News from the Noteworthy from Cooperstown Concerts
Great Musical Performances, New Experiences
Cooperstown Concerts wrapped up its 55th season on a high note in May, completing a vibrant and diverse lineup of eight performances that drew more than 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 Fenimore Art Museum Theater and Fenimore Farm and Country Village. The 2025-2026 season opens in September.
Cooperstown Concerts, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization formerly known as the Cooperstown Concert Series, is committed to providing outstanding music close to home in upstate and central New York for people who want to come together to enjoy and explore music.
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. It opened with the world-renowned kora virtuoso Yacouba Sissoko, whose melodies and storytelling offered a profound introduction to West African musical traditions. The season concluded in May with an evening that 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, CooperstownConcerts 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 and 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 and 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 a pre-show 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.
This season was a turning point for Cooperstown Concerts, and we greatly appreciate every person who came to a show, and every sponsor, donor, and partner who supported us. In the 2024-2025 season, Cooperstown Concerts expanded its venues, reached new audiences, presented a wide range of highly acclaimed performers, offered new experiences, and consistently sold out shows, demonstrating the power of live music and great experiences to help bring people together.
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 feedback has been fantastic and we’re looking forward to building on these experiences next season.
2025-2026 Season Opens in September
As Cooperstown Concerts looks to the 2025-2026 season, the organization is 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, and 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, contact info@cooperstownconcerts.org.
Check out our website for photos and more information about our 2024-2025 season.
Randy Smith is president of the Cooperstown Concerts Board of Directors.
