After two years of rainy weather on festival day, the day was spectacular for the enthusiastic 2024 Highlands Bluegrass Festival attendees on Sunday, September 22nd. Perhaps the spirit of Geoff Welch, our dear board member who recently passed away, put in a good word to the festival weather gods. This year’s event was marked with poignancy without Geoff’s presence, who launched the annual Highlands Bluegrass Festival in 2010. Geoff procured the musical talent each year including this year’s festival. We were happy to welcome back Hudson Crossing and Blue Plate Special and welcomed first-timer Serene Green from Pennsylvania. Each band delivered beautiful harmonies and foot-stompin’ tunes in the deeply rooted American tradition while showcasing their original compositions and uniqueness. Jay Friedman’s Blue Plate Special announced that they are dedicating their set to “a friend of Harmony Hall - Geoff Welch, a board member who we are remembering today because he really had the vision to create this festival. So, we’re here because of Geoff Welch. So, think of him today, on this beautiful day.”
A colorful metal Bluegrass rooster looking on from the stage was placed there by festival organizer Kathy Goldman. It is a whimsical and playful tradition started by Geoff that will surely be carried on each year. The Great Lawn was once again a beautiful scene enjoyed by festivalgoers while sitting on blankets and lawn chairs. Many visited the craft vendors on the lawn and food vendors up on the hill near the mansion. This year, the Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association was an excellent addition, with president and musician David Chernack setting up a jamming area by the mansion. Richard Scher of Oregon, who was visiting his sister Sue Scher of Tuxedo, participated in the jam session with others. First-time visitor to Harmony Hall Kath Oliver of Ridgewood, NJ, who has organized many years of jazz festivals for Ridgewood, commented, “The day turned out to have blue skies and a feel-good vibe. I hope to come back for more fabulous music in the future on the amazing historical grounds of Harmony Hall.”
That said, we want to thank our sponsors — Town of Ramapo, Sloatsburg Chamber of Commerce, and CORE Building Materials, and Rockland County Tourism, and our volunteers for making our Great Lawn festivals possible.
Email events@friendsofharmonyhall.org for volunteer opportunities for future events.
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