby Kendall, Chris Bloniarz, Matt Griffin, Connor Armbruster, Paul Guay, Sara Milonovich, Jimi Woodul, Katie Weissman, and Joe Woodul. Join them on August 15 as they close out Upbeat on the Roof!

    Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band – Official Facebook

    Performances will take place every Thursday from July 11 through August 15. Tickets and more information are available here.