The gorgeous fairways of the New Paltz Golf Course off historic Huguenot Street will be alive with the sound of music, star-studded music, on Aug. 25 beginning at 2 p.m. until the sun sets over the Wallkill River and the Shawangunk Ridge.
“There are so many wonderful outdoor events in the Hudson Valley like the Garlic Festival, the Pickle Festival, Taste of New Paltz: venues of all kinds that highlight our beautiful region,” said Larry Furey, owner and golf pro of the New Paltz Golf Course. “It’s always been a dream of mine to showcase the beauty of our golf course and views of the Shawangunks and river to those that don’t golf here!”
To that end, Furey, has dovetailed two events: a golf tournament benefit for Hospice of Dutchess and Ulster County, beginning in the morning of the 25th, and then “Music on the Fairways,” beginning at 2 p.m. The Hospice benefit tournament is filling up quickly at $50 a pop, but there are still slots open for those who want to compete in a round of golf on the fairways and support this bi-county charity. Fury encourages golfers of all abilities to call 255-1960 to get a slot for the Hospice tournament.
Those who play in the tournament will have free access to the day and evening entertainment of six live bands on the fairways. “We’re very excited about the bands and musicians who are performing at this event,” said Furey. “This venue is so beautiful and breathtaking, yet if you don’t golf or dine here, you may not know what’s right in your backyard.”
In hopes of familiarizing more visitors with the Golf Course, “Music on the Fairways” has six bands booked, including local bands like the Misfit Toy Nation, Acetylene and Sound of Furey (which stars some of the golf pro’s family members and friends), as well as the Light of Day Band, in that order. To add more vibes to the stage built on the putting green at the historic golf course — a stone’s throw from the Upstairs @ 9 Café and the Rock N Rye Tavern, formerly known as the Locust Tree Inn — will be the über-popular Mustangs, a ‘60s/’70s cover band that has a huge following in the tri-state area. “They’re great,” said Furey. “You can’t not love them and dance to them!”
The headliner for the event will be the CKS Band, which includes three preeminent musicians, including Randy Ciarlante, who has toured and played with The Band and the Levon Helm Band, as well as Bruce Katz, who plays for the Greg Allman Band on keyboards, and Scott Sharrard, guitar and lead vocalist, who also tours and plays with the Allman Band. “These guys are just phenomenal musicians, and while playing for these incredible bands and touring around the country and the world, have also put together their own gig that plays from New York City to Woodstock — and now on our fairway! We’re so fortunate to have them.”
The blues/rock band with credits that are deeper than footnotes here will headline “Music on the Fairways,” which will go on rain or shine, with Furey and golf and music enthusiasts hoping for “shine.” “We have a stage; we have a new pavilion that can hold up to 200 people; we have tents; so we’re covered. But of course, we’re hoping for one of the incredible summer evenings we’ve had thus far,” he said.
Because of the popularity of the event and the musicians, and because it’s the first time that the Golf Course has ventured into a more public festival, Furey will attempt to limit ticket sales to ensure that everyone has great seats and a wonderful experience. The tickets cost $25 each, and there will be food and beverages of many varieties and flavors being served by the Golf Course’s two restaurants, which are catering the event.
Reserve your tickets now as this promises to be an event to remember on the Locust Green. This is an age-21-plus event for golfers, non-golfers and music-lovers, as well as those who just want to kick back and enjoy music along a fairway that stretches from historic Huguenot Street to the Wallkill River and the SkyTop silhouette. Tickets are limited, so call 430-6001 to make reservations.
Join the family! 
