In case some of our readers will be traveling to the east coast this summer or fall, the Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, located in Tivoli, New York which is in the scenic Hudson Valley, has just announced the dates for its 2022 summer and fall festivals. Described as two very distinct festivals occurring in June and September, these festivals will feature renowned international artists in dance, music, poetry, sculpture, and the culinary arts. From June 3 to 19, 2022 rising stars from American Ballet Theatre Studio Company and Live Arts Globe, and Taylor Mac will present both classical and new works. On September 16, the Fall Festival begins by celebrating the 85th birthday of American composer and pianist Philip Glass. Artists from all disciplines of the arts will perform, interpret, and discuss the composer’s Glass Etudes throughout the Kaatsbaan property.
“Over the course of both Festivals, sculptures from local Hudson Valley artists will inhabit the landscape, creating a true cultural park, featuring the site-specific work, In Plain Site from Trisha Brown Dance Company during the fall.” Michelle Tabnick PR press release.
“Kaatsbaan’s 2022 Festivals represent our commitment to provide an extraordinary environment for cultural innovation and excellence as a cultural park and to presenting multidisciplinary works. As such, we are proud to continue contributing to the Hudson Valley’s vast cultural landscape as well as the economic health of our Dutchess County community. Through innovative partnerships, we continue to present unparalleled artists from dance, music, culinary, poetry, and visual art, providing our audiences opportunities to engage with today’s leading artists. – Sonja Kostich, Chief Executive & Artistic Officer
“We are thrilled to once again convene such notable artists for our upcoming 2022 Festivals. Staying true to our mission of being a year-round dance sanctuary, we also look to support a diverse range of artists both as performers and creators and we strive to ensure that our programming accurately reflects today’s society by supporting performers who advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts. – Stella Abrera, Artistic Director
The complete programing details and ticket information will be announced in 2022, but here are a few highlights of the Summer and Fall Festivals.
Kaatsbaan Annual Summer Festival
Week 1
June 3: Gala dinner by celebrity author and caterer Mary Giuliani and special music concert curated by Kaatsbaan festival music curator, Oliver Ray.
June 4 & 5: World Premiere by Live Arts Global This new work will be created in part during a Kaatsbaan residency and will feature live musical accompaniment. Directors & Creators: Joanna DeFelice and Melanie Hamrick Choreographers: Danielle Agami, Nicholas Palmquist, and Kristin Sudeikis set to the music of The Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, Alabama Shakes and more. Music Director: Gabe McDonough, Producers: Joanna DeFelice, Melanie Hamrick, Lauren Marrus, and Christine Shevchenko.
June 4 & 5: Live music concert with Jesse Woods.
Kayla Mak – Photo courtesy of the artist.
Week 2
June 11 & 12: Featuring rising stars including Grace Curry and Vince Pelegrin from American Ballet Theatre JKO, Juilliard wunderkind Kayla Mak, and others performing classic and contemporary works plus a new Kaatsbaan commissioned group work from a choreographer selected by Kaatsbaan via an open application for ballet choreographers. Live music from local Woodstock favorite, Maverick Concerts, will feature the Neave Trio.
Elisabeth Beyer – Photo courtesy of the artist.
Week 3
June 18: Sugar in the Tank, an evening of new songs created by Taylor Mac and Matt Ray. Taylor Mac and friends pay homage to queer icons of the past and present in this work-in-progress concert. Mac describes the piece as a performance in the genre of “parade trance” featuring a selection of all-new original songs co-written with composer/music director Matt Ray. Taylor Mac is reunited with longtime collaborators co-director Niegel Smith, choreographer Faye Driscoll and costume designer Machine Dazzle and creative producers Pomegranate Arts. Mac, who is a 2017 MacArthur “genius grant” recipient, and collaborators will create the work during a month-long Kaatsbaan residency, culminating in this performance celebrating Pride month in the Hudson Valley.
Neave Trio – Photo by Jacob Lewis Lovendahl
June 19: Community Event Commemorating Juneteenth. Saxophonist and composer Tyrone Birkett and his ensemble Emancipation, perform his Postmodern Spirituals and a new composition in collaboration with New York City-based dancer and choreographer Robert Rubama. The weekend includes a specially curated culinary and poetry lineup and is sponsored by the award-winning Sorel Liqueur, the original red drink from Jackie Summers.
Robert Rubama – Photo courtesy of the artist.
Kaatsbaan Annual Fall Festival
Week 1
September 16: Gala dinner honoring Philip Glass. Kaatsbaan festival culinary curator, Jeff Gordinier, will moderate a conversation about Philip Glass’s work, and its impact, with a panel of esteemed guests.
September 17 & 18: The Glass Etudes at Kaatsbaan – celebrating Philip Glass’s 85th birthday. Glass’s complete Etudes for Piano are some of the most personal and popular works of Philip Glass’s storied career. The twenty etudes will be performed across the property featuring world premieres of newly commissioned works by choreographers spanning generations and genres accompanied by live interpretations on piano. The weekend will also feature film, poetry, and visual and culinary arts. Presented by Kaatsbaan and produced in collaboration with Pomegranate Arts.
Tyrone Birkett – Photo courtesy of the artist.
Week 2
September 24 & 25: Site specific dance performance of Trisha Brown: In Plain Site and music concert curated by Kaatsbaan festival music curator, Oliver Ray.
Week 3
October 1 & 2: Programming to be announced in early 2022
*All programming subject to change
Summer Festival presale tickets for members begin March 1, 2022
Summer Festival general ticket sales begin March 15, 2021
Fall Festival presale tickets for members begin June 16, 2022
Fall Festival general ticket sales begin June 30, 2022
To learn more about Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, please visit the website.
Written and compiled by Jeff Slayton from a press release issued by Michelle Tabnick Public Relations.
Featured image: Kayla Mak – Photo courtesy of the artist.
