The award-winning Music Haven Summer Series will return to Schenectady’s Central Park this summer from July 12 to August 28.
Presented at the Music Haven Stage in Central Park, the 2026 season spans three continents and five countries, welcoming celebrated artists from American, Celtic, African, Caribbean and Gulf Coast traditions for free concerts. The lineup includes Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, The Gibson Brothers, Elida Almeida, the John Doyle Quartet, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Kaleta & Super Yamba Band and Lost Bayou Ramblers. There will also be special events featuring The Second City Touring Company, the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra, SUNY Schenectady’s Faculty Jazz Combo with Jon Faddis, WEXT’s Local 518 Festival and the returning Alfresco Film Series.
“Music Haven has always been about connection through discovery,” said Producing Artistic Director Mona Golub. “I curate each season to bring world-class national and international touring artists to Central Park — performers our audiences might otherwise have to travel great distances to experience — and our Music Haven family helps create the welcoming experience that brings people together around the music.”
Music Haven’s 2026 concert series launches July 12 with Angolan-born singer Ricardo Lemvo and his band Makina Loca. The Los Angeles Times has described Lemvo’s sound as “a blend of Cuban and Central African traditions that is seamless and organic—and infectious.”
Music Haven’s 36th season also includes a slate of special events. WEXT’s Local 518 Festival will return on July 25. The festival will feature an afternoon and evening of rock, indie, hip-hop and pop from Capital Region artists. Then, the Second City Touring Company will bring improv comedy to Schenectady on July 30. Following on August 8, the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra will present a tribute to Broadway favorites. Finally, on August 13, SUNY Schenectady’s Faculty Jazz Combo will be joined by trumpeter and educator Jon Faddis.
The Alfresco Film Series will feature pre-film fun beginning at 6:30 p.m. followed by screenings at dusk. This year’s titles include Michael, Saturday Night Fever and Song Sung Blue. The rain site for the Alfresco Film Series is The GE Theatre at Proctors in downtown Schenectady.
Innovo Kitchen will return to Music Haven’s food court this year with a variety of plates and handheld entrées. The Stageside Pub will offer entrees, desserts, and beverages reflecting the locales of the global artists. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream will be available at all concerts and events.
For biographical information about the artists scheduled to perform, related news articles and archives of seasons past, visit Music Haven’s website at musichavenstage.org.
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