FREE, SkanFest U: American Revolutions

Skaneateles Festival SkanFest U: American Revolutions Four Tuesdays, July 28- August 18, 2026 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Event Sponsored by: The Julie Sharpe Fund SkanFest U: American Revolutions This season’s educational program explores the American musicians whose free-thinking spirit changed the course of music and even the way we listen today. Focusing on moments of innovation, the course will highlight music by classical composers Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, Amy Beach, Leonard Bernstein, and William Grant Still; jazz pioneers Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and Ornette Coleman; and freethinkers Edgar Varèse, John Cage, Terry Riley, Julius Eastman, Pauline Oliveros, as well as younger composers living and working today. Hear exclusive live performances by Festival artists and mingle with your fellow music enthusiasts afterward over a glass of wine. Four weekly sessions are led by Artistic Director, Aaron Wunsch, who teaches at The Juilliard School. Four Tuesdays, 7/28 – 8/18, 4:00-5:00 PM After the lecture, there will be a small wine reception. This event is free and no ticket is required. WEEKDAY EVENING CONCERTS First Presbyterian Church The facility was rebuilt in 1998 and the church committed to using the building as a community resource to provide space for and host various Art Shows and Music Festivals, Education programs, Co-ops, and Community based youth programs.97 E. Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152 Parking for the First Presbyterian Church along Genesee Street or in the municipal parking lot located behind M&T Bank on Genesee St. or Doug’s Fish Fry on Jordan. There is also free parking at Skaneateles High School. From Syracuse and points east: Take Rte. 690 West to 695 West, then follow exit sign to Rte. 5 West. At the second light, turn left onto Rte. 321 (Bennetts Corners Road). Follow 321 until it ends in downtown Skaneateles. Turn left onto Genesee Street. The church is on the left, directly across from Lakeside Park and the Episcopal Church. From Auburn and points west: Take Route 20 (Genesee Street) to Skaneateles. Go through the center village and the church will be on the left, directly across from Lakeside Park and the Episcopal Church.Doors open at 7:30pm – Concerts begin promptly at 8pm The church is air-conditioned and the seats are cushioned church pews. All seating is “first come, first served” with“A” ticket seating being designated in the front rows of the church and “B” ticket seating in the back ½ of the church.Light refreshments may be available for purchase at Intermission. There are many restaurants located in the Village within an easy walk or short drive of the church. See listing of “Friends of the Festival” restaurants.We are happy to accommodate any accessibility needs of patrons and handicap seating is available in all price levels. Please call our office at 315-685-7418 so that we can ensure the best accommodations.Attendance may be at capacity, so come early to assure yourselves of parking nearby and the seating you prefer. Acoustics are outstanding in the church, so there are no bad seats sound-wise, but as with all venues, aisle seats may be at a premium. Bathrooms are located in multiple locations at the church.A variety of Skaneateles Festival merchandise will be available for purchase before each concert and during intermission. Guest artist CDs may be available on the nights they perform. Credit cards and cash are both welcome.We would love for you to take lots of photos before and after the concerts and tag us on social media! We ask that you be considerate during the concert by silencing your phones and being aware of how your photography may be affecting your neighbors’ experience; we want everyone to enjoy the music in the moment. Please do not use flash during the concert. FAQs Got questions? We’ve got you covered. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below to to ensure you have the best experience at your event. Plan Your Trip Skaneateles is the eastern gateway to the Finger Lakes Region of Central New York State. Our Lake is at the center of all we do, and is the lifeblood of the community. Within the Village and the surrounding environment there is a variety of wonderful places to eat, shop, stay, and explore what makes Skaneateles so unique. We hope to see you soon! 2022 SKANEATELES FESTIVAL | TERMS AND CONDITIONS | PRIVACY POLICY97 E. GENESEE STREET | SKANEATELES, NY 13152 | 315.685.7418| [email protected]