You know SAW, don’t you? Salem Art Works? If you are not “experienced”, it’s a little hard to describe. Set on a re-purposed farm in the heart of Salem, SAW attracts artists and musicians from all over, who live and work in an artists’ community and “cross-pollinate” their skills to expand their visions in many different media.
OK, that’s my description, but you’ll undoubtedly form your own. And this year’s music festival, Saturday, July 25th, starting at 6pm, is a great way to start.
This year’s outdoor music festival will feature local and regional musicians with styles ranging from rock to blues to electronic dance music. Set on a meadow adjacent to SAW’s glassblowing studio, the SAW Music Festival will last from early evening to 11.30pm. The SAW galleries will also be open, with work by Upstart, a Glens Falls-based artist collective, and artist from Salem Art Works. For those who come early there will be a reception in the galleries beginning at 4.30pm. The reception is free for those not attending the concert.
Now, the bands. Opening the show is Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned, a nine-member outfit from Albany. Described as a “passionate collection of brass centric gypsy folk rock” on the Obsession Collection music blog, Sgt. Dunbar features “a community of spirited voices and an array of instruments that sound like weathered antiques given new life.” (Remember, this is an art colony!)
Next up is Railbird, featuring singer/song writer Sarah Pedinotti. Railbird’s folky down-home rhythms fueled by harmonica and slide guitar blues helped earn them Billboard critic’s top 10 picks for 2008.
And what’s a music festival without a little math? The Mathematicians will get people up and moving as the sun goes down. Their infamous live show features upbeat electronic dance music, lights and projections as well as safety glasses, pocket protectors and bowties. There will be no test.
For the true warriors Beware! The Other Head of Science is an indie-rock trio described as an “electro noise-rock multimedia freak-out” by Metroland.
Two new art exhibits will also be opening that day, with a free reception from 4.30 to 6pm. Remix is a group show of mixed media sculpture, installation and painting by Upstart, a Glens Falls-based artist collective. January Girls features installations and paintings by Alexis Grabowski and Emily Gray, Co-Associate Directors at Salem Art Works.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the concert. People traveling to Salem for the show are invited to camp overnight in SAW’s sculpture park. Camping is free, call ahead for more details – 518 854 7674.
