From the upbeat Americana of Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats to a season-long reggae tribute, here are 6 live music shows to catch this July in the Hudson Valley.
Jim Campilongo
July 3. Roots-rocking New York guitarist Jim Campilongo is a treasured Falcon fave, and his return to the waterfalls-side Ulster County bistro is a sure sign that summer music is back in swing. Although the Telecaster-wielding firebrand is widely known for his membership in the Norah Jones-fronted supergroup the Little Willies, his expansive resume also includes his own bands as well as work with Nels Cline, Cake, J. J. Cale, Charlie Hunter, Teddy Thompson, Peter Rowan, Martha Wainwright, NRBQ’s Al Anderson, and others. (Fantastic Cat saunters in July 17; the Kenny Roby Band plays July 23.) 7pm. Donation requested. Reservations encouraged. Marlboro.
Let It Be Tribute
July 10. During the making of Let It Be, their 12th and final album, the Beatles famously played a concert on a London rooftop. This celebration of the album by an all-star ensemble of local musicians, however, will be on the stage of the Bearsville Theater, not its roof. No complaints, though: It’s gratifying to once again be talking up an actual in-person live event at the recently renovated venue. Leading this performance of the full Beatles album plus bonus material is bassist Scott Petito (the Fugs), who has also steered projects celebrating The White Album, Traffic, Steely Dan, and Joni Mitchell. (The Sweet Clementines and Tracy Bonham team up July 23; Gratefully Yours honors the Dead on July 31.) 8pm. $35. Bearsville.
Upstate Reggae 40th Anniversary Series
July 17-October 16. Overseen by promoter Leah Boss, the Upstate Reggae organization has been booking exceptional reggae riddims around the Hudson Valley since 1981. To celebrate its four decades, Boss has assembled a town-wide series that kicks off this month to bring events to several Woodstock-area venues. The string of happenings begins with Boston band Mighty Mystic (July 17; Bearsville Theater) and continues with reggae DJs and Jamaican food (August 6; the Station Bar and Curio), the Big Takeover (August 7; Bearsville Theater), acts TBA (Colony; August 8), and a Peter Tosh tribute (October 16; Bearsville Theater). See website for times and ticket prices.
Donavon Frankenreiter
July 20. Singer-songwriter Donavon Frankenreiter’s sunny, laid-back tunes reflect his other life as a professional surfer. Here, he and his long-time accompanist Matt Grundy return to preferred area haunt Infinity Hall on “The Record Player Tour,” which finds them playing along on stage to a vinyl copy of Bass & Drums Tracks, Frankenreiter’s 2019 album comprised mainly of rhythm-section-only versions of his fan-favorite originals. Aficionados of similarly earnest and quiet contemporary tunespinners like Jack Johnson, Ray LaMontagne, Todd Snider, and Dave Matthews should take note. (Tusk pays tribute to Fleetwood Mac on July 9; the Cast of Beatlemania gets back July 24.) 7pm. $39-$54. Norfolk, Connecticut.
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
July 31. With their soulful brew of upbeat Americana, it’s not surprising that Colorado’s Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats would find a formidable fanbase right here in the Hudson Valley—this is, after all, the land the Band built. No doubt the beards and denim will be thick and strong on the lawn when the band ascends to the glorious heights of Belleayre Mountain for this open-air summer hoedown sponsored by Radio Woodstock. Although of course Rateliff’s eight-piece outfit had to wait out last year’s lockdown before rolling back out on the road again, they’ve been riding high since a February appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” The Marcus King Band and Allison Russell open. 7pm. $59-$169. Highmount.
