Experience live new works from world-renowned composers of today debuting at the Albany Symphony’s 2024 American Music Festival, “Water Music NY: More Voices.”
The event will take place between June 7-9 at the EMPAC concert hall on the RPI campus and locations throughout Troy, NY. “This is the beginning of a three-year project in which we will celebrate and explore the history of New York through the lens of people whose stories have not been told,” writes Music Director David Alan Miller.
Performances will kick off with Dogs of Desire on Friday, June 7. The festival will also celebrate 30 years of the innovative ensemble by Dai Wei, del Pino, Sohn, Bansal and JURAKHAN.
Taking place on June 8 is FLOW, a “Water Music NY: New Voices” commission by Clarice Assad. The suite for piano and orchestra is a musical journey through the symbolic currents of emotions, exploring themes of change, resilience, and the passage of time through the idea of water. All the movements connect seamlessly, each representing a different dynamic ebb and flow of emotions and experiences. Its lively and improvisational character is a celebration of endurance, affirming the idea that even in the face of challenges, the capacity to adapt and emerge stronger exists. The festival will host some of its favorite composers and performers, including Joan Tower, Christopher Theofanidis, and Brandon Patrick George. It will also feature wonderful creators who are new to its stage.
Performances include Jack Frerer’s covers of hits by NY-born songwriters, from Cab Calloway to Grace Jones and Lana Del Rey, not to mention an audience. Following the concert, there will be a late-night lounge event where listeners can enjoy the sultry Brazilian rhythms of father-daughter duo Sérgio and Clarice Assad. Sergio Assad is one of the world’s greatest living classical guitarists. Clarice is a major Brazilian-American composer, much loved by the Albany Symphony audience and community.
The Last of James Fenimore Cooper on Sunday, June 9 is set to close the event at The Sanctuary for Independent Media. Native American composer Brent Michael Davids has composed a witty, satirical quartet about James Fenimore Cooper. Davids. He embraces indigenous themes and subjects in his music, considering Cooper’s ignorance of native culture in “The Last of the Mohicans” in this work for string quartet, featuring members of the Albany Symphony. This event is featured as part of the Sanctuary for Independent Media’s Freedom Festival in collaboration with the American Music Festival.
Pride month is upon us once again, and New York has no shortage of inclusive pride events. From live music events to festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Below you’ll find a complete guide to New York State’s pride events this coming June, from Long Island to Rochester.
Albany
May 31, 5:00 PM: Start Pride on the right foot with the Waterworks Pub’s Pride Kick-Off block party and BBQ. Admission is free!
June 1, 9:00 PM: Pay homage to queer art with ICONS: A Pride Variety Show and Party at Lark Hall. The celebration begins with a pre-show party from 9-11, where there will be giveaways and teaser performances. The main show, ICONS- The Variety Show, will feature drag queens Brita Filter, Lagoona Bloo, Amanda Blair, and many more. The fun does not stop after the show. An after party with DJ Synes will begin at midnight and continue until 2 AM. Tickets are available here.
June 9, 11:30 AM: Capital Pride Parade & Festival will take place in Washington Park. Registration can be found at the following link, and proceeds go to the Pride Center of the Capital Region’s programming advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
Troy
June 15, 2:00-6:00 PM: Join Collar City Pride for their picnic in Troy’s Prospect Park. The barbecue will feature vegan and non-vegan options, snacks, and beverages. There is a suggested donation on a sliding scale, and everyone is invited to bring lawn games, speakers, and frisbees.
July 14: The pride celebration continues into July, with performances by Typhoid Mary and DJ Lovely Candela. More queer artists and drag performers are to be announced. Good Karma Studios will also be performing an acrobatic act. There will be a family section with balloon animals and a drag story hour. There will also be over 40 vendors, most of whom are from Rensselaer County and LGBTQ+ owned and operated. The festival will be held in Riverfront Park, further details can be found on the facebook page linked here.
Schenectady
June 1, 10:00 AM: The Dynasty will introduce their first ever wrestling event for this year’s pride celebration. “Sounds Gay, I’m In” will be held at Gateway Park. The festival will begin at 10:00 AM, and the wrestling will begin at 6:00 PM. All ages are welcome, and more information is available at the following link.
Saratoga Springs
May 30, 2:45: Join the Ballston Spa High School in the raising of the pride flag.
June 27, 6:00 PM: LGBTQ parents and children are invited to Saratoga Arts’ “POP” Gathering (parents of pride). The event will feature arts, crafts, and community building activities for the whole family. More information can be found here. Saratoga Arts hosts the event monthly, so dates will be available all year!
July 11, 6:30 PM: Join Saratoga Pride members for their Cornhole League. The informal, weekly drop-in league costs $15 a ticket, which offers guests a 20% discount on all food and drinks. Tournaments will be held at Saratoga Winery, and guests are encouraged to support the local restaurant. There will be more sessions every Thursday throughout the summer, with the tournament finals on August 29.
June 23, 2:00 PM: Saratoga’s Pride festival will return to High Rock Park this year, with an after party to follow. The family friendly event will feature live music, family activities, and community groups. Food and ice cream will also be available for purchase on site.
Lake George
Lake George Pride Festival, ages 16+ (under 16 admitted with parent/guardian only), featuring DJs from the community representing, vendor village, disc golf, frisbee golf, lawn games, walking trails, photo areas, cash bar and more! $20 to enter, brought to you in partnership by Warren County and The Lake George Area and powered by Rocavaka and Goldstein Auto Group.
Binghamton
June 20, 6:00 PM: Binghamton Pride Coalition will host a clothing swap from June 3-10. Participants are asked to donate gently used, clean clothes and accessories at Butterfields. On June 20, the clothes will be organized and displayed for people to choose. There is a suggested donation of $10, which will be donated to Identity LGBTQ+ Youth Center in Binghamton. The invitation is available at the following link.
June 8, 12:00 PM: Pride Palooza will return this year to Otsiningo Park. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic blankets and lunches to enjoy live music and entertainment. Local food vendors will be available, and admission is free! The flyer is available at the following link. There will also be a firework show in Martin Luther King Jr. Park & Promenade.
June 21, 5:00 PM: Join Southern Tier Aids Program (STAP) in celebrating their 40 year anniversary. STAP will hold a gala at the Binghamton DoubleTree, and admission costs $50. Tickets are available at the following link. STAP will honor the dedication of Drew and Gertrude Noden, whose support of their AIDS Ride for Life fundraiser has been instrumental. STAP also thanks JPMorgan & Chase for their generosity and allyship. A cash bar will be available, and there are menu options for vegetarian and vegan guests.
Otsego County
June 1, 2:00 PM: Otsego Pride Alliance will host their annual Pridefest. The festival will be held on Main Street in Oneonta. Parade line up begins at 1:00 PM, and the route will begin at 27 Market St to Elm St. Guests are asked to bring a chair, water, cash to tip performers and flags. The full schedule can be found below, and the event is open to the public.
June 13, 7:00 PM: Otsego Pride Alliance will host a Baseball Pride Night at Damaschke Field. Admission is $5, with discounts available to seniors and students.
June 1: Winners of the “Pets for Pride” event will be announced at the OPA’s Pridefest. Voting is open to decide on the winner, cast your ballot at the following link.
Hudson Valley
May 30, 6:00-10:00 PM: Dutchess County Pride Center is throwing Poughkeepsie’s Kick off Party for pride month. The Factory at Sloop Brewing will host the party, with appetizers and drinks available. There will be special programing to commemorate the 100 year mark of the modern pride movement, and guests will be offered a sneak peek of the Annual Pride Auction items before they’re released to the public. Tickets are available at the following link.
June 1, 8:00 AM- 1:00 PM: Habitat Newburgh will host a Pride Build, bringing together members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to help those in need. Attendees will help build affordable homes for local families, and celebrate pride while making a difference. Volunteers can register here.
June 1, 12:00-5:00 PM: New Paltz Pride Coalition and Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center will host their annual Pride March & Festival in Hasbrouck Park. Voting for local Pride Marshall is also open, cast your ballot at the following link. More information about the festival and parade is available here.
June 1, 12:00-4:00 PM: Join Opus 40 and Queer Conspiracy for a family-friendly celebration of pride in the Hudson Valley. The picnic will be held at Opus 40 in Saugerties, and carpool tickets are available here. The event will feature a drag story hour, live music, a kids dance party, and local vendors.
June 1, 4:00-7:00 PM: Join DJ Trevor for an afternoon tea party in Pine Plains. More info about the dance celebration is available here.
June 1, 7:00: Join Hudson Valley Improv for their celebration of PrideProv! Doors open at 6:45 and the show starts at 7:00. The show will be held at Boughton Place in Highland. Tickets are only available online at the following link. A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to GLSEN, a non-profit dedicated to ending discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
June 2, 9:00-10:15 AM: Inspired by Holi and powered by pride, Pound Ridge Partnership and the Human Rights Advisory Committee have come together to host the 3rd annual Pound Ridge Color Run. The 5K race will begin at Pound Ridge Elementary School, and runners of all ages and abilities are welcome. Registration is available at the following link. Highlights from the 2022 race are available below.
June 2, 11:30 AM: Watch the White Plains raising of the Pride Flag outside the Michaelian Office Building. More information is available on The Loft LGBTQ’s instagram here.
Didn’t find an event in your town? A full list of Hudson Valley Pride Events is available here.
Catskills
June 15, 5:30: Catskills Pride will host an Awards Gala to honor champions of the LGBTQ+ community. The awards ceremony and following reception will be held at The Eldred Preserve. Tickets are available at the following link.
June 8, 1:00 PM: Woodstock Public Library will host a drag story hour and sparkle party with Katrina Mirage, who will read a book about peace, acceptance, and love. More information is available here.
Syracuse
June 13, 5:00 PM: Join the Syracuse Mets in their pride celebration. Enjoy a tailgate party with giveaways, a DJ, $1 hot dogs, and $2 beers. Everyone is welcome, tickets are available here.
June 22, 11:00 AM: Central New York Pride will host a Pride Parade and Festival in Progress Park. The parade will begin at 11:00 AM, and the festival will go from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. More information is available at the following link.
Watertown
June 2, 12:00 PM: Watertown NY Pride, Lewis County Pride, and Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, Inc., have joined together to host their annual Pride Picnic.
June 14, 11:00 AM: Join Watertown NY Pride for their pickleball activity. Foster community while picking up a new hobby at the downtown YMCA. The event is open to beginners, and no sign up is necessary. 30 spots are available, the announcement is available at the following link.
Rochester
July 20, 11:00 AM: Celebrate pride at the Rochester Pride Festival at Highland Park. The festival will feature food, wine, beer, games, vendor tables, and live music and performances. Tickets are available for purchase at the following link.
July 14, 11:00 AM: Join the Rochester Rainbow Riders in this year’s Pride Ride. The race is 18+, and registration is available at the following link.
July 14, 12:00 PM: Celebrate pride at the annual Rochester Pride Picnic. There will be food trucks, DJs and dancing, a piano bar, a gift raffle, and community information tables. Check this link for ticket information, which is TBD.
Finger Lakes
June 7, 4:00 PM: Join Southern Finger Lakes Pride for their “Twas the Night Before Pride” event. There will be an official raising of the pride flag at 6:00 PM, and several activities throughout the evening. Art installations, drag bingo, and tarot readings are among the exciting activities SoFLX has scheduled for the event; find the full schedule here.
June 7: Southern Finger Lakes Pride will also host a 21+ dance party, featuring performances 5 DJs. There is a suggested donation of $5 for entry, which supports SoFLX and local breweries and restaurants. More information is available here.
June 8, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM: Southern Finger Lakes Pride will welcome back its Pride fest for the fifth year, with an exciting lineup of performers and a weekend of celebration. More details are available at the following link.
Ithaca
June 5, 8:30 PM: Ithaca Pride Alliance hosts weekly support meetings for LGBTQ+ youth. This is the first meeting of pride month, but the meetings take place every Wednesday. More information is available here.
June 8: The evening of June 8th will mark the beginning of the celebration, with speeches from Ithaca Pride Alliance and notable LGBTQ+ leaders in the community. The ceremony will take place on the Bernie Milton Pavillion at 6 PM, more details are available at the following link.
June 9, 2:00 PM: Pride in the Park will celebrate Ithaca’s LGBTQ+ community with food vendors, arts and crafts, and a resource fair. Performances will be held on the Pride Stage, including local bands, dance groups, and drag performances. More information is available here.
Buffalo
June 2, 202411:00 AM: Show off your pride at the Buffalo Pride Parade. The march is free and open to the public, though registration has ended. The parade will march along Elmwood Avenue, and volunteering positions are available at this link.
June 15, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM: Oliver Street Merchants’ Association presents the 4th annual Pride Fest at Heritage Park. Admission is free, and over 70 vendors will be there. All are welcome, more information is available here.
New York City PRIDE
Manhattan
June 28, 7:30 PM: City Winery at Pier 57 will host a documentary concert exploring the history of the Stonewall Uprising. Proceeds from ticket sales go to The Stonewall Community Foundation, which works towards liberation for all LGBTQ+ people. Enjoy the musical performances and oral history that make up the story of the Stonewall Uprising and the vibrant community culture it stemmed from. Tickets are on sale at the following link.
June 29, 12:00 PM: The South Street Seaport will host a Youth Pride event, celebrating LGBTQ+ teens and youth. The event is free, and a wide range of activities will be available, including carnival activities, free food and snacks, DJs, and musical performances. More information is available at the following link.
June 30, 11:00 AM: Join New York City’s 30th annual Pride March. The march began in 1970, on year after the Stonewall Uprising, and has continued the legacy of civil rights and awareness. The march will form on 25th St and 6th Ave, and move down to Christopher Street, passing the Stonewall Inn. Footage of the 2023 Pride Parade is available below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGl2QbxsjrI&t=51s
Brooklyn
June 7, 7:30 PM: In New York, enjoy Brooklyn Pride’s Movie Night for a screening of Sekiya Dorsett’s inspiring short film Caribbean Queen. RSVP here for a free ticket.
June 15, 12:00 PM: Join the Brooklyn LGBTQ+ community for a youth festival. Intended for kids and teens age 13-21, there will be arts and crafts, food, music, and giveaways. RSVP to attend at this link.
June 8, 12:00 PM: Brooklyn Pride’s Main Stage offers an exciting lineup this year, with a wide range of genres and performances. Find the full lineup of up and coming artists here.
Queens
June 2, 12:00 PM: Celebrate your Pride at the 32nd Queens New York Pride Parade. The parade will start in Jackson Heights, and the multicultural festival will memorialize Jackson Heights resident Julio Rivera, whose murder sparked community activism. Learn more about Julio Rivera here, and find more details about the parade at the following link.
June 28, 7:00 PM: Join the New York Mets in celebrating pride at Citi Field. The first 15,000 fans to arrive will receive an exclusive Mets hat. Festivities will include a DJ, in-game entertainment, Mets merchandise, and themed cocktails. Tickets are available here.
The Bronx
June 18,7:00 PM: Join the New York Yankees in celebrating Pride Night. A portion of every ticket sold will go to The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. Purchase of a special event ticket includes a special edition hat, a hot dog, and your first drink of the game. More information is available here.
July 20, 11:00 AM: The 13th Annual Bronx Pride Fair will be held at the Crotona Park Amphitheater.
Staten Island
June 1, 12:00 PM: Celebrate pride with the Pride Center of Staten Island at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. The event will feature live music, art, activities, food, and performers. More information is available here.
Long Island
June 9, 12:00-5:00 PM: Huntington Village will host the 34th Annual Pride Parade and Festival. The parade will end with a concert and festival. More information is available here.
July 1-July 7: Commemorate the Fire Island Invasion of 1976 by recreating the event with the New York LGBT community. A longtime landmark in LGBTQ+ history, Fire Island has served as a safe haven for members of the community to express themselves freely. In 1976, after a restaurant in Fire Island Pines denied entry to a visitor in drag, the visitor and their friends stormed into the Pines dressed in drag. More information about this year’s recreation is available here.
The Park Theater Foundation announced the lineup for their 2024 Summer Series Concerts, beginning June 28 at 7:00 pm at the Crandall Park Bandshell in Glens Falls, NY.
Each Friday night, from June 28 – August 2nd, 2024, The Park Theater Foundation will host its fourth annual Summer Series Concerts in Glens Falls, NY. The events feature weekly 90-minute live musical performances from local, national, and international artists. All concerts are free to the public at the Crandall Park Bandshell, with the rain location being The Park Theater. serve to promote the artists from both outside of and within the community.
Summer Series Concerts Lineup:
Friday, 06/28 – Wild Adriatic
Rooted in the rowdy spirit of rock & roll, Wild Adriatic has built an international audience on a combination of groove, grit, and guitar-heavy swagger.
Friday, 07/05 – Rob Flax’s Boom Chick Trio
Equal parts hot swing, snarky songwriting, and lyrical storytelling, Rob Flax’s Boom Chick Trio combines virtuoso violin, guitar, bass, and three-part harmony vocals for an energetic performance.
Friday, 07/12 – Stella Ruze
An award-winning folk rock band from Philadelphia, PA, Stella Ruze blends four-part vocal harmonies with infectious rhythms and horn arrangements to create a new, genre-bending sound.
Friday, 07/19 – Pascuala Ilabaca & Fauna
Hailing all the way from Chile, singer-songwriter Pascuala Ilabaca brings traditional sounds combined with jazz, pop, rock, and influences gathered in such distant places as India or Mexico to Glens Falls. Accompanied by her band Fauna, her unique stage presence conjures up sweetness and empowerment at the same time, setting her songs alive with both fragility and verve.
Friday, 07/26 – Soggy Poâ Boys
The Soggy Poâ Boys mix brass-fueled mayhem with spirituals, meters-style old-school funk, vibrant storytelling, and the Caribbean side of the New Orleans tradition to create a musical experience like no other.
Friday, 08/02 – Angelina Valente
With songs that feel like a warm summer breeze, Angelina’s uninhibited voice and sincere lyrics draw you in and leave you feeling restored and inspired. Her unique blend of indie folk features piano, ukulele, and genuine storytelling influenced by her small-town roots and love of nature.
For more information on the Park Theater Foundation and its events, visit here.
A night after receiving a warm welcome at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, genre-bending psych rockers Levitation Room brought their cosmic vibes up the Thruway to Troy’s No Fun on Tuesday, May 14. Delivering a captivating performance that took listeners to the other side and carefully back, the gravity-defying band showcased exactly why they’ve emerged as one of the leaders of their genre. Playing mostly songs from the recently released album Strange Weather, the cool cats from California made a colorful impression that first-time listeners won’t soon forget. Â
Kicking off the evening with Bob Forget of Schenectady’s The Abyssmals playing his first solo set, followed by a short, high energy set by the local rock trio Stroma, Levitation Room casually took the stage around 10pm. Getting their fingers loose with the technical and shifting rhythms of the opening instrumental “Pintura,” Levitation Room quickly found their groove with back-to-back bangers from their 2019 breakout album Headspace, “Warmth of the Sun” and “2025.”
“I wonder if I’ll be living In the year 2025 You know my futures uncertain I’m losing grip all the time”
Lyrics from 2025
Led by front man Julian Porte on vocals and guitar, alongside Gabriel Fernandez on guitar, Johnathan Martin on drums and Kevin Perez on bass, one look at this band and you could just tell they “weren’t from around here.” Casually dressed in retro threads, the music itself also sounded like a bit of a throwback. Blurring the lines of psych-rock, garage and surreal pop, every song felt catchy, like it could be a radio single, and it made you wonder why these guys aren’t more well known.
Levitation Room performing in Troy, NY 5-14-24.
Far from a “new band”, the East Lost Angeles quartet has been around for nearly a decade now. Carving out a niche in the psychedelic-rock realm and releasing three full length studio albums, it’s perhaps their harrowing experiences from the road that have earned Levitation Room the most publicity. Whether that be coming face-to-face with an alleged U.F.O. while passing through Arizona, or a terrifying incident in 2022 when members of the band were allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint, dosed with unknown hallucinogens, and robbed of all their equipment, Levitation Room has somehow soldiered on and continued making great music. Making their Troy debut on this Tuesday night, the band briefly paused to introduce themselves and invite the crowd of mostly twenty-somethings to come closer to the stage.
Levitation Room’s Julian Porte performing in Troy, NY 5-14-24.
After taking “Mr. Polydactyl Cat” for a walk around the block, Kevin Perez’s infectious bass lines on “Cool It, Baby,” were so mesmerizing and playful that it nearly overshadowed the songs’ more serious lyrical themes. Such was also the case on the follow-up song “Grand Illusion (Expectations), where the far-out pop sound seemed to mask the existential questioning of Porte’s words.
Raise your glass, move your feet Are you dead or asleep? Talking heads on the screen Keeps you stuck in the dream Where the rat race is rigged And the presidents picked By the bankers who lend All that money you spend
And I said cool it, baby
Lyrics from Cool It, Baby
Further captivating the audience by switching gears and showing off their tender side with a pair of love songs “Heaven,” and the well-received “Ooh Child,” the waves of emotion swelled up like an ocean when Levitation Room uncorked what was perhaps the highlight of the set, an extended take on “Revelations,” a song about living in the moment, that saw the band firing on all cylinders and jumping around the stage, while guitarist Gabriel Fernandez navigated through a bevy of effects pedals during the song’s incendiary solo. It was refreshing to see the guys cutting loose, having fun and believing in what they were doing.
Levitation Room performing in Troy, NY 5-14-24.
After reminding the audience to be weary of the CIA, FBI, and NSA keeping tabs on YOU during “The Other Side,” Levitation Room casually eased into their most well-known single, “Friends,” from their debut 2015 EP Minds of Our Own before the equally hypnotic and dreamy vibe of “Immoral Love” sent the entire room into a blissed-out trance. Bathed in abstract visual projections and peering through a pair of old school 3-D glasses, the cool and steady hands of drummer Johnathan Martin mesmerized all evening long. Shifting tempos and playing up their strengths, “Loved” snapped the crowd out of it before the title track of “Strange Weather” brought the main portion of our sonic odyssey to a close.Â
Watch fan shoot footage of Levitation Room performing “Reasons Why” in Troy, NY 5-14-24.
After walking off stage to an enthusiastic ovation, the band decided to treat the crowd to one more song, choosing “Reasons Why” as the lone encore of the evening, bringing the colorfully cathartic, rewarding and fun performance to a close. Afterwards, the band could be found at the merch table taking selfies and signing records for the dozens of new fans they’d just won over. No rest for the weary, Levitation Room would find themselves playing gigs in Canada less than 24 hours later.Â
Taking place at No Fun in Troy, it’s easy to be fooled by the venue’s tongue-in-cheek name. A beacon for Capital Region counterculture since opening their doors in December 2021, the heady, 200 person capacity club known for its DIY punk-rock atmosphere and excellent craft beer selection, No Fun has proven to consistently contradict itself. Booking bands you won’t find anywhere else and holding events nearly every night of the week, it’s shows like Levitation Room on a Tuesday night that stand out as making the place truly special. That’s why when the venue suddenly announced it’s looking for a new owner and operator this week it, it sent shockwaves through the local music community. Claiming a “work life balance thing” as the reason with a listing of $149,000, the current owner wants it to be clear, No Fun is NOT closing, but rather opening the doors of opportunity for someone with the same spirit and passion to take over. Stay tuned to NYS Music as we will be sure to keep you up to date on this developing story.
Levitation Room | May 14th, 2024 | Troy, NY | No Fun
Setlist: Pintura, Warmth of the Sun, 2025, Mr. Polydactyl Cat, Cool It, Baby, Grand Illusion (Expectations), Heaven, Ooh Child, Revelations, The Other Side, Friends, Immortal Love, Loved, Strange Weather
Encore: Reasons Why
Bob Forget (of Abyssmals) | May 14th, 2024 | Troy, NY | No Fun | First Solo Set
Basilica Hudson announced their lineup of events for the 2024 season. Basilica Hudson is celebrating their new renovation with an action packed 2024 season. Summer events were kicked off May 18 & 19 with their 24 hour drone. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the 24 hour drone is a non stop 24 hour concert. A nearly religious experience, listeners challenge their endurance with the non stop music.
The Climate Action Film Festival will also be returning to Basilica’s North Hall on May 31st. The Festival showcases international stories of human bravery in the face of climate change. The Basilica will also be hosting Jupiter Nights throughout the summer. The event offers live music, food, art, and beautiful views of the sunset at Hudson Valley.
Additionally, the Basilica will be throwing two parties over the summer: (Freak) Flag Day and All The Bodies. (Freak) Flag Day will be a dark, gothwave dance party under the fireworks. All The Bodies will be hosted at Lil Deb’s restaurant on June 21 in celebration of Pride Month. Soundscape, a weekend of art and music, will also be returning this September. Farm & Flea will be returning this year for the summer and the holiday season. Farm & Flea offers a sustainable, local alternative to the mania of Black Friday.
Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth will be performing at the Basilica as part of her upcoming Collective Tour. Tickets to the above events and many more will be available at the following link. A trailer for this year’s Climate Action Film Festival is also available below.
The annual Stewart’s Signature Series at Skidmore College is back for 2024, with an exciting list of public summer events, starting June 24 and running until July 16. Events will take place between four different venues, which include Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the Arthur Zankel Music Center.
The series will kick off on Monday, June 24, with a reading by novelist Cristina Garcia and poet Megan Fernandes. The event will begin at 8 p.m. in Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor, on Skidmore’s campus. Additional highlights include a performance by Grammy Award-winning Panamanian pianist, Danilo Pérez and a reading given by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Paul Harding. Events will be held on the Skidmore College campus, or locally at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Caffe Lena.
“Stewart’s and the Dake family are proud to support Skidmore’s contribution to Saratoga’s arts community,” said Bill Dake, chairman of the board of Stewart’s Shops. “Saratoga’s eclectic mix of live events, from the excitement of horse racing to the enchantment of theater, dance, and music, encapsulates the essence of our city’s charm. The Stewart’s Signature Series plays an important part in the Saratoga summer experience, and we strongly encourage everyone — local residents and visitors — to seize the opportunity to attend these unique events at Skidmore.”
Stewart’s Signature Series has been an essential part of the Saratoga Springs summer cultural scene since 2017.
“Skidmore is excited to present the 2024 Stewart’s Signature Series,” said Auden Thomas, director of Skidmore’s Special Programs and Summer Academic Programs. “We are thrilled to play a part in bringing these amazing artists to our community during the vibrant summer months.”
Presented by the New York State Summer Writers Institute, novelist and Guggenheim Fellow Cristina Garcia, author of eight novels including “Dreaming in Cuban,” a finalist for the National Book Award, will read with poet Megan Fernandes, associate professor of English and writer-in-residence at Lafayette College.
A Conversation with New York Times Columnist John McWhorter
Friday, June 28, 8PM
Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor
John McWhorter is the author of 20 books and a regular columnist for The New York Times. His most recent book, “Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America,” critiques the way antiracism is often viewed and enacted in the leftist cultural sphere. McWhorter is in residence with the New York State Summer Writers Institute and will be joined by Institute Director Robert Boyers, professor of English at Skidmore College and editor of Salmagundi Magazine.
Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars
Sunday, June 30, 11:30 AM
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
In collaboration with Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, Skidmore Jazz Institute faculty members Clay Jenkins (trumpet), Steve Wilson (saxophone), Steve Davis (trombone), Mike Moreno (guitar), Bill Cunliffe (piano), Todd Coolman (bass), and Dennis Mackrel (drums) will be performing.
Danilo Pérez Trio
Tuesday, July 2, 7:30 PM
Arthur Zankel Music Center
Danilo Pérez
Danilo Pérez, a Grammy Award-winning Panamanian pianist and composer, is considered a paragon of creativity in contemporary music, blending influences from his Panamanian roots with Latin American folk music, West African rhythms, and European impressionism. In this concert, presented by the Skidmore Jazz Institute, he leads a trio featuring talented performers Ian Ashby (bass) and Adam Cruz (drums).
Jenny Offill and April Bernard
Thursday, July 4, 8 PM
Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor
Novelist Jenny Offill will join April Bernard for a reading of fiction and poetry. Offill’s second novel, “Department of Speculation,” was named one of the 10 Best Books of 2014 by the New York Times. Bernard is a poet and professor at Skidmore College and a past recipient of the Walt Whitman Award from the Academy of American Poets. The event is presented by the New York State Summer Writers Institute.
Poetry & Jazz: An Evening with Robert Pinsky, Todd Coolman, and Bill Cunliffe, with special guest Pat LaBarbera
Friday, July 5, 8PM
Caffe Lena
A collaboration between the Skidmore Jazz Institute and the New York State Summer Writers Institute yields an evening with former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, Grammy Award-winning musicians Todd Coolman (bass) and Bill Cunliffe (piano), and special guest Pat LaBarbera.
Alexa Tarantino Quartet
Tuesday, July 9, 7:30 PM
Arthur Zankel Music Center
Alexa Tarantino
The Skidmore Jazz Institute presents Alexa Tarantino, a rising alto saxophone star, educator, and composer, who will be performing alongside Grammy Award-winning musician Steven Feifke (piano) and Mark Whitfield Jr. (drums) and sought-after jazz player Raviv Markovitz (bass).
Paul Harding and Karan Mahajan
Tuesday, July 16, 8 PM
Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor
Paul Harding
Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Tinkers,” Paul Harding, will read with novelist Karan Mahajan. Mahajan’s 2016 novel, “The Association of Small Bombs,” was a finalist for the National Book Awards. The event is presented by the New York State Summer Writers Institute.
Visit here for more information and to purchase tickets for the signature series.
The annual Memorial Meltdown music festival will take place May 25-26 in Lake George. The weekend-spanning festival will feature touring acts from across the country to ring in the summer concert season. With the festival featuring four sets each day, concert-goers will have a variety of genres and artists to enjoy.
Memorial Meltdown is held by the same organizers as the Adirondack Independence Music Festival, which will be held in late August in Lake George. In addition to performances, the festival will feature DJ sets and a variety of food and craft vendors. With the concert’s location at the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons, concert-goers will have access to Lake George’s restaurants, shopping, campgrounds and other amenities.
This yearâs festival will be headlined by The Revivalists on Saturday and Dispatch on Sunday. Americana groups Ryan Montbleau Band, The Mallett Brothers Band, and Rob Beaulieu Band will join the Revivalists on stage on Saturday. On Sunday, Dispatch will be supported by the reggae and funk rock influenced stylings of Mihali, The Samples, and Annie in the Water.
The Revivalists are a world-renowned rock ‘n’ roll octet, who have racked up critical and commercial success with their alt-rock anthems. They rose to fame with their signature blending of American music styles, ranging from funk and jazz to roots rock. With smash hits, like the double-platinum “Wish I Knew You,” they have garnered over 800 million streams. Known for their live shows, the Revivalists have previously headlined everywhere from Lollapalooza to the New Orleans Jazz Fest. The Revivalists champion many philanthropic causes with portions of their ticket sales donated to Rev Causes. Rev Causes supports a host of charitable organizations, ranging from gun safety to arts endowments.
Vermont-based roots rock band Dispatch are legends of the live music circuit. For over 25 years, the band has garnered success in both studio and live environments. Throughout their career, they have released eight acclaimed studio albums, starting with 1996’s Silent Steeples. Throughout their career, Dispatch has not been afraid to completely overhaul their sound between albums. Their latest album Break Our Fall illustrates the band’s eclectic mixing of genre. Reggae, folk, and blues supplement the band’s signature roots rock, working as a vehicle for their most pointed political lyrics to date. They speak to finding hope for the future in a time of such political and social chaos.
Dispatch is also a mainstay of the live circuit, having performed at countless festivals and concerts. They made history selling out Madison Square Garden three nights in a row, and drawing crowds of over 100,000 to a live concert in Boston in 2004. What makes this all the more impressive is the band’s relative freedom within the music industry, drawing these audiences with no major label support.
On top of this, Dispatch has remained dedicated to philanthropy, using their fame to aid a number of charitable causes. The band has formed charitable organizations to fight issues like poverty and mass incarceration. They have even traveled as far as Nicaragua and Zimbabwe to help those in need. This show comes before the band’s fall AMPlifying Democracy Tour, meant to promote civic engagement before the presidential elections. The tour will promote Dispatch’s AMPlifying Democracy Campaign to inspire voting in national and local elections regardless of political affiliation.
Gates for Memorial Meltdown open both days at 2:30 PM, with performances lasting from 3:30 past 9:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now, with a variety of single and multi-day passes. VIP passes include a meal, snacks, discounted beverages and access to a private viewing area. Children 12 and under get free admission. For more information on ticketing, visit the link here.
Troy Chromatic Concerts will return for its 127th season at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall this fall. Performances for 2024-2025 feature numerous talents from across the globe, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra with Richard Tognetti. The venue, now a National Historic Landmark in Renneslaer, has been an establishment of New York classical music since 1874 and has hosted performances by world-renowned artists, from Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Isaac Stern, Yo-Yo Ma, and Vladimir Horowitz, to the best on today’s music scene, including Boz Scaggs, India Arie, Lake Street Dive, Trey Anastasio, and many more.
Frank Vignola an Tessa Lark
The upcoming lineup includes the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra from Riverside, NY. They will be joined by violin virtuoso Maxim Vengerov playing selections from Mozart’s “Violin Concerto.” Following this, 24-year-old violin prodigy Randall Goosby, will perform Mendelssohn and Janáček in his repertoire. Lastly, the acclaimed Steven Isserlis CBE to close out the season with a cello recital set to play Beethoven’s “Cello Sonata No. 2.”
The music hall is offering new subscribers a one-time special price for the season, adding that early subscription commitments go a long way toward supporting the enduring tradition of presenting classical music performances from 1894. Subscription renewals received by June 14, 2024 will guarantee preferred seats from the last season. First-time subscribers enjoy a 32% and can now lock in their favorite seats the entire season for $150. More information on the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and upcoming programs is available at www.troymusichall.org.
To perform “The Ottoman Four Seasons” with violinist Richard Tognetti directing their high octane and brave interpretive style.
November 3rd: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Joined by violin virtuoso Maxim Vengerov performing selections from Mozart’s “Violin Concerto.”
November 23rd: Randall Goosby
24-year-old violin prodigy performs Mendelssohn, Janáček among other pieces, paired with
a string quartet.
February 4th: Steven Isserlis
Acclaimed British cellist will close out the 127th season with a cello recital featuring Canadian pianist Connie Shih performing several cello favorites, including Beethoven’s “Cello Sonata No. 2.”
Once again, 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.
The 518 area code extends from the Mohawk Valley just west of Utica, to the Vermont and Massachusetts borders, and north to Canada, and 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. A huge area of the state, and combined with the new 838 area code, covers more than 2 million New Yorkers!
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 wanted to keep this digestible, and 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. We started in May 2023 with our list and that of 518scene, and for 2024, we’ve got 52 more things that make the 518 great.
Read our list below and 518scene’s list for 2024 here.
1. 518 Day of Giving
Let’s start with a great way to give back – 518 Day of Giving is the first online, regional fundraiser of its kind on May 18, 2024. The day intends to harness the power of community to connect nonprofit organizations with new and existing donors, while raising funds and awareness for the nonprofit community. Collectively, participating nonprofits hope to raise $518,000 to continue to provide vital supports and services throughout the Capital Region and beyond. Donate to a variety of organizations here.
2. The Erie Canal Song
You likely learned this in grade school if you grew up anywhere near the Mohawk or Hudson Rivers. Originally titled “Low Bridge, Everybody Down,” the song by Thomas S. Allen recounts the history of the Erie Canal, and was first published in 1913 when the New York Barge Canal replaced the Erie Canal. While the sheet music cover shows a boy on a mule ducking down to pass under a bridge, the reference to “low bridge” in the song actually refers to travelers who would typically ride on top of the boats and need to lower their heads to allow for safe passage. Taking a geographic trip from Buffalo to Albany, the final lyrics of the song are “Low bridge, everybody down, Low bridge, I’ve got the finest mule in town. She’s a perfect, perfect lady, and she blushes like a gal. If she hears you sing about her and the Erie Canal.”
Stay tuned for a full history on the song this summer, ahead of next year’s Bicentennial of the Erie Canal’s opening!
3. Jive Hive Live
Located in Albany, Jive Hive Live is an intimate, state of the art, private space built for live recording and video livestream productions. Their mission is to provide a resource of both people and “things” that will enable talented musicians, artists and other creatives to share their work with “the world” in a professional manner typically out of reach. The goal is to build a self sustaining community that is “better together” vs the typical “zero sum game” environment.
4. Jazz on Jay
If you like jazz, then Jay Street in Schenectady is the place to be Thursday’s from 12-130pm at the corner of Jay Street and State Street for free outdoor concerts and enjoy some of the best live jazz acts in the 518.
5. WEQX
Founded in November 1984 by Brooks Brown as an independent radio station, WEQX may be stationed in Vermont at Mount Equinox (hence the call sign EQX), but the broadcast reach hits much of the 518, and as far east as New Hampshire. EQX is a sponsor of numerous live music events and presents a variety of concerts in the Capital Region. Entering their 40th year, WEQX is a true independent radio station, highlighting artists from across the 518 and New England with shows such as EQXposure, Going Underground, Jam n’ Toast and many more.
6. Starlite Music Theatre
Here’s a throwback for folks in Colonie. The Starlite Music Theatre was a theatre in the round, seating 3,000 attendees around a center stage, originally opening in 1958. Designed for theater as well as live music and comedy, the venue hosted the lives of Rodney Dangerfield, Three Dog Night, George Carlin, “Weird Al” Yankovic, B.B. King, The Beach Boys, Gallagher and many more. The located was closed in the early 2000s and demolished in 2012, making way for what was to be the headquarters of Ayco, but seems to be an open lot currently.
photo by Sara Ayers
7. Sawyer Fredericks
An Americana singer-songwriter from Glen in Montgomery County, Sawyer Fredericks, began playing local farmers markets, open mics, and iconic New York venues at the age of 13. With his deep, beyond-his-years original lyrics and melodies, soulful vocals, and powerful live performances, Sawyer seemed an unlikely match for reality tv, but he won over audiences to win season 8 of NBC’s The Voice. He continues to perform around the Capital Region and elsewhere.
8. Skyway Collective
The Skyway Collective started in the summer of 2023 as an idea to utilize Albany’s newly built Skyway. The idea: get together some DJ’s, decks, and speakers, and have a pop-up hang. Word quickly got out about the Monday night weekly pop-up dubbed Minimal Monday’s, gaining a social media stamp of approval from Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and the idea started to blossom into a community. With its swift growth and high demand, Steve Mink (SM INK), Connor Heid (Cauzee), Kellen Hagen and Devan Collins (DRC) began discussing where to go from there, and during one Monday night brainstorm on the skyway, “The Skyway Collective“ was born. The Collective has since evolved into its own production company with its signature “Skyway sound” system which the team utilizes to host club events and hold residencies around the capital district. As The Collective will soon be celebrate their 1st anniversary in June, they continue to make strides build the house/techno scene in upstate NY.
9. Washington Park Lakehouse
Located in Albany’s Washington Park, this Spanish Revival structure was designed by Albany architect J. Russell White and has been a feature of the park for many years, although not part of the original scope of the park, which opened in 1873. The interior of the lakehouse is detailed and has terrazzo floors and wrought-iron chandeliers. The outdoor amphitheater area is used for live music during the annual Tulip Festival, and hosts Park Playhouse theatrical performances during the summer. The Lake House is situated on 90 acres of rolling urban parkland, and the landscape architecture was inspired by Fredrick Law Olmsted.
10. Bogies
A staple of the Albany club scene in the 1990s and opened in the mid-1970s, Bogies was a beloved hole in the wall venue located at 297 Ontario Street that closed its doors for good in 2015, after ample efforts to revive the dive. Small, packed for shows, Bogies was THE place for underground music in Albany throughout its tenure and featured bands such as State Champs, Blink 182, PVRIS, Black Flag, Ice Nine Kills, The Replacements and dozens of metal bands in its latter years, plus other bands so briefly tenured, they’re lost to history. RIP Bogies.
11. The Eddies
The Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards Show and the Hall of Fame was created in 2019 by Sal Prizio and Jim Murphy of Proctors Theatre, to shine a light on the incredible talent of the local music scene, both past and present. Hundreds of individuals, groups and companies working in the artistic, technical, managerial, media and support areas of the Capital Region music industry are nominated every year, with an annual award show, typically in April. The Eddies are a part of Proctors Collaborative.
12. Dad Fest
Dad Fest is the City of Albany’s celebration of all the fantastic fathers out there, featuring a Classic Car Show, great food, music and vendors. Dad Fest is a chance for the whole family to kick back and enjoy an early summer afternoon at one of the Capital Region’s most picturesque parks. You don’t have to be a dad to enjoy Dad Fest as this event offers a little fun for everyone.
13. Eastbound Jesus
Eastbound Jesus was formed almost in 2010 in Greenwich, NY, a group of friends who clicked when writing music. They slowly picked up shows, dubbed their genre ‘Northern Rock’ and proceeded from there. The band has an intense local following in the 518, with packed shows across the region.
14. WAMC
WAMC/Northeast Public Radio is a regional public radio network serving parts of seven northeastern states, stretching across the 518 of New York, as well as the 315 and points south, they also cover events and news as far as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. Stations and translators are in twenty-nine locations throughout the region, with offices and studios in Albany broadcasting 24 hours a day with a wide variety of publicly funded programming. NYS Music is a proud sponsor of WAMC.
15. Universal Preservation Hall
Located at 25 Washington Street in Saratoga Springs, Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) is a year-round arts and community events venue managed by Proctors Collaborative. With seating up to 700, this venue is one of the few ‘theatres in the round’ still in existence. The building opened February 29, 2020 after being restored to be a performance hall and rental venue, and despite the timing, it was a success starting with an exhibit of Rock n Roll pinball machines, as well as concerts and the Capital Region Music Music Hall of Fame induction each year.
A view of Universal Preservation Hall is seen during the media tour and ribbon cutting of the new concert hall in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (Jenn March, Special to the Times Union)
16. Washington County Fair
Located in Greenwich, what has come to be called the Washington County Fair was first held in 1890 and named the “Morganza Fair” serving as many fairs did, to exhibit and sell sheep and cattle. Now, more than 130 years later, the annual event offers the full Washington County experience including live entertainment, 4-H displays, foods you can only find at the fair, and your favorite fair rides. Get your tickets here.
17. Lake George Art Project Wednesdays in the Park
The Lake George Art Project sponsors a Wednesday evening concert series in Shepards Park, and for 2024 they’ll be held on July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21, and 28 with a special Saturday show on June 29. This year’s lineup features The E-block, Angelina Valente and many others. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the night by the Queen of American Lakes!
18. Blind Owl Band
Based in Saranac Lake, The Blind Owl Band is a bluegrass/country/folk-rock band that formed in 2011 and includes Arthur Buezo (guitar, vocals), Christian Cardiello (bass), James Ford (banjo, vocals), and Eric Munley, (mandolin, vocals), who is now the proprietor of the Waterhole. The group met while studying at Paul Smith’s College and trace their name to an incident while performing at Paul Smith’s, when a saw-whet owl flew into a window. The owl got up and stared at the band for a moment before flying away, and with a saw-whet owl nicknamed a ‘blind owl’, the name stuck. Blind Owl Band now perform intermittently around the state, but bring a feisty sound and crowd with them in each performance.
19. Albany Civic Theatre
With an intent to provide education and training in acting, directing, writing, speech, staging, producing, reviewing, and other aspects of the dramatic arts, Albany Civic Theatre has a unique role in the 518, as they aim to encourage and foster community interest and participation in the dramatic arts through the non-profit sponsorship of plays, lectures, publications, workshops, study groups, drama libraries and related activities. Check out their upcoming season here.
20. Ophelia’s on Broadway
Replacing Parish Public House in Albany is Ophelia’s on Broadway, which boasts a return-to-roots feel, including an homage to Red Square (the name prior to Parish), a fresh menu and a perfect location for late night shows or continuing the party after Alive at 5 this summer.
21. WEXT
The Capital District has a great listener-supported roots and rock radio station in WEXT, with an eclectic, unique and diverse lineup of music. 97.7 FM and 106.1 WEXT from WMHT Educational Telecommunications with a goal to provide listeners with a unique listening experience with music that knows no boundary of genre. WEXT focuses on emerging artists, plus classic songs that regular radio has forgotten and especially music from the Local 518.
22. Park Theater Foundation
The Park Theater Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Glens Falls community by providing a venue for quality and affordable entertainment and educational opportunities in the performing arts. NYS Music is a proud sponsor of the Park Theater Foundation.
23. Glass Pony
Self-described as a high-energy psychedelic groove circus, Glass Pony has been turning heads and becoming a staple of the 518 since 2018. The four-piece band comprised of Chanda Dewey (drums), Eddie Hotaling (guitar, lead vocals), Jeff Picarazzi (bass), and Greg Pittz (lead guitar) combine for a continually unique and entertaining experience. Glass Pony live performances incorporate danceable grooves, interesting set lists, and creative and compelling improvisation with a wide variety of influences from 60’s and 70’s rock, 80’s post-punk and 90’s jamband. Catch them soon – check out their upcoming shows here.
24. John Brown song
Songs are often measured by their ability to stand the test of time. “John Brown’s Body” is one of those songs that has held up even into the present day. Although the tune has gone by many names and many iterations over the centuries, the hymn turned revolutionary anthem retains its status as one of the most memorable songs of the Civil War. Read more on the history of this Civil War era song from Ryan Bieber here.
25. SingleCut North Clifton Park
With a tap room in Astoria, as well as in Clifton Park, the delicious beer from SingleCut Tap Room features music from a variety of bands, with food trucks located outside for full enjoyment of tasty brews and music made right in the 518. Check out upcoming events here.
26. Blotto
What more can be said about arguably the biggest band to come from Albany? Blotto combined new wave and soul with R&B and comedic themes, and sported pseudonyms on recordings and on stage. You’d hear them on Dr. Demento‘s radio show in the early 80s, and the band was featured on MTV on the first day of broadcast, with the video for “I Wanna Be a Lifeguard” becoming infamous, rated by some as the worst music of all time, but featuring numerous locations across the 518 – watch for yourself and see how many you can spot!
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.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center has announced their seventh annual Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists. The community festival celebrates over 700 of the Capital Region’s promising young artists, including dancers, musicians, poets, and visual artists. Pop-up performances and art displays will culminate in a large-scale production on the main stage.
Performing organizations include Empire State Youth Orchestra, Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, Capital District Artis initiative. Additionally, an original musical composition 12th Grader Lucia Vysohlid will be performed by ESYO Symphony Orchestra, Capital District Youth Chorale, and singers from three local high schools.
Festival of Young Artists_2023. June 04, 2023 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, New York, USA
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is dedicated to providing New Yorkers access to the arts. Through their partnerships with nonprofits and over 120 schools, SPAC provides arts programing and outreach, prioritizing historically marginalized groups.
The festival’s theme is Rhythm, a thread that was woven throughout the 2024 season. SPAC’s annual student gallery features 95 pieces inspired by a passage from Langston Hughes’ “The First Book of Rhythms”.
Performances will be held from 2-5:30 PM on Sunday, June 2. Food-stands and immersive arts activities will be available on the grounds, along with free ice cream provided by Stewart’s Shops. The production on the main stage will begin at 4:45. The event is free to the community, but registration is required for admission. A recap of last year’s Summer SPAC events can be found below.
