“I started this nine years ago with the idea of having a big party in the park,” says Dave Ehmann of Improve Records. “I think this is the 112th show, I lose track because some Fridays get funky for me because it’s a good night to get out.” Ehmann was speaking from the amphitheater stage in Shepard Park Friday, June 15, to a crowd massed for the “big party,” which included Law Enforcement Officers from across the country who are in town to attend the Second Annual Law Enforcement Officers’ Weekend.
Last night’s show included Opening Ceremonies for LEO Weekend. “The idea of Law Enforcement Officers’ Weekend started back in 2014 when I was still in the Police Academy,” LEO Weekend Founder Austin Glickman told the audience. Glickman’s idea was to create a weekend in Lake George to gather people in law enforcement for fun, relaxation and camaraderie — a respite from the stresses of the job. After two years of planning and coordinating with the Village Mayor’s Office and local law enforcement agencies, LEO Weekend debuted in May 2017.
“Some of the agencies being represented tonight,” says Glickman, “are the US Marshalls Service, Department of Homeland Security, New York State Police, Connecticut State Police, Pennsylvania Constables, NYPD…We have officers from Arkansas, police officers from Florida, Department of Corrections, parole officers — pretty much anybody that works in law enforcement from the entire East Coast, they’re here.”
The concert opened with David Bray performing a special tribute to law enforcement. Bray, a Navy veteran, travels the country with his wife and Business Manager Becky Bray and their two young sons, performing patriotic-themed music and covers of popular songs. The family calls Pennsylvania home but will be on the road this summer for their “Music on a Mission” tour. They plan to stay in Lake George for the weekend and then fly to Florida for their next event. Bray performs for charity events to support the military, veterans, first responders and law enforcement.
Albany-based Funk Evolution, a perennial favorite at Fridays at the Lake, headlined Friday’s show. The energetic, horn-heavy, eight-member band brought the audience to the dance floor with funk and R&B. The band recognized the strong police presence by dedicating their rendition of Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca” to LEO Weekend.
The Fridays at the Lake Concert Series attracts crowds to Shepard Park Fridays throughout the summer to hear popular local and regional bands perform. The concerts, produced by Improv Records, are free with support from the Town and Village of Lake George, local businesses, and individuals.
In 2015, the Concert Series was expanded to become Bands & Brews. An opening band was added to each Friday’s schedule. Food trucks, a beer and wine tent and bounce houses were brought in to provide a full night of entertainment.
Village Mayor Robert Blais was in the park last night manning the t-shirt booth. Sales of Fridays at the Lake 2018 t-shirts will help fund the concert series. The heather-blue shirts feature the Fridays at the Lake logo on the front and the concert series 2018 lineup on the back. T-shirts sell for $15, which includes a ticket for a beverage from the beer and wine tent. New this year, Lake George Cornhole set up boards in the park and is offering players the opportunity to win prizes.
Fridays at the Lake 2018 schedule
June 15 – David Bray/Funk Evolution
June 22 – Drew Polsun/Wild Adriatic
June 29 – Jonathan Newell Band/Moriah Formica Band
July 6 – The Switch/The Accents
July 13 – Proudest Monkeys/E.B. Jeb
July 27 – Zucchini Brothers/New York Players
August 3 – The Switch/Skeeter Creek
August 10 – Better Off LED/Vivid (from Connecticut)
August 24 – Yellowdog/Soul Session
August 31 – Banooba/Funky Dawgz Brass Band
Opening acts take the stage at 6 p.m. Headliners at 7:30. All shows are free. Shepard Park is a family- and dog-friendly venue. Metered parking is available on surrounding streets.
In addition to the Fridays at the Lake Concert Series, Improv Records produces the Adirondack Independence Music Festival, a two-day, multi-band festival held at Charles R. Wood Park Labor Day Weekend. Improv records is also bringing the Charlie Daniels Band with guests True Grit Outlaws to Lake George July 15, 2018. Tickets for the Charlie Daniels Band are now available at Eventbrite.