AMPLIFIED: Music Notes from the Hudson Valley | September 2025

One of the most alluring parts of living in or visiting the Hudson Valley is exploring the area’s diversity of music. The region is a hub for arts and culture, and it’s no surprise that some of the greatest musicians and bands either hail from or have found inspiration here. In this monthly feature, we’ll shine a spotlight on artists and venues that are shaping the local music scene, and trust us, it’s hard to narrow down that spotlight when there are so many talented musicians and incredible venues.

Be sure to read to the end to find a rundown of upcoming concerts worth checking out next month; you might just find your new favorite band.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Kendra McKinley

Kendra McKinley creates music made for laid-back listening. Originally from California, the Catskill-based, vibe-driven multi-instrumentalist and songwriter has been making waves in the Hudson Valley with captivating live performances over the past three years. She performs at times with a full band but more often as a solo act, her tunes imbued with storytelling lyrics sung through melodic looping harmonies atop the brightly versatile strumming of her Fender Mustang guitar. 

“When asked about the genre of my music, I usually say it’s ‘yummy’,“ she explains,” but if that doesn’t paint enough of a picture, I create vocal-harmony-drenched music. It’s groovy, the kind of music people make out to, or have beautiful introspective moments to.“

“When asked about the genre of my music, I usually say it’s ‘yummy’,“ she explains,” but if that doesn’t paint enough of a picture, I create vocal-harmony-drenched music. It’s groovy, the kind of music people make out to, or have beautiful introspective moments to.“

McKinley moved from Cali to Catskill in 2022 to explore a change of pace—seeking a locale with proximity to NYC, but removed from city life. “I grew up in Santa Cruz and lived in the Bay Area most of my life, but I desired to be closer to NYC yet still have a rural, green existence,“ she says. “My partner and I heard about the Hudson Valley being sort of this beautiful, forested landscape, so we took a chance and found a place in Catskill NY.”

The changes she’s experienced since this migration have inspired her songwriting as of late. “The music I’ve been writing in the past few months has been majorly inspired by living in the Hudson Valley,“ she says. “Even the way the seasons change, I didn’t experience as dramatic seasonal shifts in California, but here, being able to observe the shape of the year and how it brings a response that informs how we all live has brought a deeper observation to my writing.”

Although those new songs may not be released until next year, McKinley is on the precipice of releasing a new album, “Music For Smoking Weed With Your Bra Off,“ a five-song EP on which she wrote, recorded, and produced all tracks. “I revere songwriting as a medium for growth, transformation, and deeper understanding,“ she says. “In general, my inspiration comes from being really honest in my life experience—as a woman, as a human—and listening to whatever emotional weather occurs deeply inside of me. I feel like that allows me to gain a deeper connection to the music and more confidence when I share it with other people.”

The new album will be available on November 5 through streaming sites Tidal, Apple Music, and Bandcamp (not Spotify), with a release show on Thursday, November 6, at The Avalon Lounge in Catskill NY. For upcoming shows and additional updates, follow Kendra McKinley on Instagram or visit kendramckinley.com.

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STAGE + SCENE: The Avalon Lounge | Catskill NY

It wasn’t long ago that the town of Catskill was sleepier than Rip Van Winkle himself. But whether it was the influence of nearby Hudson’s increased cost of living, or the pioneering spirit of NYC escapees, over the past decade, Catskill has seen a slow-burn resurgence, calling in a new wave of curious creatives to establish themselves here as residents, business owners, or both. Since 2019, The Avalon Lounge has served as a welcoming epicenter: a live music venue, dance club, bar, and Korean kitchen that’s created an intentionally inclusive scene. Depending on the day, you’ll find music events ranging from Goth nights to Primal Disco dance parties, jazz heavy-hitters to indie rock rising stars, synth-driven post-punk to the inevitable open mic night. The Avalon has also become known as the neighborhood spot for homestyle Korean food, offering a reasonably priced menu of quality appetizers like dumplings, entrees including bibimbap, a variety of sandwiches, and more. Learn more at theavalonlounge.com or on Instagram.

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UPCOMING MUSIC EVENTS: October 2025

Here’s a glimpse showcasing what’s coming up next month. Mark your calendar, share this with a friend or three, and grab tickets in advance.  

Wednesday, October 1
Bearsville Theater, Woodstock | Real Estate: A Celebration of ATLAS

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Friday, October 3
The Local, Saugerties | Eileen Ivers & The Brigideens
The Lemon Squeeze, New Paltz  | Jay Collins & The Northern Resistance
Levon Helm Studios, Woodstock | Soul Rebels

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Saturday, October 4
The Avalon Lounge, Catskill | Primal Disco
Tubbys, Kingston | Hip Hop Night
Free Street Party! Kingston NY | Details Here

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Sunday, October 5
The Local, Saugerties | A Century of Jazz: The EarRegulars
Colony, Woodstock | Carolyn Wonderland Band ft. Cindy Cashdollar and Shelley King

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Tuesday, October 7
The Avalon Lounge, Catskill | Los Microwaves / Rose Club / Chaki The Funk Wizard

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Thursday, October 9
The Local | Music of the Arab World: Mohamed Abozekry Sextet
Bearsville Theater | Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez with Clover

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Friday + Saturday Oct. 10-12 
Various Sites, Kingston | O+ Festival 

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Friday, October 10
Colony, Woodstock | Stephane Wrembel Trio
The Falcon, Marlboro | Ariel Posen

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Sunday, October 12
The Local, Saugerties | Swedish Hurdy Gurdy and Accordion: Symbio

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Friday – Sunday October 17-19 
The Avalon Lounge, Catskill | Catskills Comedy Fest

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Friday, October 17
The Local, Saugerties | The Golden Age of Latin American Boleros: Miramar
The Lemon Squeeze, New Paltz | Hillside Fusion
UPAC, Kingston | Modest Mouse

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Sunday, October 19
The Local | Desert Blues: Tarwa N-Tiniri
Towne Crier, Beacon | Jeff Daniels

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Thursday, October 23
Tubbys, Kingston | Glimmer, King In Yellow

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Friday, October 24
The Local, Saugerties | Misery Mother Records: Camp Saint Helene, Gary’s Dream, The Fascinating Chimera Project

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Saturday, October 25
Bearsville Theater, Woodstock | The Machine Performs Pink Floyd: Unplugged
The Lemon Squeeze, New Paltz | Echo Rhythm Band
Assembly, Kingston | Drone Sleepover

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Sunday, October 26
The Local, Saugerties | Saugerties Sessions: Ginger Winn / Carly Pearl / Pamela Laws

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Thursday, October 30
The Falcon, Marlboro | Edmar Castañeda Quartet

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Friday, October 31
Bearsville Theater, Woodstock | GA-20 and Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
Levon Helm Studios, Woodstock | Fruit Bats
Towne Crier, Beacon | Le Vent du Nord