Festival of the Arts

American Pie: The Day the Music Died

Lauren Fox (vocals) and Peter Calo (guitar) shed light on the mystery and magic behind this iconic 20th century anthem, still celebrated among top songs worldwide!

Koehler & Kelly

Champion fiddler, Gretchen Koehler, and award-winning jazz pianist Daniel Kelly delight Mohonk audiences with their “funky new grooves on jigs and reels.” (NPR). The popular genre-busting duo will be joined by special guests, Gretchen's son Syl (fiddle/step dance), her sister Rebecca (fiddle/step dance) and brother-in-law, Brandt (guitar) for a memorable evening of triple fiddle harmonies, innovative jazz and toe tapping fun.

Gumbo, Grits and Gravy

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.

The Hummingbird’s Tale

Packed with tricksters, fools, and humble heroes, this collection of funny, touching and wise tales from around the world will delight all ages. Master storyteller and poet David Gonzalez is joined by pianist Daniel Kelly.

Hobos, Ramblers, and Bums

Modern day troubadour and actor David Lutken’s family history is filled with railroading and music. He is joined by acclaimed roots multi-instrumentalist Hubby Jenkins and actor/singer Morgan Morse in this celebration of Hobo hits including Big Rock Candy Mountain, Ramblin’ Man, and, of course, Hallelujah, I’m a Bum!

West End Klezmorim II

Harold Seletsky and his acclaimed group, The West End Klezmorim was a favorite of festival audiences. His daughter, clarinest Robin Seletsky, and his longtime accompanist, master accordionist Peter Stan pay tribute with traditional and original klezmer offerings joined by violinist Alexander Margolis and Richard Saoinsky on the bass.

Trout Fishing in America

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.

Sue Anderson and Cris Groenendaal

She has conducted the orchestra for Cats. He is known to Broadway and tour audiences for leading roles in some of the most popular musicals of all time. Share an evening with one of Broadway’s super couples.

Mario the Magician

Mario’s live performance is inventive, interactive, and ridiculously funny. Part retro, part rock ‘n roll, Mario creates his own props and never sacrifices the old-school slapstick vibe that families love! Mario has appeared on Sesame Street, at the Lincoln Center, the NY World Maker Faire, and the American Museum of Natural History.

Wild Rhythm Dance Company

Rooted in the language of lindy hop and vernacular jazz, Wild Rhythm revels in the joy and tenacity of swing-era dances. This young company features some of New York’s most accomplished swing dancers in a program designed to get you jumping and jiving!

Cassatt Quartet

This New York based all-female 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

In an era of disconnect, The Mammals work to re-connect thru 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.”

Robin Spielberg’s “Love Story”

Acclaimed pianist and composer Robin Spielberg has been featured on CBS Saturday Morning, NPR, PBS, and LifeTime Live. She returns to Mohonk performing timeless and lush original songs of love and romance.

Story Pirates

Described as a mix between School of Rock and Monty Python, Story Pirates has a devoted family following world-wide, making it the #1 Apple podcast for kids. The company celebrates creative writing from students across the U.S. in a big, hilarious sketch comedy musical.

What's Going On Up There?

Pete Malinverni, pianist, composer and Chair of Jazz Studies at Purchase College offers a rare opportunity to look at and listen to Jazz from the artist’s perspective. Varied elements of what goes into the composition and effective performance of this American art form are explored through entertaining commentary and live music.

West Side 5

Inventive arrangements, complex harmonies, and outstanding musicianship characterize the sound of this award-winning ensemble inspired by greats like Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices, and other acapella greats.

To Be Determined

More details to come.

Women Songwriters of Today & Yesterday

Grammy-nominated vocalist & songwriter Nicole Zuraitis debuts at Mohonk joins jazz pianist & composer Daniel Kelly’s for an evening of songs pairing contemporary female artists like Adele & Sara Bareilles alongside iconic songstresses such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone & Carole King. You may have been enchanted by Nicole as the vocalist for Manhattan’s Birdland Big Band. Nicole’s husband, drummer & Grammy nominee Dan Pugach and bassist Craig Akins round out the trio.

Taiko Drumming with Stuart Paton

Stuart Paton of Burlington Taiko has been mesmerizing audiences with the powerful, spellbinding and propulsive sounds of Taiko for 35 years. Masterful performance, Japanese culture, and a Mask dance are featured in this interactive program designed for drummers and fans of All-Ages!

Rob Paparozzi’s Juke Joint

Legendary front man, recording artist and harmonica player Rob Paparozzi has toured with the original Blues Brothers Band and worked with many industry greats in Rock, Blues, Jazz and Pop including B.B. King, Bruce Springsteen, Carole King and Cyndi Lauper. His Juke Joint duo features Yankee Stadium organist Ed Alstrom at the keyboard.

Jay Ungar and Molly Mason

There are so many moments and strands to savor in the course of an evening with Molly and Jay, icons of American folk music and storytelling. According to film producer Ken Burns, this beloved roots duo “play music from the heart which reminds us of the best in all of us.”

The San Francisco Trio

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

Darmon Meader Quartet

Recognized in both the jazz vocal and instrumental worlds, Darmon Meader has achieved international recognition as the founder, musical director and chief arranger, and vocalist with New York Voices. Also an accomplished saxophonist, Darmon shares standards and stories with Mohonk audiences.

Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez

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.

Poetic Thrust

Offering a bold take on the cross-section between Hip Hop and Jazz, Poetic Thrust is a seven-piece band dedicated to bending the form of contemporary music while preserving the soul. PT returns to Mohonk following shows at Elsewhere, Baby's All Right and Mercury Lounge and the release of their EP On Deck.

Puzzles & Prestidigitation with David Kwong

Be prepared 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.

Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo

Frank Vignola’s jaw dropping technique explains why the New York Times deemed him “one of the brightest stars of the guitar”. Fellow top-drawer guitarist rounds out this dream duo who effortlessly demonstrate how the classics can be made new again through impeccable musicianship, style and a sly aside at just the right time.

Snowy Mountain Sisters

The Snowy Mountain Sisters is a female bluegrass collective dedicated to bringing toe tapping, heart-pounding bluegrass and roots music to NYC and beyond. Their program features the music of some the greatest of the genre including the Stanley Brothers, Nickel Creek, Lester Flatt, Rhonda Vincent and the father of bluegrass himself, Billy Monroe.

Moscow Nights

This fast-paced, engaging program celebrates Russian folk traditions through virtuosic instrumentals, heartful song and audience interaction.

Fiesta Flamenca!

Take a trip to Southern Spain through the dramatic dance, captivating rhythms and soulful song traditions of Flamenco led by Anna Mazo and a team of top tier dancers and musicians from the Hudson Valley Flamenco Festival.

Vanaver Caravan: Earthbeat!

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.

Outlaws and Heroes

Outlaws as heroes pre-date Robin Hood, and the poetry and songs of feuds and infamous crimes and criminals is part of folk traditions in many lands. Ballads, Blues and a Tall Tale or two are compellingly delivered by David Lutken and Andy Teirstein.

Classical Smackdown with Frederic Chiu

When was the last time you argued about Classical music composers? Award winning pianist and Mohonk festival favorite Frederic Chiu provides this 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 very difficult!

La Pompe Attack: Tribute to Django Reinhardt

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.

Brazilian Bash with Nêgah Santos and Friends

Born in Sao Paulo, hand percussionist Nêgah Santos has been performing professionally since her teens and credits her unique approach to a wide range of influences including Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Fusion, R&B, Jazz, Pop, and African music. You may recognize this rhythmic dynamo as part of Stay Human, the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert led by Jon Baptiste.