The Summer Hoot was held on August 22 – 25, 2025, at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, N.Y. The center, nestled between the Esopus Creek and the rolling hills of Ashokan, offered the perfect backdrop for three days of music and arts.
This year marked the Summer Hoot’s 13th anniversary. Twenty-one different acts participated with many performing on multiple stages, in varied configurations, and multiple sets throughout the weekend.
The music spanned a wide range of styles, all carefully aligned with the mission of both The Hoot and the Ashokan Center: to inspire learning and build community through shared experiences in nature, history, music, and the arts.
Attendees ranged from those learning to walk to those needing a little assistance. Patrons could choose to listen to music on either of the two outdoor stages or experience intimate mini performances in the Pewter Shop Sessions.
Children hold a special place at The Hoot. They are encouraged to explore their musical creativity at the instrument petting zoo (without anyone telling them to keep it down!) Whether an attendee or a performer, the atmosphere is of one of a big joyous family.
Each year, new performers enter the fold, publicly proclaiming how blessed they feel to be performing at The Hoot. The camaraderie among the musicians is unmistakable.as many would sit in on sets or offer others support during their performances.
The Hoot highlights local performers. Jude Roberts from Woodstock wowed the audience with a powerful electric set with his musical side kick, John B. Wood and supported by members of The Mammals.
Al Olender, a Hudson Valley transplant, made her festival debut sharing songs and stories from her eight years of touring. Accompanying Olender, James Felice of the Felice Brothers accompanied her on accordion, keyboards, and vocals.
Micah John from Boston made her first appearance at the Hoot playing guitar and fiddle. Micah is a competition award winning young musician whose mastery pays homage to traditional bluegrass, folk and Americana music.
Appalachian cloggers The City Stompers returned this year sharing their rhythmic dance steps and traditional flat footing. Brooklyn’s Oliva K & The Parkers appeared on Sunday picking up where their 2023 appearance left off. She closed her set by inviting the audience to join in a powerful chorus of “You Deserve Perfect” from her 2022 release Good Things, leaving the crowd with words to carry home to nourish.
Headliner Natalie Merchant satisfied both the local and return performer categories. For Natalie, a Hudson Valley resident, 2025 marked her third appearance at the Hoot. Natalie played twice on Sunday, starting with an intimate set in the Pewter House. Later in the day, with the sun starting to set over Hoot Hill, Merchant stepped onto the Toshi Seager stage to play an acoustic set in the round. Natalie was joined by multiple musicians during her set, including Jay Unger and Simi Stone.
Mike Meranda and Ruthy Unger (of The Mammals) are the producers of the Hoot and affectionally named the unofficial parents of the 2025 Summer Hoot (and its sibling, Winter Hoot). What started as a sparkle in their eyes and musical note in their ears has continued to grow each year. Without Mike & Ruthy’s dedication the Hoot would not be what it is today.
This year even also showcased three generations of the Ungar/Merenda family. On Friday, Willie Merenda, son of Mike and Ruthy, performed with his band, Picnic Committee. Saturday featured Mike, Ruthy, and The Mammals on the main stage. And on Sunday, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason—the Ashokan Center’s patriarchs—shared original songs and old-time bluegrass tunes.
Like a home with the lights always on, The Hoot is a place where the door is always open, and everyone is welcome. Once you attend a Hoot, you are part of the family.
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