News from the Noteworthy from Cooperstown Concerts

Bringing World-class Music Close to Home

Cooperstown Concerts kicked off its 2025-2026 season with a standing ovation—several of them, in fact. On a perfect fall day at the beautiful Fenimore Farm and Country Village, music lovers from across the region (and country) gathered on September 21 for an afternoon of live music, stringed instrument virtuosity, and community.

The excitement is just beginning. Cooperstown Concerts continues its 2025-2026 season with a slate of acclaimed performances that reflect its mission to bring world-class music close to home.

We want to bring people together to explore new sounds, discover emerging artists, enjoy timeless favorites, and engage with each other through live music and concert events.

On Sunday, October 26, the season continues with a vibrant Diwali Celebration from 3-6 p.m. at Fenimore Farm and Country Village. This welcoming, family-friendly experience is an all-inclusive event that includes an uplifting afternoon of live music, an Indian food buffet, and dancing.

With something for everyone, the event will be a joyful celebration of light, culture and community. Often called the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated across India and Southeast Asia and by Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities worldwide. Headlining the celebration’s music is internationally acclaimed vocalist Kiran Ahluwalia, whose mesmerizing voice and genre-blending compositions bridge Indian song traditions with influences from West African blues and jazz. Tickets include the entire experience and are available online at cooperstownconcerts.org.

Then, on Saturday, November 22, music and dance lovers can head to The Otesaga Resort Hotel at 7:30 p.m. for Eloise & Co., a dynamic ensemble blending contra dance and French traditional music, and performing original compositions, with their signature high energy. The ensemble features the creative force of two of the country’s most sought-after traditional musicians, fiddler Becky Tracy and accordionist Rachel Bell, who will appear with special guest Rachel Aucoin on piano.

And there’s much more to come in 2026. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering Cooperstown Concerts for the first time, this season offers something special for everyone… and it’s only just begun. Audiences can expect another exciting lineup in the year ahead that showcases eclectic musical excellence, close to home. Please visit cooperstownconcerts.org now and throughout the season for performance updates and tickets.

Cooperstown Concerts raised an impressive $8,000.00 during the Mohawk Valley Gives regional giving day, a powerful affirmation of community support for its mission. These donations, in support of our 2025-2026 season and beyond, will directly fund artist fees, venue costs, and helping to ensure that music lovers of all ages and backgrounds can continue to experience exceptional live performances right here in Central New York.

Founded 55 years ago, Cooperstown Concerts is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to presenting world-class musical experiences in local settings. With a focus on artist diversity, musical excellence, and community engagement, the organization continues to serve the region as a vibrant hub for live performances.

Randy Smith is the president of Cooperstown Concerts.