Knowing Ashokan is knowing our community. We are so grateful to learn the stories of our volunteers and supporters and to share what makes Ashokan a special place for people of all ages. The transformational experiences that occur on our campus send ripples of compassion and acceptance into the world.

Enjoy our series:

Meet Our Supporters
Vinny Kyne’s Ashokan Story

Vinny Kyne began his Ashokan journey ten years ago when he attended a Music and Dance Camp. Vinny is a longtime Perennial Member of Ashokan and an accomplished musician. He participates in the Ashokan Music & Dance community to surround himself with the caring and creative community he has grown close to over the last decade.

Vinny recently sat down with Marni Pasch, Development Associate at the Ashokan Center during Western & Swing Week to answer a few questions about his Ashokan experience.

Why I Give…

Marni: When I ask people about their experiences at Ashokan, people immediately share the transformation that occurs on campus. What was your first visit like?

Vinny: Prior to arriving at Ashokan, I admit, musically, I felt a bit full of myself, but when I arrived on campus, it was intimidating. The first time I listened to Jay Ungar, I was eighteen years old and he played with David Bromberg. Here I was sitting next to him. It was like being in front of the Beatles. These were my idols, but they were so welcoming. They wanted to share their musical knowledge.

I realized at that moment, if I wanted to learn how to play music, I needed to surround myself with people better than me- but also people who were generous enough to share their musical expertise. Musicians that play at the Ashokan Center have the talent and the willingness to teach. Coming to Ashokan was a humbling experience, but in a good way.

Marni: You return to Music and Dance Camps every year, what do you love about Ashokan?

Vinny: How can you not love this place? There are people here that, years ago, I wouldn’t have talked to. I would have been so intimidated. Look at the Jazz guys here—I felt they were out of my league. But I’ve spent the last two days talking to them and learning from them. The people who come here aren’t looking for your deficiencies; they’re looking at your potential. Jay and Molly are inspirational. They opened musical doors for me—and they are nice people. Ashokan changed me for the better. This community is something special. There are people who come here to heal, and I can relate to that.

Marni: You have been a long time Perennial supporter of the Ashokan Center. What inspires you to give each month?

Vinny: This place crosses boundaries. Schools don’t have arts or music (programs) anymore, so when you see a place like this, you want to see it thrive. I want to see my grandchildren have access to a place like this. I give what I can, and if my donation can provide someone the opportunity to experience what I’ve experienced who otherwise couldn’t- I think it’s a worthwhile investment.

Marni : Any parting words?

Vinny: Music is powerful, and I think as musicians we tend to forget this. It transcends, it transports, it hits you on so many levels. You never know the power of a song. When you write a song, it’s like sending a child out into the world. Look at “Ashokan Farewell.” It’s played in all different circles: bluegrass, Celtic, country. That song helped save this place. That is powerful stuff. A song can transcend experience, genre, time- music is powerful, and the people at the Ashokan Center get that. Before I came to Ashokan, I thought I was great because I could play by ear, but learning technical aspects expands your ability to create. One chord progression leads to another and then to another. Music is as vast as the ocean.

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Thank you Vinny for your part in the Ashokan community, and your willingness to share what the Ashokan Center means to you.

The Ashokan Center is a donor supported nonprofit organization whose mission is to “inspire learning and build community through shared experiences in nature, history, music and art.” Every gift ensures that no school, family, or individual is ever turned away from our field trips, Music & Dance Camps, or public events. Help keep this magical place accessible to all!

Join our community of generosity & give today at ashokancenter.org/donate

Photo by Z. Willams