Free concerts begin July 10 at 7:00 p.m. in Westport, NY

Ballard Park, in the center of historic Westport, New York, will again host six free summer concerts on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. from July 10 through August 14. The performances take place in the Ballard Park Pavilion, set in a beautiful “private park for the public good” overlooking Lake Champlain.

The opening concert on Thursday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. features COLD CHOCOLATE, 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.

On July 17, 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.

On Thursday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m. Ballard Park welcomes DURHAM COUNTY POETS. This lively band 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.

On Thursday, July 31, 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 returns to Ballard Park on Thursday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m. 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 2025 season showcases chamber groups from the School, joining Ballard Park in recognition of Anne Ballard “Petey” Cerf, the founder of the Park, and longtime friend and supporter of Meadowmount.

The final concert of the season is on Thursday, August 14, at 7:00 p.m. 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.

Food for purchase from Winton’s Tavern is served from the Park’s Warming Hut at the corner of Main Street and Washington Street. Picnicking is encouraged! Bring blankets or low chairs for seating across our hillside. A voluntary raffle raises funds for the Park and earns the winner a prize.

All are invited to spend a beautiful summer evening listening to some of the finest musicians from the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain region, New England, and Quebec. For more information and updates, including rain status, visit https://www.ballardparkny.org/concerts.

2025 Ballard Park Summer Concert Series:

July 10 at 7:00 p.m. COLD CHOCOLATE

July 17 at 7:00 p.m. ZIKINA
Opening act: SHOW OF CARDS

July 24 at 7:00 p.m. DURHAM COUNTY POETS

July 31 at 7:00 p.m. RAY VEGA AFRO-CARIBBEAN JAZZ ENSEMBLE

August 7 at 7:00 p.m. MEADOWMOUNT SCHOOL OF MUSIC

August 14 at 7:00 pm. JOE McGINNESS
Opening act: CHASE and BO McGINNESS

ABOUT BALLARD PARK

Ballard Park was once the location of The Westport Inn, one of the most gracious grand hotels of the Adirondacks and a focal point of Westport summer life. The Inn was demolished in 1967 and the property purchased by Anne Ballard (“Petey”) Cerf, a long-time summer resident. Through her visionary philanthropy, Ballard Park was established in 1989, named in honor of her parents. Ballard Park is open to all, with lake and beach access, a summer concert series, and sledding and ice skating in the winter. Westport, New York was incorporated in 1815 and its historic central district includes our Park. We are located four miles east of Exit 31 on the Northway, and can be reached from Vermont by the Essex-Charlotte Ferry or Champlain Bridge. The concerts are made possible, in part, 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 grant with funding from Essex County, 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 many generous supporters.