Music To Our Ears

Acoustic Eidelon, a Schroon Lake Arts Council Sponsored event this summer

As we have said time and time again, one of the many components that make Schroon so special to so many people is its love affair with the arts. From the Seagle Music Colony, to Open Mic night at Witherbees, to the arts and crafts market each week in the summer, to our weekly Square Dance in the park, to ADK Shakes, to the gallery featuring artists at the Town Store, art in Schroon is everywhere.

But there is one anchor that  year after year, for almost 40 years, has set the standard for music: The Schroon Lake Arts Council.

Every summer they sponsor the acoustic Band Jam at the Boat House as well as a world class series of performers that locals, second home owners, vacationers,  and “the Summer People” get the chance to experience in an intimate, lake side setting.

Here, we present the first of a two part series on some history of SLAC, as well as a preview to the upcoming Summer Concert Series. It's written by Jane Demaio.

"The Schroon Lake Arts Council (SLAC) has a long history in Schroon Lake.  SLAC was formed in 1974 to ensure that the arts were available to all the residences of the Schroon Lake region.

For 39 consecutive years SLAC has sponsored weekly summer concerts in the Schroon Lake Boathouse.  The concerts have included jazz, country, folk, klezmer, celtic and classical music. Presenting artists have included many local musicians as well as regional ones.

This year we are proud to have 3 concerts by artists  who have performed  internationally (Acoustic Eidelon, Red Molly and Sean Tyrell). The    fee is a $12,adult and $5, student. Families are given a reduced rate.  This price has not been raised in many years.  

 For 24 consecutive years  SLAC has hosted the Adirondack Folk Music Festival. The day-long festival is held outdoors in the town park overlooking the lake.  Each year there is a new line-up of 6-8 musicians.  The day is always a busy one with two simultaneous performances. While some musicians play outdoors in our gazebo, others are  presenting “workshops” in the Boathouse.

These workshops allow audiences to experience the artists in an intimate, informal setting, which includes conversation and questions.  Audiences have experienced sing-a-longs, clogging and dance instruction, and the experience of trying an instrument. Every year 300 to 400 people attend the Folk Festival, at no cost. This year it will be held on August 11 from 11:00am  to 5:00pm.