Dirty Cello Brings High-Energy Americana to Upper Jay Art Center

On March 26 from 7 pm – 10 pm, the Dirty Cello concert arrives in the Adirondacks at the Upper Jay Art Center in Upper Jay, NY—offering a free, high-energy live music performance that blends blues, rock, and Americana. Set in one of the region’s most intimate arts venues, this globally traveled band promises a night that feels both world-class and distinctly Adirondack.

Short paragraphs. Big sound. And a cello that refuses to behave.

Dirty Cello, fronted by virtuoso cellist Rebecca Roudman, turns expectations upside down. Classically trained but gloriously unbound, Roudman leads a band that swaps the traditional lead guitar for a cello—then proceeds to absolutely rip.

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A genre-bending performance in the Adirondacks.

Dirty Cello band performing live — From Iceland to Italy, and all over the U.S., San Francisco based band Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on blues, rock, and Americana.

Dirty Cello is not your typical chamber ensemble. Think Jimi Hendrix meets bluegrass, with a detour through smoky blues and original compositions that pulse with rhythm and personality.

The band has performed everywhere from Iceland to China to—yes—a Santa Cruz nudist resort. Their ethos? Keep it loose, keep it fun, and read the room.

That spontaneity translates into a show that feels alive. No rigid setlist. No predictable arc. Just musicians responding in real time to the energy of the audience.

Why Upper Jay Art Center is the perfect venue.

Tucked along Route 9N in Upper Jay, the Upper Jay Art Center has long been a cultural anchor in the High Peaks region, just a short drive from Lake Placid and Keene Valley.

Its intimate setting allows audiences to feel every note, every bow stroke, every shift in tempo. For a band like Dirty Cello—where improvisation and connection are key—that closeness becomes part of the performance itself.

This is not a sit-back-and-clap kind of night. It’s a lean-forward, tap-your-foot, maybe-even-dance-in-your-seat kind of evening.

Exterior of Upper Jay Art Center in the Adirondacks — Photo courtesy Upper Jay Art Center.

What to expect at this Lake Placid-region concert.

Expect a setlist that spans genres and decades. One moment, you might hear a reimagined Hendrix riff. The next is a nod to Charlie Daniels. Then, seamlessly, an original piece that feels both familiar and entirely new.

Oakland Magazine described Dirty Cello’s sound as “funky, carnival, romantic, sexy, tangled, electric, fiercely rhythmic, and textured.” That about covers it.

Roudman herself sums it up more simply: it’s about fun.

And in a late-March Adirondack moment—when winter is loosening its grip, but spring hasn’t quite arrived—fun feels like exactly the right prescription.

Watch Dirty Cello in action.

Before heading to Upper Jay, get a feel for Dirty Cello’s electrifying live performance style.

This live clip showcases Dirty Cello’s genre-blending sound and high-energy stage presence—exactly what audiences can expect at the Upper Jay Art Center in the Adirondacks.

Dirty Cello delivers a dynamic, cello-driven take on rock and Americana classics.

This performance highlights the band’s unique approach to live music in the Lake Placid–Upper Jay arts scene.

Who should attend this Adirondack live music event.

This is a show for:

Travelers seeking authentic Adirondack arts experiences
Locals looking for a lively midweek outing
Music lovers who appreciate genre-defying performances
Anyone curious about what happens when a cello becomes the lead instrument in a rock band

In other words: pretty much everyone.

Event details at a glance.

Event: Dirty Cello Live Concert
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 7 pm – 10 pm
Location: Upper Jay Art Center, 12198 State Hwy 9N, Upper Jay, NY
Admission: Free

For updates and additional details, visit the official event page:

Don’t miss this Adirondack arts experience.

The Adirondacks have a way of surprising visitors—not just with landscapes, but with moments like this. A world-traveling band. A small mountain-town venue. A free show that feels anything but small.

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Dirty Cello band performs in Upper Jay near Lake Placid in the Adirondacks. — Don’t miss an unforgettable night of music in the Lounge with Dirty Cello in Upper Jay.

FAQ: Dirty Cello at Upper Jay Art Center

Is the Dirty Cello concert really free?
Yes, admission is free, making it one of the best-value live music events in the Adirondacks this season.

Where is Upper Jay Art Center located?
It’s located at 12198 State Hwy 9N in Upper Jay, NY, near Keene Valley and about 20 minutes from Lake Placid.

What kind of music does Dirty Cello play?
They blend blues, rock, Americana, and classical influences into a high-energy, genre-defying performance.

Do I need tickets in advance?
No tickets are required, but arriving early is recommended due to limited seating.

Is this event family-friendly?
Yes, the performance is suitable for a wide range of ages, though the energy level leans lively.

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