Great Musical Performances and New Experiences
2025-2026 Season Opens in September
Cooperstown Concerts wrapped up our 55th season on a high note in May, completing a vibrant and diverse lineup of eight performances that drew over 1,350 people from across the region.
The season featured sold-out concerts, outstanding reviews from attendees, new food, drink, and lodging offers, and strong support from donors and sponsors. The performances were held across world-class venues, including The Otesaga Resort Hotel and the newly added intimate Fenimore Art Museum Theater and Fenimore Farm & Country Village. The 2025-2026 season opens in September.
We greatly appreciate every person who came to a show, and every sponsor, donor, and partner who supported us. Cooperstown Concerts, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing outstanding music and experiences close to home, fostering connection and community. Thank you for helping us keep the music playing!
We look forward to seeing you in September! ‘Til then, we thought you may enjoy a look back at the 2024-2025 season. Have a great summer!
Randy Smith
Cooperstown Concerts, President
Jimkata and Live Audience – February 2025; Photo by Noah Beers, Jimkata Photographer
Read more about 2024-2025 season highlights here…
The 2024-2025 season showcased an exciting range of musical genres – from West African folk and hard-driving bluegrass to indie rock, Latin dance, progressive chamber music, and roots reggae – captivating audiences, providing musical diversity, and supporting community engagement.
The season featured eight shows from October to March, and opened with the world-renowned kora virtuoso Yacouba Sissoko, whose melodies and storytelling offered a profound introduction to West African musical traditions. In November, indie rock band Annie in the Water delivered pure fun as they celebrated their new album, a heartfelt homage to their upstate New York roots. December brought the vibrant rhythms of Latin band ZapOte that had everyone dancing the night away.
Harvest & Rust kicked off the new year headlining at Cooperstown Winter Carnival, where their tribute to Neil Young resonated deeply with fans. Electro-rock band Jimkata helped chase the winter blues away with a high-energy, positive performance in February. The award-winning bluegrass band East Nash Grass delighted the crowd in March with their staggering instrumental abilities and dynamic performance. The virtuosic and charismatic violin-guitar duo ArcoStrum dazzled in April with their innovative chamber music interpretations, pushing the boundaries of classical performance.
Arcostrum – April 2025, Photo Credits: Randy Smith, Jeff Schneider and Leslie Bonacum
The season concluded in early May with an evening that truly captured the spirit of celebration and community. The sold-out island-themed party, including Caribbean-inspired food and drinks and a large dance floor, featured music by The Big Takeover – a roots reggae and Jamaican pop band with infectious rhythms and feel-good vibes.
Great Shows Enhanced by New Experiences
Beyond the great performances, Cooperstown Concerts offered a range of exciting new features to elevate the audience experience. In partnership with The Otesaga Resort Hotel, each show at the hotel included a concert Bar & Lounge where concertgoers could gather with friends and enjoy a relaxed social setting. Concertgoers also had access to exclusive discounted overnight rates at several local hotels/inns, turning an evening of music into an overnight escape. Additional features included free Latin dance lessons, free pre-show entertainment, and a VIP experience with an intimate acoustic performance. The grand finale of the season took things up a notch with an island-inspired celebration, featuring a festive buffet and tropical cocktails from Mel’s at 22, plus a spacious dance floor.
We want every Cooperstown Concerts event to be more than a show. It’s about creating a memorable night out – from incredible artists and stunning venues to connecting with friends, meeting new people, enjoying new music, dancing, and even a place to stay.
The Big Takeover – May 2025, Photo Credits: Randy Smith, Jeff Schneider and Leslie Bonacum
2025-2026 Season Opens in September
As Cooperstown Concerts looks to the 2025-2026 season, we’re excited to continue to bring world-class live music to beautiful local venues in the region, fostering a vibrant arts scene that supports connections and community. The 2025-2026 season will launch in September 2025. Additional season details will be announced in August.
- For more information about Cooperstown Concerts and upcoming events, visit www.cooperstownconcerts.org, or join the mailing list for the latest news and updates
- To donate to Cooperstown Concerts, a nonprofit organization, go to https://cooperstownconcerts.org/donate/
- For volunteer opportunities with Cooperstown Concerts, please contact info@cooperstownconcerts.org
