The Adirondack Independence Music Festival has announced that it will return to Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George for three nights over Labor Day weekend. Scheduled for Friday, August 30 through Sunday, September 1, the event will feature several of the premier touring bands currently on the festival circuit.
Photo by Frankie Cavone/Mirth Films via Adirondack Independence Music Festival Facebook
This yearâs festival will feature headliners moe., who will once again be performing four sets over two nights, as well as newcomers Melvin Seals & JGB (two sets). Also performing this year over the three days are: Yonder Mountain String Band, Mihali (Live Band), Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime, Pink Talking Fish, Spafford, lespecial, Daniel Donatoâs Cosmic Country, Moon Hooch, RAQ, Cool Cool Cool, Lucid, Wild Adriatic, Hayley Jane Band, Bellaâs Bartok, Yam Yam, Kendal Street Company, Strange Machines, The Frank White Experience: A Live Tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., Crooked Coast and One Time Weekend.
In addition to lots of great music, the festival will also feature a variety of food and craft vendors, as well as a great view of the Lake George fireworks on Saturday evening.
General Admission Weekend (3-day) tickets are on sale now. There is also a special VIP option available, which includes admission to all three days of the festival, a meal each night, free snacks, heavily discounted adult beverages, $2 water and soft drinks, a private viewing area, access to a VIP tent (with tables, chairs and a private bar), and access to VIP bathrooms.
Music at the festival will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday and 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and run continuously across two side-by-side stages until 11 p.m. each night. The event is open to attendees of all ages, and children 12 and under are free (general admission).
For tickets and more information, visit the festival website. See below for the official flyer and a full written festival lineup.
Full Festival Lineup for Adirondack Independence Music Festival 2024
moe.
Melvin Seals & JGB
Yonder Mountain String Band
Mihali
Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime
Pink Talking Fish
Spafford
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
Lespecial
Moon Hooch
Cool Cool Cool
Raq
Lucid
Wild Adriatic
Hayley Jane Band
Bella’s Bartok
Yam Yam
Kendall Street Company
Strange Machines
The Frank White Experience: A Tribute to Notorious B.I.G.
The Sembrich in Bolton Landing will present violinist Rubén Rengel and pianist Ahmed Alom on July 6 and “A Night at the Museum” on July 11.
Rubén Rengel
Classical Splendor
The first of the two events at The Sembrich is a Chamber Music concert featuring violinist Rubén Rengel and pianist Ahmed Alom on Saturday, July 6 at 7 PM. The duo will perform sonatas by Brahms and Poulenc, Liszt’s Paraphrase on a theme from Rigoletto, and selections from Stravinsky’s Pulcinella.
Rubén Rengel is praised for his talents as a soloist as well as his collaborations with violinists such as Joseph Silverstein and Pamela Frank, among many others. He is also recognized for his work in the Autana Trio, which won at the 2015 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. Furthermore, Rengel has experience playing Venezuelan folk music and Jazz, which helps expand his style and repertoire.
Ahmed Alom
Ahmed Alom is a Cuban pianist, composer, producer, and arranger. His skills are shown through his ability to unite his Cuban roots with Classical music, allowing audiences to interpret his music at new depths. Alom is also the youngest Artistic Director and Conductor of The Washington Square Music Festival, contributing his experiences to making good ones for audience members.
Both musicians will bring immense talent and amazing performances to Bolton Landing.
We’re thrilled to bring these two acclaimed artists together in a program designed specifically for The Sembrich’s centennial. The evening features works by composers Sembrich knew and those who carried on the spirit of musical innovation which she exemplified throughout her career. We are also grateful to the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust for their underwriting and continued support of the Masterwork Series here at The Sembrich.
Richard Wargo, Artistic Director
A Night at the Museum
On Thursday, July 11 at 7 PM, The Sembrich will host “A Night at the Museum,” a one-night-only exhibition centered around the life of Marcella Sembrich, Lake Georges’s Opera star of the Gilded Age. At the exclusive exhibit, attendees will have the chance to see Sembrich’s belongings such as her diamond winged tiara and gold & diamond bracelet from the Czar of Russia, as well as hear stories of her honorable life.
Marcella Sembrich
In addition, the exhibit will feature the unveiling of Sembrich’s restored Queen of the Night costume from the premier performance of The Magic Flute at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera in 1900. Following the event is an outside reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Through my research, I was able to explore the life of Marcella Sembrich beyond the usual litany of opera roles, venues and dates; the image of the opera star portrayed in numerous headlines and glowing reviews expanded into a view of an accomplished woman with an engaging smile, a warm and generous personality, strong views and surprising passions
Betty Spinelli, Sembrich board member and program creator
Tickets for Classical Spledor are $53 and may be purchased here
Tickets for “A Night at the Museum” are $103 and can be purchased here. Proceeds go towards Sembrich operation, preservation and programming.
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
On Sunday, June 30 at 3:52am, flames consumed the Lake George Village Bandstand in Shepard Park. The bandstand – located at the heart of the village hosts numerous summer concerts. Due to the fire, the future of Lake George’s summer concerts is now uncertain.
For years, Shepard Park has been a Summer staple in Lake George. Located in the heart of the village, the park offers beach access to the lake. On top of aquatic fun, the park has attracted countless visitors with its picnicking, and playground spaces.
At the center of the park stood the Lake George Village Bandstand. The bandstand takes the form of a stone amphitheater facing a newly renovated wooden concert stage. The amphitheater provided Lake George residents with a premier outdoor concert venue with great views of the lake.
Since its 2017 renovation, the bandstand has hosted Lake George’s free summer concerts. Starting in June 2024, a host of weekly performances were slated for the Summer. The venue planned to host performances from local bands as part of its Concert Series Wednesdays, Tribute Tuesdays, and Fridays at the Lake. In addition to this, the bandstand planned to host multiple rock, jazz, and pop music festivals.
These plans were thrown into disarray on Sunday morning when the Village Bandstand went up in flames. At 3:42am the Lake George fire department received a call regarding the fire and quickly responded with aid from North Queensbury Fire. Authorities say there were no injuries in the fire, but the bandstand structure suffered severe damage. The Post Star newspaper was among the first to report on the fire, posting this video of the aftermath to their website.
Reportedly, the fire began in a locked utility room adjacent to the stage, with an electrical cause confirmed by multiple inspectors and agencies involved. “All indication says that’s where it started. Nobody could have gotten in there because a padlock was still on the charred remains of the locked door,” said Ray Perry, Mayor of the Lake George Village, to the Post Star.
The fire has led to an outpouring of support from performing artists. Glens Falls band Seize Atlantis wrote on Instagram “Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this from the music community to the entire 518 community at large.” Guitarist James Mullen spoke to NYS Music regarding a benefit concert for the lost venue, “Hopefully we can put together something special and help heal and rebuild for the LG community. We can’t just let this space go.”
A photo of the bandstand remnants from Seize Atlantis’ instagram post
Since the fire, the future of Lake George’s Summer concerts has been unclear. Mayor Ray Perry remains dedicated to keeping the venue’s concert plans on track, telling the Chronicle “ I’m just trying to save the summer.” Deputy Mayor Joseph Mastrodomenico Jr added “we will do what we can as soon as we can To somehow make our summer activities continue.”
Jim Anderson, Fridays at the Lake promoter, told NYS Music “We have an immediate plan that will let us play this Friday (July 5) and we are working on the longer term solution which will allow us to play all shows on the schedule.”
Lake George’s summer concert series “Fridays at the Lake” returns this year with an exciting lineup. From July 5 to August 30, Shepard Park Amphitheater will host a concert every Friday. Concerts are free, and will feature a beer and wine garden.
Amanda Metzger
On July 5, The Ultimates will open for the New York Players, who will be returning to Fridays at the Lake this year. The New York Players are known for being dance party experts, with over 1,000 events under their belt. On July 12, Yellow Dog will open for Soul Session.
Dirt Cheap will open for E.B Jeb with classic blues and rock on July 19. E.B Jeb has been bringing authentic Southern Rock to upstate New York since 1980.
July 26, Saratoga-based pop group The Schmooze will open for Vivid. The Hartford based band is known for playing upbeat and danceable pop rock covers.
Albany band Sirsy will bring pop rock with folk intimacy to Fridays at the Lake on August 9. They will open for the TS Ensemble, a high energy, eight piece band from
Sirsy by Chet Seidel
The US Navy band will open for The Accents on August 23; The Accents will be returning for another performance this year; Lake George regulars, the Accents have performed at Fridays at the Lake and thousands of other events.
On August 30, Troy rock trio Super 400 will open for Ten Most Wanted. The Ten Most Wanted is a ten piece band known for their powerful vocals and sizzling horn section.
All events are family & dog friendly, and bouncy houses will be available. Openers will take the stage at 6:00, and headliners will start performing at 7:30. A recap of last years’ Fridays at the Lake is available at the following link, and a video of a performance from a previous year is available below.
The Carol Theater in Chestertown, NY is kicking off their summer season with a double feature show from, The Lazy Suns and The Bluebillies on June 22.
The Carol Theatre has been entertaining the small Adirondack town of Chestertown since 1931. It has been used as a movie theater in addition to live performances while supporting local businesses in the area.
New York State bands will perform the first show of the summer on The Carol’s historic stage. Americana band, The Lazy Suns formed in 2010 and have received two Capital District Eddie Award nominations for best Americana Country Rock group.The Lazy Sun’s 2016 original album, Bar Hotel Music, has a western, cowpoke feel, but also uses elements of easy listening 70’s rock.
Another country band, The Bluebillies, are genre blenders with their country-gospel album, Train To Paradise. The Bluebillies started in 1984 with husband and wife, Mark and Melody Guarino. Frank Orsini on fiddle and guitarist Greg Bucking complete the band, now performing all over New York State.
This summer, The Carol will also welcome a Beatles Tribute band, Across The Pond, on July 6 followed by High Peaks Bluegrass on July 20. Another tribute band, The Wheel: The Grateful Dead Experience, will perform on July 27.
For more information on future shows and to buy tickets, you can visit their website here.
Located right along the scenic Champlain Valley, sandwiched between New York and Vermont, lies the town of Crown Point, NY. The town is home to the recently renovated War Cannon Spirits, a bar and live music venue with a rich history and a unique, authentic architectural heritage.
The Tasting Room
Originally used as a lumber mill, the building has been standing for over 200 years and has had several owners. The building was erected in 1820 and conveniently located near Putnam Creek, where the previous dam, along with the ponds behind the building, served as the perfect location for the town’s mill. Several decades later, the mill would see multiple different owners, usually continuing its lumber production. The Crown Point Cooperative G.L.F. Service bought the building in 1933, producing lumber and wooden products.
In 1957, the service sold the building, and for the first time, it was not used as a mill. For the next 50 years, the mill became the Crown Point Agway, locally known as “The Old Agway Building.” In 2000, it operated as Porterâs Mill Hardware & Feed. Unfortunately, the location was abandoned after only 8 years.
After years of abandonment, War Cannon Spirits purchased the mill in 2016. Since then, they have renovated the building to capture its full potential as a bar, distillery, and restaurant, while restoring its former glory. Through constant use, harsh weather conditions, and neglect, two centuries of costly damage amounted to the building. The mill was in dire condition, but War Cannon Spirits was determined to maintain its integrity.
History, authenticity and creativity matter to us. Demolishing the mill would have been an injustice to the community.
War Cannon Spirits, “History”
This year, War Cannon Spirits have officially finished renovations on the abandoned mill. The last seven years were a slow, painstaking process for the company. Fixing damages from the last 200 years of neglect is no easy task. However, after all this time, a fully renovated mill and upper floor known as “The Loft” is ready to make its debut.
Since 2016, War Cannon Spirits has repurposed the 200-year-old mill into an elevated industrial rustic building oozing with character. Integrity was especially important to the company, which swore to preserve the history of the mill. The company and regional architect Nils Luderowski gave the mill a much-needed makeover. The recent renovations make the mill something the community can be proud of. There is no doubt that War Cannon Spirits will make the mill an iconic destination for Crown Point.
We sought an iconic venue to boldly represent War Cannon Spirits. We wanted something authentic, not a generic prefabricated building or pole barn.
War Cannon Spirits, “About Us”
As a distillery, War Cannon Spirits is a firm believer in promoting the spirits produced in the Lake Champlain region. Since the company began, they partnered with regarded chief distiller Joel Elder, due to his specific focus and experience on locally sourced agribusinesses. The distillery offers whiskey, beer, mead, liquor, and other alcoholic beverages resourced in the area. They are also distributors of other New York-based brands, spanning as far away as Long Island.
War Cannon Spirits is divided into two floors. The first floor, which managed to stay intact during most of the renovations, is the Tasting Room. The Tasting Room offers selections of these products, including a bar with its own signature cocktails and a coffeehouse. Next to the bar is a restaurant and dining area with an elevated pub fare-type menu and one-off high-end dining experiences.
Nancie Battaglia
The most recent and notable addition to War Cannon Spirits is The Loft. Located on the second floor, The Loft offers a large stage perfect for concerts and live performances. This year marks the beginning of War Cannon Spirits hosting concerts, starting with a live performance from “A Man Named Cash” featuring Eric Hofmanis, a tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter on June 15.
After seven long years, War Cannon Spirits is ready to showcase the best of what Crown Point has to offer. The highly anticipated opening of the distillery’s Loft is expected to officially put War Cannon spirits on the map. But from what they have been able to accomplish so far, it’s clear that this is only the beginning for the brand.
Tickets and information for events at The Loft at War Cannon Spirits are available here.
War Cannon Spirits Upcoming Events
Friday, July 12 @ 7:00 pm – Roadhouse 60’s Jukebox Rock n Roll
Roadhouse 60’s is a New York-based tribute band dedicated to bringing the audience the sweet sounds of the 1960s. Join them on July 12 at the Loft at War Cannon Spirits for a night of 60’s nostalgia.
Friday, August 30 @ 7:00 pm – Roadhouse 60’s Jukebox Rock n Roll
Roadhouse 60s make their return to the Loft at War Cannon Spirits on August 30th!
Saturday, October 19 @ 8:00 pm – KISS THIS! KISS Tribute – Fully Electric & Live at the “Birthplace of the Electric Age”
Performing a full KISS tribute show, including makeup and costumes, is tribute band KISS THIS!
For 44 years, the Lake George Arts Project’s Summer Concert Series has been a staple of summer evenings in Lake George. This tradition continues in 2024 with another exciting lineup featuring rising stars, regional favorites, and music legends.
The 2024 series boasts an impressive roster, from the genre-bending virtuosity of Sons of Mystro to the Grammy-nominated Louisiana powerhouse, the Pine Leaf Boys. Acclaimed singer-songwriters like Cassandra Kubinski and Angelina Valente will share the stage alongside legends Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly and Matt Schofield, a British-born blues legend who reshaped the boundaries of the genre.
The Arts Project is also committed to showcasing the best of the 518. It brings The E-Block, Eventually Epic, and Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band to the stage for the first time, alongside regional favorite Big Medicine. All concerts begin at 7 pm at Shepard Park in Lake George, NY. This year’s events begin June 29 and run until August 28. Admission is free.
The Lake George Arts Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and promoting the arts in the Lake George region. Its mission is to provide exposure and income opportunities to professional and emerging artists, as well as quality arts programming for the residents and visitors of the Lake George region. With a rich history of nearly 50 years, the Lake George Arts Project curates an exciting range of cultural events, including renowned programs such as Jazz at the Lake Jazz Festival, the Summer Concert Series, and the year-round Courthouse Gallery Exhibitions.
For more information, visit the Lake George Arts Project website at www.lakegeorgearts.org
The Lake George Arts Project’s 2024 Summer Concert Series Lineup:
Saturday, June 29th: Sons of Mystro (Reggae, R&B, Fusion)
Born in South Florida to a Jamaican father and Barbadian mother, brothers Malcom and Umoja learned to play violin through South Florida’s public school system. Together, these brothers are Sons of Mystro. They use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs and their own creations.
The Sons of Mystro concert is supported by The Audience Building Project, a program of the Lake Placid Center for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts with support from the Governor and New York State Legislature.
Wednesday, July 3rd: Eventually Epic (Rock, Pop, Bollywood)
Eventually Epic is an eclectic rock band that performs songs across diverse musical genres, ranging from classic rock to contemporary pop to (Hindi) Bollywood tunes. Their originals feature simple arrangements, catchy melodies and memorable lyrics, and their live performances exude raw energy and sheer joy.
Wednesday, July 10th: Cassandra Kubinski (Singer-Songwriter)
Billboard-charting singer/songwriter Cassandra Kubinski has performed from stadiums to living rooms, from Romania to LA, sharing stages with the likes of the Goo Goo Dolls, 10,000 Maniacs, Anna Nalick and others. Known for her piano-forward, cutting songwriting that takes listeners from deep, vulnerable canyons to snarky, witty corners, to futuristic ambitious highs, her songs have been used in dozens of TV shows and ads.
Wednesday, July 17th: Pine Leaf Boys (Cajun, Zydeco)
Louisiana’s finest, four-time Grammy-Nominated, world-renown Pine Leaf Boys have made a name for presenting their own inimitable brand of Louisiana music with youthful exuberance. Hailing from southwest Louisiana, the Pine Leaf Boys, known for their wild shows and thoughtful arrangements, have breathed new life into Louisiana music, reviving ancient songs and bringing them to the bandstand.
Wednesday, July 24th: The E-Block (Indie R&B)
The E-Block is a 5-piece indie R&B band based in Upstate New York, blending the acoustic warmth of singer-songwriter music with an ice-cold rhythm section informed by modern R&B. Founded by guitarist Luke Pascarella in 2019, the band has grown to include saxophonist James Soren, keyboardist Devin Tetlak, bassist Daniel Folds, and drummer Leroy “Rudy” Dalton.
Wednesday, July 31st: Big Medicine (Rock, Folk, Country, Blues)
A rocking concoction of rock, folk, country, blues, originals and everything else under the sun! The band is Jeff Walton-Vocals and Guitar, Maggie Doherty-Vocals and Flute, Tim Wechgalear-Vocals, Violin and Mandoli, Rick Bolton-Vocals and Guitar, Pat Perkinson-Bass, and Mike LaMaestro-Drums.
Wednesday, August 7th: Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly (Spirituals, Gospel, Blues)
The Unlawful Assembly reimagines and tributes historic spirituals and hymns which universally inspire, empower and unite. The soundtrack to American black history –old-school spirituals, gospel, blues, and prison work chants intertwine with swamp hollers, shaped-note hymns and Appalachian reels of white homesteader origin.
Wednesday, August 14th: Matt Schofield (Blues)
A multi-award winning guitar virtuoso, singer, songwriter, and producer, Schofield’s impact as one of the most distinctive guitarists of his generation is unquestionable. Industry and critical acclaim has named him “British Blues Guitarist of the Year,” “British Blues Album of the Year,” and the first guitarist inducted into the “British Blues Awards Hall of Fame.” Additionally, Schofield has been named Mojo Magazine’s “Blues Album of the Year” and Guitar & Bass Magazines “Top Ten British Blues Guitarist of All Time,” alongside Eric Clapton and Peter Green.
Wednesday, August 21st: Angelina Valente (Indie Folk)
Angelina Valente is a singer-songwriter from Upstate New York. Her unique blend of indie folk features piano, ukulele, and genuine storytelling influenced by her small town roots and love of nature. She has released one full length album, two EP’s and three singles, and has recorded at the esteemed Village Studios in L.A., as well as the Atlantic Records Studio in New York City.
Wednesday, August 28th: Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band (Americana, Indie-Folk)
Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band feature “an award-winning songwriter with a poet’s sensibility rich with great storytelling, imagery and a healthy dose of irony, surrounded by a revolving cast of extraordinary musicians.” (Art of the Song)
The Americade Motorcycle Rally will be hosting a two-day block party at Blais Park on the âBring It! Bike Showâ stage in Lake George, from Friday, May 31 until Saturday, June 1. This event is free to the public and features live concerts from six different performers, three on each day, starting at 4:00 pm.
Since May 1983, Americade has served as one of the largest social events in the United States for all who engage in motorcycling. The rally features trade shows, races, both guided and unguided tours, and the most factory demos of any motorcycle exposition in the country.
Created by motorcyclist Bill Dutcher, Americade was originally affiliated with Aspencade, a motorcycle rally located in New Mexico, extending it to the East Coast and aptly naming the convention “Aspencade East.” By 1986, Aspencade East adopted the name “Americade” to signify its newly nationalized audience. That year, Americade became the largest touring motorcycle rally in the United States, with a crowd of 10,000. In 2024, Americade expects to host up to 50,000 people. Despite its massive size, Americade has provided an inclusive and family-friendly space to showcase the best of motorcycling.
In addition to the Block Party, Americade entertains its guests with rodeos, barbecues, and comedy and stunt shows featuring hundreds of local artists and performers. Americade also serves as an active fundraiser, donating to local and regional charities, raising up to $600,000 in previous years. Fundraisers for organizations like Ride For Kids, which is led by cyclists to raise money for pediatric cancer research and treatment, the Wounded Warrior Project, which raises money for veterans, and several more based in the Lake George area will be happening throughout the duration of the rally.
Below is the lineup for both days of the Block Party. For more information, visit here.
FRIDAY, MAY 31
4:00 – 5:30 Southbound Renegade
Inspired by classic southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers, Southbound Renegade brings their own twist to the genre with a team of musicians from surrounding area bands.
6:00 – 7:40 Blue Moon Band
The Blue Moon Band is a classic rock band hailing from Bolton Landing, NY. Its members are Bill Campbell, Joe McDowell, Patrick Stacey, Kris Gage, and Jason Saris. With a diverse range of inspirations from Elvis to Green Day, Santana to the Cars, and everything in between, Blue Moon shares it’s love of rock and roll with a combination of covers of old favorites.
8:00 – 10:00 Bluz House Rockers
Following their 29th anniversary, Bluz House Rockers headlines the Americade Block Party with a celebration of Blues and Rock and Roll.
SATURDAY, JUNE 1
4:00 – 5:30 Toulouse Street
Hailing from Glens Falls, NY, Toulouse Street has brought soul to upstate New York for over 40 years. On June 1st, they open the Americade Music Festival.
6:00 – 7:40 Dirt Cheap
For over 20 years, Dirt Cheap has delivered a tasting of classic newer rock music, interpreted artfully, energetically, and accurately. Add to this musical recipe rich harmonies and multiple lead singers, it’s no surprise Dirt Cheap has thrived for so long. Come get your serving of rock and roll done properly, done Dirt Cheap!
8:00 – 10:00 Matt Mirabile Band
Matt Mirabile and his band have been wowing audiences throughout the Northeast for nearly 20 years. Inspired by the early roots of Rock and Blues, Mirable and his band provide a fresh spin on classic âAmericanâ music. Mirable rolls into Americade featuring Steve Candlen on drums, Bobbie Vandetta on bass, and Tim Fiato on keys.
The Sembrich in Bolton Landing, NY has opened its lakeside museum and grounds for its 100th anniversary season. On top of exhibitions, tours, and information talks, the museum will host a number of musical performances throughout the Summer.
Marcella Sembrich (1858-1935)
The Marcella Sembrich Memorial Association seeks to spread appreciation of opera and classical music through performance and education. The association was formed in honor of Polish soprano Marcella Sembrich (1858-1935), who conquered opera stages across Europe and the US.
As part of the Metropolitan Opera, Sembrich sang 466 performances, singing alongside legends like Enrico Caruso, and performing for Europe’s monarchs. When not performing, Sembrich lent her voice to some of the earliest commercial records for the Victor Talking Machine Company. Following her retirement, she founded the Juilliard and Curtis Institute vocal programs. The Sembrich maintains her manor and studio on the shores of Lake George, where she would hold lessons and benefit concerts in the summer.
Following Sembrich’s death in 1935, the manor was converted into a public museum of arts and music. The Spanish revival mansion and its 4.5 acre grounds are open to the public, and host an array of performances and exhibitions.
The Sembrich Studio Museum
The estate hosts Sembrich’s original collection of letters, artworks, and awards from her career. On top of this, there is a summer exhibit regarding Sembrich’s role as a fashion icon. This exhibition features gilded age fashion accessories, such as Sembrich’s gloves, and custom pieces by Louis Vuitton. On top of display, there will be information regarding the trends that spawned these items, and the controversies caused by them. The museum will also hold the special exhibition “Mastering Mozart,” celebrating the Mozart operas that launched Sembrich to stardom. The centerpiece of the exhibition is Sembrich’s couture Queen of the Night costume from The Magic Flute.
The museum will also host the “Century of Sembrich” Summer festival, celebrating Sembrich’s legacy in Lake George. The Summer concert series will feature renowned concert artists and ensembles, beginning on June 5, with a performance by the Opera Saratoga in the studio museum. Performances of note include the cutting-edge wind quintet WindSync, and Polish violin virtuoso Kinga Augustyn.
On top of classical performances, the festival will also feature film screenings, and talks. Especially of note are Anthony Davis, the composer of the opera X, who will give a special Juneteenth talk. Additionally Vincent Caruso, host of Sirius XM’s Symphony Hall, will give a studio talk on June 15th. With this variety, the Summer festival offers plenty of chances for the community to get involved and educated with classical and operatic music. The schedule for the 2024 Summer Festival is listed below.
WindSync
2024 Summer Festival Schedule
6/5, 7:00 PM – Festival Artists from Opera Saratoga 6/9, 2:00 PM – 2024 Young Performers Showcase 6/15, 2:00 PM – An Afternoon with Vincent Caruso (Studio Talk) 6/19, 7:00 PM – A Juneteenth Celebration with Anthony Davis (Studio Talk) 6/24, 7:30 PM – FILM: The Magic Flute (1975) 6/26, 2:00 PM – Seagle Festival Season Preview
7/6, 7:00 PM – Classical Splendor 7/8, 7:30 PM – FILM: The Opera House (2017) 7/11, 7:00 PM – A Night at the Museum 7/13, 7:00 PM – Chopin… and all that Jazz 7/17, 2:00 PM – Harmonia Ensemble 7/25, 11:00 AM – Peter and the Wolf by WindSync 7/27, 7:00 PM – WindSync Woodwind Quintet 7/28, 7:30 PM – FILM: Fitzcarraldo (1983)
8/1, 10:00 AM – Seagle Festival: Dragon’s Breath (Children’s Opera) 8/2, 7:00 PM – From Steam Launch to Stucco: The Story of The Sembrich Studio (Studio Talk) 8/4, 7:00 PM – Composers Sembrich Knew 8/7, 2:00 PM – Jomion and The Uklos 8/12, 7:30 PM – FILM: Veselka (2024) 8/17, 7:00 PM – Violinist Kinga Augustyn 8/21, 7:00 PM – ArcoStrum 8/24, 7:00 PM – At That Hour, Act One (World Premiere) 8/25, 2:00 PM – At That Hour, Act One (Encore Matinee) 8/26, 7:30 PM – FILM: Falling for Figaro (2021) 8/28, 2:00 PM – Cantrip 8/31, 6:00 PM – Chopin by Candlelight
The Sembrich museum and grounds are open daily from May 24-October 14. Tickers for the “Century of Sembrich” Summer Festival are on sale now. For more information on the Sembrich and its summer events, visit the link here.
