The Saratoga Summer Concert Series returns to Congress Park for the 2021 season, kicking off on Sunday, July 11. Gather your friends and family, bring your blankets and chairs, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy some of the area’s favorite performers. This free, family-friendly concert series is a program of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center in partnership with Discover Saratoga and the City of Saratoga Springs.
“After a year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are especially excited for this year’s concert series lineup,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga. “We will be welcoming back some of our favorite bands as well as new performers to the stage. The concerts bring together a wonderful mix of community members and visitors and are a celebration of the amazing artistic talent we are so lucky to have in Saratoga Springs!”
The Saratoga Summer Concert Series will take place Sundays in July and Tuesdays in August. Shows will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the War Memorial in Congress Park and each concert will be approximately 90 minutes. The Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway, will be the concert rain location. 2021 dates and performers are as follows:
July 11 - The Proudest Monkey
The Proudest Monkey, a Dave Matthews Band cover jam band formed in 2017 here in the Capital Region, will open the Saratoga Summer Concert Series with crowd pleasing favorites like Ants Marching and Two Step, among other classics. The band features members Jonathan Newell on lead vocals and guitar, Adam York on Saxophone, Tommy Ryzuk on Bass Guitar, Rye Wylie on Drums, and Tania Susi on Violin.
July 18 - Fenimore Blues
Fenimore Blues, based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., performs an eclectic mix of blues, R&B, and rock. The powerful vocals of Sherian Nolan are backed by musicians on guitar, keyboards, saxophone, bass, and drums, with one band member doubling on accordion. This combination enables the group to perform a range of styles and a varied repertoire, drawing on music notables from Bonnie Raitt to Aretha Franklin, the Neville Brothers to the Allman Brothers, Linda Ronstadt to Etta James, Santana to Tedeschi Trucks.
July 25 - Skippy and the Pistons
Hometown band entertaining audiences throughout New England, Skippy & the Pistons offers music for everyone.
August 3 - The Schmooze
The Schmooze has remained one of the area’s top dance party bands for over 15 years! Playing a wide variety of the most- popular rock, pop, dance and country songs, The Schmooze is a sure bet for your party, wedding, or corporate event. They are also one of the busiest club bands in the Capital District, so check the schedule and catch a live show near you. Playing all the songs that made a lot of other bands really famous! Da Schmooze.
August 10 - Hot Club of Saratoga
Hot Club of Saratoga, upstate New York's premier gypsy swing collective, plays a repertoire that reflects the spirit and style originated by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli in The Quintet of the Hot Club of France most prominent in the 1930’s and kept alive through a long line of gypsy jazz artists since that time. Most of the tunes they play were either written by, or recorded by, Django at some time in his all too brief musical life.
August 17 - Betsy and the ByeGons
Betsy and the ByeGons is a Capital District based 60s/70s band with an emphasis on the female performers of that era. Songs by The Ronettes, The Chiffons, The Angels, The Marvelettes, The Supremes, plus tunes by solo artists like Dusty Springfield, Leslie Gore and Linda Ronstadt are all featured in the show. Oh, and the guys in the group sing too! A Betsy and the ByeGons show is a great collection of one-hit-wonders and classic 60s/70s pop. Fun for all ages!
August 24 - Garland Nelson
A Soul Session, a high energy musical ensemble that will make you dance, scream, and jump around all night long with entertaining command. Led by “Soulist” Garland Nelson, 2019 Proctor’s Eddies Award Winner “Best R&B Vocalist,” Soul Session’s emotive style across all genres earned them the distinction of 2019 Eddies Award Winner “Best Band in Capital Region NY!” Founded on the belief that soul music is God’s multicultural lifeline, Soul Session elevates their performances by making the audience the center of attention through call and response, outstanding song arrangements, and Love. Consequently, every show is creative, organic, and uniquely original.
The Saratoga Summer Concert Series is made possible through the sponsorships of the following community business. Special thanks to:
Performance Title Sponsor
T-Mobile
Performance Supporter Sponsors
Stewart’s Shops, Adirondack Trust Company, and The Merc
Music Under the Stars Sponsors
Downtown Business Association, Saratoga Builders Association, Playbill Travel, Magic Moon, Lifestyles of Saratoga, Impressions of Saratoga, The Dark Horse Mercantile, Healing Springs, Saratoga RV Park
Evening in the Park Sponsors
9 Maple, Cudney’s Launderers and Dry Cleaners, The Springwater Bed & Breakfast, Winsupply of Saratoga Springs, Embassy Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs, Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs, Hampton Inn Clifton Park, PJ’s BAR-B-QSA, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, Repeat Business Supply, Spa Café on Broadway, and Tailgate and Party Shop
For more information, please contact the Heritage Area Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241 or visit www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.
About Discover Saratoga
Discover Saratoga, known as the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, is a key economic development engine for this community; our mission is to contribute a positive impact on the local economy by promoting and marketing Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County as a world-class destination for meetings, conventions, and groups. For more information about Discover Saratoga, please visit discoversaratoga.org.
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