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OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT

DON JOVI

THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO BON JOVI JULY 11 | 8 PM | TICKETS $25

Get ready to rock out to the #1 Bon Jovi Tribute Band! Covering classic hits like Living on a Prayer, Wanted, and Bad Medicine. This is a show you don’t want to miss!

CHICKEN FRIED

A TRIBUTE TO ZAC BROWN AUGUST 1 | 8 PM | TICKETS $25 Join us for a night of country hits! Sing along to favorites like As She’s Walking Away, Cold Weather, Chicken Fried, and more!

CHICAGO TRANSIT

A TRIBUTE TO CHICAGO SEPTEMBER 12 | 8 PM | TICKETS $25 This band is the first and longest running tribute to the band CHICAGO in the world. You will hear Make Me Smile, Saturday in the Park, If You Leave Me Now, and so many more hits.

They Took The Work And Left The Check—But Now There’s A Law That Bites Back

Christine Collins

Somewhere in the North Country, a contract didn’t just break—it ghosted me. Like a bad Tinder date with a clipboard and a budget. The kind where the work is done, the venue’s cleaned up, the lights are dimmed, the crowd has roared—and somehow, miraculously, the check vanished into the ether.

It wasn’t my first heartbreak. This industry dishes out more empty promises than a reality TV proposal. And while we freelancers have always been the backbone of the show—designing, directing, promoting, producing, babysitting the egos, and still managing to look flawless on three hours of sleep— we’ve also been the first ones asked to work “for exposure,” or told the check is “in processing.”

Exposure? I’ve seen better deals on expired yogurt.

Here’s how it always goes: You hustle. You deliver. You exceed expectations. And then? Radio silence. Ghosted. Polite follow-ups are ignored. Excuses arrive in bulk. “We’re still reconciling accounts.” “You’ll be in the next round.” “Accounting is on vacation.” So is my patience, sweetheart.

But this time, something shifted.

This time, they underestimated the one thing more dangerous than a woman scorned: a freelancer with receipts and a legal clause bookmarked.

Enter: The Freelance Isn’t Free Act

Once a New York City-only law with dreams and stilettos, this legislation strutted its way upstate and planted itself firmly across all of New York State—heels dug in, contract in hand, and fully caffeinated.

This isn’t a suggestion. It’s a subpoena in sensible shoes.

If you’re a freelancer and your job is worth $800 or more, legally they owe

you a written contract and payment within 30 days. And if they don’t? That invoice becomes a boomerang—with interest. You’re entitled to double the amount owed, plus legal fees, plus protection from retaliation. That’s right. If someone tries to badmouth you, blacklist you, or “accidentally forget” to include you in next season’s schedule? Congratulations—they’ve just earned themselves a legal slap on the wrist (and maybe a public dragging, too).

Because now? The excuses are irrelevant. And the State of New York is officially done playing nice.

Let’s Talk About Who This Law Serves

Spoiler alert: it’s us. The ones tuning guitars, running press, booking talent, rigging lights, negotiating rates, fixing tech, designing graphics, saving shows, handling “emergencies” that should have been solved with basic planning—and doing it all with less respect than the venue gets for selling beer.

We’re the behind-the-scenes brilliance, the duct tape and diamonds of the operation. We make the magic. And yet, we’re constantly asked to work “for the love of the art” while landlords continue to demand actual rent.

We sign napkin deals that dissolve with the coffee rings. We’re told to “trust the process” when the process has bounced more checks than a shady ATM. And when we finally speak up about scope creep or nonpayment?

We’re called “difficult.” “High-maintenance.” “Unladylike.”

(Which is funny, considering how much unpaid labor we’re expected to perform while smiling.)

This law is for us. For every time we’ve bitten our tongues to protect a

gig. For every late payment we’ve forgiven to stay “in good graces.” For every production company that hid behind unread emails and vague texts.

The Freelance Isn’t Free Act isn’t just a law. It’s a vibe. It’s the moment the power dynamic flips.

No, It’s Not a Savior—It’s a Sword Let’s be clear: this law won’t eliminate all the shady deals. There will still be someone out there trying to pay you in “collab energy.” But now? You’ve got backup.

If your invoice goes unanswered? If your contract pulls a disappearing act? If your time is treated like a free sample at a grocery store?

You can file a formal complaint with the New York State Department of Labor. And if they still want to play hardball? There’s a whole directory of attorneys ready to assist—many on contingency or reduced rates.

Yes, the law gives you six years to make your move, but that doesn’t mean wait five and a half hoping they’ll grow a conscience. Receipts get lost, phones get ‘factory reset,’ and more than one hiring party has pulled a disappearing act under the guise of a spiritual awakening or a ‘pivot to wellness.’ Document now. Regret nothing later.

Start your paper trail yesterday. Screenshot like it’s an Olympic sport. Save every receipt like it’s a love letter from your future self saying, “I told you so.” Contracts? Make them duller than dishwater and tighter than a snare drum—legally binding, impossibly specific, and ideally written in a font only caffeine and betrayal could conjure. Because someday, someone will test you—and when they do, you won’t flinch. You’ll already have the evidence.

We’re Not Just Getting Even. We’re Getting Better. Right now, somewhere, a hiring party is Googling this law with shaky hands and a suddenly-revived conscience. And honestly? Good. Let them sweat. Let them learn that the era of unpaid labor is over. That artists talk. That freelancers organize. That exposure doesn’t pay our electric bills—and never did. This isn’t revenge. It’s restoration— and reckoning. It’s for every freelancer who bit their tongue to stay employable, who accepted silence in place of payment, who was told to be grateful for scraps and exposure while delivering excellence. Enough.

If you want the skill, the labor, the brilliance—the time gets paid. In full. On time. No excuses. Otherwise, you’re not just dodging emails anymore—you’re inviting attention from Albany and maybe even headlines. This is the turning point.

If you’ve been waiting for permission to speak up, consider this your green light. Document everything. File the complaint. Stand your ground. You’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. Not now. Not anymore. Never again.

39th Edition Of Syracuse International Jazz Fest June 29

Syracuse, NY . . . . The 39th edition of the Syracuse International Jazz Fest will take place Wednesday, June 25 through Sunday, June 29, 2025 in Downtown Syracuse and on the campus of Syracuse University. Admission for the region’s longest-running outdoor music festival is free for all events, and all ages are welcome. According to festival organizers, the 2025 festival lineup will include free performances nightly in Downtown Syracuse’s Clinton Square Park on the JMA Wireless Main Stage on Thursday, June 26, Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 between the hours of 4:00 pm and 11:00 pm

According to festival founder and longtime executive producer, Frank Malfitano, 3 Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, 1 NEA Jazz Master, 2 New Orleans Legends, and a plethora of International jazz artists from Italy, Sweden, Cuba, England and the USA will take the stage this June at Jazz Fest 39.

“Before we announce this year’s lineup, we want to give a major shout out to Onondaga County Executive J Ryan McMahon, the members of the Onondaga County Legislature and everyone at Onondaga County. We also want to thank the NYS Assembly and 127th District Assembly member, Al Stirpe. Together, they represent our two primary public sector grantor’s & ‘partners’ - who have been working

tirelessly and in tandem with all of the region’s participating corporate sponsors to make this year’s festival possible,” said Malfitano.

Malfitano went on to say that . . . . “our private sector match came from our friends and supporters at Syracuse University, JMA Wireless, Visit Syracuse, Amazon, National Grid, RAV Properties, Central New York Family Care, Market 32 - Price Chopper Supermarkets, Empower Federal Credit Union, Central New York Community Foundation, the Downtown Committee of Syracuse Foundation, administering the City of Syracuse’s cultural festivals fund, Nascentia Health, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, CNY Arts (Council) and Oakwood Cemeteries, who all stepped up big time to make this year’s festival happen.”

Malfitano added that June’s Clinton Square lineup at the JMA Wireless

Main Stage will feature performances by a host of national and international music artists, who will once again provide the kind of eclectic musical lineup that festival goers have come to expect from the Syracuse festival since 1982. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members The Spinners (I’ll be Around, Then Came You) and Journey’s Steve Smith (& Vital Information) will co headline on the night of Thursday, June 26, while New Orleans Legend Troy Andrews aka Trombone Shorty (& Orleans Avenue) will headline the JMA Wireless Main Stage on Friday, June 27th. Music Industry Legend Todd Rundgren will close out the evening of Saturday June 28th at Clinton Square, where he will be joined earlier in the evening by NEA Jazz Master & Big Chief Donald Harrison Jr, young Italian guitar virtuoso Matteo Mancuso, and Sweden’s Gunhild Carling, who returns to the festival this year by popular demand. “ I don’t

think there’s anyone who would argue that Gunhild Carling literally stole the show at last year’s Jazz Fest. Appearing alongside jazz superstar Kenny G, Gunhild took Syracuse completely by surprise last summer, and she floored everyone! “We had to bring her back.”

Rounding out 2025’s lineup, Jazz Fest will also present 2-Time GRAMMY award winner Steve Slagle and his quartet, Italian Saxophonist Ada Rovatti and her quintet, one of the world’s top female jazz instrumentalists. Scholastic standouts, the Orange Juice Syracuse University Student Jazz Combo return to the festival’s main stage on Friday for the third consecutive year, where they will be preceded on Thursday evening by The Steelheads, a 15-member award-winning steel pan and percussion scholastic ensemble from Flint Michigan. Venues and artists for Wednesday’s popular Market 32 Price Chopper Opening Night club lineup will be announced at a later date, as will details for Syracuse University’s Gospel to Jazz program at Hendricks Chapel on Sunday, June 29th.

For more information on the 2025 Syracuse International Jazz Festival, visit the official Syracuse Jazz Fest website at www.SyracuseJazzFest.com or the Visit Syracuse website at www. VisitSyracuse.com

Christine Collins

American Cosmic Revival Vol. 1: Back At Home (June 6, 2025)

A Tribute To The International Submarine Band with Christian Parker, Patrick Cleary, and including Safe At Home’s original Pianist, Earl Poole Ball and Featuring legendary Pedal Steel Guitarist, JayDee Maness

Nearly sixty years after the release of the International Submarine Band’s Safe at Home, the album inspires generations of musicians. Gram Parsons’ initial foray into pure country was a radical shift for the ISB, marking a turning point defining the Cosmic American Music movement. His love of hard country shines through in Safe at Home’s wide selection of country classics, and now, a new generation is paying tribute to its legacy.

Christian Parker and Patrick Cleary—two artists deeply influenced by Safe at Home and Sweetheart of the Rodeo—have joined forces to create American Cosmic Revival, Vol. 1: Back At Home. This full-length tribute album brings together an extraordinary cast, including Safe at Home’s original pianist, Earl Poole Ball, and legendary pedal steel guitarist JayDee Maness.

As Earl Poole Ball remarked to Christian Parker during the recording sessions, “You don’t know how much this means to me that you and Patrick are doing this record. The title makes my heart filled.” With the involvement of these original ISB contributors, Back At Home is more than just a trib-

ute—it’s a continuation of the album’s enduring spirit.

Produced by Christian Parker and Patrick Cleary, Back At Home was recorded at SubCat Studios (Syracuse, NY), Los Angeles, CA, and Austin, TX. Sean McDonald mixed the album at Red Medicine Recording Studio (Pittsburgh, PA), and Larry Lachmann mastered it at Kevorkian Mastering (New York, NY).

Christian Parker, an accomplished singer-songwriter and guitarist, has built a reputation for his deep reverence for classic country-rock. His recent projects, including Sweethearts: A Tribute to the Byrds Sweetheart of the Rodeo (2023) and Change Is Now: A Tribute to The Byrds (2024), showcase his dedication to preserving and celebrating the genre. Meanwhile, Patrick Cleary, a West Coast-based musician, has long drawn inspiration from Gram Parsons’s work. As a founding member of The Digs, Silver Phial, and Cashew & Cleary, Patrick brings a rich history of California country and garage rock influences to this project.

Back At Home carefully recreates and reimagines Safe at Home’s beloved track-list, offering faithful renditions while incorporating fresh arrangements and new harmonies:

“Blue Eyes” is Patrick’s introduction to Safe at Home. This track captures the optimism and heart of the origi-

nal, channeling the Bakersfield sound of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

“I Must Be Somebody Else You’ve Known” – A rollicking, swaggering track with standout performances from JayDee and Earl.

“A Satisfied Mind” – A country-gospel treatment with rich vocal harmonies and an extended instrumental outro.

“Folsom Prison Blues/That’s Alright, Mama” – A lively, punk-tinged interpretation featuring Patrick’s electric guitar work and spontaneous vocal harmonies.

“Luxury Liner” – Powered by chugging acoustic guitar, bluegrass harmonies, and JayDee’s soaring pedal steel.

“Strong Boy” – A Gram Parsons original, newly expanded with an additional verse written by Patrick to give the song a more complete arc.

Collaborating with Earl Poole Ball and JayDee Maness makes Back At Home a unique project. Unlike typical tribute albums, this record unites two musicians who played on the original Safe at Home, allowing them to revisit and reinvent their contributions nearly six decades later.

“This album is unique in that we

don’t just have musicians who admire ISB—we have the actual players themselves,” says Patrick Cleary. “JayDee and Earl didn’t just replicate their past work; they brought new energy and creative interpretations to these songs, making them feel fresh while staying true to the original spirit.”

For fans of Cosmic American Music, California country, and Gram Parsons’s enduring legacy, Back At Home is both a tribute and a revival. As Gram Parsons once set out to blend country and rock in a genuine and soulful way, Parker and Cleary continue that mission, honoring the past while looking toward the future.

American Cosmic Revival, Vol. 1: Back At Home isn’t just a tribute—it’s a homecoming. It celebrates a legacy, rekindles the spirit of Safe at Home, and stands as a testament to the enduring power of Cosmic American Music.

American Cosmic Revival, Vol. 1: Back At Home will be available on all major streaming platforms and in physical formats on June 6th, 2025.

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SUDOKU

Tas Cru Home From Europe

On March 4th Mia and I landed in Berlin to play two weeks of acoustic shows before the rest of the band arrived. We were greeted by our Agent/ Tour Manager, Martin and went off to retrieve our merch that had been shipped to DHL location near our accommodations. Trekking around the city reminded me of my days when I was accustomed to getting around via subways and trams! No wonder everybody here looks to be in great shape. We made a little time for some tourist stuff, including a visit to Checkpoint Charlie before picking up our tour van and heading out to several small cities and towns. We met the band in Hamburg, played our first show and spirited down the autobahn headed for Czechia. We once again bounced around Germany and Switzerland and concluded our run in Belgium

Given this was not our first tour in this part of Europe, there was a lot that was familiar – delightful variety

of breads, crazy good beer, and audiences who politely insisted on encores at every show. That said, there are always new things to experience. I really felt like an ambassador on this tour. There were many questions from curious folks, concerned about the current state of American affairs. Before the trip, I was assured by our agent that Europeans understand the difference between musicians/artists and political actors. He was right, we were treated warmly and welcomed everywhere we went. History shows that Europeans are no strangers to geopolitics and choose to go on living their best lives even in the face of upheaval. We were glad to give them some respite from their worries.

NEW SINGLE RELEASED Déjà Blu

Having built my reputation as a songwriter with lyrics that Downbeat magazine once called blues poetry, it may seem odd to you that my firstever single release is an instrumental.

Hopefully, Déjà Blu will show that I am equally adept at composing rich melodies and crafting lush instrumental arrangements. I proudly proclaim to be a songwriter with “songs that matter, lyrics that speak, and melody gets room to breathe.” In Déjà Blu, I strive to make the air this melody breathes something buoyant, fresh and pure. Hope you dig it.

li.sten.to/deja_blue-tas_cru

NEW RECORDING PROJECTS

Two are in the works. Furthest along is Mia’s album, which is expected to be completed by the end of June. An official release date has not yet been set. The songs are all originals, written either by Mia, me, or are co-writes between the two of us. I am excited about this album. We went after a sound that can be described as roots music where those roots are more deeply grounded than either of her prior recordings. Production was kept in check with decisions guided by the commitment to do nothing that would get in the way of Mia’s vocal performance. As you well know, her voice is something special and deserves to be up front and center

“Nasty Turn” is the title of my album. As the title suggests, this album is straight up gritty . I am inspired by the laid-bare production on my high energy Tas Cru Band LIVE (2024) .

“Nasty Turn” is an album filled with songs that tumble and grind - simple arrangements that spill guitar guts and grit. I still have a few more to write to sit along side the new originals - the title track

UPCOMING SPECIAL GIGS

2025 Pinetop Boogie and Crawfish Boil – May 10th, Ground Zep Blues Club Clarksdale M

The memory of Pinetop Perkins, the reknowned blues piano master is kept alive by the Pinetop Perkins Foundation. This annual fund raiser will help support its chief mission to provide valuable learning experiences for aspiring youth blues artists. I am honored to appear alongside many of my respected contemporaries and most revered heroes

All-Star Celebration of the Fender Stratocaster – May 17th, Martin Kappel Theater Norwich NY

Produced by Nate Gross, one of the area’s finest and hardest working musicians, this showcase gathers togethera cartel of Strat slingers to rip it up. You’ll hear everything from Beck to Hendrix and many more of your favorite Fender benders. I’ll be representing the great Buddy Guy!

The Georgia Thunderbolts – Rise Above All

---Bill Baker

This month’s review is a hidden gem I happened upon months after it was released. When I discovered the new album Rise Above All by the Georgia Thunderbolts, I knew had to give it a spin. I reviewed their 2021 first full length album Can We Get A Witness, after photographing their dynamic live show at the Brew Fest in Sackets Harbor, New York. I was truly impressed. Their performance was one of the highlights of the festival that year. I checked out their debut and in doing so had no problem giving them a thumbs up review. I wasn’t alone in my evaluation of the talents of this Georgia based band. Over six million streams on their first endeavor proved my review to be right on. I wondered at the time if this was the beginning of the resurgence of an updated version of Southern Rock. Now four years later my assumption was correct. It almost seems like the past glories of the southern stylings are guiding the hands of the new generation with a refreshing varied take. The music isn’t defined by the past, but captures the spirit while pushing it forward. The Georgia Thunderbolts are paving the way as leaders in the next wave of this much-loved component of the glory days of the South.

The Georgia Thunderbolts features the soulful, smokey lead vocals of T.J. Lyle, the electrifying guitar work of Logan Tobert and Riley Couzzourt , as well as the groove driven rhythm section of percussionist Bristol Perry and the combination of harmony vocals and bass provided by Zack Everett. The album Rise Above All,

blends timeless rock influences with the band’s own unique flair, creating a newfound freshness with a wider rock landscape. The album travels within all musical genres. The band’s writing talents bring an intimacy seldom heard in today’s music. Life experiences seep into the pores of every song. The lyrics stay with you long after the music ends.

The album takes off with the toe tapping, sing along “Gonna Shine” and continues with twelve more track that provide a musical journey filled with swagger and attitude. T.J. Lyle leads the way with his style of phrasing comparable to Paul Rogers of Bad Company fame. The guitars of Tobert and Couzzourt blast out a powerful sound fueled by electric searing guitar leads, providing a harder edge than the classic southern sound. The album is full of rockers, but the band can ease back on the throttle. “Wait” leans towards the sounds of country rock with an acoustic flavor. “Crawling Back To You” and “Moonlight Play” are drenched in emotion. The ghost of Ronnie Van Zant was definitely looking over the shoulders of the band when they were writing tunes such as “Ain’t Got No Money “and “Whiskey Talkin”. I am a rocker at heart, with my favorites being the infectious title track “Rise Above It All” , “She’s Gonna Get It’ “, Little Jim” “Stand Up” with its lead in bass line that grabs my attention every time and the flat out southern metal of “Price Tag” with its dual driving rhythms that turn up the rock intensity to ten with an in your face rock in roller. Even the rock reggae, blues base gospel flavored “It Ain’t Easy” is a great listen.

Photography by Stage Door Images. Check out our concert images and more at www.stagedoorimages.com as well as the Stage Door Image Facebook Page

The Georgia Thunderbolts have a retro 70’s music style with 21st century energy and attitude. The writing skills, guitar centered attack, along with strong harmony vocals is what this band is all about. These hard-hitting southern rockers are here to stay.

As always, if you like what I like, you should take a test drive with the latest from, The Georgia Thunderbolts – Rise Above All, available on CD, Album, Download or your favorite Streaming Device. Check out several videos available on You Tube.

Monday Music On The Lake In Chaumont Kicks Off

With Boogie And Swing From Moss Back Mule Band

The Lyme Performing Arts Council’s Monday Music on the Lake concert series returns to Chaumont on June 23 with Central New York music icons

the Moss Back Mule Band. The concert is free (donations accepted) and begins at 6:00 p.m. at Bicentennial Park, 27792 Wilson Lane, Chaumont (off Rt. 12E, across from the Chaumont Fire Hall).

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at all of the concerts, with proceeds benefiting the Three Mile Bay and Chaumont Volunteer Fire Departments.

The Monday Music on the Lake concert series is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council. Donations from the audience and from businesses also support the series.

About the Moss Back Mule Band Formed in the early ‘70s and now a Central New York institution, the Moss Back Mule Band (MBMB) plays a swinging blend of Americana and

Adirondack Vet Fest 2025

This year’s event is being run by VONMA, Veterans of the North Motorcycle Association, a 501(c) (3) orga-

nization. They are “Vets 4 Vets.” They are also the beneficiaries of the event. Entry to the portion of the event held

at Post 20 is by donation. Entry to the show at the Strand Theater is by ticket purchase or sponsorship of either the

original music influenced by the blues, boogie woogie, and rock-n-roll. Three of the founders, Steve Quenneville (guitar/vocals), Dave Liddy (piano/vocals), and Hal Kent (bass) are joined by Dave Pallas (drums/ vocals). Quenneville, Liddy and Kent were inducted into the Syracuse Music Hall of Fame in 2020 as members of the MBMB. The band has played concerts with music legends Freddie King, Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Jr., Commander Cody, and other national acts.

Monday Music on the Lake continues July 21 with Knotty Paddy, a 5-piece band specializing in Celtic rock and folk including jigs, reels, and ballads.

The non-profit Lyme Performing Arts Council (LPAC) is dedicated to providing live performances by skilled artists for the residents, both permanent and seasonal, of the Town of Lyme and surrounding communities.

Platinum or Gold package. The Adirondack Vet Fest will begin holding their 2025 event on July 18th through July 20th at the American Legion Post 20 at 162 Quarry Road Plattsburgh N.Y.12901 beginning at 10 a.m. until 5p.m. each day.

We will have vendors, Veteran’s service agencies, an auction, raffles ,50/50’s, food, kid’s area with games and activities and music all three days. Also there is a motorcycle ride and pig roast which is being scheduled. TBA. On July 19th we will have performances at The Strand Theater 23 Brinkerhoff St Plattsburgh N.Y. 12901 starting at 2pm. I am proud to announce that for the second year in a row we have The Artimus Pyle Band as our headliner! Artimus Pyle, a living legend, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s former drummer is a 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. He is also now the sole living band member from the 1977 plane crash that took the lives of front man Ronnie Van Zant, Steve and Cassie Gaines and three others.

Artimus is also a proud United States Marine Veteran.

Also performing will be Michael Allman with Wayne Scott Brown ,Six Gun Sally, The Busco Bandits, Damaged Goods, The Mick Louis Band and tentatively Solvivor.

Tickets will only be available through the Strand Box Office. phone number: 518-563-1604. Email : VetFest 2025 @yahoo.com

Checks for sponsorships may be made to:

Adirondack Vet Fest P.O.Box 3

Nicholville, N.Y.12965

You may also make donations directly to VONMA.

Please contact me at 518-319-7747 with any questions.

Thank you! Suzanne Stevens President and Founder of the Adirondack Vet Fest

DPAO Announces First Events in 2025 Concerts for a Cause Series

Celebrating 51 Years of Entertainment in the North Country

Watertown, NY — The Disabled Persons Action Organization (DPAO) is proud to announce the first events of its 2025 Concerts for a Cause series.

Now celebrating 51 years of bringing high-quality entertainment to the North Country, DPAO is expanding its programming to include diverse experiences, combining concerts with new non-concert events to raise funds and awareness for its mission.

DPAO’s Concerts for a Cause series helps fund vital services for individuals with developmental disabilities across the region. This year’s early lineup includes a mix of high-energy music and immersive entertainment experiences:

Play for a Cause – Charity Casino Night

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Caprara -Faichney Drive Business Center – Banquet Room 1291 Faichney Drive, Watertown | Entrance D

Experience the thrill of Las Vegas right here in the North Country! Play for a Cause features:

Classic casino games including Blackjack, Double Roulette, Texas Hold ’Em, Craps, Three-Card Poker, and a Casino Money Wheel — all played with DPAO Casino Fun Money

Live music from Rochester-based Music of the Stars (Band starts at 9:00 PM)

Complimentary food and a cash beer & wine bar�� Gambling Floor Open: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

General Admission: $50 Donation Tickets available at Kinney Drug Stores, DPAO Foundation Office (1291 Faichney Drive), and online at dpaoconcerts.com.

Presented by North Star Alliance, Town of Watertown, Watertown Savings Bank FX Caprara Honda, Upstate Honda Dealers Association and Empire Casino Events EDM Fest – North Country’s Premier Electronic Dance Music Festival

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Caprara- Faichney Drive Business Center - Banquet Room

Entrance Door D

Turn up the volume for the North Country’s biggest EDM event of the year!

Featuring DJ Ryan Ess, and DJ Trey Thompson, with the ever so popular headliner DJ Terin Thompson. This night will deliver a high-energy music and dance like never before.

General Admission: $25.00

Tickets will be available very soon.

Twist on Taylor – A Taylor Swift Tribute Experience

Friday, June 13, 2025

Watertown Fairgrounds Arena

Twist on Taylor brings the music of Taylor Swift to life with high-energy performances, stunning vocals, and star-powered stage presence. Led by Sarah Jessica Rhodes, whose strong voice and uncanny resemblance to Swift create a truly unforgettable tribute experience.

Doors: 5:00 PM | Show: 7:00 PM

PIT Admission: $50.00 | General Admission: $35.00

Tickets will be available soon. For more information call 315-782-0044.

More Events Coming Soon! DPAO will continue announcing new events as the 2025 Concerts for a Cause series builds momentum.

The series is proudly presented by: North Star Alliance, Town of Watertown, Watertown Savings Bank, FX Caprara Honda, and the Upstate Honda Dealers Association.

Sponsored by Knowlton Technologies, R. Martin Contracting, Northern Credit Union, Carthage Area Hospital, North Country Orthopedic Group, Claxton-Hepburn and McQuade & Bannigan.

For more up to date information please visit: dpaoconcerts.com or call 315-782-0044

About DPAO:

Founded in 1974, the Disabled Persons Action Organization (DPAO) provides programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities in Jefferson and Lewis Counties. All proceeds from the Concerts for a Cause series directly support DPAO’s mission to empower, educate, and uplift individuals and families in our community.