Be-In the Music: Live Folk Music Performances
Saturdays, Sundays, and select Fridays and Mondays
Sets at 12, 1, & 2 p.m.
Conservatory Lawn
Sing along to ’60s favorites and enjoy contemporary, original works by a rotating lineup of New York City folk musicians inspired not only by the ’60s Greenwich Village folk scene, but also lesser-known genres of the period.
The weekend lineup is curated by The Jalopy Theatre and School of Music, a multi-disciplinary arts organization dedicated to presenting and preserving evolving folk, traditional, and roots-based music and art from New York City, the Americas, and around the world. Through live performances, education, and community engagement, Jalopy supports artists, fosters multigenerational connection, and provides access to our shared musical heritage. Jalopy operates its own in-house record label, Jalopy Records, releasing multiple recordings each year by contemporary artists alongside historic archival works.
On Fridays, sing along to familiar tunes by The Creswell Club, and on select Wednesdays visit the NYBG Farmers Market for live music while enjoying lunch.
About the Performers
Cole Rotante
May 23, 24, & 25
Accompanied by Christian Apuzzo
Cole & Christian are a dynamic duo specializing in captivating duets and brotherly harmonies. Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like The Carter Family and Everly Brothers, featuring acoustic guitar and resonant dobro, they breathe new life into classic folk and country tunes, honoring tradition while blending a unique sound of their own. Released July 16, 2024, their debut album, Christian & Cole Sing & Play, contains eight harmony-filled tracks showcasing their authentic and heartfelt musical style.
Barry Clyde
May 30 & 31
Accompanied by Karl Zerfas
Barry Clyde has been writing songs since 2010 and actively performing since 2015. His musical direction has been based in 20th-century American folk music of European and African descent, with an emphasis on traditional jazz and blues of the early to mid 20th century. Barry lives in New York City and can be seen performing at The Jalopy Theatre.
CRYS
June 6 & 7
Accompanied by P.J. Duffy
There was a woman, known simply as Miss Jim, who played guitar deep in the hills; her lyrics and musicality made her a legend in the countryside. Decades later, her great-granddaughter picked up an old guitar and followed her roots. Playing Cosmic Country, CRYS draws from iconic influences like Patsy Cline, Curtis Mayfield, and Elizabeth Cotten. “Ethereal, groovy, and sometimes meditative” songs are woven together by evocative songwriting, deft banjo playing, and rich, soulful vocals.
Samoa Wilson
June 13 & 14
Accompanied by Eli Smith
Since she was 12 years old, Samoa Wilson has been captivating audiences with a voice The New York Times calls “sweet, effortless, old-timey.” Raised in the riverbed of traditional North American folk music, she came up under the wing of folk legend Jim Kweskin. From the source of traditional and classic material, Wilson poses a modern complaint and salutes the transformation of women’s work and suffering into women’s triumph.
Lily Talmers
June 20 & 21
Accompanied by Camille Vogley-Howes and Minni Jordan
Lily Talmers is a songwriter and musician keen on capturing the unique interplay of sorrow and joy. Raised in Michigan and now based in Brooklyn, NY, her lyricism draws from such heady ’60s folk revivalists as Leonard Cohen and Judee Sill, coating Midwestern-accented melodies with intimacy and refined wit. She performs with many ensembles across New York City, and has toured nationally and internationally.
Miriam Elhajli
June 27 & 28
Accompanied by Matthew Jamal
Miriam Elhajli is a singer-improviser, musicologist, and geographer of Venezuelan and Moroccan heritage based in Flatbush, Brooklyn. A part of the avant-garde and folkloric communities of New York City, she has performed alongside artists such as Anne Waldman, Shahzad Ismaily, Raven Chacone, Blake Mills, Victor Campbell, and Orquesta Akokán. She has performed locally at Lincoln Center, The Whitney Museum, The Noguchi Museum, as well as internationally in farms, basements, and living rooms.
The Creswell Club
May 22 & 29; June 5, 12, 19, & 26
Led by bassist Dan Martin, The Creswell Club is a constellation of musicians who specialize in music that makes life better. Enjoy performances led by a duet of vocals and instrumentals.
Location In and around the Haupt Conservatory