July 5 – August 18, 2023
Mohonk has long been a destination for artists who find inspiration in the unparalleled beauty of its surroundings and the founding family’s dedication to serving mind, body, and spirit. Curated by 4th generation Smiley family member, Maria Guralnik, the Summer Festival of the Arts, provides an opportunity for guests to experience a wide range of outstanding artists and entertainers.
Whether you prefer family entertainment, dance, theater, Broadway, folk, jazz, roots, or classical, the Festival of the Arts offers a dash of creative inspiration to cap off your summer evening at Mohonk.
Book Your Stay. For reservations, please call .
July 5 | 9pm
A little bit folk, a little bit country and a whole lotta something to make your soul sing. Come join smoky alto Kirby Porterfield and sparkling soprano Mackenzie Silver in this love letter to the great outdoors and longing for something more. Allow yourself to be taken on a journey down an open road, where no dream is too big and true love is just past the horizon. On the water and under the sky, the Bon Temps Belles will fill the air with rich storytelling, luscious harmonies and charm to boot. So kick off your shoes, fill up your cup, and let’s go dancing in the night.
July 6 | 9pm
New York-based cabaret artist and entrepreneur Lauren Fox focuses on musical icons of the 70’s including Billy Joel, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, CSN, Neil Young, and, of course, JONI!! Scott Chasolen, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and keyboardist of the acclaimed Pink Floyd tribute band, The Machine completes this powerhouse duo.
July 7 | 9pm
Copilot is a Rock-Pop band from Boston, MA that was formed in 2018 with Maggie (vocals), Ry (guitar, vocals), Jake (vocals), Dylan (drums), Bev (bass), & Jack (lead guitar). Coming together from their own respective musical projects, the powerful triage of singers shape the band’s sound. Their blend of harmonies and the unique character of each vocalist allows Copilot to explore a whole spectrum of emotion with their songwriting and create electric live performances.
July 8 | 9pm
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.
July 9 | 9pm
Woody Guthrie, Joe Hill, Phil Ochs, Tracy Chapman, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Leadbelly, and more. Protest, satire, and socially conscious anthems made them household names. Often overlooked are their songs of love and longing. David Lutken, Hubby Jenkins, Maggie Hollinbeck, and Andy Teirstein join formidable forces to bare the private hearts and lives of some of music’s most famous public dissenters.
July 10 | 10:30am
Master folk musicians David Lutken and Andy Teirstein offer a masterclass for young audiences and budding musicians under 12. Banjo, mandolin, guitar, harmonica, fiddle, dulcimer, accordion, spoons, and jaw harp will be on hand – clapping, dancing, and singing along is highly encouraged. Come on by and jump right in!
July 10 | 9pm
Join us for a foot-stompin' evening during which you'll hear songs written by some of the greatest Bluegrass artists of all time including Tony Rice, Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers and more. Featuring Margaret Mug, Sam Merwin, Hilary Hawke and Jo Brook.
July 11 | 9pm
Carole Bufford (BroadwayWorld Award winner) celebrates the great songstresses of the 1960 & 70s including Janis Joplin, Dusty Springfield, Tina Turner, Carole King, Lesley Gore, Dionne Warwick, Shirley Bassey, Nancy Sinatra, Cher, and more. The changing musical and cultural landscape reflected in the bold voices and stirring songs of this fearless generation of women artists mark a time of great change and transition in America and across the pond. Carole is expertly accompanied by noted guitarist and vocalist Peter Calo.
July 12 | 8:30pm
Join Kathy and Jeff Walker as they lead you through an evening of dance. The duo 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.
July 13 | 9pm
This soulful and spirited multi-arts celebration of the people, history, and eternal legacy of the Hudson River Valley weaves the music of Hudson River folk icon Pete Seeger, traditional river songs, and tales old and new through original poetry and music. Nationally recognized poet, storyteller, and musician David Gonzalez is joined by master fiddler/composer Gretchen Koehler and jazz pianist/composer Daniel Kelly. Oh Hudson! was commissioned by the Historical Society of New York State to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s exploration of the river that now bears his name.
July 14 | 9pm
Champion fiddler Gretchen Koehler and award-winning jazz pianist Daniel Kelly set fiddle tunes on fire with new grooves. ("Best New Sounds" National Public Radio, Thistle & Shamrock.) This year, the duo will be joined by several special guests, including Gretchen's fiddling sister Rebecca for a dynamic evening of powerhouse fiddling and family fun.
July 15 | 9pm
Singer/songwriter Willa Vincitore has been building a fan base across the Hudson Valley for nearly two decades and was inducted into the NY State Blues Hall of Fame in 2018. While her songwriting is an eclectic mix of blues, soul, rock, funk and (occasionally) pop, there’s one thing that ties it all together—that voice.
July 16 | 9pm
Known for her dedication to the leading edge of compositional vision and technique, jazz pianist/composer Helen Sung presents JazzPlasticity, a program inspired by her experience as the inaugural artist-in-residence at Columbia University's prestigious Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute. She and her Quartet will perform music inspired by bird song, the rhythmic dance of neurons, and other wonders of our shared humanity.
July 17 | 9pm
Wayne Tucker is a trumpeter, composer, arranger, violinist and vocalist based in New York City. He and his equally talented colleagues (the bad mothas) end Mohonk’s Festival of the Arts with a boat dock jam. Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder will be along for the party!
July 20 | 9pm
A regular on the New York cabaret and club circuit, Cait Jones is a storyteller obsessed with the narratives of the Great American Songbook. Rooted in years of Lindy hop she dances vocally through each song, bringing her refined voice and life experience to this beloved repertoire.
July 21 | 9pm
A fresh voice in the burgeoning Hudson Valley music scene, Boreal brings authenticity to its celebration of Bossa Nova celebrating the work of Tom Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes and other famed Brazilian composers. Featuring Mariana Song on lead vocals and Gil Oliveira on percussion (both Brazilian natives), joined by Timothy Hill on guitar, Steve Gorn on bamboo flutes and Gabriel Dresdale on cello.
July 22 | 9pm
BOMBZR is a groovin' supergroup on the rise in the NYC music scene. With influences like Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Brecker, BOMBZR’s tight arrangements create a smooth blend of funk and soul while incorporating jazz roots. They bring musical diversity through original songs, catchy melodic hooks, and tasty improvisation to satisfy a wide variety of music lovers. Come see for yourself!
July 23 | 9pm
The Canadian duo Ian and Sylvia played an outsized role in the folk music revival of the 1950’s and 60’s which spanned the globe uniting cultures and communities through music. David Lutken and the original members of The Seat Of The Pants Band celebrate the brilliant songwriting of Ian Tyson (1933 — 2023) and the distinctive voice of Sylvia Fricker through artful renditions of folk standards such as “Four Strong Winds”, “Someday Soon”, “Darcy Farrow” and many more.
July 24 | 5pm
Jazz pianist Pete Malinverni and classical violinist Juliet Kurtzman present a recital of music that explores and celebrates the many intersections between the (seemingly) disparate genres of Classical, Jazz, and Tango!
July 25 | 10:30am
Trout Fishing in America is the Grammy-nominated songwriting duo of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet. The Trouts will offer a kid's songwriting workshop - for all to enjoy!
July 25 | 9pm
Trout Fishing in America is the Grammy-nominated songwriting duo of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet. For 45 years, their vibrant, percussive sound and dynamic stage presence has cultivated a multi-generational fan base at performing arts centers, clubs, and music festivals all around the country. The Trouts will also offer a kids songwriting workshop while they are at Mohonk!
July 27 | 9pm
Southern-born, Northern raised, 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, giving him a style that defies classification.
July 27 | 9pm
The Chivalrous Crickets explore the roots and branches of Celtic and American folk music with a focus on boldly reimagined standards and original songs with traditional influence. Members weave their backgrounds in Irish, Scottish, Old Time, pop, and ancient music practices together to create an exhilarating blend of thrumming instrumental timbers and rich vocal harmonies.
July 28 | 9pm
From Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania’s bluegrass hotbed, Big Valley Bluegrass is strongly rooted in the tradition while inspired by today’s top bands. The band’s Mohonk debut will feature Nashville-tested originals and covers of songs from legends like Bill Monroe, George Jones, Bob Dylan, Ricky Skaggs, Johnny Cash and Tony Rice as well as contemporary bluegrass songs from The SteelDrivers to Blue Highway. Join Bill Parker, Alison Gillespie, Keith Kester, Gina Ross and Paul Spriet for spirited songs and foot-stomping instrumentals from the Boat Dock.
July 30 | 9pm
Built around the generation-spanning music of the Everly Brothers and the artists they admired, Lay it Down offers a dynamic concert and evening of storytelling that will transport you back in time to the early days of Rock and Roll. Brought to thrilling life by Ben Hope and Eric Anthony, among Broadway’s best!
July 31 | 9pm
Get ready for a musical journey like no other with Sons of Mystro. Violin-playing brothers Malcolm and Umoja and DJ Venimis fuse classical, pop, and world music instrumentals and vocals creating a heart-pumping mix that will leave you spellbound and asking for more!
August 1 | 9pm
Well known to Birdland regulars, this trio of jazz virtuosos perform restyled tunes from the standard repertoire. Featuring acclaimed guitarist Frank Vignola with Vinny Raniolo (guitar) and bassist Gary Mazzaroppi.
August 2 | 8:30pm
Join professional dance callers and musicians John Kirk & Trish Miller for an evening of family fun. Singles and couples, experienced and newcomers are all invited to dance the night away under the stars. Live music is the key to making this an especially energetic and timeless activity. Both John and Trish call dances and play the tunes on fiddle, guitar, banjo, and mandolin. No partner or previous experience is necessary!
August 3 | 9pm
This Brooklyn-based rising singer/songwriter’s soulful sound infuses Jazz and R&B with emotional depth and a fresh edge. With over 1 M streams on Spotify and a budding global audience, RSG has packed rooms at the Brooklyn Bowl, SOB’s MoMA PS1 among others.
August 4 | 9pm
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 back to Mohonk!
August 6 | 5pm
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.
August 7 | 9pm
Slick your hair back, put on your poodle skirt, and get ready for a sock hop! This quartet of hip “Daddy-O’s” brings the origins of Rock ‘n’ Roll to life with classic favorites and deep cuts from the 1950s.
August 8 | 9pm
Named for famed American Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt, this New York-based all-female quartet has performed at top concert venues throughout North America, Europe, and the Far East. Their Mohonk parlor program features light classical and romantic music composed and arranged for classical strings.
August 9 | 9pm
Sunny Side is a jazz band based out of New Orleans, Louisiana. They are heavily influenced by the music of Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Fats Waller, Cab Calloway, and many other early jazz legends. You can see this band playing regularly in venues around New Orleans.
August 10 | 9pm
A quartet of multi-talented actresses and musicians combine formidable forces to showcase Broadway showstoppers and less-known theater tunes. Featuring Jo Brook (fiddle, guitar, and vocals); Erica Spyres (violin and vocals); Allison Kelly (banjo and vocals); and Maggie Hollinbeck (guitar, piano, bass and vocals)
August 11 | 9pm
This powerhouse six-person acappella group from New York City performs hit songs from the past and present as you’ve never heard them before! Their first album, Wide Awake, was recently honored with a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award for Best Debut Album. Join Black to Gold for an evening of vocal magic and pure fun!
August 12 | 9pm
Performing a comedic genre she dubs “ukulele rap”, Evie Joy infuses lyrics, music, and comedy into a captivating show. This Manhattan multi-instrumentalist uses her ukulele Ed, a keyboard, a bass, multiple percussive instruments, and a loop pedal to build vocal/instrumental arrangements in live performances.
August 13 | 9pm
Pianist/composer Daniel Kelly transforms text from Shakespeare's dramatic masterpieces into fresh and dynamic jazz songs. Experience the power of Shakespeare's timeless words in an entertaining cabaret setting. Featuring vocalist and GRAMMY-nominee Nicole Zuraitis with Gregory Jones (bass) and Bram Kincheloe (drums).
August 14 | 9pm
A Grammy-nominated musician and vocal chameleon, Nicole Zuraitis headlines iconic NYC jazz clubs like Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center, Birdland, the Blue Note, and the Carlyle. With a “heart as big as her remarkable voice,” (Jazz Police) Nicole’s effervescent personality and boundless enthusiasm for sharing the joy of music keep her audiences enthralled.
August 15 | 9pm
Details coming soon...
August 16 | 8:30pm
Join professional dance caller Eric Hollman for a great night of traditional and family-friendly American contra, square, and circle dances to a live fiddle band! No experience is necessary, and fun for all ages!
August 17 | 9pm
Featured on NPR, this in-demand NYC-based combo gives new life to Jazz and Blues songs created over 100 years ago! The group is composed of some of Manhattan’s best Vintage Jazz players including Charlie Judkins on piano, Brian Nalepka on bass and Tuba, Andy Stein on Violin, and Miss Maybell on Voice, Washboard, Banjo and Guitar
August 18 | 9pm
This New York-born, Nashville-based singer performs a range of material steeped in the American traditions of jazz, blues, and country. Her vocals reveal a vast variety of influences, ranging from Billie Holiday to Patsy Cline & from Edith Piaf to Karen Dalton.
Maria Guralnik, is a 4th generation Smiley Family member and curator of the Festival of the Arts. She has served as the president of the North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents (NAPAMA), began her career at Columbia Artists Management and received an Arts Management Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1992. Before joining the Purchase College faculty in fall 2009, she served as the general manager and artistic administrator of the Van Cliburn Foundation for 15 years, where she oversaw career development for the winners of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, including the contracting and servicing of all U.S. engagements and coordination of international tours following each quadrennial competition. Guralnik established her own consulting and management firm, Sky Top Group, in 2009 and is the personal representative for acclaimed concert pianist Frederic Chiu. She also serves on the boards of Mohonk Mountain House and the Vanaver Caravan.
Availability is limited. For reservations, please call .
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