6/14: Tribute to Harry Smith’s Folk Anthology
This benefit concert for the organization Hungry For Music, which supports music education and cultural enrichment, both in the United States and abroad, by acquiring and distributing quality musical instruments to underserved children with willing instructors and a hunger to play, will feature the songs gathered in Smith’s seminal anthology. Performers include John Sebastian, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Happy Traum, Ed Sanders, The Saturday Night Bluegrass Band, Steve Katz, Charlie Knicely, Professor Louie and the Crowmatix and more. It takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, will accept musical instrument donations at the door. For tickets or more information, see bearsvilletheater.com.
6/21-22: Clearwater’s Hudson River Revival
Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival is bound to be a little bittersweet this year, due to music legend Pete Seeger’s passing at age 94. Seeger helped found the Clearwater environmental advocacy group, and also had a huge presence at the yearly music festival. Expect to hear tributes to the beloved banjo-wielding troubadour, but also look for a lot of fun.
Besides the two days of music, there will be clowns, jugglers, a puppet show, artisanal foods, produce at the farm market, and environmental education booths to help continue the mission of cleaning up the Hudson River watershed. You’ll also have the chance to tour the sloop Clearwater and the schooner Mystic Whaler. Performers at the Clearwater Festival include Rufus Wainwright, Norah Jones’ folk side-project Puss N Boots, Lucinda Williams, The Mavericks and ukulele legend Jake Shimabukuro. Day-of tickets for non-Clearwater members are $85 per day or $135 for both days. Buying tickets early and/or being a member of Clearwater will save you some money, though. Clearwater Festival takes place at Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson. Learn more at www.clearwaterfestival.org.
6/21-9/7: Maverick Concerts in Woodstock
Now in its 99th season, America’s longest running summer chamber-music series returns to Woodstock in 2014 with a whole bunch of shows. Things kick off on June 21 with Ars Choralis’ performance of “Catskill Echoes: A Musical Legacy,” featuring traditional Native American music, songs by Catskill Mountain musicians and old folk songs. Maverick performances take place on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer. Other Maverick shows in 2014 feature jazz, strings, classical guitar, piano, kids music and cello. Maverick is located at 120 Maverick Road in West Hurley. Learn more and see the full concert schedule at www.maverickconcerts.org.
6/28: An Evening with Richard Thompson
One of the top guitar players ever, Richard Thompson will play at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock on June 28. Critically acclaimed and amazing to see live, the prolific British songwriter is a musician’s musician. His work has been covered by Boonie Raitt, R.E.M., Elvis Costello and many others. His solo acoustic performance at Bearsville Theater should be a treat for those familiar with his work. Guitar players and folk fans who don’t know Thompson’s work would likely also enjoy the show. Just do a quick web search for his songs, and see for yourself. Tickets run from $25 to $75. Learn more or buy tickets at www.bearsvilletheater.com.
7/3: Natalie Merchant at UPAC in Kingston
Area resident Natalie Merchant will perform at the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) in Kingston. Merchant is touring to promote her self-titled album — her first album of original works in 13 years. Tickets run from $50 to $75. UPAC is at 601 Broadway in Kingston. Get more info at www.bardavon.org.
7/5-8/30: Belleayre Music Festival
Belleayre Music Festival has continually brought good entertainment to our area year after year with performances all summer long. That won’t change in 2014. Be it blues legend Buddy Guy or country star Gretchen Wilson, the lineup is pretty packed. Tickets run $26 for cheap lawn seats up to $66. Punch in 181 Galli-Curci Road, in Highmount if you’re trying to find Belleayre on a GPS. Learn more, get tickets and see all the shows at www.belleayremusic.org.
Join the family! 
