LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 18 The crowd The Saranac Lake community deeply loves this event. It truly reflects the soul of this small mountain town. Local Saranac Laker Paige Lamb provides an anecdote that so many people can relate to: "If I said I moved up here for the mountains, I'd only be telling a partial truth. That may have been the ini- tial draw, but it's the community in Saranac Lake that kept me here. It's modeled best at Partio on Thursday nights — the locals, the visitors, and some of the most incredible live music there is. My first show was Lara Hope and the Arktones, and I was able to watch them perform from the same Waterhole terrace for three consecutive years. Every year at their show I'd reflect on just how amazing this place is and take note of how many more faces in the crowd had become familiar. I just don't think it gets cooler than that." It really doesn't. Partio is ever-evolving, but at the same time it's consistent and there for you, there to make you feel at home, welcomed, and safe in a world marked with un- certainty and strife. As Madisyn Smith says, "With all the bad in the world, we are still able to come togeth- er as a community and share our love for the same thing: live music! So many different lives and different stories at Partio, all coming as one." "The Waterhole Effect" Taking a step back, Partio and the Waterhole have had a big influence on the community at large. This seemingly-random mountain town in Upstate New York has become a true destination for touring bands from all over the country. They're drawn to Partio and the Waterhole, learn about the packed houses, the buzz, and the fully-engaged audiences, and keep returning to play at the 'Hole and at other venues in town. It really dovetails with Saranac Lake's creative identity and passion for art and culture. To put the music destination aspect into perspective, Munley and Sarko state that "we often have around 50 more bands eager to play [Partio] than we could ever fit on the lineup, a great problem to have!" "To: You, From: Eric and Kiki" Munley and Sarko not only played a big role in help- ing to tell the story of Partio, but they play a big role in our community, and have a message to share with everyone: "We just want y'all to know that YOU are what makes Party on the Patio so special. We're so proud of our crowd and absolutely love the energy everyone brings. It feels like this means something to a lot of people—and that makes all the hard work we put into it totally worth it. Thank you for showing up week after week, trusting us, and bringing your energy and love, and proving to bands that Saranac Lake is a truly worthy stop on their tour. And just so you know, "Partio Illustration." Painted by Adirondack Artists Guild Member, Michael Burpoe.

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