The Bands & Brews concert series kicks off this Friday, June 16, in Shepard Park. The 2017 schedule has 10 shows running Friday evenings through Labor Day Weekend (skipping only July 14 and August 18.) The concerts have a regular format with a local opening act taking the stage at 6 p.m. followed by a headliner at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
The time schedule is new this year with the opening act starting two hours later than in the past, allowing working folks to catch both acts. Additionally, the new starting time moves the headline act onto a night stage, offering the possibility of an illuminating light show.
The Accents headline the Bands & Brews first show of the season. Based in New York’s Capital Region, The band is known for its big sound and has been a popular event band in the area for four decades. Expect a set list of pop and dance tunes. Saving Bottles for Johnny (with River Jack Z of Zucchini Brothers fame) opens.
Fridays at the Lake Bands & Brews combines live music with a festival-like atmosphere. Food trucks, a beer and wine tent and bounce houses are on-site. A weekly raffle, to benefit local not-for –profits, offers the chance to support the community and win prizes. The popular series attracted more than 20,000 to the park last summer, according to a Village of Lake George press release.
The Bands & Brews concert series is brought to the park by Improv Records and WillJam Productions. WillJam also produces Alive at Five in Albany and Under the Bridge in Troy.
Dogs are welcome in Shepard Park. Smoking is not. There is tiered natural stone seating and a grassy lawn for camp chairs and blankets. Metered Parking is available on the street and in nearby public lots. Plan on $1 to $2 per hour for parking. For a complete 2017 schedule of Shepard Park concerts and fireworks, visit the Lake George Examiner Concerts & Festivals page.
