Music Haven Celebrates 35 Years in Central Park
Traveling the World One Concert at a Time since 1990
Music Haven Concert Series 2025
Sundays at 7 p.m. /Special Events as noted
July 13–Aug. 29
Music Haven Stage
Central Park, Schenectady, NY
Free
(Rain site for most performances is Proctors)
Since 1990, Music Haven has been bringing the world to the heart of Schenectady’s Central Park via free concerts by noteworthy international touring artists. That commitment continues with a 35thAnniversary Season chock full of sonic adventures from five continents. From July 13 through Aug. 29, the award-winning destination series will offer ten varied and dazzling concerts; a celebrated local music festival; an annual, eagerly anticipated Blues BBQ; and a three-part film series exploring even more aspects of music.
“As we approach this milestone anniversary season, I can’t help but reflect on the amazing musical journeys we’ve experienced together, traveling the world one concert at a time,” says Producing Artistic Director Mona Golub. “I marvel at the adventurous spirit of Music Haven audiences that come ready to explore new destinations, discover new sounds, and enjoy specialty food and beverages in the good company of community,” she added. "For me, the opportunity to present dynamic artists from all over the world who are at the top of their game never gets old.”
Music Haven’s Sunday global series 2025 kicks off in a mighty way with the Punjabi-inflected international fusion of Red Baraat—called “the best party band in years” by NPR. Malian quintet Bamba Wassoulou Groove follows with a scintillating mix of dueling, guitar-driven trance and dance music. Solas is celebrating, too, with 2025 marking the pioneering Celtic group’s 30th Anniversary.
The Blues Music Award’s 2025 Band of the Year, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats headline the Blues BBQ with a flashy West Coast spin on the classic form. The SteelDrivers, two-time Grammy Award winners, will hold sway with top shelf Nashville “Bluegrass soul.” Regional Roots Music Grammy-winner Terrance Simien throws down hard, Louisiana-style, with his Zydeco Experience. And a rare appearance by Edmar Castañeda World Ensemble, a multicultural collective led by Columbian jazz harpist Edmar Castañeda closes out the global Sunday series with a panoramic view of South America and far beyond.
Several notable non-Sunday performances will broaden Music Haven’s cultural reach even further: SUNY Schenectady’s Faculty Jazz Combo makes its annual headline appearance with this year’s featured guest—Grammy-winning Puerto Rican flautist, Nestor Torres.
WEXT’s Local 518 Fest brings five stellar bands to the stage for a half day of rock, soul, Americana, and folk. “Classical Mystery Tour:” A Tribute to the Beatles with the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra will bring various eras of Fab Four fare to the stage using authentic SONY-licensed orchestrations.
As per Music Haven tradition, the roll call of special guests for the season is just as impressive as the headliners they join. Quadrature’s “black hole blues” developed out of post-pandemic Brooklyn Raga Massive jams; Ballet Waramba effortlessly fuses African dance and storytelling with contemporary influences; Bostonians Matt & Shannon Heaton play updated and traditional Irish songs and tunes; Blues Music Award-winning guitarist Selwyn Birchwood and the exemplary Annie & The Hedonists each add their own flavors to classic American roots music; Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band suggest listeners, “Think Wilco with hints of Prine and Zappa;” Keith Pray’s Mohawk Brass Band, finds the local legend leading a blast of traditional New Orleans jazz; and recent Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame inductee Brian Melick—master of all things percussion—assembles a special group of friends as the season nears its close, to gather ‘round with a sound as wide open as Music Haven.
The popular Alfresco Film Series, co-presented with Film Schenectady features three blockbuster films on the final three consecutive Fridays of the season. Respect features Academy-award winner Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin, the multi-Grammy Award-winning “Queen of Soul”. This Is Spinal Tap, the hilarious 1984 cult classic that defined the genre of film known as the mockumentary, follows a fictitious British heavy metal band on a disastrous American tour. Wicked Sing-Along, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande is the untold story of the witches of Oz with star-led vocal warm-ups and karaoke-style subtitles that fuel the sing-along, elevating it to an otherworldly experience. The rain site for the Film Series is Scene One Movieland in downtown Schenectady.
A potpourri of food and beverages will be available for purchase at all shows, beginning one hour before 7 p.m. concert nights, and throughout festivals and special events.
Innovo Kitchen joins Music Haven’s food court this year with a variety of plates and handheld entrées reflective of its award-winning American gastropub fare. Reflecting tradition, Stageside Pub, the brick concession powered by Nicole’s Catering and various local restaurants*, will offer specialty entrees, desserts, and beverages reflecting the locales of the global artists—in addition to pizza, hot dogs, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, a selection of wine and locally handcrafted beer from Wolf Hollow, Frog Alley and Nine Pin Cider. Ben & Jerry’s returns to Music Haven to put the proverbial cherry on top of all concerts and events with premium ice cream.
*Shalimar (Latham), Caribe Spanish Restaurant & Sports Bar (Schenectady), 4 Corners Pizza (Schenectady), Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen (Albany).
In the case of inclement weather, Proctors remains the official rain site for most Music Haven shows. SUNY Schenectady’s Carl B. Taylor Auditorium is the rain site for the SUNY Schenectady Faculty Jazz Combo show. WEXT’s 518 Local Fest will be held rain or shine in the park.
For biographical information about the artists scheduled to perform, related news articles and archives of seasons past, visit Music Haven’s website. For updates and new details about upcoming shows—including weather calls— visit Music Haven Concert Series on Facebook and Instagram.