Live Music Highlights 2020

As Etta James has famously said, “The two things you can’t fake are good food and good music.” Thankfully we have both here in the North Country!

Note: Due to COVID, many of these events have happened differently in 2020 but bookmark this page as we plan a future of enjoying live music again. We did want to post this now because there are great live streaming events happening nearby to watch!

When noted, we have included live streams of music events that are happening virtually and will keep these updated as we know more. We've indicated virtual streaming opportunities below with a 💻.

We’ve tried to list all the live music opportunities that happen on a regular basis here in St. Lawrence County. Are we missing one? Leave a comment and we’ll update our post!

Ives Park Concert Series

💻The Crane School of Music - Live in Concert

Location: Potsdam but streaming online only for attendees
Dates: Throughout the year
The Crane School Of Music typically has performances on the SUNY Potsdam campus but this year is live streaming all events including student and faculty recitals. Programs for upcoming performances are available on their website and past performances are a playlist on their Youtube channel.
https://www.potsdam.edu/academics/crane-school-music/crane-school-music-live-concert

💻Community Performance Series

Location: Potsdam but streaming online only for attendees
Dates: Throughout the year
Community Performance Series is a college-community partnership that presents distinctive and renowned performing arts events in Northern New York since 1989. The Guest Artist Series brings performing artists to Potsdam. The Meet the Arts series introduces children and families to the performing arts through school-time programs and family-friendly events.
https://cpspotsdam.org/

Ives Park Concert Series

Location: Potsdam
Dates: Summer
The Ives Park Concert Series, organized by SLC Arts Council, holds free music concerts performed by local or originally local musicians in Ives Park, Potsdam, NY. All music is family friendly with musicians playing under the iconic Ives Park’s large gazebo.
https://www.facebook.com/ivesparkconcertseries/

Norwood Concert Series

Clifton-Fine Summer Music Series

Location: Wanakena
Dates: Summer
Part of the free events of the Cultural Arts Committee of CFEDC, this organization seeks to bring unique musical and theatrical events to the Clifton-Fine community, bridging together permanent and seasonal residents. Their summer music series is a mainstay, typically in outdoor venues like the Cranberry Lake Pavillion and Wanakena Town Green.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/Cultural-Arts-Committee-of-CFEDC-332518857127536/

Brick & Mortar Music

Location: Potsdam
Dates: Various
Brick & Mortar Music is a locally owned, full line music store that holds events at their location on Market Street in Potsdam. Past events have included a sip and shop, open mic nights, and an instrument string recycling event.
https://www.facebook.com/brickandmortarmusicpotsdam/events/

Brick and Mortar Music

Music on Main

Location: Canton
Dates: Thursday nights in September
Started in 2020, this entirely outdoor event organized by Grasse River Outfitters has local businesses hosting musicians and other events with local stores and restaurants staying open for shopping and takeout. Tables are set up for socially distanced outdoor dining.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2783226818573182

Maxfields Happy Hour

Location: Potsdam
Dates: Friday nights
Friday happy hour has shifted from inside to outside as well thanks to radiant heaters and some outdoor tables on Market Street in addition to its riverside deck. Free roast beef sandwiches with beverage purchases, there is live music at Maxfields most Fridays.
https://www.facebook.com/MaxfieldsPotsdam/events/

LoKo Festival, SUNY Potsdam

Location: Potsdam
Dates: April/May
The Festival encompasses all forms of artistic expression, including interdisciplinary artistic events and activities. Over the course of ten days, the campus and community experience a diversity of both traditional and contemporary visual, written, musical, dance and theatrical performances.
https://www.potsdam.edu/about/campus/creative/loko/about

Norwood Village Green Concert Series (NVGCS)

Location: Norwood
Dates: Summer
NVGCS is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to provide a free outdoor concert series in the North Country of New York State. Concerts typically happen Thursdays and Sundays at 7 pm on the Norwood Village Green (with the rain location typically being in the Norwood-Norfolk Auditorium).
http://nvgcs.org/

Ogdensburg Command Performances

Location: Ogdensburg
Dates: Various
Ogdensburg Command Performances presents the finest professional touring productions that are affordable for all, to enhance & enrich the lives of all residents of northern New York and eastern Ontario. Most performances feature a ‘preshow chat’ where theatre-goers have a chance to ‘meet and greet’ members of the touring troupes.
https://ilovetheatre.org/schedule.php