Festival of the Arts

Hubby Jenkins is a Grammy and Americana award-nominated multi-instrumentalist, who follows the thread of Black history that is woven through America's traditional music.

From Yankee Doodle and Free Americay to The Times They Are a-Changin’, this spirit raising reviews 250 years of American grit and independence. Hosted by acclaimed actor and storyteller David Lutken and featuring actress and musician Katie Barton, Old Time and Blues virtuoso Hubby Jenkins, and composer and folklorist Andy Teirstein.

This hearty home cooked musical feast stirs in some Celtic & Gypsy spices, folds in a dollop of Zydeco, adds a pinch of Soul, and whips in acoustic Blues. Featuring roots royals Anne Harris, Marcella Simien, and Guy Davis.

Rhett Miller, front man for the legendary Texas rock and roll band Old 97’s, brings a new lineup of Hudson Valley all-star players to perform a selection of songs form his vast catalog, as well as the songs that influenced him – from Neil Young to David Bowie and beyond.

Veteran New York guitarist Doug Munro’s and his outstanding jazz quartet updates the hot swing of legendary gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt coupled with Doug’s entertaining approach to performing. La Pompe is more than a band, it is a collective of like-minded players committed to sharing their talent and passion for great music on the bandstand.

After thriving in the New York City music scene for several years, writer, guitarist and vocalist Andy Stack headed north on a whim to the Hudson Valley (home to luminaries like Bob Dylan and The Band) and founded his band. Andy brings his command of American roots music and his knowledge of the folk traditions from his ancestors’ homeland of Ireland to Buffalo Stack.

Kathy & Jeff Walker have been playing New England-style dance music for over 40 years. Together, Kathy, Jeff, and their children feature a variety of instruments. Their repertoire spans the Celtic tradition drawing tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Galicia, Cape Breton, & Appalachia, including every kind of dance from energetic jigs, reels, and beautiful waltzes.

From the backwoods of Virginia to the rhinestone littered stages of the Opry, Ramblin' Rose celebrates the greatest female icons and songwriters of country music. This multi-instrumentalist band swaps instruments, sings in harmony, and shares the lives and stories behind songs made famous by Dolly Parton, the Carter Family, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and more!

Woody Sez is a tale of struggle, activism, patriotism, and commitment celebrating the life and times of one of the giants of American Music. Many of Woody Guthrie’s songs (Bound for Glory, Pastures of Plenty, The Ballad of Tom Joad, This Land is Your Land) express what is universal about the American spirit.

Since opening in 1957, the legendary Troubadour club in West Hollywood helped launch some of contemporary music’s most talented performers. Backyard Troubadours share the songs from the many who made the Troubadour West shine including Carly Simon, James Taylor, Tom Waits, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Jimmy Webb and countless others. Featuring Peter Calo, Dawn Derow, Lauren Fox, Todd Isler and Jeff Eyrich.

Notorious for her interpretations of female songwriters plus her own original music, Nicole Zuraitis (vocals/piano) teams up with Dan Pugach (drums) to present a beautiful evening of songs known and loved all over the globe. This Grammy nominated power couple bring a unique mix of voice, piano, and drums combined with the telepathic powers from over a decade of playing music together.

Sweet Megg is based half in Nashville and half in Brooklyn where she performs early jazz, blues, Western swing, classic country, and her original Americana. Her newest record, Under the Moonlight, was released in March 2020 on Dala Records. Her next full length jazz record, I’m in Love Again will be released on Turtle Bay Records this summer.

Multi-Grammy winner Janis Siegel (The Manhattan Transfer), pianist John di Martino, and drummer/singer Nanny Assis serve up a breezy, sparkling cocktail of American and Brazilian jazz. The trio will perform selections from their first record Honey & Air plus new settings of standards from the American Songbook, Carlos Jobim along with originals, also featuring Leo Traversa on bass.

This well-seasoned band will play some sweet blues that will leave you swinging and swaying! For over 30 years, local legend Big Joe Fitz has hosted “The Blues Break” at radio station WDST in Woodstock; now you have the chance to come out and hear some of the Hudson Valley’s great local talent!

This New York based all-female classical string quartet has performed at top concert venues throughout North America, Europe, and the Far East. Their program features classics by Mozart, pioneering female composer, Fanny Mendelssohn as well as Hudson Valley’s own, Andy Teirstein.

The Mammals effortlessly span the horizons of Americana, from soulfully harmonized indie-folk ballads to revved up fiddle and banjo-driven foot stompers. Rooted in the Hudson Valley where they host a thriving community folk festival (The Hoot), the band’s founders Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar write songs to heal hearts and rouse minds.

Pianist/composer/storyteller Robin Spielberg performs audience favorites from her vast repertoire. This matinee program will feature the artist’s original works from her album Dreaming of Summer, classical masterpieces re-imagined from Re-Inventions, and a handful of selections from her upcoming Broadway album, Give My Regards to Broadway.

Martin Pizzarelli, son of legendary jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli has toured the world alongside some of jazz’s greatest musicians. The Pizzarelli Trio, including Mark Sganga (guitar) and Kerry Linder (percussion), brings impeccable musicianship and south of the border vibes to this evening of Latin Jazz.

Dylan Doyle has been steeped in everything from Bob Dylan, Wes Montgomery, and Bill Withers to John Prine, Jimi Hendrix, and The Band. From this comes a unique musical interpretation that lies somewhere within the delta of Roots, Rock, Blues, and Jazz.

Stoop Kidz Brass Band was formed in the summer of 2020 as an opportunity for the band members to get together and make music in a safe way. It has blossomed into a beautiful weekly performance that brings joy to the performers and their neighbors in Brooklyn. The band is looking forward to bringing some Funk to the Mohonk boat dock!

Dedicated to bringing the golden age of jazz to contemporary audiences, Sarah King and the Smoke Rings are well known to Manhattan audiences, in part due to their weekly residency at the Standard Hotel. At the heart of the group is Sarah's unforgettable voice possessing an expressive, direct to the heart quality that is both timeless and fresh.

Annie and the Fur Trappers bring St. Louis jazz to our mountaintop. With their repertoire ranging from traditional jazz, swing, ragtime, and delta blues, it will surely be an evening to enjoy!

Pete Malinverni, piano and Juliet Kurtzman, violin play selections from
their recent recording, Candlelight - Love in the Time of Cholera, including suavely rendered interpretations by Bix Beiderbecke, Scott Joplin, and tango genius, Astor Piazolla.

This genre busting duo set fiddle tunes ablaze with new grooves. Old-time roots fiddle and piano weave in and out of jigs and reels with a delivery that ranges from elegant to fierce, searing to sensitive, as they bring the energy of traditional folk and roots music into new sonic settings.

The history of the Hudson Valley comes to life with joyous music and beautiful poetry. Featuring
award-winning poet/storyteller David Gonzalez in collaboration with the dynamic violin/piano duo of Kelly & Koehler.

A minted NY State Blues Hall of Fame inductee, singer/songwriter Willa Vincitore has been building a fan base across the Hudson Valley for nearly two decades. Her songwriting is an eclectic mix of blues, soul, rock, funk, and (occasionally) pop.

This up-and-coming Hudson Valley based trio is building a catalogue of work “steeped in tradition, but also personal, urgent and modern” (Jon Cole). Will Bryant, Lee Falco, and Brandon Morrison take an equal hand in songwriting, vocalizing, and instrumentals.

Rooted in Jazz and R&B, Raina invites us into her unique sonic world with harmonic nuance and lyrical poetry. Releasing her four debut singles in 2018, RSG has over 600k streams on Spotify and a budding global audience. “Raina will leave you defenseless – her infectious voice will tear apart your guard and leave you bare to soak up the emotional sounds.” (Music Ninja)

John Kirk and Trish Miller are dance callers and musicians from Saratoga Springs, NY. With the use of fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and banjo, they will present an array of funny songs, sing alongs, folk ballads from the Catskills, sentimental favorites, and some singer-songwriter gems.

Jay & Molly are masters of acoustic roots music and storytelling who generously share their lives and their music with audiences. These extraordinary Hudson Valley based musicians won international acclaim for their soul stirring performance of Jay’s original Ashokan Farewell, the main theme of Ken Burn’s famed Civil War series for PBS.

Harold Seletsky and his acclaimed group, The West End Klezmorim, was a longtime favorite of Mohonk music audiences. His daughter, clarinetist Robin Seletsky, and master accordionist Peter Stan pay tribute with traditional and original klezmer as well as Balkan offerings. Featuring violinist Alexander Margolis and Richard Sosinsky on the bass.

Kathy & Jeff Walker have been playing New England-style dance music for over 40 years. Together, Kathy, Jeff, and their children feature a variety of instruments. Their repertoire spans the Celtic tradition drawing tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Galicia, Cape Breton, & Appalachia, including every kind of dance from energetic jigs, reels, and beautiful waltzes.

When was the last time you argued about Classical music composers? Award winning pianist and Mohonk festival favorite Frederic Chiu provides a rare opportunity to cast your vote while enjoying expertly performed works along with engaging commentary. Come prepared to listen carefully - the program has been selected to make your choice challenging!

Carly Simon, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Paul Simon, four songwriting giants, created some of the most endearing and lasting music of our time.  Join Anne Carpenter (vocals), Peter Calo (guitar) to explore and share the timeless library of these musical legends.

Performing a unique, danceable blend of Jazz, Afrobeat and New Orleans Brass Band Funk, this brass and rhythm collective engages audiences with positive, uplifting, and danceable music that is guaranteed fun for the whole family.

Dylan Doyle has been steeped in everything from Bob Dylan, Wes Montgomery, and Bill Withers to John Prine, Jimi Hendrix, and The Band. From this comes a unique musical interpretation that lies somewhere within the delta of Roots, Rock, Blues, and Jazz.

A riveting whirlwind of dance and music brings audiences on a journey around the globe. This performance focuses on the rhythms that different peoples have evolved to express their need to stay in step with the earth and communities including stick and stomp dances, body percussion from Cape Breton, South Africa, the Philippines, and America’s Appalachia.

As a bandleader, a recording artist and Grammy® nominated vocalist of the Birdland Big Band among other notable ensembles, Nicole has made a significant mark on the global modern jazz landscape. This musical chameleon brings musical ingenuity and her signature warmth to a wide array of genres and styles including jazz, pop, and the blues.

Multi-instrumentalist singer/actor, Morgan Morse, rising Opera and Musical theater star, Christine Lyons, and Broadway veteran and professional ‘old folkie’, David Lutken, join forces for an evening of music on the boat dock. Sing along to favorites or discover new ones from Fisk Jubilee Singers, Johnny Cash, Lena Horne, Paul Simon and many others who are an indelible part of our American musical landscape.

Fresh off their boat dock “Down by the Riverside” show, David Lutken and Spiff Wiegand will hold a pint-sized musical masterclass for the younger set. Banjo, mandolin, guitar, harmonica, fiddle, dulcimer, accordion, spoons, jaw harp—a little dancing and a lot of hand-clapping— from “You are my Sunshine” and “We’re in the Same Boat, Brother” to “Riding in my Car” and “Does your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight?” come on by and jump right in!

Frank Vignola’s jaw dropping technique explains why the New York Times deemed him “one of the brightest stars of the guitar”. Vinny Raniolo (guitar) and Gary Mazzaroppi (bass) round out this smokin’ combo with a program demonstrating how the classics can be made new again through impeccable musicianship, timeless style and wit.

This critically acclaimed soprano has been hailed a “true virtuosa” by Broadway World, a “revelation” by Gay City News, and praised for her “potent soprano” by Opera Magazine. Through an expansive evening weaving theater, opera, and folk music, Lyons shares her adventurous path in music and emphasizing our connection to each other and the exquisite nature that surrounds us.

Based in New York’s Hudson Valley, Soul Purpose is a seven-piece band fueled by a shared love of Soul, New Orleans Funk, Swing, and R&B. Lead by saxophonist Dr. Lori Morris, tonight will be an evening delivering visceral rhythm, boisterous energy, and joy to lift your heart.

Darmon Meader has achieved international recognition as the founder, musical director and chief arranger, and vocalist with New York Voices. Also accomplished on the saxophone, Darmon leads this trio of accomplished musicians covering a range of jazz and pop standards.

John Kirk and Trish Miller are dance callers and musicians from Saratoga Springs, NY. With the use of fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and banjo, they will present an array of funny songs, sing alongs, folk ballads from the Catskills, sentimental favorites, and some singer-songwriter gems.

Since she broke through 25 years ago with the multi-platinum Relish and its touchstone mega-smash “One of Us,” this seven-time Grammy nominee has never played it safe. Osborne says, “…music has this important job to do right now. Part of that job is to help imagine a better future – and to hang on to hope.”

Three of San Francisco’s musical finest present an evening of light classics fusing art and craft with a laid-back California vibe.

Ruby is a multi-faceted performer, who in addition to singing and acting, has a budding voice over career. Britt is an accomplished pianist well known to chamber and larger ensembles throughout California. This brother and sister duo present a program of favorites, celebrating one of their favorite places - Mohonk!

The ability to poke fun of the annoyances of daily life while touching hearts with tender portrayals of family life, along with jaw-dropping instrumentals, is what has fueled the long-standing connection between this four-time Grammy nominated duo and family audiences across America. “…the Lennon and McCartney of kids’ music” – National Public Radio

Previously known as The Rusty Guns, Fort Holler is a five-piece band of gentlemen based out of New York City. They boast an unrivaled, energetic approach to Bluegrass and Roots music and firmly believe everyone deserves a good time. Their main goal is to wrap you up in a standard issue fort blanket of warm tunes, and make you smile at least twice.

This authentic traditional Fado trio will transport you to the maze-like streets of old Lisbon accompanied by the cry of the Portuguese guitar and singing poems of saudade (yearning). Featuring Cordeone (guitar/vocals), Juliana Vitor (vocals), and Eduardo Mercuri (viola).

Mohonk’s summer Festival of the Arts concludes with a Brazilian Carnaval! Join us around the Lake or rock in your chairs to the dynamic rhythms of the Samba, Forró, Bossa Nova, and Maracatu. Featuring Cordeone (accordion/vocals), Eduardo Mercuri (guitar) and Gustavo Di Dalva (percussion).