Entertainment Archives - Page 13 of 14 - Glens Falls Business Report

Glens Falls YMCA Needs The Community As Much As The Community Needs The YMCA

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 15, 2022. Posted in Community, Entertainment, Featured, Local Leads.

The YMCA has a mission. This mission is to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Hawthorne Swan-Scott is the Membership Experience Director of the Family YMCA of the Glens Falls Area. He has an intrinsic enthusiasm for his work at the Glens Falls YMCA. He grew up coming to the YMCA and his goal is to give that experience back to kids and to the community.

Hawthorne’s goal is to expand programs and membership. The Glens Falls YMCA currently has between 5,000 and 6,000 members. These members are offered a variety of programs and events. The YMCA recently hosted its annual Truck or Treat event on October 29th. Between 1,000-2,000 kids, families, and community members attended this event. Hawthorne likes the idea of maintaining a mutual relationship with the community. “Our Truck or Treat event exceeded our expectations. Here at the Y, we want to reach into the community and help.” He said during a recent interview.

The Glens Falls YMCA is currently working on extending its hours. It has recently opened from 8am-1pm on Sundays. On Sunday November 13, they were able to extend the hours for the pool to seven days a week. “And the changing rooms are open.” Hawthorne said with a relieved smile. The Glens Falls YMCA will continue to work to extend hours of operations and programs that it can offer the community. To support this expansion the YMCA is hiring for a variety of positions. These positions include custodians, life guards, wellness floor, and membership services.

Donations for the Basket Brigade Program

The Glens Falls YMCA is currently working on its Basket Brigade program which helps feed 1,000 local families. The items that they are looking for include, stuffing, mashed potatoes, canned veggies, canned fruit, cranberry sauce, and boxed brownie mix. For more information please contact Alisha Hanley (518) 793-3878 or visit glensfallsymca.org.

Trey Anastasio Band And Goose at the Cool Insuring Arena

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 14, 2022. Posted in Business, Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured.

In downtown Glens Falls Sunday night, Trey Anastasio Band teamed up with Goose and performed at the Cool Insuring Arena. The vibe was festive as a large crowd of concert goers were enjoying the local downtown scene.

Before the show, concert goers were mingling in front of bars and restaurants from Spot Coffee, all the way down to the traffic circle. The crowd was jovial and excited.

At the Cool Insuring Arena the line of ticket holders stretched onto the bridge to South Glens Falls. On the other side of the arena, the line of ticket holders stretched on the sidewalk up the street.

Concert goers waited patiently. Some were told they were in the wrong line and had to go to the back of the other line. Security took their time checking each ticket and patting down each concert goer. Ticket holders in the crowd streamed the music on their phone that was already taking place inside the venue. Concert goers and security alike were patient, calm, and kind to each other as the line moved along.

Photo by Kate Haggerty, Glens Falls TODAY.

Trey Anastasio Band, fondly known as TAB, started in 1998. Trey Anastasio is a founding member of the band Phish, founded in 1983. The band Goose was formed in 2014. The members are Rick Mitarotonda (vocals & guitar), Ben Atkind (drums), Trevor Weekz (bass), Jeff Arevalo (vocals, percussion & drums), and Peter Anspach (vocals, keys & guitar). For more information go to goosetheband.com. The band Goose has regularly been compared to jam bands such as Phish and Umphrey’s McGee. However, they refer to their style of music as “indie groove”.

The setlist from Cool Arena Show Glens Falls, NY provided by setlist.fm

Goose:

So Ready
California Magic
Thatch (Live Debut)
Baby Don’t you Do it (Marvin Gaye Cover)
Madhuvan
Red Bird (with Trey Anastasio
Hot Tea (with Trey Anastsio)

Trey Anastsio Band:

Drifting (Trey Anastasio song)
Set Your Soul Free
Ocelet (Phish cover)
Magilla (Phish Cover)
A Wave of Hope (Trey Anastasio song)
Shade (Phish Song)
Burlap Sack and Pumps (Trey Anastasio Song)
Spin (Trey Anastasio Song)
Hey Stranger (Trey Anastasio Song)
Valentine (Trey Anastasio Song)
Mr. Completely (Trey Anastasio Song)

Encore: Possum (Phish Cover)

This show was part of a joint eight date arena tour produced by Live Nation. Trey Anastasio Band and Goose are heading to:

Moon PA, UPMC Events Center (11/15)
Fairfax VA, EagleBank Arena (11/17)
Syracuse NY, Upstate Medical University Arena (11/18)
Reading PA, Santander Arena (11/19)

For more information visit GOOSETHEBAND TREY.COM, SETLIST.

Bogey’s Veterans Day Celebration

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 11, 2022. Posted in Business, Community, Entertainment, Featured, Food, News.

Bogey’s Pub and Grill located at 31 Cronin Road in Queensbury is honoring those who served and are currently serving with Veterans Day specials. For this Veterans Day celebration, Bogey’s offerings include free golf, 20% off food and $2 domestic beers.

Located on the Bay Meadow Golf Course, Bogey’s is family run and operated. Deric Buck, owner of Bogey’s, has offerings for both lunch and dinner. This extensive menu has items for the whole family. Diners and golfers alike will find menu items that range from lite fare to entrees that come with house salad and rolls. Bogey’s would never forget the kids. Kids menu includes grilled cheese with fries, kids burger with fries, chicken tenders with fries and mac and cheese.

The extensive menu features generous portions. The signature lunch items are served with a choice of kettle chips, fries, or coleslaw and pickle. For an additional $2.00, you can upgrade to sweet potato, cottage cheese or waffle fries. Prime rib is also available on Fridays and Saturdays. Bogey’s prefers reservations but they are not necessary. The restaurant and bar has options for everyone from a pub style environment to event spaces available for private parties. This venue is an ideal location for reunions, birthday parties and corporate events.

Bogey’s also offers more fun! There is karaoke on Fridays and live music on Saturdays. Please come and share your Veterans Day with our Bogey’s family and let us thank you and your family for your service. Please visit Bogey’s Pub and Grill at Bay Meadows for more information.

Johnny Cash Tribute Band Inspires a Genuine Lightheartedness That Everyone Needs.

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 9, 2022. Posted in Columns, Community, Entertainment, Featured, In the Arts.

Eric Hofmanis found a niche in the music scene by asking one important question, “Who doesn’t love Johnny Cash?” Hofmanis started A Man Named Cash- A Tribute to the Man in Black that has been growing in popularity since the covid pandemic restrictions have eased. As society has shifted to a post pandemic world. Hofmanis saw a niche in the music world that included nostalgic remembrances of the past.

Since Hofmanis started paying tribute to Johnny Cash his gigs have gone from being the opening act to being featured acts. Hofmanis will be performing at “Kickin’ it off Country 2023” At the Cohoes Music Hall on Friday January 6, 2023. His skill is touted in the promotional material “Eric Hofmanis has a unique Vocal resemblance to Johnny Cash.”

Johnny Cash often played with his wife June Carter Cash. To mirror this relationship Hofmanis is joined on stage by his partner, Megan Houde. Megan sings the June Carter Cash parts which are important to both Hofmanis and the show.

“The June Carter aspect of the show is huge. Our interactions on stage are genuine. When Megan is on stage with me it brightens everything up. It makes it more fun.” Hoffmanis also credits his counterpart with doing an amazing amount of work to help make the show great.

Hofmanis and Houde started to realize that there was a market for the nostalgia of Johnny Cash when they were at a casual gathering with friends. Someone began playing Johnny Cash on the guitar and the people at the gathering were instantly engaged. “People went nuts,” Hofmanis said with surprise in his voice during a recent phone interview.

Hofmanis has seen the demand for his music increase. “Demand is high. Demand for entertainment has skyrocketed.” He said.

Hofmanis also finds that he needs to improvise. “Johnny Cash was informal as a performer. If there were mistakes or missed verses the music just went on.” Hofmanis said.

As his tribute to Johnny Cash gains more popularity Hofmanis has become more familiar with his audience. “The audience is filled with people who are very familiar with Johnny Cash, people who enjoy Rockabilly, and often college kids. It’s a cross cultural experience.”

Both Hofmanis and Houde can be found on Stage at “Kickin’ it Off Country 2023” Friday January 6, 2023 at The Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes NY. For more information follow Hoffmanis and Houde on their facebook page A Man Named Cash- A tribute to the Man in Black.

Coming Soon: Go Play With Your Food

Written by Kate Haggerty on November 7, 2022. Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured, Food, News.

Glens Falls seems to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit. This new inspiration comes in the form of a new restaurant concept that is sweeping the world. Go Play With Your Food, a board game tavern, will find its home as a tenant in 126 Glen Street. This historical building was bought in August 2022, by Elizabeth MIller for $845,000.

Mark and Kristin Shaw were board game skeptics turned devotees to the board game world. The Shaws’ along with six investors are responsible for bringing this concept to Glens Falls. Board games are growing in popularity as are board game eateries. Shaw and his wife were convinced by friends in North Carolina to “go out and play” and have enjoyed the concept ever since.

The increase in popularity of board games is due to a few factors. During the pandemic board games became a preferred form of entertainment for families. Board games have also evolved. Games are more challenging for the players. They have more than one outcome which encourages the player to play the game more than once. The construction of the pieces and the boards have become more substantial. The pieces have a better feel in the player’s hand.

Trends show that the increased popularity of board games matches the rise in use of social media. Our dependence on technology creates isolation. This isolation creates a need for social connection. Board games create a social connection, they span generations and are inclusive as well as nostalgic.

The increase in our dependence on technology has also affected our social interactions. People who are communicating more through technology feel less comfortable in social situations. Social anxiety disorder affects 15 million adults and is on the rise. The board game tavern concept can help alleviate some social anxiety. Adding an activity to a social interaction provides social cues as well as topics of conversation. These are factors that help people feel more comfortable in social situations.In preparation for the opening the Shaws’ have amassed 500 board games. Go Play With Your Food will offer beer, mead and wine as well as; sandwiches, salads, and flatbread pizza. Go Play With Your Food is expected to open in January of 2023.

Lakota’s Farm hosting ‘Haunted Barn Bash’ this weekend

Written by Dylan McGlynn on October 25, 2022. Posted in Community, Entertainment, Featured.

CAMBRIDGE — Halloween is around the corner, and Lakota’s Farm is helping get the community in the spirit with the first annual ‘Haunted Barn Bash’ on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.

The Bash will have a live DJ, catered food, a cocktail bar, a costume contest, and more. Lakota’s Farm owner Kimberly Finney said she is excited to put on the event, saying she loves Halloween.

“I’ve always loved Halloween,” said Finney. “We’re actually having a blast right now, because we’re decorating the barn all spooky, when we normally do weddings and more formal events.”

And a 200-year-old barn is likely the perfect place to host a spooky celebration.

“We definitely feel like there are some haunted spirits that live here,” Finney said. “I can’t imagine there couldn’t be.”

The costume contest will feature three categories, with winners receiving a gift certificate to a future farm-to-table dinner at Lakota’s. Contest categories are: Best Costume, Best Couple, and Best Group.

“We’re going to do three sets of it,” said Finney. “Just to entice people to dress really fun and be creative with their costumes.”

Catered food will be provided by Wandering Food Dude, featuring a charcuterie board, hor d’oeuvres, and food stations throughout the barn. DJ John Waddell will provide music for the evening.

“(Wandering Food Dude) just did our last farm-to-table dinner just a few weeks ago, our last one of the season, and it was incredible,” said Finney. “They’re newer to having their own business, but they’re certainly not new to the catering world.”

The Haunted Barn Bash will have a cocktail bar, as well as tarot readings by Aviana Shaman, who Finney said also attended the fall festival at Lakota’s.

“She was here for our fall festival, actually, and everybody really seemed to love her,” Finney said. “We thought it would be a really fun, spooky element to have Tarot readings at a Halloween party.”

The Bash is selling two types of tickets, a $25 ‘Dance the Night Away’ ticket, and a $65 ‘Dancing and Dinner All-You-Can-Eat’ ticket.

“People can buy tickets just to come to the party, which includes some light snacks and things. It’s kind of admission to the event,” said Finney. “The ($65) ticket is, the caterers are going to do a cocktail hour, and bites of yummy food, kind of farm-to-table themed, throughout the entire evening.”

Finney also mentioned several overnight accommodations in the area for potential guests, including the Preserve on the Batten Kill and the King’s Inn.

“There are cabs that come out here now, and Uber comes out to the farm,” said Finney. “We want everybody to have a good time, but be safe.”

And the Bash will offer a chance for the community to celebrate Halloween, with Finney saying, “we absolutely love doing the community events.”

“The community events are definitely really special to us, whether it’s the festivals, the farm dinners, or the annual Halloween party,” Finney said. “We just love meeting all of our neighbors.”

Billy Gilman performing at Wood Theater as part of Country Concerts ‘Close Up’

Written by Staff Report on October 20, 2022. Posted in Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured, In the Arts.

GLENS FALLS — Singer Billy Gilman will be performing at the Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls on Jan. 28, 2023, part of Kevin Richards’ Country Concerts ‘Close Up’.

Gilman’s debut album, ‘One Voice’, was released in 2000 and was certified double-platinum in the United States behind a Billboard Top 40 single of the same name. Gilman, who was 11 years old at the time of the album’s release, was included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest singer to reach #1 on the Billboard Top Country Album charts.

Gilman has sold over 10 million records worldwide, and has received awards and nods from the Grammys, the Academy of Country Music, the Country Music Association, the American Music Association, and more, according to a press release.

The singer is “eager to share his new music, and his new sound, with his fans,” after finishing as the runner-up in the 11th season of NBC’s ‘The Voice’ in 2016.

Kevin Richards, a seven-time Country Music Awards nominee & winner, began the Country Concerts ‘Close Up’ series in September with two shows by Randy Travis.

“Richards’ mission is to put talented throwback singers and songwriters back in the spotlight, up close and personal, in a charming hometown atmosphere, where you can see and hear every note,” the press release says.

See below for a list of scheduled ‘Country Concert Close Up’ performances. For more information, visit www.woodtheater.org.

Saturday, Nov. 26: ‘Christmas with Liberace and Elvis”

Featuring David Maiocco as Liberace and Drew Polsun as Elvis, the performance is “a fun Christmas show for your friends and family to kick off the holiday season,” the release says. Polsun is a popular Northeast Elvis performer who originated in Glens Falls, while Maiocco has been honored with multiple awards for musical direction.

Sunday, Nov. 27: ‘Ty Herndon: Grammy-Nominated and Dove Award Winning Artists with 17 Billboard Hits’

Herndon is a Grammy-nominated and Dove Award winning artist, and will perform hits such as ‘Living in a Moment,’ ‘A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Letting Go),’ ‘Loved Too Much,’ and more, including new hit ‘’Till You Get There.’ Mike-Bear, a “regional favorite,” will be the show’s opening act.

Saturday, Jan. 28: ‘Billy Gilman: Grammy Nominee, American Music Award Winner, and Runner-Up of NBC’s ‘The Voice’’

Gilman’s hits include ‘One Voice,’ ‘Oklahoma,’ ‘There’s a Hero’, ‘When We Were Young,’ and more. The show will be opened by Glens Falls family trio Bravely.

Sunday, March 12: TBA

Saturday, April 22: ‘Suzy Bogguss: Grammy, CMA, & ACM Winner’

Bogguss will perform songs such as ‘Hey Cinderella,’ ‘Aces,’ ‘Drive South,’ ‘Letting Go’, and more. Bogguss will be supported by North Country favorite Ryan Clark as an opening act.

Sunday, May 14: ‘Conway Twitty Tribute, featuring son Michael Twitty’

A tribute to legendary CMA winner, and member of the Country Music and Rockabilly Hall of Fames. Including hits such as ‘Hello Darlin’’, ‘Tight Fittin’ Jeans,’ ‘It’s Only Make Believe,’ ‘Slow Hand,’ and more. Marty Wendell, a Thomas Edison Hall of Fame inductee, will open the show.

Adirondack Film Festival opens with ‘Blondie: Vivir en la Habana’

Written by Dylan McGlynn on October 14, 2022. Posted in Columns, Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured.

‘Blondie: Vivir en la Habana’ director Rob Roth (left) discusses the film with Adirondack Theatre Festival producing artistic director Miriam Weisfeld (right) during the first night of the 2022 Adirondack Film Festival on Thursday. (Dylan McGlynn photo)

GLENS FALLS — The 2022 Adirondack Film Festival opened on Thursday night, kicking off its seventh annual celebration of film and theater with a screening of Rob Roth’s ‘Blondie: Vivir en la Habana,’ and a selection of music videos.

Roth was in attendance, and held a Q&A session with Adirondack Theatre Festival producing artistic director Miriam Weisfeld, discussing the documentary and more.

“We’re so happy that you all are here,” Weisfeld said, opening the festival with a welcome to the audience. She noted that roughly 150 people were also streaming the festival virtually, saying it includes filmmakers from places such as New Zealand and “all over the world.”

‘Blondie: Vivir en la Habana’ is a short documentary film showing the band Blondie’s 2019 trip to Havana, Cuba, as part of an official cultural exchange. The band, along with Roth and crew, spent roughly a week in Cuba, performing two shows at the Teatro Mella in Havana.

Roth said the initial idea came from Blondie guitarist and founding member Chris Stein.

“The original genesis was (Stein) always, always wanting to go to Cuba,” said Roth. “I think the previous administration had opened up some sort of dialogue with Cuba… They were doing these things called cultural exchanges. So this was an official cultural exchange invitation from the Ministry of Culture of Cuba.”

Stein ended up being unable to join the band on the trip, with Roth saying he was dealing with heart issues “that kept him from going.” But Roth was intent on documenting the journey, saying it was the first project he had ever pitched to the band.

“They usually come to me,” said Roth. “This is the first thing I said, ‘We have to document this somehow.’ And so we did.”

A majority of the 18-minute documentary was shot on 16-millimeter and 8-millimeter film, Roth said. He initially planned to shoot on iPhones, but made the switch to film after he said Apple pulled out of the project.

“Honestly, the whole thing was an adventure. I didn’t really know what was going to happen,” Roth said. “I didn’t want to explain a lot, I wanted a visceral feeling as much as possible. … It’s almost like a lens to time that they’re stuck in, in a way.”

The film seemed to come together organically, with Roth saying he, “had no idea what the film was really going to be.”

“You have to go with it, you have to enjoy it,” said Roth. “You prepare, prepare, prepare, and then you have to give yourself over. You know when you’re in it, surfing it. You just have to give yourself over, and see how it’s forming, where it’s taking you.”

The documentary is split into three parts, with Roth saying it was initially intended to be three individual short films. Finished in February 2020, the documentary made appearances at film festivals in Italy, the United Kingdom, Iceland, and more.

“The best one was Tribeca. We had a whole night at the Tribeca Film Festival,” said Roth. “Blondie played, and it was the one week where I think the restrictions were lifted. … Everything’s about timing. That was amazing.”

The band was accompanied by local musicians during the concerts, including members of the Cuban band Sintesis.

“The musicians had never met, they had one rehearsal,” Roth said. “It was already set up beforehand, of course, but we were only there for five or six days. … The music was honestly the least difficult part, funny enough. They just met, they all came together and played one rehearsal, and then two nights of shows. It was fantastic.”

The director emphasized the connection brought upon by the music, saying they initially were unsure if the crowd would know Blondie’s music.

“When we were going, Debbie and I were kind of discussing, ‘Do they know the music?,” said Roth. “I always tell this story, I was shooting at one point and there was a balcony. There was a family of, I’m telling you, it was the grandparents down to the grandchildren. And they were all singing. … They knew it. It was so clear that the music had got there.”

“These things are really important,” Roth continued, noting the importance of music and culture in connecting people. “I realized afterwards, that’s the way in. … I do feel like there just needs to be more of that.”

Roth, a native of New York City, has his own connection to upstate New York, noting that his father owned a home in the Catskills.

“It’s very, very special,” Roth said. “It’s a very, very grounding place for me. I need both (the city and upstate).”

As far as future projects from the director, Roth said “there’s nothing greenlit,” but mentioned several ideas potentially in the works.

“We were talking about doing a film about (Harry),” said Roth. “I do a lot of theater too, I’m one of those people that kind of goes back and forth, so there’s two theater projects.”

The Adirondack Film Festival continues today and runs through Saturday. Friday features include ‘Remember This,’ ‘The Quiet Epidemic,’ ‘A Love Song,’ ‘What We Do Next,’ and several series of short films. For more information, visit adkfilmfestival.org.

Adirondack Stampede Rodeo brings ‘family fun’ to Glens Falls Nov. 4-5

Written by Dylan McGlynn on October 13, 2022. Posted in Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured, Uncategorized.

GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Stampede Rodeo returns to Glens Falls for a 31st year next month, running from Friday, Nov. 4 to Saturday, Nov. 5 at Cool Insuring Arena.

With eight events, an afterparty, music, and more, the Rodeo will be “good family fun,” said marketing promoter Shana Graham.

“It’s been a wonderful event,” said Graham. “There’s not many events, I believe, that have been going on that long in the area. … It’s just a great event for the community.”

The Adirondack Stampede Rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo, and will feature “all the excitement of pro rodeo’s top national and regional competitors,” according to the rodeo’s website.

The rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the rodeo website, adirondackstampederodeo.com, or by calling the Cool Insuring Arena box office at 518-798-0202.

Events at this year’s rodeo include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, bull riding, team roping, and ladies barrel racing. Graham also detailed a new event to this year’s rodeo, ladies breakaway roping.

“This will be the first time that Cool Insuring Arena has ever offered the ladies breakaway roping,” Graham said. “In the world of professional rodeo, it’s one of the new and upcoming events, and we decided to add it to this.”

Announcer Greg Simas will return for his 15th year calling the Rodeo. Simas has experience announcing rodeos in Australia, Canada, and 34 states of the U.S., according to the rodeo’s website. Music will be provided by sound technician Jesse Knudsen, a native of Wisconsin, Graham said.

Rodeo clown Rob Gann also returns for another year, with Graham noting that Gann is “extremely funny.”

“(He’s) guaranteed to make the whole family laugh,” said Graham. “It’s good family fun.”

The rodeo will also feature appearances by the Miss Rodeo New York Queens, Graham said, who will be crowned in the arena during the rodeo and signing autographs.

Following the conclusion of each night’s events, a ‘Round-Up Party’ will be held at Heritage Hall inside Cool Insuring Arena. The Round-Up Party will feature live music and an open bar, and offer fans a chance to meet and interact with cowboys and cowgirls.

“That’s just a fun little night to meet cowboys and cowgirls after the rodeo, and sign some autographs, and some dancing,” Graham said. “It’s a good way to end the event.”

The Nobody Special Band will perform at the Round-Up Party on Friday night, while After-Fx Professional DJ Service will handle the music on Saturday, said Graham.

“We’re pumped,” said Graham of the rodeo. “We love this time of year, it’s one of our favorite events. We’re very excited to be a part of it. Proud of it, and proud to keep it going.”

Graham also emphasized the community aspect of the event, referring to it as “heartwarming.”

“It’s a great time of year, because it’s like the last rodeo of the season. Everybody meets, families come together,” Graham said. “It’s just great to see all of the lovely faces and all of the community come together for a special event.”

For more information, visit adirondackstampederodeo.com.

‘There’s really something for everybody’: Adirondack Film Festival returns Thursday

Written by Dylan McGlynn on October 12, 2022. Posted in Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured, News.

GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Film Festival returns tomorrow for a seventh year, offering a weekend loaded with content spanning a wide variety of genres.

The festival is produced by the Adirondack Theatre Festival, which places it “at the nexus between theater, film, and television,” said Adirondack Theatre Festival producing artistic director Miriam Weisfeld.

Films will be screened at the Charles R. Wood Theater and at Crandall Public Library. For the second consecutive year, the festival will also be offering a hybrid model, said Weisfeld.

“That’s a really cool option, because it gives you so much flexibility,” said Weisfeld. “If you wake up in the morning and you decide that you want to be out on the town all weekend, you can do that. If you decide that you want to be home on your couch, you still have a whole weekend of content that’s been curated for you.”

The festival begins Thursday with ‘Opening Night Rocks,’ a screening of music videos and the regional premiere of a short documentary titled “Blondie: Vivir en la Habana,” detailing the rock band Blondie’s trip to Havana, Cuba, for a concert in 2019. The screening will be at the Wood Theater, followed by a Q&A with director Rob Roth and an opening night reception at Park 26 in the Queensbury Hotel.

“This was part of an official cultural exchange between New York City and Havana, and it’s this amazing piece of filmmaking that was created by an artist named Rob Roth,” Weisfeld said. “He’s got these incredible stories about working with Blondie. … After that screening, Rob and I are going to do a discussion with the audience at the theater, and then we’ll move over to Park 26 for a celebration together.”

All content at the festival is recommended for ages 18 and up, according to the festival’s schedule.

Friday screenings include ‘Remember This,’ starring Academy Award nominee David Strathairn, and ‘A Love Song,’ starring Dale Dickey and Wes Studi.

Dickey has appeared in shows such as ‘Breaking Bad,’ ‘The X-Files,’ ‘Gilmore Girls,’ ‘Frasier’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ and more. Studi received a Governors Award from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2019, becoming the first Native American actor to receive the honor, Weisfeld said. Studi has appeared in movies such as ‘The Last of the Mohicans,’ ‘Dances with Wolves,’ ‘Avatar,’ and ‘Street Fighter.’

Saturday screenings include ‘There There,’ starring Jason Schwartzman and Lili Taylor, and ‘Cryptid,’ featuring Capital Region native Nicholas Baroudi.

“Another really exciting thing about the Adirondack Film Festival is that we are a platform for local filmmakers and for films that were shot in the Adirondack region,” said Weisfeld, noting that Baroudi, who has appeared as Joey Raven in five episodes of ‘Law and Order: Organized Crime,’ has also performed with the Adirondack Theatre Festival in the past.

Continuing the local focus, the festival will also screen several shorts throughout the weekend in multiple categories, including ‘Homegrown: Adirondack Regional Shorts.’ Other categories include ‘Stage to Screen,’ as well as Documentary, Comedy, and Suspense.

Weisfeld emphasized the wide variety of content throughout the weekend, saying, “There’s really something for everybody.”

“It’s over 35 films, so it’s a lot of content,” Weisfeld said. “Just about anybody is going to find something that they enjoy.”

The festival will also screen documentaries such as ‘The Quiet Epidemic,’ focused on the discovery of Lyme Disease.

“We feel like that is such an important topic around our region that we’re bringing in the directors of the film, and having a panel discussion with them and Dr. Holly Ahern from SUNY Adirondack, who’s the vice president of the Lyme Action Network,” said Weisfeld. “There’s serious substantive conversations happening about things that matter to our community, and there’s also a lot of entertainment value too.”

Other films that will be screened include ‘The Last Frankenstein,’ ‘Not a Tame Lion,’ ‘What We Do Next,’ and more.

Anyone interested in attending can choose between an in-person pass, a virtual pass, or an all-access pass, said Weisfeld. Single-day passes are also available throughout the weekend.

The festival reaches a close on Saturday night, with an awards presentation at 7:30 p.m. at the Wood Theater. There are six award categories: Documentary Short, Documentary Feature, Narrative Short, Narrative Feature, Music Video, and Best of the Festival.

Weisfeld said that anyone who purchases a pass will be able to vote for the awards.

“We’ll do the presentation live and live-streamed on Saturday night, and then we’ll go across the street to Downtown Social for another party,” said Weisfeld.

While the festival ends on Saturday, Weisfeld said that anyone who purchases a virtual or all-access pass will have on-demand access to content through midnight on Sunday. All films will be available for virtual screening, with the exception of three: ‘A Love Song,’ ‘Remember This,’ and ‘There There.’

“It’s been fantastic seeing the community support and the support of our business partners,” said Weisfeld of the community reception, giving thanks to partners such as the Queensbury Hotel, Fountain Square Outfitters, Lake George RV Park, Hudson Headwaters, Mannix Marketing, and Trampoline Design.

“We’re very appreciative of our board members, our committee members, and our volunteers. It’s really a community effort to get a project like this off the ground,” Weisfeld said. “We’re really excited to share all this material with the public tomorrow.”

Individual all-access passes begin at $80, while an individual in-person pass costs $65. Single-day passes are available for $35, with virtual passes beginning at $45. Visit www.adkfilmfestival.org for information regarding the festival’s schedule, how to purchase passes, and more.