A Hudson Valley festival unlike any other brings a top-tier lineup of local legends and rising stars to the iconic grounds of Opus 40

Saugerties, NY — Iconic art, stunning natural scenery, and legendary musicians come together at Opus 40 on Saturday, August 23, 2025 for the inaugural Rock the Quarry music festival, under the musical direction of producer and guitarist Jack Petruzzelli (Patti Smith, Joan Osborne). 

As a continuation of Opus 40’s summer concert series—curated by Saugerties-based arts, culture, and music venue The Local—the event brings together some of the Hudson Valley’s most exciting musical talent, headlined by acclaimed bassist and vocalist Gail Ann Dorsey, known for her work with David Bowie, Lenny Kravitz, and her own luminous solo career.

The festival is an immersive experience set among Saugerties’ world-renowned, monumental earthwork sculpture with performances spread across the park in addition to the main stage. Food and drink vendors will offer refreshments and bites for sale.

Gates open at 5pm and as guests arrive, they’ll be serenaded by Hudson Valley-based Mexican-American folk band Pulso de Barro—who perform Son Jarocho, the traditional music of Veracruz.

The main stage, set beside the bluestone sculpture masterpiece created by the late artisan and iconoclast Harvey Fite, will feature headliner Gail Ann Dorsey, performances by Cindy Cashdollar, Jack Petruzzelli, Simi Stone, Jay Collins, Brian Mitchell, Ginger Winn, and Kendra Mckinley, plus the house band featuring Ben Zwerin, Lee Falco, and Will Bryant, all starting at 6pm.

Earlier in the day, between 2-4 pm guests who have a daily admission pass to Opus 40 can enjoy unique pop-up musical experiences throughout the sculpture and among the trails, quarry pools, structures, and other unique spaces. 

“As an extension of our summer concert series, we want to highlight some of the region’s outstanding musical treasures and rising stars, and we’re thrilled to showcase them among our magical landscape,” says Kristen Thorne, Director of Operations at Opus 40.

“At The Local, we like to say we bring ‘the best music from around the world and around the corner,’ because there’s no shortage of incredible artists who call the Hudson Valley home. It’ll be an unforgettable experience, and hopefully an annual event,” says Isabel Soffer, co-founder of The Local and curator of Opus 40’s summer music series.

“It’s a privilege to lead this event, and I’m excited to see each artist bring their musicianship to one of the most extraordinary and beautiful outdoor stages in the Hudson Valley," says the festival’s musical director, Jack Petruzzelli.

Petruzzelli, along with reps from Opus 40 and The Local are available for interviews. 

Guided press tours are available in advance of the event; if you’d like to request a press pass to the festival, please contact Melissa at Melissa@UpstateMusicMedia.com

EVENT DETAILS:

WHEN: Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 6-9:30 pm 

(Gates open with entrance performance at 5pm)

WHERE: Opus 40, 356 George Sickle Road, Saugerties, NY 12477

TICKETS: $45 adult, $15 youth, available at Opus40.org/events or Direct link here.

ARTIST PHOTOS // OPUS 40 PHOTOS

About Opus 40: 

Opus 40 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization comprised of a 6.5-acre earthwork sculpture created by Harvey Fite, with 60 acres of meadows, forested quarry trails, and bluestone quarries in the heart of the Hudson Valley in Saugerties, NY. Opus 40 stewards the magnificent stonework sculpture and its surroundings, and fosters direct connections between his living artwork and the public. Through vibrant arts, environmental, and educational experiences, Opus 40 shares and amplifies Fite’s inspirational vision as a place for visitors to explore and reflect on the relationships between nature, local history, and the arts.

About The Local: 

The Local is a venue for arts and culture, and a community hub at 16 John St., Saugerties, NY, founded on the belief that diverse, accessible, and thoughtful arts programming has the power to open minds and hearts—that the arts are essential to a healthy community and bring economic vitality to the region. The Local opened in September 2023 under the guidance of Isabel Soffer and Danny Melnick, two insatiably curious Saugerties-based music producers who have each devoted more than 30 years to producing festivals, concerts, conferences, recordings, and curated arts experiences. As a venue for outstanding cultural programs from around the world and around the corner, The Local is committed to cultivating and sustaining a vibrant local arts scene. Learn more at TheLocalSaugerties.com. 

About Jack Petruzzelli:

Jack Petruzzelli is a seasoned touring and recording musician. As a multi-instrument performer, producer and songwriter, he has had the privilege of working with a variety of artists that include Patti Smith, Ian Hunter, Joan Osborne, Rufus Wainwright and Sara Bareilles, to name a few. In the studio, Jack has collaborated with platinum artists to unknown sensations. He co-produced Joan Osborne’s album Bring It On Home, which was nominated for Best Blues album of the year at the 2012 Grammy Awards. He is a founding member of The Fab Faux, a critically acclaimed nationally touring Beatles tribute band (that doesn’t dress up).

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