Festival of the Arts

Across the world, poetry is the inspiration for a multiplicity of music and dance forms. In this program, Translucent Borders presents the hip-hop poetry of the Arab/Jewish band System Ali, and the joyful drumming, dance, and song of Ghanaian musician/dancers, Sulley Imoro and Meirigah Abubakari. Guest appearances by Andy Teirstein and David Lutken.

What do Sweden, Italy, Israel, and America have in common? A thriving heritage of stringed folk instruments. This evening, Translucent Borders brings the Swedish nyckelharpa, the Middle Eastern oud, and the American banjo onstage together with master musicians Marcio Ambrosini and Yair Dalal. Featuring David Lutken, Andy Teirstein, and Ken Breard.

A pianist from Philadelphia, a singer from Brooklyn, and a percussionist/singer from Bahia walk into a bar… The Requinte Trio is a seductive musical cocktail fusing the best of American jazz and the many sounds of Brazil. Featuring Janis Siegel, Nanny Assis, and John DiMartino with guest Leo Traversa.

“DURANTE!” is a rollicking, nostalgic jaunt through the life of American singer, actor, comedian, and ever popular entertainer, Jimmy Durante. This jazz ragtime trio brings back the heyday of Vaudeville including nostalgic ballads and hilarious one-liners that endeared the “Great Schnozzola” to legions of fans over a career spanning 60 years!

In an era of disconnect, The Mammals work to re-connect through their truth-telling lyrics, off-the-cuff storytelling, and euphoric instrumentals. The Washington Post described The Mammals as “gleefully aware that the sound barriers separating old-timey music, vintage pop, and contemporary folk are as permeable as cotton.”

Married Broadway performers team up to present songs from the Great White Way, The Great American Songbook, as well as old Hollywood gems. The charismatic couple share favorites from shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, Into the Woods, and more.

This young band of old souls recreating the swinging vibe of 1940’s Jazz. Bandleader Allyson Briggs sings in seven languages bringing back the international glamour of the Big Band era. Fleur Seule has enchanted audiences at Tavern on the Green, the Rainbow Room, Birdland, and is pleased to return to Mohonk!

Cubbage is a recent award winning blues, jazz, and folk-inspired quartet featuring a tenor saxophone, that has played all around the United States and Canada. LVU remarked after their Musikfest performance, “He and the musicians surrounding him have everything they need to go as far as they want to take this thing, from ability to presence…maintaining accessibility…while freely exercising the spirit of improvisational jazz”.

Veteran stage and screen actors Tony Carlin and Susan Knight combine the freshest material from the Broadway stage with beloved classics to create a deliciously witty and wise evening of theatre. Keeping it in the family, this years’ show features their talented teenage children, Connor and Grace.

Vignola’s jaw dropping technique explains why The New York Times deemed him “one of the brightest stars of the guitar”. Vignola is joined by Vinny Raniolo on the guitar and Martin Pizzarelli on the bass for a program demonstrating how the classics can be made new again through impeccable musicianship, style, and wit.

Résumés from this trio of accomplished artists and friends encompass performances from Broadway to A Prairie Home Companion and Carnegie Hall. Their Mohonk debut and world premiere features music and song ranging from traditional folk to jazz and bluegrass and more instruments than you’d find being played in a group triple the size!

La Pompe Attack plays the music of Django Reinhardt as well as swing style interpretations of standard jazz and popular music. Lead by guitarist Doug Munro, this talented quartet of 2 guitars, bass, and saxophone, create an exciting and updated interpretation of the hot swing sound of Django Reinhardt coupled with Doug’s own unique and highly entertaining style of playing.

Named for the celebrated American impressionist painter Mary Cassatt, this New York based all-female classical string ensemble has performed at top concert venues throughout North America, Europe, and the Far East.

Lauren Fox (vocals), Peter Calo (guitar), Pete Donovan (bass), and Chris Marshak (drums) combine impressive forces to celebrate the lives and art of David Bowie, Prince, George Michael, Tom Petty, and Leon Russell in this tribute to musical innovators who created the soundtrack of a generation.

This multi-talented company offers an entertaining and authentic glimpse into Old Russia through music, song, and dance. The fast-paced, engaging program showcases Russian folk traditions ranging from gently humorous songs and lyrical ballads to dazzling, energetic folk dances.

Peter Malinverni, head of Jazz Studies at SUNY Purchase, believes that music is most worthwhile when it addresses things that matter to people. This special program celebrates the legacy of American composer Leonard Bernstein, whose life and music expresses and continues to inspire what is best in the human spirit.

Aside from being a favorite of Mohonk festival-goers, Frederic is an award-winning pianist known for his jaw-dropping pianism and innovative programs. Prepare to be swept away with a program devoted to romantic works by Chopin and Debussy.

A riveting whirlwind of world dance and music takes audiences on an inspiring journey around the globe. The performance focuses on the rhythms and music celebrating community traditions from China, India, Ireland, South Africa, and rural Appalachia among others.

Gretchen Koehler is an inductee of the New York State Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame. Daniel Kelly is an award-winning pianist, at home with jazz, classical and everything in between. Together, this genre-busting duo re-visions Irish jigs, reels and aires with a syncopated twist.

This trio of three outstanding and versatile musicians have honed a vast and vivid repertoire encompassing Delta blues, Tin Pan Alley standards, New Orleans grooves, jazz gems and incisive originals. Triple Play delivers an epic sojourn exploring the vast riches of distinctly American music with rare joy, virtuosity, and spirit.

Jay Ungar and Molly Mason are masters of music and storytelling who generously share their lives and their music with their audiences. In the words of Civil War producer Ken Burns, this beloved roots duo “play music from the heart which reminds us of the best in all of us.”

David Kwong wanted to become a magician ever since his father took him to see a magic show at a pumpkin patch in Rochester, NY when he was 7. Prepare to be dazzled as this New York Times crossword constructor, magician, and producer of ABC’s Deception, returns to the Mohonk parlor with brain busting puzzlers and sleight of hand.

This Brooklyn-based rising singer/song-writer’s soulful sound infuses Jazz and R&B with emotional depth and a fresh edge. Raina invites us into her sonic world with harmonic nuance and lyrical ferocity accompanied by bass player Luke McCrosson and percussionist Zach Berns.

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

Oh, Hudson! celebrates the history and culture of the Hudson Valley through foot-stomping music and soul-stirring verse. Gonzalez is an award-winning poet and storyteller. Upstate Rubdown is a dynamic acoustic septet featuring a harmonic trio of powerhouse vocalists.

Immerse yourself in the mysterious cadences and seductive rhythms of Southern Spain. Artists from the Hudson Valley Flamenco Festival celebrate and reveal the passion and cultural roots of flamenco – the people’s art!

Cris and Sue are a well-known Broadway husband and wife team with 14 Broadway shows between them. Sue has conducted or played piano for Pirates of Penzance, Cats, and The Lion King. Cris is a tenor who has performed as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and as Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd. Cris and Sue have both recorded at the famed Abbey Road Studios in London and have performed in concerts around the world.

Two award-winning classical virtuosos perform works by Baroque, Classical and Romantic masters. Top off your summer evening with a touch of the sublime.

Hailing from Montana, Kendra Jo and Brittany Brook now live in New York City working as actors and musicians, sharing their down-home roots from theatre row to the subway platform. The Brook Sisters Mohonk debut pays tribute to greatest women of country and bluegrass music – Dolly, Emmylou, Tammy, Patsy and the rest of the best!

Step back in time with New York based jazz vocalist Megg Farrell. Her engagingly plaintive vocals show deep respect for the music and style of the great vinyl-era ladies of song such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Edith Piaf.

Known for their close-knit voicings, inspired arrangements and unparalleled vocal blend, New York Voices’ chameleon-like musicianship allows them to seamlessly adapt to different settings, be it with an orchestra on international stages or in the intimate acoustic setting of the Mohonk Parlor. Celebrate the festival debut and 30th anniversary of this Grammy-award winning vocal ensemble.

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