The Winter Hoot is a down-home, down-to-earth, music gathering where everyone is welcome and there's joy to spare. Located at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY (20 min from Woodstock) the event begins with a Friday dinner, concert, and jam, continues with music, fun activities, and dancing all day/night on Saturday, and ends with yoga and a farewell singalong on Sunday. Don't miss the blacksmithing, mini concerts in the pewter shop, kids zone activities, local food and libations!

"Venturing north to the Hudson Valley, the three-day Winter Hoot folk music festival at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, New York brings together the folk music community through music, arts, and food. Infused with the spirit of Pete Seeger, Levon Helm, and Woodstock, organizers Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar want to get young people involved in the folk scene. " -Sachyn Mital

Schedule of Events:

10:00 am: Hike With Del Orloske

Join Us For A Morning Hike In The Crisp Winter Air With Naturalist Educator Del Orloske (Weather Permitting.) Experience Nature's Beauty Together! Remember To Bring Water, Wear Plenty Of Layers, And Appropriate Shoes.

11:00 am: Music For Kids With Rachael Davis

A Delightful Whirlwind Of Engaging Songs And Interactive Musical Games That Encourage Movement And Singing Participation From The Whole Family.

12:15 pm: Family Square Dance

With The Jay and Molly Family Band and Caller Megan Downes. You Don't Need A Partner Or Any Experience. All Ages Are Welcome To Jump In And Dance!

2:00 pm: Louie Lou Louis

Louis Apollon Is An Upbeat Brooklyn-Based Jazz-Folk Singer-Songwriter. Raised In A Multicultural Environment, He Blends Diverse Influences Into A Soothing Yet Energizing Sound That Reflects His Infectious Positivity. We First Met Louis On An Island In Nh And We Can't Wait For The Hoot To Hear His Special Sound.  "Louis Apollon Has An Angelic, Magical Quality To His Voice. It's The Kind Of Voice That Makes You Just Want To Relax, Sit And Listen Forever." - Janice Pendarvis - Singer, College Professor, Activist

3:30 pm: Rachael Davis and R.O. Shapiro

Rachael Davis Is Renowned For Her Expressive And Powerful Voice, Seamlessly Blending Elements Of Folk, Blues, Country, And Pop And Her Love For Playing Guitar, Banjo, Ukulele, And Tenor Guitar. Joining Her Is The Warm And Witty Troubadour R. O. Shapiro, Who Complements Her Performance With His Own Guitar, Harmonica, And A Touch Of Traditional Tap Dancing. We Met Rachael In Her Michigan Days And She Now Hails From Nashville. This Will Be Her First Hoot Appearance."Rachael Is A Bold Explorer In The Undefined And Powerful Territory Of Her Primary Instrument - Her Own Human Voice - And The Stories That Come Through It" - Claudia Schmidt

5:00 pm: Billy Keane and The Waking Dream

Billy Keane, An Indie-Folk Singer-Songwriter From The Berkshires, Channels His Wanderer Spirit Into Music. With A Rich Background And Extensive Touring, He Has Quickly Emerged As A Standout Act In The Indie-Folk Scene, Earning Critical Acclaim. Billy Has Played A Couple Of Summer Hoots With The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow And We're Thrilled To Welcome Him To His First Winter Hoot With The Waking Dream.

6:30 pm: Kyshona

Kyshona (Kuh-Shaun-Uh) Is A Powerful Writer And Performer With A Message Of Connection. She Began As A Music Therapist Writing With Students And Inmates Before Exploring Her Own Voice In The Nashville Songwriting Community. She Balances Her Music Career With Her Passion To Heal Through Her Organization Your Song. Her New Album, Legacy, Focuses On Family. Don't Miss This Set! "...Heartfelt Empathy Is Evident On Legacy, An Inspiring Collection Of Gospel, Folk And Blues." - Npr

8:00 pm: The Mammals

The Mammals, An americana Quintet Led By Songwriters Mike And Ruthy, Are The Driving Force Behind The Hoot Festivals. With The Captivating Support Of Will Bryant On Keys, Brandon Morrison On Bass, And Tim Morrison On Drums, Their Performance Promises To Fill The Room With Soulful Harmonies, Down-Home Fiddle, And Poignant Lyrics That Navigate The Delicate Balance Between Subversive And Traditionalist. As Noted By No Depression, They Embody "…The Defiant Spirit Needed To Heal A Damaged World."

9:30 pm: Square Dance

Catskills Old Time Stringband (Becca Wintle, Monica Mills, Sally Freund, Robert Wood) With Megan Downes Calling. No Partner Or Prior Experience Necessary. Circle Left, Y'all! It's Time To Cut Loose!

11:30 pm: Picnic Committee

A Nightcap Of Funk, Rock, And Soul From A New Local Trio Of Atomic Chornuk, Milo Lieberman, And Will Merenda. This Band Got Their Name From Their Fan Steve Poltz During A Spontaneous Pep Talk At Last Year's Summer Hoot. Their Music Will Keep You Feeling Fine!