We were honored to celebrate Ashokan Center founders Jay Ungar and Molly Mason as recipients of the Lifetime Contribution to Clearwater Award, presented by Clearwater.
Jay and Molly are among the most influential duos in American acoustic music, known for blending old-time, swing, folk, and original compositions into a sound that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in place. As longtime musical collaborators and life partners, their impact reaches far beyond the stage.
Their connection to Clearwater runs deep. From the early days of the Great Hudson River Revival to countless community concerts and gatherings, Jay and Molly have played an integral role in shaping the cultural life of the Hudson Valley. Jay helped guide the musical direction of the Revival, and together they stood alongside Pete Seeger in nurturing a vibrant and inclusive folk community—one that continues to inspire generations.
Here at the Ashokan Center, we see that legacy every day. As founders of the Ashokan Foundation and the Ashokan Center, Jay and Molly created a place where people come together through shared experiences in nature, history, music, and art. Their vision continues to guide our work and our mission, building a community grounded in creativity, connection, and care for the land.
We are grateful to Clearwater for this recognition and for their ongoing commitment to the Hudson Valley. For nearly 60 years, Clearwater has united communities through education, advocacy, music, and sailing, working to protect and preserve the Hudson River while inspiring future environmental leaders.
This award also recognized a broader community of changemakers. Alongside Jay and Molly, Clearwater honored Erik Kulleseid and Maya Kalender—leaders helping to preserve open space, musical heritage, and the shared ecosystem of the Hudson Valley.
We were proud to gather with Clearwater in celebration of the preservation of place, music, and the Hudson River, and to honor Jay and Molly for a lifetime of extraordinary contribution.