I’m feeling inspired by live music and our area after attending the first Levitt AMP Utica Concert Series of the year earlier this week. I attended with my colleagues from Kiss FM to film our FAM Bus Fridays video series, where we showcase different attractions and events to let locals (and visitors) know what’s happening in the area.
From the moment we arrived, we experienced the best vibes and nicest people (and delicious food). There’s more on the Levitt Series below, but we thought it’d be fun to write a blog about other live music events. Let us know what you’re looking forward to the most!
Jam That River (Haselton-Wright Park, Rome)
Thursday, June 29, 6-9 PM
Sponsored by Copper City Brewing Co. & The City of Rome, this new concert features the Seattle Sons, a grunge & hard rock band of the highest quality. Celebrating the bands, music and sounds that originated from Seattle, WA in the ‘90s (Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, etc.). The event will feature Copper City Brewing brews and drinks, plus Mangia Macrina, Rolling Stoves, and Grill ‘em All food trucks. Free to attend, rain or shine. No outside food or drinks please!
U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Free Concert (Rome Capitol Theatre, Rome)
Thursday, June 29, 7 PM
The Jazz Ambassadors is the official touring big band of the United States Army. This 19-member ensemble has received acclaim at home and abroad performing America’s greatest original art form, jazz. Tickets are free, limited to four per request. Doors open at 6 PM!
Taste of Oneida County (Verona Beach State Park, Verona)
Friday, June 30, 5-9 PM
Back for the second year, this event features food, drinks and live music from Patrick Young. Free admission to the park after 5 PM, 16+ food trucks, complimentary yoga from 7-8 PM (bring your own mat), splash pad for the kids, fairy hair, painting table from Kathy’s Ceramics, Sylvan Beach Fire Department, and some sample tastings from alcohol vendors. The event is family- and dog-friendly!
Ryan Quinn Live at Unity Hall (Unity Hall, Barneveld)
Saturday, July 15, 8 PM
Visit the beautiful Unity Hall in Barneveld and enjoy local favorite, Ryan Quinn. Ryan, most known for his four-chair-turning performance on Season 10 of NBC’s “The Voice,” will perform original music and his compelling arrangement of songs. Get your tickets here.
CNY Irish Festival (MKJ Farm, Deansboro)
Friday, July 21, 4-11 PM & Saturday, July 22, 12-11 PM
A two-day family-friendly event celebrating Irish music and culture. Head out to MKJ Farm, back at this location for the second year. Enjoy music from Irish favorites The Elders, Enter the Haggis, The Prodigals, Blarney Rebel Band & many more (check the link for a full schedule). The music will be running both days, all weekend long! Plenty of food, cultural events, a kid zone, and Highland Games.
Munson Arts Festival (Munson, Utica)
July 23-July 29
The Munson Arts Festival is the area’s longest running summertime celebration of arts and community. The multi-day event includes the Munson Car Show, Sidewalk Art Show, Steamrollin’ Prints, outdoor concerts by local and regional musicians every evening, and the special summer exhibition at the Museum of Art (this year, “Sporting Fashion: Outdoor Girls 1800 to 1960).
FREE Concerts at The Center (Rome Art and Community Center, Rome)
Monday, July 24 & more dates
The first of their free concert series will feature Pocket Change, followed by Liz Fiddle and Jeff Ingersoll. The concert will be on the lawn so grab your chair so you can enjoy an evening of bluegrass. There will be two performances, refreshments, and a food truck. Beer and wine will be available by donation. More concerts to be added so check here!
Three Dog Night Benefit Concert (Vernon Downs Casino Hotel, Vernon)
Thursday, July 27, 8 PM
Vernon Downs Casino Hotel will hold this benefit concert to raise funds for the Food Bank of Central New York. Three Dog Night, the iconic rock band from the ‘60s & ‘70s, will perform some of their biggest songs. The Food Bank of Central New York is a public charity that provides a network of resources for families across CNY. Fans can purchase the $20 tickets online here.
Happy Together Tour (Stanley Theatre, Utica)
Wednesday, August 2, 7:30 PM
The Tour is once again joined by The Turtles, who also act as musical hosts for the evening. Along with The Turtles will be Little Anthony, Gary Puckett, The Union Gap and more. Get tickets here!
Collective Soul & Umphrey’s McGee (Saranac Brewery, Utica)
Friday, August 18 & Saturday, August 19
Collective Soul will perform at Saranac Brewery on 8/18 with special guests Rubikon. Tickets are $39.50 in advance, $45 at the door. Grab yours here. The following night, Umphrey’s McGee takes the stage with special guests TAUK. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 the day of. Get your tickets here. Be sure to grab a beer and some food at the biergarten prior to the show!
Clinton Art & Music Festival (Clinton Village Green, Clinton)
Saturday, August 26, 10 AM
A favorite local event, this festival includes live music all day, an artist market, food trucks, activities for the kids, a cornhole tournament, and art demos. Be sure to check their Facebook page and website for more info, including a schedule of live music!
Turning Stone Resort Casino (Verona)
Multiple dates & shows
For a full list of events, check out their Facebook page here. Upcoming shows include Tim McGraw on July 2, Cash and the Killer on July 8, Straight No Chaser: The Yacht Rock Tour on July 14, Maren Morris on July 30, Dan + Shay on August 12, and so many more!
Weekly Events:
Levitt AMP Utica Music Series (Kopernik Park, Utica)
Mondays through August 28 (no concert July 3)
Join for the 7th season of free concerts! Each week features an opening act at 5:30 PM, a youth intermission act at 6:30, and a headliner at 7. The beautiful park features tons of space, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Enjoy music from a variety of local & national bands. There are diverse food truck options, activities for kids, and it’s dog-friendly (leashed). The event is free and takes place rain or shine (when it rains, it’ll happen in the Munson Sculpture Court at Munson across the street).
What The Truck Food Truck Rally (Canal Park, Utica)
Tuesdays through August 29 (no event July 4)
Central New York’s biggest food truck rally returns on Tuesdays! Join every week for 12 food trucks and lots of fun, including live music each week. There are also special events that happen throughout the summer, such as Christmas in July on July 25, horse-drawn carriage rides, events for kids and more!
Sunset Sips at the Utica Zoo (Utica Zoo, Utica)
Fridays from July 7-August 25
Starting July 7, the Zoo will be open until 7 PM each Friday through 8/25. Regular admission prices apply! During these extended hours, there will be entertainment and their concession stand – Polly’s by Kookie’s Q – will be open to offer food, beer, wine, ice cream, and non-alcoholic beverages. Stop by, enjoy a light dinner, crack open a beverage, and enjoy a variety of music from great local artists… All while hanging with their more than 200 animals.
