7/11-13: Hudson Project Music and Arts Fest
Saugerties will host the biggest new music festival in all of the Hudson Valley this summer in July. Hudson Project Music and Arts Festival is a three-day event with at least 65 musical acts playing, including big names like Modest Mouse, Kendrick Lamar, Bassnectar, The Flaming Lips, Moby, Matt & Kim and Dr. Dog. The festival is at Winston Farm in Saugerties, where the 25th anniversary Woodstock ’94 show was held. Tickets range in price, but general admission starts at $185. Get more info at https://hudsonmusicproject.com.
7/11-8/23: Mount Tremper Arts Summer Fest
A celebration of contemporary art and performance, the Mount Tremper Arts Summer Festival is a mix of music, theater and dance. On July 11-12, Mount Tremper Arts will feature a concert by the International Contemporary Ensemble to perform the work of composers Nathan Davis and Christian Wolff. Not only does it cater to the highbrow art crowd, but it should help introduce you to new artists and their work. And if you like July’s musical performances, return for the dance and theatrical performances. Mount Tremper Arts Festival is held in the Catskill State Park. The address is 647 S. Plank Road. Learn more at https://mounttremperarts.org/.
7/12-8/1: PianoSummer at SUNY New Paltz
SUNY New Paltz’s PianoSummer turns 20 this year. For students, it is a chance to work with master pianists to hone their craft. For the public, recitals and concerts showcase the hard work of talented musicians — all of whom are devoted to Earth’s most versatile instrument. Vladimir Feltsman, the master pianist and teacher, conducts performances and oversees education.
PianoSummer’s events are open to the public, and because they feature students’ work, performances are often an intimate interaction with the audience. Concerts and recitals take place at McKenna Theatre on campus. Learn more or order tickets at https://www.newpaltz.edu/piano/index.html.
7/17-20: Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
Bluegrass fans can look forward to a four-day festival bringing together many of big names in American roots music today. Nickle Creek, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Gibson Brothers, Tim O’Brien, Claire Lynch, The Steep Canyon Rangers and many more will be playing. Ticket prices vary depending on if you’d go every day, camp there or just attend a certain day. Day passes are $60, and full festival passes (camping included) run $185. Grey Fox takes place at Walsh Farm, 1 Poultney Road, in Oak Hill. Get tickets and more info at https://greyfoxbluegrass.com/.
7/17-21: Seeger Fest in Poughkeepsie, NYC
In early 2014, the Hudson Valley lost its own folk legend — Pete Seeger. Now Pete’s friends and family want to get together to celebrate his life with a five-day music festival. Seeger Fest runs July 17-21, and features special events and concerts.
Part of Seeger Fest takes place here in Poughkeepsie, but certain concerts and events are going on in New York City, too. One important local event is the Pete Seeger and Toshi Seeger memorial service — at the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie. Make sure to check www.seegerfest.org for more.
7/20: The Baseball Project at Storm King
Featuring a handful of R.E.M. alums or current members, The Baseball Project began as a sideline and quickly became a well-liked band of its own accord. Scott McCaughey, R.E.M.’s old bass player, Linda Pitmon and Mike Mills are all a part of the group. Happiness — the band — will open up for The Baseball Project. Show starts at 2 p.m. Like other summer concerts at Storm King, technically it’s free. Any visitor to Storm King can partake. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $8 for ages 5-18 and free for youngsters. Members get in free. Learn more about it at https://www.stormking.org/.
7/30-8/3: Phoenicia Int’l Festival of the Voice
People searching for classical music or culture should check out the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice. From opera to show tunes, the festival aims to promote “the human voice as an instrument of healing, peace and artistic expression.” Festival of the Voice runs from Wednesday, July 30 till Sunday, Aug. 3. A full festival pass costs $125 for adults, $25 for kids. Tickets for individual performances are also on sale. Performances occur at a few venues, but people using GPS can punch in 90 Main St., Phoenicia to get close. Learn more at www.phoeniciavoicefest.org.
8/1-3: Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
Hillsdale will again host the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, which is in its 26th year. Including performances from the likes of Beth Molaro, Annie & The Hedonists, Cheryl Wheeler, Spuyten Duyvil and more, Falcon Ridge is a three-day celebration of everything folk. Regular priced three-day passes are $135 for no camping, $165 for camping. Early birds can get a discount if they buy tickets prior to July 1. Festival grounds are at 44 County Route 7D, in Hillsdale. Learn more at https://falconridgefolk.com/.
8/1-3: Wassaic Project Summer Festival
Music fans who’d like to also see classy art, film and dance should check out the Wassaic Project Summer Festival. It’s a free, three-day event that brings together artists — no matter their discipline — to help celebrate creativity itself. For music fans, Wassaic Project Summer Festival highlights lesser-known but talented indie performers not getting the recognition they deserve. Last year’s line-up included Celestial Shore, Dear Georgiana, Kwesi Kankam, and Roosevelt Dime. The Wassaic Project is at 37 Furnace Bank Road, in Wassaic. Learn more by visiting https://wassaicproject.org/.
8/6-9: The Marcus Roberts Trio at 23Ai
Topping off a summer of great blues, jazz, classical music and dance, the Tannersville-based 23 Arts Initiative (23Ai) will bring in a jazz legend Marcus Roberts. Roberts and his band will stay for a residency program that will feature lectures, jam sessions, master classes and concerts. Learn more about all the concerts at 23Ai by visiting https://www.23arts.org/.
9/21: The Felice Brothers at Storm King
Hometown heroes of the Hudson Valley music scene, The Felice Brothers formed back in 2006. Since then, they’ve played Madison Square Garden, Coachella, Bonnaroo, the Newport Folk Festival and toured to Germany. Right now, the band is promoting its new album “Favorite Waitress.” Opening for The Felice Brothers will be musician Steve Gunn. Show starts at 2 p.m. Like other summer concerts at Storm King, technically it’s free. Any visitor to Storm King can partake. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $8 for ages 5 to 18 and free for youngsters. Members get in free. Learn more about it at https://www.stormking.org/.
Join the family! 
