The Ebony Hillbillies Concert
The Ebony Hillbillies to Bring American Root Music to Life at Saratoga Spa State Park
Join the nation’s premier African American string band for an energetic concert and special children’s hour on September 28
(Saratoga Springs, NY) – Join New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) for an unforgettable afternoon musical journey for the whole family with The Ebony Hillbillies, one of the last remaining African American string bands in the United States at Saratoga Spa State Park on Sunday, September 28, 2025. This free concert and special children’s hour promise to bring history to life through infectious rhythm, vibrant storytelling, and high-energy performances that span centuries of American Music.
The concert will be held on the Victoria Pool Lawn, 58 Roosevelt Dr. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. In case of inclement weather, the performance will relocate to the Saratoga Music Hall, 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Children’s Hour | 3 – 4 PM
Suitable for all ages, this Children’s Hour introduces young audiences to the deep roots of American music. String band music laid the groundwork for mountain music, country music, jazz, blues and contemporary pop. The band begins by focusing on an instrument, song, and style that capture the culture/moment in time. This experience culminates with children sharing or showcasing what they have heard, experienced and learned. Grab your noisemakers, throw on your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience this powerful movement of culture through song and dance that will have kids learning, laughing and having fun!
Live Concert Performance | 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Following a short intermission, enjoy a full live performance from The Ebony Hillbillies, whose high-energy performances have captivated audiences at Carnegie Hall and whose recordings are archived by the Smithsonian Institution. The band has been delighting audiences, educators and students of all ages with their unique combination of interactive storytelling and exciting musical performances.
Admission is free. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and get ready to dance, learn, and celebrate a powerful cultural legacy!
Stay tuned to the park’s website and Facebook page for concert updates.
This concert is the final part of OPRHP’s Solomon Northup “Hope Out of Darkness” sculpture program series. The 13-foot bronze Northup statue is on display in front of the Lincoln Bathhouse at Saratoga Spa State Park (65 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866) through October 19, 2025.
The sculpture and presentations reflect OPRHP’s Our Whole History (OWH) initiative, which seeks to reveal and share historically undertold stories of ordinary and extraordinary people across New York State. In 2027, New York State will recognize the 200th anniversary of the end of legalized slavery in the state (1827) and the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans enslaved in the former New Netherland colony (1627). In anticipation of this significant commemorative year, OPRHP is implementing a multi-year interpretive initiative called ‘Enslavement to Freedom: 1627-1827-2027.’ With ‘Enslavement to Freedom,’ OPRHP and relevant state historic sites are developing exhibits, public programs, and other educational resources to explore New York’s history with slavery and a pivotal period of transition for the Black community in early New York, which gives better context and understanding for later historic movements, like Abolition and the Underground Railroad.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visits annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
