Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar are a harmony duo with a celebrated catalog of traditional and original songs. They tour internationally as a family band and with their seminal folk rock outfit The Mammals and produce “The Hoot” semi-annual folk festival in the Hudson Valley.

“Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” High Times

EST in 1979, the Howland Cultural Center referred to as the ‘Jewel of Beacon’, has been a hub for the arts, culture, and history. Its Northcutt Hall gallery is renowned for its outstanding acoustics. Providing a rich, varied cultural experience for visitors and resources for visual and performing arts programming, supporting artists, organizations, and the community. The gallery is open free to the public during weekends, by appointment, or by chance. Our historic building first opened its doors in 1872, as the Howland Circulating Library, designed by the preeminent architect Richard Morris Hunt. Commissioned by his brother-in-law, General Joseph Howland, and his wife Eliza Woolsey Howland. The Howland Cultural Center is a fully volunteer-run non-profit organization managed by its board of directors and many volunteers. This beautiful landmark is available to rent for special events. “Being generous of spirit is a wonderful way to live.” - Pete Seeger