Watertown, NY will soon be home to a new music venue, the Harmony Performing Arts Center.
Joseph Foy, president and founder of HarmoNNY Performing Arts Community started this organization back in 2020 with the goal of creating a music-focused performance venue in the local area. Foy, a long-time musician himself, wanted to expand beyond typical small-town bar gigs and create a space where music could be the full focus.
“Sometimes it would be nice to just be able to play my songs in an environment where people are listening and I can try to create a show out of it,” Foy said. “There wasn’t really a place where I felt like I could really do that here.”
The Historic Strand Theater, Photo by Cinema Treasures
Since then, Foy’s idea has expanded to encompass all types of performing arts, from the theater to dance and comedy.
The Harmony Performing Arts Center is currently undergoing renovation and is set to be open this fall. The venue is located in the historic Strand Theater, a former silent theater turned nightclub, dating back to the early 1900s. The Strand closed its doors in 2018 and was left in the hands of a local non-profit Neighbors of Watertown, which eventually reached out to Foy to create a performing arts space.
The Strand Theater, 1987 article in the Watertown Daily Times announcing its re-opening as a nightclub. Photo: Watertown Daily Times.
The theater will seat 100 people and feature a rooftop area for additional events. Jefferson Community College will also share office space next door, a partnership that helped Harmony gain additional grant funding to renovate the space.
Foy said he took inspiration for Harmony from other small town theaters such as the Homer Center for the Arts located in Central New York as well as Auburn Public Theater. Both have non-profit models, as does Harmony.
“I thought to myself, in Watertown, we didn’t necessarily have anything that was specific to the performing arts,” Foy said. “We feel like in Watertown … people aren’t going out as much to see things anymore, in general, so us starting with a smaller venue makes a lot of sense in our mind to help build up that momentum again.”
Construction in the interior of the soon-to-be Harmony Performing Arts Center – Photo via Downtown News and Glenn Curry
For the past three years, Foy has worked with the local community to improve access to the arts. Harmony currently operates an instrumental lending library where local residents can rent instruments and musical equipment like mics and PA systems. More recently, Harmony partnered with the North County Library system allowing them to deliver instruments across multiple counties.
“The way I see it, you know, you start off small, and then you make it work, and then you build other things into it,” Foy said.
Foy started this program during the pandemic, when finding a theater and doing renovations would have been next to impossible.
“We’ve been doing things, just anything we can think of that helps enhance the arts, whether it be just having a calendar that shows what’s going on in the area each day, to having lists of the performers who are in the area, or the those who are teaching lessons in the area,” Foy said.
The outside of the theater as it undergoes renovations – Photo courtesy Joeseph Foy
Foy said he plans to keep growing the Harmony Performing Arts Center community well into the future.
“My real vision is to go down the line – and maybe this is 10-20, years from now – to create a bigger venue, but we’re so excited to be able to start with something that we can build up from, and that’s not going to be too much for us to take on.”
There is no official opening date or performances scheduled yet for Harmony Performing Arts Center although Foy hopes renovations will be done by this fall. He added Harmony is always looking for new members, volunteers and instrument donations.
“Just to see that momentum from the community is really fulfilling and exciting,” Foy said.
Woodstock-formed pop-rock band Orleans has announced two back-to-back upcoming shows across the state.
The first show, in Cohoes, will happen at the Cohoes Music Hall on September 13, and the second show, in Clayton, NY, takes place at the Clayton Opera House on September 14.
Created in 1972 by John Hall (guitar), Larry Hoppen (guitar/keyboard) and Wells Kelly (drums), Orleans has passed the test of time, still remaining intact in 2024. They released their first album in 1973 and have subsequently had numerous best-selling albums over the years, including Let There Be Music, Waking and Dreaming and Forever.
Over the years, Orleans has amassed a catalog of 17 albums and multiple DVDs. Now, celebrating more than 50 years of live shows, Orleans has continued their consistency to this day, already performing 10 times across the country just this year.
Orleans’ smooth blend of melodic pop-rock is a timeless sound. Their classic tight ensemble playing, gorgeous harmony vocals and inspired and well-crafted songwriting always create the perfect storm to dance to, something that visitors to Cohoes and Clayton will be able to experience.
For Orleans’ first show at the Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes on September 13, the band will play as part of a double bill with folk/rock band Aztec Two-Step. The show will run between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. For their second show at the Clayton Opera House in Clayton on September 14, Orleans will take on the stage solo, performing at the historic venue between 7:30 and 9:00 p.m.
The band also has a third show scheduled for October at the Northwest Missouri Moon Festival. Visit here for tickets and more information.
Brew York Festival has announced it will return to Madison Barracks Polo Fields in Sackets Harbor on August 24 with a wide variety of music, entertainments and activities.
Brew York is an all-ages event (kids under 12 free) and features two stages of live music, as well as beer, wine, & whiskey vendors, free tastings, food trucks, cornhole tournament, kids zone, and select craft/artisan vendors. The festival will return this summer and will continue to showcase different local, regional, and national acts.
Headlining this yearâs festival is Mike Powell & The Echo Sound, a five-head rock band from Syracuse formed in 2020. After forming in 2020, the band played all of 2021 under the name Wade, before later changing it to Mike Powell & The Echo Sound. In 2023, the band released their debut album, Plastic Spoon Honeymoon, which was recorded in Utica.
Also, headlining is Annie In The Water, a Indie rock band rooted in limitless acoustic guitars. Over time, listeners can experience rock, funk, reggae, hip hop, soul, dancebeat, and jam with enjoyable melodies driven by guitars and synthesizers over a ground-shaking rhythm section thanks to their songwriting and versatility. Comprised of members Brad Hester on lead vocals and rhythm,, Michael Lashomb on lead guitar and vocals, Josh West on drums and vocals, Chris Meier on bass and vocals, Matt Richards on keys and vocals, and Brock Kuca on percussion and vocals, each of their performance is and exhilarating and everlasting adventure.
The Brew York Festival lineup also includes Sophistafunk, Sydney Irving & The Mojo, Teno2, When We Were Thirty, Undefeated, Josh Cox & The Rattlesnakes, Bread & Circuses, Middle Name Quince, The Rollin’ Rust, Edge & Babi Lou Wi The Basement Crew Jake Desormo, Bull Rush Bay, and Rachel Dara.
Proceeds and event donations will be split this year between ROCC Charity (Rock Out Childhood Cancer) and Local Volunteer Fire and EMS. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
Alexandria Bay’s Riverboat Bar is one of the premier spots for live music in Jefferson County. Throughout the Summer, the bar hosts a number of concerts each week, bringing audiences performances of indie, Americana, and more.
Summer 2024 sees 13 artists from New York State and beyond performing at the Riverboat Bar, bringing audiences plenty of variety.
Friday, July 19th will feature two sets by Utica’s The Old Main. Led by songwriter Seth Becker, the indie-folk quartet has toured across New York for over a decade. The band combines influences of John Prine and Wilco with stripped down instrumentation to create intimate Americana. Their set will begin at 10pm, with attendance being free.
Continuing with folk music, July 20th will feature a free show by CNY group The Rollin’ Rust. Singer-songwriter James VanDeuson leads the group, bringing an edge to traditional Americana. Their evocative songwriting and polished instrumentation has taken them around the country, performing across 45 cities in 2023 alone. Their debut Road Rats was nominated for Best Americana Album at the 2023 SAMMY Awards. They will play two sets beginning at 10pm.
On July 26th, the Riverboat Bar will host Syracuse’s Vaporeyes. Vaporeyes plays progressive rock heavily influenced by classic psychedelia. With lush keyboard textures, guitar, and rhythms, the band crafts dreamy musical soundscapes. Vaporeyes will play two free sets, beginning at 10pm.
August 2nd will feature a “Local Legendz Showcase,” featuring performances by a host of local musical artists. Holdown Upstate organized this event as part of their mission to increase community involvement in music throughout Upstate New York. This event represents a live version of Holdown Upstate’s “Local Legendz ” radio program highlighting up-and-coming artists from across New York. This free show will begin at 10pm.
On August 3rd, Joey Collins and the Creatives will perform at the Riverboat Bar. The trio originates from Watertown, but has played at shows and festivals across the state. Their sound incorporates influences of soul and folk into Indie rock. As part of their return to the Riverboat Bar, Joey Collins and the Creatives will play two free sets, beginning at 10pm.
August 9th will feature two sets by Syracuse’s Mike Powell and the Echosound. The band began during the Covid-19 lockdown, as Powell decided to go back to his roots while listening to his record collection. As soon as touring was possible, Powell enlisted musicians from Suracuse’s blues and folk scenes to start the Echosound. All five members collaborate to write lyrics and music for their Americana and rock influenced songs. This show comes after the release of their debut Plastic Spoon Honeymoon in 2023. The show will begin at 10pm, with a $5 cover at the door.
On August 10th, Albany’s Hilltop will perform two sets at the Riverboat Bar. The four-piece band began jamming at Mercy College in 2018. The quartet has 100 shows under their belt, blasting out funk-influenced rock numbers for their audiences. Their show will take place during Alexandria Bay’s Pirate Days festival, featuring events and exhibitions across town. Hilltop’s two sets will begin at 10pm, with a $5 cover charge at the door.
Connecticut-based funk band One Time Weekend will perform two nights of shows on August 16-17th. Across their two studio albums, One Time Weekend have made a name for themselves as a premier modern funk band. Their sound combines groovy pop melodies with progressive instrumentation. Their live shows bring an unmatched energy, with face-melting riffs and smooth vocals. One Time Weekend will play two sets each night, beginning at 10pm. Guests can buy tickets for $10 at the door each night, or a weekend pass for $15.
August 23rd will feature a free concert by Felix Free & the Rxcketeers. Born in Southern California, Felix Free moved to rural Upstate New York, where he honed his craft as a rapper. Free’s intimate lyricism and stage presence can conquer crowds both large and small. With the live band the Rxcketeers behind him, Free will bring his trademark Golden era hip hop stylings to the Riverboat Bar. This free show will begin at 10pm.
On August 24th, Connecticut’s Legalized will play two sets with DJ Nick Balkun. Legalized’s music defies genre, combining everything from funk and jazz to punk and psychedelic. With rock instrumentals and saxophone, their music is noisy and experimental yet infectiously groovy. Connecticut’s DJ Nick Balkun will join Legalized, playing a DJ/drum set. This free show will feature two sets starting at 10pm.
Double Barrel Blues Band will return to the Riverboat Bar for a weekend residency from August 30-September 1st. The Syracuse quartet plays all types of blues, including more traditional acoustic, and modern amplified styles. With the guitar chops of Mark Cloutier and John Hart, the group are regular nominees at the SAMMY awards blues category. Their residency will feature special guests making for a weekend-long blues-stravaganza. Each residency show is free, beginning at 8pm each night.
Organ Fairchild will kick off September at the Riverboat Bar with two free sets on September 6th. Beginning as a Buffalo-based Grateful Dead cover band in 1983, Organ Fairchild’s members honed their live music abilities in extended jams. In 2020, they rebranded themselves as an instrumental trio, featuring guitar, drums, and organs. The trio’s brand of instrumental funk has brought national renown, playing shows across the East Coast with legends of the jam band genre. Their sets will begin at 10pm.
September 7th will feature two free sets by Buffalo-based rock group Johnny Hart & the Mess. The band’s sound can loosely be defined as “alternative,” but combines influences of pop, blues, country, and more. With releases like Moonlite Motel and Neon Eyes the band has established itself as an up-and-comer in New York’s rock scene. Their sets will begin at 10pm.
Shapes will close out the Riverboat Bar’s summer season with a September 13th performance. Hailing from Toronto, the band’s music combines rock with influences of funk and afrobeat. The band never takes itself too seriously, including witty lyrics and humorous stage banter into their shows. With their groovy instrumentation and funny stage presence, Shapes is sure to keep audiences dancing and laughing all night long. Their two free sets will begin at 10pm.
For more information on the Riverboat Bar’s upcoming shows, visit their website here.
Non-profit organization Live at the Bandstand is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated free music event, All Headliners Festival. The festival takes place on June 8 from 3 to 9pm in Sackets Harbor, New York.
All Headliners Festival takes place at the picturesque Sentinel Bandstand in Sackets Harbor. This celebration promises an unforgettable afternoon and evening of live performances, delicious food, and camaraderie, showcasing the rich diversity of talent and culture in the region. The event features an eclectic lineup of four exceptional bands, representing a wide spectrum of musical genres. Bands include jazz troupe Pando Collective, blues artist Tas Cru, Americana group The National Reserve, and jazz/classical Stephane Wrembel Quartet.
In addition to the stellar musical lineup, attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a delectable array of culinary delights, courtesy of local food vendor Elm Street Taco truck. The renowned 1812 Brewing Company truck serves up refreshing and award-winning craft brews right in the heart of Sackets Harbor/Watertown.
Tas Cru
All Headliners Festival Acts
Pando Collective 3pm: Kicking off the festivities with their soulful jazz melodies, Pando Collective brings a unique blend of talent and camaraderie. They draw inspiration from their roots in the 10th Mountain Division Band.
The National Reserve 4:15pm: Back by popular demand, The National Reserve returns to Live at the Bandstand. They are ready to enthrall audiences once again with their soulful Americana, Rock’n’Roll sound and dynamic stage presence.
Tas Cru 6pm: Tas Cru and his band are sure to captivate audiences with their electrifying blues. Their tunes and infectious energy promise a performance that will have everyone on their feet. He hails from the local scene.
Stephane Wrembel Quartet 7:30pm: Rounding out the evening with a touch of international flair, the Stephane Wrembel Quartet will transport listeners to the streets of Paris with their enchanting gypsy jazz melodies, led by the virtuoso French guitarist himself.
“We are thrilled to bring this vibrant celebration of music and community to Sackets Harbor. Our mission has always been to showcase the incredible talent and diversity of our local and downstate music scene while fostering a sense of connection and belonging within our community. We invite everyone to join us for a day of unforgettable performances, delicious food, and shared experiences on the water.”
Ingrid Cleveland Gori
The festival is free of charge for all. For more information on the All Headliners Festival in Sackets Harbor on June 8, click here.
With solar eclipse events and preparations underway from Buffalo to Plattsburgh, one New York band, Annie in the Water, has been on a two-month long journey that will find the group performing during the totality on April 8.
Annie in the Water have been on a ‘Road to Totality’ tour since January, with stops around the Northeast, as well as a trip to Colorado for shows in Denver, Golden and Breckenridge. The longevity of the group and perseverance that led them to their current lineup and performance schedule has been noted by longtime fans, as well as new fans they’ve picked up along the way.
Following the Colorado shows, Annie in the Water returned back to New York for shows in Rochester and Syracuse, but a performance at Lark Hall was cancelled due to the snow storm over March 23-24. That show is now rescheduled for Friday, April 5, and making for a 4-show run that will catch the band playing in Sackets Harbor on April 6, where the duo of Brad Hester and Michael Lashomb first performed together. They then head south to Woods Valley Ski Area near Rome on April 7, then head north again towards the High Peaks, for a show on April 8 at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington.
When asked about playing during the totality of the solar eclipse, Matt Richards (keys/vocals) shared:
“Just as the eclipse reaches totality, I think myself and as a band will also reach a transient feeling of completeness. The hard work of scheduling, preparing for, and performing the tour will be complete. But just like the eclipse, that moment and feeling won’t last long and it will be onto the next phase for myself, the band, the moon, and the sun.”
After respite in April, the band will hit four music festivals in the first half of the summer, performing at Shakori Hills in North Carolina, Memorial Meltdown in Lake George, Sterling Stage Folkfest in Sterling, NY and Northlands Festival in New Hampshire in June. They’ll also be part of Twin Ponds Campground ‘3rd Thursday’ concert series this summer, where Backwoods Pondfest was held for many years, in Peru, NY.
Today is March 15, or, 315 Day. The “315” in Central New York State is so named for an area code established in 1947 covering 18 counties.
Stretching from the Canadian border west of the Adirondacks, the “315” follows the shores of Lake Ontario southwest towards Rochester, and south to the Allegheny Plateau. The “315” includes the cities of Syracuse, Utica, Rome, Cortland, Oswego, Saint Lawrence, Canton, Massena, Watertown and most of the Finger Lakes, as far west as Keuka Lake.
This significant portion of New York State is home to Syracuse University, an institution at the center of music in Central New York in terms of venues, students and alumni. Across the “315” are an immense number of artists and bands who have called the region home, dozens of music venues, classic music festivals, promoters and events that make the “315” a diverse median of a state rich in music history around every corner.
So to celebrate 315 Day (March 15), we begin a series of Three Hundred Fifteen things that make the “315” a great place for music.
graphic by Emily DePietro
Since we only had a week to work on this, instead of all Three Hundred Fifteen at once, we figured to start with 16, or about 5% of 315. Check out our 518 Day list and stay tuned for an annual update to each list (with 716 Day coming this summer!)
1. Empower FCU Amphitheater At Lakeview
Originally the site of a toxic waste dump, courtesy of Solvay Process Company that dumped soda ash on the site for decades, the venue sits on the shore of Onondaga Lake and if you didn’t read the first part of this sentence, you may never know what once lay beneath.
An exhilarating live music experience, Sophistafunk blends intoxicating beats, heavy synth basslines and funky vocals for a one of a kind performance. The group was selected by Guy Fieri to be house band on Guyâs Grocery Games and again on Guy’s Ultimate Game Night. Sophistafunk has performed across the country at venues, underground shows and music festivals, and continues to be the premier funk band from Central New York.
3. The SAMMYs
The Syracuse Area Music Awards were founded in 1993 by Frank Malfitano and have soldiered on every year since, having recently handed out the 31st annual awards on March 2, 2024. With People’s Choice Awards, live music from artists living in the greater Syracuse area, and a wealth of music history coming together on stage each year, the SAMMYs are at the core of the “315.”
4. Crane School of Music
Located at SUNY Potsdam, the Crane School of Music offers undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing performance and practice. The school’s symphony and chorus have performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, traveling internationally to Germany, Spain and even Cuba. With a legacy dating back to 1886, more than 300 concerts, recitals and lectures each year make the Crane School a hallmark music institution.
5. Earlville Opera House
Originally constructed back in 1892, the Earlville Opera House was destroyed twice by fire in its early years, with the current building standing strong for more than 125 years. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this landmark in a village of 800, Earlville Opera House is a Madison County gem, and founded as as not-for-profit, volunteer-based community organization in 1972.
6. Los Blancos
Blending blues, funk, R&B, zydeco and rock, Los Blancos have gained acclaim in Central New York, as well as sharing the stage with Little Feat, Los Lobos, Gov’t Mule, Merl Saunders, Hubert Sumlin. The group, consisting of Colin Aberdeen (electric guitar/vocals), Mark Nanni (keyboard/accordion/vocals), Steve Winston (bass/vocals) and Mark Tiffault (drums), can be found playing frequently at Shifty’s and 443 Social Club and Lounge.
7. moe.down
Starting in 2000, moe. began holding their own festival – moe.down – in Turin, NY at Snow Ridge Ski Area. The Labor Day Weekend festival brought together moe.’s peers in the jam community, rising artists from across the Northeast, as well as artists who influence moe.’s sound. After moving for two years to Gelston Castle in Mohawk, NY, the festival returned to Turin in 2012 and was held annually until 2014, since returning in 2017 and 2019. Read our history of moe.downs 1-15 here.
8. Stanley Theatre
Utica’s original movie palace, the Stanley Theatre opened in 1928 with capacity of nearly 3,000 and was designed by famed architect Thomas Lamb, who also designed the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, Proctor’s in Schenectady and Landmark Theatre in Syracuse. The Stanley Theatre currently hosts concerts as well as a number of musicals, courtesy of Broadway Utica.
9. NYS Fair
The Great New York State Fair isn’t just rides, exhibits, a competitions for Best Milk in New York State, live music takes center stage at Chevy Court as well as the Grandstand (now Suburban Park). The original grandstand was demolished in 2016 to make way for an updated area that could continue to attract national artists during the annual state fair – the oldest of its kind, having been founded in 1832 by local farmers for agriculture and local fairs. Only in the 1950s did The Great New York State Fair begin to have a greater focus on music and entertainment to attract a new generation, appealing to families and the rise of pop culture. Check out last year’s lineup here.
10. Mike Powell
Hailing from West Carthage, NY in Jefferson County near Fort Drum, Mike Powell is not only a musician, but one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time. His jersey, #22, was retired in 2023 by Syracuse University, where he was a four-time All-American and holds the record for most career points.
Since graduating from Syracuse, Powell has released six albums and written more than 200 original songs, drawing on influences including Bob Dylan, John Prine and Woody Guthrie. Powell has performed with his group The Black River and, most recently, The Echo Sound, which is gaining acclaim across Central New York. An indie folk rock singer, Mike Powell’s sound and evolution from athlete to musician is among the greats to come from the “315” with many years of music yet to come.
11. Homer Center for the Arts
Located in a former Baptist church, Homer Center for the Arts was created as a way to save the building and provide something for the Homer community, just north of Cortland. And create a community they do – artists, musicians, workshops, galleries, community theater and film screenings make Homer Center for the Arts an institution supporting not just the Village of Homer, but the greater Central New York region as a whole.
12. Syracuse Stage
Syracuse Stage, a professional theatre company that has produced plays since 1974, the Stage celebrates their 50th anniversary in the 2023-24 season, now underway. Connected to Syracuse University with the Drama Department, students are cast in plays and musicals, as well as hold Black Box shows, all under the direction and guidance of professors and professionals who make Syracuse Stage a connection between the city and university, with events open to the public.
courtesy of Syracuse University
13. The Birdseed Bandits
Comprised of Adam Ludemann, Seth Becker, and Nash Robb, The Birdseed Bandits released their eponymous debut album in 2013, a collection of “greatest hits” from the band’s first two years together. Forming a unique style that has catchy, foot-stomping, mug-waving folk/rock songs through the use of banjo, mandolin, guitar and upright bass, Birdseed Bandits stopped performing in 2014, but left a mark on the Central New York music scene in their time together.
14. The Yard Amphitheater
An outdoor music venue at Ray Brothers BBQ in Bouckville, NY, The Yard Amphitheatre has become a rural destination for live music acts including Ryan Montbleau, Martin Sexton, Yonder Mountain String Band, Keller Williams and many more. With a capacity of 1,500 and great barbeque right next door, The Yard is a must-visit destination venue. Check out their 2024 shows here.
15. Crouse Chimemasters
For anyone having lived close to the west side of Syracuse University’s campus, or been a student walking the SU campus around 8am, 11:45am or 6pm, you will have heard the bells of Crouse College ringing, and inside is a tradition that dates back in 1889. The Syracuse Chimemasters create daily melodies thrice daily working with a system of levers and pulleys that ring the 14 bells in the belfry of Crouse College. You might hear anything from “Mamma Mia” to Star Wars selections, as well as solemn and classical music, from these seasoned veterans who rock the bells for 135 years and counting.
16. Smith Opera House
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Smith Opera House has offered performing arts and cultural events since 1894. The interior was restored in the early 1990s, playing host to numerous artists including Phish, Frank Zappa, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, as well as live events from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva Music Festival and much more.
Ed note: a new area code – 680 – is popping up in the 315 – as the population of the region expands. While we welcome a challenge to find Six Hundred Eighty things that make this region the best for music, we’re focusing on the classic 315 area code, for brevity’s sake.
From the soothing melodies of outdoor concerts along the St. Lawrence River to the vibrant tunes resonating in cozy venues offering craft beers and fine wines in the Adirondacks, the North Country of New York has a music scene that caters to a diverse audience. Here’s where you can immerse yourself in live music, ranging from concerts and karaoke to performances by touring artists.
Discover the historical charm of this theater, welcoming audiences since 1903. Following a $3.2 million renovation in 2007, Clayton Opera House offers a year-round calendar featuring nationally and internationally recognized artists, spanning genres from bluegrass to classical concerts.
Step into the Paddock Club’s inviting ambiance, adorned with Tiffany lamps, leather sofas, and tin ceilings. Situated in the country’s oldest indoor mall, the Paddock Club offers a diverse entertainment calendar featuring karaoke, jam sessions, DJs, and live performances.
Originally built in 1939, the Kallet Theater has transformed into a venue hosting concerts and community events. Catch upcoming performances featuring national recording artists like Marc Cohn, Selwyn Birchwood, The Grascals, and Enter the Haggis.
Run by students on the St. Lawrence University campus, The Java Barn hosts free weekly concerts, open mic nights, and larger events. Past performances include renowned artists like Dave Matthews, Grace Potter, Guster, and more.
Boasting a 97,000-square-foot facility, this venue is a hub for performances from the acclaimed Crane School of Music, the Department of Theater and Dance, and the Orchestra of Northern New York. The annual Community Performing Arts series brings touring artists to Potsdam.
Find entertainment at Cascades Lounge with country karaoke and DJ dance parties, while the events center hosts performances by national recording artists.
The Lake Placid Center for the Arts presents music, dance, and theatre performances year-round. Each season, the music series offers performances in a wide variety of genres: pop, jazz, indie folk, classical, Broadway hits, and more.
Retro Live is a dance club, hot spot, and live music venue with a great bar. Live bands perform every Saturday, and the open space makes for great acoustics and a fantastic dance floor with good views of the stage. If you’re looking for a live music venue with a mechanical bull, this is the place for you.
The Midnight Revival Band, Retro Live. Photo by Frankie Cavone
This North Country theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Strand Center Theatre was built as a vaudeville theatre in 1924. The beautiful space has seating for 950 people and regularly hosts performances by touring musicians, from duets to orchestras.
This community art center offers musical performances year-round in a hip and funky atmosphere. Also offered: theatre, poetry, comedy, community meetings, art shows, art classes, and more!
This building is over 100 years old, and regularly hosts regionally and nationally known musicians for concerts and shows. Visitors love the vibe and acoustics of the historic, open space. The Whallonsburg Grange is a great place to hear folk, bluegrass, and Celtic music, although you’ll find other genres as well!
Smoke Signals is a popular BBQ restaurant and bar in Lake Placid with a fun atmosphere, breathtaking views of the lake, AND two spaces for musical performances. You’ll find regional and North Country local bands playing here almost every weekend.
A beloved spot among both locals and tourists, The Waterhole invites you to experience its dynamic music scene. Whether you choose the indoor setting or the outdoor areas, this live music venue promises a diverse lineup of musicians. With its Party On The Patio series, The Waterhole comes alive, especially during the vibrant summer months.
Voted among the Adirondacks’ Top 5 Best Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries, Raquette River Brewing offers more than just exceptional local beer and delectable food. Revel in live music both outside in the pavilion and inside the cozy tasting room. Perfect for enthusiasts of both craft beer and soulful tunes, this venue creates a harmonious blend.
Elevate your date night with live music at barVino, a family-owned wine bar and restaurant in North Creek in North Country. With an impressive beer menu and an intimate setting, this venue provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of good food and captivating local artists.
Delight in the free summer music series, Songs At Mirror Lake, hosted at Mids Park every Tuesday at 7 PM. Immerse yourself in the melodies performed on a beautiful stage, creating a captivating atmosphere in this popular waterfront park on Main Street in Lake Placid.
A hometown restaurant in Plattsburgh, Olive Ridley’s is well known for weekly entertainment, delicious food and great drinks. Check their calendar for up to date shows you can catch after dinner or watching the big game.
P-2’s Irish Pub has the slogan, “The Place to Be in the Adirondacks!” and following being closed during the pandemic for 13 months, a new slogan – “The Place You Leave Smiling Bigger Than You Arrived!” – is fitting for the vibe of the crowd in this underrated Adirondack town. With a love of live music and talent from around the U.S. and Canada, a new bandshell provides a home venue for talented musicians.
Whether youâre looking for a night of family fun in the bowling alley, or catching a game and enjoying a tasty burger at the bar, Big Zâs Hangout is a go-to destination. A newly renovated space offers a fun, comfortable and engaging environment for visitors and members of the community to enjoy themselves. From live music in the bar to concerts in the parking lot, Big Zâs is where the partyâs at in Lake Placid.
Beck’s Tavern, bar and yurts are located right next to the Gore Mountain Lodge, serving German inspired fare and American favorites, with live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Located in the “Biggest Little Town in New York State” in downtown Stony Creek, the Inn is nestled in the hub of the Southern Adirondack mountains within a half hour of Lake George, Queensbury, Glens Falls, Saratoga or the Gore Mountain Region. For 35 years, the owners have provided a unique establishment with simple roots; good food & music, reasonable prices & a comfortable friendly setting to relax and enjoy family and friends.
Daikers is a restaurant and bar located in the heart of the Central Adirondack Mountains. Enjoy live music, great food and drinks while overlooking Fourth Lake.
The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts produces professional theatre, concerts as part of our Weekend Series, artist exhibits in three galleries, youth and adult arts-education workshops, and grant opportunities for art and cultural organizations and teaching artists. The Arts Center is coordinator for the Statewide Community Regrants (SCR) program of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) for the four-county region of Hamilton, Franklin, Clinton, and Essex counties.
The mission of the View Arts Center in Old Forge is to create a dynamic center for arts and culture based in the Adirondack Region, with a focus on enrich, educate, entertain, and inspire.
Rudy’s Scar Bar and Grille is a spin-off of Flagship Rudyâs Lakeside Drive-In, located on the shore of the Great Lake Ontario, in Oswego. The mountain pub version stays true to core concepts and menu favorites, with great live music on a regular basis. Fun fact: Scar Bar is named in homage to Scarface Mountain, one of the Saranac 6er peaks in the Adirondacks.
Within the walls of this legendary bar & grill lies a fifteen foot oak bar, oak-paneled walls/cabinets and even an old-school bracketed television. Notoriously, decadent tales of grandeur continue to swirl atop the Monopole. Those incredibly potent folktales attracted original visitors and turned them into repeat customers, along with regular live music upstairs from rising acts in the Northeast, and some big names who have passed through the famous venue.
The Edwards Town Hall Opera House is an architecturally unique theater seating about 275 people, with superb acoustics, raked auditorium and raised stage floor, with its original painted front curtain well preserved and still in place. This venue is an unusually intact example of a type of facility no longer surviving in most small towns in Northern New York.
The Upper Jay Art Center was founded by Scott and Byron Renderer in 2005 as a place to enjoy music, theater, and visual art. In 2008, it incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and, with a wink and a nod the brothers, upholsterers by trade, named the performance space the Recovery Lounge. Over the past decade, the Lounge has become an essential gathering place in the Ausable River Valley, featuring plays by classic and contemporary playwrights, acted by an ever expanding troupe of local talent, play and poetry readings, performance art, dance, and art exhibits. All events are affordable and many are free.
Located in the heart of the Champlain Valley, Ausable Brewing Company is a small farm based nanobrewery, brewing a variety of small batch artisan ales and sodas, and hosting local food trucks and live music all summer long.
Tannery Pond Center in North Creek is dedicated to enriching lives with quality arts programming and a welcoming community center. TPC presents a full schedule of arts programming, including exhibits of original art, musical concerts and performances, as well as workshops and childrenâs programs. Other groups presenting arts programs at the center include Our Town Theatre Group, North Country Singers, and Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.
Paradox Brewery is a certified veteran owned, independent craft brewery founded in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains brewing innovative beer of the highest quality. You can find live music in their taproom on weekends, as well as open mic nights, especially in the summer months.
20 Main has long been a staple of the Au Sable Forks and surrounding communities. Welcoming townspeople, visitors from all over the globe, bikers and a range of musicians and other entertainment, 20 Main Bar as well as host community fundraisers for Christmas in the Forks and other local charities. With a new outdoor space behind the main bar with sound stage, garden area, and a light, friendly atmosphere, its a great place for live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Located near Gore Mountain, Basil and Wick’s has recently reopened, offering traditional American comfort fare, classic cocktails in a warm, homey location. Plenty of music is on tap – open mics, karaoke, or local musicians performing après ski.
Just north of Saranac Lake in the small town of Bloomingdale is Hex and Hop, creating delicious craft beers and meads in the hear of the Adirondack Park. In the summer, outdoor live music can be enjoyed at Hex and Hop, as you take in the crisp Adirondack mountain air with a side of craft beer & good tunes from bands and solo artists all summer long.
A newly opened venue in Saranac Lake, The Garagery is holds the Saranac Lake Hootenanny each Monday night, hosted by Charlie Reinersten, offering a vibrant musical experience in collaboration with Twolined Studio. Musicians are welcome every Monday from 6:30-10:00 pm for a night of featured artists, and open mic performances.
The Mill, as suggested by the name, was originally built in 1952 as a grain mill for the Champlain Valley Seed Cooperative. In 2021, the abandoned building was repurchased and in a collaborative effort between creative director Taylor Haskins and local contractors, they rebuilt the building up as a new cultural hub. For visitors looking for a drink and a bite to eat, The Knock is a speakeasy inside the venue that has a sultry 1920âs prohibition aesthetic. The menu of small plates made in house are all created from locally sourced ingredients.
The Hub is a cafe, restaurant, lounge, bar, and bike repair shop focused on serving Lake George, Brant Lake, Loon Lake, Friends Lake, and Schroon Lake.
