Above: bell’s roar performing at the Albany Social Justice Center in 2018. Photo: Kiki Vassilakis
The 19th annual summer music series on the roof of Skidmore College’s interdisciplinary Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery in Saratoga Springs takes place every Thursday, July 11-Aug. 22, at 7 PM. This year’s lineup sees a diverse collection of genres and musicians, from classical, jazz and bluegrass to chamber folk, soul and queerpop.
The R&B, jazz, gospel and bossa nova infused Skidmore ensemble Nu-Note makes their Upbeat on the Roof debut by opening the series on July 11. Other first-timers include Joan Kelsey’s Silver Lining (Aug. 1), And Other Poems (Aug. 8) and bell’s roar (Aug. 22), the soulful queerpop artist who will close the season.
Upbeat on the Roof is free and open to the public and audiences are encourage to arrive early. Free parking is available in parking lots adjacent to the museum and the roof can be accessed via the museum elevator or outdoor staircases. In case of rain, concerts will be held inside the museum.
Attendees are also welcome to explore the museum before and after the performances. Galleries are open Tuesday-Sunday from 12-5PM with extended hours until 9 PM on Thursdays.
For more information, visit tang.skidmore.edu or call (518) 580-8080.
Check out the complete lineup here:
July 11
Nu-Note—the unique ensemble consisting of Skidmore students Jonathan Canales ’21, Destiny Donelson ’21, David Gyampo ’19, Ajani Otieno-Rudek ’20, and Kelven Polite ’22.
July 18
Decoda—The New York City-based classical affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall make their return, having become Upbeat audience favorites over the past few years.
July 25
Annie and the Hedonists—This acoustic blues & vintage jazz band the songs of legendary female blues artists like Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie and Billie Holiday while exploring the styles of western swing, bluesy country and Americana roots music.
August 1
Joan Kelsey’s Silver Lining—Led by multi-instrumentalist Joan Kelsey, the Troy-based chamber folk trio is composed of weaving guitar, dancing fiddle and haunting cello that balances darkness and light.
August 8
And Other Poems—Tang frequenters may recognize artist and singer-songwriter Tim Davis, whose exhibition “Opener 31: Tim Davis—When We Are Dancing (I Get Ideas)” was on view earlier this year. His band And Other Poems is a grooving, lyrically funny and poignant group.
August 15
Red Haired Strangers—The country, blues and bluegrass band that began as a 20-year partnership by founding members Ryan Dunham and John Rice has grown to include fiddle, drums, bass, dobro and pedal steel guitar.
August 22
bell’s roar—Queerpop and soul artist Sean Desiree’s solo project blends hauntingly layered vocals with synthesizers, percussion and guitar to produce lush and profound soundscapes. As a queer, gender-nonconforming person of color, Desiree creates music that confronts isolation and oppression and represents the fight against silence, using their creative voice to stop ongoing domination.
