Shepard Park Performance Stage nearing completion; soft opening planned for June

Over the next few weeks, contractors will be putting the finishing touches on the new Shepard Park Performance Stage. By the end of June, the chain-link fencing that has surrounded the construction site all winter will be removed, and music will return to the park.

The new structure replaces the bandstand that was destroyed in a June 2024 fire. The 2024 and 2025 concerts were held on a temporary stage. Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new stage last fall.

“We’ve had, obviously, tragedy,” said Village of Lake George Mayor Ray Perry, “but it’s an opportunity, and we’ve taken it so much further than ever imagined before.” The new structure is more than a band shell, Perry says, and they now call it a Performance Stage that will accommodate more and bigger talents.

Perry, speaking at a media event hosted by the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB on Wednesday, described the features of the new performance stage. The stage will be larger than the old bandshell and higher off the ground. The stage will be sheltered on three sides with a 46-foot-wide fold-up clamshell window in the back that will offer an unobstructed view of the lake and mountains.

Five audiovisual towers are being installed throughout the park, which will have Wi-Fi antennas, cameras, Gobi lights, downlighting, and surround sound speakers.

A basement underneath has space for a green room where performers can warm up, a storage room, space for Shepard Park Beach lifeguards to use, a small conference room, and possibly an art gallery. “It is going to be a performance stage like no other in the most beautiful spot in the country,” says Perry.

Currently, the first show scheduled for the new stage is a performance by the Glens Falls City Band on June 30^th, although Perry says that the Lake George Community Band may perform on Thursday, June 25, if the stage is ready.

The Lake George Arts Project’s free summer concert series is scheduled to start in Shepard Park on Wednesday, July 1, at 7 p.m., with Eastbound Jesus taking the stage.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, July 17, at a Bands and Brews concert.

Lake George Arts Project Director Tanya Tobias-Tomis also spoke at the Chamber’s media event. “The Lake George Arts Project, especially this year, was very intentional and thoughtful about utilizing all of those features that Mayor Perry talked about, the things that are beneficial to the artists, but the things that are also beneficial to the audience.”

Tobias-Tomis says they could now accommodate bands that require a space to change and prepare for their performances, “… like the Gentlemen Brawlers, we’re doing a special show with them on August 22nd, for groups that, you know, you never really think about it, but that need a place to change. They’re folks, right?  So if you’re driving up or you’re flying in and you’re a jazz singer that has won five Grammy awards, you want to be able to change your outfit, right?”

Through July and August, the stage will hold shows nearly every weeknight, with Susie Q and Matt Donnelly alternating with acoustic singer Rich Ortiz on Mondays. Tuesday Tribute shows will see a variety of tribute bands. Wednesday is the Arts Project’s concert series. the Lake George Community Band performs on Thursdays, and Friday evenings feature the Village’s Bands and Brews concert series.

Throughout the summer, several music festivals will take over the stage, including Kelly’s Angel’s Summer Lovin’ Funfest, a fundraiser for Kelly’s Angel’s Inc., and Rocking’ For Ronald, a fundraiser for Kratz Cottage, a Ronald McDonald House in Lake George Village.

The Lake George Arts Project will bring Jazz at the Lake back to Shepard Park for its 42nd year, Friday, September 18, to Sunday, September 20. Visit the Lake George Arts Project website for more information and to see the Wednesday Concert Series lineup.

 “Our facility in Shepherd Park is always free,” says Perry. “I mean, we couldn’t possibly ticket it or gate it because there are seven entrances in and out of the park — but that’s kind of what the idea that Mr. Shephard, when he donated it to us in 1908 and passed away in 1911, his idea was arts and free entertainment and entertainment for all.”

Visit the Village of Lake George Facebook page for updated concert schedules.