NEWSLETTER
Two Days of Sacred Tibetan Music, Chants, and Ceremonies
Endorsed by the Dalai Lama, the two events combine ancient ritual and musical traditions to promote world peace.
Saugerties, NY — On the weekend of April 11 & 12, The Local is thrilled to host a very special two-day event with the monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery, who are touring with the endorsement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to share ancient music dedicated to world healing. During Mystical Arts of Tibet: Sacred Music, Sacred Chants for Peace & Healing + Puja Ceremony, guests will experience extraordinary performances that bring Tibet’s sacred rituals to life. Each day offers its own rare glimpse into one of the world’s most ancient and profound spiritual traditions, transcending borders, cultures, and time.
The arts have the power to unite, and there couldn’t be a better time for this Saugerties-based center for arts, music, and culture to host this very special two-day event focused on music and peace.
On day one (Ticket: Saturday, April 11 at 8pm), Mystical Arts of Tibet: Sacred Music, Sacred Chants for Peace & Healing guests enjoy a performance by the monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery as they share sacred practices passed down over millennia that heal the heart and stir the soul with meditative chants, beating drums, and booming dungchen horns. (The dungchen is an ancient ritual instrument made from brass that extends several feet.)
On day two (Ticket: Sunday, April 12 at 5pm), Mystical Arts of Tibet: Puja Ceremony allows guests to experience firsthand a healing ceremony. Pujas are vibrant Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies that focus on particular Buddhas or Bodhisattvas to benefit all beings for particular ailments or woes. The ceremony features chanting, prayers, and offerings to bring about healing, well-being, obstacle removal, prosperity, or remembrance.
Discounted two-day tickets are available (20% savings). All tickets at TheLocalSaugerties.com.
"These performances are believed to bring about world healing and the planet can surely use that right now. There’s no doubt that this ancient music will leave listeners inspired, and hopefully with a sense of peace that they carry with them beyond our walls,” says Isabel Soffer, co-founder.
Not only are the historic and cultural aspects fascinating, but the musicianship is awe-inspiring, as well. The Drepung Loseling monks are renowned for their multiphonic chanting, with each main chantmaster simultaneously intoning three notes," says Danny Melnick, co-founder.
Additional Upcoming Events at The Local
The Local’s 2026 season kicked off February 13 and continues on with:
Thurs., Mar. 19 - Ritual Groove: Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin
Sat., Mar. 21 - Invocation: Vuyo Sotashe & Chris Pattishall
Fri., Apr. 3 - Toshi Reagon & BIGLovely - SOLD OUT
UPDATED Sat., Apr. 4 - Disco Dance Party! Gentleman Brawlers - Limited free tickets
NEW Wed. Apr. 8 - [Local Waves free event] Will Stratton / Meg Lui
Sat./Sun., Apr. 11 & 12 - Mystical Arts of Tibet: Sacred Music, Sacred Chants for Peace & Healing (Sat.) + Puja Ceremony (Sun.)
Fri., Apr. 17 - Ukrainian Folk Ritual: Yagódy
Sun., Apr. 19 - Jazz Double-Bill: Joel Harrison Guitar Choir: Joel Harrison, Steve Cardenas, Gregg Belisle Chi, Max Light// Ben Allison, Steve Cardenas, Ted Nash Trio
Fri., Apr. 24 - Music of the Arab World: Oud Virtuoso Simon Shaheen
Fri., May 1 - Jazz: Bobby Previte Second Arrow Quintet
Sun., May 3 - Portuguese Fado: Alison Dasilva, Pedro Botas, Ricardo Parreira, and Nelson Aleixo
Thurs., May 7 - Gerry Leonard: Spooky Ghost Solo Show
UPDATED Sat., May 9 - Indie Folk Rock: Overheard / Liam Singer
NEW Wed. May 13 - [Local Waves free series] Pocket Merchant
Fri., May 15 - Cumbia Party: Yeison Landero
Fri., May 29 - Moroccan Sufi Blues: Saha Gnawa
Sun., May 31 - The Art of Sardinian Guitar: Paolo Angeli
Thurs., June 4 - Flamenco x Jazz: Emilio Solla + Antonio Lizana Quartet
Fri., June 5 - Dogo Du Togo & The Alagaa Beat Band
NEW Wed. June 10 - [Local Waves free series] Ongoing
UPDATED Sat., June 13 - The Golden Eras of Jamaican Music: NYC Ska Orchestra - Larry McDonald of the Skatellites Bday Celebration
NEW Wed., June 17 - Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars
Tickets and descriptions at TheLocalSaugerties.com; here’s a link to artist photos.
About The Local:
The Local is a venue for arts and culture, and a community hub 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 and is now a nonprofit organization 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. The Local is committed to cultivating and sustaining a vibrant local arts scene in the Hudson Valley. Artist housing is provided in part by our sponsor Diamond Mills Hotel. Funding is made possible in part by a grant from NYSCA, Arts Mid-Hudson, plus support from Saugerties Kiwanis Club, Fair Game, JM McDonald Foundation, and our many generous donors. Learn more at TheLocalSaugerties.com.