Recap: Rock The Dock Music Festival Soars to New Heights in 2023

July 9, 2023

2–3 minutes

Photos: Frankie Cavone
Bobby Contompasis

Rock the Dock Music Festival took place over the weekend in at the Lake George Steamboat Company drawing what seemed to be over a thousand live music fans! The festival is one of the more unique ones in New York State due to the location and utilization of the steamboats. What makes this event even more special is that fans can watch all the fun not only in front of the stage, but also from any of the three steamboats allowing them to cool off for a few minutes.

Headlining this year’s Rock the Dock Music Festival was New Orleans Jazz legends Galactic who had to cancel last minute the previous year, and it was well worth the wait. Kicking off the day was Hilltop The Band who continue to get better each time they take the stage. The band was perfect for getting the festivities on the right foot. Next was the first of many side stage sets from Neon Avenue, Upstate, New York’s premiere Grateful Dead related cover band who completely won over the crowd early on.

Up next was Chestnut Grove who put it all down with a fun and high energy performance. The Pennsylvania rockers also brought some very incredible ballads including “I Know Somebody” and “Whiskey Hands.” While most of the acts chose to play raging upbeat sets, Chestnut Grove chose a balanced set with ups and downs showing how talented and versatile they are. We are truly going to miss them, but for now we savor every set they have coming including a stop at Gem Festival 2023 in Glens Falls, NY.

Photo: Frankie Cavone

After another epic Neon Avenue set, Eastbound Jesus took the main stage. The Americana act has one of the biggest cult followings in Upstate, NY leaving their fans singing their hearts out to every single song. You could even say they got Tegridy. Well regardless, they crushed their set and are already gearing up to blow your minds on August 12th at Catskill Mountain Jubilee. Eggy was up next on the main stage and it grooved the whole damn time. The Connecticut based jam band have turned their journey in the scene into a successful one winning fans over immediately with their seasoned dialed-in sound. You can catch them back in Lake George, NY labor day weekend during Adirondack Independence Music Festival.

Aside from the music, there were plenty of incredible options for food and beverages. This year’s Rock the Dock Music Festival felt solid in every single way and has earned its place for premiere bands to play on the festival circuit. Check out photos from the 2o23 edition of the festival below and stay tuned for full live recordings from each performance.