Mountaintop Oktoberfest

Twenty two years ago, James and Michelle Walsh combined their shared excitement for the restaurant business and opened Mudd Puddle Café in New Paltz, NY. Fresh roasted coffee, hand crafted food, and a warm community space has been the focus since day one. In 2014, they expanded their passion for fine crafted beverages by opening Yard Owl Brewery in Gardiner, NY. Here, James brews Belgian inspired beers which can be tasted and bought at their restaurant Mudd Puddle Cafe’ in New Paltz.

Benjamin Ickies exuberates joy and masterful music wherever he goes. As an accordionist, he plays a wide variety of styles including Jazz, French, German, Italian, and even Rock & Roll. His journeys have taken him everywhere from Carnegie Hall, to a dog wedding in Tompkins Square Park, as well as Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Zum Schneider Oktoberfest, and the New World Symphony.

Guy Collins, born in Marietta, Georgia to British parents, moved to the UK when he was five. His juggling career took off in the 1980s with street performances in Paris, quickly leading to professional gigs as a Medieval Jester. After honing his skills at circus school, Guy showcased his talents at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and various theme parks across Europe. In 1995, he began performing at Covent Garden market, later moving to Key West in 2001 to become a celebrated “Sunset Celebrity” at the Hilton Hotel. Now residing in Vermont, Guy continues to dazzle audiences at state fairs, resorts, cruise ships, and renaissance fairs, and in 2013, he was named Boston’s best street performer by Penn Jillette and the Travel Channel.

Street Beat Brass Band, based in the metropolis of New York City yet deeply rooted in the musical heritage of New Orleans, epitomizes the diverse tapestry of brass-based music from across the globe. With notable appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America, NY1, and representing American culture on international tours for the US State Department, Street Beat has earned acclaim for their dynamic performances. Helmed by New York Foundation for the Arts Fellow Jeff Fairbanks, the band is comprised of seasoned veterans of Broadway and esteemed touring bands, infusing their music with a fusion of influences spanning New Orleans Jazz to Polka, Mexican Banda, Gospel, Klezmer, and Funk. From lively strolling performances at parades and processions to electrifying concerts and parties, Street Beat’s acoustic and mobile ensemble delivers an unforgettable musical experience. Fusing familiar melodies with original arrangements and the improvisational prowess of conservatory-trained Jazz musicians, Street Beat creates an immersive spectacle that captivates audiences and leaves an indelible mark wherever they perform.

Polkadelphia was formed in 2013 during a lively conversation at a Philadelphia bar, born out of a shared desire to inject fresh energy into the polka scene. This unconventional ensemble combines traditional German and Polish tunes with unexpected covers from artists like Radiohead and Metallica, captivating audiences across the tri-state area. Comprised of top musicians from esteemed Philadelphia groups such as the Violent Femmes, their performances are a testament to their diverse backgrounds and collective talent. From Steelstacks Oktoberfest to TV appearances on Pennsylvania Polka, Polkadelphia’s dynamic presence has left an indelible mark on the music scene. Whether rocking a biergarten or setting the stage ablaze at weddings, they infuse every event with their signature blend of passion and flair.

Gene Eagle teaches social ballroom dance and DJ’s in Manhattan and has been dancing ballroom and swing for over 25 years. He has performed at venues including the Waldorf Astoria and the 92^nd Street Y, where he was the host and DJ for the 92^nd Street Y Ballroom Dance parties. He has DJ’d Lincoln Center’s “MidSummer Night Swing” and “Summer for the City” Ballroom evenings as well as dance studios and private functions in NYC, and continues to host social dance parties as GE Dance, LLC. His eclectic music library includes both traditional ballroom dance music and contemporary pieces ideal for all styles of ballroom dancing.

Candace Woodward-Clough has been teaching ballroom dance for four decades. While living in NYC, she danced in and choreographed Off-Broadway, summer stock, movies, soap operas, and videos, and founded Ballroom Dance at the New York Health & Racquet Club. After marrying and moving to central New Jersey, she has been teaching ballroom dance at Princeton University, Mercer Country Community College, a number of retirement communities, and The Peddie School (where she has also choreographed musicals and ran summer theatre camp for 25 years), while continuing to teach private lessons in her own studio.