Xondra laying in the field with her guitar and AMPLIFIED Music Notes for August type across the image.

AMPLIFIED: Music Notes from the Hudson Valley | August 2026

By Melissa Esposito | July 30, 2026

The last full month of summer may be here, but this season’s live music isn’t slowing down; and neither is this month’s featured artist, Xondra, who seems to cover every angle of the music biz with a smile on her face. Learn more below. Plus, our venue spotlight illuminates one of our region’s most beloved outdoor amphitheaters, where a popular annual summer series is in full swing. Last, from festivals to concert halls, historic venues to bar gigs, and events covering a whole range of genres, our live music rundown offers a little something for everyone.

In the Spotlight

Meet Local Artist Spotlight: Xondra

“Let yourself be surprised. Try new and different things to stretch yourself, and be open to what ideas may come to you.” This is a guiding philosophy behind singer and multi-instrumentalist Xondra’s songwriting, and it’s fitting; her decade-plus performance career meanders a path less followed. If anything, it’s more like multiple paths converging, trailblazing through the local music scene.

At age 29, the Hudson-based artist not only regularly writes and performs her emotive blend of indie-pop-rock, but she also released a new album this past spring, runs a monthly songwriter’s circle, and started an artist support agency that provides tour booking, management, and consulting.

Xondra laying on her stomach next to her guitar.

Photo by Nicole Rapp

“Music is my favorite form of expression; it has always poured out of me and helped me process the world around and within me,” she says. “Luckily, everything I do with my agency overlaps with my own artist career. It’s so fun to help build together. It’s definitely the best of both worlds.”

Originally from Long Island, Xondra moved upstate two years ago, seamlessly assimilating into the local scene. “There is so much talent here, and what makes it even better is that these musicians are also kind-hearted, good people. Can’t get better than that,” she says. “There’s a real community here that’s all about connecting and growing the music scene year after year. I feel lucky to be a part of that, and I’m excited to keep contributing to a community that has welcomed me with open arms.”

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: Photos by Nicole Rapp

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One way she does just that is through her inclusive songwriter’s circle that takes place at Park Theater Hudson; the monthly events offer an intimate evening of acoustic performances by revolving artists who share the stories behind their songs. “Park Theater is a venue that lifts artists up and engages with the local community in so many interesting and important ways,” she explains. “People in the Hudson Valley really celebrate and respect the art of songwriting, too, so I could not be happier because that is my true passion.”

While she’s currently writing songs for a new album, her latest release, the 11-song “Good Things Take Time” (May 2026), is a relatable, poignant reflection of the wisdom we gain with age, with themes of longing, growth, and self-discovery expressed through an indie-rock vibe set to catchy pop melodies and softly yearning vocals. The record, available on Spotify and other streaming services, was produced, engineered, and mixed locally by lauded producer Shubham Mondal, whose credits include renowned artists like Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Shawn Mendes, Clairo, and many more.

“I worked with a small but mighty team on the album, and I am so grateful to them; Shubham Mondal is such a force of nature to work with, and I feel so incredibly lucky to work with someone who helps breathe life into my songs through production that elevates them,” she explains. “Two incredible multi-instrumentalists, AJ Lander and Billy Pearson, wrote some of the best guitar and bass parts I have ever heard. What a joy it is to work with good-hearted, talented people. I learned so much about music, myself, and collaboration. This album feels like my true artist introduction to the world.”

This month, Xondra will be performing at the inaugural 21 Songwriters Festival at Park Theater Hudson on August 8. The all-day festival features 21 songwriters and raises money for Perfect Ten After School Program (Girls With Goals), a nonprofit that empowers young girls through mentorship, education, leadership development, and after-school programming within the Hudson community. For additional updates or to follow along in her journey, find Xondra on Instagram or visit her Website.

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Stage & Scene: Opus 40

Rock the Quarry 2026 at Opus 40 Photo by Eric Delmar

Rock the Quarry at Opus 40 | Photo: Eric Delmar

World-famous sculpture park and museum Opus 40 is best known as the home of late artist Harvey Fite’s six-and-a-half-acre bluestone sculpture, with an on-site museum and art gallery. Over the years, however, this Saugerties hidden gem at the base of Overlook Mountain has featured a series of open-air concerts starring everyone from reggae legend Jimmy Cliff to avant-jazz performers Sun Ra Arkestra to multi-instrumentalist Gail Ann Dorsey (known for her work with David Bowie and Lenny Kravitz), among many other esteemed artists. This summer, the organization celebrates the 50th anniversary of the sculpture’s completion and features another run of summer concerts curated through a partnership with Saugerties-based venue The Local. This month’s shows include Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars (from New Orleans) on August 8, Euphonia Balkan and Brass Festival on August 22, cumbia artists Chicha Libre on August 30, and more. Guests can bring a chair or blanket to hang out and listen, or get up and dance on the grassy dance floor. Tickets and information are available on their Website.