The 2026 Summer Concerts are scheduled for July 9, 16, 23 & 30 and August 6, 13 & 20.
The 2026 Ballard Park Concerts were made possible by the Town of Westport, Chazy Westport Communications, Champlain National Bank, Stewart’s Shops, Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation, Cloudsplitter Foundation, Essex County Arts Council’s Cultural Assistance Program with funding from Essex County, and 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 Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, and our many generous supporters.
Concerts are free to all and take place on Thursdays at 7:00 pm. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music on the lawn.
If heavy rain, concerts may be canceled or an alternate venue will be announced.
2026 Concerts
Myra Flynn
Thursday, July 9, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Catch Myra Flynn live with her full band as part of the Ballard Park Music Series in what promises to be an unforgettable evening of lyrical, soulful songs that move effortlessly from intimate ballads to soaring full-band energy. Known for her powerful voice and emotionally rich storytelling, Myra creates an intimate, personal experience celebrating life, love and collective joy. Myra spends most of her time living, loving and working in LA; this special performance is one of her short summer tour in New England and is not to be missed!
Adirondack Jazz Orchestra
Thursday, July 16, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Known as the “Big Band of the Adirondacks,” the Adirondack Jazz Orchestra was founded in 2003 by Matthew Pray to bring together in a big band setting some of the Adirondack’s finest musicians. The AJO showcases the traditional big band sound of five trumpets, four trombones, and five saxophones with the added flavor of the tuba. Led by Pray, the band members are high school music educators, college professors, and college students, who perform arrangements by legends such as Glenn Miller, Buddy Rich, Charles Mingus, Thad Jones, and Maynard Ferguson, and original compositions by members of the AJO. In 2010, the group opened for The Glenn Miller Orchestra, then under the musical direction of Larry O'Brien.
Band O’Brothers
Thursday, July 23, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Based in Cheshire, CT, the Band O’Brothers plays their own brand of Irish-American Music. Mixing pub songs, Irish folk standards, and their own original folk songs and parodies, the Band O’ Brothers performs in bars, clubs, parties, and parades throughout Connecticut and surrounding states whenever they are asked, (and sometimes when they’re not). Existing mainly for the amusement of its members, the Band consists of three pairs of brothers – Chris and Jeff Dube; Steve and Anthony DePaolo; and Mark and Sean Malloy along with “Brothers from other mothers,” Chip Carr and Bill Gosselin. Band O’Brothers latest album, All Together Again, was released in September of 2025 and is available on all streaming platforms
Meadowmount School
Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Annual Petey Cerf Memorial Concert
Meadowmount is a world-renowned summer string instrument school in Westport, where young musicians ages 10 to 30 come to practice, train with faculty, participate in coachings and rehearsals with their assigned chamber music group, and attend masterclasses and performances by faculty and guest artists. This final concert of Meadowmount’s 2026 season showcases chamber groups from the School, join Ballard Park in recognition of Anne Ballard "Petey" Cerf, the founder of the Park, and longtime friend and supporter of Meadowmount.
House of Hamill
Thursday, August 6, 2026 @ 7:00pm
House of Hamill is a fixture on festival stages across the US, and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages. Their original song “Banks of the Brandywine” was a Grand Prize winner in the 2024 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and the video for their all-violin cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” amassed over 16 million views on Facebook, where it was shared over 400,000 times.
The band's newest release, “Wildfire,” marks House of Hamill's most compelling work to date. Featuring their strongest and most exciting songwriting, “Wildfire” is filled with lyrical depth, sophisticated vocal and instrumental arrangements, and hooks that are simply irresistible. This album captures the vibrant energy and creativity that have become the hallmarks of a House of Hamill live show.
Whether they’re ripping through a set of original jigs and reels, adding lush three-part harmonies into traditional folk ballads, or cracking up an audience with stories from the road, House of Hamill puts on a show that captivates audiences from the very first note.
Sweet Megg
Thursday, August 13, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Sweet Megg is a genre-blending vocalist and songwriter whose music weaves together jazz, country, blues, and Americana. Originally from New York City and now based in Nashville, she has performed everywhere from Parisian jazz clubs to Southern honky-tonks, developing a sound that feels both timeless and fresh.
Her 2025 album Never Been Home reached #23 on the Americana charts and #1 on the Alt-Country Radio charts, showcasing her distinctive songwriting and eclectic style. In 2026, she returns to her jazz roots with Massive Negroni, an independently released quartet album featuring guitarist Thor Jensen, bassist Dylan Perillo, and drummer Chris Gelb. The record blends classics from Duke Ellington to Tom Waits with Sweet Megg’s unique Americana-jazz sensibility. Guided solely by Sweet Megg’s vision, the music highlights the distinct personalities of each musician, resulting in a jazz record that feels curious, playful, and deeply personal—one she’s thrilled to share.
A veteran of international touring, including performances with Postmodern Jukebox, Sweet Megg continues to captivate audiences with her soulful voice, adventurous spirit, and unmistakable style.
Heard
Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Heard is a collective of musicians that bring their skills and passion for world music, jazz and improvising together to create irresistible grooves set in a unique sonic tapestry. Together for more than 16 years, their vibrant sound incorporates influences from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and beyond. Their CDs, Karibu and Flyway have both received high praise and reviews. Heard is the 2026 recipient of the Eddies Music Award in the World Music Category, and has been nominated six times in total. The group's recent trip and tour in Ghana infused them with new music, stories, and momentum. Energetic & upbeat, Heard will open your ears & heart and get you up and dancing!
Featuring: Featuring pianist Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius, Drummers Brian Melick and Zorkie Nelson, saxophonist Laura Andrea Leguía, bassist Jason Emmond and dancer Felix Nelson.
2025 Concerts
Cold Chocolate
Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:00pm
COLD CHOCOLATE is a popular Boston-based duo that fuses folk, funk and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. With Ethan Robbins on vocals, guitar and mandolin, and Ariel Bernstein on vocals, percussion and banjo, this power duo impresses audiences throughout New England and beyond. Punctuated by tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows.
Zikina & Show of Cards
Thursday, July 17, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Global musical phenomenon ZIKINA features musicians who came from across continents and cultures to make something beautiful and new. Uganda native Gideon Ampeire draws you in with a variety of traditional East African instruments, including enanga (zither), adungu (harp), and kalimba (thumb piano) - all of which he builds himself. Michael Cardozo (guitar, percussion) improvises melodic conversations with Gideon and dances through the beat with punchy rhythmic lines. Roston Kirk (bass) and Kurt Eisele-Dyrli (drums) weave a sonic landscape that flows seamlessly from intense grooves to joyous dance beats to dreamy textures, as Gideon's vocals cut powerfully through the fabric or float lightly above.
Opening for ZIKINA is SHOW OF CARDS, an indie folk-rock band founded by siblings Karen and Michael Cardozo. The duo's set features a selection of prior work as well as new material from Karen's forthcoming solo album, inspired by her time in Westport. Both acts are based in the region spanning Western Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Durham County Poets
Thursday, July 24, 2025 @ 7:00pm
DURHAM COUNTY POETS was formed in Ormstown, Quebec, and has performed extensively at some of the most prestigious blues and folk festivals, and venues throughout Canada and into the United States. Its unique sound is an authentic, contemporary blend of Blues, Soul, Folk, R&B, and Gospel. The group’s core includes lead singer Kevin Harvey, with his warm, soulful vocals, bass player Carl Rufh, and drummer Rob Couture. Guitarist Rob MacDonald and saxophonist/arranger Mark Leclerc also bring their unique musical skills to the group, and the entire ensemble radiates joy and exuberance.
Ray Vega Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble
Thursday, July 31, 2025 @ 7:00pm
RAY VEGA AFRO-CARIBBEAN JAZZ ENSEMBLE is back by popular demand! Vega is a multi-talented trumpeter, percussionist, composer, and arranger, and an innovator in the international and Latin music jazz scenes. He is known for presenting jazz from a refreshingly original and contemporary perspective. As a senior lecturer at University of Vermont, he teaches trumpet and Jazz History, and coaches four jazz combos. Vega is a native of the South Bronx, and a veteran of the bands of Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria, and Mario Bauza, to name a few. He also hosts Vermont Public's Friday Night Jazz.
Meadowmount School of Music
Thursday, August 7, 2025 @ 7:00pm
MEADOWMOUNT SCHOOL OF MUSIC is a world-renowned summer string instrument school in Westport, where young violinists, violists, and cellists ages 10 to 30 practice, train with faculty, participate in coachings and rehearsals with their assigned chamber music group, and attend masterclasses and performances by faculty and guest artists. This final concert of Meadowmount’s 2025 season showcases two string quartets from the School, joining Ballard Park to recognize the legacy of Anne Ballard "Petey" Cerf, the founder of the Park, and longtime friend and supporter of Meadowmount.
Concert program:
Haydn String Quartet in C Major, Op. 76, No. 3
Beethoven String Quartet No. 4, Op. 18, No.4
Joe McGinness
Thursday, August 14, 2025 @ 7:00pm
JOE McGINNESS is one of country music’s best kept secrets, with his creative, catchy songwriting and energetic performances rivaling many of his industry peers. Joe grew up in the Champlain Valley of Vermont and Upstate NY, and was introduced to music by his family at a very young age. Through many years of playing music professionally, Joe crafted his own unique style of country music. His most recent single is "Forever, I Will." He has shared the stage with many top artists - Frankie Ballard, Granger Smith, Dylan Scott, Old Dominion and others.
For Joe’s Ballard Park appearance, the new age country rising star will share the stage with his teenage sons, CHASE and BO McGINNESS, as they open the show for their father.