Just a short drive from Lake Ontario
Eric McElveen describes his venue as a unique business. “There hasn’t been a lot of small festivals in recent years,” McElveen states. “Other venues either don’t last very long or they turn big very quickly.”
When the kampitheater started back in 1995, the original influence was just a bunch of friends getting together outside of the garage to listen to bands. “We’ve been described as a cross between Bob Dylan and Pink Floyd,” McElveen says. And now the kampitheater as been open for 15 years.
Oswego County 's Sterling Stage is an old Christmas tree farm that began hosting live music events in 1995. In the past 15 years, Sterling Stage has presented Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy winners, bluegrass legends, and legendary guitar heroes, along with hundreds of regional and local musicians.
Located on Kent Road in Sterling , New York
“It's been close to 12 years since I've been playing at Sterling and it's probably safe to say that I've played more shows then anyone that's had the pleasure to perform amongst the trees of Sterling,” said Tim Herron, one of the performers during the folkfest.
“I never considered what I did up there as work, it's always been me playing for my friends and community. I am looking forward to making more friends up there and having the pleasure to sing songs for them.”
While the music certainly is the main attraction of the folkfest, the weekend is not limited to the abundance of musical talent. Sterling Stage offers concert goers a unique experience, complete with music, comfortable festival style camping, a family camping village, craft and food vending, art installations and a 2nd line parade. “It will make folkfest more than just four days of music, but four days of coming together and creating a synergy of positive intentions through music, art, and social gathering,” McElveen says excitedly.
Patrons are encouraged to make their own campsites homey. This includes being able to have a small campfire, grills and coolers are permitted, which means patrons bringing their own food, and just basically moving in for the weekend. Although in some cases there are tickets available for one night of the festival, patrons are encouraged to stay for the whole weekend.
Advance sale weekend passes are available for only $60 until May 26th. Tickets can be purchased on-line at http://www.sterlingstage.com/, or at select ticket outlets around Upstate New York (for a full list of outlets visit http://www.sterlingstage.com/). As always, children 12 and under are free.
Gate passes can be purchased for $75, but are subject to availability. One day passes are also available at a reduced rate.
General lot parking is $12 per vehicle for the weekend and includes re-entry. A limited number of on-site vehicle passes will be available for $30 each. RV and auto/tow-behind combos are available for $50 each. To reserve an on-site vehicle parking or an RV pass, send a request and the fee with the ticket mail order or send via an email reservation request to sterlingstage@gmail.com.
General lot parking is $12 per vehicle for the weekend and includes re-entry. A limited number of on-site vehicle passes will be available for $30 each. RV and auto/tow-behind combos are available for $50 each. To reserve an on-site vehicle parking or an RV pass, send a request and the fee with the ticket mail order or send via an email reservation request to sterlingstage@gmail.com.
Free festival style tent camping is included with all tickets. Portable toilets, water, and hand washing stations are provided free of charge and are regularly serviced throughout the weekend.
For complete Sterling Stage information, including band lineups and schedules, ticket outlets, and directions, please visit the website at http://sterlingstage.com/. To reach Sterling Stage by phone, please call 818-212-9489.
By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!
Published in May 2010 in Syracuse , NY
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