The Musical Other Side of New York State’s Finger Lakes

By Bruce Northam
GoNOMAD Senior Writer

New York State’s Jefferson County typically evokes images of the North Country’s fabulous 1000 Islands. Saving those isles for another assignment, my mainland mission focused on two towns, Watertown and Sackets Harbor, and the annual Brew York music festival that’s intent on eliminating childhood cancer in outdoor party mode.

Brew York

I’ve been covering music festivals for decades and chose this one because I was fairly green in this county, and as anticipated, the band lineup was fabulous. The Brew York suds-and-bands fest has a compelling backstory that’s about more than booze and live music.

Last year, one of the two organizers of the Brew York Festival, Jason Price, was diagnosed with stage-4 colon cancer that metastasized to his liver. After a successful liver transplant when Price was back on his feet, he shared how his journey connected him to the many kids fighting cancer and that motivated him to align Brew York as a beneficiary to the Rock Out Childhood Cancer Foundation.

A generous portion of the proceeds from the August 2023 festival helped support a local family in need and will continue to do so as this festival evolves.

I also strolled the festival grounds with the other organizer, Patrick Robbins, another proud local with an uplifting vision for the region. “This one-day festival,” he explained, “is here on the post-War of 1812’s Madison Barracks polo field and is steeped in history. We’ve welcomed 16 breweries, three wineries, and two distilleries—and all of them offer free tastings from noon until 4pm.” As we passed the kids zone, Robbins added, “Oh yeah, 10 bands on two stages…and a nifty cigar lounge!”

The bands rock on side-by-side stages, which means no delays between sets.

Local and national acts, including originals from the ultra-young-siblings trio Undefeated, whose multi-musical category ambush dazzled.

Mike Powell and the Echosound killed it with their brand of original Americana Country-Rock. Powell, the frontman, is also a local lacrosse hero.

National acts included the mesmerizing Georgia Thunderbolts (you’ll definitely be hearing more about this straightforward rock quintet) and The Cold Stares, an Indiana-based hard rock power-trio that reminded me of Cream and delivered like them, too.

The musical brew bash included a well-attended six-courts corn-hole tournament. The kids were successfully entertained by bouncy castles, body painting, and more.

There are free shuttles between Sackets Harbor and Watertown, where most of the hotels are located.

For outdoor merrymakers, this is the best $40 you can spend in New York State. Go to Brew York for more inspiration about the August 24, 2024 festival.

General admission tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the gate. Thirteen and under admitted for free.

VIP access ($99) includes private tents, bathrooms, optimum stage access, drink tickets, whisky tastings, snacks, and a fancy cigar (these accoutrements subject to change). Premier VIP might be more fun than you can handle (kidding). VIP and Premier VIP tickets are available for advance sale only.

Come see how New York State’s North country rocks—this festival proves how welcoming the people are.

Watertown New York

Watertown (pop. 27,000) is Jefferson County’s largest city. It got its name from straddling the Black River. Streets with antique buildings and stately homes radiate hub-and-spoke style from the proper British-like town square.

This handsome Public Square Historic District was built in 1805 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The square’s wide sidewalks are home to Boots Brewing Company & Taproom, where the friendly owners make sure that every pint tells a story, and Whistler’s Tavern, a divey rock bar, has swiveling Adirondack chairs out front that maximize people watching.

Check out Watertown’s annual downtown block party, also in town square. This year featured local bands like Annie in the Water. There is no shortage of good music in these parts.

Sackets Harbor New York

Nearby, Sackets Harbor is a quaint village nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. The town is like a multifaceted War of 1812 (against the British) museum with multiple personalities—museums, a battlefield, forts, period houses, barracks, and the appealing main street.

Sackets Harbor was vital because it was the only location where Americans could maneuver a naval force on Lake Ontario. That U.S. win here is why you are here now and don’t have a British accent. The Battlefield History Trail has an option to also skirt the Madison Barracks, the site of Brew York.

Today, this lakeside community has quaint restaurants and shops and seemingly not a worry in the world. Become oriented with this gem of a place via their visitor center.

For a smart overview of New York State’s Jefferson County, roam over to Visit 1000 Islands.

Here is Boriphotography’s full documentation of Brew York.