Western & Swing Week 2026
Sun, Jun 28 - Sat, Jul 4

Jay Ungar & Molly Mason host this full week of Swing, Western-Swing, Classic Country and Tejano Conjunto music and dancing

It’s a fun and friendly learning vacation offering classes in singing, dancing, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, piano, bass, percussion, and practical music theory, along with jams, song swaps, band labs, and themed evening dance parties with hot live music. Musicians and dancers of all levels and backgrounds are honored and welcome.

Click here to see photos from previous years

Click here to see last year’s schedule

NATHAN BUGH, ERIN MORRIS, EMILY VANSTON & BRIAN LAWTON

Each respected figures in the Lindy Hop community, Nathan, Erin, Emily and Brian are joining forces this year to step up the Lindy Hop offerings at Western and Swing Week. They will offer a multi leveled program with classes on Lindy Hop technique, improvisation, history, choreography, solo jazz, and more! By offering classes for every level this amazing team of dance teachers will deliver instruction that is fun, engaging, and the right amount of challenging, whether you are starting from scratch or bringing years of experience!

CINDY OVERSTREET & STEVE RYAN

Cindy & Steve are are great dancers and teachers who remember what it was like to be a beginner. They're dedicated to helping new dancers feel at home on the dance floor, as well as teaching moves and techniques that experienced dancers crave. Their classes are a joyful place to dance and to learn.

PAUL GLASSE

Paul's hands-on experience with legendary jazz mandolinists Tiny Moore, Johnny Gimble, and Jethro Burns has enabled him to carry their torch and help cultivate a new crop of players, as those who've attended his workshops will attest. His world class musicianship, laid-back teaching style and ability to work with students at their own level make him a stellar addition to our Western & Swing teaching staff.

LAUREL MASSÉ

A co-founder of the jazz vocal group, Manhattan Transfer, Laurel is currently on the music faculty of SUNY New Paltz. Her Ashokan class, "The Heart of a Song," will help you find the story in a song and express that story with honesty and heart. Laurel also hosts "Stealth Singers," a safe singing space for folks who've been told not to sing.

EMILY GIMBLE

A daughter of Dick Gimble and granddaughter of Johnny Gimble, Emily grew up in a legendary musical family. An inspiring singer and piano player with a wide knowledge of classic country, Western swing, blues and jazz, Emily will lead teach harmony singing, lead song sessions, help coach the Western Swing Band class and play a key role at evening dances.

MICHAEL ARCHER

Michael grew up in musical family in Ontario, began playing bass at 10 and soon developed a love of blues, rock, country and roots music. He eventually moved to Austin where he now plays with Asleep at the Wheel. Michael will coach the Western Swing Band class, play for dances and dance classes and offer mini-lessons.

DICK GIMBLE

Dick was born while his dad was on the road with Bob Wills and grew up with the beat of Western swing and the sound of Johnny Gimble's fiddle in his ears. Dick will teach Western swing guitar, coach the Western Swing Band class, and play and sing for dancing.

BELEN ESCOBEDO & RAMON GUTIERREZ

Belen & Ramon are exponents of an exciting style of fiddle music from the Texas-Mexican borderlands — a form Tejano music that pre-dates the now ubiquitous accordion. Belen and Ramon are passionate about teaching and sharing their music with students of all ages and experience levels in ensemble classes for all instruments.

KEVIN WIMMER

Kevin is a virtuoso fiddler in a wide range of styles from swing and Western swing to blues, Cajun and old time. He will teach a blues fiddle class and swing fiddle in two intensive ensemble classes with guitarist Tom Mitchell, “Riffin' Together” and “Small Band Swing." In both classes students learn exciting multi-part arrangements of classic swing tunes, along with the stylistic nuances of swing era instrumental music.

RANDY ELMORE

Randy has worked with artists such as Reba McEntire, George Strait, Mel Tillis, Ray Price, and Asleep at the Wheel, was inducted into the Western Swing Hall of Fame, the Texas Fiddlers Hall of Fame, won “Texas State Fiddle Champion” six times, and “World Champion” twice. Beyond being a great player, Randy is also a skilled and generous teacher committed to passing his skills and knowledge forward through teaching at his Elmore Fiddle Camp in Texas and at Western & Swing Week here at Ashokan!

TOM KRUMM

Tom has long been immersed in traditional music having grown up in a musical home and attended Ashokan Music & Dance Camps since birth. As a result he has absorbed the intricacies of a wide variety of musical styles on violin, mandolin and guitar. As a student at the Berklee College of music Tom expanded his horizons even further, making him the ideal leader of the wildly eclectic, "Experi-Mental Band." He will also co-teach the "Waltz and Slow Tunes" ensemble class with Molly and Jay and offer one-on-one mini-lessons.

LARRY BAIONE

Larry has taught jazz guitar for decades at the Berklee School of Music, where he is Guitar Department Chair Emeritus. He is a master guitarist who has authored several books on guitar playing and practice, but most importantly Larry is a consummate teacher. He has a special ability to work with students with a wide range of skills and experience in ways that make learning satisfying, fun and effective for all.

TOM MITCHELL

Tom's guitar playing is rooted in the jazz, western swing, and country blues of the 1920's and 30's. He will teach two ensemble classes with fiddler Kevin Wimmer, "Riffin' Together" and "Small Band Swing." In both classes students learn exciting multi-part arrangements of classic swing tunes, along with the stylistic nuances of swing era instrumental music.

DAVE DAVIES

Dave is a talented player, composer and arranger, and a born teacher with a special gift for inspiring students to new musical heights in his popular ensemble classes, "Swing Harmony Chorus" and "Swing Band" — horn players welcome! He also lights up the dance floor as a key member of the Ashokan All-Star Swing Band on trombone, guitar and vocals!

VINNIE MARTUCCI

Vinnie is a jazz pianist with a broad knowledge of all kinds American music. Former chair of the Music Department at SUNY New Paltz and long-time Western & Swing Week faculty member, Vinnie has a true passion for teaching. In his “Guided Listening” class you'll learn to hear and understand the rhythmic, harmonic and melodic building blocks of seemingly complex music.

PETER DAVIS

Peter is a swinging singer and instrumentalist with a vast repertoire and charisma to spare. His legendary morning class will help you improve your improv by listening, learning and playing. He'll also lead sing-alongs and will play reeds, keys, guitar and sing for dance classes and evening dances.

BILLY LANG

A drummer and percussionist par-excellence, Billy has been keeping the beat and teaching at Western & Swing Week for decades. Swing, Western swing and classic country are all in Billy's eclectic wheelhouse. He'll also lead a Percussion Ensemble for all.

RUSS STERNGLASS

Russ began playing professionally at age 9 and hasn’t looked back since! Since graduating from Berklee College of Music, he has been working as a full-time studio and live drummer. He grew up attending Western Swing Week and now resides in Brooklyn, NY. He performs a variety of styles including swing, cajun, and zydeco. Russ will be performing with various bands and offering one-on-one mini lessons.

MICHAEL SANSONIA

Michael Sansonia is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with a broad repertoire of American music spanning many decades. His wide ranging musical career has included performances with luminaries from Jimmy Dean to Richard Gere to Shawn Colvin. Michael loves teaching piano, guitar, mouth harp and songwriting. His fun-loving piano bar-style singalongs have become a Western & Swing Week institution.

CASEY CARR

Casey Carr began dance calling in the 1970’s and has called zesty contras, squares at many of the major folk festivals throughout the Northeast. She enables beginners to feel at ease and confident while also calling dances that are compelling for experienced dancers who are seeking that magical flow.

Now staying closer to home, Casey continues to call local dances, benefits, weddings, and private parties. You can find her calling contras and squares at The Grassroots Festival, Ashokan Music Camps, and The Flurry Festival. Her teaching style is smooth, encouraging, and clear, so even a brand-new dancer will feel competent and have a great time. She is dedicated to helping people of all ages enjoy the joy of dancing. She'll host square and contradances for all with toe-tapping live music provided by our amazing musical staff.

JAY UNGAR & MOLLY MASON

Jay, Molly and Tom Krumm will teach a Waltz and Slow Tunes ensemble class for all instruments at a wide range of levels. Jay and Tom teach beautiful melodies, harmonies and stylistic nuances for fiddles, mandolins and other melodic instruments, while Molly works with the guitarists and other backup players on chordal and rhythmic accompaniment. Molly will lead a country backup guitar class and Jay will offer mini-lessons during the week.

Classes: Waltz & Slow Tunes

Additional Info:

Payment/Cancellation/Refund Policy

You may pay in full or hold your place with a deposit of 25% per person if registering 4 or more weeks before camp. Full payment is due 4 weeks before camp begins. To cancel your camp registration, email events@ashokancenter.org

• We retain $50 per person for cancellations requested until 4 weeks before camp begins, and for COVID-related cancellations made at any date.

• We retain your 25% deposit between 4 and until 2 weeks before camp.

• We retain the full registration amount within 2 weeks of camp.

Schedule Overview

SUNDAY

1:00-3:00pm: CAMPER ARRIVAL & CHECK IN
3:00pm: WELCOME GATHERING
4:00pm: MEET THE TEACHERS
6:00pm: DINNER
7:00pm: EVENING DANCE & JAMS
10:00pm: SNACK & INFORMAL JAMMING

MONDAY-FRIDAY

8:30-9:30am: BREAKFAST
9:30-12:30pm: CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
12:00-1:30pm: LUNCH
2:00-5:00pm: CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
5:00-6:00pm: OPEN MIC (Esopus Courtyard)
6:00-7:00pm: DINNER
7:30-10:00pm: EVENING DANCE & JAMS
10:00pm: SNACK & INFORMAL JAMMING

SATURDAY

10:00am: BRUNCH
12:00-2:00pm: FAREWELL GATHERING

Pricing & What's Included!

You may choose to pay up front or pay a deposit and balance. Balance payment is due 4 weeks before the event.

Registration includes all activities and meals. Lodging is optional and camping is free.

Children under 5 attend for free (under 3 for Family Camp). Campers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Food & Drink

All meals are included. You may indicate your dietary restrictions when registering. We make every effort to include a range of allergen-free dishes and to inform diners of meal ingredients.

The Ashokan Center is licensed to serve beer and wine in Esopus Lodge (the main building). The bar is generally open from late afternoon to early evening. Sorry, by law, guests are prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages into this licensed building.

Lodging

LONGHOUSE BUNKS: Rooms hold up to 24 people and are designated women, men, or all gender. Place your belongings on a top or bottom bunk after you check in to claim it. Pillows are available, please bring your own blankets, sheets, pillowcases, and towels. There are a small number of light blankets for those bunkhouse residents who are unable to bring one of their own. If you will need us to provide one, please let us know well in advance.

PRIVATE ROOMS: There are a limited number of private rooms that must be reserved in advance at extra charge. Pillows are available, please bring your own sheets, pillowcases, and towels. There are light quilts in each private room.

CAMPSITES: Camping is available with access to bathrooms and outdoor showers. Please park by your campsite only if you plan to leave your car in place for the duration of the camp.

What To Bring

If you’re lodging with us please remember to bring a blanket and linens (or sleeping bag), towel, toiletries, soap, flashlight, earplugs (for light sleepers). There are light quilts in each private room and we have a small number of light blankets for bunkhouse residents who can’t bring one of their own. Let us know well in advance if you’ll need one.

Flashlight, recording device, camera (or maybe those are all your phone!)

Comfortable informal clothing for wet and dry weather. Some may also bring dressy, wild or fun clothing as well but that is up to you! There’s no laundry on site so bring enough clothes for the camp.

What Not To Bring

Please, no pets or drop-in guests.

Mail/Phone/WiFi

Incoming mail

Your Name c/o Ashokan Music & Dance 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge, NY 12461

Outgoing mail leaves each weekday at 4pm.

Music & Dance Camp Phone (845) 657-8333 x 3

Cell phone reception is available but spotty. Calls may be dropped but texts are reliably received.

High speed Wi-Fi is available in all buildings.

Directions & Transportation

Physical Address: Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge, NY 12461

DRIVING DIRECTIONS Take NY State Thruway (1-87) to Kingston exit #19. From traffic circle take Route 28 West (toward Pine Hill). In 12 miles (shortly after Mobil & Citgo) turn left onto Reservoir Rd. Cross the Ashokan Reservoir, turn left at the Tee. Head down the hill, pass the first left (Rt 28A East) and merge onto 28A West. Take next left onto Beaverkill Rd. Follow Beaverkill for about one mile, then turn right into the Ashokan Center driveway and follow the signs.

AIRPORT Albany, NY (ALB) is the closest major airport (about 1.5 hours away). Public transportation is available from the airport to the Kingston bus station, where you can take a taxi to Ashokan. Or contact us at least one month before your program begins for a list of people driving from the Albany area who may be able to give you a ride.

Covid Safety Policy

We remain committed to the well-being of our guests, staff, and broader community. As public health guidance continues to evolve, common respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 influenza (flu) and RSV are managed similarly.

The Ashokan Center’s policy reflects current CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance and emphasizes personal responsibility, symptom-based decision-making, and community care.

We maintain hand sanitizer stations, promote handwashing, and prioritize good ventilation and clean shared spaces.If you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness—including fever (>100), cough, sore throat, and fatigue—you should go home and not participate in group activities.

We continue to monitor public health guidance and will revise this policy as needed.

Refund policy: If you cancel or shorten your stay due to respiratory illness you will be eligible for a prorated refund. We appreciate your cooperation in staying home when ill.

Additional FAQ's

The Ashokan Center builds community through shared experiences in nature, history, music and art. We have hosted traditional Music & Dance Camps at our 385 acre nature preserve for over 40 years. In 2020 we learned how to host them online and in 2021 we began to reimagine how to gather in person once again.

Come join the Ashokan family to celebrate, learn, connect, deepen your music, make new friends, and brighten your day. Our events are open to all folks, all ages and all orientations.

M&D Need-Based “Pay it Forward” SCHOLARSHIPS We are holding 5 deeply discounted spots (includes tuition, meals & bunk) to provide a learning opportunity to gigging musicians and music, vocal, and dance teachers who will be sharing out their newly learned skills with a wider community. We prioritize new applicants each year and notify all applicants within 1 month before camp begins.

NEED HELP?

EMAIL: events@ashokancenter.org
CALL 845-657-8333 x3

Click here for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about camp!

Self-select from our registration tiers based on your ability to pay

Thank you for supporting the Ashokan Center and each other!

Waitlist

Western & Swing Week 2026Sun, Jun 28 - Sat, Jul 4