Enjoy a Summer of Music in the Woods at Maverick Concerts

Maverick Concerts is among the most historic music venues in the country, a rustic architectural and acoustic marvel nestled in the woods near Woodstock, NY. This historic concert hall, known for its pristine acoustics and rustic charm, invites audiences on a remarkable auditory journey, crossing the boundaries of genres and eras. This summer, Maverick returns with a full schedule of outstanding classical, jazz, contemporary and family programming. The season opens on July 1 and runs through September 10.

The timeless elegance of chamber music resonates at 4 pm every Sunday afternoon, maintaining a tradition that Maverick Concerts has upheld for over a century. On Saturday evenings at 8 pm, the musical spectrum expands, encompassing the invigorating rhythms of jazz, world music and the soulful strains of folk and Americana. Saturday mornings from 11 am to noon, families can look forward to engaging free programming designed to educate and entertain in equal measure.

A highlight of the 2023 season is the mini-series, “Latin Voices: Celebrating Hispanic and Latino Traditions in Classical and Jazz.” Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, this series ventures into the intricate tapestry of Latin and His- panic music. Enriched by an array of acclaimed performers, the series begins on July 1 with the Grammy Award-winning Pablo Ziegler Jazz Tango Trio. Ziegler’s progressive tango, a harmonious blend of the traditional Argentine form with jazz elements, offers an exhilarating start to the series.

Cuarteto Latinoamericano, recognized for their sublime interpretations of Latin American music, will perform on July 2, gracing the stage with compositions by Latin American maestros Villa-Lobos, Revueltas, and Chavez. On August 5, audiences will witness the Maverick debut of Peruvian-American pianist Priscilla Navarro. Her program encompasses both classical and contemporary pieces. On August 12, the stage will reverberate with Latin jazz as the Arturo O’Farrill Quartet delivers a dynamic performance. The Dali Quartet, known for their blend of traditional Latin American and Western classical music, takes to the stage on August 13.

The series concludes on September 10 with a tribute to influential Cuban composer Tania Leon on her 80th birthday. The esteemed Cassatt Quartet, accompanied by the distinguished pianist Ursula Oppens, will honor Leon, with the composer herself participating in a pre-concert talk hosted by Alexander Platt.

Saturday evenings at Maverick will feature an array of eclectic performances. On July 29, audiences can look forward to a recital by the acclaimed pianist Adam Tendler. August 26 will mark the 20th Anniversary of the Maverick Chamber Orchestra Concert, conducted by Maverick Music Director, Alexander Platt, featuring the Caroga Arts Ensemble with the return of audience favorite pianist Simone Dinnerstein.

In addition to classical music, the Maverick stage will also host performances from the realms of Americana and world music. On July 15, roots royalty Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams will enchant audiences with their duets, followed by an exploration into Indian classical music by the skilled trio of Steve Gorn, Vinay Desai, and Samir Chatterjee on July 22. Brazilian bassist and composer Nilson Matta, renowned for his innovative work in jazz and Latin music, will perform on August 19. The Bill Charlap Piano Trio returns on September 2, bringing their sublime jazz harmony to Maverick. Lastly, local folk hero Happy Traum, along with the multi-talented Cindy Cashdollar and friends, will deliver a performance on September 9.

The performers are not just virtuosos in their respective fields but are also artists who have consistently pushed the boundaries of their genres. The wide array of performers and genres ensures that there is something for every music lover, whether one is seeking the soothing melodies of chamber music, the invigorating beats of Latin jazz, or the enchanting tunes of folk music.

Moreover, the programming itself is a reflection of Maverick’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of music. The ‘Latin Voices’ mini-series, for example, offers not just an auditory feast of Latin and Hispanic music but also serves as an education in the rich history and diversity of these musical traditions. Through these performances, carefully curated by Music Director, Alexander Platt, Maverick Concerts offers an opportunity to both appreciate music and understand its cultural context, making each concert a more enriching experience.

Beyond its eclectic and expansive musical offerings, Maverick Concerts is deeply rooted in the rich cultural past of the Woodstock Artists Colony of the early 20th century. The Maverick Concert Hall, built in 1916, stands as a testament to the vision of founder, Hervey White. This unique hall marries art, architecture, and nature, reflecting the harmony between these elements. Its weathered wood and the surrounding verdant forest create an atmosphere that’s rustic, yet brimming with a historic charm that augments the experience of each concert.

A visit to Maverick Concerts is not just a musical excursion but also an opportunity to be part of a historical tradition. Here, music reverberates against the backdrop of the Woodstock woods, melding the auditory with the sensory, the contemporary with the historic, the local with the global. This amalgamation of experiences is what sets Maverick Concerts apart, offering a musical experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

To be part of this extraordinary journey, visit maverickconcerts.org for the full 2023 concert schedule and to purchase tickets. Get ready to immerse yourself in a symphony of history, culture, and music as the Maverick Concert Hall stands poised to envelope you in its unique blend of experiences. New this season–delicious onsite food, wine, beer & cocktails Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Saturday nights will feature craft BBQ by Briskethead and Sunday’s offerings will be big & little bites by Woodstock. Eats. Vegetarian options available.

This summer, venture into the idyllic woodland setting of the Maverick Concerts and allow the music to transport you to realms unexplored.

The Maverick Concert Hall is located at 120 Maverick Road in Woodstock. The full season runs July 1 through September 10, 2023, featuring chamber music on Sunday afternoons; jazz, folk and other concerts on Saturday evenings, and free family programming on Saturday mornings. For more information, to see the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit maverickconcerts.org.