Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks’ Free Summer Concert Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the Charles R. Wood Foundation.

In 2026, our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — a moment that changed the course of history. While the American Revolution is often remembered for its battles, bold leaders, and pivotal debates, it was also a time of deep patriotism, courage, and music.

Join us for a lively and engaging program that brings the spirit of the Revolution to life through song. Featuring eight historic pieces from the era, this performance weaves music together with storytelling, offering brief historical context that highlights the people, passions, and principles that shaped a nation.

More than a history lesson, this is an invitation to experience the Revolution as it was felt — in taverns, in camps, and in the hearts of those who longed for liberty.

All Event Sessions

Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks’ Free Summer Concert Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the Charles R. Wood Foundation.

Our Summer Concert Series continues with Dan Duggan and Peggy Lynn, who are both steeped in Adirondack history and culture for decades. Individually and together, they share their knowledge and appreciation of the region through stories and tunes that engage every audience, especially families and children.

Peggy Lynn, singer and songwriter, runs from folk to blues with a style and range that gives meaning and emotion to all her work. Her most powerful message is for the contributions and burdens of women. Peggy believes there needs to be a female role added to the record of Adirondack history. She co-authored Breaking Trail: Remarkable Women in the Adirondacks. Bringing these stories to the public stage in her own program, “Mountain Women Can Be Heroes,” Peggy celebrates, through song and story, the comical, amazing and poignant experiences of Adirondack women as the unsung heroes.

Dan Duggan, nationally touring performer, is rapidly being acknowledged as one of the finest dulcimer players and composers in the country. As recipient of the prestigious National Hammered Dulcimer Championship, Dan's accomplishment, is even more considerable as he is the first winner to have performed all original compositions. Dan's renditions of traditional Irish and American tunes reflect his study and understanding of their original context. Whether re-creating 18th century harp pieces or vibrant 19th century dance tunes, Dan has engaged audiences nationwide in a variety of musical styles and moods.

All Event Sessions

Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks’ Free Summer Concert Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the Charles R. Wood Foundation.

Our Summer Concert Series continues with Dan Duggan and Peggy Lynn, who are both steeped in Adirondack history and culture for decades. Individually and together, they share their knowledge and appreciation of the region through stories and tunes that engage every audience, especially families and children.

Peggy Lynn, singer and songwriter, runs from folk to blues with a style and range that gives meaning and emotion to all her work. Her most powerful message is for the contributions and burdens of women. Peggy believes there needs to be a female role added to the record of Adirondack history. She co-authored Breaking Trail: Remarkable Women in the Adirondacks. Bringing these stories to the public stage in her own program, “Mountain Women Can Be Heroes,” Peggy celebrates, through song and story, the comical, amazing and poignant experiences of Adirondack women as the unsung heroes.

Dan Duggan, nationally touring performer, is rapidly being acknowledged as one of the finest dulcimer players and composers in the country. As recipient of the prestigious National Hammered Dulcimer Championship, Dan's accomplishment, is even more considerable as he is the first winner to have performed all original compositions. Dan's renditions of traditional Irish and American tunes reflect his study and understanding of their original context. Whether re-creating 18th century harp pieces or vibrant 19th century dance tunes, Dan has engaged audiences nationwide in a variety of musical styles and moods.

All Event Sessions

Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks’ Free Summer Concert Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the Charles R. Wood Foundation.

Fiddle tunes, folksongs and fancy footwork will be featured from this acoustic duet called Quickstep. John Kirk is the primary vocalist and instrumental wizard on fiddle mandolin & more. Trish Miller plays banjo, guitar and provides percussive dance steps. Together, this married couple has been working and teaching in upstate New York for over three decades. They present traditional tunes and witty songs with unique arrangements and warm clear vocals.

Old time music is the basis for their repertoire, but they also like to mix in some originals, Celtic, early country songs, humorous selections, and Appalachian clog dancing. Many songs and tunes are rooted in the local lore of the northeast woodlands. Their story-telling songs and poetic pieces make their shows fine entertainment for all ages.

In 2022, John was inducted into the North American (& NY) Fiddler’s Hall of Fame. The duet has twice been nominated for Eddie Awards in New York’s Capitol district. Both of them are music instructors at Skidmore College, and John is part of the music faculty at Bennington College as well. They have been given numerous grants for concerts and teaching including their selection by the US State Department to various cities in Eastern Europe. As teaching artists, John & Trish have conducted school programs and residencies in music & dance heritage since the 1990’s. For many years, they have taught at summer music camps, museums, libraries, coffeehouses and more. From Carnegie Hall to their local Flurry Festival, John & Trish entertain and they work to carry on lively, traditional tunes & dances.

All Event Sessions

Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks’ Free Summer Concert Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the Charles R. Wood Foundation.

Truck-driving Adirondack folk musician, Josh Clevenstine, follows in the footsteps of his musical mentors, Chris Shaw and Dan Berggren. A proud “tradition-bearer,” Josh is passionate about applying his own style to old songs and traditions and passing them along to the next generation. His music—propelled by crosspicking guitar reminiscent of the great Johnny Cash—is marked by honest lyrics drawn from his own experiences. Harlan Howard famously described country music as “3 chords and the truth,” and Josh’s powerful songs are a testament to the magic inherent in that particular formula.

All Event Sessions

Spend an evening steeped in traditional Adirondack folk music, regional history, and storytelling with Adirondack original Dan Berggren. A beloved singer-songwriter and cultural ambassador of the North Country, Dan brings decades of music and lived experience to the stage.

Through original songs and Adirondack ballads, he captures the landscapes, people, and traditions that define the region—offering a warm, engaging celebration of Adirondack heritage and community.

All Event Sessions

Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks’ Free Summer Concert Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the Charles R. Wood Foundation.

Seasoned solo performers Dan Berggren, Peggy Lynn and Dan Duggan have combined talents to create a dynamic trio called The Jamcrackers. Named in honor of the river drivers who broke up log jams, they worked hard to find solutions to get things rolling again and it was a job that couldn’t be done alone. Dan, Peggy and Dan feel the same way about their music. These good friends and accomplished musicians bring a rare blend of humor, history, and musical spirit to their performances.

All Event Sessions

Spend an evening steeped in traditional Adirondack folk music, regional history, and storytelling with Josh Clevenstine. A passionate interpreter of North Country traditions, Josh brings heartfelt musicianship and a deep appreciation for Adirondack culture to the stage.

Mentored by Adirondack legends such as Dan Berggren and Chris Shaw, Josh carries forward a rich musical lineage rooted in the people and places of the North Country. Through traditional ballads and time-honored songs, he shares the landscapes, legends, and everyday stories that define the region—offering a warm, engaging celebration of Adirondack heritage and community.

All Event Sessions

Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks’ Free Summer Concert Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the Charles R. Wood Foundation.

Write what you know. Tell a story. Let the journey be your guide. So true. If only we all could tell our stories in the beautiful, moving, and melodic ways that Sara Milonovich does. Enjoy as she shares her fiddle-fueled, heady harvest of heart-stopping, original “roots rock” and alt-Americana.

All Event Sessions

Spend an evening steeped in traditional Adirondack folk music, regional history, and storytelling with Adirondack original Dan Berggren. A beloved singer-songwriter and cultural ambassador of the North Country, Dan brings decades of music and lived experience to the stage.

Through original songs and Adirondack ballads, he captures the landscapes, people, and traditions that define the region—offering a warm, engaging celebration of Adirondack heritage and community.

All Event Sessions

Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks’ Free Summer Concert Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the Charles R. Wood Foundation.

From Upstate New York, Oona Grady (fiddle/viola/vocals) and James Gascoyne (guitar/banjo/vocals) play and sing North Atlantic dance tunes and folk songs as members of this amazing music venture, Drank the Gold.

Steeped in Irish music for as far back as she can remember, Oona spent many years living in Cork, Ireland, where she honed her skills as a fiddle player and Irish music specialist. Upon moving back to her hometown of Ithaca, NY, Oona immersed herself in the local traditional music scene and incorporated old time and Cajun tunes into her repertoire.

Growing up outside Louisville, KY, James was surrounded by music from an early age; radio, vinyl records, church music, and live concerts were a part of daily life. Finding his own musical style as an adult, James always keeps his ears open for sounds – new, old, familiar, or strange. While singing and playing guitar and banjo with Drank The Gold, he delves into the traditions of American old time and Irish dance tunes, while keeping true to his borderless, experimental musical roots.

Now based in Saratoga Springs, NY, Oona and James collaborate as Drank The Gold, bringing new perspectives and innovative arrangements to the music they love. “Craic agus ceol!” (“Good times and music!”)

All Event Sessions

Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks’ Free Summer Concert Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the Charles R. Wood Foundation.

Enjoy an evening listening to this dynamic duo on the shores of Sagamore Lake. Keanen Stark (guitar, banjo, harmonica) is becoming a master of the old-time folk styles of Woody Guthrie. A folk singer in the truest sense, with a knack for cross-harp, his stripped-down, minimalist take on traditional folk music is sure to please. Orion Kribs (mandolin, guitar) is a world-class mandolin player capable of breakneck speed and nuanced solo work.

All Event Sessions

Spend an evening steeped in traditional Adirondack folk music, regional history, and storytelling with Adirondack original Dan Berggren. A beloved singer-songwriter and cultural ambassador of the North Country, Dan brings decades of music and lived experience to the stage.

Through original songs and Adirondack ballads, he captures the landscapes, people, and traditions that define the region—offering a warm, engaging celebration of Adirondack heritage and community.

All Event Sessions

Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks’ Free Summer Concert Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the Charles R. Wood Foundation.

Cari Ray is a multi award-winning creative force. Her musical influences as a writer and performer are clear and present in her original material. But it’s her raw honesty, storytelling and ability to transport the listener into the worlds she creates that truly captivate. Her live performance will have your heart breaking one minute and your hips shaking the next.

All Event Sessions

Spend an evening steeped in traditional Adirondack folk music, regional history, and storytelling with Josh Clevenstine. A passionate interpreter of North Country traditions, Josh brings heartfelt musicianship and a deep appreciation for Adirondack culture to the stage.

Mentored by Adirondack legends such as Dan Berggren and Chris Shaw, Josh carries forward a rich musical lineage rooted in the people and places of the North Country. Through traditional ballads and time-honored songs, he shares the landscapes, legends, and everyday stories that define the region—offering a warm, engaging celebration of Adirondack heritage and community.

All Event Sessions

Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks’ Free Summer Concert Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the Charles R. Wood Foundation.

From the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, High on the Hog Stringband was born of late nights spent trading southern-Appalachian fiddle tunes, country standards, and homemade Adirondack originals. Equally at home under a festival tent or in a living room, the trio of multi-instrumentalists — Bill Chamberlain, Tyler Dezago, and Marion Hoelzel — together bring forth strong driving melodies on fiddle, mandolin, guitar and banjo, often swapping instruments and sharing harmonies. The trio draws on the simplicity of strings and vocals steeped in an authentic musical tradition while adding their own unique sensibilities and perspective.

All Event Sessions

Spend an evening steeped in traditional Adirondack folk music, regional history, and storytelling with Adirondack original Dan Berggren. A beloved singer-songwriter and cultural ambassador of the North Country, Dan brings decades of music and lived experience to the stage.

Through original songs and Adirondack ballads, he captures the landscapes, people, and traditions that define the region—offering a warm, engaging celebration of Adirondack heritage and community.

All Event Sessions

Spend an evening steeped in traditional Adirondack folk music, regional history, and storytelling with Adirondack original Dan Berggren. A beloved singer-songwriter and cultural ambassador of the North Country, Dan brings decades of music and lived experience to the stage.

Through original songs and Adirondack ballads, he captures the landscapes, people, and traditions that define the region—offering a warm, engaging celebration of Adirondack heritage and community.

All Event Sessions

Spend an evening steeped in traditional Adirondack folk music, regional history, and storytelling with Adirondack original Dan Berggren. A beloved singer-songwriter and cultural ambassador of the North Country, Dan brings decades of music and lived experience to the stage.

Through original songs and Adirondack ballads, he captures the landscapes, people, and traditions that define the region—offering a warm, engaging celebration of Adirondack heritage and community.

All Event Sessions