Scenes from Caffe Lena’s Sing in the Streets Music Festival

SARATOGA SPRINGS — This past Sunday was alive with the sounds of music and laughter as the streets of Saratoga were replete with makeshift stages in order to host Caffe Lena’s fifth annual Sing in the Streets Music Festival.

The weather was blue skies and sunny. Lots of people were out mingling, with kids running by with ice cream dripping from sugar and waffle cones. The event provided an opportunity for shops and restaurants to rein in more customers.

The main stage was located at the intersection of Phila and Henry Streets, and the performances began with Tops of Trees, a funk group from Saratoga Springs. They got the crowd dancing and moving early on. The main stage was surrounded by local vendors and neighboring restaurants where attendees could watch the performance from their tables. People stuck their heads out of their balconies from the apartments above to watch as the crowd gathered.

Another stage located on Broadway began with a folk-punk duo by the name of High Tea. They had raw and original vocals, with their lyrics holding a deep sense of connection and emotion. People stopped by to listen as they passed along on Broadway.

The children’s stage was set up at Ben and Jerry’s, and provided a more family-friendly environment for the festival. Kids were able to sit and play with each other in the front row as their parents held their strollers and ice creams behind them. 

Finally, Kevin McKrell performed at The Parting Glass, where the entire room was filled with viewers taking a break from the hot sun. McKrell’s catchy and upbeat music felt right at home in the Irish tavern.

All in all, the festival was a success and a phenomenal way to spotlight performers via a shared joy of music and dance.