Summer is still happening, and so are events at the Boathouse Theatre.

This delightful venue is right on the shores of Schroon Lake. It was once the actual boathouse for Bogle's Hotel, built in 1874. Stub Bogle (I was unable to discover if this was a given name or a nickname, and if so — why?) also operated a business which repaired and rented boats. The boathouse served hotel patrons and the passengers from the New York City steamboats, who were arriving in Schroon Lake.

Today, the building — beautifully maintained indoors and out, is used by the Schroon Lake Arts Council for plays, concerts, and workshops. It's part of a lovely downtown recreational area, which includes the bandstand, town beach, and much-photographed gazebo.

No one could ask for a lovelier spot than this lively stretch of lakefront.

Monday night acoustic jams

Every Monday evening, all through October, come for the acoustic jams from 7 to 10 p.m. Musicians are welcome to bring their unamplified acoustic instrument. Join the local amateur musicians — everyone takes turns playing their favorite tunes.

Audience members are welcome to attend with free admission and enjoy a delightful jam that's never the same twice. Stewart's, a local favorite source of coffee and ice cream, is just up the block, easy walking distance.

So pick up some treats and enjoy the music.

America's hometown sound

On August 22, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., the Boathouse will welcome Runaway Home. This Panoramic-Americana band hails from Nashville, TN. They describe their sound as hailing from diverse musical backgrounds: "whiskey-smooth and harmonically strong, with a plaintive and rootsy edge."

This is a band that loves traveling, with their name celebrating the open spaces just outside the windshield. They seek out small venues and welcoming communities.
With guitar, mandolin, and fiddle, they combine soaring harmonies with the help of Mark Elliott's voice, who trained as an opera singer. Gary Culley is equally known for his fine guitar playing and original songwriting.

Since 2011 the band's goal has been to create music to make people smile, with self-declared sincerity, and "a sort of child-like glee." The core duo has recruited many different fellow musicians to explore possibilities and then blend them together.

Together they have crafted a unique sound which won them the coveted Kerrville New Folk Award, among others.

Marcia Campbell of Nashville’s WSM Radio: “Runaway Home delivers a gem with their timeless collection of music that takes you to another place. Great songs, strong vocals, and sweet harmonies!”

Well-traveled folk singer

Dan Berggren calls himself a "tradition-based songsmith" who calls the Adirondacks his birthplace and home. But he has carried his sounds all over the world, a sentiment which is reflected in his latest CD, "This Planet We Call Home."

He will be presenting this release at a special show on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at 7:30 p.m.

Dan Berggren was raised in the Adirondacks, growing up on the land farmed by his mother's family for generations. He worked in the woods with forest ranger and survey crews. Now an award-winning musician and educator, he has taken the stories and songs he heard from local friends and neighbors and used them to cross many borders.
His style captures that spirit of the Adirondack Mountains.

Through the years, Dan has ranged far from New York state with his music; his tunes have taken him from Vermont to Kentucky to Texas, and also the British Isles, Eastern Europe and Central Africa. He has performed with orchestras in Fredonia, Ithaca, and Syracuse in New York, and in West Virginia and Indiana, performing his songs with symphonic arrangements.

Dan's original music has been featured nationally on public radio and television, earning praise from near and far. Bill McKibben, American environmentalist, author, and journalist, says: "Dan is a throwback to the old role of the folk singer...he's articulating things that need to be said right now."

Set the music free

Folk lovers can also enjoy an Adirondack Folk Music Festival on a Sunday afternoon each August. Free open attendance in the town park — bring your chairs and enjoy.

Every year there's usually a free children's show, too.
This Boathouse Theater is kid friendly, non-smoking, and all access.

Buy 2017 show tickets online — advance tickets may be purchased up to 7 a.m. on the day of the show, with tickets available at the door starting at 7 p.m.

Have fun this summer! The Schroon Lake Arts Council wants to be a part of that goal. Their mission is to cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor, and develop the understanding, taste, and love of the musical and visual arts in their community. They declare: "We are constantly striving to meet this goal and we welcome your participation and your ideas."