Eclectic indie artist, Karina Rykman announced new dates on her 2024 tour, including Bearsville Theater in Woodstock on Sept 14.
Rykman is an artist from NYC who recently released her debut album Joyridein August of 2023. She graduated from NYU and during her senior year, she joined pianist Marco Benevento’s band. Rykman’s talent on the bass even landed her a gig on America’s Got Talent. Her solo career started when she formed her own band with Adam November on guitar, loopers and effects and Chris Corsico on drums.
The band has played alongside acts like Khruangbin, Guster, and The Disco Biscuits and have performed at a number of coveted festivals like Bonnaroo, Peach Music Festival, and Sweetwater 420 Fest.
Joyride mixes the styles of 2010’s rock and Rykman’s unique sound to create a distinct debut album. The songs are co-produced by former Phish member, Trey Anastasio who also plays guitar on five of the tracks.
Bearsville is an intimate theater with a rich history of musical legends such as Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Johnny Cash. It was built to be “acoustically perfect” and today, artists come from around the globe to play at the iconic venue.
The general ticket sale starts on June 21 at 10 a.m. To buy tickets you can visit Rykman’s website here.
KARINA RYKMAN – TOUR 2024
JULY
1 – Grand Rapids, MI – Frederik Meijer Gardens *
2 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple *
5 – Chicago, IL – Rose on the River Festival †
7 – Marshfield, MA – Levitate Music and Arts Festival †
13 – Atlantic City, NJ – The Peach at the Beach †
19 – Snowshoe, WV – 4848 Festival †
20 – Patchogue, NY – Great South Bay Music Festival †
On Friday, June 21, Buffalo-based alt-folk artist Evan Anstey released his latest EP, Alternates II. As the second installment of Anstey’s “Alternates” series, this EP explores a wide range of genres and musical styles. With Alternates II, audiences can expect an awesome mix of hard rock, techno, and of course, a bit of bluegrass.
Debuting in 2016 with his EP Recent Time, Evan Anstey has played a role in the Western New York music scene. Born and raised in the area, Anstey began playing music at the age of 8. As he grew older, he began writing and performing his own music, both as a solo and group artist. Anstey co-founded, played guitar, and sang with rock bands Arrowdrive and The Moon Hunters. Since he was 17, Evan has served as a vocalist, guitarist, and occasional bassist in the indie-prog outfit Meat Raffle.
Evan Anstey’s alt-folk sound draws inspiration ranging from classic artists like Flatt & Scruggs to the progressive bluegrass of Nickel Creek and modern folk stylings of Aoife O’Donovan, John Paul White and Declan O’Rourke. His last EP, Alternates I, stayed true to his inspirations in folk and indie music. The instrumentation of the EP was mostly acoustic. However, its sequel is quite different.
For years, Evan Anstey gained traction as a folk artist. But with this EP, Anstey explored elements of other genres like hard rock and techno. The blend of these genres may come as a surprise to some, but the experimentation had been expertly handled. Like his last album, however, each track was a creative retelling of past songs he had performed live or co-wrote with his other groups. Anstey had the help of guest musicians to fully compose his vision.
Anstey played various instruments on Alternates II, including guitar, violin, bass, mandolin, keyboards, and ukulele. Guests artists Darryl Tonemah, LP Tonemah, Kris Brayley, Ernest “E.C.” Palmer, Alex Feig, and James Robert Kibby all feature on the six-track EP, each providing their own instrumentation and elements to the work.
I wanted to step out of the box on this one. Plans changed along the way, but that’s one of my favorite parts about making a record — the fluidity of art.
Evan Anstey
Alternates II is available on all streaming and download platforms. For more information on Evan Anstey, visit here.
Brooklyn-based alt-rock band, Gooseberry, released their brand new song “Dying To Meet You” on Friday, June 14. This release is the second single off their forthcoming debut album All My Friends Are Cattle coming out Sept. 6.
The musical team of singer and guitarist, Asa Daniels, drummer Evin Rossington, and bassist Will Hammond return to releasing music with two EPs and a multitude of singles under their belt. Since entering the scene in 2019, the band continues to focus on writing new music and playing shows. Constantly expanding their audience in venues like Baby’s All Right and Knitting Factory, Gooseberry undoubtedly stays true to themselves and their music reflects that.
Their new song, “Dying To Meet You,” carries that ethos wholeheartedly. As Daniels put it, “Ultimately, none of us knows much about either, and so if anything, this song is about sneering at those who think they’ve got it figured out.” The song begins slowly until it escalates into the classic bold Gooseberry sound. The accompanying music video tells the story and mirrors the music’s transition through its visuals.
The song, along with their previous single “Kikiyon,” gives fans a preview of their upcoming album All My Friends Are Cattle. Tracked over three months, the band had the help of Grammy-winning engineers Colin Bryson, Phil Joly, and Jennica Best who have worked with the likes of Zach Bryan, Lana Del Rey, and Colatura respectively.
There’s something about this tune that is eerie, like something beyond explanation is peering over your shoulder waiting for you to turn your head around. For the breakdowns in this song, our producer (Colin Bryson) brought a tiny handheld distortion mic into the studio for me to scream into. And I screamed my head off. That was cathartic. Hopefully this song brings our fans catharsis. Or a sore throat.
Asa Daniels, singer
To listen to Gooseberry’s new single “Dying To Meet You,” find it here on your preferred streaming service.
Jandek, one of the most mysterious and hyper-productive legends of the lo-fi folk/outsider music movement, is slated to make a rare appearance at one of the Hudson Valley’s most unique performance venues, Widow Jane Mine, on Saturday, July 20 at 7 pm.
The recently-formed PlayTime Presents is producing the event. According to its founder, Jeff Economy, PlayTime is “an evolving entity dedicated to presenting unlikely music, film and media events in New York’s Hudson Valley.” PlayTime’s most recent event was a fundraiser for local radio institution WGXC-90.7/Wave Farm featuring a collaboration between the famed “culture jammers” Negativland and video artist Sue-C at the Greenville Drive-In.
Jandek is the musical project of Sterling Smith and his Corwood Industries, a record label operating out of Houston, Texas. Since 1978, Jandek/Corwood Industries has independently released over 125 albums/DVDs of unusual, often emotionally dissolute folk, rock, and blues songs without ever granting an interview or providing any biographical information. Jandek often plays a highly idiosyncratic and frequently atonal form of folk, rock, classical and blues music, at times using an open and unconventional chord structure. The name “Jandek” refers specifically to the musical project. www.corwoodindustries.com
“As a documentarian, writer, music video maker and occasional performer, I’ve had one foot planted in the music world since the late ‘80s,” says PlayTime’s Jeff Economy. “Part of my agenda with PlayTime is to give something back by putting on events that might not have happened otherwise.
“Despite being an active recording artist since at least 1978, Jandek remains one of the most intriguing and mysterious figures in all of music,” continues Economy. “They’ve been performing in public sporadically since 2004, but it seemed that a local show was a remote possibility at best. I extended an invitation knowing that a great venue was available and to my surprise, they accepted. With Jandek’s spectacularly wide range of music and Widow Jane’s unique space, this event is a perfect representation of our creative mission.”
Widow Jane Mine is a circa 19th-century natural cement mine housed on the 22-acre Snyder Estate in Rosendale, N.Y. The cavernous room and pillar construction create a natural amphitheater, one with amazing acoustics and unobstructed views due to the sloping floors. Audiences of up to 500 face the stage with a pond as a backdrop and light filtering in from four openings to the outside. The venue, which has presented music, theater, raves, poetry readings and other events for over 40 years, is managed by the Century House Historical Society a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation of the local history of Rosendale, New York and of the Natural Cement industry.
Meet Little Stranger: an eclectic musical duo hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, originally rooted in the vibrant city of Philadelphia. The band is known for their unique blend of indie rap pop, infusing funky distorted guitar riffs with soulful trumpet and saxophone melodies. Their dynamic sound and playful stage presence have captivated audiences across the country, establishing them as a notable act in the contemporary music scene.
When it comes to genre-blending and innovative soundscapes, Little Stranger stands out as a trailblazer in the indie music world. The Charleston-based duo, originally from Philadelphia, has carved a niche for themselves with their eclectic mix of indie rap pop, a fusion that combines the raw energy of hip-hop with the melodic charm of indie pop and the vibrancy of live instruments.
Roots and Formation
Little Stranger is the brainchild of John and Kevin Shields (no relation), two musicians whose artistic synergy has led to the creation of a distinctive sound that defies conventional genre boundaries. Their journey began in Philadelphia, where they honed their craft and developed a unique musical identity before moving to Charleston. The relocation infused their music with a fresh perspective, adding layers of Southern charm to their already dynamic style.
The hallmark of Little Stranger’s music is its infectious energy and playful spirit. Their songs often feature funky distorted guitar riffs, complemented by trumpet and saxophone backups that add a soulful touch to their sound. Tracks like “Coffee & a Joint” resonate deeply with their audience, offering relatable themes wrapped in catchy melodies. Their music is not only aural but also visual, with their live performances characterized by vibrant, playful antics and an engaging stage presence.
New Single and Upcoming Album
The duo recently released their new single “Sofia” off their upcoming album Sat Around Trippin, set to be released on June 28. “Sofia” is a groovy track that deals with a breakup in typical Little Stranger fashion, featuring quick-witted lyrics that poke fun at both their ex and themselves. The song’s playful yet introspective tone perfectly encapsulates the band’s unique approach to songwriting.
Little Stranger’s live shows are a testament to their reputation as performers who know how to entertain and connect with their audience. At events like the Governors Ball, they have wowed crowds with their high-energy sets and whimsical stage antics. Kevin’s humorous quips, such as “everything’s legal so you can do whatever you want today” and playful banter about the attractiveness of the crowd, create an atmosphere of inclusivity and fun.
Headline Tour
Adding to their excitement, Little Stranger is embarking on a headline tour that includes stops at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg and Buffalo Iron Works in Buffalo. This tour promises to bring their energetic performances and distinctive sound to a wider audience, further solidifying their presence in the music scene.
Looking to the Future
With a growing fanbase and a string of successful performances, including their recent set at Governors Bal 2024, Little Stranger is poised to continue their ascent in the music world. Their commitment to innovation and their ability to blend genres seamlessly ensures that they remain at the forefront of the indie music scene.
In a musical landscape often dominated by mainstream sounds, Little Stranger brings a refreshing change with their indie rap pop fusion, proving that creativity and originality still have a significant place in the industry. As they continue to evolve and push the boundaries of their sound, fans can look forward to more exciting music and unforgettable live performances from this dynamic duo.
of Montreal played The Water Street Music Hall in Rochester on June 7. Touring in support of their newest album, Lady on the Cusp, Kevin Barnes brought his psychedelic fever dream of a show to an enthusiastic and sometimes costumed crowd.
Part of legendary Atlanta psych collective Elephant 6, the band has been around since the 90’s so they have a vast catalogue of experimental pop to pull from.
of Montreal shows include a circus like cast of costumed, eccentric, gender bending characters, who take over the stage and mess and tease both the crowd and Kevin Barnes. It feels like the drama club found some good acid and decided to crash the stage.
You have no idea what’s coming next and their playful presence adds some intrigue and often times hilarity to the show. They played several new tracks from their new album, while cherry-picking some crowd favorites and an old rarity or two.
On June 14, award-winning songwriter and indie singer Fox Indigo, residing in Brooklyn, released her new single “Trail of Hearts.” With the tragic lyrics, and a soulful voice full of emotion on top of the energetic, jumpy backing track, Fox Indigo tells the tragic story of an intricate love triangle that ends in betrayal, heartbreak, and jealousy from all parties. Her newest single, “Trail of Hearts,” is just another example of her masterful storytelling through music.
Fox Indigo is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer living in New York City. Before venturing out as a solo artist, Indigo was the frontwoman of indie rock band American Fever. After her departure from the group, she went on to compose the score for the independent musical “BLOOM,” which she also co-wrote, starred in, and directed. In 2023, the cast performed the full musical at the SheNYCArts festival in New York. “BLOOM” won Indigo and her co-writer Ashlyn Bondurant the Rooftop Writer’s Award in 2023.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fox Indigo wrote her first solo album, Man on the Moon, and released in 2022. Following the release of her musical, she is back and better than ever with her new song, “Trail of Hearts.” The single marks the highly-anticipated return of the pure, raw talent Fox Indigo embodies through her storytelling.
When juxtaposed against other music in the indie rock scene, “Trail of Hearts” immediately stands out. It’s clear that Fox Indigo draws her inspiration from a wide variety of artists. Sufjan Stevens, Beethoven, Regina Spektor, and the Beach Boys, (just to name a few) are only the beginning. As a classically trained musician, Fox Indigo mixes elements of jazz, rock, funk, and classical genres into her music. This single is no different.
Upon first listen, “Trail of Hearts” doesn’t sound like the typical indie-rock song. Piano chords in the pre-chorus and chorus and Fox Indigo’s punchy style of singing bring out the elements of jazz. Fox Indigo’s inspirations from classical music come through with the help of the violins. Combined with a group of talented musicians and other producers at the New School and Brooklyn College, “Trail of Hearts” displays Fox Indigo’s talent for composition.
The song’s lyrics bring it to the next level. With Fox Indigo’s growling vocals make lyrics like “And I’m so tired of having to get over things / Can’t anything stick? / For now, we’re young & beautiful / She is so beautiful / But it’s a goddamn trick” sound desperate and angry. It’s an honest perspective of how love triangles affect our emotions, lead us to jealousy, and test our patience with the ones we love. At other times, her wavering falsetto makes highly emotional moments like “She burns like the sun we idolize / God, she’s just like Marilyn Monroe / Leaving a trail of hearts / But she doesn’t know” sound as passive-aggressive, jealous, and vindictive as it should be.
Who wouldn’t be heartbroken and angry if their partner was looking at someone else, especially someone who is as beautiful as the iconic Marilyn Monroe? With this song, Fox Indigo shows us an honest look at how love triangles affect us. Through the brassy sounds of her jazz-inspired voice and the fusion of genres otherwise separate, “Trail of Hearts” is a fresh new single that showcases the artist’s incredible ability for storytelling.
“Trail of Hearts” is availible for listen on all streaming platforms, as well as this link.
The Village of Saranac Lake has announced the artist lineup for the 2024 Music on the Green Summer concert series. The concert series will showcase a vast array of genres, including funk, folk, indie, and bluegrass. This year’s run will begin on July 3rd, and continue weekly until August 14th, with weekly concerts Wednesday 7-9pm.
Music on the Green is an annual tradition for Saranac Lake, bringing the community together to enjoy artists. The village’s mission is to provide its residents with live music that is accessible, both in location and price. Due to this, admission to all Music on the Green concerts is free.
Music on the Green began in 2013, and has since attracted over 68 performing artists to Saranac Lake. In the past, concert-goers have enjoyed performances ranging from alternative rock to swing to folk. The variety in this year’s lineup continues in this tradition of diversity.
The 2024 season kicks off on July 3rd with a concert from local folk band Nubble. The band’s style mixes alternative with folk. As the band says about their music “Sometimes we get a little sad, but mostly we stay pretty happy.” With this emotional range, it is sure to be a captivating show to start the season.
Frankie and the Moonlighters will perform on July 10th. The Saranac Lake-based band specializes in covers of well-known 1950s and 60s hits. Their smooth covers feature vocal harmonies, and rhythms that are sure to get audiences dancing.
Double Axel has captivated audiences for 50 years. This classic North Country band will perform at the July 17th concert. The group will take audiences back in time with decades worth of classic rock.
July 24th will feature a concert by Massachusetts’ Dis-N-Dat Band. The band’s sound is a fusion of Caribbean sounds, incorporating reggae, dancehall, and R&B. The band has toured the US for over 20 years, with its singer Sista Dee also being resident singer of Holland America cruises.
Waiting on Mongo will perform on July 31st with their signature funk stylings. Starting from their home of Asbury Park, NJ, the band has lit up concert venues across the country with their powerful psychedelic funk. With danceable guitar riffs, funky horns, and driving organs, each performance by the band is a groovy journey.
5 Pound Horse
5 Pound Horse will kick off the August portion of the season with a concert on August 7th. The Berkshires-based ensemble has traveled the world absorbing influences into their sound. The band began by playing roots rock, with steel guitar, fiddle, and driving rhythms. Since their travels, the group has incorporated aspects of African music, pop, and jazz, making each one of their performances extremely captivating.
An August 14th set by the Beat Authority will close out Summer Season. The Beat Authority has been a staple of North Country Public Radio since its inception. Led by DJ David Sommerstein, the program broadcasts dance music from around the world, ranging from Cumbia to Afrobeat. This set is sure to get audiences dancing to beats from around the globe.
Music on the Green Schedule
7/3 – Nubble
7/10 – Frankie and the Moonlighters
7/17 – Double Axel
7/24 – Dis-N-Dat
7/31 – Waiting on Mongo
8/7 – 5 Pound Horse
8/14 – Beat Authority
All Concerts take place in Saranac Lake’s Riverside park from 7-9pm. For more information on the summer festival, visit the village website here.
The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College announced the list of events they will be hosting during the summer season. Events include Frances Day, Family Saturdays, Crafts on the Grass, and the inaugural Skidmore College Juneteenth Celebration.
The most anticipated of these events is the 2024 rendition of its summer concert series, “Upbeat on the Roof,” located in Saratoga Springs, NY. The series will run each Thursday from July 11 through August 15. All events are free and open to the public. Art-making activities are geared toward children 5 and older, with an adult companion.
A wide variety of performers will attend the concert series, including both revisiting and new performers. This year, a new collaboration with The Orchard Project and a theater and performance incubator in residence at Skidmore are among the newcomers.
The Tang Teaching Museum – Official website
For 23 years, the Tang Teaching Museum has brought the summer concert series to Saratoga Springs. However, the concert series is not just for musicians, as the aforementioned arts and crafts events, as well as the debuting of art for the museum’s gallery, take place after the performances. Showcasing a diverse set of performers and artists, and spanning across several genres, Upbeat on the Roof brings the best of what Skidmore College has to offer.
The Tang Teaching Museum located at Skidmore College is a monumental feat in the world of education. With exhibition programs that bring together visual and performing arts with interdisciplinary ideas from history, economics, biology, dance, and physics, the Tang inspires learning on a higher level adapted to our modern times. The Tang has one of the most rigorous faculty engagement initiatives in the nation, as well as a robust publication and touring exhibition program that brings the Tang all around the world.
Staff at Upbeat on the Roof are dedicated to providing a family-friendly, fun space for their upcoming concert series. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, camping chairs, food, and drink to picnic on the lawn. Craft kits will be available at 5:30 pm; concerts begin at 6 pm.
Below is the full schedule of summer events hosted by the Tang, including the lineup of the 2024 rendition of Upbeat on the Roof.
Skidmore College’s Juneteenth Celebration – Saturday, June 22, noon to 3 pm
Celebrate Juneteenth at Skidmore College’s annual celebration. The event features Juneteenth-themed arts and crafts, storytelling, food, and performances, with ongoing activities and timed events inside and outside the Museum. Black-owned businesses will have items for sale, including clothing, hand-crafted products, flowers, baked goods, and more. Live musical performances are scheduled for the event, as well. It’s a great opportunity to support local Black artists!
Musical performances will be:
Noon-12:15 pm: Welcome and hip-hop dance performance by Prodigal B
12:15-1:15 pm: Neo-soul music performance by Adrian Emanuel
1:15-2 pm: Congolese dance and drumming workshop by Nkoula Badila and Angel Lau
2-3 pm: Gospel performance by The Heavenly Echoes Gospel Band
Family Saturdays – Saturdays, July 6, August 3, August 17, 2 to 3:30 pm
Our popular Family Saturdays foster multigenerational creative cooperation through looking at artwork, discussing it, and engaging in a hands-on art-making activity. The programs, which are free and open to the public, run from 2 to 3:30 pm. They are suitable for children ages 5 and older, accompanied by their adult companions. No registration required; supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Led by Njeri Jennings, the Laurie M. Tisch Educator for K-12 and Community Programs at the Tang Teaching Museum, the programs are inspired by current exhibitions and art from the Tang collection. Details for each Family Saturday will be announced later.
Crafts on the Grass – Thursdays, July 11 to August 15, 5:30 pm
Before each Upbeat on the Roof concert, Tang museum educators will offer Crafts on the Grass, art-making kits for kids starting at 5:30 pm. A different kit with a craft project will be available each week. All projects are suitable for children aged 5 and up, with adult supervision. Materials will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Frances Day – Saturday, July 20, 2 to 6:30 pm
The Tang Teaching Museum’s annual open house features contemporary art exhibitions, art-making activities, tours, food, music, and more in honor of the museum’s namesake, Frances Young Tang. Details of Frances Day—including tours, art-making activities, and musical guests—will be announced soon and listed on the Tang website.
Visitors of all ages engage in art-making activities during the 2023 Frances Day community open at the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College. This year’s Frances Day is July 20. Photo by Megan Mumford.
Upbeat on the Roof Summer Concert Series
July 11 – Future of Broadway
The Orchard Project is a preeminent artistic development laboratory and accelerator for creators of performance and dramatic stories, in residence each summer in Saratoga Springs. This special Upbeat on the Roof performance features selections from project-in-residence Safety Not Guaranteed, a theatrical version of the 2012 feature film, with music by Guster’s Ryan Miller and Nick Blaemire, that will have a major New York City production this fall; and from composers-in-residence Jesse J. Sanchez, Anna DeNoia, and others
July 18: Great Mutations
Great Mutations is a Troy, New York-based rock band that brings melodic, intricate songs about love, work, and death to their performances. Since their formation in 2012, they have released four studio albums, including their most recent LP, Gifted Kids, in April. Band members are singer and guitarist Matthew Thouin, bassist Mitchell Masterson, drummer Ian White, and guitarist Tommy Krebs. Join them for the 2024 Upbeat on The Roof on July 18!
Great Mutations – Bandcamp
July 25: Dust Bowl Faeries
Celebrating their tenth year in 2024, Dust Bowl Faeries perform a faerie-tale medley of dark cabaret and gothic polka music, infused with a dose of witchcraft and a dusting of woodland magic. Hailing from the New York Hudson Valley, the band draws inspiration from circus music, murder ballads, and Eastern European folk songs. Instruments like the accordion, lap-steel, electric bass, percussion, and acoustic guitar combine to create the Dust Bowl Faeries’ mystic sound. Founded by Ryder Cooley (“faerie queen”), Dust Bowl Faeries includes Jon B. Woodin (“rocket faerie”), Jude Roberts (“hobbit faerie”), Rubie LaRue (“feisty faerie”), and Andrew Stein (“time faerie”).
Dust Bowl Faeries, photo by Stephen Spera
August 1: Drank the Gold
Drank the Gold is made up of two members: fiddler Oona Grady and multi-instrumentalist James Gascoyne. In 2023, the band was named the Folk/Traditional Artist of the Year at the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards. The duo plays North Atlantic dance tunes and traditional folk songs with their own original twist, bringing a new face to the folk scene. See them perform at Upbeat on the Roof on August 1.
Drank the Gold, photo by Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes
August 8: Dan Carr and the Cure for Asthma
The band, in their own words: “Deep within the piney hills of Albany, New York, lurks a gaggle of obnoxious strummers, bangers, and sangers on an epic plot to take over all of Albany. Their music is so incredibly catchy it will brainwash and destroy all the evil-doers in Albany AND Troy. Rock, Country, distortion, they have it all. Tori, Juliana, Gabe, Joe, Sam, and Dan won’t stop ever.” Join them for a rock’n’roll night at Upbeat on the Roof on August 8.
August 15: Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band
The 2023 and 2024 Americana Artist of the Year at the Thomas Edison Music Awards, Reese Fulmer and his band are among the fastest-rising groups in the Capital Region. The Carriage House Band has appeared in duo, trio, quartet, 5- and 6-piece formats, and has featured artists including Chris Carey, James Gascoyne, Andy Arnold, Connor Dunn, Dustin DeLuke, Julia Alsarraf, JP Hubbs, Orion Kribs, Bobby Kendall, Chris Bloniarz, Matt Griffin, Connor Armbruster, Paul Guay, Sara Milonovich, Jimi Woodul, Katie Weissman, and Joe Woodul. Join them on August 15 as they close out Upbeat on the Roof!
Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band – Official Facebook
Performances will take place every Thursday from July 11 through August 15. Tickets and more information are available here.
The Ashokan Center, located in Olivebridge, NY, announced the lineup for the twelfth rendition of their Summer Hoot Music and Nature Festival. From August 23 through the 25, attendees can enjoy an array of activities, including parades, music workshops, nature walks and hikes, petting zoos, and more.
The festival will also feature live performances from local, regional, and nationwide musicians, comedians, and other performers.
Nestled deep within the Catskill Mountains, The Ashokan Center has dedicated more than five decades to the conservation, protection, and preservation of New York’s forests. As a non-profit retreat center, they host a variety of programs and community engagement activities. Most notable are their Music & Dance camps, an opportunity for people of all ages to engage in their favorite activities and collaborate with one another. The Ashokan Center’s unique educational offerings explore natural science, history, environmental issues, arts and music, and writing through programming for children and adults.
In February 2013, Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar planned a festival to raise awareness for the Center. The plan was to create a fun, engaging space for all ages to enjoy the culture and nature of the Catskills. Over 400 people attended the first Winter Hoot, but that was only the beginning.
During the summer of that year, the team built two outdoor stages on “Hoot Hill,” giving the festival its name. This launched the Summer Hoot Music and Nature Festival we know today, which has brought in crowds of over 1,200 attendees year after year.
In addition to raising money for the Ashokan Center, the Hoot aims to invite locals and visitors alike to gather in the mountains for a friendly, upbeat celebration of the unique culture, community, and beauty of the Hudson Valley and Catskills region.
“The Hoot is a way to share the joy and freedom I was privileged to experience in my own childhood at Ashokan, and keep the party going for generations to come.”
Ruth Ungar Merenda
In addition to live music on two stages on Ashokan’s Hoot Hill, the Hoot Music and Nature Festival offers a wide range of programming for the entire family. All-day activities for children in the Kids Zone, including daily kids’ parades, will be hosted all weekend long. Music workshops, blacksmithing demonstrations, morning gong baths with Love Waves, yoga classes, guided hikes to Ashokan’s historic Cathedral Falls, and an all-hours Jubilee Jam Tent are merely just a few examples of the exciting weekend planned.
The full lineup and information for the Summer Hoot Music and Nature Festival are listed below. For more information, visit here.
Summer Hoot 2024 Lineup
THE MAMMALS are Indie folk ambassadors and songwriting ninjas featuring Hoot producers, Ruth Ungar & Mike Merenda. The band is known for its high-energy shows, original repertoire, and Americana sound. Their music blends old-timey, vintage pop, and contemporary folk.
TUBA SKINNY is a New Orleans-based traditional jazz street band. Known for their interpretations of early jazz, ragtime, and blues music from the 1920s and 1930s, they have recently branched into other genres such as traditional New Orleans soul and R&B. Their instrumentation includes cornet, clarinet, trombone, tuba, tenor banjo, guitar, frottoir, and vocals.
STEVE POLTZ is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is a founding member of the indie-rock band the Rugburns and collaborated on several songs with singer Jewel, including the 1996 single “You Were Meant for Me”, which reached number 2 in the US.
BRIDGET KEARNEY is a Brooklyn-based musician and songwriter. She is a founding member of the band Lake Street Dive and winner of the 2005 John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the Jazz category.
JAY UNGAR & MOLLY MASON have contributed immense vision and hard work to preserving the Ashokan Center and its music and nature programs. From organizing big-picture development to playing “Home Grown Tomatoes” and “Ashokan Farewell” for visiting 5th graders nearly every week, their leadership and love of Ashokan helped to preserve the land and a “safe place to try new things” for thousands of adults and children to experience yearly.
THE BIG TAKEOVER is a seven-piece band from New York’s Hudson Valley known for their original music that blends Jamaican pop genres like reggae, ska, and rocksteady. The band blends their own unique sounds with those of Motown, retro soul, and R&B. Jamaican-born singer and songwriter Nee Nee Rushie leads the band.
NAIIKA SINGS is a Brooklyn-based Hoot favorite known for soulful performances and creative, dynamic performances that engage any audience. A variety of genres, including R&B, folk rock, pop, world music, and jazz influences her music. Naika Sings surely stands out in a crowd. Join them for their performance at the Summer Hoot and Music Nature Festival.
JEFFERY BROUSSARD & THE CREOLE COWBOYS is a Creole & Zydeco group from Louisiana. One of the most influential accordionists and vocalists in modern Zydeco music, Jeffery Broussard continues to be one of the genre’s most dynamic performers. Join them for an unforgettable night of Zydeco music.
SETH BERNARD & JORDEN HAMILTON are a beloved singer/songwriter and hip/hop-influenced duo from Michigan. They perform original music on electric guitar and cello, combining classical music with a hip-hop influence to create a unique, fun, and original sound.
GUACHINANGOS is an energetic Latin-American ensemble from NYC fusing Mexican son jarocho with Colombian cumbia and other rhythms.
LAURAL MASSÉ & VINNUE MARTUCCI are a Hudson Valley-based vocal and piano jazz duo. As the founder of the band Manhattan Transfer, Massé toured worldwide and appeared on TV. Vinnue Martucci teaches jazz history part-time at the State University of New York at New Paltz. He accompanies Massé on a monthly live show on WAMC in Albany.
THE CITY STOMPERS are a percussive Appalachian dance troupe from New York City that will bring their dance performance to the Toshi stage and invite attendees to join in the evening square dance in the Pavilion.
ARM-OF-THE-SEA THEATER is an inventive, larger-than-life, storytelling troup focused on eco-educational stories and themes. Through visual storytelling and great live music in original works of mask and puppet theater, Arm of the Sea Theater has dedicated nearly 3 decades to family-friendly, creative environmental storytelling.
CAROLINA MAMA is an Argentinean songwriter. A graduate of prestigious arts programs at Buenos Aires’ Universidad Nacional del Arte and NYC’s New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, Carolina also records and tours with Samir LanGus and the GRAMMY-nominated vocal group ROSA.
DAVID & JACOB BERNZ are a son-father duo from Beacon who have been performing throughout the Hudson Valley for many years. David is known for his tribute to The Weavers (Work O the Weavers) and as a two-time Grammy award-winning producer for Pete Seeger albums, Pete Seeger at 89 (2008) and Pete Seeger and the Rivertowns Kids (2010). Together David and his son Jacob sing original material and new versions of older tunes blending modern and traditional sounds.
GASLIGHT TINKERS is a band from Brattleboro, Vermont, known for their high-energy, danceable shows that blend traditional New England fiddle music with global rhythms. Their sound is a joyful, exciting journey with unexpected textures and turns. The band draws inspiration from their musical backgrounds in traditional folk, Caribbean, Celtic, and rock, creating a delightful blend of genres that are simply unforgettable.
BRENDAN DANIEL is a founding member of Town Meeting from New England. As a harmonica prodigy, Brendan Daniel is surely a performance you will never forget. His rich voice and skilled harmonica playing are a sight unlike any you have seen before.
NATE THE GREAT is a master juggler, musician, and comedian who is hilariously fun for the entire family. Join him at the Summer Hoot for a fun-filled magic and comedy show!
