After a five-year hiatus, Mountain Jam is making its long-awaited return in 2025, this time with a new home at Belleayre Mountain and a scaled-down approach that harkens back to its early days. Founded in 2005 as a one-day concert to celebrate WDST Radio Woodstock’s 25th anniversary, the festival grew into a major fixture of the Northeast’s summer music scene before going dormant following its 2019 edition at Bethel Woods. Now, station owner and festival founder Gary Chetkof is bringing Mountain Jam back—with a focus on intimacy, quality, and the natural beauty of the Catskills.
Gary Chetkof envisioned an outdoor concert reminiscent of the summer festivals he cherished as a Long Island youth. “My friends would be out there with our coolers and our blankets and throwing the Frisbee,” Chetkof says. Drawing inspiration from events hosted by WLIR at Belmont Park and WNEW in Central Park, Chetkof sought to recreate that communal atmosphere in the heart of the Catskills.
After scouting various locations, Hunter Mountain’s natural amphitheater and scenic vistas emerged as the ideal setting. The inaugural Mountain Jam featured Gov’t Mule, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Robert Randolph, and Xavier Rudd, attracting 3,300 attendees. Reflecting on the event’s success, Chetkof says, “I just didn’t want to lose any money. It was a gorgeous, sunny day.” Encouraged by the positive response, plans for subsequent festivals began to take shape.
As Mountain Jam evolved, it expanded from a single-day event to a multiday festival, incorporating camping and a diverse lineup of artists. By its third year, the festival’s attendance had tripled, notably with Phil Lesh’s performance, which drew 10,000 fans. The festival continued to attract renowned artists, including The Allman Brothers Band, Robert Plant, and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Chetkof fondly remembers Petty’s performance as a pinnacle moment, “I couldn’t believe we had Tom Petty playing in the Catskills,” Chetkof says. “I knew every song he played.”
In 2013, facing rising production costs, Mountain Jam partnered with Townsquare Media, leading to the creation of the Taste of Country Music Festival, which ran back-to-back with Mountain Jam for six years. This collaboration allowed the festival to diversify its offerings and reach a broader audience. However, by 2019, seeking a fresh direction, Mountain Jam relocated to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Chetkof described the move as an honor, noting, “What an honor to produce Mountain Jam at Bethel Woods on the 50th anniversary of Woodstock.” The 2019 lineup featured artists such as Willie Nelson, Toots and the Maytals, and Alison Krauss.
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 led to the festival’s cancellation, casting uncertainty over its future. During this hiatus, Chetkof regained full ownership of Mountain Jam and began contemplating its revival. Recognizing shifts in the festival landscape and a desire for a more intimate experience, he envisioned a scaled-down version of the event. Conversations with Bruce Transue, general manager of Belleayre Mountain—former manager at Hunter during the fest’s run there—culminated in the festival’s relocation to Belleayre Mountain. “I wanted to make it smaller and more manageable,” says Chetkof. “Bruce made me a very attractive offer and welcomed us there.”
The upcoming Mountain Jam, scheduled for June 20-22. marks a return to the festival’s roots with a focus on quality over quantity. The event will feature a single stage, hosting 17 bands over three days, with ticket sales capped at 7,500 to ensure an intimate fan experience. The lineup includes headliners Khruangbin, Mt. Joy, and Goose, along with artists such as Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Trampled by Turtles, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and Julien Baker & TORRES. Reflecting on the selection of performers, Chetkof notes, “We always try to strike the balance between old and new—the three headliners we have are just so amazing.”
Belleayre Mountain’s picturesque setting offers attendees a rustic idyll of an experience, combining live music with the natural beauty of the Catskills. Chetkof emphasized the significance of the location, stating, “Being on a ski mountain is really magical. You’re really in nature. There are pros and cons to that, but on a beautiful day it’s you can’t beat the experience.” (Those who’ve braved the many rainy days at Mountain Jam will be all too familiar with the cons of a soggy tent.)
This return to a mountain venue aims to recapture the festival’s original charm, providing a serene backdrop for both artists and fans. As Mountain Jam approaches its 20th anniversary, its resilience and adaptability stand out. From its modest beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of the Northeast’s music scene, the festival has continually evolved while staying true to its roots. Chetkof expressed gratitude for the journey, saying, “We’re having more fun than we’ve ever had before. We thought we might never do it again.” With its return in 2025, Mountain Jam promises to deliver a revitalized experience, celebrating music, community, and the enduring spirit of the Catskills.
Tickets for Mountain Jam 2025 are currently on sale, with options for three-day festival passes and single-day tickets.
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Mountain Jam Returns in June 2025 at Belleayre
This article appears in February 2025.
