The Refrigerators really know how to put on a show. They opened with Chicago and a blast of horns, and for two hours last night, without a break, they blasted their high-energy rock and funk across Shepard Park in Lake George. A crowd of 400-plus filled the park; more listened from the lake, anchoring their boats just offshore of Shepard Park Beach. The performance is the fourth installment of the 2016 Fridays at the Lake Bands & Brews free concert series, brought to Shepard Park each week by Improv Records and the Village of Lake George. It has quickly become the biggest weekly party in town.
The band has been a major draw in the region for nearly a quarter of a century. Their performance last night impelled people to the dance floor. Even the older folks, sitting in their folding camp chairs, couldn’t resist a little seat dancing to Play that Funky Music. The Refrigerators are known for their interactive shows and last night saw the sax player leaving the stage to continue his performance among the dancers. A young fan was pulled from the audience to take over the tambourine on stage.
For the Brews part of Band and Brews, Backstreet BBQ manned the beer and wine tent. Grumbellie’s food truck supplied the hamburgers and hot dogs. The event is a kid-friendly with bounce houses, a giant inflated slide and face painting.
The Bands & Brews concert series continues next Friday, July 29, with Tumbling Dice opening at 4 p.m.; headliner Emerald City takes the state at 6 p.m. The event is free. Metered parking is available on the street and in public lots in the Village.