Rather than travel to far off lands, there is plenty to do in New York from the northern Adirondacks to the southern tier of Cooperstown. If you’re touring for a day or a weekend, Cooperstown is a perennial destination thanks to attractions including the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Fennimore Art Museum, Farmers’ Museum, and the historic Otesaga Resort Hotel. Ommegang Brewery is also a big attraction, not only for its famous beer, but for its summer concert series.

On a recent Saturday, Ben Harper performed before an enthusiastic, albeit soaked and muddy, audience at the Ommegang Brewery. Torrential rain rolled in during the opening set from Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, but concertgoers were undeterred – despite the drenching downpour, the crowd roared as Harper and his band, The Innocent Criminals, took the stage. The “Call It What It Is” tour reunites Harper and The Innocent Criminals -?percussionist Leon Mobley, bassist Juan Nelson, drummer Oliver Charles, keyboardist Jason Yates, and guitarist Michael Ward -?for the first time since 2008. Their set included songs from the new album including the title track and, an encore, How Dark Is Gone, as well as fan favorites from their extensive back catalog including Burn One Down and Steal My Kisses.

With the recent tragedy in Dallas and the country’s seemingly strained race relations, Harper got personal with the audience recounting a story from his childhood about his father’s response to racist threats when he was provoked by a stranger. His father taught Ben a lesson and took the high road replying, “Don’t take that attitude to the grave.” Harper followed up the somber moment with his song by the same name.

With the North Country’s range of venues, attractions, and burgeoning craft breweries, events like the Ommegang Concert Series could easily be replicated in the North Country.

For more information on Ommegang and other Cooperstown attractions, visit www.thisiscooperstown.com for more information.