I was able to get this great stage shot during Laurie Berkner’s Hudson Stage set.

The tradition of going to the Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival Music Festival in Croton, NY on the Hudson River on Father’s Day has been broken.  Not because we didn’t go, but rather they moved the festival date. It was a staple on many a gent’s calendar.  I hope they move it back.  It was one of the few traditions I keep.

Another change this year was the viciousness of the sun that baked down on the flocks of Hudson Valley music fans.  Shade (in an area that you can see the main stage) is always a premium.  An early entry through festival gates (before 10am) ensures festival goers a premo parking spot near the festival grounds (the shuttle bus to the main parking lot at the MetroNorth station is awful, especially when leaving) and a choice of birdseye hillside real estate to set-up “the blanket and chairs” for the day.

This year we made it in before lockdown and were positioned well… although after 7 hours of Africa hot sun, my gang and I pulled anchor. We missed the end of show sets by Lucinda Williams and (at the same time)  moe, who was the act I was most interested in seeing. 



Despite the weakest lineup in many years, the music was great and plentiful, and the festival grounds always fun as fun be.  The audience and festival grounds are family friendly without being Disney.  Kids can meander through the hippie mall; it’s is all part of the trip.  Two of my daughter’s got temporary tattoos (one a rose on the inside of her forearm, the other a skull on her bicep) and a stark reality of things to come for me.


The sound quality is always stellar. All the stages equally solid, without any bleed between parallel acts.

Martin Sexton brought his “A game” this year; and the recently exploding Lake Street Dive kicked the afternoon in high gear with their early afternoon set.  LSD’s lead singer Rachel Price has created a fresh look at a vintage jazy R and B sound.

No matter how many times I see David Bromberg’s act, it is always entertaining.  His storytelling intro to his song is real old-school troubadour shit that takes decades to hone and make salty enough.  I always marvel at how his regular old-Jewish man look plays to the musician maniac he is.


Houdsmouth is worth keeping an eye and catching if catch can.

BTW David… where was New Lee Highway Blues?  This is Clearwater for God’s sake!  Your fans were jonesing.


Bromberg sounded strong and revels on the festival stage.

Sorry, but Josh Ritter and Norah Jones new band (Puss N Boots) were a snore without an alternate local to keep festival goers feet tapping.


Last, but not least…I unexpectedly ran into a friend from the Fur Peace Ranch.  Great to see you again and meet your wife. 


Every year I invite friends to make it out to Croton for the festival.  It’s a great day of music for all to share.