Live music in Ulster County, NY

Enjoy an evening cruise on the Hudson River aboard the Rip Van Winkle II, with live music and waterfront views. Guests can get a drink from the bar, dance, or relax on deck as Hudson Valley scenery passes by. Each cruise features a different musical experience.

The Nth Power brings a restorative spirit to the stage, guided by a belief that music can heal. Guitarist Nick Cassarino, bassist Nate Edgar, and drummer Nikki Glaspie unite as a seasoned trio that blends soul, funk, rock, and R&B into a dynamic, immersive sound. Layered vocal harmonies and finely honed musicianship set the tone for an experience that moves people to dance, lock into a deep groove, share a romantic moment, or simply feel chills.

Mindchurch transforms The Lemon Squeeze with a Halloween edition built around an immersive audio visual experience. Psychedelic decor, vendors, lights, lasers, and projection mapping set the scene, with live performances woven throughout. Weather permitting, sets may happen outdoors as well as inside. International headliners BENSOLO and TRANSPOSE lead the lineup. BENSOLO crafts live journeys through psychedelic sound, moving between shadow and light with groovy, immersive energy. TRANSPOSE, also known as Christian Godard and Nyvium, brings more than 15 years of music production to a melodic style and surreal stage presence that inspires local artists. The bill also features DUAL LUV, an up and coming duo pairing psychedelic dance music with live guitar, MIRELIA from the Massachusetts community with psychedelic dance music meant to move both body and mind, RODAN, co producer of the event and a New Paltz electronic music pioneer, SKEETER, a local favorite setting the tone, and the Mindchurch Apostles, a live sax and DJ duo performing original music with Rodan on tables and Feather (VT) on sax. Costumes are part of the experience, highlighted by the first Mindchurch Psychedelic Costume Contest awarding a first place prize of $100 in Mindchurch merch credit, with more details to be announced. Tickets are transferable and not refundable. Capacity is very limited and pre sale is expected to sell out.

Set off from Kingston’s historic waterfront on a Hudson River Cruises boat for an evening of live music, scenic views, and fresh air. Enjoy drinks while local bands play everything from rock and country to yacht rock and party favorites, creating a lively setting for dancing on the open deck or relaxing with friends. As the sun sinks toward the Catskills, the river becomes a backdrop for a festive outing filled with great entertainment. Each themed sailing brings its own style and energy, making it a fitting choice for date nights, group gatherings, and special celebrations on the water.

Experience acoustic, cinematic world music that blends early music influences with Scandinavian and Celtic sonorities, featuring pieces from the album Déjouer le glas.

Internationally renowned drummer Marvin “Bugalu” Smith returns to The Falcon, a club where he performed for more than a decade. This performance reunites him with legendary bassist Asante Santi Debriano, his former bandmate in the Archie Shepp Quartet, after 40 years apart. The evening opens with the debut screening of a short documentary portrait of Smith, followed by a performance with saxophonist Abraham Burton and pianist Esteban Castro. Smith has performed and recorded with artists including Archie Shepp, Sun Ra, James Brown, Charles Mingus, Chet Baker, and B.B. King. Diagnosed with lung cancer a year ago, he continues to play with a commitment to uplifting audiences.

Ukulele enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels come together for a monthly jam at the Rosendale Recreation Center. A rotating team of leaders guides the session, each bringing a new twist, and the sheet music is projected on a large screen so everyone can follow along. A $5 contribution is requested, with a portion supporting the Ukulele Donation Fund that is currently earmarked for a Veterans Ukulele Class in Kingston, and no one is turned away. Any changes or cancellations are announced through the group’s Facebook community and email newsletter. A playlist of favorite group songs and additional ukulele resources are available online.