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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » The music continues. On Saturday Irish 2000 presents more than a dozen bands on two stages at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds. On Saturday and Sunday the Lake George Jazz Festival takes place at Shepard Park in Lake George.
Each event not only celebrates the diversity that exists within each genre, both line-ups have broad popular appeal.
For example, the headline act at Irish 2000 is Off Kilter. Because it performs at the Coors Light Rock Stage from 9:30 -10:45 p.m. it would seem geared to a potentially raucous crowd.
It’s doubtful that Off Kilter will offer a sedate set as the band promotes itself as “bringing a rock twist to traditional Irish tunes.” But it is a revelation that the group performed at Disney World, Florida for 18 years and was the most popular band at the attraction. You can’t get more of a family-friendly recommendation.
Proof Irish 2000 strives for a family-friendly event is that children under 12 are admitted free. And the bands support that atmosphere with fiddles, bagpipes, penny whistles and step dancing as well as ballads and other traditional Irish songs.
The popular local band Hair of the Dog closes the Irish Pub Stage from 7:30 - 9 p.m. and included among the seven acts that will play at the Pub Stage between 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. is local favorite, The McKrell’s. They play at a truly family-friendly time - 2:30-3:30 p.m.
The festival is also adult friendly with all genres of Irish-based sounds present. The music includes groups that specialize in wistful ballads, drinking songs and songs about the Irish rebellion. There will be a lot of Celtic Rock - as well as jam bands. Of course, there will be food vendors offering typical festival treats and I guarantee you, you will be able to find a terrific corned beef sandwich that you can wash down with an adult beverage. Look for vendors selling traditional Irish keepsakes and clothing. The fairgrounds will be open 11 a.m. - 11p.m. admission is $20 at the gate, under 12 free. It’s going to be grand. For schedule and festival information go to irish2000fest.com
The music at the 33rd Lake George Jazz Fest will be just as varied. This year’s theme is “a tribute to jazz innovation.” The music on both Saturday and Sunday starts at 1 p.m., with the fi-
nal set beginning at 4:30 p.m. On Saturday there is a 7:30 bonus performance, “Dave Liebman’s Tribute to Coltrane.”
There is no way to define all the components that fit under the jazz umbrella and the six daytime performers personify the variety that exists within the genre.
There are moody vocalists supported by equally moody saxophones and pianos. There are 8-member ensembles out of Brooklyn trying to take the house down and there’s an Argentina-born musician who specializes in “Tango-Jazz.” Another composer/artist is from Nigeria, whose lyrics call for truth and justice throughout the world.
There will be funk, neosoul, country-inspired jazz, post-bop and even melodies influenced by hip-hop. The Saturday afternoon set closes with the seven-piece band, The Cookers, who are called “the dream team ensemble.”
It’s a special two days of music. Pick a day, or do both. It’s outdoors and free. There is a rain date location so the event takes place rain or shine. For information call 518-668-2616, for schedule information go to lakegeorgearts.org