NEWSLETTER
Lake George, N.Y. - The Lake George Arts Project is proud to announce the return of Jazz at the Lake, taking place September 12-14, 2025 in Shepard Park, Lake George, NY.
Now in its 41st year, Jazz at the Lake is one of the Northeast’s premier jazz festivals. Set against the backdrop of beautiful Lake George, the festival celebrates the vibrant and diverse genre of jazz and brings together talented musicians from around the country. Ranked as one of the top 20 longest, consecutive-running jazz
The artists performing at Jazz at the Lake 2025 represent a thrilling cross-section of today's jazz scene, blending tradition with bold innovation. From the lyrical violin of Sara Caswell and the poetic storytelling of Matt Wilson’s Honey & Salt to the Afro-Cuban brilliance of Alfredo Rodríguez and the boundary-pushing sounds of Trio Grande, this year’s lineup offers a dynamic journey through the diverse voices shaping contemporary jazz.
“I am tremendously excited about each of the artists who will be performing at this year's jazz festival,” says Daniel Kelly, Festival Curator. “As curator of the festival, each year I aim to create an exciting musical journey for our audience. Over the course of the weekend, audiences will hear a wide range of artists who continue to expand and explore the limitless possibilities of jazz music.”
“For over four decades, Jazz at the Lake has exemplified the Lake George Arts Project’s mission to present world-class arts programming that is both accessible and impactful,” said Tanya Tobias, Executive Director of the Lake George Arts Project. “We are honored to continue this tradition in 2025, offering a festival that not only showcases the extraordinary breadth and depth of contemporary jazz but also contributes meaningfully to the cultural and economic vitality of the Lake George region.”
The Festival Kicks-Off Friday Night (Sept 12)
All shows on the Shepard Park stage unless otherwise noted
6:00pm: Sara Caswell Quartet
Grammy-nominated violinist Sara Caswell has been featured on over 100 recordings and has been voted into the DownBeat Magazine Critics and Readers Polls every year since 2013, Sara has released three highly-acclaimed albums under her own name –The Way to You (2023), But Beautiful (2005), and First Song (2000) and has toured internationally with Esperanza Spalding and Mark O’Connor.
7:30pm: Jazz Around Town
At partner locations throughout Lake George: A new favorite among festival goers, Jazz Around Town celebrates local and regional jazz musicians with performances at partner locations throughout Lake George.
Chad McLoughlin Trio
at The Caldwell Lake George Library (336 Canada St., LG): Chad has studied music since the age of 11 and has been performing professionally since he was 15. His creative approach and virtuosic technique have impressed audiences throughout his career. He is credited with performing with a wide range of artists including David Kikoski, Bob Francesini, Mike Stern, Joel Rosenblatt, Carlo DeRosa, Richie Cannata, Chrissy Poland, Little Anthony, David Sancious, Manolo Badrena, David Torn, Ricky Neson, Bo Diddley and many others.
Scott Hopkins Trio with Special Guest Erik Kihss
At The Barnsider (2112 US-9, LG): The Scott Hopkins Trio brings together seasoned musicians – Lou Smaldone on upright bass, Brian Melick on percussion, and special guest Erik Kihss on keyboards to explore the rich and varied landscape of jazz and its many intersections. Rooted in jazz traditions but unafraid to venture into Blues, Americana, and improvisational roots music, the trio blends original compositions with creative interpretations of standards and genre-crossing material.
Alan Thomson Trio
At Mezzaluna (267 Canada St., LG): The Alan Thomson Trio, based in Albany, New York, brings a fresh, interpretive energy to jazz standards and American popular songs, blending decades of musical experience. Led by veteran pianist Alan Thomson, the group features bassist and composer Tony Berman and drummer Jim Kettere - each accomplished performers, educators, and contributors to the broader jazz and contemporary music scenes. Together, they create dynamic, expressive performances rooted in tradition but driven by personal artistry and global perspective.
Steve Horowitz Trio
At the Lighthouse (4 Kurosaka Ln., LG): Trumpeter and flugelhornist Steve Horowitz, pianist Wayne Hawkins, and bassist Mike Lawrence bring decades of experience to the stage. Horowitz has performed widely for over 40 years, from jazz ensembles and brass bands to the local Gypsy Jazz scene, collaborating with acclaimed musicians and groups throughout the region. Hawkins, with over 40 recordings to his name, is a pianist, composer, educator, and author whose career spans Kansas City to Skidmore College, blending jazz with diverse traditions including Brazilian music and sacred chant. Lawrence, a longtime Capital Region bassist and educator, has recorded on notable jazz albums and performed with a wide range of renowned artists, from Gary Smulyan to Wycliffe Gordon, while remaining a fixture in ensembles, festivals, and theater productions across the area.
Angelina & JP
At The Inn of Lake George Lobby Bar (12 McGillis Ave., LG): Angelina & JP are a musical duo from opposite ends of New York’s Capital Region, brought together by a shared love of all things music. Angelina Valente studied Musical Theatre, while JP Hubbs focused on Piano – but their paths crossed in 2017 when they both joined an eight-piece bluegrass band. Together, they dive into jazz standards, discover fresh takes on the genre, and write originals. But what really sets them apart is their knack for reimagining unexpected tunes—songs you’d never think of as jazz—infusing them with swing, soul, and style that’s entirely their own.
Unleash Your Inner Jazz Fan on Saturday (Sept 13)
All shows on the Shepard Park stage unless otherwise noted
10:00am: Coffee and Jazz
At Hello Sunshine Bagel Bistro: All are welcome to join us for our popular Coffee and Jazz, a program that combines the melodies of jazz with coffee and the camaraderie of fellow jazz enthusiasts. Enjoy free coffee with a performance by the Tyler Giroux & Dylan Perrillo Duo.
1:00pm: Matt Wilson’s Honey & Salt
NEA Jazz Master Matt Wilson leads this acclaimed ensemble whose album Honey & Salt received praise for its fusion of jazz and poetry. Wilson is a four-time DownBeat Critics Poll winner for "Rising Star Drummer."
3:00pm: Lucía
Lucía, is a Mexican-born vocalist who gained international recognition as a finalist in the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Her debut album, Lucía, showcases her versatility with a blend of jazz standards and Latin American songs, featuring collaborations with renowned musicians such as Edward Simon, Larry Grenadier, Antonio Sánchez, and David Sánchez.
5:00pm: Jeremy Pelt Quintet
Jeremy Pelt, a regular in DownBeat and JazzTimes
7:00pm: Alfredo Rodríguez Trio
Grammy-nominated Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodríguez, discovered by Quincy Jones, has performed at top venues including the Montreux Jazz Festival. His albums like The Invasion Parade and Duologue have received international acclaim.
Savor the Final Notes of the Festival on Sunday (Sept 14)
All shows on the Shepard Park stage unless otherwise noted
10:30am: Jazz at the Lake Jazz Cruise
On Waterfront Cruises’ Adirondac: Enjoy live music, breakfast fare, and breathtaking views while cruising the sparkling waters of the Queen of American Lakes. The tour will take passengers on a two hour cruise, north to Bolton Landing and return to Lake George in time for our first act on the Shepard Park stage. This is a ticketed event.
This year’s featured artist is the Arch Stanton Quartet. Capital Region favorite, the Arch Stanton Quartet, performs original jazz that is experimental, yet rooted in bop and post-bop traditions.
1:00pm: Trio Grande
Trio Grande features saxophonist Will Vinson, guitarist Gilad Hekselman, and drummer/bassist Nate Wood - each a celebrated bandleader with acclaimed recordings. The members have collaborated with artists like Chris Potter, John Scofield, and Kneebody.
3:00pm: Edmar Castañeda Quartet
Colombian harpist Edmar Castañeda has redefined the harp in jazz, performing at Carnegie Hall and collaborating with artists like Hiromi and Paquito D’Rivera. His genre-defying albums have topped world and jazz charts globally.
5:00pm: David Gilmore Quartet
Guitarist David Gilmore, who has performed with Wayne Shorter and Steve Coleman, is a recipient of a Chamber Music America New Jazz Works grant. He has released several critically acclaimed albums and is currently on faculty at Berklee College of Music.
For full schedule details, artist bios, and event updates, visit lakegeorgearts.
The Lake George Arts Project would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Gruskin Creative, the Town of Lake George, the Village of Lake George, Warren County Tourism, the New York State Council on the Arts, Anonymous, and our generous members and supporters for supporting this year’s Jazz at the Lake. We would also like to thank our Blue Note sponsors: McDonald’s Exit 18: Queensbury, The Charles R. Wood Foundation, Advance Rental, Ben & Jerry’s Lake George, and Stewart’s Shops.
About The Lake George Arts Project:
The Lake George Arts Project was established in 1977 to offer comprehensive programs in the arts. Its mission is to provide exposure and income opportunities to professional and emerging artists, and to provide quality arts programming for the residents and visitors of the Lake George region. Our music and art programs include year-round Courthouse Gallery exhibitions, as well as exhibitions of work by regional artists in our Project Local program, Jazz at the Lake in September, our Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series, and many outreach programs, partnership events, and special programs.
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