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
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.
SEATING
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.
FOOD AND DRINK
HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY
PREPARING
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.
SKANEATELES FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE
Guest artist CDs may be available on the nights they perform.
Credit cards and cash are both welcome.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND CELL PHONES
FAQs
Plan Your Trip
We hope to see you soon!
