Live music in Hudson Valley, NY

Now in its fourth year, the Ukulele Strumalong at the Boardman Road Branch Library brings enthusiasts together in a fun, relaxed setting. Participants strum songs as music is projected on a big screen, making it easy to follow along. All ability levels are welcome, from first-time players to seasoned strummers. After a strong turnout, the library requested 2026 dates to keep the music going.

At Beacon Music Factory, this ensemble workshop centers on jazz improvisation, guiding players through styles from the blues and classic standards to swing, bebop, and jazz fusion in a full band environment. Each meeting pairs learning tunes with practical lessons in soloing concepts and core music theory. It is designed for beginner to intermediate jazz musicians who have basic facility on their instrument and can read simple lead sheets similar to those found in The Real Book. Instruction is led by Nicholas Salomone, and participants on any instrument are welcome. The program spans ten weeks, and tuition is $325.

Sunset paddleboard yoga on the river is set to the beats of the Beacon Drum Circle, blending mindful movement with live percussion. After the class, participants take part in the drum circle and dancing alongside the community. The experience highlights mindfulness, music, connection, and joy.

Teens on Stage brings Carrie: The Musical to life, a stage adaptation of Stephen King’s novel set in contemporary Chamberlain, Maine. The creative team features book writer Lawrence D. Cohen, composer Michael Gore, and lyricist Dean Pitchford, with Gore and Pitchford both recognized as Academy Award winners. At the center is Carrie White, a high school outsider who longs to belong. Hounded by classmates and tightly controlled at home by her devout mother, she discovers a potent telekinetic ability that erupts when the pressure becomes unbearable. The production is directed by Lynne Czajka, with musical direction by TJ Swetz, choreography by Cedric James, and stage management by Kim Bowles. Tickets are $19. The show contains mature themes, including domestic violence, bullying, religious fanaticism, teen sexuality, animal cruelty, and murder. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Towne Crier Cafe hosts Gratefully Yours, a Hudson Valley based tribute to the Grateful Dead recognized across the Northeast. Formed in 2012 by Alex Mazur, a founding member and keyboardist of The Deadbeats, the band builds each show from fan curated dream set lists and features a veteran jam lineup. The core group includes Rob Schiff on rhythm guitar and vocals, Jude DeFalco on drums, and Steve Chun on bass, players known for deep roots in the regional scene and responsive musical interplay. This performance features special guest Steve Bernstein of Dead to the Core on lead guitar. Expect adventurous improvisation and energetic flow, with a unique journey every time that captures the live conversation and spirit of the Dead. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, all sales are final. Dinner reservations require one entree per person. Show only ticket holders are admitted 15 minutes before showtime. The advance price ends one hour before doors.

A New York State of Ska celebration brings four New York artists to Kaal Rock Park for a vibrant mix of ska, rocksteady, ska punk, and reggae. The concert is free and open to all ages, with hometown artist Ben Basile headlining. A bassist, educator, and composer from the Hudson Valley, Basile leads an all-star band that blends ska, reggae, and jazz. His debut solo album, Benergy, was released on Sleep Walk Sounds, an imprint of Wiretap Records, and his work spans performances, compositions, recordings, and tours across six continents, including roles with Big D and The Kids Table and The Poughkeepsie Jazz Project. The Doomstompers from Queens deliver punk-rocksteady shaped by 60s Jamaican ska, reggae, and rocksteady, along with influences such as Bad Brains, The Beastie Boys, and MF Doom. This organ-forward five piece salutes New York City’s grit while forging its own distinct sound, with a debut album titled Take A Beat on Bad Time Records. Albany trio Girth Control channels the many flavors of punk into catchy ska punk singalongs where hooks and humor meet real heart. Formed by members of upstate staples Public Access and The Slaughterhouse Chorus, they keep things tuneful, honest, and fun. From Buffalo, The Abruptors fuse ska, reggae, and rocksteady with an upbeat drive. Signed to Asian Man Records, they have cemented their spot in the scene and are highlighting their release Everything You Know Is Wrong, a collection that tackles mental health, navigating upheaval, and conversations they view as essential.