We Are Upstate NY with Musician, Actor, Club Owner, Neil Howard

10 Things to Know About Colony Owner Neil Howard

By inside + out | November 11, 2024

You may know Neil Howard as the co-owner of Colony Woodstock, a historic music venue nestled in the vibrant heart of Woodstock, NY known for showcasing some of the most talented acts in the Hudson Valley. Colony Woodstock has become a cultural hub in the area for live music, it’s seasonal beer garden and an iconic place to host a wedding, corporate event or private party.

INSIDE+OUT recently interviewed Neil about his life’s passions: acting, singing/songwriting and of course, nightclubbing! Read the full interview and here’s a snippet: Here’s a snippet:

INSIDE+OUT: Let’s talk about your music. Who were your early influences, and how did they shape your new project?

Neil Howard: With my fascination for oldies, I was inspired by 50’s music and culture, then Brian Setzer and The Stray Cats. I have always loved their music and their style. And I was also drawn to Brian’s big Gretsch guitar. My mom is Irish, so I listened to a lot of traditional Irish music growing up. I lived in Ireland for a little while and couch-surfed in London. That’s where I first heard and was blown away by Leonard Cohen. He is one of my biggest influences. I sang his song “Famous Blue Raincoat” at a recent Cohen tribute show organized by Robert Burke Warren here at Colony. Growing up, I was also influenced by some of the pop music my mom listened to on the radio, artists like Neil Diamond and even Engelbert Humperdinck.

I am a solo singer-songwriter who sits and plays moody songs with my eyes closed. Recently, though, I’ve put together a quartet called The Strumlords. People say it sounds like Roxy Music meets Tom Waits, but the latter comparison may be because of the hats I always wear. The music is very much influenced by Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave. My songs have what you might call a dark, baritone energy with mature themes and such. I also have a rockabilly side that refuses to die.

The Strumlords played Colony on July 17, on my birthday. I have the pleasure of strumming my guitar and singing with three great players: guitarist Josh Roy Brown, bassist Chuck Cornelis, and drummer Joe Cosgrove. I have an album called Bottle Letter that you can find on Spotify. It’s a few years old now, but the material is what I still perform and work from.

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Here are ten more things to know about Neil Howard…

What is your most treasured possession?
My Harmony Arch Top Guitar circa 1961

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Well, of course, that would be Lex, my love and partner in this grand adventure…after her, I’d have to say a deep appreciation for the past is what dominates my existence – the style, music, cars, the design, the architecture, the kitchens – anything from the era between the World Wars.
My appreciation for the past dominates my existence – the style, cars, kitchens, and anything from the era between the World Wars.

When and where were you the happiest?
In San Francisco right after I met my wife-to-be. We had a wonderful circle of friends and a great apartment.

What is your greatest fear?
Realizing that I’d peaked in something I love – acting, music, etc.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Hats and guitars. I have too many of both.

What do you most value in your friends?
Optimism.

Which talent would you most like to have?
The opposite of procrastination.

Who are your heroes in real life?
My wife and a select number of friends I’ve made in Woodstock are always there to help when needed. I sleep better at night knowing they exist.

Which living person do you most admire?
Barack Obama, for his grace and dignity.

If you could have one superpower, what would that be?
Flying, but I can only access it when I sleep and dream.