Sag Harbor Hosts Weekend Of Free Music

The Sag Harbor American Music Festival returns for its eighth season with a weekend of free music. From Thursday, September 27, through Sunday, September 30, Sag Harbor Village will become a music lover’s dream as performers take over public spaces, restaurants, stores, and galleries.

Kicking off the festival will be two ticketed concerts, providing support to music programs at local schools for the SHAMF charitable organization. Directed by Sag Harbor’s own Dan Koontz, East End musicians will bring a special performance with a Sly & The Family Stone Celebration at Bay Street Theater on Thursday, September 27, at 8 PM. On Friday, September 28, Old Whalers Church will welcome 14-time Grammy winning country/bluegrass artist Dan Tyminski at 8 PM. Both of these ticketed concerts are $30, then, Saturday and Sunday, delight in complimentary music for the public.

“We believe in the power of live music — it brings people together and strengthens our community. As you walk around the festival, it’s like a sea of smiling faces and dancing in the streets, music everywhere. Pure joy!” Kelly Dodds, president and co-artistic director said. Many performances will take place at The Jackson Dodds & Co. Stage, in the alley next to American Hotel, and the Sag Harbor Express Stage, under the tent at Dodds & Eder Home.

Saturday and Sunday, at various times, join fellow concertgoers to the sounds of blues with Jack Lear Trio, ska with The Scofflaws, psychedelic rock with The Montauk Project, Americana with The Vine Brothers, Americana/roots/bluegrass with Cold Chocolate, and American roots rock with Inda Eaton.

Saturday’s lineup begins at 10 AM at Windmill Beach with a 30-piece percussion ensemble, Escola de Samba Boom. Walk into Harbor Books at 11:30 AM to hear singer/songwriter Rorie Kelly. Listen to acoustic-rock/folk artist Dante at the Sag Harbor Inn at 1 PM, or the rock jazz sounds of Unsung Heroes at Sag Pizza at 2 PM. Dine at Sen Restaurant with music by singer/songwriter pop artist Liam Meaney at 3:30 PM. Stop for a musical treat at Provisions at 4 PM to hear the American/blues Bodega Tall Boys. Sip and savor to Latin jazz of Ritchie Siegler Trio at Wölffer Kitchen at 4:30 PM, or Alfredo Merat Trio at Lulu Kitchen at 5 PM. Conclude the night with 21st Century Jazz at Barron’s Cove at 7 PM.

Sunday, listen to the likes of folk/rock band The Kennedys at the Sag Harbor Express Stage or conclude the American Music Festival with The Nancy Atlas Project at 5 PM.

All shows are rain or shine and subject to change. For a full list of concerts, visit www.sagharbormusic.org.

nicole@indyeastend.com