© Tom Eberhardt-Smith

It’s about time for the 4th Annual Winter Hoot at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge this weekend from January 29 to January 31, 2016. The Hoot “welcomes the community, one and all, for a spirit-raising good time in mid-winter” being three festive days of music, dancing, food, film, art and nature activities for all ages,

The Winter Hoot is always a “pay what you can” event. The suggested donation is $30 to $60 per adult for the weekend. The Winter Hoot is an indoor event and space is limited. Advance tickets offer guaranteed admission and may be purchased online or at the Woodstock Music Shop.

The History of the Hoot

In February 2013, Hudson Valley musicians Mike Merenda and Ruthy Ungar teamed up with family, friends, and The Ashokan Center to launch an indoor festival to build community and raise awareness about the Center. Over 400 people attended the first Winter Hoot festival, enjoying local music, local food, and activities for all ages.

In summer 2013, Mike, Ruthy, and a team of volunteers built two outdoor stages on The Ashokan Center campus at the foot of
 an old sheep meadow now dubbed “Hoot Hill”. This launched the Summer Hoot, where Pete Seeger, Natalie Merchant, Dirt Farmer Band, Dan Bern, AC Newman, The Wiyos, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Dan Zanes performed for over 1,200 attendees.

Mike and Ruthy continue to hold the event biannually, and the Winter and Summer Hoots of 2014 and 2015 were equally successful, with performers including Josh Ritter, The Downhill Strugglers and John Cohen, David Wax Museum, Uncle Rock, Tony Trischka and Michael Daves, Amy Helm and the Handsome Strangers, and Loudon Wainwright III.

In addition to raising money for The Ashokan Center, the Hoot aims to invite locals and visitors alike to gather in the mountains for a friendly, upbeat celebration of the unique culture, community, and beauty of the Hudson Valley and Catskills region.

About The Ashokan Center

The Ashokan Center’s unique hands-on and place-based educational offerings explore natural science, history, colonial craft making, land stewardship, environmental issues, arts and music, and writing through residential and day programs for K-12 and university students, corporate groups and retreats, and not-for-profit organizations.

Click here for the event schedule. Limited accommodation is also offered.