AMPLIFIED: Music Notes from the Hudson Valley | May 2026

There are times when slowing life down brings the most progress, and that’s a hard-learned lesson that Kingston-based musician Jack Manley is using to his advantage. But not in the ways of parables like the tortoise and the hare, or of patience being a virtue. Rather, his story is more of an Icarian journey. (You know the myth about Icarus, the boy who wore wings of wax but flew too close to the sun, which melted his wings, sending him to his demise?) 

Local Artist Spotlight: Jack Manley

Throughout his musical career, Manley felt the same allure: the call to push boundaries, drawn by bright lights while playing with fire. About a decade ago, his psych-rock band, Spires, was a hot name among Brooklyn’s thriving indie music scene. With growing success came the darker side of the rock’ n roll lifestyle and an inevitable fall; yet, unlike Icarus, Manley had the opportunity to stand back up, start over, and take flight on his own terms.

Manley grew up in Kingston at a time when it wasn’t as well known for its quaint cafes and high-end boutiques. “It was a very different place; I always saw tremendous potential and really enjoyed its unique beauty, but it was a dark time,” he explains. “A lot of violent crime, a lot of heavy drugs. I barely made it out.” These experiences are part of why his songwriting often explores themes of addiction, grief, and redemption; a solace while in recovery from his own addiction, after two near-fatal overdoses. His music first became a lifeboat, and then an inspiration to craft a new sound; the songs began pouring out. “I’m an addict in recovery, so I’m very much excited by intense experiences, adventure, and real human connection,” he explains. “Drugs have certainly made an impact, but more so love, honest vulnerability, philosophy, film, friends, and more.”

Now in his 30s, Manley performs as a singer-songwriter and guitarist both solo acoustic and as a vocalist and electric guitarist with his namesake band, which also features Billy Pearson (lead guitar) and Noah Sonenstein (drums).

“It’s a solo project-meets-indie/alternative rock band in which whoever I’m playing with is encouraged to jeuje it up a bit in their own way,” he explains. “The band’s sound is a collision of opposites: High versus low, angular meets atmospheric. Think Pavement’s slack, The Pixies dynamics, The Strokes swagger, and Diiv’s swirling textures.”

They’ve currently released one EP, Unmeasurable Terms (2024), a live single called “Grow Up,” and, most recently, four new singles from an upcoming debut album; the next single will be released in late spring before a 12-inch vinyl album comes out in late August.

“There’ve been a lot of unique highlights over the years, but I’m really proud of this first album,” he says. “We recorded 11 songs in two days, which is pretty insane. I fully expected walking away with three to four tops, but we got them all. I have to say I am very lucky, and I’ve been fortunate to have very skilled collaborators and contributors who have really helped make the vision a reality.”

While the album is being finalized, Manley has been performing regionally with his band, most recently at Colony Woodstock.

“I can’t rep them enough; the entire team has been so good to me and has a big part in the story of my return to music,” he says. “I also always love Bearsville Theater and Levon’s Barn; the vibe, the history, and the hospitality are killer. And I’m really excited about Assembly; I went to school at Saint Joe’s in that building until third grade, so it’s wild to see it repurposed into such a big venue. I don’t go out to other shows much, although I try to show up and support… I’m surrounded by extremely talented musicians and excellent bands, which constantly motivate me to work harder and be humble.”

Next, he’ll be supporting The Upsides at their Park Theater show in Hudson on May 8. Learn more about upcoming shows and music releases on his Instagram or website.

Stage & Scene: Colony Woodstock

Colony Woodstock has lived a few lives since its original construction as a hotel in 1929. Over the decades, it’s been a hotel, a restaurant, a venue, or some combination of those traits. Over the last 11 years, through the pandemic and all, Colony has cemented itself as a live music venue (and private events/weddings) known for bringing talented local and national touring acts from various genres to its stage in the heart of Woodstock. As the iconic three-story building approaches its 100th birthday just a few years away, the historic venue remains a mainstay of Woodstock culture, where tourists and locals unite through music and libation. Colony Woodstock is located at 22 Rock City Road in Woodstock, NY.

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May Upcoming Music Events

Spring is here and concert calendars are abundantly full! There’s music everywhere; here’s a look at upcoming shows this month.

Saturday, May 2 

Carmen Costello & Just for Now w/ Special Guests: A Groove Gathering
The Lemon Squeeze | New Paltz NY

Sunday, May 3

Portuguese Fado: Alison Dasilva, Pedro Botas, Ricardo Parreira, and Nelson Aleixo
The Local | Saugerties NY

Carolyn Wonderland
Colony Woodstock | Woodstock NY

Don’t Let’s Start / Lane Changer / Rainbow
The Avalon Lounge | Catskill NY

Tuesday, May 5

Bodeans
Assembly | Kingston NY

Cinco De Mayo with Kate Skwire and Brian Mitchell
Pearl Moon | Woodstock NY

Wednesday, May 6

The Carl Mateo Band
Colony Woodstock | Woodstock NY

Thursday, May 7

Spooky Ghost: Gerry Leonard
The Local | Saugerties NY

Eric Andersen x Jon Pousette-Dart
Colony Woodstock | Woodstock NY

Knorrwood
Assembly | Kingston NY

The Silos
The Falcon | Marlboro NY

Friday, May 8

Dar Williams
Assembly | Kingston NY

The Upsides w/s/g Will Hanza (Escaper)
Park Theater | Hudson NY

Ghostface Killah
Bardavon | Poughkeepsie NY

Saturday, May 9

Indie Folk Rock: Overheard / Liam Singer
The Local | Saugerties NY

Elias Rønnenfelt & Evanora Unlimited w/ John FM
Colony Woodstock | Woodstock NY

Dub Kandy: 9 artists, D&B, Techno, DJ
The Avalon Lounge | Catskill NY

Reed Foehl Trio w/s/g/ Hiroya Tsukamoto
Park Theater | Hudson NY

Alexis P Suter Band
The Falcon | Marlboro NY

Sunday, May 10

Mother’s Day Soiree: Dinner Show w/ Kate Prascher, Peg N’ Awl, and Marji Zintz
Colony Woodstock | Woodstock NY

Son Rompe Pera
The Falcon | Marlboro NY

Monday, May 11

Joe Jackson + Band – Hope And Fury Tour 2026
Bardavon | Poughkeepsie NY

Wednesday, May 13

Local Waves: Pocket Merchant
The Local | Saugerties NY

Griffin Brown / Unsettling Trio / Jesse in Grey
The Avalon Lounge | Catskill NY

Friday, May 15

Colombian Cumbia Party: Yeison Landero
The Local | Saugerties NY

Pete Muller / Matt Hartke
Park Theater | Hudson NY

El Dorado Slim / Scott Sharrard
The Falcon | Marlboro NY

Saturday, May 16

Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Assembly | Kingston NY

Sunday, May 17

The Mammals w/ Picnic Committee
Colony Woodstock | Woodstock NY

Pure Soul Presents: Women of 90’s R&B – Soul & R&B Brunch
City Winery HV | Montgomery NY

Wednesday, May 20 

The NolaNauts
Colony Woodstock | Woodstock NY

Spaghetti Eastern Music
City Winery HV | Montgomery NY

Jimmy Vivino
The Falcon | Marlboro NY

Thursday, May 21

Olivia K & The Parkers
The Lemon Squeeze | New Platz NY

The Wallflowers
Basilica Hudson | Hudson NY

Memorials
Tubby’s | Kingston NY

Maximiano / Ella Goodwin / Bugs on a Log
The Avalon Lounge | Catskill NY

Friday, May 22

Jonah Smith Band
The Falcon | Marlboro NY

Saturday, May 23

John Andrews and the Yawns
Tubby’s | Kingston NY

Sunday, May 24

The Marc Black Band
Colony Woodstock | Woodstock NY

Thursday, May 28

“Women in Music“ Featuring KJ Denhert, Michele Gedney & Jen Clapp
Colony Woodstock | Woodstock NY

Friday, May 29

Moroccan Sufi Blues: Saha Gnawa
The Local | Saugerties NY

Hillbilly Hippie
City Winery HV  | Montgomery NY

Dylan Doyle
The Falcon | Marlboro NY

Sunday, May 31

The 18-String Prepared Sardinian Guitar: Paolo Angeli
The Local | Saugerties NY

Gary’s Dream / Slake / Bridge Gamble
The Avalon Lounge | Catskill NY

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Visit our curated Event Calendar, your guide to the special moments and happenings in the Catskills and Hudson Valley—from art openings and live music to festivals and family-friendly fun.
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