November 2024: Fall in the Catskills

IN THIS ISSUE

LATE AUTUMN IN NEW YORK’S SULLIVAN CATSKILLS: Let’s Go!

WINDHAM ARTS ALLIANCE PRESENTS ART ON THE LINE

FALLFORART.ORG ANNOUNCES HUDSON VALLEY ARTISTS ARE COMING TO YOU!

THE NUTCRACKER: The Ninth Annual Production of the Holiday Favorite Returns to Tannersville

ESCAPE TO ULSTER COUNTY: The Perfect Getaway Before the Holiday Rush

UPDATES ON THE

&

by Todd

Pascarella

BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN: Out with the Old, In with the New!

CATSKILLS PAST: Happy Anniversary, Belleayre! by T.M. Bradshaw

CATSKILL MOUNTAINS SCENIC BYWAY

WOODSTOCK ART

Glass and Art on Route 28 by Georganne Chapin

Photo by Luda Berger

NATURAL AGRICULTURE AT CMF’S FARM AT SUGAR MAPLES by Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson THE GREAT OUTDOORS by Jeff Senterman

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DONATE TO THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 11 November 2024

PUBLISHERS

Peter Finn, Chairman, Catskill Mountain Foundation

Sarah Finn, President, Catskill Mountain Foundation

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION

Sarah Taft

ADVERTISING SALES

Barbara Cobb

Hillary Morse

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Belleayre Mountain, Luda Berger, T.M. Bradshaw, Georganne Chapin, Jose F. Donneys/ shutterstock.com, Francis X. Driscoll, Emerson Resort & Spa, Fallforart.org, The Graham & Co, Michael Koegel, Greg Madden, Vidoc Olga/shutterstock.com, Todd Pascarella, Dave Pillard, Paul Schwartz, Jeff Senterman, Torkil Stavdal, Sullivan County Visitor’s Association, Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson, Ulster County Tourism, Windham Arts Alliance and Colin D. Young/shutterstock.com.

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

Candy McKee

Tyleane Benjamin, Hillary Morse & Ashley Olney

PRINTING

Catskill Mountain Printing Services

DISTRIBUTION

Catskill Mountain Foundation

EDITORIAL DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: November 5

The Catskill Mountain Region Guide is published 12 times a year by the Catskill Mountain Foundation, Inc., Main Street, PO Box 924, Hunter, NY 12442. If you have events or programs that you would like to have covered, please send them by e-mail to tafts@catskillmtn.org. Please be sure to furnish a contact name and include your telephone number and e-mail address. To receive submission guidelines send a request to tafts@catskillmtn.org.

The liability of the publisher for any error for which it may be held legally responsible will not exceed the cost of space ordered or occupied by the error. The publisher assumes no liability for errors in key numbers. The publisher will not, in any event, be liable for loss of income or profits or any consequent damages.

The Catskill Mountain Region Guide office is located at 7971 Main Street, Hunter, NY 12442.

The magazine can be found on-line at www.catskillmtn.org by clicking on the “Magazine” button, or by going directly to issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

7,500 copies of the Catskill Mountain Region Guide are distributed each month. It is distributed free of charge at tourist information offices, restaurants, lodgings, retailers and other businesses throughout Greene, Delaware and Ulster counties, and at the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center in Albany.

Home delivery of the Guide magazine is available, at an additional fee, to annual members of the Catskill Mountain Foundation at the $100 membership level or higher.

©2000 Catskill Mountain Foundation, Inc.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The Catskill Mountain Region Guide is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All photographic rights reside with the photographer.

LATE AUTUMN IN NEW YORK’S SULLIVAN CATSKILLS

Let’s Go!

You’ll notice a quiet, peaceful calm when you visit New York’s Sullivan Catskills in November. Just 90 miles from Manhattan, it’s a wonderful place this time of year to restore body and soul and prepare for the busy holiday season.

You can start a November visit by fueling your body with Catskill-icious goodness. Restaurant Week started in late October, and you can still take advantage of dining specials as it runs through November 11. It’s an excellent opportunity to sample the flavors of our inventive and James Beard-nominated restaurants. Enjoy farm-fresh 3-course lunches and dinners from $29.95$44.95 at Blue Fox Motel, Cellaio, Kenoza Hall, Lotus, Roscoe Mountain Club, Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery, Tavern on Main, The Arnold House, The DeBruce, The Heron Restaurant, The Homestead Restaurant+Lounge, and Yagsur’s Café at the Museum at Bethel Woods.

Wellness and relaxation—on your terms—are integral to a visit to Hemlock Neversink, a 230-acre campus with a spa that includes 12 treatment rooms, a meadow-view gym, an indoor pool and hot tub, outdoor saunas, a steam room, and a relaxation

room. Here, they embrace the five pillars of wellness: nourish, move, grow, connect, and heal. Here, you can walk with goats, gaze at the night sky, try a natural dye workshop, indulge in a Catskill Clay Wrap, or savor a Glazed Maitake with White Bean Puree & Shoestring Potatoes. Thirty-three guest rooms are housed in five campus buildings. There are hiking trails and tennis courts, too. Complete each night of your stay around a crackling bonfire.

You likely wouldn’t think of a gaming resort as a place for mind and body wellness. Still, a visit to Awana Spa at Resorts World Catskills offers holistic treatments that pamper your body and rejuvenate your spirit.

You might also consider a visit to the Salt Cave at Crystal Connection in Wurtsboro, The Yoga Space in Hurleyville, Pilatesbased sessions at Bodies and Plants in Livingston Manor, or the Jurni Quantum Healing Center in Cochecton which includes the Energy Enhancement System, which generates bioactive and regenerative energy fields, such as scalar waves and biophotons, that assist the body in repairing and healing itself from various ailments.

Hemlock

The foliage may be gone, but a drive along the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway remains breathtaking in any season. Along the way, watch for the hand-painted sculptures that are part of the colorful Sullivan Catskills Dove Trail, a tribute to the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival held here in 1969. To help guide you to each dove location, download the trail map at SullivanCatskills. com or find each dove’s location on the free Sullivan Catskills Go app. When you need to stretch your legs try a hike on the Tusten Mountain Trail or one of the numerous other trails featured on Trailkeeper.org to guide your on-foot journey.

The Good Taste Beverage Trail features a collection of breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries. Sample the award-winning flavors while you chat with the proprietors and learn their backstories. The newest member of the trail is Big Eddy Brewing in Narrowsburg. Want to learn more about how to taste and evaluate wine and its characteristics, terminology, and history?

Check out the wine classes at Terra Space in Jeffersonville, led by A.J. Ojeda-Pons, a certified WSET (Wine Spirt and Education Trust) Sommelier.

If this is the year you’d rather someone else prepare the Thanksgiving meal, leave it to the inventive chefs in the Sullivan Catskills. Consider a Thanksgiving Weekend at Kenoza Hall, Villa Roma, Callicoon Hills, The Bradstan at The Eldred Preserve, Chatwal Lodge at the Chapin Estate, North Branch Inn, The Arnold House, or Roscoe Mountain Club. Then plan a visit to Peace, Love & Lights starting November 29 at Bethel Woods, a drive-through 1.7-mile holiday light show to top off your weekend and start the holiday season.

To book a November visit and plan your itinerary, visit SullivanCatskills.com. You’ll also want to download the Sullivan Catskills Go App—a valuable tool to guide you to the fun.

The Sullivan Catskills Dove Trail. Clockwise from top left: Dove #21 at Prohibition Distillery; Dove #15 at SUNY Sullivan; Dove #24 at Buckbrook Alpacas; Dove #28 at Villa Roma

Windham Arts Alliance Presents Art on the Line

In 2024 when everyone has a washer and dryer what do we do with old clothes lines and clothes pins? There is “no dirty laundry hanging here! Come see some great art work on our clotheslines,” says artist Linda Nicholls.

The Windham Arts Alliance is excited to present Art on the Line, a small works show, just in time for the holidays, at the Main Street Community Center in Windham. The affordable art is all priced at only $100. It will be unframed so you can decide how you would like to frame it to hang in your house or to give it as a gift.

“The Windham Arts Alliance has a great variety of member artists each with their own style, point of view, medium, level of expertise and price range. We have decided to try to put together an egalitarian art show, giving the artists the freedom to show what they wanted to without having to squeeze into an assigned category,” says Athena Billias. “We also decided to make the art affordable as a personal purchase or gift during the holiday season. We are looking forward to surprises and high-quality work.”

At the opening on November 2, we are excited to share the music of the Justin and Adriana Duo at 2:30 pm. Come to the Community Center to hear the amazing jazz fusion and original compositions these talented and accomplished artists. This is the first opportunity to hear their music on the mountaintop.

Justin Geyer is a keyboardist, composer, and aspiring music therapist based in the Hudson Valley. As an instrumentalist, he has performed with a wide variety of groups throughout the northeast, in genres including rock, jazz, jam band and experi-

mental. He is an accomplished pianist performing throughout the Northeast, sharing his original compositions as well as work by his favorite composers. Justin is also an experienced improviser, and he brings the spirit of improvisation to everything he does musically. Justin Received a B.A. in Jazz composition and performance from Bard College, studying with leading pianists John Esposito, Larry Ham, and Francesca Tanksley, and receiving composition instruction from Erica Lindsay, Matthew Sargent and Joan Tower, each accomplished composers in the jazz, electronic music and modern classical idioms respectively.

Adriana Tampasis is a Hudson Valley-born composer, musician, improviser and poet. Her work is crafted to be critically aware of narrative and space as fuel for musical language that is made up of the bits and pieces of her everyday life. Adriana received her B.A. in Jazz Composition & Performance from Bard College with an emphasis on contemporary and improvised music, mentored by leading female classical and jazz professionals such as saxophonist and composer Erica Lindsay, flutist Patricia Spencer, and composer and pianist Francesca Tanksley. She was awarded the Nesushi Ertegan Scholarship in Music for her accomplishments in jazz performance as well as the Todd Samara Art Fund Award for her accomplishments in the arts as a “renaissance woman” in the City of Kingston.

Art on the Line runs from November 2 through January 10, 2025 at the Main Street Community Center, 5494 State Route 23, Windham. The opening reception is on Saturday, November 2, from 1:30 to 5:00 pm.

Adrianna Theriault

Fallforart.org Announces Hudson Valley Artists are Coming to YOU!

Fallforart.org, the popular Virtual Juried Art Show, Sale & Community Fundraiser sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Ulster County, is excited to announce its new name, reflecting its online nature. Formerly known as “Fall for Art,” the event is now branded as “fallforart.org” to better align with its virtual platform and broaden its reach.

Celebrating 28 years from 7:00 pm on Saturday, November 9 through 5:00 pm on Friday, November 15, fallforart.org will feature 30 participating artists offering their wide range of highquality visual art representing ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography and pottery.

A highlight of this year’s lineup is visual artist and illustrator Matthew Pleva, the 2024 recipient of the City of Kingston Distinguished Artist Award. Pleva will be among the many Hudson Valley artists showcasing his work.

The seven-day show enables fallforart.org to broaden its geographic reach, thereby enhancing opportunities for audiences to explore and purchase the artists’ unique works.

What makes this special is its alignment with the Jewish Federation’s mission of community support. Proceeds from fallforart. org are distributed not only to the participating artists but also to several local nonprofits, including: Angel Food East, Circle

of Friends for the Dying, Good Neighbor Food Pantry, Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center, Jewish Family Services, Oncology Support Program, People’s Place, and RYAN House. By doing so, fallforart.org embodies the spirit of Tikkun Olam— repairing the world through acts of kindness and community service.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit fallforart.org/ sponsorship or contact baccohen@gmail.com or 845 389 3332.

To date sponsors of $500 and above are Daily Freeman, Basch & Keegan LLP, Klock Foundation, Chronogram Augustine Nursery, Bruderhof, CoWork Kingston, Farber Bros. Inc. / Ophria Sailing, Rondavid & Carol Super Gold, HealthAlliance Hospital, M&T Bank, Medical Associates of the Hudson Valley, Ulster Savings, Wood Dock Foundation, Cabinet Designers, Catskill Art Supply, Herzog’s / Kingston Plaza, Hudson Valley Credit Union, Keyser Carr Simpson Hammerl Funeral & Cremation Service, Kingston Dental Associates, Merrill Lynch: Kenneth K. Beesmer, River Radiology, Rondout Savings Bank, Ryan& Ryan Insurance Brokers, Inc. representing Erie Insurance, Harris Safier, Clement, Brooks & Safier Team—Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hudson Valley Properties, Stewarts Shops, Town & Country Liquors.

For more information, please visit fallforart.org

Left: Lauren Horowitz; Right: Lissa Matthews

The Ninth Annual Production of the Holiday Favorite Returns to Tannersville Nutcracker The

Ring in the Holiday Season in Tannersville with the world’s favorite ballet! On Saturday and Sunday, December 7-8 and December 14-15, the Catskill Mountain Foundation presents the ninth annual production of their Nutcracker. CMF’s Orpheum Dance Program Director and former Metropolitan Opera ballerina Victoria Rinaldi will partner with Joffrey Ballet School New York’s Pre-Professional program, Ballet Hispanico, and actors from the Aquila Theatre to present this show, which has become a yearly favorite of residents of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley.

Part of what makes this production of The Nutcracker so special is the community involvement, and this year record numbers of local children turned out to audition for roles as party children, mice, soldiers, angels, and in the Marzipan and Mother Ginger scenes. “I am thrilled to be able to present this show to the community,” said Victoria. “We have a record number of children— both girls and boys—from the community this year, including a lot of first time participants.”

This production of The Nutcracker is indeed a labor of love. For months leading up to the shows, Victoria works tirelessly to make it as exceptional as it can be, doing everything from rehearsing with both professional dancers and local children, to updating the choreography each year, to freshening the costumes. “It’s a beautiful exposure to a holiday tradition, and a great start to the

holiday season,” says Victoria. “This year we’re thrilled to collaborate again with the wonderful dancers at Joffrey Ballet School New York, and for the second weekend we’ll be welcoming Ballet Hispanico as first time collaborators.” Partnering with two dance companies means that each weekend will have its own flair and style, different but still of the highest quality.

About The Nutcracker

With a libretto based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffman, The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It tells the story of a young girl, Clara, who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and his fierce battle against a Mouse King. Clara and the Prince travel to the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy, where she is treated to a celebration of sweets from around the world. To conclude the night, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier perform a pas de deux that for many is the highlight of the ballet.

The Nutcracker Ballet was first presented in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892. Choreographer Marius Petipa commissioned Tchaikovsky, the famous Russian composer, to compose the ballet. George Balanchine popularized the ballet with his 1954 production, casting real children for the first time.

All photos by Paul Schwartz

This Year’s Production

This production of The Nutcracker came about originally as a thank you to the Catskill Mountain Foundation for allowing Victoria to coach in their beautiful space, The Red Barn. The Foundation wanted to give local children the gift of performing in a ballet. It has developed and grown over the years and has touched both the participants and the audience, and has created a community that loves and embraces dance as something valuable to be shared.

“Every year there are differences in our production,” says Victoria. “Scenes are embellished, improvements are made. Choreography becomes more advanced as the older students in the Community Class gain more experience. And since we have such large community participation this year, we will once again have multiple casts.”

Those multiple casts will include different professional and pre-professional dancers each weekend: dancers from Joffrey Ballet School New York will perform the first weekend, and dancers from Ballet Hispanico will perform the second weekend. “I love working with outside programs,” said Victoria. “Joffrey could not perform the second weekend, as they have their own performance of The Nutcracker in the city. I’m thrilled to welcome Ballet Hispanico for the second weekend of performances.”

This year’s production features some familiar faces from the community returning, some in more challenging roles. Elvis D’Ambrosia and Kensi Dempsey will again share the role of Clara, and Nathan Smith will take on the role of the Soldier Doll, with updated and advanced choreography. Lada Svechnikova, who has appeared as Clara in previous productions, will play the Mouse Queen and will also dance the Arabian solo. Lillian and Aria Shoffler will be making their debuts in Ukrainian and will also be taking on the role of Doll—previously a solo, but now a duet with the two dancers mirroring each other.

Actors from the acclaimed Aquila Theatre Company, who appeared in this summer’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will also join the cast. Charles Klepner, who played Puck in this year’s production, will appear as the Nutcracker Prince the first weekend, and Alex Scoloveno, who played Francis Flute, will appear as Drosselmeyer.

Community Dance Class

Many of the children in this production are year-round students in Victoria’s Community Dance Class. Formed in September of 2017 in response to the growing demand for dance classes on the mountaintop, participation in the class has expanded every year and more sessions are added each y ear. Everyone is welcome, no matter their ability. To date, over 100 children from the Mountaintop have received low-cost ballet lessons.

The Nutcracker is the Orpheum Dance Program’s premiere performance. In 2019 another yearly performance, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, was added to the roster. This unique production makes the Shakespeare comedy accessible by mixing spoken word

with dance and is another perfect opportunity to have children dance alongside professionals.

In addition to the ballet classes, the Program offers a yearly spring recital, participation in all the Program’s productions, including The Nutcracker, plus occasional master classes and open rehearsals with visiting residencies.

Dance training is excellent for almost everyone. A child with dance training will carry themselves differently. They’ll cultivate discipline that will help them in almost every other instance in life. They learn to work well with others, and to take direction and criticism with grace. “For a lot of these kids, this will become a prominent childhood memory for them,” said Victoria. “These kids have a genuine quality of wonder and childlike exuberance and wonder that is lacking in other productions. And when you see them transform and become dancers on that stage, it’s really remarkable.”

Ballet is an art form that has been handed down from teacher to student, from coach to mentor to performer for centuries. Over the years, Victoria’s students have become part of that tradition, with the older students becoming fantastic role models as they perform alongside the younger dancers in The Nutcracker This production has helped nurture a new generation of dancers, some of whom have gone on to professional careers. Scores of our Nutcracker alumni are now dancing professionally and will be stepping on stage in Nutcrackers across the country.

For Tickets and More Information

Performances are Saturdays, December 7 & 14, 2024 at 2:00 & 7:00 pm and Sundays, December 8 & 15 at 2:00 pm. The Orpheum Performing Arts Center is located at 6050 Main Street, Tannersville, NY 12485. Tickets purchased ahead are $25 adults; $20 seniors; $7 students. Ticketing fees and higher at-the-door ticket prices apply. To purchase tickets, visit catskillmtn.org, call 518 263 2063, or email boxoffice@catskillmtn.org.

ESCAPE TO ULSTER COUNTY

The Perfect Getaway Before the Holiday Rush

As the holiday season approaches, life’s velocity increases towards a whirlwind of festive activities, bustling gatherings, and last-minute preparations. Before you are overwhelmed in the merriment, why not pause and escape with your partner or best friends? Ulster County, in the heart of the Hudson Valley, offers the perfect retreat, where scenic beauty, fine dining, boutique shopping, and luxurious accommodations await— find your peaceful haven before the holiday rush.

A Perfect Place for Relaxation

Ulster County is renowned for its natural charm, especially as winter approaches and the landscape is draped in snow. With the majestic Catskill Mountains as a backdrop, serene forests, sparkling rivers, and charming towns, the region feels like a winter wonderland yearning for exploration. Yet, it’s not just the scenery that makes Ulster County a prime destination for a getaway. The area’s blend of luxurious accommodations, cozy lodges, artisanal shops, and vibrant culinary scene turns any weekend trip into an unforgettable experience.

Whether you prefer the intimacy of a historic inn or the modern comfort of a boutique hotel, Ulster County has accom-

modations to match every romantic mood. Let’s look at some of Ulster County’s most beloved spots.

Cozy Up to Comfort

Your choice of accommodations can set the tone for the entire getaway, and in Ulster County, there’s no shortage of idyllic places to unwind.

Start with Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, located along the picturesque western edge of the Hudson River in Milton. The inn offers a range of lodging options to suit any style, from standard rooms to master suites, cozy lofts, spacious cottages, and a balcony suite with sweeping river views. This historic estate combines rustic charm with modern amenities, making it the ideal retreat for those looking for comfort and seclusion. Plus, with a full-service spa on-site, treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or soak in the inn’s indoor pool after exploring the countryside. If you seek luxury and convenience, consider Hotel Kinsley in Kingston. This boutique hotel, housed in a restored historic building, offers the best of both worlds. It provides a chic, contemporary escape steps from Kingston’s vibrant Uptown district. Find an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and live entertain-

ment venues close by. It’s perfect for those who want to balance relaxation with the excitement of exploring a lively downtown area—all within walking distance from your hotel room.

For those seeking the truly enchanting, discover the Hasbrouck House in Stone Ridge. This 18th-century Dutch Colonial mansion turned 20-suite hotel offers a stately blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Named “The Americas’ Most Romantic Retreat” by the World Boutique Hotel Awards, Hasbrouck House is an elegant escape, featuring beautiful gardens, fire pits, and even a private pond for ice skating during winter. The combination of classic architecture and top-tier hospitality creates an unforgettable setting.

Explore Ulster County’s Charming Towns

A romantic getaway wouldn’t be complete without a leisurely stroll through some of Ulster County’s most charming towns and villages, where locally-owned shops and boutiques line the streets. It’s hard not to indulge in a little shopping when surrounded by so many delightful treasures.

In Kingston’s Midtown District, you’ll find L’impatience Ceramics, a boutique showcasing beautiful handcrafted pottery that would make the perfect addition to any home—or a thoughtful gift for someone special. For book lovers, Rough Draft Bar & Books offers an inviting mix of literature and libations. Browse through their latest releases while sipping on a craft beer or a glass of wine.

Head over to Woodstock—a town famous for its artistic spirit—and explore Three Turtle Doves, a quirky boutique known for its funky vintage fashions and unique accessories. In Saugerties, visit Bosco’s Mercantile, a curated shop offering stylish pieces. Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth and bring home a delicious stocking stuffer from Krause’s Chocolates in New Paltz, where the art of chocolate-making has been perfected over generations.

These are just a few highlights, and Ulster County is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From art galleries to antique shops, you’ll find countless opportunities to explore local craftsmanship while soaking in the festive charm of the season.

Savor the Season with Culinary Delights

No weekend escape would be complete without indulging in some of the region’s finest food and drink. Ulster County’s culinary scene is renowned for its farm-to-table dining, and an abundance of seasonal dishes and drinks to warm your spirits.

Pearl Moon Restaurant in Woodstock offers a winter cocktail menu to impress whiskey lovers. Their signature Cloudy Apple cocktail, made with Kenseiyu Japanese whisky, sherry, house-made apple cinnamon syrup, sage, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, perfectly embodies the flavors of the season. It’s a rich, heartwarming drink to enjoy after a day of exploring the nearby Catskills.

For those who prefer their cocktails on the sweeter side, visit the The Hudson House & Distillery in West Park. Their seasonal craft cocktails, such as the Caramel Apple Martini and the Pumpkin Smash, can be made with either whiskey or vodka, making them a versatile option for any palate. Whether you’re warming up by the fire or enjoying a nightcap at the bar, these festive drinks are sure to add a touch of holiday magic to your evening.

Of course, the culinary experience doesn’t stop at drinks. Ulster County is home to countless chef-driven restaurants, many of which emphasize locally sourced ingredients and creative, seasonal menus. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner for two at a farmto-table eatery or grabbing a bite at one of the county’s cozy pubs, you’re guaranteed a delicious meal made with care and love.

Plan Your Perfect Ulster Escape

With its breathtaking landscapes, luxurious accommodations, artisanal shopping, and vibrant dining scene, Ulster County offers everything you need for a perfect romantic escape before the holiday season fully sets in. Take this opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and experience the warm hospitality and charm that make this region so special.

Start planning your cozy getaway and indulge in the beauty of Ulster County—before the holiday bustle. Whether you’re savoring a fireside cocktail, browsing local boutiques, or simply enjoying the stunning winter scenery, Ulster County promises a peaceful and memorable retreat. Go to visitulstercountyny.com.

Updates on the Delaware & Ulster Railroad

By Todd Pascarella

Perhaps the most often asked question around Arkville these days could be “Is that train ever going to run again?” Since 2019 the historic depot and trains at the Delaware and Ulster Railroad have been idled by a series of infrastructure issues. According to an announcement made last week, approval of a $200,000 loan through the help of the Delaware County Economic Development Department will change that status.

Todd Pascarella, Executive Director of the Catskill Revitalization Corporation which owns both the rail line and the rail trail from Highmount to Bloomville said trains will run again in the spring of 2025. “The recent approval of this major loan, combined with several grants already awarded and upcoming, gives us the momentum and direction we need to start the engines again.” Pascarella added that “the plan is to complete restoration of the track between Arkville and Fleischmanns so an eight-mile round trip train ride can be offered in 2025, even as we continue the track reconstruction all the way up to Highmount and expand the train program to the base of Belleayre Mountain.”

Completing the Highmount Project in two phases is the quickest way possible for the Delaware & Ulster Railroad to restart the excursion train operation that was, until 2019, the single largest individual tourist attraction in Delaware County. Reflect-

ing on the seriousness of the situation, Pascarella notes the CRC has been working on major fundraising activities to re-start full operation, both east and west. “We have been raising capital funds on a scale never yet imagined for the Delaware & Ulster. We are talking about millions of dollars invested in bringing the railroad back for our community.” He added that “funds from many different sources are making it possible. Without committed financial supporters such as the O’Connor Foundation, Delaware County Economic Development, The Catskill Watershed Corporation, New York State, and many private donors, this epic reconstruction effort now in its fifth year simply could never happen.”

The CRC is continuing the multi-year investment in its historic railroad infrastructure located in the towns of Middletown and Roxbury and centered on the home of the operation in Arkville. Before the COVID pandemic the D&U Railroad’s ridership was approaching 20,000 per year. “The long-range vision is to appeal to a wide array of visitors, making the operation financially sustainable into the future. We believe that once the infrastructure is sufficiently rebuilt, the new and returning rail riders will translate to hundreds of thousands in annual revenue to the CRC, as well as thousands of new customers spending money at our many local businesses” Pascarella adds.

by

Photo

Torkil Stavdal

Background on the CRC and the Railroad

The railroad first connected the Catskills to the rest of the world in the early 1870s, until the last commercial freight train brought that era to a close in 1976. However, in the following years several individuals, with the support of the A. Lindsay & Olive B. O’Connor Foundation Inc., endeavored to give the Catskill Mountain Branch of the once great railroad a new life as a tourist attraction. The Catskill Rail Committee was formed to purchase and take over the right-of-way and to connect the leaders and stakeholders of the seven towns that the tracks ran through in Delaware and Schoharie Counties. A workable vision to preserve the railroad was forged and it resulted in the launching of the Delaware & Ulster Rail Ride, which in 1983 started offering scenic rides aboard vintage train cars from Arkville to Fleischmanns and Highmount and back. The D&U quickly became the biggest single tourism draw that Delaware County had to offer. In 1986 the organization formally incorporated as the Catskill Revitalization Corporation, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, with the following mission:

Among the enduring purposes and goals envisioned for the CRC are the operation of a recreational rail ride, education of the public as to the historical significance of the Catskill Mountain Branch Railroad Line, providing recreational and park facilities, development and improvement of commerce, industry, and tourism, and promoting the general welfare of the communities served.

Over the next three decades the operation grew by adding new train equipment and more active track, expanding with rides in a second direction from Arkville to Halcottsville and Roxbury. In total, almost 19 miles of the original railroad was made active again, but at the same time the overall age and deterioration of the track infrastructure itself was catching up. Because of the expense of maintaining tracks, little was done in the waning decades of the original passenger and freight railroad. On poor track, the freight trains still running in the 1970s traveled at less than 10 miles per hour from Kingston to Stamford, if they could get through. When the Delaware & Ulster started up in the 1980s, there was still a little life left in the tracks, but not much. The approach in those years was to make repairs wherever necessary to keep the track usable. However, all the while the bulk of the wooden ties kept aging past 40, 60, and today 80 years old.

By the early 2000s trains had stopped running to Fleischmanns and Highmount because washouts and tie condition were serious problems. The focus then had to be just the scenic train rides from Arkville to Roxbury, and back. Enough repairs were made to keep the Roxbury section active year to year. The line between Arkville and Roxbury has many beneficial aspects, but also some very challenging ones such as three major highway grade crossings within the first three miles of Arkville Station. The current crossings were installed in the 1990s and were nearing the end of their useful lives, and to compound this threat the overall tie condition continued to degrade, with the average railroad tie in the line between 60-80 years old.

Highmount Project

By 2018 it was becoming clear to the railroad that the need for deeper track rebuilding was inevitable. Worn out track with bad ties is neither reliable, safe, nor enjoyable to ride on, and therefore to ensure the future of the railroad, deeper rebuilding would be necessary. The plan that was created involved keeping the trains running to Roxbury, while restoring the track mile by mile in the opposite direction towards Highmount. The Delaware & Ulster Railroad would in effect return to its roots of 35 years earlier and once again operate east from Arkville along the Bush Kill to Fleischmanns and Highmount. Eventually, it was thought, with the Highmount direction restored to operation the trains could run that way while the tracks to Halcottsville and Roxbury were restored. What the Highmount Project physically called for was the replacement of deteriorated ties (7,000 in 6.7 miles of track up to the Ulster County line) as well as the other track materials, drainage work, and stone necessary to make the track complete. The plan was presented to the NYS DOT and a matching/reimbursement grant of $462,300 was awarded to the CRC by the state. The Highmount Project was to begin in 2019 into 2020 and be completed by the end of 2023 per the DOT’s deadline. (The deadline has since been extended to the end of 2025).

In 2020, when it appeared that the COVID pandemic would keep tourists away for at least part of the season and the tracks

would be temporarily free to work on, some repairs were initiated between Arkville and Halcottsville where the ties were particularly bad. As the work progressed it incrementally got more involved and in fact became the proverbial can-of-worms that would not easily be resolved. Once the tracks to Halcottsville were disturbed past a point it became clear that no easy fix was in reach and train runs would be suspended indefinitely. By the end of 2023 almost 10,000 new ties had been installed to fully re-support the rails between Arkville and Halcottsville. In all, close to $2 million had been invested over the four years in 5 miles of track. The longneeded real rebuilding of track which started as spot repairs had finally begun, but not in the eastward direction to Highmount yet as was originally planned. Even with all the new ties now in place to date, the road crossings, extensive drainage work, and stone ballast work yet required will still prevent a train from operating safely to Halcottsville then eventually Roxbury until those problems are all resolved. For these reasons the work in that direction was temporarily paused at the end of 2023.

Based on the comparison of the full financial picture of the Highmount Project to that of the remaining work required towards Halcottsville, the CRC Board of Directors has determined that the best chance of making the railroad succeed once again is to complete the Highmount Project over the next two years, and in so doing, have the track to Fleischmanns restored enough to use after the first year. It appears that it will cost far less at this point to complete work to Fleischmanns and Highmount in large part because of the NYS DOT grant of $462,300, but also because there are no major road crossings there. Another major factor looming is the deadline of now less than 2 years away to satisfy the state and fully leverage the large DOT Highmount Project grant.

After that, and then after some more fundraising, attention can turn back to finishing the tracks to Halcottsville and eventually Roxbury. To those ends, the NY State DOT has also recently announced that the Delaware & Ulster Railroad will be receiving a grant totaling $795k to completely replace the troublesome highway crossing at Route 30 by Hanah Country Club. This project, when completed in the next few years, will be the single biggest investment in the railroad’s infrastructure in many years and indicates the state is serious about supporting the Delaware & Ulster.

For more status reports as they become available, visit durr.org.

Photo by Torkil Stavdal

Belleayre Mountain

Out with the Old, In with the New!

November is a time of transition at Belleayre Mountain right up the Catskill Scenic Byway in Highmount, New York! The glitz, glamour, and noise from a long and busy offseason of events and summertime activities are in the rear view mirror, and have faded off into the horizon. The smells and tastes and sounds of the annual Fall Festival drifted off with the still falling leaves into the mountain air, which feels sharper in your lungs each morning. The colors of fall fade, and the eyes shift to the summit, waiting for the first dustings of white to appear. Soon enough, the highest ski area in the Catskills will be covered once more with snow, and the ski area’s 75th season will be underway!

Those few weeks bridging mid-October to mid-November always seem to appear as a quiet time for the ski area, but it is that crucial time of year where the finishing touches are made across the mountain, getting ready for another snow-filled winter. When the last wrench turns, nail hammerings, and welds are made. It will be a culmination of over six long months of projects, the capstone of which will be the Discovery Lodge. The primary arrival point for guests coming to the ski and ride center, the lodge serves as the home base for the majority of visiting winter enthusiasts and families exploring snowy fun alike. Since March, the lodge has been undergoing a massive construction phase that will be adding 28,600 square feet of space to the building, creating a much more comfortable experience for all guests. For years, the

mountain’s rental center was located in a temporary, steel-framed tent adjacent to the lodge. Out with the old, in with a brand new, state of the art rental center, now a permanent structure that will be part of the lodge itself. Above it, the second floor will be expanding seating space for snow sliders who are taking a break in between laps, with an open layout and glass and wood finishes that match and blend with the rest of the lodge’s aesthetic. There is far more to a ski area than what is found within the walls of a lodge, however. Arguably, the most important experience a fledgling skier and rider can have is their very first one sliding on snow. While the trees were green and sky blue, a brand new beginner’s learning area was put in at the top of Belleayre, near the Catskill Thunder Gondola. Featuring a wide open space and mellow grade for the first timers to get introduced to gliding on snow along with a covered carpet lift, this new location for a learning area will allow Belleayre to have such terrain available for a more expanded portion of the season. Traditionally, most beginner terrain is located at the bottom of a mountain, where it is much warmer and more difficult for snowmaking. Most often, it is one of the last bits of terrain that doesn’t open until the season is well underway, and one of the first to close when the calendar has the month of March on it. This new addition that will supplement the existing learning terrain will allow for a longer time window to get those proverbial wings to grow for that new skier or

rider. Plus, those newcomers will be treated along with their more experienced counterparts to those classic mountaintop views that Belleayre is known for.

The past several years have been more or less a renaissance for the ski area, especially as Belleayre has become known for the best conditions in the region, even when mother nature gives her worst. A doubling down on snowmaking improvements make the mountain stand alone, and the efforts push on this winter, as Belleayre will be utilizing 30,000 feet of brand new snowmaking pipe that was installed this past summer. Any skier or rider who has visited Belleayre has likely taken a run down their famed racing trail, Dot Nebel. In addition to getting a piece of that grand number of new snowmaking pipe, the trail is getting 20 brand new, fully automated SMI Super Polecat fan guns. Guests got a taste last winter of what they can do, with a few that were installed in the Discovery Lodge base area. They are among the cutting edge of energy efficient snowmaking technology, able to turn themselves on and off automatically when temperatures and humidity line up. As conditions change, they are able to fine tune themselves, creating the most efficient output of snow, making amazing coverage on wide open spaces such as the Dot Nebel trail.

Between a renovated lodge, brand new learning area, and continued improvements to snowmaking infrastructure, Belleayre is going to be on the hit list for skiers and snowboarders of all kinds up and down the eastern seaboard. As part of the Olympic Regional Development Authority, Belleayre is able to have mul-

tiple ways to take in the wintry wonderland just 2.5 hours north of the capital of the world. Or as they like to call it, “3 Ways to SKI3”.

Without a doubt, the most value-driven option for getting on the slopes are the Season Passes. These passes are for the dedicated skier and rider looking to get unlimited, anytime access to the mountain! They come in a wide variety of options, from Belleayre-only passes, midweek-only, to full SKI3 access, giving you the flexibility to also get unlimited days at sisters Gore and Whiteface in the Adirondacks. Laying in the middle is the Frequent Skier Card. If you plan to visit a couple times while the snow is flying but not enough to warrant getting a full Season Pass, then what’s also called a “FSC” could be a great option. Guests can get 50% off midweek non-holiday tickets, and 25% off weekend and holiday tickets, with the added flexibility of being able to use it between all three ORDA mountains. Of course, you cannot leave out the humble, classic lift ticket. Typically single-use for anywhere between one and five days, they can be reloaded for any future visits down the line! They are the perfect option for someone planning a one-off trip, and are cheapest when purchased online in advance.

As the birds begin to fly their way south, Belleayre Mountain is preparing to take flight of its own. Winter 2024/25 is just about underway, and cold snow will be falling from the sky, ready to serve host to the warmest of memories you are about to create. Visit belleayre.com for more information

Catskills Past

happy anniversary, belleayre!

By T.M. Bradshaw

elleayre Ski Resort officially turns 75 this winter, although some hardy souls skied there before there was an organized, official “there.” Earlier skiers enjoyed time on Belleayre, but it was primitive, a wilderness experience of long hikes up the mountain and no amenities. E. Maltby Shipp and his son Oliver first skied the mountain in 1930 and later became enthusiastic supporters of the state development plan.

The Catskills had for decades been a summer vacation destination, originally reached by Hudson River boats in conjunction with jarring stage coach rides. Then, in the 1870s, various railroad lines, especially the Ulster & Delaware, expanded the geographic range westward and improved the journey.

When skiing as leisure time sport began its boom in the 1930s and 1940s, it became obvious that the Catskills had the qualities necessary for visitors to enjoy the area in winter as well. Ski clubs formed and private ski venues opened. In October of 1937, the Catskill Mountain News reported that seven ski trails in the Catskills would be constructed on state land utilizing labor from Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps, which had been employing about 6,000 men in New York in 33 camps since 1933. Ski enthusiasts backed the plan, but commented on the relative difficulty of these forest ski trails when compared with

the easier open slopes often found on private ski areas. Numerous private ski areas dotted Fleischmanns, Pine Hill, and Phoenicia and the New York Central ran special “snow trains” on weekends when the weather promised good skiing.

There was a regular column in the Catskill Mountain News titled “Mountain Dew” signed simply “The Mountaineer.” that was a potpourri of elements—jokes, descriptions of natural beauty, hunting and fishing stories, and short character sketches of locals. Two people connected to Belleayre Mountain were described in the Mountain Dew column. One, Fred Andrews, at the time of his death in 1941, was the oldest Forest Ranger in the state. He had been roaming the mountain and skiing there for years ahead of any official developments.

The other man, much younger, was Bob St. Louis, who became a Conservation Department employee and who had been an instructor at the Otto Schniebs American Ski School. According to The Mountaineer the two roamed various locations appraising their qualities for skiing. They always came back to the north side of Belleayre Mountain. They attempted to drum up enthusiasm for a ski center there, but were told it would be too expensive and require an amendment to the state constitution. Bob St. Louis became a lieutenant in the World War II ski troops. But the idea

Photo courtesy of Belleayre Mountain

about Belleayre had taken on a momentum of its own.

As enthusiasm for the sport continued to grow, the need for larger facilities with amenities became clear. Senator Arthur H. Wicks of Kingston sponsored legislation implementing a plan to create a state facility on Belleayre. After being passed by the legislature for two successive sessions the matter went to the voters in November 1947. They approved the first step toward creating a state-run ski center on Belleayre Mountain—appropriation of $60,000 for “expenses for a study, survey, and plan … for a ski development of Belleayre Mountain in Ulster and Delaware counties.”

On April 8, 1949, the Catskill Mountain News reported that an appropriation of $260,000 to begin the actual development of Belleayre Mountain had been approved in Albany. In July of that year the News reported that “A mountain dream has come true,” as work had begun, with an anticipation that the new ski resort would open the following winter with two rope ski tows, four ski trails, and a chair lift. The article noted that the chair lift would operate year-round, with an expectation that it would be busier during the non-ski season with people utilizing it to enjoy picnics with spectacular mountain views. State Conservation Department engineerWinthrop Howe supervised a crew of about 140 men to transform the site.

Arthur G. Draper, a forester in the New York State Conservation Department since 1937 was named superintendent. Draper was superintendent at Belleayre from its opening until moving to a similar position at Whiteface in 1957; Draper died in October ’60. Like Bob St. Louis, Draper had been a member of the 10th Mountain Division during World War II.

Belleayre’s grand opening took place on January 21, 1950, with three trails, a towrope, and the first chairlift in New York State, an innovation some members of the public viewed with caution. The weather had to cooperate, of course, and

https://www.belleayreskipatrol.org/bellehistory

https://www.belleayreskipatrol.org/bellehistory

early in the year it seemed like it might be a problem. The January 6, 1950, Catskill Mountain News reported that near-summer temperatures were being experienced; on January 4 it was just shy of 70 degrees in Margaretville. The following week the headline read “Grand Belleayre Opening Next Week Saturday Snow or No Snow.” The article went on to note that Lieutenant Governor Joe Hanley and State Senator Arthur Wicks would be featured speakers. The story continued the following week with an announcement that Conservation Commissioner Duryea would make some introductory remarks and introduce the other speakers. Once Lt. Governor Hanley flipped the switch to start the state’s first chairlift, the 12-minute round trip rides on it would be free that day and there would be skiing if there was snow. Another smaller item on the same page noted that it was a “soft winter,” with temperatures that week in the fifties and that any snow that fell in the intermittent cold snaps “is erased with rain.” The Belleayre opening did happen the following week, with a crowd estimated at 2,000. Of that number, 670 took advantage of the free ride on the chairlift. The following day 150 people paid seventy-five cents each for the ride to and from the summit. Senator Wicks was unable to attend the opening, but was represented by Fred Stang.

It was in the “Mountain Dew” column that followed the opening ceremonies that “The Mountaineer” told the story of the earlier search for just the right location of the state ski development. He ended his column by including those pioneers in the fruition of their vision this way, “Last Saturday, when Commissioner Duryea at the opening ceremonies said, ‘It is a dream come true,’ my thoughts went back to the skier and the ranger. Somehow I felt that Fred Andrews and Bob St. Louis were not far away.”

Other improvements quickly followed. In an article in American Ski Annual and Ski Journal, Arthur G. Draper, superintendent at Belleayre, described how early in January 1953 an innovative snow packer saved the day when a good base of snow was frosted by an overnight icy rain. Early the previous spring,

while at a Conservation Department Automotive Maintenance School, three ski center employees discussed the need for a tractor that could be used year round on a moderately steep mountain. Tractor dealer Clyde Tinklepaugh let them experiment with a wide gauge Oliver crawler tractor. Its tank-like treads easily handled the terrain for mowing and other tasks; it was turned into a snow-packer by modifications requiring less than $100 worth of materials.

A large, two-story ski lodge opened on July 4, 1954, a significant upgrade from the original ski shack shelter. The lodge’s main lounge boasted huge picture windows on three sides and paneling of knotty pine salvaged by the State Conservation Department from trees downed in a 1950 Adirondack storm. A giant stone fireplace capable of utilizing four-foot logs added to the charm of the lounge. Outdoors, the number of trails had grown to 10; now there are 61. A ski school had been established and was under the direction of Olympic skier Dorothy Hoyt Nebel, who was featured in the Guide in a two-part article in December 2023 and January 2024 (available on issuu.com). Nebel had also been instrumental in redesigning a number of the trails at the facility. She ran the ski school for 17 years, with particular attention paid to helping young skiers develop their competition skills. The Dot Nebel racing trail on Belleayre was dedicated in February, 2001. Competitions were held on Belleayre’s slopes from the very beginning.

The 75th anniversary of the opening will be celebrated with a gala banquet, “Wintershine,” in the Overlook Lodge on January 11, 2025, complete with music and dancing. Other events throughout this anniversary season will include unveiling a special anniversary logo, games of Belleayre trivia, and photo displays of events and skiing legends from Belleayre’s history, all organized by the Coalition for Belleayre.

T. M. Bradshaw shares other thoughts on history at tmbradshawbooks.com.

Left: First chairlift in New York State,

Right: Chet Ackerly on his Belleayre Snow packer in 1953

The Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, The Royce Family Foundation, The Samuel and Esther Doctorow Fund, The Orville and Ethel Slutzky Family Foundation, Platte Clove Bruderhof Community, Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation, The Greene County Youth Bureau, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, All Souls’ Church, Stewarts Shops, Windham Foundation, and by private donations.

The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway

ART GALLERY

Woodstock Art Exchange

1396 State Route 28

West Hurley, NY 12491

646 256 9688

Fall brings out the best at Woodstock Art Exchange. Exquisite and original glass, handblown on premises. On days when our glass artists are working in “the studio,” you can watch the magic of transforming molten glass into colorful vases, bowls, and drinking glasses, including our famous “pinch cups.” We also feature original paintings, sculptures, and other handmade gift items made by fine local artists, at every price point. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

CATERING

Catskills Catering Co.

626 316 3973

Catskills Catering is a boutique full-service catering company with kitchens in NYC and The Catskills, working with local farms to create organic, seasonal food that is fresh and beautiful. Get ready to

enjoy a world-class culinary experience that is as unique as you are. Chef Carrie, founder, trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, CA. She moved to NYC in 2006 and cut her teeth at top restaurants in the city. She has served as a personal chef for over a decade, and also acted as the Head Chef at Seminary Hill in Callicoon, NY. Catskills Catering offers truly wonderful culinary experiences and food styling that is a cut above the rest.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce

Margaretville, NY 12455

centralcatskills.com

ScenicCatskills.com 845 586 3300

The Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce works to advance the economic and community vitality of the many hamlets, villages and towns in our region and promote and foster events, programs and initiatives that will support its members. Collaboration and innovation will inspire community enhancement and quality of life opportunities for all who live, work and visit our communities.

Photo © Michelle Young, Untapped New York, courtesy of the Emerson Resort & Spa

CHOCOLATE MAKER

Fruition Chocolate Works

3091 NY-28

Shokan, NY 12481

fruitionchocolateworks.com

845 657 6717

Established in 2011, Fruition Chocolate Works is a small batch, bean-to-bar chocolate workshop. At Fruition we begin by selecting ethically sourced and flavorful cocoa beans. Using traditional and modern techniques, we handcraft our award-winning line of chocolates and confections with an eye to detail. Stop by our safe to go window in Shokan for chocolate, cafe drinks including Hot Chocolate, Mochas, and Bourbon Caramel Lattes, and shop for gifts and self-indulgences alike. We’re honored to have been internationally recognized as one of the best chocolate makers in the world, but we maintain our humble roots, and hope you will appreciate the passion, technique, and quality of ingredients that go into our chocolate and confections.

Shawn’s Fresh Fish

5150 Route 28

Mount Tremper, NY 12457

On Instagram: @ShawnsFreshFish 845 702 2120

Located at the Migliorelli Farm Stand. We carry a large selection of fresh fish and seafood. Also, try our fresh made soups, salads and locally smoked fish. Requests welcomed.

FISH & SEAFOOD

PLUMBING & HEATING

Rice Plumbing and Heating

Accord:

riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com

845 626 5088

Boiceville: riceplumbingboiceville@gmail.com 845 657 7423

riceplumbingandheating.com

Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or a plumbing emergency, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experienced and licensed plumbers, our commitment to quality craftsmanship, prompt service, and customer satisfaction sets us apart. Explore our website to discover our wide range of services, from plumbing repairs and installations to maintenance and inspections. We take pride in using the latest industry techniques and high-quality materials to ensure reliable and long-lasting solutions for all your plumbing needs. We offer quick response times and strive to complete every job efficiently and effectively.

Coldwell Banker—

Timberland Properties

TimberlandProperties.com

CatskillPremier.com

Margaretville: 845 586 3321

Boiceville/Mt. Tremper: 845 657 4177

Delhi: 607 746 7400 • Stamford: 607 652 2220

Sidney: 607 604 4394 • Roscoe: 607 290 4130

Start your real estate career today! Unrivaled agent support & the best training in the region. Call or email to learn more: Debra G. Danner, Licensed Associate Real Estate

Broker/Branch Manager: 518 937 0924 or Debra.Danner@ Timberlandproperties.net.

Ashokan Reservoir, a popular destination along Route 28.

Photo by Jose F. Donneys/shutterstock.com

Catskill Visitor’s Center

5096 State Route 28

Mt. Tremper, NY 12457

catskillsvisitorscenter.org

845 688 3369

Your gateway to Catskills, where you can learn about the vast outdoor recreational opportunities in the area as well as discover the cultural and natural history of the Region. The center features educational exhibits along with maps, books, gear, and gifts, as well a friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Emerson

Resort & Spa

5340 Route 28

Mt. Tremper, NY 12457

emersonresort.com

845 688 2828

Whether you’re looking for winter adventures or the simple pleasures of a soothing Spa treatment on your frosty weather getaway, the Emerson Resort & Spa offers something for everyone. The resort brings the Catskills inside with stunning views, open spaces and a warm Catskills welcome. Featuring spacious accommodations in the contemporary Inn and Adirondack-style Lodge, Emerson guests also enjoy signature dining at The Catamount restaurant, retail therapy at The Shops at Emerson and the one-and-only World’s Largest Kaleidoscope.

Cafe Mornings and Market

43270 Route 28

Arkville, NY 12406

cafemornings.com

hello@cafemornings.com

845 869 5138

A new family-run Korean café and market offering breakfast, lunch and dinner Korean-style meals made from family recipes. Try our Ceremonial Grade Matcha and always fresh Espresso at our coffee and matcha bar right on Route 28 in Arkville. Now offering natural organic wine, Asian beer and cocktails during brunch! Find something unexpected in our market from curated gourmet pantry products to unique gifts & home and kitchen goods.

La Cabaña Mexican

Restaurant & Bar

966 Main St. Fleischmanns, NY 12442

lacabanarestaurantny.com

845 254 4966

Family owned and operated, La Cabaña is rich in tradition and authenticity. Our dinners are individually prepared with the freshest ingredients available. You’ll find all of your favorites on the menu, from enchiladas, burritos, tacos, chimichangas and flautas to chile relleños, carne asada, nachos and quesadillas to traditional desserts such as flan, fried ice cream and churros. Vegetarian options are available.

Peekamoose

Restaurant & Tap Room

8373 State Route 28

Big Indian, NY 12410

peekamooserestaurant.com

845 254 6500

Devin and Marybeth Mills hail from some of New York City’s finest restaurants, including the famed Gramercy Tavern. Seeking to move closer to the farms supplying their menu, they have beautifully restored this country farmhouse set among the Catskill Mountains. The restaurant supports local growers by changing the menu daily, using the freshest ingredients available.

RETAIL

Kenco Outfitters

1000 Hurley Mountain Road

Kingston, NY 12401

atkenco.com

845 340 0552

Our story started in 1982 with owner Bill Kennedy selling gear out of mother Libby’s station wagon with help from dad Harry, and now we have grown into over 20,000 square feet of outdoor recreation, clothing, and footwear retail. From pickleball paddles to kayak paddles, workboots to water sandals, camping gear to housewares, Kenco has a little of almost everything. If you want to get outdoors, we have you covered. Located on the corner of Route 28 and Hurley Mountain Road. We want to be your favorite store.

Catskill Center for Conservation & Development

43355 Route 28

Arkville, NY 12406 catskillcenter.org

845 586 2611

Since 1969, the Catskill Center has led the effort to protect the more than 700,000 acres of the Catskill Park and Catskill Forest Preserve. Their mission is to protect and foster the environmental, cultural,and economic well-being of the Catskill Region.

MENLA | Dewa Spa

375 Pantherkill Road

Phoenicia, NY 12464 menla.org

Menla is a hidden oasis in the heart of the Catskill mountains. Featuring wellness and spiritual retreats as well as exclusive getaways, and the world-class Dewa Spa. Immerse yourself in the magic of pristine mountain forests. Explore hiking trails, encounter wildlife, and discover a rich tapestry of wellness experiences and activities. Dewa Spa’s unique architecture and Tibetan accents evoke peace and tranquillity. Eastern and Western treatments, such as Tibetan KuNye massage, herbal baths, Shirodhara, sounds baths, energy readings, and customized facials are a few of the lavish therapies found at our spa.

WOODSTOCK ART EXCHANGE Glass and Art on Route 28

By Georganne Chapin

Intriguing” is one word that comes to mind, as one travels along Route 28 between Kingston and Oneonta. “Diverse” is another. Spared from the fate of being pre-empted by an interstate highway, thanks to the Ashokan Reservoir to the road’s south, “28” sports a dizzying array of homes, retail locations, and an occasional industrial site.

“What IS this place? I’ve driven by it a hundred times, and always have been meaning to stop.”

Paul (Pablo) Weinschenk, founder and proprietor of Woodstock Art Exchange and his glassblowing studio next door, says he hears some version of this question and comment almost every day. “What do you mean ‘exchange’?”

I experienced these questions myself when I worked in the gallery and gift shop for several years. I used to ponder, “I wonder if they ask the same question of a retailer branding itself as— say—Trader Joe. Do they ask, “What are you trading?”

No matter! Let me tell you about this intriguing and unique business, located at 1396 State Route 28, halfway between the entrance to the Ashokan Rail Trail near Zena Road and the turnoff to Woodstock (Rt. 375).

Woodstock Art Exchange occupies what used to be a dilapidated three-car garage next to a two-story red house. “I had a vision,” says owner Paul (Pablo) Weinschenk. “The property was mostly gray rock and brush, but I knew it could be beautiful.”

Even after discovering snakes living in the walls of what was to become the gallery, Weinschenk—who owned a photo lab on 20th Street in Manhattan for 25 years—pressed forward. He

trucked in dirt for flower beds and a lawn, leveled and graveled a large parking lot, and—two years after opening the gallery in 2016—erected a 1500 sq. ft. glassblowing workshop (called Pablo Glass) on the eastern-most part of the property.

“We see a lot on Route 28,” Weinschenk says, “from the bear who occasionally passes through and the woodchuck who makes his home under our shed, to the truck towing a small helicopter that parked out front one day so its pilot/owner could shop for an anniversary present for his wife.”

Now celebrating its eighth year and having survived the pains of being a start-up (as well as the Covid pandemic and at least one terrible ice storm), Woodstock Art Exchange has stayed true to its original mission: promoting the art of glassblowing and original paintings, sculptures, and other handmade gift items made by fine local artists. Prices range from just a few dollars into the hundreds. “We have something for nearly everyone,” Weinschenk smiles.

So come on by! We’ll “exchange” your time for a beautiful browsing experience in our gallery. On days when our glass artists are working in “the studio,” you can watch the magic of transforming molten glass (2100+ degrees Fahrenheit) into colorful vases, bowls, and drinking glasses, including our famous “pinch cups.” And, if you’re so inclined, you can “exchange” your dollars for our merchandise!

Woodstock Art Exchange and the Pablo Glass studio are located at 1396 Route 28 in West Hurley, and is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, check out our Facebook pages, or call 646 256 9688.

The Village of Phoenicia

Ulster Savings Bank

58 Main Street

Phoenicia, NY 12464

ATM available Ulstersavings.com 845 688 5965

Ulster Savings Bank is a locally focused and operated mutual savings bank with locations throughout the Hudson Valley. As a bank with no stockholders, our profits are reinvested back into the communities we serve. We are proud to be the recipient of numerous community awards reflecting our belief that helping community changes lives. We invite you to stop by our location in beautiful Phoenicia to experience the local difference with US. Bank where you matter!

The Graham & Co.

80 Route 214

Phoenicia, NY 12464

thegrahamandco.com 845 688 7871

Viewed as a trailblazer in the Catskills hotel design revolution, the 20-room Phoenicia hotel recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and continues to provide lodging to guests looking for a true Catskills experience. The three-acre property has a vibe some have called, “a sophisticated summer camp for grown-ups.” Inspired by the heritage of the Catskills, the Graham and Co. is a modern take on the upstate getaway. The hotel is located just two blocks off Phoenicia’s main street. Close to hiking, fishing and skiing, The Graham & Co. is the perfect place to stay in all four seasons.

The Graham & Co.

Kaatscast

kaatscast.com

Free to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Kaatscast is a biweekly podcast focusing on Catskills history, community, arts & culture, sustainability, and tourism. Voted “Best Regional Podcast” two years in a row, the podcast has collaborated on programming with several regional organizations and is produced by Brett Barry, of Chichester-based Silver Hollow Audio, a creator of podcasts, audio tours, public radio segments, and audiobooks.

Amy Rosen, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Ruth Gale Realty

38 Main Street

Phoenicia, NY 12464

Office: 845 688 5610, ext. 104

Cell: 212 960 3983

amyrosenrealtor@gmail.com ruthgalerealty.com

Your hometown realtor invites you to check out the coolest small town in the Catskills with the biggest heart! This area is a magical place to spend a few days—or a lifetime! Please reach out anytime to discuss your real estate needs.

RESTAURANTS

Bettina Cafe

49 Main Street

Phoenicia, NY 12464

bettinacafe.com

845 417 3540

In the heart of Phoenicia, New York, Bettina is more than just a cafe and market. We’re dedicated to celebrating local community: come enjoy our twist on classic dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. We grow many of our own herbs and fresh cut flowers on our little farm up the road. From fresh roasted coffee to artisanal goods our shelves, will be full of the best products from local artisans. We are proud to feature a variety of women-owned and BIPOC brands.

Phoenicia Diner

5681 State Route 28

Phoenicia, NY 12464

phoeniciadiner.com

845 688 9957

Built in 1962 and moved to the Catskills in the early 80s, the Phoenicia Diner has a long history of serving customers who are drawn to the Catskills’ natural beauty. We offer residents, weekenders and visitors fresh food sourced from Catskills and Hudson Valley farms when available. Our menu is carefully crafted to offer traditional diner favorites, sometimes with a modern twist, using seasonal and local fresh ingredients. Our venue is also a unique setting for one-of-kind events and celebrations.

By Francis X. Driscoll

The Nest Egg

84 Main Street

Phoenicia, NY 12464

thenesteggcountrystore.com

nesteggshop.com

845 688 5851

An old-fashioned country store in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, offering relaxed shopping and mountain hospitality. You’ll find lots of specialty and artisan crafted foods here, from local maple syrup, honey, jams, jellies and preserves, to nostalgic candies and gourmet chocolate, to gourmet peanut butter, and more! Your source for mountain clothing and souvenirs, including Minnetonka Moccasins, t-shirts & sweatshirts, local area books and hiking maps, candles, soaps, incense, jewelry, toys, puzzles, games and souvenirs. Our home-made delicious fudge is worth the trip! Owner Robin Kirk’s family has owned The Nest Egg since 1968.

Tender Land Home

64 Main Street

Phoenicia, NY 12464

tenderlandhome.com

845 688 7213

A sophisticated rustic and contemporary home goods store featuring gifts, chic pottery, fragrant soaps and candles, luscious pillows and cozy rugs.

View from Main Street Bridge, Phoenicia. Photo by Dave Pillard

Cafe Mornings

That Third Place in Arkville

Christina Kim is paying very close attention to the details at Cafe Mornings, the new hot spot in Arkville, NY. She sat down to join me while I was having lunch and the place was buzzing. Virtually every table was filled on a Monday afternoon, a half hour before closing time, yet Christina who couldn’t possibly have known what people were ordering—because she was talking to me—gently directed her staff to drop off the right plates to the right tables from where she was sitting. How did she know?

And it’s the details that you notice immediately when you walk into Cafe Mornings. My eyes were immediately drawn to the market area, a sleek wall of shelves displaying an eclectic array of Korean spices, tea, books and housewares, even skin cream, all carefully curated by Christina. The handsome tables and chairs spread out in the bright and spacious dining room add to the crispness of the room, while a white banquette and leather sofa up against another wall are very inviting.

By Michael Koegel

The atmosphere is buzzing gently with conversation and the whirr and swish of espresso machines in the background. The music playing softly on the afternoon that I was there is what you might expect to hear walking into the lobby of an expensive spa; and indeed the entire place would not be out of place as a cafe in a spa or a museum.

But that’s not to say that Cafe Mornings is sterile. There’a a wall full of enticing pastries right at the front as you enter, and the staff is scurrying about preparing food and making specialty coffee drinks. Off of the dining room is a playroom full of toys and brightly colored objects that the kids can play with while their parents ingest some much needed morning caffeine and read the paper on their phones. Indeed, sometimes families roll out of bed and head directly to Cafe Mornings, their kids still in their PJs.

It’s that sense of community that led Christina and Eric to open Cafe Mornings in October of last year. Christina, a former

Creative Director in the tech and entertainment sectors and Eric, who worked in real estate and hospitality, left New York City at the beginning of the pandemic and decamped to their summer home in Halcottsville, along with their newborn. They are here full-time now, along with Christina’s mom, whose paintings hang on the cafe’s walls.

Neither Christina nor Eric had a background in the food industry, but they wanted to create a sense of home and community in their new environment, which to Christina and Eric translated into a cafe. Christina refers to Arkville as “my village” and she wants Cafe Mornings to be “that third place” for her customers; a space that’s neither home nor work, (which these days is often the same place); a comfortable and comforting environment where locals, weekenders and tourists can escape to and relax.

When I casually referred to Cafe Mornings as a “restaurant” I was gently corrected by Christina; Cafe Mornings is cafe, she said, modeled specifically after Korean cafes which occupy a unique niche in Korean culture.

“Korea has an incredibly rich and diverse cafe culture with an estimated 100,000 cafes,” she explained. “They’re known for highly curated atmospheres going beyond the typical coffee shop, that blend all their offerings together for a unique experience.”

What kind of food a person might encounter in a Korean cafe? “You’ll find traditional coffee offerings alongside uniquely Korean items like yuja tea or black sesame lattes,” said Christina. “This carries over into the pastries and desserts which are crafted with an emphasis on presentation and seasonality.”

But it’s not just coffee and sweets. Cafes in Korea will likely also serve a full array of savory breakfast and lunch items that are uniquely Korean and unique to that cafe. “Every family, and every cafe has their own recipe for kimchi and for marinated meat,” Christina explained. The recipes are handed down through generations, and diners can seek out the flavors and traditions they prefer and become loyal to that cafe. The generational aspect of the Korean cafe applies to Cafe Mornings as well: Christina’s mother is their baker.

How does authentic Korean food translate to upstate New York? “Basically we serve Korean street food adapted to American tastes,” she explained. A quick glance at their menu bears this out. The Bacon Breakfast Burrito consists of soft scrambled corn-cheese eggs, applewood bacon, avocados, white rice, kimchi, and sriracha aioli wrapped in a flour tortilla. The K-BBQ beef rice bowl is sliced sirloin steak, with fried onions and a yuzu vinaigrette, butter lettuce salad, served with broccoli and kimchi over rice.

“Our family’s table always consists of rice, a few side dishes including kimchi, a main dish such as Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef) and a salad or vegetable dish,” says Christina. “I wanted to make our food accessible to all and the Chipotle/Sweetgreen model of a bowl really appealed to me. It allows us to bring our normal family meal into one easy to understand bowl.”

There are also dozens of specialty coffee and tea drinks that I can guarantee you won’t find anywhere else in the area: the Vi-

enna Einspanner is an espresso drink with house-made whipped cream topped with Clark’s cocoa powder. Their Yuja Tea is made from marmalade from the yuzu fruit, a popular Japanese citrus fruit. Lychee Iced Tea is a delicious clear tea, sweet and refreshing. Korean Cereal Milk lattes and Black Sesame lattes are their latest concoctions.

Their pastries and desserts are made using fruit they hand pick at local farms and their selections change seasonally. Definitely try their milk bread and matcha cookies which uses handsifted, ceremonial grade matcha.

Cafe Mornings also offers a Saturday night five-course dinner, the most recent featured Spicy Chicken Skewers, a 12 hour Udon Soup and Korean Braised Pork. There is also a full bar for these events where they serve craft cocktails. These dinners always sell out in advance so definitely make a reservation.

When Christina and Eric were opening the cafe and trying to define exactly what they wanted to become, one of the questions Christine asked herself was ‘Who’s out there that needs us?” You can sense her desire to be a welcoming space as soon as you walk in the door.

“We love the Catskills,” she exclaims, “and nothing thrills us more than watching a new customer enjoy something unexpected or see friends and families sharing meals here. We have always wanted to start a business in the area and everyday motivates us to keep trying something new!”

Cafe Mornings is at 43270 Rt. 28, Arkville, NY 12406. They are open for breakfast and lunch and for specialty coffees and home-made pastries, Thursdays-Mondays 7:00 am to 2:00 pm (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and for dinners on Saturday nights at 7:00 pm (reservations required). For more information, visit cafemornings.com.

Michael Koegel is a writer, director and producer. He owns Mama’s Boy Burgers in Tannersville, NY.

THE SPIRITUAL CATSKILLS

Finding Inner Peace in the Great Outdoors

By Greg Madden

When we first meet someone new, we want to know who they are … so we inquire as to where they are from and what they do. It is part of getting to know them and usually they ask us who we are as well. Traditionally, one offers that they are from a certain city, state or country and if they have an accent or regional speech pattern we dig more, respectfully of course.

Sometimes the answer to that isn’t a place or country, it’s their religion. That at first sounded odd to me but should it? Being spiritual by nature (I was supposed to be my family’s priest, and recently became ordained to do weddings and ceremonies) but instead of hearing I’m Irish, Italian or Korean for example, the replay can be I’m Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist, or Amish!

We self identify for reasons that are important to us and our tribes. We are many things, and the spiritual journey leads us toward a message of oneness and not separation, which divides us.

I am a proud “Catskillian” now. In 2012 I came to the Xenia Resort in Hunter for a spiritual retreat called “Each One, Teach One.” Groups of 60-80 spiritualists would assemble several times a year from all over the world to expand and increase their levels of consciousness and learn from each other through conversation, lectures and breakout groups.

As an aspiring healer, I found home and peace in this group, led casually by an amazing being of light, Orest Bedrij, who recently transitioned to his eternal home and into the “One Energy.” Bedrij was a kind and gentle soul whose message was love and purity. Being in his presence was healing and magical, one of the “Great Spirits,” devoted warriors of kindness and compassion. He was private, but wrote many books, some spiritual, some filled with science beyond most people’s comprehension. Google him for yourself. He was a hidden Catskills gem for decades.

There were folks from everywhere who attended these retreats, people from every spiritual and religious background including the searchers, those looking for answers, the most often discussed is “Why am I here?” (who doesn’t ask this?). Since moving here full time in 2020, I have found our mountainous region to be laden with spiritualists looking for answers.

For centuries, the region stretching north to Canada and east to the southern New England coast has attracted with its powerful energies those seeking spiritual solace and renewal. Here is very

special, as seekers are drawn by the mountains’ natural beauty, our rich history, and the sense of mystery that seems to emanate from every stone and stream, beckoning those in search of deeper connections—to nature, to themselves, and to something greater than themselves.

The spirituality of the Catskills is not limited to any one religion or belief system. Instead, it is sacred ground for both traditional forms of worship and more modern, non-traditional expressions of spirituality. Whether through silent meditation in a secluded forest glade, participation in religious retreats, or through engagement with the earth-based spiritual practices often associated with the mountains themselves, the Catskills offer a deeply personal spiritual experience to all who seek it.

Our indigenous brothers and sisters lived here knowing these mountains were more than just a physical landscape; they were imbued with sacred meaning. Rivers and waterfalls were considered sacred sites, places where the natural and spiritual worlds intertwined. These traditions of reverence for the land still linger in the air today, influencing not only the indigenous spiritual practices that survive but also the sense of sacredness that others have adopted over time.

When travel became easier, the Transcendentalists, influenced by the works of Emerson and Thoreau, found in the Catskills a place to reconnect with nature and the divine. For them, these mountains offered a way to experience a profound unity with the universe, where nature itself became a cathedral, and solitude was a form of prayer.

That spiritual legacy continues in the present day, where both traditional and non-traditional worshipers find solace in the Catskills, seeking clarity, peace, and connection in its valleys and on its peaks.

Many spiritual seekers visit the Catskills for the traditional worship opportunities offered by various religious communities that have established roots in the region. The southern Catskills, is home to numerous Christian retreats and monasteries, most notably the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center and the Holy Transfiguration Monastery. Here, those of the Christian faith can participate in guided retreats that offer a structured spiritual experience through prayer, reflection, and meditation. These retreats often

Photo by Vidoc Olga, shutterstock.com

focus on helping individuals deepen their connection to God through contemplation, scripture reading, and periods of silence, after all silence is golden.

The Catskills also host Jewish spiritual retreats, with institutions like the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, just over the border into CT which offers an immersive experience in Jewish traditions and teachings. These retreats typically combine religious study with outdoor activities, emphasizing a connection to both spiritual practice and nature. Shabbat services held in the open air, under the canopy of ancient trees, allow participants to experience a closeness to creation that is rare in urban settings.

Another significant aspect of traditional worship in the Catskills is the Buddhist monasteries and retreat centers that have made the mountains their home. Perhaps the most well-known of these is the Zen Mountain Monastery in Mount Tremper, which offers both short-term and long-term residential retreats. The monastery’s teachings focus on zazen (seated meditation), mindfulness, and the study of Zen scriptures. Participants at Zen Mountain often find that the isolation and stillness of the mountains mirror the quiet, reflective practices of Buddhism, encouraging personal insight and spiritual growth. Here, the sacred silence of the mountains becomes a companion on the spiritual journey.

The Catskills, however, are not solely a haven for those seeking traditional religious experiences. In recent decades, the region has become increasingly popular among individuals exploring non-traditional forms of spirituality, particularly those who see nature as their primary source of spiritual nourishment.

Many spiritual seekers in the Catskills are drawn to Earthbased spiritual practices, such as modern paganism, Wicca, or shamanic traditions. These belief systems often emphasize the sacredness of the natural world, viewing the land as a living entity with its own spirit. Practitioners engage in rituals that honor the changing of the seasons, celebrate the phases of the moon, and seek communion with the spirits of the land. The Catskill Mountains, with their ancient forests, flowing rivers, and dramatic vistas, provide the perfect setting for these earth-centered practices.

For many, simply being in nature, without the need for formal rituals, is a deeply spiritual experience. The act of hiking through a forest, sitting beside a waterfall, or watching the sun set over a mountain peak can evoke feelings of awe and wonder that transcend religious boundaries. It’s not uncommon to encounter individuals practicing forest bathing, a Japanese practice known as Shinrin-yoku, in the Catskills. This practice involves immersing oneself in the sensory experience of the forest, with the belief that nature has the power to heal and restore the spirit. Many report feeling a deep sense of peace and renewal after spending time in the mountains, where the natural world seems to speak directly to the soul.

Another non-traditional spiritual offering that has found a home in the Catskills is the yoga and meditation retreat. Centers like The Ananda Ashram in Monroe and The Menla Retreat & Dewa Spa in Phoenicia offer immersive experiences that combine

physical practice with spiritual teachings. At these retreats, participants engage in daily yoga sessions, meditation, and teachings on mindfulness and inner peace. The serene environment of the Catskills enhances these practices, allowing participants to retreat from the busy paths of modern life and focus inward, where all the answers lie.

The Catskills are also home to several spiritual festivals and community gatherings that draw people from all walks of life. One of the most well-known takes place to the southwest, The New York Faerie Festival in Ouaquaga, which celebrates earthbased spirituality, myth, and folklore. Participants dress as faeries, elves, and other mystical beings, celebrating the magic of nature through music, dance, and communal gatherings. This festival, and others like it, highlights the playful and celebratory side of non-traditional spiritual practices, emphasizing the joy that can be found in community and connection to the earth.

Additionally, the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, located just outside the Catskills in Rhinebeck, offers workshops and festivals focused on personal growth, spirituality, and holistic healing. The institute attracts world-renowned teachers in fields ranging from yoga and meditation to energy healing and shamanism, creating a space for spiritual exploration and community building.

In the Catskills, spirituality is not confined to churches, temples, or monasteries—it is found in the rustling of leaves, the whisper of the wind, and the steady flow of the rivers. Here, the sacred is woven into the very fabric of the land, waiting to be discovered by those who are willing to seek it.

Our area of Mother Earth offers a unique blend of traditional and non-traditional spiritual experiences, making it a sanctuary for all who seek deeper meaning, connection, and peace. Whether through structured religious retreats, earth-based rituals, or quiet reflection in nature, the mountains invite us to slow down, to listen, and to connect with something larger than ourselves.

The concept of mindfulness, or being present in the moment, is central to many spiritual practices found in the Catskills. Whether through yoga, meditation, or simply walking in the woods, the mountains offer an ideal setting for cultivating mindfulness. The natural beauty of the area encourages individuals to slow down, to breathe deeply, and to be present with the rhythms of nature.

As we are in November, a time of thanksgiving around the world and a month before many spiritual and joyous religious celebrations, I encourage you to look to our Catskills to soothe your spiritual curiosity, as I did several years ago.

Greg Madden (IlluminatingWellness.care) is certified in the ancient healing arts of energy medicine, Tui-Na Medical Massage Therapist, BioPhoton Light Therapy (Biontology.com) and is a freelance consultant specializing in feature writing, marketing, public relations, branding and broadcasting.

Fall in the Catskills

Tannersville Works

6041 Main Street

Tannersville, NY 12485

tannersvilleworks.com

518 589 4017

Tannersville Works is the leading art destination in the Northern Catskills. Immerse yourself in a unique and inspiring creative experience at our stunning gallery, dedicated to bringing the best of contemporary art to our Catskills community. Our gift shop also features a thoughtful collection of new and vintage items including, fine art, beautiful housewares, apparel, hand-crafted candles, jewelry, bespoke gifts, and so much more!

Windham Fine Arts

5380 Main Street

Windham, NY 12496

windhamfinearts.com

518 734 6850

Windham Fine Arts (WFA) is a contemporary art gallery located in the heart of the Catskills at the base of Windham Mountain Club. Now in its 22nd year, WFA represents more than 60 local and internationally acclaimed artists showcasing a diverse collection of original paintings, photography, and sculpture. Mixed media, oils, watercolors, encaustic and other mediums are portrayed in inspiring landscapes, abstracts, figuratives, Hudson River School styles, and more. With over 3,000 square feet of curated artwork, the gallery stands out as a unique gem of artistic inspiration.

ART

Photo courtesy of Belleayre Mountain

ART WORKSHOPS

Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts

34 Big Hollow Road Maplecrest, NY 12454 sugarmaples.org

A program of the Catskill Mountain Foundation, Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts offers short term adult workshop programming in ceramics, painting, drawing, fiber arts and weekly classes in ceramics and fiber arts during the summer season, as well as year-round short courses for adults and youth in ceramics, painting, and drawing.

BOOKSTORE

Briars & Brambles Books

Route 296 & South Street Windham, NY 12496 briarsandbramblesbooks.com 518 750 8599

Your go-to Indie Bookstore in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Briars & Brambles Books is a dream come true for owner & Windham resident, Jen Schwartz. Jen has combined her love of books with her experience as a long-time library volunteer and past library board president to create an inviting, knowledgeable and professional atmosphere. The team understands that being a bookseller involves so much more than simply “selling books” and is committed to providing unparalleled personal attention.

ATTRACTION

Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Piano Performance Museum

7971 Main Street

Hunter, NY 12442

catskillmtn.org

518 263 2063

The Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Piano Performance Museum is the home of the Steven E. Greenstein Piano Collection, a one-of-a-kind collection of historic pianos and musical artifacts. A destination unlike any other in the United States, the Piano Performance Museum offers a unique glimpse into the development of pianos in Europe and America over the past four centuries. Open on Fridays and Saturdays 11:00 am to 3:00 pm by appointment. Email ppm@catskillmtn.org or call 518 263 2063 before your visit, to ensure that the museum will be open.

CAR DEALERSHIP

Thorpe’s GMC

5964 Main Street

Tannersville, NY 12485

thorpesgmcinc.com 518 589 7142

Thorpe’s unmatched service and diverse GMC inventory have set them apart as the preferred dealer in Tannersville. With a full-service team of sales and service professionals, visit them today to discover why they have the best reputation in the area. They offer one of the largest GMC inventories in New York, and their trained sales staff will help you every step of the way.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Main Street

Community Center

5494 NY-23 Windham, NY 12496

mainstreetcenter.org 518 734 4168

The Main Street Community Center strives to build a caring, welcoming and inclusive environment to benefit all of

Photo by Jeff Langford

the communities on the Mountain Top. Centrally located in Windham, the building contains multiple rooms, including two bathrooms (one is handicap accessible), a large sitting area, a conference room, individual workspaces with computer monitors and a large screen TV, free WIFI, access to printers, and a studio for creative activities. The Artist’s Hideaway provides individual lockers for artists to safely store their supplies. There is plenty of on site parking. The Center has an ever increasing offering of classes, programs, and events for people of all ages.

Phoenix Web Collective

7947 Main Street

Hunter, NY 12442

phoenixwebcollective.com

518 628 5101

Mutual aid resource on the mountain!

Local artist shop, makers’ space, and our free mart, where you can get gently used and vintage clothing, home goods, food, toys, books, music, movies, jewelry, electronics, and more for free or pay-what-you-can. We also host small events and workshops. All are welcome!

52nd Annual Holiday Craft Fair

November 30–

December 1, 2024

Dutchess Community College

53 Pendell Road

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

quailhollow.com

The Dutchess Community College Foundation Holiday Craft Fair offers Hudson Valley locals and visitors the opportunity to shop small (and support handmade!) Thanksgiving weekend. Boasting just over 100 artists, the fair has become a holiday shopping tradition for many in the region, and one that stands in stark opposition to the Black Friday culture propagated by Big Box Stores. Now entering its 52nd year, the fair presents an alternative to the frenzied buying experience that Black Friday consumers experience. This is not a festival for imported or massproduced products; everything onsite is handmade, with the artist or maker in attendance.

Pure Catskills purecatskills.com

A buy local campaign developed by the Watershed Agricultural Council to improve the economic viability of the community, sustain the working landscapes of the Catskills and preserve water quality in the NYC Watershed. Pure Catskills works to promote hundreds of farm, forest and local businesses throughout the Catskill Region. Search their website for local products, or pick up a copy of the Guide to Pure Catskills Products!

The Blumen Haus Florist

Prattsville Plaza: 14520 Main Street

Prattsville, NY 12468

blumenhausflorist.org

Find Us on Facebook 518 248 4743

Blumen Haus Florist is a locally owned and operated floral boutique dedicated to creating stunning floral arrangements and providing exceptional service to our customers. We believe in the power of flowers to brighten any occasion and bring joy to people’s lives. What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and personal attention. We hand-select the freshest, most vibrant blooms from local

growers and global markets to ensure that each arrangement is of the highest quality. Our experienced florists have an eye for detail and a passion for creating unique, eyecatching designs that will exceed your expectations.

GARDEN & LANDSCAPE

Augustine Nursery

9W & Van Kleecks Lane

Kingston, NY 12401

AugustineNursery.com 845 338 4936

Since its beginnings in 1974, Augustine Nursery has grown to become one of the leading residential and commercial landscape design firms and the “nursery of choice” among high-end landscape architects, independent contractors and discerning homeowners. We offer a stunning selection of larger scale, estate-grade trees, shrubs and plants. We also offer a full menu of nursery services, from planning and design to installation and dress finish for greenscapes and hardscapes.

Gardens by Trista

176 Polen Hill Road Gilboa, NY 12076

gardensbytrista.com 607 588 6762

Gardens by Trista is a full service landscape company focused on providing each client with the individualized landscape or garden of their dreams. We know each property and client holds their own unique es-

FLORIST

sence which we use to transform the land and its elements into their personalized landscape. We strive to fulfill the needs of each and every customer, whether it be a complete design/ build for new construction or help with an existing garden that needs a rejuvenation. We also have an extensive garden maintenance division to help keep your landscape and garden in pristine condition.

Story’s Nursery

4265 Route 67 Freehold, NY 12431 518 634 7754

storysnursery.com

Story’s Nursery is your Holiday destination! Stroll through our greenhouses filled with florist quality poinsettias and holiday plants. Take in the aroma of freshly made balsam wreathes and kissing balls, available plain or decorated by our talented designers. Custom orders welcomed. We offer boxwood trees and arrangements to complete your holiday theme. Fresh New York grown balsam cut trees, roping and greenery are available for one stop shopping. Our incredible ribbon selection and supplies make crafting your own decorations easy and convenient. Visit our Gift & Garden Shop for unique gifts for everyone on your list!

Photo courtesy of Ulster County Tourism

HARDWARE

Houst Hardware

4 Mill Hill Road

Woodstock, NY 12498

housthardware.com

845 679 2115

Shop local with Houst Hardware, independent and family owned for over 90 years. For all your projects, Houst Has IT. Benjamin Moore Paints, Equipment Rentals, Tools, Plumbing, Electrical, Organic and Heirloom Garden Seeds, Organic Soils and Fertilizers, Housewares, Weber grills, Seasonal products, Camping and Toys. Everything you need for work and play.

LIVE MUSIC LODGING

Catskill Mountain Foundation

2024 Performing Arts Season

Doctorow Center for the Arts

7971 Main St., Hunter, NY 12442

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

6050 Main St.

Tannersville, NY 12485

catskillmtn.org

Ticket line: 518 263 2063

Our 2024 Performing Arts season is filled with music, dance, theater and much more! November kicks off with a special holiday revival of Caleb Teicher’s hit show, SW!ING OUT. On November 9, Lindy Hop champions bring their talents to the Orpheum’s stage to kick off the holiday season. On November 16, we welcome Emmy-nominated crooner Benny Benack III, singer Stella Katherine Cole, and tap dancer Jabu Graybeal to the Orpheum for Some Enchanted Evening. The show leads audiences on a jazz-inspired journey through Broadway’s greatest hits from the Golden Age of yesterday to the freshest hits of today. And finally on November 30 at the Doctorow, experience a night of Mozart’s symphonic music paired with staged scenes from Peter Schaffer’s celebrated play about the composer, Amadeus. With the electrifying early music ensemble Twelfth Night in a musical collaboration with fortepianist Yi-heng Yang, and actors from the acclaimed Aquila Theatre, directed by Desiree Sanchez.

Greenville Arms

11135 State Route 32

Greenville, NY 12083

greenvillearms.com 518 966 5219

Originally built in 1889, our historically registered Inn is situated on six acres of gardens, lawns, and woodlands. The Queen Anne Revival-style main house, renovated Carriage House, and recently constructed Cottage building are host to 16 guest rooms open year-round to guests. Every guest room is uniquely decorated with a blend of antiques and modern amenities. A hot, cooked-to-order breakfast is included with each room.

Windham Manor

1161 Co Rd 10

Windham, NY 12496

windhammanor.com 518 944 1448

Windham Manor is the premiere wedding and event venue in The Catskill Mountains. Our 45-acre property features The Manor House, a Victorian Estate with 12 beautiful guest suites. The property also boasts The Barn, a luxurious space which can hold 300+ guests for dinner, dancing, seminars, and other events, and two incredible outdoor ceremony spaces—The Lawn and The Enchanted Forest. Call us to set up a tour or schedule on our website!

MASSAGE & WELLNESS

Illuminating Wellness/ Mountain Top Massage

illuminatingwellness.care 518 718 4228

Transformative therapeutic massage practice combines elements of many of the healing arts such as Acupressure, Reflexology, Reiki, Chiropractic adjustment and many forms of Asian and Thai massage. BioPhoton Light Therapy – Biontology is a European healing process that detoxes, neutralizes and resets the body and healing begins immediately. This practice finds the root-cause of any symptomproducing malady and quickly neutralizes it and thus assists you in raising the body’s immune system, the key to your health. (biontology.com).

devoted to providing clean and sustainably sourced food, 100% organic produce and a selection of carefully curated items that fit all dietary needs.

Catskill Mountain Foundation’s

Mountain Cinema

7971 Main Street

Hunter, NY 12442

catskillmtn.org

518 263 4702

Hollywood, foreign & independent films just a mile west of Hunter Mountain and a short drive from Windham. Shows running Friday through Sunday. Also available for rental.

NATURAL FOOD & GROCERY

Sunflower Market

75 Mill Hill Road

Woodstock, NY 12498

24 Garden Street

Rhinebeck, NY, 12572

sunflowernatural.com

845 679 5361 (Woodstock) • 845 876 2555 (Rhinebeck) Sunflower is dedicated to providing products you can feel good about sharing with people you love. Prioritizing working with local farms, families, and business, Sunflower is

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Catskill Mountain Foundation

7971 Main Street

Hunter, NY 12442

catskillmtn.org

518 263 2000

Now in its 26th year, the Catskill Mountain Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization which offers a variety of programs and workshops centered on the arts. It also owns and runs The Orpheum Performing Arts Center, The Doctorow Center for the Arts (which includes the Mountain Cinema, a performance space, and the Piano Performance Museum), the Sugar Maples studio arts school, a Natural Agriculture farm and the Guide Magazine. The Foundation has long term partnership programs with The Joyce Theater Foundation, Works & Process at the Guggenheim, the National Dance Institute and Catskill Mountain Shakespeare, and is also home to the Hunter International Music Festival, The Academy of Fortepiano Performance, the Orpheum Dance Program, and the Maude Adams Theater Hub.

Windham Foundation windhamfoundation.org info@windhamfoundation.org 518 734 9636

Our mission is to enhance and enrich our community by providing charitable grants for historical preservation, the arts, education, recreation, and initiatives deemed to make Windham an extraordinary place to live, work, and visit. Established in 2004, the Windham Foundation is run by an allvolunteer Board. Donations are tax deductible.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Windham Mountain Club

19 Resort Drive Windham, NY 12496 windhammountainclub.com 800 754 9463

Your all-season escape into Upstate New York’s premier wintersport, culinary, and memory-making destination for generations to come. Windham Mountain Club is an exclusive outdoor wonderland for the discerning set, find world-class skiing, golfing, dining, outdoor pursuits, and memory-making for generations to come. Windham Mountain Club is located just two and half hours from New York City. A restorative escape for more than 60 years, Windham Mountain Club has evolved to bring an elevated destination and exclusive year-round amenities and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Images of the Northern

Catskills by Francis X. Driscoll

Work available for purchase at:

Tannersville Antiques & Artisans: 518 589 5600

Rustic Mountain Antiques: 518 589 1202

Smitty’s Nursery: 518 734 3489 francisxdriscoll.com • 518 821 1339

A frequent contributor to the Guide magazine, Francis X. Driscoll is an award-winning nature photographer whose work involves total immersion in a setting so that he might capture that rare glimpse. His primary subject is the Catskill Forest Preserve. He shares his craft with others by leading hikes, conducting workshops and giving private instruction.

PRINTING SERVICE

Mountain Printing Services

7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442

518 263 2001

Your one-stop shop for fast, personal service for all of your printing needs. Graphic design services are available, and we can print green!

MTC Cable Channel 20

WIOXRADIO.ORG

on computers and smartphones

WIOX Community Radio—where public access meets public service to build public trust. WIOX programming is wildly diverse, live and local, and non-commercial, broadcasting from the Catskill Mountains region of upstate New York in the heart of the New York City Watershed. WIOX talk and music programs range from farming to brewing to cooking, forestry to healthcare, Rock to Pop, Bach and Goth, Blues, Folk, Country, Americana, Jazz and Salsa. WIOX: produced and supported—by you!

WRIP 97.9FM

wripfm.com

Streaming at rip979.com

RIP 97.9 is the radio voice of the Mountaintop and Valley. Broadcasting 24/7 with the equivalent of 6,000 watts of power, we are the only radio station covering the entire region between the Hudson Valley and Oneonta. WRIP is independently owned and operated. WRIP is heard on these FM frequencies: 97.9 in Windham & Hunter, 97.5 in Durham & Greenville, 103.7 in Catskill & Hudson, 104.5 in Stamford & Delaware County, and streaming worldwide at rip979.com.

Catskill

Brainard

Ridge Realty

237 South Street

Windham, NY 12496

brainardridge.com

518 734 5333

Specializing in Windham Mountain and the surrounding area for over 35 years. Visit our web site at brainardridge.com for a variety of listings both on and off the mountain: Homes, Townhomes, Rentals and Land. Whatever your needs we are here for you. Call us today!

Gallagher & Company

6 Mitchell Hollow Road

Windham, NY 12496

gallagherandcompany.com

518 734 3300

Gallagher & Company is a national professional real estate services firm, specializing in commercial and industrial real estate with an emphasis on New York State properties and luxury resort homes. Our Windham, New York office specializes in Sales and Rentals of residential and vacation properties. Gallagher and Company also manages the Quads condominium development comprising 67 units, and the Crystal Pond Townhomes development, a 97 unit planned development, both located in Windham.

Carol Shaw, Broker/Owner

Shaw Country Realty

5359 State Route 23

Windham, NY 12496

518 734 3500

I have been a real estate broker in the mountain top area for nearly four decades, representing buyers and sellers, as well as dealing with various types of properties such as homes, land, country homes, and rentals,. With our many years in the industry, Shaw Country Realty has built a strong network, deep understanding of the market trends, and a keen ability to match buyers with suitable properties and help sellers navigate successful transactions.

Win Morrison Realty

5 Tinker St. Woodstock, NY 12498

Additional locations in Kingston, Catskill, Phoenicia, Saugerties & Windham winmorrisonrealty.com

845 679 9444 (Woodstock)

At Win Morrison Realty we listen to your wants and needs while assisting you to make them a reality. We pride ourselves on being the largest and most respected real estate company in the Hudson Valley. Whether it is a weekend retreat, mansion, land, commercial property or business, our experienced agents will assist you every step of the way. We have seven offices located throughout the Hudson Valley and a team of over 100 real estate professionals. We are members of numerous MLS (Multiple Listing Services) to serve you, from New York City to the Adirondacks.

4802 State Route 23

Windham, NY 12496

516 650 5700

Windham Farms Development, LLC

Owner/Developer: Jim MacDonald

Continuing to Adopt

Broker-Friendly Practices

Licensed NY State Real Estate Broker

Exclusively Offered by:

Laurie Hanenberg, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner

Hunter Windham Real Estate

5338 Route 23

Windham, NY 12496

518 965 8439

Modern-style farm houses and mountain homes now available. Fully approved, shovel-ready home sites for sale. Will build-to-suit, turnkey construction. Three lots currently available: Lot #1 with main house, garage, and pond, 6.43 acres, available for redevelopment; Lot#2 with elevated woodland, stone walls, and views, 3.46 acres improved with driveway, septic and well; Lot #4 with open meadows, stone walls, views, ready to build your modern farmhouse on 4.33 acres. Call and meet with us to learn about our vision and we’ll listen to yours. Live-Work-Play in the historic town of Windham, NY.

Windstar Realty Group

5316 State Route 23

Windham, NY 12496

518 734 6600

85 Main Street

Stamford, NY 12167

607 442 4000

windstarrealty.com

Windstar Realty Group is a full-service Real Estate Agency serving the Greene, Columbia, Schoharie, Otsego, and Delaware County areas of NY. From skiing, hunting, hiking, and golf to the rolling, lush landscapes, the Catskill region offers the perfect balance of adventure and serenity—you owe it to yourself to choose the best team in the area to represent your real estate needs! Whether you are buying or selling a home, property, or business in the Upstate NY area, Windstar Realty Group is the agency for you! We have the most well-rounded team in the region.

REGIONAL INFORMATION

Sullivan County Tourism

SullivanCatskills.com

1 800 882 CATS

Looking for a unique getaway? Embark on an adventure to New York’s Sullivan Catskills, where you’ll notice a quiet, peaceful calm in November. Just 90 miles from Manhattan, it’s a wonderful place this time of year to restore body and soul and prepare for the busy holiday season.

Never miss an issue! Follow us at issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide The Guide is on issuu.com!

Ulster County Tourism VisitUlsterCountyNY.com

As the holiday season approaches, life’s velocity increases towards a whirlwind of festive activities, bustling gatherings, and last-minute preparations. Before you are overwhelmed in the merriment, why not pause and escape with your partner or best friends? Ulster County, in the heart of the Hudson Valley, offers the perfect retreat, where scenic beauty, fine dining, boutique shopping, and luxurious accommodations await— find your peaceful haven before the holiday rush.

RESTAURANTS

A Slice of Italy

1316 Ulster Avenue Kingston, NY 12401

asliceofitaly7115.com

845 336 7115

The finest Italian dishes, pizza, hot and cold subs, salads and more made with the freshest ingredients and served with five star customer service. Full bar featuring a range of red and white wines, bottled beers, beers on tap and liquor. We also cater, and pride ourselves on being able to deliver our quality restaurant dishes right to your door. Whatever the event, no matter how many or how few, we are there for you. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, closed on Sundays.

• An easier, more interactive reading experience

• Available across all digital platforms

• Links to our advertisers’ websites

Angela’s Pizza

1923 Ulster Avenue Lake Katrine, NY 12401

angelaspizzarestaurant.com 845 382 2211

Angela’s is more than just pizza! Soups, salads, pastas, subs, wraps, Italian dinners, desserts & more. … But, yeah, our pizza is dang awesome, too! Try our specialty pies or build your own! Open every day 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Eat in or take out, and delivery is available. Catering is also available: let us bring our delicious food to your next event! Angela’s mobile app—available on both Android and iOS devices—is designed just for you. Get instant access to online ordering, Angela’s Loyalty Program, coupons, dining & catering menus, wing flavors and much more! Download the app today!

Brandywine

11157 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496

brandywinewindham.com 518 734 3838

For the past 35 years, this full-service Italian restaurant has offered great food and impeccable service. Share wonderful memories with your loved ones as we fill your table with delicious Italian cuisine. Born and raised in Southern Italy, owner Louis Caracciolo mastered the art of Italian cookery, and passed it on to his son Joseph, who has continued that art and tradition as chef in the restaurant. We know the formula to capture the rich flavor of your favorite Italian dishes.

Chef Deanna

1645 County Highway 6

Bovina Center, NY 13740

chefdeanna.com

Weddings and special event catering, with delivery available for larger events! Chef Deanna is on the cutting edge of the sustainable food. Surrounded by farmers and local food makers, Chef Deanna creates beautiful dishes using her Sicilian heritage and her love of everything sweet and savory.

Gracie’s Luncheonette

969 Main Street

Leeds, NY 12451

graciestruckny.com 518 943 9363

Our diner-style burgers, fried chicken sandwich, loaded fries and donuts are our signature menu items. All of our breads, pastries and desserts are made fresh in house every day. We make all of our own condiments and even our own cheese. We buy whole beef from Josef Meiller’s farm in Pine Plains, NY and we grind our own special blend for our burgers as well as cut our own steaks. We also cure and smoke our own bacon, pastrami and other meats. All eggs, dairy, produce and other meats are all sourced as locally as possible. the potatoes for our French fries are even grown right in Catskill at Story’s Farm and hand-cut daily!

High Falls Cafe

2842 Route 209

North Marbletown, NY 12484

highfallscafe.com

845 687 2699

Family owned and chef operated since 2005. Scratch kitchen, our dishes are made to order using fresh ingredients. Daily specials. Live music and events weekly. Reservations are highly suggested. Open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 pm to 5 pm, dinner 5 pm to 9 pm. Sunday breakfast 9 am to 1 pm and lunch 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Bar open later all nights and closes at bartenders discretion. Closed on Mondays. Check out our menus and event calendar at highfallscafe.com or like us on Facebook for daily updates at facebook.com/ highfallscafe1

Jessie’s

Harvest House

5819 Main Street

Tannersville, NY 12485

jessiesharvesthouse.com

518 589 5445

Jessie’s Harvest House Restaurant and Lodge is a welcoming & cozy place to gather, featuring a delicious menu of American-style cuisine and elevated comfort foods, with locally-sourced ingredients, a friendly tavern, and rustic country lodging. Family-owned & familyrun, we love to share all the freshest foods our area has to offer! Catering is available. Indoor & outdoor dining.

Mama’s Boy Burgers

6067 Main Street

(at the traffic light)

Tannersville, NY 12485

Mamasboyburgers.com

518 589 6667

Established in 2015, Mama’s Boy Burgers was voted the “Best Burger Shack” in the Hudson Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine. We are all about fresh and local ingredients. Our burgers are made from local, black Angus beef from a farm 6 miles away. Our seasonal produce comes from Story Farms, our ice cream is made in the Hudson Valley. We also offer vegetarian and vegan options. Eat In, Take Out or Order Online.

Pancho Villa’s

Mexican Restaurant

6037 Main Street

Tannersville, NY 12485

panchovillamex.com

518 589 5134

The Best Mexican Food this side of the Border! Pancho Villa’s is owned and operated by the Oscar and Patricia Azcue family. They have been proudly serving authentic Mexican food on Main Street in Tannersville since 1992. Rooted in tradition, their passion is sharing great food and good company. All of the traditional Mexican favorites are served here, from enchiladas and burritos to chimichangas and flautas...plus great margaritas and daiquiris! Open every day except Tuesday.

RETAIL

Camp Catskill

6006 Main Street

Tannersville, NY 12485

campcatskill.co 518 303 6050

Your destination for sustainable gear & gifts, including clothing, footwear, backpacks, and hiking gear. Our mission is to help you feel good about what you buy, what you wear, and the gear you use (and reuse) in the wild. Having the right gear lets you spend more time outside in nature, which in turn connects you directly to the importance of preserving the natural wonders of our world. We work with brands that care about their impact on the planet and its people, and we donate 1% of our revenue to environmental nonprofits here in the Catskills.

Catskill Mountain

Foundation Gift Shop

6042 Main Street

Tannersville, NY 12485

518 589 7500

Operated by the Catskill Mountain Foundation and located next door to the Orpheum Performing Arts Center, our shop features a curated selection of home decor items and gifts from around the Region and around the world. Open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays from 11 am to 6 pm.

L & G Roofing & Construction

6 Mitchell Hollow Road

Windham, NY 12496

windhamroofs.com

518 734 4488

Trust is the key when hiring a roofing contractor. At L&G Roofing and Construction, we strive to be a roofing contractor who has built the trust of our entire community. Our reputation is our most important asset, and we are proud to be one of the highest rated contractors around. When it comes time for your next roof, be sure to call to see all that we have to offer.

Greene County Economic Development Corporation

411 Main Street

Catskill, NY 12414

greenecountyedc.com

518 719 3290

Your gateway to establishing your business in Greene County. Their team connects entrepreneurs, developers, and corporate leadership with resources, municipalities, and investment incentives for job-creating businesses.

Olivia’s Wine & Spirits

128 South Street

Windham, NY 12496

oliviaswineandspirits.com

518 750 8026

Wine connoisseur Robert Giordano has traveled the world learning about wine, and brings his vast knowledge and passion for wines from all over the world to Windham. Olivia’s Wine & Spirits offers a diverse selection of wines at a variety of competitive price points, as well as a variety of bourbons, whiskeys, and other liquors. Open every day.

Town & Country Liquors

330 Route 12

Saugerties, NY 12477

townandcountryliquorstore.com

845 246 8931

Our selection of wines and spirits is among the best in the Hudson Valley. Our friendly helpful staff is here to assist you in finding the right beverage: we have a huge selection of wines and spirits from all over the world.

The Catskill Mountain Foundation

Photo by Fran Driscoll, francisxdriscoll.com

Natural Agriculture at CMF’s Farm at Sugar Maples

By Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson

The Catskill Mountain Foundation’s 4.5-acre farm at the Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts takes organic farming a step farther by following the Shumei method of Natural Agriculture. Founded in the 1930s by the Japanese spiritual leader Mokichi Okada, Shumei centers Natural Agriculture as a basic principle.

Like traditional organic farming, Shumei farming uses compost liberally and avoids chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Its goal, though, is to grow food plants the same way they would grow in nature. For this reason, the Shumei method avoids many of the fertilizers typically used in other organic farming methods. No manures and no soil amendments from outside the farm are used, only compost made from plants that grew onsite. Seeds are saved from the crops grown on the farm and used to plant the next year’s crops. Over time, the generations of saved seeds result in seeds especially suited for the farm’s specific local environment with its unique soil structure and weather patterns.

The farm at Sugar Maples got its start after Peter Finn, who founded the Catskill Mountain Foundation and chairs its board of directors, started an organic farm of his own in Hunter about 25 years ago. When the Shumei organization hired his PR firm, Finn became intrigued by the Natural Agriculture method and agreed to use his farm as a demonstration site. Shumei provided a full-time farm manager trained in their Natural Agriculture

method. It was a beautiful change, says Finn, who had only been able to farm part-time due to his wide-ranging other responsibilites, to have an expert devoting full time to managing the farm. Community members praised the quality of the vegetables.

After five successful years with the farm in Hunter, ground was broken at Sugar Maples for a new farm. Compost made from local vegetation was spread on the fields. For the past two decades, the Sugar Maples farm has been producing high-quality vegetables which are sold to the public every Saturday during the growing season. In September, greens like lettuce, kale and chard are available, as well as root crops like carrots, beets, garlic and potatoes, and of course winter squash and tomatoes. In the spring, tomato plants are offered, as well as early season crops like spinach, arugula and sugar snap peas. Through the summer, green beans, scallions, zucchini, cucumbers, radishes and Chinese cabbage are also available.

Although the farmstand closed for the season at the end of September, it will reopen the first Saturday of May at 15 Big Hollow Road in Maplecrest in the Town of Windham. Open hours will be 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. every Saturday.

Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson enjoys gardening in Catskill. She also writes a weekly Substack series, The Generous Garden, online at mtomlinson.substack.com.

Farm manager Dawa Sherpa in the greenhouse at the CMF Natural Agriculture Farm at Sugar Maples

A THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN THE CATSKILLS

By Jeff Senterman

s the last of the leaves fall from our trees and the colder temperatures spread throughout the mountains, November can be a great time to get outside in the Catskills, especially if you are a sportsperson and enjoy taking part in the numerous hunting seasons that are available throughout the month. For hikers or other non-sportspeople, it does not mean that you should not get out and enjoy the woods…it just means you need to follow a few extra precautions, so be sure to read through our section on hunting season so you are prepared.

Do not just be ready for hunting season though, November weather can be very unpredictable, so it is best to plan ahead and be prepared so you can enjoy your outdoor adventures in the Catskill Mountains. Weather can change dramatically between the Hudson Valley and Catskill summits, especially in months like November. What could be a light rain at low elevations can be freezing rain or snow at higher elevations. Wetness and dampness can also quickly escalate to hypothermia as it becomes more difficult to stay warm in cold and wet temperatures. Always plan and prepare!

Hikers, Walkers and Mountain Bikers: Be Alert

During Seasonal Hunting Seasons

Bow season for deer hunting in the Catskill Park opened in October and runs through November 15. Regular (rifle) season for deer hunting begins on November 16 and runs through December 8. Bow season picks back up on December 9 and runs through the end of the year, with exceptions for the holidays.

There are also seasons for turkey, bear, bobcat and other small mammals. For all the details about hunting seasons, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) maintains a website at dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/seasons

with extensive seasonal information on all of the different hunting seasons, their geographic areas and additional information for both hunters and those who wish to recreate during the fall hunting season.

Anyone planning on being in the woods should always be aware of the hunting regulations in the area where they are recreating and should always wear blaze orange during hunting seasons to reduce the risk of any incidents.

Don’t forget to watch your pets too! Dogs should be wearing blaze orange when they are in the woods with you during hunting seasons and should always remain under your control (preferably leashed) to avoid incidents.

Catskill Park Trail Conditions

Local recreational opportunities are always changing in the Catskill Park, and by visiting the Catskills Visitor Center’s Trail Conditions page, you can stay on top of those changes. Staff at the Visitor Center are regularly posting updates related to the Catskill Park, Catskill trails, Catskill campgrounds and camping, Catskill boating, and more at catskillstrailconditions.com.

Catskill Park Coalition Priorities for 2025: You Can Help Support the Catskills!

The Catskill Park Coalition represents dozens of organizations who work in and care for the Catskill Park and the surrounding Catskills region. Every year the Coalition prepares priorities for the upcoming NYS budget and advocates for equitable funding of the Catskill Park and Catskills communities. Many of the members of the Coalition partner with New York State, local governments, and other stakeholders to implement critical Catskill Park programs to conserve open space, steward our

Kaaterskill Clove.

Photo by Colin D. Young/shutterstock.com

existing recreational resources, protect and improve water quality, promote responsible forest stewardship, build community resilience, and create new trails and public access.

The Coalition knows that investments in the Catskill Park protect our natural resources, support important jobs for our region, and provide clean drinking water protection for millions of New Yorkers. The priorities for the Coalition in the upcoming NYS Budget affirm tourism opportunities, natural resource protections, clean water, public health protections, climate resilience, recreational access, job creation, and quality of life for residents of and visitors to the Catskill Park.

Public Safety and Catskill Park Management: The NYSDEC must be adequately staffed, including new staff in the Division of Lands and Forests and annual Forest Ranger Academies. The Catskill Park Coordinator role must be adequately funded, and aid to localities funding of $100,000 is necessary for Catskill Park Stewardship Programs by Catskill Mountainkeeper and Catskill Center.

Environmental Protection Fund (EPF): Fund the Environmental Protection Fund at $400 million. Within the EPF, maintain existing funding lines for the Catskills including: $10 million Forest Preserve line; $250,000 line for the Catskills Visitor Center; $200,000 line for Catskill Science Collaborative; $500,000 for the “Save the Hemlocks” initiative; and $300,000 in dedicated Catskills funding for Smart Growth Grants.

Supporting Local Economies: Support Catskills communities by investing in projects with direct community benefits. Improve cellular service, support construction of the U&D Rail Trail, expand affordable housing, and improve trail connectivity to downtown main streets.

What can you do to help? Contact your local elected officials (the Governor, State Senators, and State Assemblymembers especially and let them know that you support the Catskill Park and the priorities of the Catskill Park Coalition. It doesn’t matter where in New York you live, but your elected officials need to know you support the Catskills!

Also, make plans to take part in Catskill Park Day! Organized annually by the Catskill Center as co-Chair of the Catskill Park Coalition, the 2024 Catskill Park Day will be held this February, with details to follow. This day is an opportunity for supporters of the Catskills to have their voice heard in Albany and to make a difference in the support and funding that the Park receives. For more information visit catskillcenter.org/advocacy.

Visit the Catskill Park’s Visitor Center

Located at 5096 Route 28 in Mount Tremper, the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center (CVC) is the official visitor center for the Catskill Park. A program of the Catskill Center, staff are available at the CVC with information, maps and all the advice needed to plan a Catskill adventure. The CVC is open every day through the end of November from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Visitors can get their Catskill questions answered in person, get the beautiful and useful Catskill Map and Guide, browse tourism materials, and shop at the CVC’s gift shop that includes hiking maps, regional books, and much more. CVC staff are also available to answer

#RecreateResponsibly

in the Catskills

Time in nature, and outdoor recreation has proven to be essential for all.

Especially during uncertain times, all of us, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, to families heading out to their local park for the first time, can turn to community and simple reminders about how to safely & responsibly recreate outdoors while caring for one another.

The Recreate Responsibly guidelines came together to offer a starting point for getting outside to keep yourself and others safe while working to maintain access to our beloved natural spaces.

Read on to learn the primary tips on how to responsibly recreate outdoors. Each edition of the guidelines have been developed by bringing together topline issues and experts to distill key concepts that when implemented, build a community of care in the outdoors.

Learn more at recreateresponsibly.org

Know Before you Go

Check the status of the place you want to visit for closures, fire restrictions, and weather.

Plan and Prepare

Reservations and permits may be required. Make sure you have the gear you need and a back-up plan

Build an Inclusive Outdoors

Be an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.

Respect Others

There is space for everyone and countless outdoor activities. Be kind to all who use the outdoors and nature differently.

Leave No Trace

Respect the land, water, wildlife, and Native communities. Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles. Learn more at LeaveNoTrace.org

Make It Better

We all have a responsibility to sustain the places we love. Volunteer, donate, and advocate for the outdoors.

questions about the Catskills and the Catskill Park via email at info@catskillcenter.org or phone at 845 688 3369 during normal business hours.

In addition, there are 1.5 miles of trails on the CVC’s grounds and the 80-foot tall Upper Esopus Fire Tower, offering unrivaled views of the surrounding mountains and Esopus Creek valley.

Visitors can explore the ever expanding resources available online for the CVC on the web at catskillsvisitorcenter.org, the CVC’s Facebook page at facebook.com/catskillsvisitorcenter, and the CVC on Instagram at @catskills.visitor.center.

Catskill Park Advisory Committee

The Catskill Park Advisory Committee (CPAC) was established to facilitate communication within the Park and consists of representatives from local governments and organizations chaired by the Catskill Center. Meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public. If you’d like to learn more, join the mailing list or attend the next meeting, please email the Catskill Center at at cccd@catskillcenter.org with CPAC in the subject asking to be added to the mailing list.

Catskills Hiking Guides with the Hiker Trash

Husbands on YouTube and the Web

Looking to explore the trails of the Catskills (and beyond) before you hit the trail? My husband and I have a YouTube channel showcasing our hiking adventures in the Catskills and beyond! You can find The Hiker Trash Husbands on YouTube at youtube. com/thehikertrashhusbands. If you’re in the Catskills and have cable provided by MTC, you can catch our videos on CatskillsAir, MTC Channel 1.

For the two of us, The Hiker Trash Husbands is not only a way to show friends and family our hiking adventures, but an

effort to provide positive LGBTQ+ representation in the hiking world, while providing the general public with useful hiking information and guides. We love to showcase our own hiking adventures, along with other queer outdoors folks. You can learn more about our efforts, along with detailed hike descriptions and hiking guides, by visiting our website at hikertrashhusbands.com.

Give Back to the Catskills

The natural beauty, the majesty of the mountains, the protection of the Catskill Forest Preserve, the region’s natural and cultural resources, all need your help! By supporting the work of the Catskill Center, you support: stewardship of our Catskill Park and its vast natural resources; the Center’s collaborative spirit as we convene, create partnerships and facilitate discussions that benefit the region; and the Center’s work to support education, arts and culture throughout the Catskills.

To support the work of the Catskill Center, become a member online through their website at catskillcenter.org/donate or donate by mail: Checks made out to the “Catskill Center” can be mailed to Catskill Center, PO Box 504, Arkville, NY 12406.

Jeff Senterman is the Executive Director of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development in Arkville, NY, a member of the Board of Directors for the Catskill Watershed Corporation, and the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce. Jeff graduated with a degree in Environmental Science from Lyndon State College and worked for many years as an Environmental Planner in New England before coming back to New York and the Catskills working in the nonprofit sector.

Photo by Jeff Senterman

The MOUNTAIN CINEMA

Open Friday-Monday

LEE

DOCTOROW CENTER FOR THE ARTS

7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442

The story of American photographer Lee Miller, a fashion model who became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II. 11/1-11/3

HERETIC

Two young women of religion are drawn into a game of cat and mouse in the house of a strange man. Opens 11/8

A DIFFERENT MAN

After undergoing facial-reconstructive surgery, Edward becomes fixated on an actor in a stage production based on his former life. 11/8-11/10 & 11/15-11/17

THE OUTRUN

After living life on the edge in London, Rona attempts to come to terms with her troubled past. Hoping to heal, she returns to the wild beauty of Scotland’s Orkney Islands where she grew up. 11/22-11/24 & 11/29-12/1

WICKED

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its way to the big screen as a spectacular two-part cinematic event this holiday season. 11/22-11/24, 11/29-12/1, & 12/6-12/8

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

This is just a sampling of all of the events in the Catskills this November. To request that your event be included in future calendars, please email tafts@catskillmtn.org

Please call ahead or visit the website for each event to confirm details, including any admission costs.

ONGOING

Delhi Winter Farmers Market

The Delhi Farmers Market has an amazing line up of dedicated farmers, bakers, makers and more. Each week they bring their best with a wide selection of goods. You will find a variety of your kitchen staples—fresh bread, farm fresh cheeses, vegetables, jams, poultry and more. To help ward off the cold, you will find crocheted apparel, distilled spirits, amaryllis bulbs, and homemade pie. If you’d like to add sparkle and shine to your winter, there are unique jewelers at the market.

Location: Delhi American Legion, 41 Page Avenue, Delhi

Hours: Every Wednesday, 9am-2pm

Phoenicia Winter Farmers Market

Phoenicia Farmers Market is a volunteer-led movement to increase access to locally-grown foods in the Town of Shandaken. We bring together local farms, artisanal makers, full-time residents, and seasonal visitors to a weekly market to shop, learn, gather, and compost. EBT/SNAP Benefits are accepted.

Location: Pine Hill Community Center, 287 Main Street, Pine Hill

Hours: Every Sunday, noon-4pm

Kingston Farmers Market

The Kingston Farmers Market fosters a sense of community, where people come together to shop, talk and learn. A wide variety of produce, baked goods, alcohol, goodies and gift items.

Location: County Courthouse parking lot, 285 Wall St, Kingston

Hours: Every Saturday through November 23, 9:00 am-1:00 pm

More Info: kingstonfarmersmarket.org

Online Meditation with Bushel

Bushel is hosting online meditation sessions that include guided meditation, group interaction, and support. New sitters and seasoned sitters are welcome. Meditation sessions are free and open to all, but donations are welcome to support this program.

Location: Join via Zoom

Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30-7:00 am

More Info & Zoom Link: bushelcollective.org/meditation-calendar/

Magic On Main—

An Intimate Parlor Experience

Join Magician Sean Doolan for a magic show in his private library located in a historic building on Main Street in Windham. Sean will weave his personal story of transitioning from a trial lawyer

to a magician in interactive magical routines. In this parlor show, By reservation only, no walkins. Dates and times subject to change without notice, see website for updated calendar.

Location: 5428 NY Route 23 (Main Street), Windham

Dates & Times: Check website for most up-todate schedule

More Info: MagicOnMainWindham.com

THROUGH NOVEMBER 1

Plein Air Extravaganza

Participants in plein air workshops held in August display their work.

Location: Main Street Center, 5494 County Route 23, Windham

More Info: mainstreetcenter.org

THROUGH NOVEMBER 2

Nature Ruthlessly Recalled: Paintings by Susan Mayr

For most of her life Susan Mayr has been an urban dweller longing for mountains, forests, and trees. She has traveled regularly to Nova Scotia for months at a time to fill herself with its atmosphere and light. In this show, memory meets the moment as her work reveals itself in a place remembered.

Location: Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford

More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org

THROUGH

NOVEMBER 10

Particle Point Collisions

James Holl book launch and art exhibition. “Holl is a master colorist– there are no false notes in these paintings. The works have a lyricism to them that one can easily imagine are traces of light flying across their surfaces: they have a feeling of truth.”

Location: Athens Cultural Center, 24 Second Street, Athens

Gallery Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 12:00-5:00 pm

More Info: athensculturalcenter.org

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week (HVRW) offers food lovers the perfect excuse to indulge in some of the region’s best dining spots at special prices. This biannual event is a fantastic way to support local restaurants during quieter periods, and the Catskills’ culinary gems are stepping up with prix fixe menus that highlight seasonal flavors, local ingredients, and signature dishes.

Location: Throughout the Catskill Region

More Info: valleytable.com/restaurantweek

THROUGH NOVEMBER 17

Ron Macklin plus Members’ Group Show

Ron’s paintings strive to provide joy, mystery and a sensitivity to places, people and objects. He wants to honor his subjects by removing distractions and painting them a celebratory light. Subjects may be organic or man-made, commonplace or grandiose, newly-minted or weathered over many years.

Location: Longyear Gallery, 785 Main Street, Margaretville Gallery Hours: Friday-Sunday and holiday Mondays from 12:00-5:00 pm

More Info: longyeargallery.org

THROUGH NOVEMBER

18

Leland Powley-Nelson

Born and raised in Jefferson, NY, Leland Powley-Nelson is a largely self-taught artist, by close observation, interested in all variety things from poetry to Pokemon. He attended SUNY Delhi, exploring widely disparate liberal arts interests, and has for the past year spent time studying with The Alternative Art School. Currently Leland works as an intern at KIPNZ Gallery, and has been awarded a prestigious, 4 week residency at Byrdcliffe in Woodstock.

Location: West Kortright Center, 49 W Kortright Church Rd., East Meredith

More Info: westkc.org

THROUGH NOVEMBER 24

The Doll Show

A survey of artworks inspired by dolls, this exhibition includes works by contemporary artists in a variety of mediums including sculpture, painting, installation, film, and photography, alongside examples of historic dolls and dolls found in popular culture with works ranging from dolls presented as social commentary to whimsical, metaphorical, magical, beautiful, and even terrifying examples of dolls.

Location: Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild, 34 Tinker Street, Woodstock

More Info: woodstockguild.org

Jim Holl, “Particle Point Collisions”

CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH THE ARTS

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS & SUPPORTERS!

Catskill Mountain Foundation is supported in part by New York State Council on the Arts, the Greene County Cultural Fund administered by the Greene County Legislature, The Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, The Royce Family Foundation, The Samuel and Esther Doctorow Fund, The Orville and Ethel Slutzky Family Foundation, Platte Clove Bruderhof Community, Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation, The Greene County Youth Bureau, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, All Souls’ Church, Stewarts Shops, Windham Foundation, and by private donations.

7971 Main Street, Village of Hunter 518 263 2001 • www.catskillmtn.org

THROUGH NOVEMBER 30

Outside the Box

Iroquois Museum’s Outside the Box presents the work of 10 Iroquois/Haudenosaunee individuals whose creative paths diverge from the unexpected to break molds and make inroads into areas of expression where Indigenous representation is rare.

Location: Iroquois Museum, 324 Caverns Road, Howes Cave

More Info: iroquoismuseum.org or 518 296 8949

THROUGH DECEMBER 1

Alan Michelson: Prophetstown

Artist Alan Michelson (Mohawk, Six Nations of the Grand River) presents a site-responsive exhibition throughout the historic artist’s home and landscape including the first complete American display of Prophetstown, 2012; the first New York display of Hanödaga:yas (Town Destroyer), 2018; and video and other mixed media installations.

Location: Thomas Cole National Historic Site, 218 Spring Street, Catskill Days: Saturdays & Sundays

More Info: thomascole.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 14

Instructors Exhibition

This show features Woodstock School of Art instructors exhibiting in a wide range of media.

Location: Robert H. Angeloch Gallery, Woodstock School of Art, 2470 Route 212, Woodstock Gallery Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm

More Info: woodstockschoolofart.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 28

Iyengar Yoga with Carolyn Christie

The Iyengar method of learning and practicing asanas engages the mind as well as body. With breath as conditioner, the mind as the seeker, Iyengar yoga practice gives strength mobility to the body, stability to the mind. Open to all; class is for all levels. Fee payable to instructor.

Location: Bushel Collective, 106 Main St, Delhi

Time: Saturdays, 10:00-11:30 am

More Info: bushelcollective.org

NOVEMBER 1

First Fridays Athens

The Athens Cultural Center opens its doors to celebrate the rich tapestry of culture and creativity that defines our community. Best of all, it’s absolutely free to attend! Discover new exhibitions, connect with fellow art enthusiasts, and unwind with a refreshing drink in hand.

Location: Athens Cultural Center, 24 Second Street, Athens

Time: 5:00-7:00 pm

More Info: friendsofathens.org

First Fridays Catskill

Stroll Main Street, Catskill on the 1st Friday of every month. Local shops are open late, most until 8 pm, offering specials like sips & snacks, pop-ups, music, discounts, and FUN!

Location: Main Street & Bridge Street, Catskill

More Info: firstfridayscatskill.com

Walton First Fridays

Local shops in Walton stay open late with deals and events for the community to enjoy!

Location: Walton

More Info: instagram.com/waltonfirstfridays

Ghost Funk Orchestra + The Brighton Beat

Ghost Funk Orchestra is the brainchild of composer/multi-instrumentalist Seth Applebaum. What started as a one-man recording project has now evolved into a powerhouse live band. It’s a sonic kaleidoscope that defies genre specification, but draws heavy influence from the worlds of soul, psych rock, salsa, and beyond. The Brighton Beat’s influences range from Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, to modern cuttingedge NYC Jazz with a heavy helping of classic New Orleans brass band Funk.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

Robyn Hitchcock with Imogen Clark

Robyn Hitchcock is one of England’s most enduring contemporary singer/songwriters and live performers. A surrealist poet, talented guitarist, cult artist and musician’s musician, Hitchcock is among alternative rock’s father figures and is the closest thing the genre has to a Bob Dylan.

Location: Levon Helm Studios, 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: levonhelm.com

NOVEMBER 1-30

Japanese Masterpieces by Hizawa Ryujin Windham Fine Arts is honored to introduce three exquisite works by Japanese artist Hizawa Ryujin, whose mastery of traditional techniques brings the beauty of nature to life. The pieces are hand-painted using time-honored methods and materials that have been integral to Japanese art for centuries. Each piece reflects a profound connection to both nature and tradition, offering viewers a rare opportunity to engage with the spirit and techniques of ancient Japanese artistry.

Location: Windham Fine Arts, 5380 Main Street, Windham More Info: director@windhamfinearts.com, 518 734 6850, or windhamfinearts.com

Hizawa Ryujin, “Autumn”

NOVEMBER

2

Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays

Music of The Beatles & More for Kids

The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (NY Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity.

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock

Time: 12:00 pm

More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

Indigenous Birds of Prey

Justin Wexler (Wild Hudson Valley) & Ellen Kalish (Ravensbeard Wildlife Center) share beautiful winged creatures, illuminating their habitat and cultural significance amongst Northeastern native peoples, past and present.

Location: The Ashokan Center 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge

Time: 3:00-5:00 pm

More Info: ashokancenter.org

Hallowed: Celebrating Our Beloved Departed

The Widow Jane Mine will host a collective expression of love, gratitude, and remembrance honoring our departed loved ones on the Day of the Dead and All Souls’ Day. Join us for candle lighting followed by music and dancing. Tamales and treats by Sabor De Mi Pueblo with Tilda’s Kitchen.

Location: Widow Jane Mine, 668 Route 213, Rosendale

Time: 5:00 pm

More Info: widowjanemine.com

First Annual Concert Fundraiser

Join us this year as we celebrate our 15th year of great film, live theatre, music, fine art and so much more! This year we will honor UC Legislature Chair, Peter Criswell, UC Executive, Jen Metzger, and Kingston Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs, Kitt Potter. Food and drink will be included. Our featured band will be regional favorites, The Mammals with opening act, Henry Ferland, an extraordinary guitarist who recently blew away the crowd at The Rosendale Street Festival with his dexterous finger picking skills.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale

Time: 6:00 pm

More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

Harmony of Light: A Beacon of Unity for Our Community

Uniting Our Community. Come together at Henry Hudson Riverfront Park and Athens Riverfront Park for a Thanksgiving prayer and the annual lighting ceremony of the HudsonAthens Lighthouse. Performance by the Hudson Community Choir.

Location: Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, Hudson & Athens Riverfront Park, Athens Hours: 6:30 pm

More information: halps.org

Moonlit Masquerade:

A Costumed Ball Fundraiser

Join us for an enchanting evening at the Moonlit Masquerade, a captivating costume ball that promises an unforgettable night of magic and mystery, all in support of The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck.

Location: The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck Days & Times: 7:00 pm

More Info: CenterforPerformingArts.org

Roots of Creation: Grateful Dub

RoC (Roots of Creation) has taken on a unique new project: Grateful Dub: a Reggae-infused tribute to the Jerry Garcia & The Grateful Dead. Combining their longtime love for ReggaeDub style music and the Grateful Dead, RoC reworked some of the world’s favorite Dead tunes into a new studio album. Grateful Dub is also being performed live in its entirety around the country, and features rotating live special guests. Grateful Dub captures the spirit and magic of the Grateful Dead, while laying it down Reggae-Dub style.

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

Matthew Whitaker

Matthew’s musical journey began at age 3 with a keyboard gift from his grandfather. He’s now an artist, captivating audiences globally and appearing on notable T.V. shows like Showtime at the Apollo, The Today Show, Ellen, and a feature on 60 Minutes

Location: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Rd., Bethel Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bethelwoodscenter.org

Lez Zeppelin with Blueberry

Founded in 2004 by New York guitarist, Steph Paynes, the all-girl quartet,LEZ ZEPPELIN, has since gained unanimous critical acclaim as one of the most exciting live acts around, becoming the first female rock act to pay homage to Led Zeppelin and to garner rave reviews across the board. LEZ ZEPPELINs tays true to the musically audacious spirit of the original, delivering the legendary rock band’s blistering arrangements and monstrous sound note-for-note at sold-out frenzied shows around the world.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

Grahame Lesh and Friends

Grahame Lesh is a guitar player and singersongwriter for Midnight North, Phil Lesh & Friends, & the Terrapin Family Band. A mainstay in the scene that flowered from Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, Grahame has joined such luminaries as The Mother Hips, Twiddle, Amy Helm, The North Mississippi All Stars, Neal Casal, Jackie Greene, Eric Krasno, ALO, and many more in singing, playing, and interpreting the American songbook. As a founder and co-frontperson for Midnight North, Grahame has played hundreds of concerts around the country and released five studio albums, three live albums, and two digital EPs of original music. In the Fall of 2023 the band released their 5th studio album Diamonds in the Zodiac, which was produced by Amy Helm and features contributions from Phil Lesh and many other luminaries.

Location: Levon Helm Studios, 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock

Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: levonhelm.com

NOVEMBER 2-JANUARY 10, 2025

Art on the Line

All art will be hung, unframed, on a line through the Community Center. All mediums accepted. In an effort to support local artists during the holiday season and encourage the gifting of art, all works will be priced at $100.

Location: Main Street Center, 5494 County Route 23, Windham

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 2, 1:30-5:00 pm

More Info: mainstreetcenter.org

NOVEMBER 2-JANUARY 11, 2025

Glimpses of Our Landscape— Black and White and Color

A duo-show featuring work by Amy Silberkleit and Natalie Wargin. The stark intricacies of Amy Silberkleit’s lithograph prints and the fantastical elements of Natalie Wargin’s paintings explore the magic and wonder of the forest.

Location: Roxbury Arts Center, 5025 Vega Mountain Rd, Roxbury

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 2, 4:00-6:00 pm

More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org

NOVEMBER 3

Sunday Silents: The Lodger (1927)

When a landlady (Marie Ault) and her husband (Arthur Chesney) take in a new lodger (Ivor Novello), they’re overjoyed: He’s quiet, humble and pays a month’s rent in advance. But his mysterious and suspicious behavior soon has them wondering if he’s the killer terrorizing local blond girls. Their daughter, Daisy (June), a cocky model, is far less concerned, her attraction obvious. Her police-detective boyfriend (Malcolm Keen), in a pique of jealousy, seeks to uncover the lodger’s true identity. Live piano accompaniment by Marta Waterman.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: 2:00 pm

More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

Stand-Up Comedy:

John Caparulo with Parker Tighe

A comedian known for his sharp wit, unique delivery, and brilliant affinity for cuss words, John Caparulo is a seasoned comic whose dry, no-nonsense Midwestern sensibility endears him to audience members of all kinds.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock

Time: Early show @ 6:30 pm.

Late show @ 8:30 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

NOVEMBER 6

Lunch & Learn: NYSERDA’s Agriculture Energy Efficiency Programs

Join us for a lunch-and-learn event to discover NYSERDA’s Agriculture Energy Audit Program, available at no cost to New York farmers. We’ll also cover the REAP Technical Assistance Program, which can fund up to 50% of your project costs if awarded. Learn how to enroll, navigate the program steps, and resources to help secure funding.

Location: Agroforestry Research Center, 6055 Rt 23, Acra

Time: 12:00 pm

More Info: ccecolumbiagreene.org

Monthly Blues Night: Jaxx Cafe

Jaxx Cafe specializes in original songs with a Blues/Rock base. Front man, Jack Bernice, a member of the N.Y. Blues Hall of Fame, electrifies the stage with his harmonica and passionate vocals. The band has been compared to the early Rolling Stones, and their original music is innovative while still sticking to their Blues/Rock roots.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

NOVEMBER

7

Emily King

Emily King is an American singer and songwriter. She started her career in 2004 and her first album East Side Story was released in August 2007. In December 2007, King was listed as a Grammy nominee for Best Contemporary R&B Album. In 2019 Emily King was nominated for Best R&B Song for the 62nd Grammy Awards and her album Scenery was nominated for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. In 2020 Emily King was nominated again, this time for the category of Best R&B Performance for her song “See Me”.

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre:

A Brief History of Tull

Over 50 years, Jethro Tull has accumulated over 65 million record sales and a following of loyal fans that are the envy of rock bands worldwide! At the center of Tull’s unique sound is guitarist Martin Barre, renowned for his formidable mastery of historic riffs, power chords and soaring melodic solos. Martin Barre celebrates the musical journey of Jethro Tull at his new show that features a special visual presentation that, together with the music, highlights the 50 years of Jethro Tull musical career.

Location: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Rd., Bethel Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bethelwoodscenter.org

Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers with Lillie Mae

Jim Lauderdale has won two Grammys, released 34 full-length albums, and taken home the Americana Music Association’s coveted Wagonmaster Award. Operating under his own label, Sky Crunch Records, for the first time since 2016, Lauderdale recorded Game Changer at the renowned Blackbird Studios in Nashville, co-producing the release with Jay Weaver and pulling from songs he’d written over the last several years.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

Bruce Cockburn

One of Canada’s finest artists, Bruce Cockburn has enjoyed an illustrious career shaped by politics, spirituality, and musical diversity. His remarkable journey has seen him embrace folk, jazz, rock, and worldbeat styles while travelling to such far-flung places as Guatemala, Mali, Mozambique, and Nepal, and writing memorable songs about his ever-expanding world of wonders.

Location: Levon Helm Studios, 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: levonhelm.com

NOVEMBER 8

Headwaters Hangouts

Headwaters Hangouts offers creators of all disciplines the opportunity to work on expression in new and different ways in a social setting. A workout for your creativity and an opportunity to meet other local creators, Headwaters Hangoutsare free and open to everyone.

Location: Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main St, Stamford

Time: 6:00-8:00 pm

More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org

The Sleeping Beauty

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine is thrilled to announce its upcoming performance of the fulllength ballet The Sleeping Beauty in three acts at the historic Ulster Performing Arts Center. Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: bardavon.org

NOVEMBER 8-10

Botanical Art & Nature

Sketching Retreat 2024

Nature enthusiasts of ALL artistic skill levels, join Wendy Hollender, Lara Call Gastinger, Giacomina Ferrillo, and Jean Mackay for a special weekend retreat celebrating nature and botanical art. Develop your nature journaling techniques with fellow passionate creators in a friendly, informal learning environment.

Location: The Ashokan Center 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge

More Info: ashokancenter.org

Fortnightly Club of Catskill’s Festival of Trees

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Greene County Festival of Trees. Admire stunningly decorated Christmas trees, enjoy live music, and indulge in holiday treats. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and support your community.

Location: Anthony’s Banquet Hall, 746 Route 23B, Leeds

More Info: facebook.com/Festival-of-TreesFortnightly-Club-of-Catskill-136232303090311

NOVEMBER 8-24

Spring Awakening

The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening is told by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater through what Entertainment Weekly called, “the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade.” Set in repressive, 1891 Germany, where adults hold all the cards, Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. The landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll that has exhilarated audiences across the nation like no other musical in years. Join this group of late 19th century German students on their passage as they navigate teenage self-discovery and coming-of-age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion in the daring, remarkable Spring Awakening

Location: The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck

Days & Times: Friday & Saturday @ 8:00 pm; Sunday @ 3:00 pm

More Info: CenterforPerformingArts.org

NOVEMBER 9

Second Saturday Trunk Sale

Shopping for a Cause! Presented by Cultivate Catskill: Come for the selling, shopping, and socializing!

Location: Greene County Water Street Parking Lot, situated behind the Greene County office building

Time: 9:00 am-1:00 pm

More information: cultivatecatskill.org

Printmaking with Amy Silberkleit

From monotypes to lithography, printmaking is a vast and varied art form that includes many different skills and methods. During this intensive, 5-hour workshop printmaker Amy Silberkleit will introduce a variety of techniques, materials and tools for you to make your own prints using a portable artist’s press, professional-grade materials and high quality paper.

Location: Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford

Time: 10:00 am-3:00 pm

More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org

Caleb Teicher & Swing Out Dancers: A Very SW!NG OUT Holiday

‘Tis the season to swing! In a special holiday revival of the hit show, SW!NG OUT, acclaimed director/choreographer Caleb Teicher and their collaborators (Evita Arce, LaTasha Barnes, Nathan Bugh, and Eyal Vilner) invite you to revel in the joy of social dance and festive cheer! In A Very SW!NG OUT Holiday, Lindy Hop champions bring their talents to the Orpheum’s stage to kick off the holiday season.

Location: Orpheum Performing Arts Center, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: catskillmtn.org

Jamie McLean Band: One Step Forward album release party w/ Troy Mercy Jamie McLean Band creates a musical gumbo that incorporates New Orleans soul, middle Americana roots, Delta blues and New York City swagger. The group’s energetic and captivating live show is undeniable. McLean’s fiery guitar has joined the ranks of Derek Trucks, Gregg Allman, Aaron Neville, Dr. John and more on stages from from Madison Square Garden to Japan’s Fuji Rock. And his top line songwriting chops have crafted profound, honest and heartfelt songs that will keep you singing along, dancing along and feeling like the song was written about you. Jamie McLean Band is touring behind a fantastic new album One Step Forward

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

Saturday Creature Features: Double Feature! House of Frankenstein (1944) and House of Dracula (1945)

House of Frankenstein: Mad scientist Dr. Gustav Niemann (Boris Karloff) is obsessed with continuing Henry Frankenstein’s experiments. Along with his murderous hunchbacked henchman Daniel (J. Carrol Naish), they encounter Count Dracula (John Carradine), the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr.) and the Frankenstein Monster (Glenn Strange)! House of Dracula: Count Dracula (John Carradine) arrives at the home of Dr. Franz Edelmann (Onslow Stevens) seeking a cure for his vampirism. While Dr. Edelmann is treating the Count, Lawrence Talbot/The Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr.) also arrives at Dr. Edelmann’s home demanding a cure for his lycanthropy! Dr. Edelmann soon discovers the Frankenstein Monster in an underground cave

and it’s a monster battle to see who will survive in this penultimate film in Universal Monsters “Monster Rally” series! Come by for all the Universal Monster fun! On the BIG SCREEN!

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale

Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

Nikka Costa

Domenica “Nikka” Costa is an American singer whose music combines elements of pop, soul, and blues.

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

Ben Folds: Paper Airplane Request Tour

Ben Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation. The Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter-composer has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. For the past three decades, he’s toured as a pop artist, while also performing with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras.

Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bardavon.org

NOVEMBER 9-10

Wylder Windham X Hester Street Fair

Hester Street is a space for people, and businesses to gather, celebrate and discover what unites and propels their local community. Going beyond a typical street fair, or market, we provide the infrastructure to empower people’s pursuit of passion through commerce, connection, and cultural inclusion. Undoubtedly, the little giant of NYC markets.

Location: Wylder Windham, 19 Route 296, Windham

More Info: wylderhotels.com/windham

NOVEMBER 9-15

Fallforart.org

30 participating artists offering their wide range of high-quality visual art representing ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography and pottery.

Location: fallforart.org

Time: From 7:00 pm on November 9 through 5:00 pm on November 15

More information: fallforart.org

NOVEMBER 10

Las Migas

18 years ago, four women joined forces and talents to rebirth themselves as Las Migas, a group that would find its way to the top of the international flamenco musicscene, with a Latin Grammy nomination in 2017 and later winning an Independent Music Award (MIN) for Best Flamenco Album in 2020 and a Latin Grammy for Best Flamenco Album in 2022.

Location: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Rd., Bethel Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bethelwoodscenter.org

Greg Koch ft. The Koch Marshall Trio Milwaukee native Greg Koch has forged a successful career as “a guitar player’s guitarist.” He is a fiercely creative player with a whole trick bag of impressive techniques, ranging from Albert Lee chicken-pickin’ to Albert King stringbending to all-out Hendrixian abandon.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

NOVEMBER 11

Sammy Rae & The Friends

For as much as Sammy Rae & The Friends may be a band, this collective of dreamers and artists considers themselves a family first. That allfor-one and one-for-all camaraderie ignites their unforgettable and can’t-miss live shows, which serve as a catharsis for both the musicians and their fervent audience. Fronted by singer/songwriter Sammy Rae and honed through years of touring, the group is capable of flourishing in any spotlight thanks to its signature blend of palpable chemistry, deft virtuosity, and vocal fireworks.

Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bardavon.org

NOVEMBER 12

The Bad Plus: Complex Emotions Release Tour

The Bad Plus is an American jazz group from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, formed in 2000. They were originally a piano trio, but became a quartet in 2021: founding members Reid Anderson on bass and David King on drums, as well as guitarist Ben Monder and tenor saxophonist Chris Speed.

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

NOVEMBER 13

Music Fan Series: Hung Up On A Dream: The Zombies Documentary

When rock critics and pop music fans list the British Invasion’s most seminal bands, they usually include the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Who, and the Kinks—but somehow the Zombies get left out. Filmmaker Robert Schwartz (The Argument) sets the vinyl record straight with Hung Up on a Dream: The Zombies Documentary

The Zombies is a charming group of blokes that includes Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone, Chris White, Hugh Grundy, and the late Paul Atkinson. The film recounts the Zombies’ ups and downs, split-ups, reunions and, humorously, the fake bands that cynical record companies created during some of the band’s hiatuses. Today, rather than fade into obscurity or sign on to a nostalgia tour, these aging rockers manage to remain relevant with a new album and tour.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale

Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

The Disco Biscuits

The Disco Biscuits are an American jam band from Philadelphia. The band incorporates elements from a variety of musical genres with a base of electronic and rock. Their style has been described as trance fusion.

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock

Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

NOVEMBER

14

Sugar Skull! A Dìa de Muertos

Musical Adventure

Sugar Skull! is a touring bilingual/bicultural musical for young audiences and families that uses traditional regional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of twelve-year-old Vita Flores. Vita thinks her family has gone loco planning a celebration for deceased loved ones. But when a spirited candy skeleton suddenly springs to life, Vita finds herself on a magical, musical journey to unravel the true meaning of Día de Muertos.

Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston

Time: Shows at 10:00 am & 7:00 pm

More Info: bardavon.org

The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

The Shop Around the Corner is a charming romantic comedy released in 1940, directed by Ernst Lubitsch. Set in a quaint Budapest gift shop, the film stars James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan as two employees who are unaware that they are secretly corresponding with each other through letters, having developed an anonymous romantic connection. The Shop Around the Corner has since become a classic, influencing many romantic comedies that followed, and is fondly remembered for its heartfelt exploration of love and human connection.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale

Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

NOVEMBER 14-24

The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: DISCORD

A Founding Father, a Victorian novelist, and a Russian revolutionary walk into a…stop me if you’ve heard this one. Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy come together in a blistering battle of wits. From Scott Carter (executive producer of Real Time with Bill Maher), this whip-smart comedy examines what happens when three famous thinkers are locked together in Hell. Yearning for a little food for thought with your fun? This one’s for you!

Location: Bridge Street Theater, 44 West Bridge Street, Catskill Day & Time: Thursday-Saturday @ 7:30 pm; Sunday @ 2:00 pm

More Info: bridgest.org

Melvin Seals & JGB

Melvin Seals is an American musician, best known as a longtime member of the Jerry Garcia Band.

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

NOVEMBER 15

“America’s Healthcare Crisis”

Alicia Atwood, Asst. Professor of Economics at Vassar, is an expert on health economics, which she teaches, and on which her research is focused.

Location: D&H Canal Historical Society, 1315 Rte 213, High Falls

Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: canalmuseum.org

Banjo Concert 2024

Join us for a fabulous evening of 5-string bliss in the performance hall with Scott Hopkins, Hilary Hawke, BB Bowness, Maggie Shar, and Keith Billik.

Location: The Ashokan Center 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge

Time: 7:30 pm

More Info: ashokancenter.org

Railroad Earth

Railroad Earth is a bluegrass-influenced Americana band whose music combines elements of progressive bluegrass, folk, rock, country, jazz, Celtic and other Americana influences. Recognized as “carrying on the tradition of improvisational, genre-spanning music laid forth by the Grateful Dead,” Railroad Earth is known for lyrical songwriting and extensive live improvisation.

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

NOVEMBER 15-16

Amy Helm

When creating her fourth album, the soulful and reflective Silver City, Amy Helm was guided by her North Star: women’s voices. The epistolary anthology is a collection of conversations that travel through time, exploring and celebrating womanhood in all its complexities. Silver City blends the folk twang of Helm’s childhood with gospel and soul, drawing inspiration from varied stories. Recorded at Levon Helm Studios, the album finds Helm exploring themes of womanhood, single motherhood, and personal struggles, offering songs that are deeply personal and narrative-driven.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock

Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

NOVEMBER 15-17

Banjo Weekend 2024

It’s Ashokan’s second annual Banjo Weekend, featuring all styles and levels of instruction, jamming, and fun-filled banjo inspiration with your host Scott Hopkins and an exciting teaching staff Hilary Hawke, Maggie Shar, BB Bowness, Keith Billik!

Location: The Ashokan Center 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge

More Info: ashokancenter.org

Writers in the Mountains Literary Retreat

A three day long literary retreat. Immerse yourself in writing and workshops including a reading and film screening.

Location: 506 Main Street, Andes

More Info: writersinthemountains.org

New Genesis: Readings

Join us for a wonderful weekend of Readings by the amazing New Genesis Theater Company. Location: Phoenicia Playhouse, 10 Church St, Phoenicia

More Info: phoeniciaplayhouse.com

NOVEMBER 16

Fall Bounty Basket Class

November is the time of final harvests and copious feasting, and what better to do either than with a generous basket? Carry it underarm through the garden for those last delicatas. Fill it with bread and center it on your Thanksgiving table. In this beginner-friendly class, we will learn the ins-and-outs of frame style basketry in the Appalachian tradition, while utilizing the ever

forgiving basketry reed to weave our basket. No previous basketry experience is required, however some hand strength and stamina are necessary to complete this basket within the workshop time frame.

Location: Kaaterskill Market, 355 Main Street, Catskill

Time: 10:00 am-5:30 pm

More Info: cambiumlostarts.com

Crossing the Veil and Coming Back to Life

An ensemble theater piece based on the true stories of people who have reported near death experiences. The stories follow a travel journey narrative starting with the “moment of death” when the characters have been declared clinically dead or experienced a medical crisis that brought them to the edge of death. This leads to a crossing of the veil between life and death and profound experiences and visions of life in the post-mortem realms. The journey concludes with a return to physical life and the challenges of sharing the experience with others and integrating it into their lives.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale

Time: 2:00 & 5:00 pm

More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

Some Enchanted Evening: Benny Benack III, Stella Katherine Cole, Jabu Graybeal

Led by Emmy-nominated crooner Benny Benack III and singer and social media sensation Stella Katherine Cole, Some Enchanted Evening leads audiences on a jazz-inspired journey through Broadway’s greatest hits from the Golden Age of yesterday to the freshest hits of today. From Hammerstein to Hamilton and everything in between, this musical mashup also showcases Jabu Graybeal, a one-of-a-kind talent and tapdancing star.

Location: Orpheum Performing Arts Center, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville

Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: catskillmtn.org

Patti Smith & Friends

Pioneering artist Patti Smith performs original spoken-word stories from her life, interspersed with songs. Named one of the most influential people in the world in TIME Magazine’s TIME 100, Patti Smith is a poet, singer, songwriter, photographer, and fine artist. A seminal American artist, Smith has produced a body of work whose influence branches out through generations, across disciplines, and around the world.

Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bardavon.org

The Charli Parti

For all the mean, bad, and break-your-boyfriend’s-heart girls—we’re bumpin’ that ‘til the windows crack with B2B club classics.

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock

Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

The Weight Band: Music from Big Pink

The Weight Band, led by Jim Weider, a 15-year former member of The Band, and the guitarist who replaced Robbie Robertson, will pay tribute to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ensemble’s iconic, timeless, and enduring 1968 album, Music from Big Pink. The Weight Band, named for the classic The Band song, will perform a rare and historic show showcasing Music from Big Pink in its entirety, along with outtakes and other favorites by The Band. The show will also include cuts from The Weight Band’s latest album, Shines Like Gold, a dynamic set of classic Americana.

Location: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Rd., Bethel Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bethelwoodscenter.org

NOVEMBER 17

Phoenicia Vendors Market

PFG Vendor’s Market is a vibrant indoor/outdoor marketplace featuring a diverse selection of local vendors. Explore a wide mix of fresh foods, baked goods, crafts from artisanal makers, antiques, and freshly roasted coffee, among other delights.

Location: 5419 State Route 28, Mt. Tremper

Time: 10:00 am-3:00 pm

More Info: phoeniciafga.org/pfg-vendors-market

Within You Without You: Listening to George Harrison w/ author Seth Rogovoy “Within You Without You is a deep, illuminating meditation on the artistry of George Harrison –from his first Beatles composition to his final solo work,” says Holly George-Warren, who will be in conversation with Rogovoy, interspersed by video and audio clips. Plus live covers by Robert Burke-Warren.

Location: Orpheum Theatre, 156 Main Street, Saugerties

Time: 2:00 pm

More information: upstatefilms.org

David Kaplan, piano & Catherine Gregory, flute The duo of Australian flutist Catherine Gregory and American pianist David Kaplan has performed together since 2014, including at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, as guest recitalists for the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, and most recently at the Við Djúpið Festival in Iceland. Their recital programs creatively intertwine repertoire from the Baroque to the present day, with several pieces being written especially for them.

Location: First Presbyterian Church & Stamford

United Methodist Church, 96 Main St, Stamford

Time: 3:00 pm

More Info: friendsmusic.org

“Birds and Bells: Imitative Music of the Baroque and Renaissance Eras,” a concert of Chamber Music presented by Hudson Valley Baroque

An entertaining feature of 17th- and 18th- century music was its frequent use of imitation. Composers often used musical instruments to imitate nature and various phenomena, with delightful results. This concert will feature music by William Byrd (1540-1623), Jacob von Eyck (1590-1657), William Williams (1675-1701), and Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767).

Location: French Church at Historic Huguenot Street, 81 Huguenot St New Paltz Time: 3:00 pm

More Info: huguenotstreet.org

Coffeehouse Concert: Sloan Wainwright

Sloan is a songwriter, singer, performer, teacher, mentor and collaborator. A unique hybrid of pop, folk, jazz and blues, Wainwright’s music is unified by her melodious tone and rich, powerful contralto. Over the course of a 30-year career in music, she has played the great concert halls, the most storied listening rooms and top music festivals while also teaching at the nation’s leading music retreats. In addition, she has released 11 original CDs. Most of all, Wainwright is an artist. As a member of an acclaimed family of artists (brother Loudon Wainwright, sister-in-law Kate McGarrigle, nephew Rufus Wainwright and nieces Martha Wainwright and Lucy Wainwright Roche), Wainwright has charted an artistic path all her own, one based in close observation, joy, and spiritual connection.

Location: Walton Theatre, 30 Gardiner Place, Walton

Time: 6:00 pm

More Info: musiconthedelaware.org

Mariee Siou w/ special guest Reed Foehl

Mariee Siou has been a fixture in the Neo-folk scene since her 2007 debut Faces in the Rocks, now acclaimed as a cult classic in the indie music world. She is revered for her delicate finger picking and poetic mysticism, often drawing, as from the ether, immense feeling through a voice of soft potency and otherworldly wordsmithing. She is known as a healing singer and as being a visionary artist, channeling and transmitting medicinal qualities through her music.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

Bill Frisell Trio featuring Thomas Morgan and Rudy Royston

Bill Frisell’s career as a guitarist and composer has spanned more than 40 years and many celebrated recordings, whose catalog has been cited by Downbeat as “the best recorded output of the decade.” In recent years, Frisell has forged a distinctive and fruitful collaboration with the Blue Note label, releasing HARMONY, Valentine and FOUR to great acclaim.

Location: Levon Helm Studios, 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock

Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: levonhelm.com

Stella Cole. Photo by Shervin Lainez

STOMP

STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show. As the Boston Globe says, “If you haven’t seen STOMP, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bardavon.org

NOVEMBER 21

Bywater Call w/ Kevin Daniel

Bywater Call, is a powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots rock band from Toronto, Canada, has received multiple Independent Blues and Maple Blues Award nominations including Entertainer, Electric Act and Best Female Vocalist for the 2024 Awards Season. They have toured extensively in Europe where shows have been praised by Dutch, German and UK media, with references to lead singer Meghan Parnell as one of the best female voices in blues and roots today.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

“Legacies on the Land of Southern Ulster County: Huguenot Contributions to History, Agriculture, and Architecture,” a virtual presentation with Vals Osborne

The Huguenots were the earliest European settlers of New Paltz in the late 17th century, homelands for millennia of the Indigenous Munsee-speaking Lenape. As later generations spread out in the valleys west of the Hudson River, they contributed to the agricultural and industrial prosperity of the region by use of enslaved labor, building homes that resonate today. This talk will explore the stories and houses of several 18th- and 19th-century descendants of the Patentee families of New Paltz.

Location: This program will be presented entirely online via a link provided after registration. Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: huguenotstreet.org

NOVEMBER

22

Dead Man’s Waltz

Interweaving the classic songs and jams of The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band and The Band, Dead Man’s Waltz is an all-star collective from the Northeast festival scene. Dead Man’s Waltz features top-notch musicianship and offers a refreshing twist to the music of three legendary and iconic bands. While staying true to the spirit of the music, the band members put their own dynamic spin on a vast catalog of beloved songs that are now part the new American song book.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

Gimme Gimme Disco

Calling all Dancing Queens! Here we go again! If you can’t get enough ABBA then do we have the dance party for you. We are a DJ-based dance party playing all your favorite ABBA hits, plus plenty of other disco hits from the 70s & 80’s like The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, & Cher (DISCO ATTIRE ENCOURAGED). So honey honey, take-a-chance and you’ll be dancing all night long. Grab tickets, bring your friends, and have the best night of your life!

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

NOVEMBER 22-JANUARY 5

Holiday Invitational Exhibit plus Members’ Group Show

A holiday invitational exhibit.

Location: Longyear Gallery, 785 Main Street, Margaretville

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 23, 3:00-5:00 pm

Gallery Hours: Friday-Sunday and holiday Mondays from 12:00-5:00 pm

More Info: longyeargallery.org

NOVEMBER 23

Holiday Wreath Workshop

Join the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties for our annual holiday wreath workshop! For a fee of $40.00, enjoy a creative and relaxing session where you’ll learn to craft your own fresh wreath. All materials and tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own ribbon or greenery to personalize your creation. Preregistration is required as space is limited. Don’t miss out on the holiday fun—register today! This workshop has sold out several years in a row! Make sure to register sooner rather than later to secure a spot.

Location: Agroforestry Research Center, 6055 Rt 23, Acra Time: 9:30 am

More Info: ccecolumbiagreene.org

Painting and Sculpting with Wool with Kimberly Whritner

Explore the wonders of nature using needle felting techniques, wool and other fibers to make your own unique work of art! Explore adding depth and dimension to your pieces, moving beyond painting with wool and into a world of sculpture. From raw rookies to experienced felters, this workshop is open to all levels of experience.

Location: Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford

Time: 10:00 am-2:00 pm

More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org

The Bones of J.R. Jones

The Bones of J.R. Jones is the musical project of Jonathon Linaberry, an American singersongwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his soulful blend of blues, folk, and Americana. With a distinctive raw and gritty sound, Linaberry captivates audiences with his powerful vocals, skillful guitar playing, and dynamic one-man band performances. The Bones of J.R. Jones has garnered acclaim for its compelling live performances and soul-stirring recordings, showcasing Linaberry’s ability to channel the spirit of traditional roots music while infusing it with a contemporary edge.

Location: West Kortright Center, 49 West Kortright Church Road, East Meredith Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: westkc.org

Woodstock Symphony Orchestra Presents Romantic Virtuosity

The season begins with two 19th century masterworks, Edvard Greig’s only completed piano concerto, featuring soloist Katya Grineva, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.4. Mina Kim conducts.

Location: Woodstock Playhouse, 103 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock Time: 7:30 pm

More Info: woodstockplayhouse.org

Start Making Sense:

A Tribute to the Talking Heads

Start Making Sense celebrates the entire Talking Heads’ catalog with a seven-piece band meticulously executing the sounds and iconic live visual elements in every performance. Together these skilled and dedicated musicians enjoy bringing the unique, infectious energy of a Talking Heads live show that you know and love to the stage. In addition to an amazing tribute show they have created specialty shows including tours with horns for which they scored the Heads’ catalog themselves, international group trips with fans, and other special nights that have kept audiences energized and returning year after year.

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

Habib Koyté

Malian guitarist Habib Koité is one of Africa’s most popular and recognized musicians. Habib comes from a noble line of Khassonké griots, traditional troubadors who provide wit, wisdom and musical entertainment at social gatherings and special events. Habib grew up surrounded by 17 brothers and sisters, and developed his unique guitar style accompanying his griot mother. He inherited his passion for music from his paternal grandfather who played the kamele n’goni, a traditional four-stringed instrument associated with hunters from the Wassolou region of Mali.

Location: Levon Helm Studios, 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm

More Info: levonhelm.com

Saturday, December 7 @ 2:00 & 7:00 pm Sunday, December 8 @ 2:00 pm Saturday, December 14 @ 2:00 & 7:00 pm Saturday, December 15 @ 2:00 pm

NOVEMBER 23-24

HV Hullabaloo Holiday Market

Makers, artists, designers, music, food, and more! Shop local and handmade!

Location: Andy Murphy Recreation Center 467

Broadway, Kingston

Hours: 10:00 am-5:00 pm Saturday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm Sunday

More Info: hvhullabaloo.com

NOVEMBER 23-DECEMBER 15

One Foot Square:

ACC Members Small Works Exhibition

ACC’s annual winter members’ exhibition, small works at smaller prices. Artwork will be on view and for sale during the Victorian Stroll and holiday season. This exhibition of affordable artworks showcases ACC member artists and supports them through direct sales.

Location: Athens Cultural Center, 24 Second Street, Athens

Opening Reception:

December 6, 5:00-7:00 pm

Gallery Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 12:00-5:00 pm

More Info: athensculturalcenter.org

NOVEMBER 24

Christmas in the Catskills

Indoor/Outdoor Pop Up Market

PFG Vendor’s Market is a vibrant indoor/outdoor marketplace featuring a diverse selection of local vendors. Explore a wide mix of fresh foods, baked goods, crafts from artisanal makers, antiques, and freshly roasted coffee, among other delights.

Location: 5419 State Route 28, Mt. Tremper

Time: 10:00 am-3:00 pm

More Info: phoeniciafga.org/pfg-vendors-market

Honky Tonk Last Sundays w/ Hudson Valley Flyers

The Hudson Valley Flyers proudly bring Honky Tonk and Classic Country music to the Colony. The Flyers perform two-steps, waltzes, shuffles, and western-swing music for whatever suits you, whether it be dancing with a partner, drinking alone, or just reminiscing. You’ll hear songs from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s, from singers such as Hank Williams, Webb Pierce, Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills, and many more.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

NOVEMBER 28

2024 Annual Family of New Paltz

5K Turkey Trot

Run and walk for a great cause and safely participate with the 21st Annual Family of New Paltz 5K Turkey Trot. This charity will help to change

lives and support various crisis intervention services.

Location: Water Street Market, New Paltz Time: 9:00 am

More Info:newpaltzturkeytrot.com

NOVEMBER 29

Crystal Ship—The Doors Tribute

Step back in time to the vibrant Sunset Strip in the swinging 1960s with Crystal Ship, the ultimate and definitive tribute to The Doors. Immerse yourself in the music, magic, and intensity of a live Doors concert as this highly acclaimed act takes you on a journey that will transport you straight into the heart of the iconic era. Crystal Ship is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Jim Morrison and The Doors, and they do it with unparalleled authenticity. Every detail is meticulously recreated, from vintage gear and instruments to the unmistakable costumes that were synonymous with the band.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

NOVEMBER 29-DECEMBER 1

Holiday Gift Sale! Local Artisans

Creative Wares

Stop in New Paltz and get your holiday shopping on! Handcrafted jewelry, pottery, herbal body products, knitwork, artwork for all ages, and MORE!

Location: 122 Main Street, New Paltz

Time: 11:00 am-7:00 pm

More Info: facebook.com/ events/1071953091171060/

The Weight Band: Music from Big Pink

This holiday season, shop a wide selection of unique holiday gifts and support regional vendors and beyond during the Holiday Market at Bethel Woods in the beautiful Sullivan Catskills of New York.

Location: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Rd., Bethel

Time: November 29 & 30: 11:00 am-7:00 pm; December 1: 12:00-6:00 pm

More Info: bethelwoodscenter.org

NOVEMBER 29-DECEMBER 29

Peace, Love & Lights

Peace, Love & Lights powered by Healey Brothers is back and better and brighter than last year! From Black Friday until New Year’s Eve, experience the sparkling brilliance of our light show, winding through 1.7 miles of the beautiful Bethel Woods grounds from the comfort of your car. Just turn off your headlights and follow the magical glow. Please Note: Dates, times, and location are subject to change at any time.

Location: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Rd., Bethel

More Info: bethelwoodscenter.org

NOVEMBER

30

Andes Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting

Visit The Andes Hotel for their annual Christmas Tree Lighting and parade down Main Street to usher in the holiday season. The hotel will be festive from head-to-toe and the whole town

plus people swarming from far-and-wide will count down for the tree lighting. Did you know

The tree at The Andes Hotel is bigger than the one at Rockefeller Center?! Enjoy hot cocoa, hot toddies and get your photo taken with Santa!

Location: The Andes Hotel, 110 Main Street, Andes

Time: 6:00-8:00 pm

More Info: theandeshotel.com

Amadeus Live! Mozart in the Theater With Twelfth Night Ensemble; Yi-heng Yang, fortepiano; and Aquila Theatre

A night of Mozart’s symphonic and vocal music , paired with staged scenes from Peter Schaffer’s celebrated play about the composer, Amadeus With the electrifying early music ensemble

Twelfth Night in a musical collaboration with fortepianist Yi-heng Yang, and actors from the acclaimed Aquila Theatre, directed by Desiree Sanchez.

Location: Orpheum Performing Arts Center, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: catskillmtn.org

John Gullo’s Rolling Stones

The world’s greatest Rolling Stones experience outside of an actual Stones concert is coming back to Colony. Featuring an all-star lineup paying homage to the world’s greatest rock & roll band and performing hits and deep tracks the way you know and love them!

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm

More Info: colonywoodstock.com

Rebel Soul Music Fair Presents

The Last Poets/Strafe/ReBelle/Synacure

A Celebration of Music as a means of liberation, rebellion and unification; experience an incredible evening with Hip Hop originators THE LAST POETS, Club Legend STRAFE, Roots Reggae’s REBELLE, and Producer/DJ SYNACURE in one Rebel Soul Music Fair event not to be missed. Location: Woodstock Playhouse, 103 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock Time: 7:30 pm

More Info: woodstockplayhouse.org

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 1

DCCF Holiday Craft Fair

The Dutchess Community College Foundation Holiday Craft Fair, which celebrated its semicentennial anniversary in 2022, offers Hudson Valley locals and visitors the opportunity to shop small (and support handmade!) Thanksgiving weekend. The foundation is now partnering with Quail Hollow Events in the promotion and organization of the decades-old fair.

Location: Dutchess Community College, 53 Pendell Road, Poughkeepsie Times: 10:00 am-4:00 pm

More Info: quailhollow.com

LIVE!

Twelfth Night Ensemble | Yi-heng Yang, fortepiano Aquila Theatre

A night of Mozart’s symphonic and vocal music , paired with staged scenes from Peter Schaffer’s celebrated play about the composer, Amadeus.

With the electrifying early music ensemble Twelfth Night in a musical collaboration with fortepianist Yi-heng Yang, and actors from the acclaimed Aquila Theatre, directed by Desiree Sanchez.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 @ 7:00 PM

Platte Clove Bruderhof Community,

2024 PERFORMING ARTS SEASON

Scan to Purchase Tickets! u

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 AT 7:30PM LAYERHYTHM

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Kick off the New Year with a play-based jam session of freestyle live music, dance, and audience interaction that will get you off your feet.

Presented in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim. LayeRhythm will go straight from Catskill Mountain Foundation to the Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival at Lincoln Center.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 AT 7:30PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 AT 4:00PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 AT 7:30PM THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Maude Adams Theater Hub Catskill Mountain Foundation

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told? Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, live on stage, returns to the Orpheum for two nights only. Great night for a date night! Costumes Encouraged!

FEBRUARY 14-18 V-SEASON

Maude Adams Theater Hub

Catskill Mountain Foundation

Doctorow Center for the Arts

FEBRUARY 14 & 16 AT 7:00PM

The Women by Clare Boothe Luce

FEBRUARY 15 & 17 AT 7:00PM

God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza

FEBRUARY 17 & 18 AT 2:00PM

The Gin Game by Donald L. Coburn

V Season is Back! An amazing weekend of three plays that amuse, inspire, and maybe even move you to tears. Grab a friend and join MATH for this annual series of staged readings.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 AT 2:00PM

INTERNATIONAL FORTEPIANO SALON

“Dancing the Minuet to the Fortepiano”

Yi-heng Yang, Maria Rose & Patricia García-Gil Hosts

Streaming LIVE on Facebook and YouTube

The Baroque minuet contained all of the musical attributes that maintain its status as the most popular dance form—whether to be danced or not—throughout the 18th century: a pleasing character, a simple texture, and regular, clearly delineated phrases. When playing minuets on the fortepiano, how do you make them dance? By asking a choreographer of course! Join choreographer Julia Bengtsson and fortepianist Patricia Garcia Gil in an exploration of the inherent connection between dance and music.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 AT 3:00PM ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Get ready for the ultimate playdate— 65 million years in the making—as Erth’s DINOSAUR ZOO

LIVE guides your family on a breathtaking tour that begins in pre-historic Australia. You’ll observe, meet and interact with an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance that will thrill and entertain kids while stimulating their imaginations in ways that will forever connect them to their world.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 AT 7:00PM

DANÚ: “TRADITIONAL MUSIC FROM IRELAND”

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú is one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles of today. Their standing room only concerts throughout Ireland are true events featuring high-energy performances and a glorious mix of ancient Irish music and new repertoire.

LayeRhythm January 6

Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo February 24

Ladies of Hip Hop March 30 SOLD OUT!

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 AT 7:00PM 360 ALLSTARS

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation and boasting a stellar international cast of World Champion and World Record-holding athletes and artists, 360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture.

“BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, drumming and more! The most thrilling stage show ever.”

—Weekend Notes ★★★★★

SUNDAY, MARCH 24 AT 2:00PM INTERNATIONAL FORTEPIANO SALON

Yi-heng Yang, Maria Rose & Patricia García-Gil Hosts

Hilda Huang Guest

Streaming LIVE on Facebook and YouTube

Hilda Huang is a modern performer of historical music who brings together traditions of performance on piano and harpsichord. Her work has earned international acclaim with the distinction of first prize at the Leipzig International Bach competition and appearances at the Leipzig and Montréal Bach Festivals.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 AT 7:00PM LADIES OF HIP HOP: THE BLACK DANCING BODIES–SPEAKMYMIND

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Part of an ongoing performance and documentary effort focused on Black women in street and club dance culture, in this session of Black Dancing Bodies each member of the collective responds to the question, “If I could speak my mind, what would I say?” In this world premiere, experience new writings, music, and movement spanning dance styles from African, to waacking, vogue, Hip-hop, and house; all curated under the direction of Michele Byrd-McPhee.

SpeakMyMind was commissioned by Works & Process, developed in Works & Process LaunchPAD residencies at Bethany Arts Community (2022, 2023, and 2024) and Catskill Mountain Foundation (2022), and Office Hours Residency at The Kennedy Center (2023) with performances at the Guggenheim Museum, Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the National Gallery of Art, SummerStage, Dancers Responding to AIDS Hudson Valley Dance Festival, and New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

SpeakMyMind is a 2023 New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project grantee, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and Mellon Foundation.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 AT 7:00PM

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 AT 7:00PM

STUPID F*ING BIRD

By Aaron Posner

Directed by Caitlin McColl

Maude Adams Theater Hub

Catskill Mountain Foundation

Doctorow Center for the Arts

In this irreverent, contemporary, and very funny remix of Chekhov’s The Seagull, Aaron Posner stages a timeless battle between young and old, past and present, in search of the true meaning of it all. STUPID F*ING BIRD will tickle, tantalize, and incite you to consider how art, love, and revolution fuel your own pursuit of happiness.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 AT 2:00PM APRIL IN PARIS

Joanne Polk piano

Jeffrey Langford lecture

Doctorow Center for the Arts

Come join husband and wife team musicologist Dr. Jeffrey Langford and pianist Dr. Joanne Polk as they take a romantic conversation and musical stroll through Paris. Enjoy performances of songs with the word “Paris” in the title, including “I Love Paris” by Cole Porter and “April in Paris” by Vernon Duke. These songs were transcribed for Dr. Polk by composer David Shenton, who will attend the concert and will be part of the Q&A after the concert. Other composers featured will include Claude Debussy and Cécile Chaminade.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27 AT 7:30PM THE TEMPEST

Doctorow Center for the Arts

The Tempest will use physicality, clowning, and cinematic theatricality to create magic, spectacle, and community dialogue. Join Catskill Mountain Shakespeare at the Catskill Mountain Foundation on April 27 to experience it yourself!

This touring production is presented thanks to the generous support from Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. From April 8-28, 2024, Catskill Mountain Shakespeare will tour to local middle schools, high schools, libraries and other community venues throughout the greater Catskill region.

SATURDAY, MAY 4 AT 7:00PM

TRAILBLAZING WOMEN OF COUNTRY: FROM PATSY TO LORETTA TO DOLLY

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

With their chart-topping hits and record-breaking sales, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton wove threads of contemporary womanhood throughout the tapestry of country music, resulting in unprecedented commercial success and earning each a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Trailblazing Women of Country will feature soloists Miko Marks, one of CMT’s 2022 Next Women of Country; and Nashville based singer Kristina Train, supported by a 5-member all-female band.

360 ALLSTARS March 9

Photo: Darren Thomas

SATURDAY, MAY 11 AT 7:00PM

CAMILLE A. BROWN & DANCERS: I AM

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Camille A. Brown is a three time Tony Award nominated director and choreographer whose work taps into both ancestral and contemporary stories to capture deeply personal experiences and cultural narratives of African American identity. Through the medium of dance, she has been successful in stage, TV, and film. She was the first black director in the history of the Metropolitan Opera MainStage, and has directed and choreographed numerous productions. TV & Film work includes the Academy Award nominated Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and the Emmy award winning Jesus Christ Superstar

SATURDAY, MAY 18 AT 2:00PM ORPHEUM DANCE PROGRAM COMMUNITY BALLET CLASS ANNUAL RECITAL

Victoria Rinaldi

Orpheum Dance Program Director

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

The Orpheum Dance Program Community Ballet Class is a year-round program of ballet instruction for children of all ages which includes an annual student dance recital and participation in two fully-staged ballets each year. The recital showcases the work of all students and can also include alumni who have joined acclaimed ballet companies or who are studying dance at major universities.

SATURDAY, MAY 18 AT 8:00PM JOSH FROMER COMEDY NIGHT

Maude Adams Theater Hub

Catskill Mountain Foundation

Doctorow Center for the Arts

Comedy Night is back, and it’s cleaner than ever! Josh Fromer brings opener Amanda Gail and headliner Greg Stone to the Catskills for an evening of hilarious stories and keenly-crafted jokes.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 AT 1:00PM WOVEN CURRENTS

Yi-heng Yang piano

Judd Weisberg Woven Currents projected prints and live drawing on stage

Doctorow Center for the Arts, Cinema I

A multi-media collaboration between artist Judd Weisberg and pianist Yi-heng Yang. Weisberg has created a series of prints capturing the magical junctions where two streams merge, and Yi-heng Yang has composed music drawn from the musical pitches of the currents as they meet. This performance includes projected images from the Woven Currents print series and live drawing by Weisberg projected on the movie screen accompanied by Yi-heng Yang performing composed and improvised works on piano.

ACADEMY OF FORTEPIANO PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL

Doctorow Center for the Arts academyfortepiano.org/academy2024

Academy of Fortepiano Performance students will participate in master classes and workshops supported by plentiful access to pianos from the 18th & 19th century or their modern replicas.

MAY 25 – JUNE 2

ACADEMY OF FORTEPIANO PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP FOR SOLO FORTEPIANO

Guest artists: Elizaveta Miller and Jiayan Sun

SATURDAY, MAY 25 AT 7:00 PM

FACULTY AND GUEST ARTIST CONCERT: WHEN THE PIANO WAS YOUNG

Audrey Axinn, Maria Rose, Andrew Willis and guest artist Elizaveta Miller

SUNDAY, MAY 26 AT 2:00 PM MASTERCLASS With Elizaveta Miller

TUESDAY, MAY 28 AT 2:00 PM

LECTURE/CONCERT: “TOCCATAS AND FANTASIES” With Julian Jenson

THURSDAY, MAY 30 AT 2:00 PM

LECTURE/CONCERT: “HISTORICAL IMPROVISATION” With Nicola Canzano

FRIDAY, MAY 31 AT 2:00 PM RECITAL AND MASTERCLASS With Jiayan Sun

SATURDAY, JUNE 1 AT 7:00 PM STUDENT CONCERT

Featuring students from the Academy of Fortepiano Performance

JUNE 2 – JUNE 8

CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP FOR FORTEPIANO AND STRINGS

Guest faculty: Cynthia Roberts

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 AT 7:00 PM STUDENT CONCERT

Featuring students from the Chamber Music Workshop

FRIDAY, JULY 5 AT 6:00PM

SATURDAY, JULY 6 AT 1:00 & 6:00PM CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Maude Adams Theater Hub Catskill Mountain Foundation

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

This summer MATH has the golden ticket for Broadway’s latest version of the timeless classic, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Led by the directing talents of Liz Piccoli, the assembled cast and creatives are turning the Orpheum stage into a Candyland for your 4th of July weekend entertainment. Get your tickets early, and tell all your friends!

FRIDAY, JULY 12 AT 5:30 PM

CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION BENEFIT DINNER

The Big Red Barn

Help us celebrate our 26th year of bringing arts to the mountaintop at our Annual Benefit. Join us for a cocktail reception, dinner, dessert and presentation, followed by a private premiere of Catskill Mountain Shakespeare’s summer production, Julius Caesar

RUNNING JULY 13-JULY 28

JULIUS CAESAR

Outdoors & in the tent behind the Big Red Barn

catskillmountainshakespeare.com

As Julius Caesar’s appetite for power grows ravenous, a group of rebel politicians join forces to save Rome the only way they see how. Their daring bloodshed is just the beginning of this saga of bloodlust, treachery, and brutality, all in the name of a better world. Contemporary dance, visual art and fashion combine with dynamic storytelling to create a visceral theatrical experience. Julius Caesar offers a meditation on power in our contemporary world and immerses us, the audience, into its heart.*

*NOTE: This performance contains instances of intimacy, violence, and mature content matter. The recommended age for audiences is 12 and up.

SUNDAY, JULY 14 AT 3:00PM

STARS OF BALLET

with New York City Ballet Principal Adrian Danchig-Waring

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Following last year’s sold-out Jacques d’Amboise tribute, Adrian Danchig-Waring returns with a star studded cast, including dancers from New York City Ballet, in a program of classics and contemporary favorites.

SATURDAY, JULY 20 AT 7:00PM

NATIONAL DANCE INSTITUTE MOUNTAINTOP SUMMER RESIDENCY PERFORMANCE

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

National Dance Institute (NDI), founded by Jacques d’Amboise, brings its award-winning dance program to the Catskill Mountain Region, with a two-week residency for children in Grades 3 – 8. Under the Artistic Direction of NDI choreographer Dufftin Garcia, the children will participate in high energy dance classes and choreography workshops accompanied by live music. The program culminates in a performance onstage at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center featuring the dancers and live music set against a backdrop of colorful banners created over the many years of the collaboration between NDI and the Catskill Mountain Foundation. This is a high-energy event that draws large crowds every year!

SUNDAY, JULY 21 AT 2:00 PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JULY 27 & 28 AT 2:00 PM

GALA BENEFIT FILM SCREENING: SATURDAY, JULY 27 AT 5:30 PM

TEXAS TOWN

By Horton Foote Doctorow Center for the Arts hortonbythestream.org

Texas Town, filled with pathos, hints at some of life’s biggest questions. The play explores life in the small fictional town of Harrison, Texas after the peak of the cotton industry and just before oil had hit the state in a big way.

Horton by the Stream celebrates its 30th summer season this year. The winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Academy Award, Horton Foote is America’s storyteller. Dubbed “the most prolific playwright nobody knows”, Horton Foote seems at times to be an insider secret in the theater world.

This year not only will the company present this early rarely done play, but it will also present a 30th Anniversary Benefit screening of Horton Foote: The Road to Home, a documentary film about the life and work of Horton Foote. A reception will feature special guests, wine, and cheese.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 AT 2:00 & 7:00PM SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 2:00PM

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

The magic continues this summer with CMF’s spectacular production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

This unique production, conceived by former Metropolitan Opera ballerina Victoria Rinaldi, transports the audience to an enchanted wood to witness what hilarity unfolds, when fairies meddle with the love lives of mortals. All ends well with a triple wedding and gala ballet. Now in its fifth year, this beloved production of the Orpheum Dance Program is continuing last year’s successful collaborations with Aquila Theatre and Joffrey Ballet School New York. Students from the Orpheum Dance Program’s Community Dance Class, alongside other local children, will be given the opportunity to appear on stage with professional actors and dancers in a fresh, new program filled with new scenes and updated choreography in a production that will enchant audiences young and old.

Adrian Danchig-Waring and Anthony Roth Costanzo performing “Desire” by Lar Lubovitch (World Premiere), December 5, 2023.

Photo: Works & Process /Erick Munari

AUGUST 1-10, 2024

HUNTER INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Doctorow Center for the Arts huntermusicfestival.com

Offering a beautiful escape into the mountains and an intensive summer music program all in one package, Hunter International Music Festival is a unique, ten-day music festival experience focusing on both solo and chamber music training.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 7:00 PM MUSIC SALON AT HIMF Red Barn

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6 & 7 AT 7:00 PM YOUNG ARTISTS CONCERT SERIES

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 AT 7:00 PM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 AT 4:00 PM STUDENT CHAMBER MUSIC PERFORMANCES

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 AT 7:00 PM FACULTY CONCERT: AROUND THE WORLD, AN EVENING OF MUSICAL INTEGRATION

The program will include: Beethoven’s Cello Sonata No. 2 in G minor; Fauré’s Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 15; and Dvořák’s Piano Quintet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 81

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 AT 7:00 PM GUEST ARTIST CONCERT: THE LYSANDER TRIO

The Lysander Piano Trio has been praised by The Strad for its “incredible ensemble, passionate playing, articulate and imaginative ideas and wide palette of colors.” The group has developed a reputation for exciting programming, finding creative ways to connect well-known masterworks with pieces by lesser-known and underrepresented composers, discovering common threads across cultures and times.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 AT 6:00PM

OMNY TAIKO

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Second Performance!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 AT 2:00PM

Windham Civic & Performing Arts Centre

5379 Route 23, Windham

OMNY Taiko Drummers returns to the mountaintop to again present their eagerly anticipated performance at the Orpheum. OMNY Taiko’s mission is to foster a culture of community and support through the art of Japanese taiko drumming to impact and connect our global society. The sound of the taiko drum has the power to connect ourselves with those around us and with the universe at large.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 AT 7:00PM

PRE-CONCERT TALK AT 6:45PM WINDHAM FESTIVAL CHAMBER

ORCHESTRA

Music of Tchaikovsky, Scott Joplin & Robert Manno

Robert Manno, conductor

Melissa Wimbish, soprano

Andrew Garland, baritone

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra welcomes Melissa Wimbish, soprano and Andrew Garland, baritone for a program that will include:

Manno: Portrait of Millay for Soprano & String Orchestra on Five Sonnets by Edna St. Vincent Millay (Premiere)

Manno: Fern Hill (Dylan Thomas) for Baritone & Chamber Orchestra (Premiere of Orchestra Version)

Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Florence for String Orchestra

Scott Joplin: Three Rags for Chamber Orchestra (arr. Skoryk/Manno)

Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra was formed in 2000 by conductor Robert Manno. The orchestra is comprised of the finest musicians from the New York area and includes current and former members of some of the world’s most esteemed orchestras and ensembles.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 AT 7:00PM THE MOSS ENSEMBLE

Darcy Dunn, mezzo-soprano

Marshall Coid, countertenor & violin

Elizabeth Rodgers, piano

Mary Wooten, cello

Doctorow Center for the Arts

The Moss Ensemble returns to the CMF for an evening of beautiful music that stirs our hearts and, we hope, yours. Featuring works by Beethoven, Monteverdi, Ravel, Faure, Vitali, Debussy and Griffiths, as well as pieces by our own Marshall Coid and Mary Wooten. Please join us!

Lysander Trio Photo by Jiyang Chen

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 AT 2:00PM

STEVEN E. GREENSTEIN

MEMORIAL CONCERT

Doctorow Center for the Arts

Steven E. Greenstein was the collector and curator of the vintage piano collection on public display at the Doctorow Center for the Arts. This memorial concert will feature performances by the faculty and students of the Academy of Fortepiano Performance, Joanne Polk and Jeffrey Langford, and jazz pianist Jamie Saft on pianos from the collection.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 AT 7:00PM

MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY:

BAYE & ASA’S CORTEGE 2023

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Taking advantage of the Orpheum’s new technical upgrades, the world-renowned Martha Graham Dance Company will spend the week in a Works & Process LaunchPAD tech-residency putting the finishing touches on a new commission by Baye & Asa. See the culmination of this process and join in on this first look before the company’s performance at Works & Process at the Guggenheim and the work’s premiere at New York City Center.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 AT 2:00PM INTERNATIONAL FORTEPIANO SALON

“Shuann Chai and Shunske Sato: Recording Beethoven’s 10 Sonatas for Fortepiano and Violin”

Yi-heng Yang, Maria Rose, & Patricia García-Gil Hosts Streaming LIVE on Facebook and YouTube

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 & 5 AT 7:00 PM OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES

Maude Adams Theater Hub Catskill Mountain Foundation Doctorow Center for the Arts

A revue that pays tribute to and reinvents classic jokes of the past and present. Think you’ve heard them all before? Not this way. If you’ve ever had a mother, visited a doctor, or walked into a bar with a priest, a rabbi and a frog - OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES will give you a second opinion, and ask you where you got that.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 AT 2:00PM INTERNATIONAL FORTEPIANO SALON

With Guest Pierre Goy Yi-heng Yang, Maria Rose, & Patricia García-Gil Hosts Streaming LIVE on Facebook and YouTube

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 AT 7:00PM

HOME AGAIN: CAROLE KING TRIBUTE

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

HOME AGAIN covers the entire repertoire of the multi-award winning singer/songwriter Carole King. Included on the list are songs she wrote & recorded on her own as well as songs she wrote that were recorded by others.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 AT 7:00PM

CALEB TEICHER’S

A VERY SW!NG OUT HOLIDAY

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

‘Tis the season to swing! In a special holiday revival of the hit show, SW!NG OUT, acclaimed director/choreographer Caleb Teicher and their collaborators (Evita Arce, LaTasha Barnes, Nathan Bugh, and Eyal Vilner) invite you to revel in the joy of social dance and festive cheer! In A Very SW!NG OUT Holiday, Lindy Hop champions bring their talents to the Orpheum’s stage to kick off the holiday season.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 AT 7:00PM

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING

BENNY BENACK III STELLA KATHERINE COLE

JABU GRAYBEAL

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Led by Emmy-nominated crooner Benny Benack III and singer and social media sensation Stella Katherine Cole, Some Enchanted Evening leads audiences on a jazz-inspired journey through Broadway’s greatest hits from the Golden Age of yesterday to the freshest hits of today. From Hammerstein to Hamilton and everything in between, this musical mashup also showcases Jabu Graybeal, a one-of-a-kind talent and tap-dancing star.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 AT 7:00PM

AMADEUS LIVE!

MOZART IN THE THEATER

Doctorow Center for the Arts

A night of Mozart’s symphonic and vocal music, paired with staged scenes from Peter Schaffer’s celebrated play about the composer, Amadeus. With the electrifying early music ensemble Twelfth Night in a musical collaboration with fortepianist Yi-heng Yang, and actors from the acclaimed Aquila Theatre, directed by Desiree Sanchez.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 2:00 & 7:00PM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 AT 2:00PM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 AT 2:00 & 7:00PM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 AT 2:00PM THE NUTCRACKER

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Now in its ninth year, the CMF Nutcracker has become a holiday favorite of residents of the surrounding Catskills and Hudson Valley. Featuring ballet stars of the future, this spectacular production has become one of the finest Nutcrackers in upstate New York.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

Maude Adams Theater Hub

Catskill Mountain Foundation

Doctorow Center for the Arts

This December, the community gathers once more to sing, read, and share in the seasonal spirit for the 3rd Annual Holiday Spectacular. All are welcome to be a part of the performance, and tickets are free!

2025 SNEAK PEEK

CMF 2025 Performing Arts Season Highlights

Dance Partnerships with Works

& Process at the Guggenheim and The Joyce Theater Foundation

It’s an honor and pleasure to continue our partnership with these two nationally recognized dance organizations to help dance artists advance their work and connect to new rural audiences. Works & Process will bring Marcus McGregor exploring the Dance Theater of Harlem diaspora; Emily Coates, former NYC Ballet soloist exploring the Balanchine diaspora; a new commission for legendary tap dancer Brenda Bufalino; a dance battle program featuring breaking, vogue, or waacking; and a performance in July by dancers from the New York City Ballet. The Joyce Theater Foundation will bring tap dancer Ayodele Casel and hip hop legend Rennie Harris Puremovement. Programs are subject to change.

Orpheum Dance Program

Victoria Rinaldi, a former Metropolitan Opera Ballerina, teaches dance classes from pre-ballet to advanced and pointe as well as contemporary dance to local children. The program combines dance classes with two major community performances a year, The Nutcracker and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In both performances, local dance students appear on stage alongside dancers from the Joffrey Ballet School New York and actors from NYC’s Aquila Theatre. Students in the program will also appear in a community dance class recital on May 17. Students in the Orpheum Dance Program have a total of nine performances each year onstage, more than most other dance programs. Local dance students are making great progress from year to year under Victoria’s tutelage. It is amazing to see how the children progress each year, moving into key dancing roles in the main productions.

Piano Performance Museum Concerts & Conversations

Much is happening this year at the Piano Performance Museum, with a new series of Concerts & Conversations at 2:00 pm on Saturday afternoons. We invite you to join us to meet several inspiring artists who are exploring aspects of historic piano performance.

March 8 Anthony Bonamici will perform a series of pieces by the American composer John Knowles Paine.

August 16 Patricia Garcia Gil will perform works by Louise Farrenc in celebration of the composer’s 150th anniversary of her death in 1875.

October 18 Stephanie Schmidt and Robin Morace will share a program focused on the writer Jane Austen and the music of the late 18th century and early 19th century including the composers Mozart and Clementi. One of the pianos that they will play is an original Muzio Clementi square piano.

November 8 Julian Jensen will perform a program featuring mid to late 19th century music by women composers from Latin America.

Rennie Harris. Photo by Osamu Inouye

Patricia Garcia Gil

Academy of Fortepiano Performance Residency and Performances

The Academy of Fortepiano Performance will be in residence in May/June for the Historic Keyboard Workshop and Fortepiano Residency. There will be a performance by the Resident Artists on Sunday, May 25 and free concerts midweek throughout the residency. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists and watch talented young artists explore fortepiano performance. Pianos from the Piano Performance Museum will be highlighted, along with unique pianos brought by other artists to the residency.

Hunter International Music Festival Residency and Performances

The Hunter International Music Festival will be in residence with music students from the U.S. and Asia, with Resident Artist and Guest Artist performances on August 8 and 9. The Guest Artist performance will be the Parker Quartet. Praised by the Washington Post for “exceptional virtuosity (and) imaginative interpretation” Parker Quartet is Internationally recognized for their “fearless, yet probingly beautiful” (The Strad) performances. There will also be a series of music salons and young artists concerts throughout their residency, which are open free to the community.

International Fortepiano Salon, Spring 2025 Music and Ideas Series: Coming to the Table

The International Fortepiano Salon presents a special series of three salons that will celebrate and highlight the relationship between music, ideas, culture, and historical keyboard music, exploring how historical pianos and music have been carriers of culture, politics and meaning. Livestreams on Facebook and YouTube on Sundays at 2:00 pm.

February 9, 2025, Black History Month: A Palace of Love and Power

March 9, Women’s History Month: So you think you can play the Hammerklavier? Domesticity and the Keyboard

May 18, Asian American Pacific Islander Month: Silence and Transformation

Other Selected Performing Arts Highlights

January 25, 7:00 pm: Nella. Nella’s voice is a stylistic mix of flamenco and Venezuelan folk, with Cuban breezes and touches of jazz.

February 22, 7:00 pm: A Partnership Project with Glimmerglass Opera House and Catskill Mountain Foundation.

March 2, 2:00 pm: The Vanishing Elephant performed by Cahoots Theatre shares the story of Opu, a young boy in Bengal, who dreams of one day becoming an elephant trainer.

Saturday, May 10, 7:00 pm, Ayodele Casel, a Doris Duke Artist in the dance category, an award-winning and critically acclaimed tap dancer and choreographer, in partnership with The Joyce Theater Foundation.

June 28, 7:00 pm, OMNY Taiko Drummers return to the mountaintop to again share their eagerly anticipated performances with the greater Catskill Mountain community

July 13, 3:00 pm, Star Dancers from the New York City Ballet return to the Mountain Top for a new annual performance presented in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim

August 2, 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm; August 3, 7:00 pm, A Midsummer Night’s Dream Ballet, featuring dancers from The Joffrey Ballet School New York, Aquila Theatre and the Orpheum Dance Program, with Victoria Rinaldi, Director, returns for a weekend of summer magic.

October 25, 7:00 pm, Rennie Harris Puremovement, hip hop legend, will perform as part of the dance partnership project with Catskill Mountain Foundation and The Joyce Theater Foundation

November 29, 7:00 pm, Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra will return for the traditional Thanksgiving weekend concert, with a new guest conductor, Alexander Platt, and Robert Manno as conductor emeritus

December 6, 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm; December 7, 2:00 pm; December 13, 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm; December 14, 2:00 pm, The Nutcracker. Now in its tenth year, the CMF Nutcracker has become a holiday favorite of residents of the surrounding Catskills and Hudson Valley. Featuring ballet stars of the future, this spectacular production has become one of the finest Nutcrackers in upstate New York. Orpheum Dance Program Director, former Met Opera ballerina Victoria Rinaldi, will partner with the Joffrey Ballet School New York, who will provide corps de ballet dancers and dancers for star roles.

Ayodele Casel. Photo by Patrick Randak

Cahoots Theatre, The Vanishing Elephant

Programs for Kids

This summer, immerse your child in a safe and creative environment where they explore art, theater, music, and dance.

National Dance Institute (NDI), founded by Jacques d’Amboise, brings its award-winning dance program to the Catskill Mountains. Children participate in high energy dance classes and choreography workshops accompanied by live music. The program culminates in a performance onstage at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center.

Community Summer Dance Classes

Offering dance classes for pre-ballet through advanced ballet, pointe and contemporary. Participation in the annual productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Nutcracker is free and open to all.

Art Explorers

The Art Explorers Program at Sugar Maples Center for Arts and Education is an exploratory experience for young artists led by knowledgeable art educators and professional artists. Investigate the full spectrum of our offerings in visual art—including drawing, painting, and sculpture—for a comprehensive and immersive summer arts program.

Theater Explorers

We will combine theater and movement to make small plays and skits as participants learn to create everything from scripts, to costumes, to props, and much more. Stage combat, movement, and dance will also be part of the curriculum as students explore their creativity in the beauty of Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts.

Catskill Mountain Shakespeare YOCO

August 4-9, 2025

Join us for a week of speaking the speech, suiting action to word and word to action, and holding the mirror up to nature—Shakespeare style! Young people in grades 6-12 are invited to dive into the world of Shakespearean theater alongside professional artists from Broadway, OffBroadway, Yale University, and beyond. Members of CMS YOCO will spend their days learning verse, stage blocking, ensemble building, costuming, and prop creation. The week will culminate in an abridged outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s A Comedy of Errors to showcase their work, because, after all, the play’s the thing! More info: catskillmountainshakespeare.com

Maude Adams Theater Hub (MATH)

The plays keep coming in 2025 for Maude Adams Theater Hub, which saw its most successful season in 2024, with almost 2,000 tickets sold across 9 original productions, with one more to go.

The new year will feature the robust return of V Season, showcasing local talent in thoroughly staged reading and will consist of Barefoot in the Park, Bell, Book and Candle, and Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson—Apt. 2B. Something old, something new, everything fantastically transporting in the coldest month of the year. In March MATH will be popping back up at the DCA with two performances of Sam Shepard’s True West, and at the end of April with the premier of Annie & Zoe, by Betty Aberlin (also known as “Lady Aberlin” from Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Never fear, in May we’ll host a comedy night, and there’s a certain Little Mermaid on deck for July! More great things cooking for the end of summer and fall, and we can’t wait to get all the rights in place so we can share the full schedule.

Lexington Film Festival and Free Monthly Independent Film Series Continue in 2025

The Catskill Mountain Foundation begins a new monthly independent film series in January, free to the community. In partnership with the Lexington Film Festival, which saw a sold-out weekend of events in August 2024, the screenings will feature films of interest with post-screening talkbacks. The monthly series will culminate in June with a weekend of films and panels across exciting local venues and businesses, including the mountaintop’s home for independent film, the Doctorow Center for the Arts. Ticket prices for the festival weekend vary based on location and offerings.

Catskill Mountain Shakespeare Will Return in the Spring and Summer

CMS will launch its second Catskills-wide touring production of Pericles in the spring of 2025! They will perform at the Doctorow Center for the Arts on May 3 at 7:30 pm.

From July 11-28, Catskill Mountain Shakespeare will bring its Main Stage Production to the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Red Barn. This professional, outdoor production will be accompanied by workshops, talkbacks, and outreach events to fully engage the community in the power of Shakespeare.

Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts

At Sugar Maples Center For Creative Arts, we’re excited to announce our upcoming season of workshops and events in the idyllic hamlet of Maplecrest, New York. Immerse yourself in our spacious, light-filled studios while cultivating your artistic skills in our welcoming and supportive community. Our beautiful campus awaits you.

Our commitment to humanism, the environment, and cultural stewardship remains steadfast. We believe that art is a powerful tool for fostering connection, and a deeper appreciation for our world. Our workshops are designed to inspire; tell your unique story through a variety of media.

We are looking forward to sharing with you a rich program of opportunities to study with internationally renowned faculty including:

Yael Braha is a dynamic, young ceramic artist of North African descent whose unique vessels blend graceful movement with surfaces that speak volumes about natural flow, and the ancient connection between form and abstract imagery. In 2021, she received the Multicultural Fellowship Award from the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA).

Basket-making grows from Cael Chappell’s love of global weaving traditions. Years before weaving his first basket, Cael founded Baskets of Africa, a fair-trade company committed to economic empowerment for basket weavers from over 20 countries. He currently serves as President of the Board for the National Basketry Organization.

Arthur González is an internationally exhibiting figurative sculptor with over fifty one-person shows in the last forty years, including eight in New York City. Gonzalez is an unprecedented four-time recipient of the National Endowment of the Arts Fellowship within a ten-year period.

One of our prized visiting faculty, Nathan Loda, returns in 2025 to teach his profound approach to realist painting. Inspired by the Hudson River School philosophy, Loda recently taught for the University of Georgia in Cortona, Italy.

Cyrus Highsmith wrote and illustrated the acclaimed primer, Inside Paragraphs: Typographic Fundamentals. He received the Gerrit Noordzij Prize for extraordinary contributions to the field of typography. Highsmith’s type foundry, Occupant Fonts, became a brand of Morisawa. Writing helps binds us together so no matter the paths our lives and forms of communication take.

This year, we host the indomitable and much cherished California author/sculptor, Vince Montague. His exquisite and hybrid memoir, Cracked Pot, a broken chronicle of grief and art, was recently published by Latah Books.

Cael Chappell

Arthur González

Yael Braha

Nathan Loda

Your support matters and makes everything we do possible!

EACH YEAR, THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION

• Presents and hosts more than 20 performances and lectures

• Offers free or subsidized arts programs that are enjoyed by hundreds of local children.

• Hosts arts residencies bringing many artists to our community for extended stays.

• Operates the Catskill Mountain Foundation Gift Shop, featuring a curated selection of books and gifts from around the Region and the world.

• Publishes the monthly Guide magazine, distributed throughout the Catskill Region, and in Albany.

• Is the home of the Piano Performance Museum, a rare collection of historic playable pianos.

• Runs a dozen studio arts programs, with students from around the U.S.

• Shows more than 100 films on our three screens in Hunter.

YES! I would like to help the Catskill Mountain Foundation in its mission to bring the arts to the Mountaintop

Please accept my donation of: $

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