This year’s Winter Hoot was one for the books — and NYS Music captured it beautifully in their recent feature, “Winter Hoot 2026: 13 and Counting,” by Mickey Deneher.
From snowy hikes and hands-on blacksmithing to late-night jam sessions and unforgettable performances, the Hoot once again transformed the Ashokan Center into a warm, welcoming gathering place for music lovers of all ages. Artists like Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, The Mammals, Guthrie Family Singers, Jim Lauderdale, Paper Wings, James Felice, and The Restless Age filled the weekend with harmony, storytelling, and joyful connection.
As NYS Music shared so perfectly — at its heart, the Winter Hoot is about community. Even in below-zero temperatures, the spirit inside Ashokan was full of warmth, laughter, dancing, and togetherness.
We invite you to read the full NYS Music article to experience the weekend through Mickey Deneher’s words and photos:
https://nysmusic.com/2026/02/09/winter-hoot-2026-13-and-counting/
Events like the Winter Hoot help support the Ashokan Center’s year-round mission to inspire learning and build community through shared experiences in nature, history, music, and art. If the Hoot brings you joy, please consider continuing to support this special gathering — and all of our programs — by making a donation at ashokancenter.org/donate.
Thank you for being part of the Ashokan community. We can’t wait to hoot with you again next winter.