Jim Gaudet, Nancy Walker Play Benefit for Riverlink Park Concert Series @ Crystal Ristorante, 2/26/11
Jim Gaudet (and perhaps the Railroad Boys’ trusty bassist Bob Ristau) and Nancy Walker team up for an evening of sparkling acoustic music to benefit the annual summer concert series at Amsterdam’s Riverlink Park. Two of the area’s finest singer-songwriters, Jim and Nancy have both graciously donated their services to help. The concert takes place at 7:30pm on Saturday at Crystal Ristorante in Amsterdam.
Beautifully situated along the Mohawk River, Riverlink Park has become one of the premier outdoor concert venues in Nippertown, beloved by audience members as well as the musicians who have graced the stage. It has been the scene of many diverse musical acts over the years. It has hosted national acts, such as Terry Adams, as well as such local favorites as Nippertown’s own Michael Eck (who performed with Ramblin Jug Stompers and Lost Radio Rounders, in addition to closing out last year’s series with a few friends in celebration of his latest solo album, “In My Shoes”). Other years have been highlighted by such diverse performers as Sgt. Dunbar & the Hobo Banned, the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra and Yarn.
In addition to the Saturday evening shows, the park has hosted several larger festivals in recent years. Hosted by Peggy Lecuyer of Whoa Nelly, the annual Riverlink Jamboree is a festival of Americana and roots music that runs the stylistic gamut from rock to bluegrass, with a little gospel thrown in for good measure. And last year, the park hosted its inaugural Singer-Songwriter Festival, hosted by John Brodeur and featuring Ben Karis-Nix, Sarah Pedinotti & Railbird, as well as Nippertown’s most recent success story, Sean Rowe, whose “Magic” CD was released earlier this week on Anti- Records.
Like so many other venues around Nippertown, the Amsterdam Waterfront Foundation has run this program on very limited funds. Sorely needed help from Beechnut, National Grid and a grant from Alpin Haus through the Schenectady Chamber of Commerce Canalfest Committee helped to produce last year’s program.
The funds raised at Saturday evening’s benefit concert with Jim Gaudet and Nancy Walker will help produce this summer’s series of events at the park. Doors open at 7pm on Saturday; the music begins at 7:30pm. The admission charge at the door is $15 per person; food and beverages will be available for purchase separately.
Story by Ed Conway
oops forgot to add the brand spanking new website http://www.riverlinkconcerts.com.
The good folks out at Riverlink are doing great work, and it’s a lovely spot to see a show. Please support this benefit if you can. Jim and Nancy are both wonderful artists at the top of their game right now.
All arts organizations (and all families) are suffering from the economy at this point. It’s hard for all of us to afford to go out, but let’s not forget the arts during these difficult times. Riverlink Park (even thought it might be a bit frosty there in February!) provides a safe, inexpensive and fun summer environment for all ages.
Social networking might be cool on the computer, but it’s nothing compared the actual interaction with people and artists and musicians at a live event. Get off the box (unless you’re looking at Nippertown) and get out of the house!