News

August 1, 2025

WAMC Hudson River Sampler Coming to Music Haven

WAMC On The Road brings Hudson River Sampler, Northeast Public Radio’s Saturday night staple and folk music cabaret to Music Haven’s 35^th Anniversary Season on Saturday, August 16, at 7 p.m. In a broadcast recording for WAMC, host Wanda Fischer will share memories and live music in celebration of the program’s 43 years on the air. Fischer will be joined by friends and folk luminaries, who will serenade and gather the audience in song, in the best tradition of the folk music scene. Artists include Dan Berggren, Joe Jencks, Michael Jerling and Kate McDonnell.

Berggren, a March inductee to the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame, is an Adirondack legend—“a tradition-based songsmith who writes with honesty, humor and a strong sense of place.” www.berggrenfolk.com.

A 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, Joe Jencks virtually embodies the form with a commitment to social justice in song. “Joe delivers engaged musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit.” www.joejencks.com.

Jerling, the dean of Saratoga Springs songwriters, is described as “a keen student of the good and ghastly in American life—he weaves themes like a novelist, evoking our shortcomings and dreams without yielding to cynicism or sentimentality.” www.michaeljerling.com.

McDonnell, a Voorheesville resident, recently returned from Europe—where she has frequently toured—on the heels of her latest release, Trapeze, a collection of songs rooted in contemporary American life. She will be accompanied at Music Haven by guitarist Jimi Woodul. www.katemcdonnell.com.

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’s food truck joins Music Haven’s food court this year, serving a variety of plates and handheld entrées inspired by its award-winning American gastropub fare. The brick concession stand—now dubbed the Stageside Pub—carries on the tradition of showcasing cuisine that reflects the locales from which the artists hail. In light of cool Adirondack nights, Nicole’s Catering will offer three varieties of classic chili—beef, white chicken and vegetarian and Adirondack maple cake. Pizza, hot dogs/chili dogs, desserts, snacks, soft drinks, virgin pina coladas, wine, and locally handcrafted beer from Wolf Hollow, Frog Alley, and Nine Pin Cider will also be available. Ben & Jerry’s returns, putting the proverbial cherry on top of every concert with its premium ice cream.

See www.musichavenstage.org/dining-options for menu details.

In the case of inclement weather, The William W. Ziskin Black Box Theater at Schenectady High School is the rain site for WAMC On the Road.

Join us in traveling the world one concert at a time!

Music Haven 2025

7 p.m. Sundays (unless otherwise noted)

Aug. 17—Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience (Zydeco)

Special Guests: Keith Pray’s Mohawk Brass Band

www.terrancesimien.com

Aug. 24—Edmar Castañeda World Ensemble (Global Jazz)

Special Guests: Brian Melick & Friends

www.edmarcastaneda.com

Additional performances at Music Haven 2025