Al Olender
Folk, pop Kingston
Al Olender is having an incredible year. Following the May 2022 release and subsequent tour for her debut album “Easy Crier,” Olender kicked off 2023 with a February “Alentine’s Day” show at Kingston’s Old Dutch Church, released a new single, “Almost Famous,” embarked on a cross-country tour, and is still playing plenty of shows up and down the East Coast—watch her support Lucius at Arrowood Farms on July 6.
Amanda Palmer
Alternative rock, dark cabaret Woodstock
Beginning her musical career over two decades ago, Amanda Palmer makes music that spans genres. After a two-year stint in New Zealand, Palmer is living local and began touring last year. She played a show at The Bardavon in April and toured across the U.S. with her group The Dresden Dolls this past spring. Upcoming HV events TBA.
The Big Takeover
Reggae
Blending reggae, ska, and jazz, this seven-piece outfit led by singer NeeNee Rushie pays homage to Jamaican-style pop music with their own original songs. Known for their high-energy shows, be sure to catch them on the road at several local venues this summer, including Arrowood Farms and The Colony.
The Felice Brothers
Folk, country rock Catskills
Since 2006, The Felice Brothers have been rocking the region with guitars, keyboards, accordions, and more. Since their latest album (2021’s “From Dreams to Dust”), the group has been playing shows around the HV and New England. Last year’s Felice County Fair at Arrowood Farms was a hit and is set to return later this summer (date TBA).
Hudson Valley Philharmonic
Orchestra Poughkeepsie
A professional orchestral group, the HVP take part in a full Symphony Concert Series every year at the Bardavon and Ulster Performing Arts Center, with occasional trips to venues like SUNY New Paltz and Bethel Woods. At press time, the 2023–24 season was not yet announced.
Mikaela Davis
Psychedelia, folk rock Catskill
Harpist Mikaela Davis, with help from backing band Southern Star, combines her classical training with pop melodies to produce genre-bending tunes. Her second full-length album “And Southern Star” debuts on August 4, but until then, you can stream singles from the record like “Far From You” and catch her on tour in May and June around the HV and Catskills.
Setting Sun
Indie rock Kingston, Woodstock
After a 10-year hiatus, Setting Sun erupted back onto the scene with the May 19 release of their fourth album, “The Feelings Cure.” Following their record release show at The Colony in Woodstock, the band is scheduled to play more shows in early June; future dates TBA.
Simi Stone
R&B, soul Woodstock
The former frontwoman of Sufrajett, Simi Stone went solo in 2014 and has been putting out music with soul, rock, and Motown influences. Before Covid, Stone was a frequent guest vocalist on albums by Natalie Merchant, Conor Oberst, Simone Felice, Amy Helm, and more. Stone’s latest single, “Back to Bass,” came out at the beginning of this year. Tour dates TBA.
Upstate
Folk
After a break driven both by the pandemic and a slew of marriages and births in the lives of the band’s members, Upstate released their first album in four years this past March. Recorded at “The Building” studio in Marlboro, “You Only Get a Few” features songs about uncertainty inspired by their hiatus. They finished up their initial tour for the record in early May, but as of press time the group is also scheduled to play a July 29 show near the Finger Lakes.
Related: The Wild Honey Pie Pairs Food & Music in the Hudson Valley
