Category: Hudson Valley

Jones Beach and Bethel Woods Welcome Joe Bonamassa and Friends this Summer

Three-time Grammy-nominated guitarist and 25x Billboard chart-topper Joe Bonamassa announced on February 6 that his tour will be coming to New York this summer, and is scheduled to perform at Jones Beach on August 12th and the Bethel Woods Center on August 13. The two-night performance is part of a concert series, “Keeping the Blues Alive presents: Joe Bonamassa and Friends.”

Also joining Bonamassa in concert are the rock band Styx, and former Eagles lead guitarist Don Felder. In line with its inaugural event last year, the concert series will feature individual performances from each act. The final act features a jaw-dropping encore with members from all three bands.

On a related note, Bonamassa is currently preparing for his spring 2023 tour. The tour starts Feb. 15 in Charleston, West Virginia, and continues through the Midwest and East Coast. Bonamassa will conclude his tour with the sold-out Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea VIII, scheduled for March 13-17, departing from Miami, Florida to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Prior to his Jones Beach and Bethel Woods Center shows, Bonamassa is scheduled to perform at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre on Feb. 28

Originating in Chicago, Styx is comprised of six members, James “JY” Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals), Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards), Ricky Phillips (bass, guitar, vocals), and ‘Crash Of The Crown’ producer and co-writer Will Evankovich (guitars.) Their career spans over 50 years, with their anonymous first album debuting in 1972. The band released its 17th album, Crash of the Crown, in June 2021 through their label Alpha Dog 2T/UMe.

Born in Gainesville, Florida, Felder got his big break after the release of the Eagles’ third studio album, On the Border, in 1974. It was Felder’s first record with the Eagles, remaining with them until 2001. While he was still a member of the band, Felder released his debut solo record, Airbourne, in 1983. Further, in 1998, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Eagles. On his own, Felder was inaugurated into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville in 2016 and the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2017.

Bonamassa in concert

Born in New Hartford, NY, and raised in Utica, Bonamassa rose to fame in 2000 with the release of his debut record, A New Day Yesterday. In 2020, Bonamassa created his independent record label, Keeping the Blues Alive Records, which promotes and supports the talent of musicians. Similarly, he also runs the 501(c)(3) non-profit Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation.

His fifteenth and most recent record, Time Clocks, was released in Oct. 2021 by J&R Adventures. In support of his latest album, Bonamassa recorded a live concert film, Tales Of Time, in Aug. 2022, scheduled for worldwide release on April 14, by Bonamassa’s J&R Adventures in CD/DVD, CD/BR, vinyl, and digital formats.

Tickets for Joe Bonamassa at Jones Beach and Bethel Woods, and all other shows, go on sale Friday, Feb. 10, beginning at 10 a.m.

Joe Bonamassa U.S. Tour 2023
Feb. 15 – Clay Center – Charleston, WV
Feb. 17 – Playhouse Square – Cleveland, OH
Feb. 18 – Riverside Theater – Milwaukee, WI
Feb. 20 – The Orpheum Theater – Madison, WI
Feb. 22 – Peoria Civic Center Theater – Peoria, IL
Feb. 24 – DeVos Performance Hall – Grand Rapids, MI
Feb. 25 – Morris Performing Arts Center – South Bend, IN
Feb. 28 – Shea’s Buffalo Theatre – Buffalo, NY
March 1 – Benedum Center – Pittsburgh, PA
March 3 – Ovens Auditorium – Charlotte, NC
March 4 – Fox Theatre – Atlanta, GA
March 5 – Soldiers And Sailors Memorial Auditorium – Chattanooga, TN
March 7 – Montgomery Performing Arts Centre – Montgomery, AL
March 8 – Saenger Theatre – New Orleans, LA
March 10 – The King Center – Melbourne, FL
March 11 – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL
March 13-17 – Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea VIII – Miami, FL
August 12 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY *
August 13 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Bethel, NY *

* Keeping the Blues Alive presents: Joe Bonamassa & Friends: Styx and Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles

February 9, 2023
Hoot = Love at Winter Hoot 2023

The 2023 Winter Hoot was held February 3-5, 2023, at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge. N.Y. This year marks the Hoot’s 10th anniversary, started as a collaboration by Mike Merenda and Ruthy Ungar in conjunction with the Ashokan Center and those in the surrounding area.

Friday night started with a community dinner followed by the showing and discussion of the documentary film “Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective.,” by filmmaker Costa Boutsikaris. A jam session followed to close out the evening. Sunday activities included yoga, guided hikes around the center and a community sing. Saturday proved to be the meat of this down-home, down-to-earth gathering.

The Hoot is set up as a family fun time. This was obvious from all those who brought their children with them. Saturday featured a kid’s zone of craft making, learning to blacksmith, and an ice sculping exhibition by Thomas Brown.

But music is the star of this semi-annual event. In the main lobby of the Esopus Lodge, you encountered a one-of-a-kind instrument petting zoo. An area encouraging people to pick up an instrument and join in with real musicians to make their own music. Farther into the Ashokan campus, the Pewter house offered small intimate musical performances. The ambiance of the room set the mood of entertainment in earlier times.

In the lodge’s performance hall, you got the feeling of attending a large family gathering on a cold winter day. Those in the Winter Hoot audience were treated to some of the Hudson Valley’s finest musicians. People were encouraged to sing along and when the song was right, dancing would break out in front of the stage. Featured performers included Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Jude Roberts, Rachael Yamagata, and The Mammals.

This three-day gathering went off without a hitch. Whether you participated in activities or were just there for the music, you came away with the felling of what the Hoot is about. It is love. Love for community, nature, and music.

February 9, 2023
The Wood Brothers Announce New Album, 5 Stops in NY on National Tour

Roots band The Wood Brothers have announced their eighth studio album, titled Heart Is The Hero, which is set to be released on April 14 through Honey Jar/Thirty Tigers. The album will be supported by a tour, with stops in Buffalo, Ithaca, New York City, Accord, and Fairpoint. Prior to embarking on their tour, the band will release the first single from Heart Is The Hero in February.

From left to right: Chris Wood, Jano Rix, and Oliver Wood

The Wood Brothers consist of brothers, Chris and Oliver Wood, who grew up in Boulder, Colorado. Their “honorary sibling,” Jano Rix is also in The band. They focused more on the importance of performing rather than studio perfection for this album, resulting in an album that emphasizes the themes of presence, grace, and faith.

“The chorus of the album’s title track says, ‘the heart is the hero of every song.’ By no means was it intentional, but much of the material we were writing for this record seemed to come full circle to the idea of trusting in your heart in matters that you can’t control,” says Oliver Wood.

I’m looking forward to going on the road with these new songs from Heart Is The Hero and seeing how they evolve from night to night when performed in front of audiences. The recording process for this album was completely different from our last one, Kingdom In My Mind, where we had all the time in the world to experiment, tinker, and shape performances. For those sessions, I was living in Nashville close to Oliver and Jano, but I’ve since relocated to Canada, so our time to record together this time around had to be extremely focused and intentional.
Chris Wood

The Wood Brothers tour has New York shows that start this March. Dates and venues are available below. As of Jan. 26, artist pre-sale has begun. General on-sale started Jan. 27. Tickets can be purchased at thewoodbros.com.

The Wood Brothers 2023 Tour

1/31 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern ^ (Sold Out)
2/1 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern ^ (Sold Out)
2/2 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Music Hall ^
2/3 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater ^
2/4 – Stateline, NV – Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino Resort ^
2/6 – Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theatre ^
2/8 – Bend, OR – Midtown Ballroom ^
2/9 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre ^ (Sold Out)
2/10 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall ^ (Sold Out)
2/11 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall ^
2/24 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena ^^
3/1 – Lexington, KY – Lexington Opera House
3/2 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
3/3 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
3/4 – Ithaca, NY – State Theatre
3/6 – Westerly, RI – The United Theatre
3/8 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live
3/9 – Rocky Mount, VA – Harvester Performance Center (Sold Out)
3/10 – Winston-Salem, NC – The Ramkat
3/11 – Chattanooga, TN – Walker Theatre
4/11- Scottsdale, AZ – Virginia G. Piper Theater – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
4/12 – Flagstaff, AZ – Orpheum Theater
4/14 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center
4/15 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
4/17- Salina, KS – The Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts
4/18 – Fayetteville, AK – JJ’s Live
4/20 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
4/21- Tilmon, TX – Old Settler’s Music Festival
4/22 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater
5/10 – Peoria, IL – Premier Event Center *
5/11 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed *
5/12 – Minneapolis, MN – Utepils Brewing Co. *
5/13 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater *
5/15 – Akron, OH – Goodyear Theater *
5/16 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre *
5/18 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern *
5/19 – Raleigh, NC – North Carolina Museum of Art *
5/20 – Washington, DC – The Anthem *
5/21 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre *
6/7 – Portland, ME – State Theatre *
6/8 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner *
6/9 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17 *
6/10 – Accord, NY – Arrowood Farms *
6/11 – Fairport, NY – Perinton Center Park Amphitheater *
6/13 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall *
6/15 – Charlottesville, VA – Ting Pavilion *
6/16 – Williamsburg, VA – Virginia Arts Festival’s Williamsburg Live *
6/17 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mountain View Amphitheatre *
6/18 – Grand Rapids, MI – venue TBA *
6/23 – Greenfield, MA – Green River Festival
8/18-20 – Wellston, MA – Hoxeyville Music Festival – Wellston, MI

^ w/ Taylor Ashton
^^ w/ The Avett Brothers & Turnpike Troubadours
* w/ Shovels & Rope

February 4, 2023
Radio Woodstock announces Cautious Clay for “Saturday Night Takeover” on Feb. 4

Radio Woodstock 100.1 WDST has announced the next installment of the “Saturday Night Takeover” which will take place on Saturday, February 4th featuring multi-instrumentalist, producer, singer-songwriter, Cautious Clay.

Also recognized as Josh Karpeh, the Cleveland born musician has built a reputation for poetic and emotionally honest music. Clay draws from R&B, hip hop, and left field indie pop to produce sophisticated songwriting, soulful singing, and a cinematic sound. He’s experienced a tremendous amount of success following his three-year-old breakout debut single “Cold War”.

His songs have soundtracked key scenes in films like Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart and TV shows like Issa Rae’s Insecure. He’s written songs with John Legend and John Mayer, while also releasing music that’s been used by Taylor Swift. Clay’s single, “Cheesin” includes Remi Wolf, Still Woozy, Sophie Meiers, Claud, Melanie Faye, and HXNS. His latest album, Deadpan Love, is an album about balance. The balance between others and oneself, between intransigence and compromise, and between sarcasm and sincerity.

“Woodstock is one of my favorite places to visit, and I have been extremely grateful for Radio Woodstock’s support of my music. When they asked me to be a part of their Saturday Takeover Series, I was excited to share a broad spectrum of some of my favorite songs, new and old”!
– Cautious Clay

“Saturday Night Takeover” symbolizes Radio Woodstock’s independent music voice. Since 1980, Radio Woodstock has premiered new music and pioneered a unique music line-up with a combination of new artists, legendary musicians, and special music programming. Radio Woodstock’s curatorial programmers and DJs are recognized experts in their field.

Prepare yourself for “Saturday Night Takeover” as Cautious Clay takes over the airwaves. The show begins Saturday, February 4th, from 10 pm to 11 pm on-air at 100.1. You can also listen here or via the iHeartRADIO app.

February 2, 2023
Michael Franti And Spearhead To Play ArtPark, Central Park, Catskills This Summer
Reggae-rock group Michael Franti and Spearhead have announced their newest tour will be making multiple New York stops this summer.

Michael Franti has spent decades peeling back the layers on what it means to be human, how to be the best version of ourselves and how to follow our hearts. Now, he aims to magnify those concepts enabling us all to apply them to the world around us with the coast-to-coast Big Big Love Tour 2023.

“Big big love represents being able to hold space for the micro and the macro of love,” Franti explains. “Everyone has someone they love, whether it’s their child, spouse, pet or friend. But then there’s holding space to love people of difference – people who are in the midst of war, people where there is pain and suffering. You show up as love, determination and spirit in those places where people really need a caring soul connection to help them heal. That’s what big big love is: holding space for the personal and the worldly.”

Creating A New Live Experience

Known all over the world for their energizing live shows that foster an invigorating sense of community, Michael Franti & Spearhead embody that attitude as they embark on the Big Big Love Tour 2023, featuring over 50 shows from May to August, including stops at California Roots Music & Arts Festival, Reggae Rise Up and Central Park Summer Stage, along with a highly anticipated return to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. local time. Franti & Spearhead will be joined on this leg by SOJA, Tank & The Bangas, Fortunate Youth, Lawrence, The Dip, Phillip Phillips and more.

As Franti reconnects with Soulrockers around the country, exclusive VIP opportunities will be available on select dates, including an intimate VIP Meet & Greet at headline shows and special VIP Experiences with Franti ahead of his performance.

Ahead of the U.S. tour, the band will head to Australia for a much anticipated return to Byron Bay Bluesfest as well as additional stops in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Cairns. They have partnered with Wanderlust to host yoga and wellness events in select markets as well as VIP Meet & Greets.

For all 2023 tour dates and ticket information, including VIP opportunities, visit MichaelFranti.com.

Michael Franti & Spearhead Big Big Love Tour 2023
- May 13 Mill Valley Music Fest Mill Valley, CA
- May 25 California Roots Music & Arts Festival Monterey, CA
- May 27 Pepsi Amphitheater = Flagstaff, AZ
- May 28 Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park = Grand Junction, CO
- June 2 Red Rocks Amphitheatre = * Morrison, CO
- June 7 Fargo Brewing Company = ~ Fargo, ND
- June 9 Utepils Brewing = ~ Minneapolis, MN
- June 10 Bonfire Music & Arts Festival ~ Yuba, WI
- June 11 Big Top Chautauqua = ~ Bayfield, WI
- June 15 Venue TBA = ~ Grand Rapids, MI
- June 16 The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre = + Detroit, MI
- June 20 Mountain View Amphitheater = + Pittsburgh, PA
- June 21 ArtPark Amphitheater = % Lewiston, NY
- June 22 The Pines Theater = % Northampton, MA
- June 24 Levitt Pavilion = + Westport, CT
- June 25 Reggae Rise Up Maryland Baltimore, MD
- June 28 Summerstage in Central Park = % New York, NY
- June 29 Leader Bank Pavilion = % Boston, MA
- June 30 Hampton Beach Casino = % Hampton Beach, NH
- July 1 Arrowood Farms = % Accord, NY
- July 2 Snow Pond Center for the Arts = % Sidney, ME
- July 7 The Coves Amphitheater = ^ Union Hall, VA
- July 8 Salvage Station = ^ Asheville, NC
- July 9 The Caverns = ^ Pelham, TN
- July 11 Hilton Oceanfront Concert Series = Virginia Beach, VA
- July 15 Greenfield Lake Amphitheater = ^ Wilmington, NC
- July 16 Greenfield Lake Amphitheater = ^ Wilmington, NC
- July 19 Tabernacle = ^ Atlanta, GA
- July 20 Apopka Amphitheater = Apopka, FL
- July 21 Coachman Park Pavilion = Clearwater, FL
- July 22 Pompano Beach Amphitheater = ^ Pompano Beach, FL
- July 23 St. Augustine Amphitheatre = ^ St. Augustine, FL
- July 25 The Civic Theatre = ^ New Orleans, LA
- July 27 ACL Live at the Moody Theater = # Austin, TX
- July 28 The Factory in Deep Ellum = # Dallas, TX
- July 29 KC Live! = # Kansas City, MO
- August 1 ZooMontana = # Billings, MT
- August 3 Festival at Sandpoint # Sandpoint, ID
- August 4 VENUE TBA = # Seattle, WA
- August 5 Hayden Homes Amphitheater = # Bend, OR
- August 6 VENUE TBA = # Spokane, WA
- August 8 McMenamins Grand Lodge = # Forest Grove, OR
- August 11 Deer Valley = # Park City, UT
- August 12 Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater = Nampa, ID
- August 13 Bally’s Lake Tahoe = Stateline, NV
- August 17 The Rady Shell = # San Diego, CA
- August 18 Vina Robles Amphitheatre = # Paso Robles, CA
- August 19 VENUE TBA = # Saratoga, CA
- August 20 The Greek Theatre = # Los Angeles, CA
= VIP Experience Offered
# SOJA
* Lawrence
+ Phillip Phillips
% Tank & The Bangas
^ Fortunate Youth
~ The Dip
February 1, 2023
Malian Duo Amadou & Mariam Announce New York Shows

Superstars of Malian music with an illustrious career spanning more than 40 years, Amadou & Mariam are set to headline top U.S. venues this March, with stops in Ithaca, Poughkeepsie and New York City.

The prolific blind African duo will tour in support of their new live album, Eclipse (Because Music, Release Date: December 9, 2022), which marks the 10th Anniversary of their legendary concert performed completely in the dark (for musicians and audiences alike) at the Manchester International Festival (2012).

Amadou & Mariam are beloved West African music ambassadors who break through musical and cultural barriers while inspiring millions of fans along the way. 2021/2022 was an ambitious two years for two of Africa’s most revered artists. While the duo has been working in the studio on their much-anticipated ninth full-length album, Amadou & Mariam toured with gospel royalty The Blind Boys of Alabama and cut two dance crossover singles. Mainstays on dance floors around the world, their collaboration with Sofi Tukker on the track and music video for “Mon Cheri” now has over 1 million views on YouTube. A deep house remix of “Sete” by Blond:ish and Haitian producer Francis Mercier revisits one of the earliest hits from Amadou & Mariam’s acclaimed recording catalog. “Sete” ranked #8 on Billboard’s “Best Dance Songs of 2022.”

Following eight critically-acclaimed studio albums, including the gold and platinum certified Dimanche à Bamako and the GRAMMY Award-nominated, Welcome to Mali, Amadou & Mariam released Eclipse to bring their fans into a fully immersive experience unlike any other. The English version of Eclipse is narrated by actor Isaach de Bankolé.

“There are always a lot of questions on how we live and how we feel about music,” says Amadou & Mariam. “Eclipse is a way for us to be on an equal footing with the audience so that they can understand our lives. In the dark, we listen in a new way. Beyond our vision, we can imagine, we can pretend, we can take in the space around us through our hearing, and therefore, get a real sense of what’s our experience. Maybe by not seeing, we can feel the music in a different way.”

Amadou & Mariam preserve a legacy of being one of the most heartwarming stories of modern music — a love affair that propelled two grandparents from Mali into topping charts across the globe and raising awareness of the challenges of living in one of the world’s poorest countries.

There’s not much that Amadou & Mariam haven’t done in the music industry. Even with all of their career accolades though, one thing remains true: their love for one another and that of their craft will always be of the highest order on their mission to bring African music to the masses.

Amadou & Mariam’s upcoming U.S. tour includes live performances by an award-winning quartet featuring many of their classic and latest hits, as well as songs from Eclipse.

Amadou & Mariam — U.S. Tour Dates — Spring 2023:

Tuesday, March 14 — “Afro Roots Fest” @ Miami Beach Bandshell — Miami, FL
Thursday, March 16 — Sunday, March 19 — Miner Auditorium @ SF JAZZ — San Francisco, CA
Monday, March 20 — Rio Theatre — Santa Cruz, CA
Wednesday, March 22 — 9:30 Club — Washington, DC
Thursday, March 23 — Bailey Hall — Ithaca, NY
Friday, March 24 — Bardavon 1869 Opera House — Poughkeepsie, NY
Saturday, March 25 — Le Poisson Rouge — New York City

January 31, 2023
Kingston’s Old Dutch Church to host Al Olender “Alentines Day” Show on Feb. 4

Singer/Songwriter Al Olender has announced a one-off Valentines themed show at Old Dutch Church in Kingston on February 4th.

The show, dubbed “Alentines Day”, will be a “cathartic taking back of Valentines Day for everyone” says Olender. Special Guests will join her in performing new songs and old favorites off her debut album Easy Crier. The show is also dedicated to the city of Kingston itself, culminating in an intimate dream performance for Olender.

“This show is for the broken-hearted, the new relationship energy you don’t know where to put, the crushes you’ve had and have and maybe will meet at this show.”

Al And Easy Crier

On her debut full-length album Easy Crier, Olender asks: what happens if we vow to never tell a lie, ever again? On Easy Crier, Olender pieces together her most vulnerable moments to produce a celebratory and beautiful rumination on grief, and reminds us of the power that comes in really getting to know yourself.

Al Olender

Recorded at The Church in Harlemville, NY, the album sees delicate keys dance alongside acoustic plucks, brooding strings and lush harmonies. There are moments of exploring the often fine line between funny and sad that makes Easy Crier a portal for relief. It’s an album that takes each shattered, heartbroken piece and puts them back together to form a strangely beautiful mosaic.

For Tickets and more information, visit ImpactConcerts.com

January 29, 2023
Mikeala Davis Closes out ‘Dead of Winter’ Residency at Tubby’s and Abilene on February 1& 2

On the brink of a new album, Rochester native, Mikeala Davis and her band, Southern Star, will complete their residency as one of the hottest live music acts in upstate New York. The Catskil transplant returned home for a set of performances at Abilene in Rochester and Tubby’s in Kingston.

The “Dead of Winter” residency began during a notoriously quiet period live music-wise. A run of sold-out performances have re-affirmed belief that fresh sets, familiar places and homegrown talent would bring people out to enjoy live music.

Mikeala Davis and Southern Star complete their residency at Tubby’s and Abilene.

Mickeala Davis and Southern Star on the Rise

In effect, “Dead of Winter” began with a performance at Tubby’s on Wednesday, January 18, with Davis and Southern Star performing weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Tubby’s and Abilene. However, the final two nights of Southern Star’s residency will be on February 1 and 2. To boot, the band will perform two sets nightly, starting with their own tunes and a later Grateful Dead themed set. As a result, the Dead set themes have been varying by week; Mik’s Picks Vol. 1: ‘67-‘72 for week 1, Garcia in its entirety for week 2, and Mik’s Picks Vol. 2: ‘73-‘87 for the upcoming February shows. While, the Abilene show is sold-out but tickets for Mikeala Davis at Tubby’s on Wednesday night can be found here.

Mikeala Davis and Southern Star have seen all of their Kingston shows sold out.

We’re planning two sets every night. First set is original songs and second is a dead set. This is a chance for us to revisit some old songs and experiment with new ones while continuing to explore the music of the Grateful Dead. Hope to see you there!
– Mikaela Davis

A classically trained harpist, Mikeala Davis’ style brings together elements of classic rock, ’60s and ’70s pop, roots Americana, and contemporary modern singer-songwriter croons. Davis and Southern Star have shared bills with such names as Bob Weir, Bon Iver, Lake Street Dive. Moreover, Davis joined Phil Lesh & Friends during the first weekend of their Phil-o-Ween residency at The Capitol Theatre. Her newest release is 2022’s The Relix Sessions, which focuses on live versions of tracks from 2018’s Delivery. At the present time, the group is planning a new studio album that will mark the first official studio recordings by Davis and Southern Star.

January 28, 2023
WRAPS – Woodstock Rock Art and Poster Show – Returns to Bearsville Center May 6-7

WRAPS – the Woodstock Rock Art and Poster Show – will return to Bearsville Center over May 6-7, 2023. The two-day event will feature a wide selection of art for sale ranging from vintage psychedelia and silkscreen prints, to modern digital artwork and photography.

Exhibitors include well-known artists as well as newcomers making a splash on the scene. In addition to a formidable artist line-up, there will be multi-media productions, talks, and seminars/workshops throughout the event.

This is a new East Coast art show modeled on, and with the support of, the famous The Rock Poster Show (T.R.P.S.) held annually in San Francisco, WRAPS is poised to become a premier event for poster collectors on the East Coast.

The inaugural WRAPS was a huge success last May. Over 40 exhibitors ranging from painters to printers, body artists to serious art collectors gathered to share their love for and knowledge of the art form known simply as “rock poster”. In its second year WRAPS plan to make it even bigger and better.

Held in the world-famous town of Woodstock, NY, WRAPS is produced by artist Mike DuBois of Happylife Productions, Kenny Scneidman of Arrowhead Ranch and Retreat and Lizzie Vann the owner of the newly renovated Bearsville Center, The event will take place at the Historic Bearsville Theater and Utopia sound stage the first weekend of May 2023.

Larry Campbell and Mike DuBois

Bearsville Center is located just a few miles down the road from Woodstock, approximately 2 hours north of New York City and 1 hour south of Albany. It is easily accessible by both car and public transportation out of NYC.

Bearsville Center features a spacious bar and lounge in the theater, and an expansive lawn area for networking and socializing. The property also boasts two restaurants, an ice cream shop, a full bar, and patio with fire pit. There will be live music in the theater’s lounge in the evening. The town of Woodstock and surrounding Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley offer a multitude of recreational and cultural activities, entertainment, hotels and dining in a beautiful natural environment.

WRAPS takes place Saturday, May 6- 10 A.M. – 6 P.M. Sunday, May 7 – 10 A.M- 5 P.M. Artists interested in taking part in the 2023 Woodstock Rock Art & Poster Show, sign up here and check out photos from the 2022 installment of WRAPS below.

Artists for WRAPS 2023 include Jeff Wood, Johnny Thief, William Giese, Mikio Kennedy, David Byrd, Brad Kelly, Mike DuBois, Jay Blakesburg Studio, John Warner, Kenny Schneidman, JT Luccesi, Kory McGeehan, Una Toibin, Helen Kennedy (Zazz Corp.), PhanArt, Rennie Cantine, Brian Woodruff, Phil Brown, Nadina Simon, Nick Clemente (Mark Goff Photos) and many more to be announced.

January 27, 2023
The Ashokan Center Winter Hoot to be held Feb 3-5 feat. The Mammals, Rachael Yamagata, and more

The Ashokan Center will host their annual Winter Hoot – a down-home and down-to-earth music gathering where are all welcome with joy to spare, over February 3-5 in Olivebridge, NY.

Located 20 minutes south of Woodstock and 25 minutes west of Kingston, The Ashokan Center offers an opportunity to reconnect with your local community through their twice a year Hoots.

The Hoot began in 2013 when Mike Merenda, Ruth Ungar, and their friends at the Ashokan Center and throughout the local community decided to pull together and try their hands at producing a festival. With the success of the first event, now twice a year, the Hoot Heroes continue to build a Hoot, a celebration of music & nature for all generations.

The Ashokan Center’s friendly and skilled Outdoor Education staff will lead blacksmithing workshops, indoor kids zone activities, and a laid-back instrument petting zoo where anyone can try their hand at a variety of musical instruments.

Food is vended festival-style by Ashokan Chef Bill Warnes and Veggie Oasis, plus local beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic Immuneschein spritzers.

Globe-trotting ice sculptor Thomas Brown will entertain onlookers outdoors all day, creating a unique and ephemeral work of art to be illuminated at night. Late night improvisational jazz duets will be provided by London-born saxophonist and composer George Winstone with guitarist Ben Monder (of the Bad Plus.)

The event is a showcase and fundraiser for the Ashokan Center, a unique nonprofit organization with a 55 year history of youth outdoor education and 42 years of cultural preservation at summer Music & Dance Camps for adults and families. This past year the center has expanded outreach to offer local in-school and after-school arts and nature programming, and increased access to its 385 acres of forests through guided hikes, day passes, and community events like the Hoot.

Friday, February 3rd kicks off with a dinner, documentary, and discussion as Saturday overflows with music & dancing all day into the night plus blacksmithing, mini concerts in the pewter shop, used clothing swap, kids zone activities, local food & libations. Sunday, February 5th closes with hiking, yoga, and a farewell singalong.

Admission tickets and lodging are on sale now, with passes in advance $50 for the weekend, $35 for Saturday only, $25 for Friday dinners and $10 for Friday Film Screening tickets. At the Door, “Pay what you want” admission is available – no one is turned away for lack of funds.

You can see past Hoot lineups here.

The Ashokan Center Winter Hoot Schedule of Events

Friday, February 3
3:00pm Gates Open (get cozy or go for a hike!)
4:00-6:00pm Donor Gratitude Reception and Hoot Kickoff
6:00pm COMMUNITY DINNER (by reservation)
7:00pm Inhabit DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENING. Inhabit takes us on a tour of best practice permaculture: regenerative farms, suburban gardens, organic orchards, food forests, appropriate technology, inner city regeneration in the poorest of communities, commercial mushroom production, flood mitigation… It is a feast of practical information and a flowering of hitherto untold possibilities, showing us that we have the skills and knowledge to restore the earth and that it’s not only possible it’s already happening.” Maddy Harland, Permaculture Magazine
8:30pm DISCUSSION AND Q&A with filmmaker Costa Boutsikaris and inspiring local growers/farmers who contributed to the dinner!
9:30pm JAM SESSION

Saturday February 4

Kids Zone Activities – 12-5pm
Attire Rotation – 10am-5pm donate gently used clothing and shop sustainably
Instrument Petting Zoo in the main lobby
Nursing Nook – relax in the balcony with rocking chairs, free water, and changing tables provided
Pewter Shop Sessions – Short acoustic sets in the beautiful Pewter Shop see schedule

Music lineup
Mister Chris • 11:00 am • all-ages joy
Dr. Mack • 12:00pm • she’s got your back!
Family Square Dance • 12:30pm • fun & easy
The City Stompers • 1:15pm • fiddle & footwork
Jay Ungar & Molly Mason • 3:00pm • folk medley
Jude Roberts • 4:30pm • melodic songwriter
Rachael Yamagata • 6:00pm • engaging & terrific
The Mammals • 7:30pm • americana quintet
Square Dance • 9:00pm • all fun no fear
George Winstone w/ Ben Monder • 10:45pm • jazz improvisation
Thomas Brown Ice Sculptor • All Day
Blacksmithing 3-6pm

Sunday February 5
9:00am GUIDED HIKE WITH DEL ORLOSKE, YOGA WITH SARA TRAPANI
10:15am COMMUNITY SING
Noon FAREWELL

January 23, 2023