We’re finally moving into something that’s beginning to resemble Spring, and, along with flowers and green grass, it’s the beginning of the Northeast’s big concert season.

One of my favorite venues in this region is beautiful Bethel Woods Center for the Arts which is located  about two hours away from both New York City and Albany, New York.  With its green hills and mountain views, this campus which was built on the grounds of the legendary Woodstock Festival has been a big success by bringing in top talent like Elton John and Miranda Lambert for thousands to enjoy.

Earlier this month, My husband and I attended a performance given there by Mary Chapin Carpenter.   It was still a bit too early for a night time concert  around their outdoor pavilion so they held it in their indoor Event Gallery.

The audience of a little over four hundred was clearly excited to be back. Couples from the Hudson Valley Region and as far away as Pennsylvania had driven hours to see this popular singer/song writer perform again.

The beautiful wooden walls and high ceilings dotted by hanging lights served as a perfect setting for Ms. Carpenter’s performance which was more intimate and endearing than I had experienced years before.  On at least two occasions,  Ms. Carpenter invited the audience to ask her questions about her life and work, and she confided about a very difficult time in her life when, within a short period, her father had died, her marriage had collapsed, and she had experienced a serious illness.

Instead of being supported by a booming orchestra, Ms. Chapin was accompanied by two very talented musicians, and some of her songs such as Passionate Kisses, a favorite of mine, were slowed down to a ballad.

Great time, and I’m looking forward to the outdoor concerts that will be starting very soon. Click HERE for more information and, while you’re there, check out the museum with interesting exhibits from the festival as well as a new fashion exhibition, Threads, a new fashion exhibition from the collection of Andy Hilfiger (June 11- December 31, 2015).