From Belleayre Mountain to Woodstock: The Lara Hope Band Captivates Summer Audiences

The Lara Hope Band proved this past weekend why they have become one of the Hudson Valley’s most exciting live acts, delivering two memorable performances that left audiences energized at both Belleayre Mountain and The Colony in Woodstock. From the wide open slopes of Highmount on Friday evening to the intimate Garden Stage on Saturday night, the Kingston based quartet demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect with crowds of every size through outstanding musicianship, infectious enthusiasm, and a timeless blend of American roots music.

Friday evening’s Belle on the Mountain concert series at Belleayre Mountain began in spectacular fashion as an estimated 1,700 people gathered under nearly perfect summer weather. Families spread blankets across the hillside while others danced closer to the stage, enjoying fresh mountain air and one of the largest opening crowds the popular weekly concert series has seen. The excitement was immediate as the band’s energetic mix of rockabilly, Americana, rhythm and blues, and country influences echoed across the mountains.

Lara Hope has spent more than 25 years performing throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond, steadily building a devoted following. Her accomplishments include winning an Ameripolitan Music Award and being recognized as one of the region’s outstanding musical talents. When she is not touring, Hope also operates a rehearsal and recording space on her Kingston property, helping support fellow musicians and strengthen the local music community.

Hope’s performance showcased the versatility that has become her trademark. Her powerful voice moved effortlessly between soulful rhythm and blues, classic rockabilly, and country inspired melodies. During “Hound Dog,” she displayed an expressive vocal range that occasionally carried the same rich, smoky emotional quality associated with Amy Winehouse, while maintaining a style that was unmistakably her own.

The band’s performance of “Tell Me One More Time” brought an irresistible sense of fun with its lively rhythm and vintage swing flavor. The song captured the carefree spirit of late 1930s dance halls while remaining firmly rooted in the band’s modern rockabilly sound. It was impossible not to notice audience members smiling, clapping, and dancing along as the music rolled across the Belleayre grounds.

“Ten Minutes of Hot Water” shifted into a driving Americana groove that highlighted the group’s remarkable chemistry. Hope anchored every song with confident rhythm guitar while delivering each lyric with conviction. Lead guitarist Christian Smythe layered crisp twang and melodic solos that perfectly complemented the arrangements without overpowering them.

Behind them, upright bassist Cory McGrath and drummer John Valesio formed one of the tightest rhythm sections performing in the Hudson Valley today. McGrath’s energetic bass lines bounced effortlessly against Valesio’s steady backbeat, creating the driving pulse that carried every song forward. Together, the four musicians performed with the kind of precision that can only come from years of playing together.

If Friday’s Belleayre audience embraced the band, Saturday evening at The Colony in Woodstock revealed another side of their appeal. The Garden Stage is often known for its relaxed atmosphere where patrons casually enjoy dinner, conversations, and drinks while live music fills the background. That was not the case once Lara Hope and her band took the stage.

From the opening songs, conversations gradually faded as attention shifted entirely toward the performers. Nearly every eye in the garden remained fixed on Hope as she commanded the stage with her signature red Gretsch guitar. Whether delivering soulful vocals or driving the rhythm with confident guitar work, she held the audience’s attention from beginning to end. It became less of a casual evening with live music and more of a shared concert experience where the crowd seemed fully invested in every song.

The weekend also reflected Hope’s commitment to the broader arts community. Beyond performing, she serves as music co-director for Kingston’s O+ Festival, the volunteer driven nonprofit that brings together music, visual arts, comedy, and healthcare for artists. Organizing a festival of that scale while maintaining an active touring schedule speaks to her dedication to both her own career and the Hudson Valley creative community. This year’s O+ Festival is scheduled for Oct. 9 through 11.

Whether performing before 1,700 people beneath the slopes of Belleayre Mountain or captivating a focused audience at The Colony’s Garden Stage, Lara Hope and her band demonstrated that outstanding live music is measured not by the size of the venue, but by the connection created with the audience. It was a weekend that showcased one of the Hudson Valley’s finest bands at the very top of their game.