Though 2024 may be with us for a few more hours, Ulster County residents are already looking ahead to 2025, particularly when it comes to live music and entertainment. Here are seven upcoming performances locals are buzzing about:
1. Elvis Costello
Bearsville Theater • Woodstock • March 4 & 5, 2025
Songwriting icon Elvis Costello never publicly discussed why he took a shine to performing in our area, and unfortunately I don’t have his email. But after a few electrifying performances at UPAC, he’s chosen the even more intimate and lush-sounding Bearsville Theater for a double-header on his upcoming tour, so clearly his taste in local venues is discerning. This will be an unforgettable night for those lucky enough to get tickets.
2. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists – Shake the Sheets 20th Anniversary
Colony • Woodstock • March 22, 2025
Washtington, DC’s Ted Leo and the Pharmacists are a cornerstone of early 2000s indie rock and punk, blending sharp political commentary with melodic, high-energy music. Shake the Sheets (2004) stands out as a fan favorite, and will be played in its entirety on this tour. The band accessible for new listeners, and a household name in their genre.
3. Angélique Kidjo
UPAC • Kingston • March 27, 2025
Angélique Kidjo is famous for her vibrant and eclectic music that blends African traditions with elements of funk, jazz, reggae, and global pop. Hailing from Benin, she is celebrated for her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and socially conscious lyrics addressing themes of empowerment and cultural pride. Kidjo has won multiple Grammy Awards and is recognized not only as a musical icon but also as a humanitarian and advocate for education and women’s rights.
4. Tom Green
Laugh it Up Comedy Club • Poughkeepsie • March 28 & 29, 2025
Generation X’s top-tier comedy icon Tom Green had a heavy hand in warping culture from his early days pioneering viral anti-comedy prank videos and podcasting, on through his improbable stardom on MTV and into the present day. Green’s style of dry, surreal and absurd humor still ripples through the modern comedy scene. Since he spends much of his time now vlogging from a remote country ranch, this is a truly rare opportunity so see him locally. While technically not in Ulster County, it’s close enough and certainly iconically funny enough to include in this list.
5. Big D & the Kids Table
Unicorn Bar • Kingston • April 25, 2025
Big D & the Kids Table is a prominent band in the third-wave ska and ska-punk movement, known for their high-energy live shows and genre-blending sound. Tracks like “L.A.X” and “Noise Complaint” were ska-punk anthems. They remain popular through extensive touring, and the opportunity to catch them in an intimate venue like Unicorn is bound to create a dance floor experience to remember. Pick it up!
6. Napoleon Dynamite screening and cast Q&A
UPAC • Kingston • June 6, 2025
Upstate residents who resonated with Napoleon Dynamite‘s nostalgic, hysterical depiction of weird rural life are eyeing a special 20th anniversary screening of the movie at UPAC. Cast members Jon Heder, Jon Gries, and Efren Ramirez will be on hand to answer questions, and will spice up the Q&A with improv comedy, a game show, and plenty of audience participation. Watch for flying steaks.
7. Mountain Jam Music Festival
Belleayre Mountain • Catskill Park • June 20-22, 2025
Though it disappeared for a little while, Mountain Jam is back with a bang (bong?) featuring a three-day lineup headlined by Khruangbin (recently Grammy-nominated for Best New Artist), Mt. Joy, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Moe and dozens of other jam-heavy acts, including an as-yet-revealed headliner. Get your tie-dyes out, tuck in your favorite party substances and try to remember how much fun you had when it’s time to come down off the peak.
Join the family! 
