While spring is trying to find its way to Glens Falls, and leaves and buds are peeking out to see if it is safe, we have many reasons to come out of our homes to blossom. By listening to live music! Oh joy! There are so many choices in this area and I encourage you to add one or all of my recommendations to your calendar this month.
May 5 • Glens Falls Symphony • Glens Falls High School
It is amazing to have a world class symphony in our little city of Glens Falls. Truly something to celebrate and support. The Glens Falls Symphony season finale concert: Bernstein's Chichester Psalms and Beethoven's spectacular Ninth Symphony will be performed with a chorus of around 180 voices from local choral groups, including Adirondack Voices and Queensbury High School Madrigals and Concert Choir. There are still tickets (get yours here!) but it looks like they are going fast! It will be a true ode to joy!!
May 5 - Albany Pro Musica - Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
I would be attending the Glens Falls Symphony concert if I wasn’t singing on the same day with Albany Pro Musica! By far the best chorus I’ve ever sung with - we’ll be singing Mozart’s Mass in C Minor and a new commissioned work by APM Composer-in-Residence Ola Gjeilo. Two great options to choose from in one afternoon! Find more information here!
May 9 • Ustad Shafaat Khan • Crandall Public Library
Every Thursday I look forward to heading over to the library after dinner and popping in for the FREE concert series. I am amazed by the quality of the curation and how easy and accessible it is to attend. I have had a good amount of exposure listening to Indian music live - I lived in Fiji for a number of years where there is a large Indian population and sat for hours on a hard wooden bench during a wedding or puja and first heard the sounds of the sitar and tabla. I am looking forward to reliving some of these fond memories in the comfort of the library space listening to a world-renowned Indian classical musician, Ustad Shafaat Khan. I support world music performances in Glens Falls whenever I am able to as I value diversity and want to encourage more opportunities to open eyes and ears to the world. Music is a comfortable bridge that unites.
Ustad Shafaat Khan has performed all over the world and recently performed with Stevie Wonder at the world famous Bonnaroo Festival. And he’ll be right here in Glens Falls in the Crandall Public Library! Get the details here.
May 11 • Hui Cox and Laura Roth • Caffe Lena
When I first met Hui and Laura at Spector over a cup of coffee a few years ago, I understood why they were viewed as “celebrities” in Glens Falls. They are both so passionate about music and working together and they are fun and fabulous people! One of the highlights of my time at The Park Theater was having them perform there monthly. They put on a spectacular show and drew a loyal following. Laura has got a “show-stopper” voice and personality and Hui backs her with finesse on guitar. They will be celebrating the release of their new CD together “Karma Bound” at Caffe Lena and it will be a great night! Find all the details here.
May 17 • Traveler’s Tales • Hyde House
The Hyde Museum is one of my favorite spots to spend a rainy afternoon in Glens Falls. You can find me there a lot lately! I am excited to see it come to life theatrically as guests are lead through the museum and presented with tales of artwork from the perspective of guest characters. Art in the Public Eye is doing a fabulous job creating unique and enjoyable art opportunities for us to attend in Glens Falls! I’ll be at this one! More information here!
Susan Siplon is a singer, actor, artist and arts enthusiast who has been both on the stage and behind the scenes as a producer, festival director and venue manager. Susan recently moved to Glens Falls after living all over the country and in Fiji and New Zealand and has found the arts scene in this area to be one of the most vibrant and easily accessible that she has ever experienced.