About the program
Celebrate our nation’s 250th with a multimedia tribute to colonial Hudson Valley life. Programming will include Colonial Dances by Florence Price and Copland’s Appalachian Spring. Featured performers include Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk and Native American Flutist Premik Tubbs.
Program subject to change.
pre concert talk - A Revolutionary War Soldier comes to life
Join award winning teacher Neil Murray from Pine Plains as he shares historical anecdotes and artifacts of the colonial soldier. Dressed in an authentic uniform with muskets and swords at his side, he will share information about the Revolutionary War and the military impact of the men and women from Dutchess County who helped fight for the cause. You will not want to miss this engaging and unique pre concert talk.
6:45 p.m. before the concert and included with concert admission
6:45 p.m. before the concert and included with concert admission
Guest Master storyteller - Jonathan kruk
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Jonathan Kruk born in El Paso, raised in Westchester, he grew up on tall tales and day dreams. He worked as a union laborer and watered Henry Kissinger's office plants before his calling as a professional storyteller.
Kruk holds a B.A. in English from Holy Cross College, studied creative drama at Bretton Hall College, York, England, and earned an M.A. in educational theater from New York University. He performed Ritual Urban Theater with Gabrielle Roth and has appeared on stage as Jesus, Dracula and Christopher Wren. A full-time teaching artist he performs full time at schools, libraries and historic sites. Jonathan’s best known for his animated and courtly solo shows of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “A Christmas Carol” for Historic Hudson Valley. He’s been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, The TODAY Show, the BBC, The Travel, History, and National Geographic Channels. His books for The History Press are; “Legends and Lore of Sleepy Hollow and the Hudson Valley” and “Legends and Lore of the Hudson Highlands.” “The Magical Wonderful BulBul Bird," drops in Jan. 2026! His eight recordings garnered awards from Parents Choice, and the Sons of the American Revolution. Jonathan served storyteller-in-residence for Freeport Schools, Early Stages, Inc., the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum, and now for the Archdiocese of NY Schools. His received an Exemplary Public History Award for performances on the American Revolution. Learn More |
Guest native american flutist - premik tubbs
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Premik Russell Tubbs is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer whose career spans more than five decades. Known for his expressive playing on saxophones, flutes, wind synthesizers, and lap steel guitar, he moves fluidly across genres—jazz, pop, world music, and ambient soundscapes—with a distinctive voice that blends technical mastery and soulful presence.
A student of Joe Allard, Ornette Coleman, and Berklee College of Music, Premik began his professional career at age 22 with John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra on the album Visions of the Emerald Beyond. He went on to perform and record with legends including Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Lonnie Liston Smith, Ravi Shankar, and Whitney Houston—delivering the iconic sax solo on “How Will I Know,” later named one of the greatest in pop history by The New York Times. His collaborations span both popular and sacred music, from touring with Sting and Lady Gaga at Carnegie Hall’s Rainforest Fund concerts to producing spiritually inspired albums with Sri Chinmoy and Windham Hill artists. His own releases--Pratyavartana, Passport to HappYness, and Oneness-World—explore fusion and meditative sound. Based in Connecticut, Premik also teaches privately and co-leads sound healing sessions with his wife Margee Minier-Tubbs. His life’s work reflects a commitment to music as both artistic expression and a path to connection and healing. Whether on stage or in the studio, Premik brings a rare depth of heart and creativity to every performance. Learn More |
Guest presenter - Neil Murray
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Neil Murray is an accomplished educator and historian with 27 years of experience in teaching and historical scholarship. As both an adjunct professor and historical consultant, Murray brings extensive expertise to his work in American history, particularly regarding military and colonial periods. His professional experience includes significant collaborations with prestigious institutions such as Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Montgomery, and the History Department at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Beyond his academic roles, Murray is an experienced historical re-enactor who uses immersive educational techniques to bring historical events to life for students and the public. Through his multifaceted career combining classroom instruction, scholarly consultation, and hands-on historical interpretation, Murray has established himself as a respected voice in historical education and preservation |
