AMPLIFIED: Music Notes from the Hudson Valley | January 2026

I first heard Mariana Barcellos sing as part of a Brazilian duo on a warm spring evening at a now-shuttered Brazilian restaurant in New Paltz. I’ve long loved this style of music for how its melodies could simultaneously convey passion and peace; how its tropical instrumentation echoes nature and Indigenous elements while remaining timeless. Barcellos was accompanied by cellist Gabriel Dresdale, and as I enjoyed an entree of grilled cod over coconut rice, her voice was transportive, evoking nostalgia for a place I’d never been. (It’s still on the list.)

After following along on Instagram, I learned she does so much more as a musician, including lessons and leading a choir at The Muse in Rosendale; you can learn more about all of this in the article below. And while many venues go on hiatus during January, we still put together a list of shows and events to look forward to this month.

Local Artist Spotlight: Mariana Barcellos

“Brazilian music has been influencing American musicians for decades, and I see that appreciation growing even more here in the Hudson Valley,” says singer and instrumentalist Mariana Barcellos. “Many musicians I meet are deeply inspired by Brazilian rhythms, and those influences often find their way into their own songwriting.”

Barcellos, a Woodstock resident for about a decade, grew up in Rio de Janeiro in a family of artists. Her parents were actors, and a few of her uncles are professional musicians, all of whom ignited an interest in performing. “I started theater at 14, and singing soon became the place where I felt safest expressing myself on stage,” she explains. “I started studying both classical and popular singing at 18, began performing professionally in my early 20s in Rio de Janeiro, and later added guitar and piano, which became central to my songwriting and teaching.”

“Brazilian music has been influencing American musicians for decades, and I see that appreciation growing even more here in the Hudson Valley,” says singer and instrumentalist Mariana Barcellos.

She currently performs around the Hudson Valley with her band BOREAL, featuring Brazilian drummer Gil Oliveira, guitarist Timothy Hill, flutist Steve Gorn, and cellist Gabriel Dresdale, playing classic bossa nova and samba. She also leads Cantos do Mar (Songs of the Sea), a mermaid-themed vocal project, and sings and plays guitar in the duo BLISS (with Dresdale), performing original music. “Songwriting truly opened up for me when I began playing guitar, because I could accompany my own voice and feel less alone in the creative process,” she explains. “My songs often explore nature, love, transformation, and well-being. Jazz, Samba, and Brazilian rhythms and melodies are my main musical influences.”
The groups can be heard at regional venues like Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, Pearl Moon and Colony in Woodstock, Rose Hill Farm in Red Hook, and Red Maple Vineyard in West Park.

This past fall, she led an eight-week choir experience at The Muse in Rosendale with 21 participants of various experience levels. “My method is based on deep listening, embodiment, and freeing the voice in service of the song,” she says. “I lead choirs without sheet music, focusing instead on learning through listening and collective experience. This approach has been deeply rewarding. What I love most about teaching singing is helping people discover their own voice — that place where there is less vocal effort and more tone brilliance, where the sound feels free, expressive, and truly personal. When someone finds that sweet spot, their voice can travel through a song with intention, personality, and ease.” Barcellos plans to continue offering limited-time choir journeys with a closing performance in 2026.

“Music allows me to combine storytelling, embodiment, and connection,” she says. “I love the shared energy of live performance — when people gather in the same space and experience something meaningful together. Music goes beyond words; it connects us, moves us, and invites us to dance.”
Learn more about upcoming events and offerings at marianasong.com and on Instagram @marianabarcellos.song

Stage & Scene: The Muse

The Muse, a “hive for the arts,” offers an intimate space for music and multidisciplinary arts events in Rosendale. Located along Route 32, in the space formerly occupied by indie microvenue Market Market Cafe, The Muse meets the needs of a town whose reputation has historically supported the arts and live music but, in recent years, has seen the closure of multiple performance spaces. However, the venue also offers events beyond concerts, such as Tai Chi classes and art gallery exhibitions.  The Muse is located at 1 Madeline Lane in Rosendale, NY.  Find upcoming events at themuserosendale.org

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January Upcoming Music Events

Music is alive and thriving across the region. Here are just a handful of performances to catch in November. Find your new favorite band (or venue) at these upcoming shows.

Thursday, Jan 1
The New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble
The Falcon, Marlboro NYAura

Saturday, Jan 3
The Restless Age
The Falcon, Marlboro NY

Aura
The Avalon, Catskill NY

Sunday, Jan 4
Upstate Composers Orchestra
The Avalon, Catskill NY

Saturday, Jan 10
Chavez + Ismaily + Saunier / Mark Trecka
The Avalon, Catskill NY

Saturday, Jan 17
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah — Piano & Voice
Assembly, Kingston NY
Housepitality: House Music On The Hudson
Bearsville Theater, Woodstock NY
Ondara Presents: The Jet Stone Conspiracy with THE MONTVALES
Levon Helm, Woodstock NY

Friday, Jan 23
G. Love & Special Sauce – Lemonade 20th Anniversary Tour
Bearsville Theater, Woodstock NY
Josh Ritter | Leven Helm Studios, Woodstock, NY
Junco Partners Mardi Gras Show
The Falcon, Marlboro NY

Saturday, Jan 24
Richard Lloyd from Television
Park Theater, Hudson NY
Stuart Bogie + Buck McDaniel
Bearsville Theater, Woodstock NY
Fred Thomas of the JBs
The Falcon, Marlboro NY

Thursday, Jan 29
Chris O’Leary Band
The Falcon, Marlboro NY

Friday, Jan 30
Nine Feet Down / Pixie Vixen / Hubert Dulay / Lane Changer
The Avalon, Catskill NY
Labiahead: ALL-GIRL RADIOHEAD
Assembly, Kingston NY

Saturday, Jan 31
Cornelia Murr with STOREY LITTLETON
Levon Helm Stuidos, Woodstock NY