The Adirondack Jazz Project will bring its big band sound to Lake George this Sunday, April 30, to help raise funds for the Shepard Park Bandstand Improvement Project. The band, which debuted in Chestertown last May, taps the talents of more than a dozen area musicians to perform jazz standards, funk, Latin and show tunes. The concert will be held at the Lake George High School on Canada Street. The show begins at 3 p.m. Admission is $15; children are free.
The Shepard Park fundraiser launched last winter to finance needed updates to the Shepard Park stage. Planned improvements include a new lighting system, upgraded sound system and the addition of more seating. Shepard Park is the site of many free concerts and shows throughout the summer and fall, including the Lake George Arts project Wednesday night summer concert series, the Friday’s at the Lake Bands and Brews series, Lake George Music Festival concerts, the Community Band Festival and the annual autumn Jazz Festival.
The Charles R. Wood Foundation has donated $25,000 to the project and pledges to match up to $25,000 of funds raised by the Village. The challenge deadline is June 1. The Village launched its fundraising effort last November, and, According to Mayor Robert Blais, so far $11,000 has been raised. The total cost of the project is expected to be $75,000 to $85,000.
The Adirondack Jazz Project concert is the third fundraising event for the Shepard Park Project. In February, King Neptune’s Pub hosted a concert featuring the Jonathan Newell Band and the Stony Creek Band. Also in February, the Lake George Community Band held a concert for the park at the Lake George High School. Mayor Blais has expressed his wish to hold additional fundraisers in the park once the weather warms up.
Anyone wishing to donate may send a check to:
Village of Lake George
PO Box 791
Lake George, NY 12845
Write Amphitheater donation on the memo line