Saratoga Summer Concert Series to Kick Off July 5

Saratoga Springs, NY (June 25, 2026) – The Saratoga Summer Concert Series returns to Congress Park for the 2026 season, kicking off on Sunday, July 5, with Sly Fox and the Hustlers. Gather your friends and family, bring your blankets and lawn chairs, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy some of the area's favorite performers. This free, family-friendly concert series is a program of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center in partnership with Discover Saratoga and the City of Saratoga Springs.

“We’re thrilled to once again bring the Saratoga Summer Concert Series to Congress Park,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga. “This year’s lineup features an eclectic mix of talented local musicians and bands. These free, family-friendly concerts are welcoming to all and showcase the incredible artistic talent we are fortunate to have throughout our region.”

The Saratoga Summer Concert Series will take place on Sundays in July and Tuesdays in August. Shows begin at 7:00 p.m. at the War Memorial in Congress Park, and each concert will last approximately 90 minutes. In the event of rain, concerts will move to the covered back garden patio at the Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway.

2026 dates and performers are as follows:
July 5 – Sly Fox and the Hustlers

Sly Fox and the Hustlers is a New York-based blues, rock, soul, and funk band formed in 2010, known for its powerful sound and electrifying live performances. Their music blends heavy voodoo blues with soulful, funky grooves, creating a high-energy show that keeps audiences coming back for more.

Proudest Monkeys Band, a Dave Matthews Band tribute jam band formed in 2017 in New York's Capital Region, is thrilled to once again perform as part of the Saratoga Summer Concert Series. Audiences can expect crowd-pleasing favorites like “Ants Marching” and “Two Step,” among other classics. The band features Jonathan Newell on lead vocals and guitar, Adam York on saxophone, Tommy Ryzuk on bass guitar, Rye Wylie on drums, and Tania Susi on violin.

July 19 – Big Medicine

Big Medicine simply loves making music together — and it shows. With honeyed vocals, supple R&B and folk-rock grooves, and rich acoustic-based textures, it’s no wonder this group has been exciting audiences throughout the Capital Region and beyond for more than two decades. Led by the ever-popular Jeff Walton on vocals, guitar, and harmonica, Big Medicine also includes Maggie Doherty, Tim Wechgelaer, Rick Bolton, Pat Perkinson, and Mike LoMaestro.

July 26 – Skippy and the Pistons

Timeless local favorite Skippy and the Pistons is an eight-piece classic rock horn band celebrating 49 years together. Sit back and enjoy CCR, the Moody Blues, and more nostalgic favorites.

August 4 – Mostly Modern's FAB 5

Mostly Modern's FAB 5 brings pop music to classical instruments through a string quartet joined by local star drummer Chris Carey. The group creates a unique and engaging sound that is fresh and fun, performing music from Bridgerton, film and television scores, and much more while celebrating its debut album.

August 11 – From the Caffè Lena School of Music

Celebrate the future of folk, jazz, and joyful music-making with The Rolling Pebbles and The Jazz Pebbles, two inspiring ensembles from the Caffè Lena School of Music.

The Rolling Pebbles are the senior ensemble of the School of Music, featuring dedicated young musicians ages 10 to 16 who have been rehearsing and performing together since 2020. Under the guidance of instructors Oona Grady, James Gascoyne, and Matt Griffin, these talented students have grown into a polished band with a deep appreciation for roots, folk, and acoustic traditions.

In 2024, several members of The Rolling Pebbles ventured into new musical territory and formed The Jazz Mode, an ensemble exploring improvisation and jazz standards with creativity and groove. Though still relatively new to the stage, The Jazz Mode are already turning heads with their energy and musical curiosity.

Together, these ensembles embody the heart of the Caffè Lena School of Music: creativity, collaboration, and community.

August 18 – Fenimore Blues

Fenimore Blues, based in Saratoga Springs, performs an eclectic mix of blues, R&B, and rock. The powerful vocals of Sherian Nolan are backed by musicians on guitar, keyboards, saxophone, bass, and drums, with one band member also performing on accordion. The group's varied repertoire draws inspiration from artists ranging from Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin to Santana and Tedeschi Trucks.

August 25 – Soul Session featuring Garland Nelson

Soul Session is a high-energy musical ensemble that will have audiences dancing all night long. Led by Garland Nelson, recipient of the 2019 Eddies Award for Best R&B Vocalist, Soul Session was also named the 2019 Eddies Award winner for Best Band in the Capital Region. Founded on the belief that soul music is God's multicultural lifeline, Soul Session delivers an unforgettable performance.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Concert Series Title Sponsor

• Meier Law Firm

Performance Supporter Sponsors

• High Peaks Canna
• Saratoga Automobile Museum
• Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC)
• Stewarts Shops

Music Under the Stars Sponsors

• Adirondack Trust Company/AMSURE
• Courtyard Marriott Saratoga & Excelsior Springs Event Center
• Cudney’s Cleaners
• First New York Federal Credit Union
• NBT Bank