Celebrating its 12th season, the UpBeat on the Roof summer series highlights regional musical talent. Performances are scheduled Fridays beginning at 7 p.m. on the roof of the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery. Admission is free.

The series showcases local and regional musicians in a broad array of styles and began as a way to highlight the strong musical community in Saratoga Springs. The concerts are family-friendly and the rooftop is accessible via the museum elevator or outdoor staircases. In the case of inclement weather the series is held inside the museum. Art galleries inside the museum remain open until 7 p.m. on Fridays throughout the summer as well.

The summer 2012 season includes the following performers:

July 6
Low ’N Lonesome
Fingerstyle/acoustic blues

Rob Adkins and Phil Drum are Fingerstyle /Acoustic Blues guitar players and songwriters from Saratoga Springs, NY. As Low ‘N Lonesome, they produce some of the finest old time Blues & Ragtime to be heard anywhere. Their set list includes originals as well as Blues-based versions of tunes from old school jazz, rock, folk, and country music, covering great artists from from Robert Johnson and Louis Armstrong to Hank Williams and Bob Dylan.

July 13
Holly and Evan 
Blues/jazz/soul

Acoustic blues duo Holly & Evan come from long, rich musical backgrounds. Holly Taormina on guitar/lead vocals and Evan Conway on upright bass/vocals update the tradition of the Barrelhouse, showcasing a wide range of original and cover material in the styles of Blues, Jazz, and Soul.

July 20
Street Corner Holler
Roots/Blues & Raw Americana

Bluesman-singer/slide guitarist Mark Tolstrup and drummer/singer/songwriter Dale Haskell brew up a raw, fearless, righteous mix of swamp boogie, buzzsaw blues and delta stomp. With a strippeddown approach to the blues, Street Corner Holler delivers originals as well as traditional tunes influenced by the likes of Blind Willie McTell, Robert Johnson, Son House, and Mississippi Fred McDowell.

July 27
The Blue Olives
Funky blues/jazz/classic rock

Regular artists at the House of Blues- Chicago, The Blue Olives combine sassy horns, killer vocal harmonies, searing guitar and funky bass & rhythm to deliver a wide ranging program of classic rock, funk and blues fusion.

August 3
Brian Patneaude Quartet
Modern jazz

Formed in 2002, the Brian Patneaude Quartet has become one of the most well known jazz acts in upstate New York. Their music is an organic blend of modern jazz styles, featuring accessible melodies and harmonic textures that appeal to the casual listener and jazz aficionado alike.


August 10
Steven L. Smith Band
Roots rock/alternative country

August 17
Three Gals and Their Buddy Larry
with special guest Sam 
Folk rock 

August 24
Deja Voodoo Boys
New Orleans-derived swing

August 31
Bryan Thomas
Acoustic soul