Top Summer Concerts In 2021

MUSIC

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Although with some restrictions, season concerts are back. A few big names are coming Upstate this year, including the following artists—

June 25

Rocker Steve Augeri (formerly of Journey) performs at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, 8315 Park Road, Batavia (www.bataviadownsgaming.com). From 1998 to 2006, Augeri was lead vocalist for Journey, lending a melodious rock sound to the genre.

July 2

Country crooner Trace Adkins comes to The Vine at del Lago Resort and Casino, 1133 state Route 414, Waterloo (https://dellagoresort.com/entertainment/#upcoming-events). The Grammy-nominated vocalist is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, has performed nationwide for 20 years and sold 11 million albums.

July 4

Gap Mangione Big Band plays at Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum, 7606 N. Ontario St., Sodus Point (www.facebook.com/SodusBayLighthouseMuseum). Gap Mangione has won local popularity with its three trumpets, three trombones, four saxes, rhythm section and vocalists, playing swing through modern popular music.

July 9

Classic rocker Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles) performs at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, 8315 Park Road, Batavia (www.bataviadownsgaming.com). The former lead guitarist for The Eagles from 1974-2001, Felder performs his distinctive style in songs such as “Already Gone,” “One of These Nights,” “Take It to the Limit,” and “New Kid in Town.”

July 23

Skid Row rocks out at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, 8315 Park Road, Batavia (www.bataviadownsgaming.com). The rock band formed in 1986 and their current performers include bassist Rachel Bolan, guitarists Dave Sabo and Scotti Hill, drummer Rob Hammersmith and vocalist ZP Theart.

July 29 – Aug. 1

Bluegrass enthusiasts should check out the 13th Annual Brantling Bluegrass Festival in Sodus, which includes The Rebekah Long Band, Mountain Highway, Williamson Branch, Barn Floor Groovers, Remington Ryde, the Kevin Prater Band, Beartracks, Mike & Mary Robinson, Gone Fishin’ and Linabelle. The complete schedule is online. 4015 Fish Farm Road, Sodus. www.brantlingbluegrass.com.

Aug. 6

Seventies rockers Grand Funk Railroad perform at The Vine at Del Lago Resort, 1133 state Route 414. (https://dellagoresort.com/entertainment/#upcoming-events). Originating in Michigan in the 1970s, Grand Funk brings a unique style to the hard rock genre.

Aug. 20 – Sept. 6

Chevy Court at the Great New York State Fair, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse. Attend any Chevy Court concerts free at the fair with paid admission. Visit https://nysfair.ny.gov/venue/chevy-court for updated information as it is made available.

Aug. 27

Spin Doctors rock the house at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, 8315 Park Road, Batavia (www.bataviadownsgaming.com). Since the early 1990s, Spin Doctors has entertained with hits like “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong.” The band represents Chris Barron (lead vocals), Eric Schenkman (guitar and vocals), Aaron Comess (drums), and Mark White (bass guitar).

Oct. 2

Styx rocks out at The Vine at del Lago Resort and Casino, 1133 state Route 414, Waterloo (https://dellagoresort.com/entertainment/#upcoming-events). Styx is Tommy Shaw, acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, vocals; James “JY” Young, electric guitar and vocals; Chuck Panozzo, bass guitar; Todd Sucherman Drums, percussion, waterphone; Lawrence Gowan, piano, hammond B3 organ, synthesizers, and vocals; and Ricky Phillips Bass guitar, and vocals.