Summer 2020 was to be the Lake George Music Festival’s 10-Year Anniversary season; however, co-founders Alex Lombard, Barbora Kolarova and Roger Kalia have announced they will push the celebration to August 2021. In an email addressed to the “Festival Community,” they wrote, “Our decision was based on guidance from state and local officials, combined with the nature of our artists’ and staff members’ communal living in Lake George, and the high-risk demographic of a significant portion of our audience.”
The Lake George Music Festival 2020 season will not be entirely devoid of music. Organizers have planned a Virtual LGMF, a week of free online performances including world premieres and watch parties. Performances will be streamed on platforms such as ZOOM, YouTube and Facebook. The Festival has gained some experience in digital performances. Over the past several weeks, they have been hosting Quarantine Concerts — live-streamed, 30-minute performances by Festival artists.
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Organizers are also considering a drive-in series at the Festival Commons in Wood Park. Drive-in concerts, which require attendees view performances from their vehicles, are gaining popularity as safe ways to enjoy live events. If organizers can secure funding, they envision a two- or three-day drive-in event in either August or September, 2020.
To support the Lake George Music Festival, donations in place of ticket purchases may be made through GiveLively.org. According to organizers, donations up to $300 are fully tax-deductible under the CARES Stimulus Act. Supporters who have already purchased tickets for the Lake George Music Festival 2020 season may make a full or partial donation of their passes, receive credit towards the 2021 Festival or request a full refund. Refunds must be requested by June 15 via email to alombard@lakegeorgemusicfestival.com. After this date, all 2020 purchases will be converted to credit for the 2021 Festival.