Category: Hudson Valley

  • CultJam Returns with New Show at City Winery Hudson Valley

    Iconic 80s-90s group CultJam will be hosting a dance party at City Winery Hudson Valley on February 23. CultJam has recently been working on new projects with a new singer, Mystina Sol – a Long Island native. The group is ecstatic to get back onto the scene with a new voice.

    Multi-platinum group CultJam currently consists of founding members percussionist Mike Hughes, guitar & keyboardist Alex ‘Spanador’ Mosely, and their new lead vocalist, Mystina Sol. The group is best known for massive hits like, “I Wonder if I Take You Home,” “Head to Toe,” “Can You
    Feel the Beat,” and many others with previous lead vocalist Lisa Lisa.

    They emerged in the late 80s and early 90s, launching freestyle music into the mainstream and around the world. With an infectious, unmistakable sound, CultJam inspired a generation of artists.

    The group will perform their hits as well as their new music at City Winery Hudson Valley in Montgomery, NY. DJ Woody, a popular DJ of many NYC venues, will get the party started.

    CultJam plans to go all out in their music for those who want to sweat on the dancefloor. The freestyle, pop, and dance tunes will certainly get you moving.

    For information on CultJam’s projects and tickets for the upcoming City Winery show, click here.

  • Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2024 Announces Initial Lineup

    Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2024 has announced its initial lineup, returning to the grounds of Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY for another unforgettable retreat of music, magic, and memories from July 17-21.

    The festival’s lineup includes Del McCoury Band, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Steeldrivers, and many more. Dry Branch Fire Squad, the festival’s longtime host, will once again deliver top-notch entertainment and storytelling throughout the weekend, while newly minted artist-in-residence Della Mae appears across several stages. Tony Trischka’s EarlJam: A Tribute to Earl Scruggs, Le Vent du Nord, and Missy Raines and Allegheny are newly added.

    Also appearing at the 24th annual Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival will be GRAMMY-nominated, three-time IBMA-winning all-star female supergroup Sister Sadie, Celtic-rock sensation SCYTHIAN, singer-songwriter and guitarist Charlie Parr, and multi-instrumentalist Brennen Leigh.

    Each year, the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival offers a distinct experience unlike any other. Music lovers from every corner of the U.S., Canada, and beyond look forward to savoring the magic of the weekend with its eclectic mix of music and collaborations. With a diverse array of on-site activities including music and dance workshops, family-friendly entertainment,  a songwriting lab, yoga, meditation, and multicultural culinary vendors, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival caters to all ages.

    Photo by Jessica Miller.

    Grey Fox has also announced its 2024 class of Emerging Artists. These include trailblazing South Korean bluegrass group Country GongBang plus The Clements Brothers, Into The Fog, The Cross-Eyed Possum, Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light, Mild Goose Chase, and graduates of the American Roots Music Program at Berklee College of Music.

    Single-day and Weekend passes are on sale now.

    Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2024 Lineup

    Hosted by Dry Branch Fire Squad

    Della Mae (Artist-in-Residence)

    Del McCoury Band

    Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

    Tony Trischka’s EarlJam: A Tribute to Earl Scruggs

    Yonder Mountain String Band

    The Steeldrivers

    Hawktail

    The Travelin’ McCourys

    The Gibson Brothers

    Sister Sadie

    I Draw Slow (Ireland)

    Shadowgrass

    Sam Grisman Project

    Wyatt Ellis

    Darol Anger & Bruce Molsky

    Charlie Parr

    The Mammals

    SCYTHIAN

    Chris Jones & The Night Drivers

    Missy Raines and Allegheny

    Pine Leaf Boys

    Charm City Junction

    Casey Driessen’s Red Shoe Stringjam

    Brennen Leigh

    The Faux Paws

    Joe Newberry

    Le Vent du Nord (Montréal, CA)

    Twisted Pine

    Mike+Ruthy (of The Mammals)

    Pictrola

    Zoe & Cloyd

    Unspoken Tradition

    John, Trish & Quickstep

    Jim Gaudet & The Railroad Boys

    Mark Gamsjager & The Lustre Kings

    Mild Goose Chase

    Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunne (Dublin, IE)

    Country GongBang (Korea)

    The Cross-Eyed Possum

    Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light

    Into The Fog

    The Clements Brothers

    Berklee American Roots Music Showcase

  • Upstate Films Announces Grand Opening of “The Mark” in Saugerties

    The Hudson Valley will soon have a new world-class venue as Upstate Films has announced the grand opening of The Mark – a brand new screening room above the Orpheum Theatre in Saugerties.

    The Mark is an intimate 99-seat space featuring outstanding sightlines, comfortable seats, and top-of-the-line cinema audio and live sound systems. The theater was designed by the acclaimed acoustic consulting and architectural design firm WSDG, based in Highland, NY. WSDG is one of the world’s leaders in the creation of audio facilities. 

    The Mark’s most notable elements are its acoustics with its Dolby Atmos sound system, engineered with WSDG and cinema specialist Dave Berti, which provides precision sound that envelops the audience, immersing them in the heart of the film. The acoustics in the geometric room are crafted with artisanal care and the latest sound engineering technologies. The live sound system has been designed by WSDG in partnership with Blaze Audio, for outstanding performances. 

    The theater is named in honor of the late Mark Braunstein, the visionary founder of Markertek, a beloved member of the mid-Hudson Valley arts community, and a generous philanthropist. WSDG, led by John Storyk, has previously designed venues and studios for Bruce Springsteen, UCLA, Lincoln Center, Spotify, Jay-Z, MTV, Alicia Keys, NYU, and, at the beginning of Storyk’s career, Jimi Hendrix.

    We are immensely proud to be part of this project. Communities need theaters more than  ever, and this theater will rival professional executive screening rooms anywhere in the nation. This is a  project my dear friend Mark Braunstein would have loved to have supported—he understood the importance of gathering together to celebrate the arts and culture. It is an honor to dedicate our work to Mark.

    John Storyk

    Upstate Films was founded in 1972 in Rhinebeck, New York. In the past 51 years, it has provided millions of filmgoers with life-altering, inspiring, and connective experiences, remaining one of the nation’s most prominent rural art-house cinemas. In addition to the Orpheum Theatre, Upstate Films operates the Starr Cinema in Rhinebeck Village, and its touring program has visited Catskill, Kingston, Hudson, Saugerties, Rhinebeck, Kinderhook, and Woodstock.

    “Every community deserves a great gathering place,” said Jason Silverman, co-executive Director of Upstate Films. “The Orpheum has inspired generations of people from our region. The Mark will make a great space even better—we think it’ll be one of the best and most exciting venues to fully experience a movie anywhere. Working with WSDG and John and honoring Mark Braunstein—an extraordinarily generous man— has given this project a lot of soul.”  

    The Orpheum, a central feature of the Main-Partition Streets National Historic District, was built in 1908 as a roller rink, vaudeville house, and community center. It was converted into a movie theater in 1918 and served for a century as the center of communal life for Saugerties. Upstate Films purchased The Orpheum in 2021 and completed its first phase of renovations, including technical, safety, and environmental updates, a new lobby, and a spectacular new audio system in its large theater.

    The Mark’s Grand Opening celebration runs Friday, March 15 through Wednesday, March 20, with a special program exploring the room’s acoustics on Wednesday, April 10. The festivities include three open house events featuring Atmos short films and free refreshments, a silent film with live accompaniment, comedy, the launch of “All Singing, All Dancing,” (a new series of classic musicals), and new and classic Atmos films. 

    A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 15 at the Orpheum, 200 Main Street, Saugerties. For more information, visit here.

    Grand Opening Program

    Monday, March 11-Friday, March 15  

    Friday, March 15  

    5 p.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony (details to come) 

    5:15-6:30 p.m. Open House at The Mark: free short films, popcorn and soda 

    7 p.m. Silent film: THE GENERAL (Buster Keaton, 1926) with live music by Anvil Orchestra / $10/$14 

    Saturday, March 16  

    Noon-2 p.m. Open House at The Mark: free short films, popcorn and soda 

    2:30 p.m. DUNE: PART 2, in Atmos / $7-$11 

    6:30 p.m. $5 community screening: LA LA LAND in Atmos (2023) 

    8:30 p.m. Upstate Comedy Club (local comedy showcase) 

    Sunday, March 17  

    Noon to 2 p.m. 30-minute clip show on repeat (free admission and popcorn)

    2:30 p.m. DUNE PART 2 (2024, in Atmos) $7-$11 

    6 p.m. $5 community screening: RRR (dir. S.S. Rajamouli, 2022, 187 min) 

    Monday, March 18  

    6 p.m. RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCE (2023, 168 min.) / $7-$11 

    Tuesday, March 19 and Wednesday March 20  

    7 p.m. Musical series “All Singing, All Dancing: HIGH SOCIETY, introduced by Katie Cokinos 

    Wednesday, April 10  

    7 p.m. The Magic of the Mark: An Evening with John Storyk and Elliot Scheiner FREE / reservations strongly recommended

  • The Crandell Theatre Board Elects Three New Directors 

    The Crandell Theatre Board of Directors has approved three new members to the Crandell board at its January annual meeting.

    Joining the historic venue board are retired tax attorney John T. Lillis, Mirissa Neff, a documentary filmmaker, and Carol Sadlon, the former owner of Cinerom cinemas and Millerton’s The Moviehouse. 

    crandell theater

    The Crandell Theatre in Chatham, NY, is one of the few community-based and nonprofit theaters in the US that is devoted to film and one of fewer than one hundred single-screen movie theaters nationally. The theater is dedicated to enriching the cultural vitality of the region through film programming that challenges, inspires, educates and entertains.

    The nearly 100-year-old cinema is supported by ticket sales and earned revenue, contributions of members and friends, also private and public grants, including the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. 

    According to Crandell Board President Lydia Kukoff, “This is such an exciting moment for the Crandell. As we get closer to the full renovation of our beloved theater, we are delighted to welcome John, Mirissa, and Carol to our extraordinary board. They bring with them a wealth of talent and expertise that will further enrich our thinking and planning for the future.” 

    John T. Lillis, based in Old Chatham, retired as partner in a law firm in 2019. During his 39-year tenure at the firm, he focused on the tax planning and documentation in mergers and acquisitions transactions, as well as the tax aspects of investment funds formation (primarily private equity and real estate opportunity funds). His investor representation largely focused on representing non-US sovereign investors investing in the United States. Serving for many years as the firm’s Head of the Global Tax Practice. The retiree spent his final years at the firm as Chair of its Global Tax Committee. 

    Mirissa Neff is a Chatham-based documentary filmmaker, public broadcast producer and also a reporter. Her debut feature film, This Is National Wake, premiered in competition at Sheffield DocFest and has garnered awards around the world. Her ethos as a filmmaker and journalist is to explore how culture and music illuminate our lives, and can help others surmount their deepest divides. The filmmaker also worked as a producer and correspondent on PBS’s SOUND TRACKS: Music Without Borders, PBS’s Quick Hits, public television’s Music Voyager, and has contributed music-oriented audio essays to public radio programs, including BBC/PRI’s The World and WNYC’s Studio 360. In early 2023, Neff founded Crandell Kid Flicks, the theater’s popular activity and film series for young children and families. 

    Carol Sadlon, a former fashion designer, is a creative entrepreneur with a passion for art, architecture, preservation, history and cinema. Inspired by a mutual interest in architectural preservation and film, she and her late husband purchased the shuttered and dilapidated 1903 former Grange Hall building on Main Street in Millerton, NY. The Moviehouse, sold in 2021, now operates as a nonprofit cinema.

    Since 2010, the Crandell Theatre has raised more than $1 million to purchase the historic theater and make needed repairs. The current Crandell board is also engaged in a multimillion-dollar campaign to renovate and restore the area’s oldest, largest, single-screen theater and enhance the moviegoing experience for generations to come. For more information, fans can visit crandelltheatre.org, or call 518-392-3445.

  • It’s a Hoot! A Look at the Ashokan Center’s Winter Hoot

    A true hootenanny was held in the Catskill town of Olivebridge over February 2-4 at the Ashokan Center’s Winter HOOT. The weekend-long event brought together a diverse crowd of music and arts lovers, taking in the beauty of the Ashokan Center’s idyllic setting, while enjoying sets of music from The Mammals, Lau Noah, Mikaela Davis and Southern Star, Jeremy Schonfeld and many more.

    Afternoon Square Dancing – photo by Mickey Deneher

    Friday evening’s HOOT festivities started with a delicious dinner shared by Ashokan supporters, family and friends. Jay & Molly delighted a packed audience with storytelling and songs for the duo’s first-ever evening performance at a Hoot. The night concluded with a community jam-along where everyone got a moment to shine and solo in the spotlight with a world-class backup of musical support.

    The acoustic stylings of many were heard over the course of Saturday, beginning with Little Roots – music for the kids and parents alike – a Family Square Dance, followed by piano man storyteller Jeremy Schonfeld taking the stage at 2pm. The Evening Bells shared enchanting harmonies in their hour long set, including a unique song from the late Vic Chesnutt.

    mikaela david winter hoot ashokan center
    Mikaela Davis and Southern Star – photo by Mickey Deneher

    Rochester’s Mikaela Davis and Southern Star graced the stage for a powerful set of songs, many from their recent release, And Southern Star. A gorgeous set of music unfolded, starting with the first single, “Cinderella,” setting a tone for a smooth, flowing set that varied slightly in tempo but never lost the beauty of harp mixed with a live band including steel pedal, guitar, bass, drums and saxophone. Davis gave a nod to jazz harpist Alice Coltrane, and showed her vocal range on songs “Home in the Country” and “Don’t Stop Now,” the audience of 200 grooving along in their seats. Catch the group on tour with Circles Around the Sun this winter, with shows in Brooklyn, Ithaca and Albany.

    With a brisk evening outside, amid fires to warm tots and parents, a set of Catalan guitar music inside featured old-timey songwriter fare from duo Lau Noah. Following this was the crowd being introduced to sponsors of the weekend’s Hoot, naturally in the form of song. “The NYS Music Song” was written last February and performed for the third time ever by The Mammals ahead of their set, in gratitude for NYS Music’s sponsorship of Ashokan Center events.

    The Mammals – aptly described on their show poster as “Too rock for the folk show, too folk for the rock show” – were presented as advertised, and as host band, headlined the evening. Full of upbeat Americana and deceptively mellow, The Mammals fall into the Donna the Buffalo subset of the genre, sans accordion.

    A brief Pete Seeger history lesson offered an interlude, recognizing the famous former local Hudson Valley resident who wanted to be remembered, above all, for teaching people to sing. With that, the crowd sang along to “I Like the Way it Feels,” to drive home the communal nature of the weekend, giving true surround sound inside the Ashokan Center lodge.

    The Mammals – photo by Mickey Deneher

    After Storey Littleton’s midnight set, Sunday began with a revitalizing yoga session lead by Sara Trapani – Ashokan’s Development Director – and an Ashokan tradition to sign off every program and camp with a community sing and “Ashokan” Farewell. 

    The Ashokan Center’s Winter Hoot was a rousing success from the smiles on all the faces of all ages across the room each day. Don’t miss the Summer Hoot this coming August!

    Photos by Mickey Deneher

  • Music in the Hudson Valley: Navigating New York’s Vibrant Music Venues

    Explore the vibrant musical landscape of the Hudson Valley with an array of venues offering unique music experiences. From dance-filled nights to repurposed factories hosting eclectic performances, each spot contributes to the Hudson Valley region’s diverse music scene.

    From just south of Albany, flowing all the way through Westchester, here’s a curated selection of standout venues, each adding it’s own distinct flavor to the Hudson Valley’s musical tapestry. Be sure to check out our look at venues in New York City, Central New York, Southern Tier, Western New York, Rochester and the Finger Lakes, the Berkshires, Long Island, Capital Region, and North Country as well.

    Ashokan Center (Olivebridge)

    The Ashokan Center is an independent music & nature nonprofit established in 2008 that is not only education, open to hosting public community events, but also music and dance camps, as well as a Winter and Summer Hoot – short for hootenanny.

    Address: 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge, 12461

    Website

    Avalon Lounge (Catskill)

    Gear up for a night of dancing at Avalon Lounge! Its dynamic lighting and dance club atmosphere set the stage for unforgettable performances by both up-and-coming and beloved Hudson Valley artists.

    Address: 29 Church St, Catskill, 12414

    Website

    Avalon Lounge, Alon Koppel

    Bardavon (Poughkeepsie)

    One of the oldest continuously operating theaters in New York State, and one of the oldest in the country, Bardavon was built in 1869 and served as a community performing arts center until 1923, then as a cinema and home for vaudeville until 1975, before reopening as a general performing arts facility in 1976.

    Address: 35 Market St, Poughkeepsie, 12601

    Website

    photo by Mickey Deneher

    Basilica Hudson (Hudson)

    Basilica Hudson, housed in a repurposed factory, stands as a haven for artists. With a blend of industrial and pastoral aesthetics, this venue hosts concerts, art shows, and movie screenings, fostering a unique and environmentally responsible space.

    Address: Basilica Hudson, 110 Front St, Hudson, 12534

    Website

    BeanRunner Café (Peekskill)

    For a delightful mix of community acts and delectable bites, BeanRunner Café in Peekskill is the place to be for local music and fare.

    Address: 201 S Division St, Peekskill, 10566

    Website

    Bearsville Theatre (Woodstock)

    Originally built by Albert Grossman and opened in 1970, the historic recording studio and destination venue remains a special place where artists can rehearse for tours, record audio and/org video, and perform in an intimate, acoustic setting. The venue has been revitalized in recent years by new owner, Lizzie Vann, who has restored the theater and grounds, making great investments to preserve decades of music history while continuing to keep the tradition alive.

    Address: 291 Tinker St, Woodstock, 12498

    Website

    photo by Em Walis

    Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    Founded on Yasgur’s Farm, site of the historic 1969 Woodstock music festival, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts opened in 2006 with the New York Philharmonic performing on opening night. An on-site museum, exploring Woodstock and the culture of the 1960s, opened in June 2008.

    Address: 200 Hurd Rd, Bethel, 12720

    Website

    Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

    Big Cat (Kingston)

    Located on the shores of the Rondout Creek, this DIY space in downtown Kingston is obscure and hosts occasional shows, shared only to the venue’s Instagram.

    Address: 428 Abeel St, Kingston, 12401

    Website

    The Capitol Theatre & Garcia’s (Port Chester)

    An iconic rock ‘n’ roll venue, The Capitol Theatre, steeped in history, continues to host spectacular performances. For a more laid-back experience, explore Garcia’s, the venue’s bar location with pre and post shows, as well as stand-alone nights of music as well!

    Address: 149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester, 10573

    Website

    The Capitol Theatre – photo by Steve Malinski

    Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts (Katonah)

    A destination for exceptional music, captivating programs, spectacular gardens and grounds, and wonderful moments with friends and family, Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts is a not-for-profit organization, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Through innovative and diverse musical performances, Caramoor has a mission to mentor young professional musicians and provide educational programs for young children centered around music.

    Address: 149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, 10536

    Website

    City Winery Hudson Valley (Montgomery)

    City Winery Hudson Valley offers not only captivating musical acts but also an extensive wine list. Enjoy brunch or evening performances featuring renowned names amidst a winery setting.

    Address: 23 Factory St, Montgomery, 12549

    Website

    Photo By Al Pereira

    The Colony (Woodstock)

    Originally a hotel built in the 1920s, The Colony in Woodstock combines vintage charm with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, providing an unforgettable experience.

    Address: 22 Rock City Rd, Woodstock, 12498

    Website

    Daryl’s House (Pawling)

    Experience the casual, intimate setting of Daryl’s House, known from the series Live From Daryl’s House. Enjoy beers, camaraderie, and live jamming sessions.

    Address: 130 NY-22, Pawling, 12564

    Website

    Elysium Furnace Works (Poughkeepsie)

    Co-led by Mike Faloon and James Keepnews, Elysium Furnace Works is a cooperative project that seeks to present the work of upcoming artists in dedicated art-focused settings. While not exclusive to live music, EFW primarily works through live music venues at 19th century VBI Theatre, part of the Hudson Valley’s Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center.

    Address: 12 Vassar Street in Poughkeepsie, 12601

    Website

    Emelin Theatre for Performing Arts (Mamaroneck)

    Bringing Broadway magic to the Hudson Valley, Emelin Theatre hosts stage productions, bands, comedy groups, and dance troupes in a large, versatile venue.

    Address: 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, 10543

    Website

    The Falcon (Marlboro)

    With a breathtaking view of Marlboro Falls, The Falcon offers both incredible scenery and exceptional music. Indulge in dinner and a show in its spacious dining room.

    Address: 1348 Rte 9W, Marlboro, 12542

    Website

    The Falcon, Poughkeepsie Journal

    Gardiner Brewing Company-Gardiner

    Featuring live music every weekend, Gardiner Brewing Company is farmer-owned and operated, opening its doors in Fall 2018. Founded by the 5th generation of the Wright’s Farm family, the brewery is focused on using the ingredients they grow to make delicious, seasonal beers. The Barn at Gardiner Brewing hosts live music every Saturday night, nearly year-round.

    Address: 699 NY-208, Gardiner, 12525

    Website

    Hudson Hall (Hudson)

    Hudson Hall is located on the site of New York State’s oldest surviving theater. After being abandoned for decades, local citizens came together in 1992 to save the building and establish a cultural center, reopening the first ground floor rooms in 1998, and completed a $9.5 million restoration of its magnificent performance hall in 2017.

    Address: 327 Warren St, Hudson, 12534

    Website

    The Jazz Forum (Tarrytown)

    Jazz enthusiasts will find paradise at The Jazz Forum, hosting incredible musicians in a classy dinner-party atmosphere.

    Address: 1 Dixon Ln, Tarrytown, 10591

    Website

    Joe & Joe’s (Pearl River)

    For over 80 years and 4 generations, the Longobardo family continues the tradition of old school Italian American cooking in Pearl River, originally having started in the Bronx. Great for those who love live music and delicious food.

    Address: 65 E Central Ave, Pearl River, 10965

    Website

    Last Chance Tavern (Tannersville)

    Decorated with hanging musical instruments and antiques, Last Chance Tavern is a full service restaurant, antique store, and gourmet shop with delicious cheeses and beers, plus great live music each week.

    Address: 6009 Main St, Tannersville, 12485

    Website

    Levon Helm Studios (Woodstock)

    Known as “the barn,” Levon Helm Studios, designed by the legendary drummer, offers an acoustically perfect venue for near-religious live music experiences.

    Address: 160 Plochmann Ln, Woodstock, 12498

    Website

    The Local (Saugerties)

    Opened in 2023, The Local is housed in a former Dutch chapel built in the 1800s, restored as a space for arts, culture, and community. Owners Isabel Soffer and Danny Melnick are also co-founders of Hudson Valley Live and bring more than 30 years to producing festivals, concerts, and curated arts experiences to the venue.

    Address: 16 John St, Saugerties, 12477

    Website

    Maureen’s Jazz Cellar (Nyack)

    Honoring the late jazz vocalist Maureen Budway, this venue in Nyack captivates with excellent jazz, complemented by delectable food and drinks.

    Address: 2 N Broadway, Nyack, 10960

    Website

    Olive’s (Nyack)

    Olive’s isn’t just the longest operating bar in the town of Nyack, but also boasts a great deal of live music throughout the year, with an emphasis on the local indie scene. Described as “trendy, hip, indie, and above all attitude free but well behaved,” Olive’s serves great food from Marianne Olive’s garden, as well as great veggie and vegan options.

    Address: 118 Main Street, Nyack 10960

    Website

    Paramount Hudson Valley (Peekskill)

    Originally a 1500-seat movie palace built by Publix Pictures, a subsidiary of Paramount Pictures, the Peekskill Paramount Theater first opened in June of 1930. Now named Paramount Hudson Valley and is managed by Paramount Hudson Valley Arts, the group has a goal of making this landmark theater a destination for the very best of live music and performing arts.

    Address: 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, 10566

    Website

    photo by Steve Malinski

    Quinn’s (Beacon)

    Located in downtown Beacon, Quinn’s has a wide array of live music performances, including weekly jazz sessions, along with great ramen, sakes, and even greater bar fare at this diamond in the rough venue.

    Address: 330 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508

    Website

    Resorts World Catskills (Monticello)

    Nestled among the beauty of the Catskill Mountains, Resorts World Catskills offers an unmatched experience in excitement, entertainment, and luxury, bringing tribute acts, DJs and national artists to venues and bars inside.

    Address: 888 Resorts World Dr, Monticello, 12701

    Website

    Rosendale Theater (Rosendale)

    The Rosendale Theatre is an independently owned venue, and a regional and national gem. of its kind. It is a gem, not only in the region, but nationally and internationally. Originally opened in 1905 as the Rosendale Casino, by the 1930s, a stage was installed for live vaudeville and burlesque acts. Films and live theatre can be found these days in Rosendale.

    Address: 408 Main St, Rosendale, 12472

    Website

    The Silk Factory (Newburgh)

    Silk Factory is located in the heart of historic Newburgh, in a former factory from 1910, where silk thread was once made. Now a music venue, event space, restaurant and much more is found here in Newburgh.

    Address: 299 Washington St, Newburgh, 12550

    Website

    Snug Harbor (New Paltz)

    The best dive bar in all of New Paltz, Snug Harbor – A.K.A. Snugs – is open daily from 12pm-4am and features live music from local and touring bands, with shows going late thanks to being on the cusp of the SUNY New Paltz campus.

    Address: 38 Main St, New Paltz, 12561

    Website

    photo by Tony Adamis

    Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center (Chester)

    Originally known as the Lycian Center for the Performing Arts, The Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center is surrounded by eight acres of beautiful mountain and lake views, with a capacity of nearly 700 seats, bringing in summer concert series, international touring acts, educational programs and much more.

    Address: 1351 Kings Hwy, Sugar Loaf, 10918

    Website

    Tarrytown Music Hall (Tarrytown)

    Built in 1885 by chocolate magnate William L Wallace, Tarrytown Music Hall opened during Tarrytown’s “Millionaire’s Colony” era when prominent families resided in the town and gathered at the Music Hall for its lavish balls, flower shows and concerts. Tarrytown Music Hall is the oldest theater in Westchester County and one of the finest examples of Queen Anne decorative brickwork in the county. 

    Address: 13 Main St Floor 2, Tarrytown, 10591

    Website

    Tin Barn Brewing (Chester)

    Founded in 2015 by a local father-daughter team, Tin Barn Brewing has two locations – in the Hudson Valley town of Chester, and the Finger Lakes city of Dundee, near Watkins Glens. A farm brewery specializing in some of the juiciest IPA’s in New England, a “Friday Night Acoustic Series” runs from January to March 2024, featuring some of the area’s finest singers, songwriters & duos, with a new stage and lighting for a more personal feeling.

    Address: 62 Kings Highway Bypass Chester, 10918

    Website

    The Towne Crier (Beacon)

    A mainstay of the Hudson Valley since 1972, this former stagecoach stop in the hamlet of Beekmanville was relocated first to Pawling and is now located in Beacon. The Towne Crier welcomes a great deal of world-class talent, and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022.

    Address: 379 Main St, Beacon, 12508

    Website

    photo by Mickey Deneher

    Tubbys (Kingston)

    A neighborhood bar with food from Junebug’s Good Cookin’, Tubbys has a killer mezcal selection, natural wine, cocktails, rotating drafts, and fresh cans. Live music on occasion with sounds leaning to the left of the center. Expect cumbia, country, disco, and everything in between on the turntable.

    Address: 586 Broadway, Kingston, 12401

    Website

    Ulster Performing Arts Center (Kingston)

    Originally the Broadway Theater and Community Theatre, Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) was build in 1926 and one of only three pre-World War II theaters in the Hudson Valley. Today, UPAC is operated by Bardavon Theatre, with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic calling the exquisite acoustics of the proscenium theater, home.

    Address: 601 Broadway, Kingston, 12401

    Website

    photo by Em Walis

    Uncle Cheefs (Brewster)

    In eastern Putnam County, you’ll find live music every Wednesday through Sunday at Uncle Cheefs, in a perfectly lit room decorated with love and built to achieve the finest in acoustics. With a multi-cam video system and state of the art in house multi-track recording studio, you’ll love the music live and reliving them later on thanks for Uncle Cheefs.

    Address: 88 NY-22 Unit C, Brewster 10509

    Website

  • The Local in Saugerties Plans to Revamp with New Stage

    The Local, a new center for arts, culture, and community in Saugerties, has announced they plan to ramp up the venue with a new stage, enabling concert-goers to see the artists better and add to the audience experience.

    Photo by Neil Segal.

    Housed in a former Dutch chapel built in 1876, The Local is under the guidance of Isabel Soffer and Danny Melnick, co-founders of Hudson Valley Live. The two Saugerties-based music producers and performing arts professionals have each devoted more than 30 years to producing festivals, concerts, and curated arts experiences. Since opening its doors in September 2023, it has already welcomed more than 2,000 guests from throughout the region and beyond for Spanish flamenco, tango music and dance, West African Highlife, incredible jazz, and performances by noteworthy artists like Emel, Emily King, a tribute to Leonard Cohen, Sandy Bell, a Silent Disco with live DJs, and so much more.

    They are kicking off their first fundraising campaign to purchase this highly needed stage with a $12,500 matching gift through their fiscal sponsor globalFEST. This means the donations received are tax deductible. The funds will be used to cover the stage, which will help audience members see the performers better, and also be used to cover programming, facilities maintenance, and other venue-related expenses until they become a not-for-profit and can raise money through grants and sponsorships.

    Photo by Eric Delmar.

    “As the only year-round music venue and cultural center in Saugerties, we are working hard to make The Local a stable, viable, fun, and accessible resource that encourages community, cultural diversity, creativity, discovery, and economic development in the Hudson Valley,” said the venue.

    For every dollar people donate, it matches to two with the sponsors’ help. The campaign site has different tiers that people can donate to, with some including two tickets to an upcoming show, beer, wine or refreshments on the house, and shoutouts and additions to the venue’s Hall of Fame on their website.

    For more information about The Local and to help their plans for a new stage, visit here.

    The Local’s confirmed February-June 2024 season lineup:

    Sat., Feb. 10, 8 pm – The Art of Arabic Maqam: Firas Zreik

    Sat., Feb. 24, 8 pm – Saugerties Sessions: Cindy Cashdollar with Toombs Dixon

    March

    Sat., March 2, 8 pm – African-American Folk, Blues, & Dixieland Jazz: Blind Boy Paxton + Dennis Lichtman  

    Tues., March 12, 7 pm – Irish Bluegrass: JigJam   

    Fri., March 15, 7 pm – Psychedelic Chanson: Combo Daguerre  

    Sat., March 16, 8 pm – Tracy Bonham’s Birthday Bash

    Tues., March 19, 7 pm – Consider This: Astronomer Bill Berman 

    April

    Wed., April 10, 7 pm – Music and Dance from Veracruz, Mexico: Caña Dulce y Caña Brava 

    Thurs., April 18, 7 pm – Jazz: Alexa Tarantino Quartet 

    Sat., April 20, 8 pm – Old Time Music and Ballads: Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman

    Sun., April 21, 1 pm –  Family day! Dendê’s Brazilian Recycled Sounds 

    Thurs., April 25, 7 pm – 17-year-old piano phenom Brandon Goldberg & His Trio

    Fri., April 26, 7 pm – The Fantastical World of Hazmat Modine

    May

    Tues., May 7, 7 pm – Consider This: The Biology of Addiction

    Sun., May 12, 7 pm – Music of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra: Simon’s Dream

    Sat., May 18, 8 pm – Sharing in the Spirit Album Release Tour: Ana Egge

    Sat., May 25, 8 pm – Sikh and Punjabi Songs: Sonny Singh Band 

    June

    Sat., June 8, 8 pm – Flamenco: Antonio Lizana and Chano Dominguez 

    Sat., June 15, 8 pm – Persian Classical Music: Kayhan Kalhor 

  • Train and REO Speedwagon to Co-Headline 5 Dates in NYS

    Train and REO Speedwagon have announced they will be co-headlining for a two-month long tour across the US. The two acts will hit the road this July for the Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour. The coming together of two musical generations in 44 cities begins this July and wraps up in September. The tour will see five stops in NY – Lewiston, Saratoga Springs, Bethel, Wantagh, and Syracuse, all in July.

    Train and REO Speedwagon have previously combined sounds in the past for various fundraising shows across the country, including Rock the House – a fundraising music event for families of ill children. Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon has also been a part of Acoustic-4-a-cure, a benefit show to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer.

    Train’s Pop-Rock sound combined with REO Speedwagon’s Classic Rock adds an element of generational layering to the show, something a diverse array of fans can enjoy. Joining the acts on tour is special guest, Yacht Rock Revue, who will be playing classic soft/groove rock hits from artists like Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Toto and more.

    The tour will kick off Monday, July 8 in Wisconsin, and make its first stop in NY on July 19 at Artpark in Lewiston. This show will unfortunately not include REO Speedwagon but is the only show in NY with this exception. The acts will then stop at SPAC in Saratoga Springs on July 23. They will stop at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel July 24 and Jones Beach Amphitheater in Wantagh July 27. Lastly for NY, the tour will stop at Empower FCU Amphitheater in Syracuse on July 31.

    Fans can gain first access to the artist presales beginning on Wednesday, January 31 at 10 am until Thursday, February 1 at 10 pm. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, February 2 at 10 am at SaveMeSanFrancisco.com and REOSpeedwagon.com.

    Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour Dates

    Monday, July 8                      Somerset, WI                          Somerset Amphitheater

    Wednesday, July 10              Noblesville, IN                      Ruoff Music Center

    Thursday, July 11                   Pittsburgh, PA                       Stage AE ^*

    Friday, July 12                        Cincinnati, OH                      Riverbend Music Center

    Saturday, July 13                   Tinley Park, IL                       Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

    Monday, July 15                    Cuyahoga Falls, OH              Blossom Music Center

    Tuesday, July 16                    Maryland Heights, MO         Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    Wednesday, July 17              Kansas City, MO                   Starlight Theatre ^

    Friday, July 19                        Lewiston, NY                         Artpark ^

    Saturday, July 20                   Toronto, ON                            Budweiser Stage

    Sunday, July 21                      Clarkston, MI                          Pine Knob Music Theatre

    Tuesday, July 23                    Saratoga Springs, NY            Broadview Stage at SPAC

    Wednesday, July 24              Bethel, NY                               Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    Friday, July 26                        Camden, NJ                             Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    Saturday, July 27                   Wantagh, NY                           Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

    Sunday, July 28                      Gilford, NH                             BankNH Pavilion ^

    Wednesday, July 31              Syracuse, NY                          Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview

    Thursday, August 1               Holmdel, NJ                            PNC Bank Arts Center

    Saturday, August 3                Hartford, CT                            XFINITY Theatre

    Sunday, August 4                   Mansfield, MA                       The Xfinity Center

    Tuesday, August 6                 Bristow, VA                            Jiffy Lube Live

    Wednesday, August 7           Virginia Beach, VA               Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

    Friday, August 9                    Raleigh, NC                             Coastal Credit Union Music Park

    Saturday, August 10              Charlotte, NC                          PNC Music Pavilion

    Sunday, August 11                Wilmington, NC Live           Oak Bank Pavilion ^

    Friday, August 16                  Pelham, AL                              Oak Mountain Amphitheatre ^

    Saturday, August 17              Alpharetta, GA                       Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

    Sunday, August 18                Franklin, TN                            FirstBank Amphitheater

    Tuesday, August 20               Tampa, FL                                MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Wednesday, August 21         West Palm Beach, FL            iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    Thursday, August 22             Jacksonville, FL                     Daily’s Place ^

    Friday, August 23                  Orange Beach, AL                  The Wharf Amphitheater

    Sunday, August 25                Houston, TX                           The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

    Monday, August 26               Dallas, TX                                Dos Equis Pavilion

    Wednesday, August 28         Denver, CO                              Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre*

    Thursday, August 29             Salt Lake City, UT                 Utah First Credit Amphitheatre

    Saturday, August 31              Auburn, WA                           White River Amphitheatre

    Sunday, September 1            Bend, OR                                  Hayden Homes Amphitheater

    Wednesday, September 4     Ridgefield, WA                      RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

    Friday, September 6              Wheatland, CA                       Toyota Amphitheatre

    Saturday, September 7          Mountain View, CA              Shoreline Amphitheatre

    Sunday, September 8            Inglewood, CA                       The Kia Forum

    Tuesday, September 10        Chula Vista, CA                     North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Wednesday, September 11   Phoenix, AZ                            Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

     ^ No REO Speedwagon

    * Not a Live Nation Date

  • Kidz Bop Summer Tour Stops in Buffalo, Bethel, Saratoga Springs and Syracuse

    Kidz Bop have announced their 2024 summer tour with four shows across New York. The tour will kick off on June with shows in Buffalo, Bethel, Saratoga Springs and Syracuse this summer.  

    Kidz Bop connects with kids and families through their best-selling albums, music videos, products and live tours. The music franchise has been expanding internationally and currently records in 5 different languages. The brand has its own dedicated channel on SiriusXM – “KIDZ BOP Radio” (Channel 135) where it’s all Kidz Bop, all the time. 

    The band also had 24 Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 Chart; only three artists in history–The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Barbra Streisand—have had more Top 10 albums.

    Kidz Bop tour will kick off on June with shows at the Darien Lake Amphitheater in Buffalo on July 7, the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel on July 14, the Broadview Stage at SPAC in Saratoga Springs on July 26, the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh on August 3 and a show at the New York State Fair in Syracuse on August 24. 

    Presales for the tour will start on January 22, with the general on-sale starting on January 26. For tour dates and ticket information, visit here.

    KIDZ BOP  ALL-NEW TOUR

    June 27, 2024 — Stamford, CT — Palace Theatre *

    June 28, 2024 — Stamford, CT — Palace Theatre *

    July 3, 2024 — Gilford, NH — Bank NH Pavilion

    July 5, 2024 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center

    July 6, 2024 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre

    July 7, 2024 — Buffalo, NY — Darien Lake Amphitheater

    July 12, 2024 — Raleigh, NC — Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

    July 13, 2024 — Camden, NJ — Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    July 14, 2024 — Bethel, NY — Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    July 19, 2024 — Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP

    July 20, 2024 — Kansas City, MO — Starlight Theatre

    July 21, 2024 — Maryland Heights, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    July 24, 2024 — Columbus, OH — Ohio State Fair *

    July 26, 2024 — Saratoga Springs, NY — Broadview Stage at SPAC

    July 27, 2024 — Boston, MA (2 Shows) — Leader Bank Pavilion

    July 28, 2024 — Bangor, ME — Maine Savings Amphitheater

    August 2, 2024 — Virginia Beach, VA — Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

    August 3, 2024 — Wantagh, NY — Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

    August 4, 2024 — Hershey, PA — GIANT Center

    August 6, 2024 — West Allis, WI — Wisconsin State Fair *

    August 9, 2024 — Holmdel, NJ — PNC Bank Arts Center

    August 10, 2024 — Vienna, VA (2 Shows) — Wolf Trap at Filene Center

    August 11, 2024 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH — Blossom Music Center

    August 16, 2024 — Burgettstown, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake

    August 17, 2024 — Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

    August 18, 2024 — Des Moines, IA — Iowa State Fair *

    August 23, 2024 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage

    August 24, 2024 — Syracuse, NY — New York State Fair *+

    August 25, 2024 — Holmdel, NJ — PNC Bank Arts Center

    August 30, 2024 — Franklin, TN — FirstBank Amphitheater

    August 31, 2024 — Cincinnati, OH — Riverbend Music Center

    September 2, 2024 — St. Paul, MN — Minnesota State Fair *

    September 6, 2024 — Phoenix, AZ — Arizona Financial Theatre

    September 7, 2024 — San Diego, CA — Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

    September 8, 2024 — Inglewood, CA — YouTube Theater

    September 11, 2024 — Puyallup, WA — Washington State Fair *^

    September 20, 2024 — Bend, OR — Hayden Homes Amphitheater

    September 21, 2024 — Wheatland, CA — Toyota Amphitheatre

    September 22, 2024 — Mountain View, CA — Shoreline Amphitheatre

    September 27, 2024 — Austin, TX — Germania Insurance Amphitheater

    September 28, 2024 — Woodlands, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

    September 29, 2024 — Irving, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

    October 4, 2024 — West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    October 5, 2024 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    October 6, 2024 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

    *Non-Live Nation Dates

    ^Onsale date TBD

    +Free event, no onsale

  • Nick Waterhouse to Rock Bearsville Theater This April

    Radio Woodstock, WDST 100.1 has announced singer-songwriter and record producer Nick Waterhouse will be performing live at the Bearsville Theater this April.

    Bearsville Theater, located in Woodstock, will present this musical journey of shifting genres to captivate diverse audiences.

    Nick Waterhouse is known for his multi-genre music, his distinctive sound, and his dynamic stage presence. His music can be described as having elements of R&B, vintage pop, garage rock, doo-wop, and other genres. With a sound so dynamic and unique, the show at Bearsville Theater is sure to be nothing short of enchanting.

    The show is set for April 19 at 8 PM, with doors officially opening at 7 PM.

    Radio Woodstock 100.1 WDST is an extraordinarily influential rock station, a stellar outlet for an artist to be involved with in any capacity. The New York Times has tagged them as their “favorite thing about around the Hudson Valley.” Radio Woodstock curates music and informational programming, advertising campaigns, digital marketing solutions, and virtual and live music experiences. Nick Waterhouse is a live music experience that one would seriously not want to miss.

    Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, January 26 at 10 AM. To purchase tickets, visit RadioWoodstock.com.

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