Artpark, Western New York’s premier summer destination for live performance, music, and interactive art, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an exciting season lineup packed with music, art, festivals, family programs and much more.

Artpark & Company Interim President Dave Wedekindt said, “While a milestone anniversary is a natural occasion to look back, we are also looking forward to the next 50 years. When visiting the grounds this year, patrons will see a transformation in some of the ways they will move about and enjoy the park, setting the stage for the Artpark 2030 vision plan, which we are working to reveal to the public in the near future.”

He continued, “Artpark is a beautiful place, but it’s our people who truly make it great: Artpark & Company’s dedicated board of directors and our event volunteers who give tirelessly of their time and support; the generous donors, members, foundations and sponsors who help us fulfill our nonprofit mission; our partners, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and elected officials; the seasonal employees offering service or teaching with a smile; the Village and Town of Lewiston; and the many patrons – such as yourself – who purchase tickets and concessions. And last but not least, our talented staff who inspire with their energy, knowledge, commitment and creativity every day.”

Visitors this season will enjoy musicians who’ve led long, successful careers, alongside newer faces on the scene. There are programs for both the young and young-at-heart to learn and create art, and art installations to both delight and inspire. Festivals celebrate unity and connections to our land. And Artpark Bridges brings together our neighbors of different abilities and backgrounds.

The current schedule of events follows below, and additional events will be announced soon. Please visit www.artpark.net for more information.

Artpark Mainstage Theater

√ May 25 – Gary Clark Jr. with Abraham Alexander

√ June 18 – Sarah McLachlan with Feist

√ June 21 – Bonnie Raitt with James Hunter

√ July 6 – Norah Jones with Mavis Staples

√ July 14 – “Puccini’s Greatest: A Gala Opera Concert” starring three-time Grammy Award-winning soprano Latonia Moore, tenor Won Whi Choi, baritone Michael Chioldi, and featuring the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra with Artpark Festival Chorus. Conducted by Grammy Award-winning Gil Rose.

√ July 16 – Jamey Johnson with Ben Haggard

√ Aug. 3 – The Machine Performs Pink Floyd with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

√ Aug. 20 – Tedeschi Trucks Band with Margo Price

√ Aug. 28 – TESLA: “Keepin’ It Real” Tour with special guest Kurt Deimer

√ Sept. 7 – Cage The Elephant with Young The Giant, Bakar and Willow Avalon

Some of the headline concert events this summer include Pat Benatar + Neil Giraldo (Artpark’s 50th Birthday Celebration), Sarah McLachlan (photo by Kharen Hill) and Latonia Moore in “Puccini’s Greatest: A Gala Opera Concert.” (Photos courtesy of Artpark & Company)

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Artpark Amphitheater

√ May 31 – Los Lonely Boys with Thee Sinseers and The Altons

√ June 22 – Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Jackie Venson and Farrow

√ June 28 – Dispatch with special guest to be announced

√ July 1 – Orville Peck with The War and Treaty and Goldie Boutilier

√ July 19 – Train with Yacht Rock Revue

√ July 22 – The Flaming Lips

√ July 24 – Pat Benatar + Neil Giraldo with The Vindys (Artpark’s 50th Birthday Celebration)

√ July 29 – Two Door Cinema Club with Flipturn

√ July 30 – Slash S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival with Slash, Keb’ Mo’, ZZ Ward, and Robert Randolph

√ Aug. 10 – Backroads Blues Festival with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bobby Rush, and Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel

√ Aug. 11 – Gin Blossoms + Toad the Wet Sprocket with Vertical Horizon

√ Aug. 13 – Stray Cats with The Midnight Cowgirls

√ Aug. 16 – Blues Traveler + Big Head Todd and the Monsters

√ Aug. 17 – Bush with Jerry Cantrell, Candlebox and Bones UK

√ Aug. 27 – O.A.R. with Ripe and DJ Logic

√ Aug. 29 – Cole Swindell with Tigirlily Gold

‘New Music in the Park Series’

√ Aug. 18 – Buffalo Jazz Composers Workshop at the outdoor Emerald Grove Stage (lower park)

√ Aug. 25 – “UltraSound: The Secret Symphony of Plants” at Artpark Mainstage Theater

√ Live plant installations: July 13 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), July 27 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Aug. 3 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Artpark Strawberry Moon Festival smoke dance competition photo courtesy of Artpark & Company//credit: Jordan Oscar.

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Unique outdoor festivals & events:

√ June 29 – Strawberry Moon Festival featuring smoke dance competitions and live performances by Robert “Freightrain” Parker, Tonemah (Kiowa/Comanche/Tuscarora), and Geneviève Gros-Louis Salamone from the Huron-Wendat Nation.

√ July 13 – Artpark Fairy House Festival featuring a performance by Jon Lehrer Dance Company and Artpark Bridges; tour the woods to discover fairy houses by local artists.

√ July 24 – 50th Anniversary Gala: Celebrate Artpark’s 50th birthday. Enjoy a delicious dinner catered by Oliver’s, open bar, signature cocktails and exciting auctions on the Mainstage Theater. Then up to the amphitheater skyboxes to enjoy dessert and more excitement at the Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo concert, followed by a spectacular fireworks celebration! Contact Wendy Diina at [email protected] or 716-754-9000, ext. 154, to purchase gala table sponsorships and tickets.

√ Aug. 10 – Cirque Kikasse, “Alouette” by Brandon Vickerd, “Trail of Treaties” and “Free Family Saturdays” to be featured at the Lewiston Art Festival, in conjunction with Artpark.

√ Aug. 31 – 3^rd annual Better Off Read Summer Book Festival in the lower park. Free to attend.

Creations and libations

Artpark & Company has expanded its series of art-making for adults ages 21-plus with the following programs that include beverage options along with a custom created art masterpiece! Space is limited.

√ “Libations & Landscape”: June 7, 14, Aug. 2, 16: Two sessions per date: 3:30-5:30 & 6-8 p.m.; $50 per person

√ “Sipping & Cyanotypes”: July 6, 12 Two sessions per date: 1-2:30 & 3-4:30 p.m.; $35 per person

√ “Wine & Wheels”: June 5-6, 12-13, 18-19, 25-27 and July 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-31; $65 per person

Education & exploration at Artpark

An exciting new field-trip program for elementary, middle and high school-aged children created to help young people explore, self-educate and invigorate ideas within nature.

Included are workshops that focus on topics of social justice, equity, environmental sustainability, culture and freedom through the arts, led by a variety of local teaching artists including members of the Haudenosaunee. Also featured are live raptor flight demonstrations, Niagara Gorge hikes, geology talks, and history walks.

Artpark is a site for Indigenous people, the first railroad, British troops, French troops and a stop for freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad.

This program is for organized groups and organizations with 15-150 participants.

For more information, email [email protected].

As part of its 50th anniversary season, Artpark will welcome back the Fairy House Festival, again celebrate Native American culture and traditions, and welcome the Buffalo Jazz Composers Workshop. (Photos courtesy of Artpark & Company/middle, bottom: Jordan Oscar)

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Indigenous Programs

√ Medicine wheel workshops – June 11, July 16 and Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to noon

√ “Trail of Treaties” – Aug. 10-11 at the Lewiston Art Festival

√ “Stories by the Fire” with Indigenous elders, August TBD

Family fun at Artpark

√ Visual arts camps – Open to students ages 9-14 and taught by professional artists. Three one-week sessions are available: July 8-12, 15-19, 22-26. Advance registration is required, as space is limited.

√ “Free Family Saturdays” – A family-favorite featuring free weekly themed arts and creative activities for children of all ages and abilities on July 6, “Art of Weather”; July 20, “Art of Sports,” July 27, “Art of Plants”; and Aug. 3, “Art of Birds”

√ “Live Raptors at Night: Flying with Owls,” Aug. 12

Celebrating Artists in Residency

√ Craig Walsh; June 11-24; “Monuments at Artpark” will debut Aug. 9 and run until Aug. 18.

√ Jon Lehrer Dance Company: In residence July 1-13. Free public performance July 13 (3 p.m.) on the Emerald Grove stage (lower park). Based in New York City since 2019, Lehrer started his company in 2007 in Buffalo, and quickly garnering local, national and international acclaim. Jon Lehrer Dance Company (JLDC) continues to tour worldwide, performing his dynamic choreography known for its unique blend of artistry, athleticism and entertainment, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats! This year’s residency celebrates a long and impactful relationship between Artpark and JLDC, culminating with another breathtaking performance and collaboration.

The performance on July 13 will feature two of Lehrer’s most well known works, his latest creation, and a world premiere:

√“Bridge and Tunnel,” a playful homage to growing up in Queens, set to the music of Paul Simon.

√ “A Ritual Dynamic,” the piece that started it all in 2007!

√ mingos! premiered in September and is a wild, comedic romp that tells the story of a flamboyance of flamingos who turn into an ostentation of peacocks.

The performance will culminate with a world premiere collaboration created during the residency between JLDC and Artpark Bridges, under the direction of Cynthia Pegado. Feeding off the excitement and beauty of last summer’s successful collaboration, Jon, Cynthia, the JLDC dancers and Artpark Bridges dancers will create another heartfelt and poignant work highlighting their shared joy for movement.

√ Tiffany Mills Company: July 30-Aug. 3, with performance Aug. 3 (3:30 p.m.)

√ Brandon Vickerd: Aug. 7-9, “Alouette” installation Aug. 9-22 in the Village of Lewiston

√ Edreys and Alexa Wajed of Eat off Art: Sept. 8-26, “Freedom Mural” opens Sept. 27

Visit artpark.net for additional events and information.

Artpark Amphitheater photo courtesy of Artpark & Company//credit: Jordan Oscar.

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Tickets

Tickets for events are available at the Artpark box office, 450 S. Fourth St. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, and extended hours on performance days). Tickets are also available online anytime at www.ticketmaster.com.

Sponsors

The 2024 Artpark Season is sponsored and supported in part by: M&T Bank; Cullen Foundation; New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Parks & Trails New York; Town of Lewiston; Niagara County Legislature; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; HSBC Bank; Labatt Blue Light; Bud Light; Southern Tier Brewing; Buffalocal; Northtown Automotive Companies; the Artpark & Company board of directors and individual donors.

More Information

Established in 1974 as a collaboration between New York State Parks and the nonprofit Artpark & Company, Artpark welcomes artists to enjoy and be inspired by the dramatic scenery and rich history of the Niagara River Gorge, and welcomes visitors and locals to enjoy the art and experiences created on its 150 acres. Over the decades, Artpark has hosted tens of thousands of avant garde visual artists, cutting-edge performers, beloved bands and musicians, poets and writers, and more, earning a worldwide reputation as a special place to make and experience art. This living cultural legacy weaves into the area’s history and present-day significance to Western New York’s Indigenous population, the more recent history of investment in sustainable hydroelectric power that both shaped and funded the site, and the Niagara River and Gorge’s extraordinary natural beauty.

The Earl W. Brydges Artpark is being operated by Artpark & Company Inc. for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation under a long-term collaborative agreement.

Welcome to Artpark's 50th anniversary season

By Dave Wedekindt

Interim President of Artpark

As warmer temperatures arrive, area residents know it will soon be festival season again in Lewiston, and also time for another season at Artpark! It is my distinct honor to now lead this great organization for its 50th anniversary. As a lifelong Western New Yorker, Artpark has always been a part of my life and I’ve had countless incredible experiences here.

Nearly every day I meet an Artpark fan with a story to share. It could be a memory of attending opening night in 1974 with their parents or how they spent warm summer afternoons on the ArtEl. How they marveled at a ballet company on the Mainstage, or love the excitement of an Amphitheater concert. And some just enjoy meditative journeys along the gorge trail walking with their dog. Everyone’s Artpark experience may be different, but the common thread is that this is a very special place.

Dave Wedekindt

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While a milestone anniversary is a natural occasion to look back – and we’ll have plenty of those memories to share over the coming months – we are also looking forward to the next 50 years. When you visit the grounds this year, you’ll see a transformation in some of the ways you will move about and enjoy the park, setting the stage for the Artpark 2030 vision plan, which we are working to reveal to the public in the near future.

Our team has been hard at work putting together a diverse and exciting season at Artpark, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

This Saturday, we’ll welcome acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Gary Clark Jr. to a packed Mainstage Theater. On Friday, May 31, we’ll open the Amphitheater season with Los Lonely Boys and their blend of Tex-Mex blues rock. If you enjoy artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Santana, and more – don’t miss this show!

And then our 50th anniversary season is off and running with a diverse selection of programs that are from near and far, and fresh or familiar. Between May and September, we will feature:

•28 concerts on the Mainstage, Amphitheater, and Emerald Grove stages representing an eclectic mix of classic and modern rock, pop, blues, jazz, country, funk, classical, Americana and more.

•Two performances by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. The first to celebrate the timeless opera music of Giacomo Puccini featuring world-class singers who have performed on the greatest opera stages. Then the BPO returns three weeks later to perform with popular Pink Floyd Tribute The Machine for a concert and laser light show.

•We’ll hear brand-new music at Artpark with “UltraSound: The Secret Symphony of Plants” through a series of installations where technology will enable visitors to listen to the unique sounds plants at Artpark make, culminating with a concert of original music inspired by our plants.

•Our popular Fairy House Festival will fill the air with whimsical charm and return to its roots. The Strawberry Moon Festival celebrates unity with our Indigenous friends and incredible performers and craftsmen. And the Better Off Read Book Festival will come to our grounds for the first time this summer.

•We’ll all gather on the eve of Artpark’s 50th birthday to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together and raise funds for our future at the 50th Anniversary Gala, which will also include a concert by Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, plus a fireworks display.

•Dance will take the stage with Jon Lehrer Dance Company and the Tiffany Mills Company.

•The visual arts will be alive with a video installation called “Monuments” by Australia’s Craig Walsh to celebrate our area’s unsung heroes. There will be an installation on Center Street of “Aloutte” by Canada’s Brandon Vickerd. Also the installation of “Grotto” by Laura Garófalo, Miguel Guitart and Omar Khan at Artpark. And finally, the “Freedom Mural” by Buffalo’s Edreese and Alexa Wah-jed that will coincide with a schooltime performance celebrating Harriet Tubman, produced by Artpark.

•Adults will have the opportunity to create art on our grounds all summer long with our expanded “Creations and Libations” series.

•And we’re still all about the children with the return of Art Camps and “Free Family Saturdays.” Plus new to Artpark – “Ladders to the Outdoors” will offer field trip experiences.

•Last but not least, our Indigenous arts and Artpark Bridges will teach, enrich and connect us to the earth and to each other.

Please check our website at www.artpark.net for a full list of programs planned. Also, watch for future columns in this publication that will take you behind-the-scenes at Artpark and the live entertainment business.

Artpark is a beautiful place, but it’s our people who truly make it great: Artpark & Company’s dedicated board of directors and our event volunteers who give tirelessly of their time and support; the generous donors, members, foundations and sponsors who help us fulfill our nonprofit mission; our partners, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and elected officials; the seasonal employees offering service or teaching with a smile; the Village and Town of Lewiston; and the many patrons such as yourself who purchase tickets and concessions. And, of course, our talented staff, who inspire with their energy, knowledge, commitment and creativity every day.

Here’s to 50 years of Artpark and making more memories together!

Do you have an Artpark memory to share? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at: [email protected].