KAC Live! brings a mix of talented local, regional and national acts to our intimate Gallery venue in Clinton, New York.
Supported in part by the New York State Council for the Arts.
Coming Soon to KAC Live
“His performances have a magical effect on audiences as he skillfully transforms traditional songs and stories that he learned from his forefathers into modern day messages of peace, love, and harmony.”
YACOUBA SISSOKO
Friday, April 19, 2024 from 7:30 pm
Join us for a special evening as we welcome Yacouba Sissoko to the KAC stage!
Master kora player Yacouba Sissoko exposes new audiences to the enchanting sounds of the kora—a 21-stringed instrument that is plucked and produces a distinctive sound that is quickly associated with West Africa. Yacouba devotes his musical gift to expand the awareness of West African history and culture, spread the word of peace, and empower his listeners to take charge and realize their imagined futures.
$20 General/$18 KAC Members
“Rhythm Future Quartet breaks new ground for Gypsy jazz”
–The Boston Globe
RHYTHM FUTURE QUARTET
Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 7:30 pm
Join us for a special evening that highlights each member’s dazzling technique and improvisational depth, as well as the group’s equally rapt interplay and great rapport on stage.
The acoustic jazz ensemble, Rhythm Future Quartet has a straightforward agenda: to keep the spirit of Gypsy jazz alive and expanding in today’s musical universe. The virtuosic foursome, named for a Django Reinhardt tune, offers up a newly minted sound, influenced by the classic Hot Club of France, yet wholly contemporary. Founded by violinist Jason Anick, the quartet performs dynamic and lyrical arrangements of both Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions that draw upon diverse international rhythms and musical idioms. With Max O’Rourke, Henry Acker, and Greg Loughman rounding out the quartet, Rhythm Future is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of a vital musical genre.
Past KAC Live Events
Irish Evening at the KAC
Saturday, March 16th
5 pm to 7 pm
It’s our annual evening of good craic at the KAC!
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a pint of Guinness or some Barry’s tea, and enjoy soda bread and cookies. We will welcome Pat Reynolds (fiddle) and Nick Whitmer (uilleann pipes), Nora Revenaugh, and Craobh Dugan O’Looney for an evening of great traditional tunes, Irish songs – and some dancing.
Tickets $20 General/$18 KAC Members
“With a voice that resonates like the winds over the Cliffs of Moher, Langford’s music captures the soul of Ireland in every note …”
EMMA LANGFORD
with Alec Brown and Hannah Nic Gearailt
Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 7:30 pm
Join us for a special evening as we welcome Emma Langford to the KAC stage!
Multiple award-winning, globe-trotting troubadour, Emma Langford is a household name on the Irish folk and songwriter scene. Storytelling and wit sit at the heart of everything she does; interweaving her live performances, and shining through her works. Hers is an inimitable, dreamy voice on the frontline of a new wave of Irish folk. Emma will be joined by Alec Brown (cello, flute, vocals) and Hannah Nic Gearailt (keys, vocals).
Langford is a Limerick-based songwriter with strong traditional influences. Storytelling sits at the heart of everything she does, interweaving her live performances, and shining through her recorded works. After showcasing at the Folk Alliance International this year, Langford premiered new works inspired by pirate queen Gráinne Mhaol on the stage of the National Concert Hall with the National Symphony Orchestra. She is currently on the road around Ireland, Germany and the US, collaborating with various international communities, and continuing her Arts Council-supported research around Irish women in myth and history. Her latest single, “Abigail (Tomhas Ghobnatan)” is the first release from a new suite of work based around the lore and history of Ballyvourney, a village in the Muskerry Gaeltacht of County Cork. “One of the more exciting and radical Irish talents of the moment.”
DARRYL RAHN & FRIENDS
Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 7:30 pm
We’re delighted to welcome back Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter from New Hartford, Darryl Rahn, and friends for this annual homecoming concert after the Shoppers Stroll in Clinton. He will perform his popular holiday gig in the KAC Gallery at 7:30 pm on Saturday, November 25th.
Join us for a special evening to celebrate Ginger Parker’s legacy with one of her favorite bands. A classic KAC Coffeehouse, complete with checkered tablecloths, 50:50 raffle, and baked goods downstairs.
Robin and Linda Williams
Friday, November 10, 2023 from 7:30 pm
Robin and Linda are closing in on a five decade-long career in folk music that has included 24 personal recordings, thousands of concerts on three continents, a Robert Altman directed movie, and hundreds of performances on radio and television shows. Please join us as we celebrate the lifetime partnership in music and song of this superstar duo at our KAC Coffeehouse gig!
As live performers they are second to none and are at home on whatever stage they find themselves, be it a large, storied concert hall or festival – or on our very own KAC stage. Their latest CD, "A Better Day A-Coming," spent the summer and fall of 2021 in the top 10 of the FAI Folk Radio Charts with their single of the same name ending the year as the Number 3 Top Song. And their second single, "The Old Lovers Waltz," has proven very popular with their fans too.
Grosse Isle is a trio of “musiciens sans frontières who refuse to let the Atlantic sunder their love of their own and one another’s Irish and Québécois musical traditions”.
Grosse Isle
Friday, October 20, 2023 from 7:30 pm
Join us for a special evening as we welcome Grosse Isle to the KAC stage!
Comprising of Irish uilleann piper Fiachra O’Regan, Québec fiddler/singer Sophie Lavoie, and guitarist André Marchand, the trio take traditional Irish and Québécois traditional music, blended with Lavoie’s “lithe and masterful” compositions. Their choice of songs will “captivate the most casual listener.”
The traditional music trio Grosse Isle was born out of the “absolutely magical” collaboration between three exceptional musicians from Quebec and Ireland (The Irish Music Magazine). Together, Sophie Lavoie du Lac-St-Jean (fiddle, piano, vocal), André Marchand the legendary (guitar, vocal), and Fiachra O’Regan, Irish champion (uilleann pipes, whistle, banjo) shine with their rich and enveloping music. These musicians all have a national and international reputation as a duo mainly in the case of Sophie & Fiachra and within several groups for 40 years as far as André Marchand is concerned (La Bottine Souriante, Les Charbonniers de l’Enfer and others).
“It is no exaggeration to say that Bruce Molsky is one of the greatest American fiddlers of all time. His playing is mesmerizing and transporting, and best experienced live” - WBUR (Boston NPR)
Bruce Molsky
and Reed Stutz
Friday, September 29, 2023 from 7:30 pm
Join us for a special evening as we welcome Bruce Molsky back to the KAC stage!
Grammy-nominated, and “one of America’s premier fiddling talents” (Mother Jones), multi-instrumentalist Bruce Molsky's take on tradition has landed him in collaborations with some of the world's most highly respected players from roots to rock.
Bruce will be joined by Reed Stutz (mandolin, guitar, banjo), who is also fueled by a love for old time and bluegrass. Together they will provide an exciting evening of music and song that will highlight tradition and new interpretations – the combination of technical virtuosity and relaxed conversational wit in our great venue will make this gig feel like an intimate front porch gathering.
We will kick off the fall KAC Live series with a fun-filled evening to “rock around the clock” at a Sock Hop Dance
Sock Hop
with MoJoTo
Saturday 9, 2023 from 8:00 pm
The ever-popular MoJoTo — Monk Rowe, John Hutson & Tom McGrath — will be playing all the dance favorites that will have everyone toe-tapping and dancing. With their stellar musicianship, audience-engaging performance and spontaneous wit, you never know what might happen with these guys on the KAC stage! Everyone is invited to come as they are, or dress the part — just don’t miss this chance to have a blast with friends old and new.
Join us for the KAC’s annual gala! This year’s theme is Fly Me to the Moon! We are celebrating the community’s outpouring of support this past year as we shoot for the moon. There will be music by Big Tasty and the Sass, drinks, hor d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and art!
Tickets are $60 for this important fundraiser.
In collaboration with the Hamilton College Performing Arts Series, we’re delighted to welcome Afrofuturist fiddler and banjoist, Jake Blount back to the KAC stage!
Jake Blount & Friends
FREE Jam Session & Workshop
Friday, April 14th, 2023 from 7:30 pm
Join Jake along with percussive dancer Nic Gareiss and multi-instrumentalist (fiddle, guitar, and vocals) Laurel Premo for a FREE jam session and workshop on Friday, April 14th in the KAC Gallery!
And then experience the group in performance at 7:30 pm on Saturday, April 15th in Wellin Hall Schambach Center at Hamilton College – it will be a great evening of traditional songs ranging from the familiar to the arcane.
Irish Evening at the KAC!
Saturday, March 18th
5PM – 7PM
It’s our annual evening of good craic at the KAC! Celebrate St. Paddy’s day weekend with a pint of Guinness or some Barry’s tea, and enjoy soda bread and cookies along with a night of great traditional tunes from Craobh Dugan O’Looney and a set of Irish songs from new local Irish band Fiddlebutter.
$20 General Admission
$15 for KAC members with code MEMBERSONLY
“They have it all: lead vocals, brother-duet harmony, instrumental virtuosity, ensemble sensibilities, and great original material” – Bluegrass Unlimited
The Gibson Brothers
Friday, February 3, 2023 at 7:30 pm
We’re delighted to welcome back bluegrass superstars Leigh and Eric Gibson to the Kirkland Art Center stage right after the release of their latest album, “Darkest Hour”!
The Gibson Brothers
Winter Hootenanny!
Friday, January 27th at 7:00 pm
Join us in celebrating local, homegrown talent! Come out to the Kirkland Art Center’s WINTER HOOTENANNY for some hot tunes on a cold night.
Local band The Boom Chickens will play and MC an evening of original songs from a local all-star lineup of Gina Holsopple, J. Schnitt, and A Quarter to Orange.
Audience members are encouraged to enjoy snacks, drinks, dancing, and camaraderie while listening to locally sourced, free-range music. For any audience members who play an instrument and are curious about getting involved with local music sessions, representatives from the Mohawk Valley Bluegrass Association, Gina Marie Music Studio, and local Irish group Craobh Dugan O’Looney will be at the Hootenanny to share information about available resources and local learner’s sessions.
“Rahn is great and “Don’t come over” highlights the approachable, engaging, and downright charming folk rock songwriting that we enjoy.” — Greg Jones, Ear To The Ground
Darryl Rahn & Friends
Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 7 pm
We’re delighted to welcome back Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter from New Hartford, Darryl Rahn for this annual homecoming concert after the Shoppers Stroll in Clinton. He will perform his popular holiday gig at 7 pm on Saturday, November 26 in the KAC Gallery. The show will feature songs from his recent release, “The Mend” and Rahn will be joined on stage by Nashua Robb of The Old Main, who will open the show with a solo performance.
Join us for a special evening to celebrate Ginger Parker’s legacy with one of her favorite bands. A classic KAC Coffeehouse complete with checkered tablecloths, 50:50 raffle, and baked goods downstairs.
Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
Friday, November 4, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Two-time Grammy® Award Winners, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer are master musicians with a career spanning over 35 years. Their superb harmonies are backed by instrumental virtuosity on the guitar, five-string banjo, ukulele, mandolin, cello-banjo, and many other instruments. Their repertoire ranges from western swing to bluegrass, gypsy jazz to contemporary folk, old-time string band to some original gems. The duo's consummate musicianship is matched by their enthusiasm for group singing, song leading, and inspiring people to get in on the fun.
Image: Irene Young
“Maria Gillard comes in peace. The songs she carefully writes reach across boundaries and realms, holding the light up to dark truths and finding beauty in the stories we tell." — Katie Preston, Rochester CITY NEWS
Maria Gillard Trio
Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Maria Gillard is a natural and talented singer/songwriter. She uses elements of swing, bluegrass and jazz to bring us songs that are wise, humorous, and sometimes painful observations on life and relationships. Her compelling voice draws you into her lyrics which, when combined with memorable melodies, head straight for the heart. Maria will be accompanied by Perry Cleaveland on mandolin, fiddle and vocals, and Doug Henrie on upright bass. Their new recording ALWAYS LOVE is getting rave reviews and we’re looking forward to a soul-stirring, evocative, lively and energizing performance!
“The warmth between the two players and their instruments is complemented by the sensitivity each has for the other’s playing. Perkins and Brown are terrifically responsive to each other and together they make a grand duo and a lovely racket."" — The Irish Echo
Alison Perkins & Nicolas Brown
Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Alison Perkins and Nicolas Brown are one of the brightest Irish music duos in the United States. They have been playing music on the uilleann pipes, flute, and fiddle together for fifteen years. Since the release of their album “All Covered With Moss”, they have been delighting audiences with their close musical partnership. Together and as individual artists, they have performed and taught at festivals, concerts, and tionóil (“gatherings” in Irish) across North America. The two musicians research forgotten settings of obscure tunes and introduce them to audiences in a musical style that is bold, spirited, unique, and undeniably rooted in the tradition. They receive rave reviews for their performances for Irish traditional music fans across the country, from San Francisco to Boston — we’re delighted to have them at the KAC!
Photo by Eric Kuzma (cropped for webpage)
““Jake Blount is a brilliant banjoist, fiddle player and singer... his fingering thrilling and pacy, his voice charismatic and limber.” - Jude Rogers, The Guardian
Jake Blount
Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 7:30 pm
We are delighted that award-winning American folk-roots artist Jake Blount will finish his summer tour with a KAC Live solo gig – just two weeks before the release of his latest album “The New Faith” with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings on September 23rd! “The New Faith” is described as a dystopian Afro-futuristic concept album; the record features ten reimagined and reinterpreted traditional Black spirituals and original spoken word pieces.
Jake is a young artist based in Rhode Island, who graduated from Hamilton College with a degree in ethnomusicology. His debut solo album Spider Tales was released in 2020 to widespread acclaim . An exceptional musician, soulful singer, and scholar of music, Jake’s work highlights the contributions of long-overlooked Black, Indigenous and LGBTQ artists in American folk music genres.
CASH BAR. CONCESSIONS.
EVERYONE WELCOME.. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE.
Photo by Tadin Brown.
JUNE 18th at 7:30 pm
Ustad Shafaat Khan
Accompanied by Rishy Mehrotra
"Indian music at it's top level..." The Shoestring in Pacem, USA
We welcome you to come and enjoy this cultural event with delicious Indian treats from the kitchen of Minar Fine Indian Cuisine. Proof of vaccination required, wheel chair accessible. Thank you!
Event sponsored by: Minar Fine Indian Cuisine located at 609 French Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413
Aaron Larget-Caplan
MAY 27
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Acclaimed international recording and touring guitarist Aaron Larget-Caplan is an exciting and innovative leader in classical music. Noted for his “astounding technical proficiency and artistic delicacy” by the Boston Musical Intelligencer, Larget-Caplan has throughout the USA and in Europe, Russia, and Taiwan, including El Palacio de Linares in Madrid, Spain, Sheremetev Palace in Russia, and Palazzo del Te & Ducale in Mantova, Italy. At 16 he made his debut at the Tabor Opera House, and has since premiered over 85 solo and chamber compositions, soloed with orchestras, directed concert series, created commissioning endeavors, curated and published two anthologies of scores, arranged over 35 solo and chamber works, and brought classical music into schools and communities.
NEWS: honey cadence album releases April 29!
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Nights Transfigured
Family Show, 4:30 pm
Aaron Larget-Caplan guides listeners of all-ages in a contemporary music exploration of the lullaby with compositions written for his New Lullaby Project. Larget-Caplan will perform selections from his over 65 new lullabies by composers from 10 countries. There are lullabies inspired by dreams, memories, falling asleep, a little girl, a train, poetry, and even the internet.
Audience members of all-ages are encouraged to wear their most comfortable pajamas, relax on a pillow on stage and enjoy the attentive peacefulness brought forth on the guitar. A composer or two will be in attendance.
Looking Bach, Listening Forward
Evening Show 7:30 pm
American guitar virtuoso Aaron Larget-Caplan presents the inner workings of guitar music we know “standards” alongside new solos. Preludes and a fugue by Bach, a tango, the lullaby re-imagined, a 13th century Japanese legend explored anew, a meditation by John Cage, a new work for guitar+electronics by California composer Tom Flaherty, and Aaron’s own compositions from his new album honey cadence.
FOR ONLINE TICKETS, CLICK HERE
Enter MEMBER in Discount Code box for membership discount
Tickets also available at the door.
Please check on public health regulations before each show. Thank you!
B Sharp Musical Club Presents
LOVE SONGS
February 12 @ 7pm
Given the current pandemic situation in our area and to keep everyone as safe as possible, indoor concerts will require proof of vaccination and masks for all attendees. Thank you!
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www.bsharpmusic.org
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Founded in 1903, the B Sharp Musical Club has supported Music and the Arts in the Greater Utica area for over 118 years.
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BSharpMusicalClub
A dramatic, musical program by the B Sharp Musical Club featuring Lauralyn Kolb (soprano), G. Roberts Kolb (tenor), John Murphy (tenor), and Tina Toglia (piano) with readings by Marilee Ensign and Peter Loftus.
Sponsored in part by:
New York State Council on the Arts
It’s become a tradition, after the Shoppers Stroll in Clinton.
Darryl Rahn & Friends
Saturday, November 27, 2021
Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter from New Hartford, Darryl Rahn will be joined by other local musicians for this annual homecoming concert. Highlights will include songs from Darryl’s latest release, Going Steady - LP (2021).
Given the current pandemic situation in our area and to keep everyone as safe as possible, indoor concerts will require proof of vaccination for attendance. Thank you!
Celebrating the life & legacy of Ginger Parker
The Cadley’s Bigger Band
with Pocket Change opening the evening
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Classic KAC Coffeehouse with checkered tablecloths, a 50:50 raffle and baked goods downstairs — and great live music! Hosted by Ginger’s family.
Given the current pandemic situation in our area and to keep everyone as safe as possible, indoor concerts will require proof of vaccination for attendance. Thank you!
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Steph Steele
A versatile local songster Steph Steele joined by Bob Ford (piano) for an evening of classic jazz numbers.
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Boom Chickens
An evening of feel-good folk, sponsored by Pinny & George Kuckel for the Kirkland Art Center RAISE THE ROOF capital campaign.
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Gibson Brothers
“They have it all: lead vocals, brother-duet harmony, instrumental virtuosity, ensemble sensibilities, and great original material” – Bluegrass Unlimited
KAC Live from the Gallery is made possible by a NYSCA SLP Technical Assistance Grant through CNY Arts
Musicians we have hosted include …
Sheila Kay Adams • Mike Agranoff • Alison Krauss & Union Station • Amy Gallatin & Stillwater • Jamie Anderson • Anderson & Brown • Annie & The Hedonists • April Verch • The Arrogant Worms • The Austin Lounge Lizards • Aztec Two Step • Joan Baez • The Ballroom Thieves • Barachois • Seth Owen Becker • Lou & Peter Berryman • The Bird Sisters • Jake Blount • The Bluegrass Cardinals • Hugh Blumenfeld Bob Paisley & Southern Grass • Spencer Bohren • Rou Bookbinder • Bryan Bowers • The Boys From Indiana • Brave Combo • Kevin Briody • The Bristol Brothers • Bristol Mountain • Greg Brown • The Burns Sisters • David Buskin • Kate Campbell • Carolina Chocolate Drops • Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer • The Chenille Sisters • Cheryl Wheeler • John Rissbach & Chestnut Grove • Cindy Mangsen & Steve Gillette • Douglas Clegg • Vincent Colgan • Judy Collins • Michael Cooney • Cordelia's Dad • Cornerstone • Craobh Rua • Creek Bend • Catie Curtis • The Dady Brothers • Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer • Dave's True Story • David Davis & The Warrior River Boys • Guy Davis • Jesse Dee • The Delaney Brothers • Hazel Dickens • Dry Branch Fire Squad • Dan Duggan • The Electric Bonzai Band • Peggy Eyers • The Fairfield Four • Cathy Fink & March Marxer • Finest Kind • Floodwood • The Fox Family • Bob Franke • Freyda & The Atta Boys • Fruit • Beppe Gambetta • Mary Gauthier • The Gibson Brothers • Vance Gilbert • Maria Gillard • Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwartz • Give Way • The Greencards • Arlo Guthrie • Priscilla Herdman • The Horseflies • Hot Soup • Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons • Jim Infantino • Jabbering Trout • Jay Unger & Molly Mason • Jazzabels • Jem & Ariane • Jeremy Wallace Trio • Jody Stecher & Kate Brislin • John Roberts & Tony Barrand • Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson • Billy Jonas • Josephine Karen Savoca & Pete Heitzman • Kat Wright & The Indomitable Soul Band • The Kennedys • Kentucky Roots • Barbara Kessler • Steve Key • King Wilkie • Jess Klein • Travis Knapp • Lake Street Dive • Patty Larkin • The Larry Stephenson Band • Laura Love • Christine Lavin • Leeky XIV • John Lilly • Linda Tillery & The Cultural Heritage Choir • The Lonesome Sisters • Lost Time • Low Lily • Jez Lowe • Mac Benford & Woodshed All-Stars • Rod MacDonald • David Mallet • Mark Gamsjager & The Lustre Kings • Jan Marra • The Maybelles • The McKrells • Lynn Miller • Tom Mitchell • The Mollys • Bruce Molsky • Mondo Bravo • Moonshine Hollow • Moxy Fruvous • Mustard's Retreat • Mystery Ranch • The Nashville Bluegrass Band • The Nields • Cameron Nichols • Nickel Creek • Nightergale • Northern Lights • Northwater • Tim O'Brien • Odetta • The Old Main • Orealis • Peter Ostroushko • Ellis Paul • Utah Phillips • Pleasant Valley • Chris Proctor • Darryl Rahn • Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem • Garnet Rogers • Sally Rogers • Peter & Paul (of Peter, Paul & Mary) • Peter Rowan • Sparky & Rhonda Rucker • Cathie Ryan • Salamander Crossing • Tommy Sands • Claudia Schmitt • Carla Sciaky • Martin Sexton • The Shady Grove Band • Cosy Sheridan • Silk City • Sister Sparrow and the The Dirty Birds • The Sloan Wainwright Band • Small Potatoes • Chris Smither • Kevin So • Sons of the Never Wrong • Rosalie Sorrels • Southern Rail • Larry Sparks • Special Consensus • St. Regis String Band • Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart • Bill Staines • Steph Steele & Bob Ford • Summit Tanglefoot • Louise Taylor • Marcia Taylor • Teada • Tony Trischka Uncle Earl • The Way Down Wanderers • Frank Wakefield • Walt Michael & Co. • Taj Weekes & Adowa • Susan Werner • Camille West • Cheryl Wheeler • Eroca Wheeler • Whirligig • Robin & Linda Williams • Cathy Winter • Woods Tea Company • The Wooks • The Wrigley Sisters • Lee Ron Zydeco