Music Haven Stage
Central Park, Schenectady, NY
Sundays at 7 p.m.; special events as noted
Free admission
(Rain site for most performances: Proctors)
This summer, audiences can travel from Cape Verde to Lafayette, Louisiana without ever leaving Central Park. The award-winning Music Haven Summer Series returns July 12 through Aug. 28 with a free season of global music, blues, bluegrass, comedy, jazz, film, show tunes and family-friendly community events in the heart of Schenectady.
Presented at the Music Haven Stage in Central Park, the 2026 season spans three continents and five countries, welcoming celebrated artists from American, Celtic, African, Caribbean and Gulf Coast traditions. The lineup includes Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, The Gibson Brothers, Elida Almeida, the John Doyle Quartet, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Kaleta & Super Yamba Band and Lost Bayou Ramblers, along with special events featuring The Second City Touring Company, the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra, SUNY Schenectady’s Faculty Jazz Combo with Jon Faddis, WEXT’s Local 518 Festival and the returning Alfresco Film Series.
“Music Haven has always been about connection through discovery,” says Producing Artistic Director Mona Golub. “I curate each season to bring world-class national and international touring artists to Central Park — performers our audiences might otherwise have to travel great distances to experience — and our Music Haven family helps create the welcoming experience that brings people together around the music.”
Music Haven’s 2026 Sunday global concert series launches July 12 with Angolan-born singer Ricardo Lemvo and his band Makina Loca, whose name translates, in Spanish, to “crazy machine.” In his adopted hometown, The Los Angeles Times has described Lemvo’s sound as “a blend of Cuban and Central African traditions that is seamless and organic—and infectious.”
New York State’s own Grammy-winning Gibson Brothers follow July 19, bringing Grand Ole Opry pedigree, international touring acclaim, finely wrought original songs and the unmistakable sibling harmonies that have made them bluegrass standard-bearers.
On July 26, Cape Verdean vocalist Elida Almeida brings a bright global-roots sound that marries traditional rhythms such as batuque, funaná, coladeira and tabanka with Latin influences.
The John Doyle Quartet takes the stage Aug. 2, with the acclaimed Dublin guitarist — one of the most influential accompanists and songwriters in contemporary Irish music — teaming with friends from Appalachia Rising for a fresh blend of Celtic and Americana.
Chicago guitar slinger Ronnie Baker Brooks, winner of 2025 Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year honors from the Blues Music Awards, headlines the always popular Music Haven Blues BBQ on Aug. 9.
Kaleta & Super Yamba Band keeps the season’s Afrobeat fire burning Aug. 16, with roots in the sounds of King Sunny Ade, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Lauryn Hill and David Byrne.
Southern Louisiana’s Lost Bayou Ramblers close out the Sunday series Aug. 23 with a Cajun flourish.
Music Haven’s 36th season also includes a slate of special events. WEXT’s Local 518 Festival returns on Saturday, July 25, with an afternoon and evening of rock, indie, hip-hop and pop from Capital Region artists. The Second City Touring Company brings top-shelf improv comedy to Schenectady on Thursday, July 30, drawing on the same legendary comedy tradition that launched alumni including Bill Murray, John Belushi, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, John Candy, Stephen Colbert and Chris Farley. On Saturday, Aug. 8, the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Glen Cortese, presents a tribute to Broadway favorites, with featured soprano Lisa Layman and tenor Brent Weber. On Thursday, Aug. 13, SUNY Schenectady’s Faculty Jazz Combo is joined by legendary trumpeter and educator Jon Faddis.
Special guests at Music Haven are far more than opening acts — they are artists of the same high caliber as the performers they join. Among those already booked for the 2026 season are Taina Asili, Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter, Yasser Tejeda, The Murphy Beds, Gballoi West African Drumming & Dance Ensemble, Misty Blues, Mulebone, and Cécilia.
The popular Alfresco Film Series, presented in partnership with Film Schenectady, returns as well, with Chuck Vosganian of Rochmon Record Club spinning music, food for purchase and pre-film fun beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by screenings at dusk. This year’s titles include Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson and chronicling Michael Jackson’s journey from Jackson 5 prodigy to global superstar; Saturday Night Fever, the landmark John Travolta hit that defined the disco era; and Song Sung Blue, based on the true story of two struggling musicians who find success — and love — through a Neil Diamond tribute act. The rain site for the Alfresco Film Series is The GE Theatre at Proctors in downtown Schenectady.
A potpourri of food and beverages will be available for purchase at all shows, beginning at 6 p.m. on concert nights, and throughout festivals and special events.
Innovo Kitchen returns to 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, The Stageside Pub, the brick concession powered by various local specialty restaurants and caterers, will offer entrees, desserts, and beverages reflecting the locales of the global artists—in addition to snacks, soft drinks, and a selection of wine, locally handcrafted beer from Wolf Hollow and 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.
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 Second City Touring Company performance. WEXT’s Local 518 Festival is outdoors, rain or shine.
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, follow Music Haven Concert Series on Facebook and Instagram.
The Agnes Macdonald Music Haven is family-friendly, easily accessible and has been oft-voted the “Best Outdoor Concert Venue” and “Best Concert Series” in the Capital Region.
Music Haven 2026
7 p.m. Sundays; special events as noted
July 12—Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca (Soukous and more)
Special Guest: Taina Asili
July 19—The Gibson Brothers (Bluegrass)
Special Guest: Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter
July 26—Elida Almeida (Global Roots)
Special Guest Yasser Tejeda
August 2—John Doyle Quartet (Celtic & Americana)
Special Guest: The Murphy Beds
August 9 —Blues BBQ—Ronnie Baker Brooks (Blues)
*5-9:30 p.m.*
Special Guests: Misty Blues and Mulebone
August 16—Kaleta & Super Yamba Band (Afrobeat)
Special Guest: Gballoi West African Drumming & Dance Ensemble
August 23—Lost Bayou Ramblers (Cajun)
Special Guest: Cécilia
Additional performances at Music Haven 2026
7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
Saturday, July 25—WEXT’s Local 518 Fest (rock, indie, hip-hop, pop)
*2-9:30 p.m.
Sponsors: The Community Foundation/Gary & Aimee Dake Advised Fund, Chet & Karen Opalka, Denis Entertainment Group, Music Haven Concerts
Thursday, July 30—Second City Touring Company (Improv Comedy)
Saturday, August 8—The SSSO—Tribute to Broadway (Symphonic Show Tunes)
Thursday, August 13—SUNY Schenectady’s Faculty Jazz Combo (Jazz)
Special Guest: Jon Faddis
Alfresco Film Series
Presented in partnership with Film Schenectady
The Rochmon Record Club, Food & Fun at 6:30 p.m.; Films at Dusk
8/14 —Michael
8/21—Saturday Night Fever
8/28—Song Sung Blue