10 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS A newcomer to the event production party is vocalist Lindsey Webster. Set in the serene Catskills at the Full Moon Resort, 40 minutes from iconic Woodstock, Webster’s vision leans into nature, relaxation and creative community. And, she’s booked a pretty nice musical lineup featuring Richard Elliot, Keiko Matsui and Vincent Ingala. “Music in the Mountains is a music-vacation getaway in the beautiful Catskill Mountains,” Webster said. “ ere’s nothing like spring in the Hudson Valley—it’s the perfect time to experience it.” By day, guests can follow their own rhythm: Unwind with a massage, explore forest trails, relax poolside to live music, or join Webster for a nature walk across the resort’s 100-acre landscape of meadows and spring-fed streams. ere will also be Q&A sessions with the artists. “It’s a beyondbackstage experience, where we can learn more about Vincent, Keiko and Richard,” Webster o ered. “Or, you can always choose to nap, read a book and drink some wine. Your day is totally up to you. Guests will feel well taken care of.” But when nighttime comes, she said it’s going to be a party! at’s when Elliot, Matsui and Ingala perform. “I am so excited that they each agreed to join us for our inaugural event,” Webster enthused. “And, of course, for our night owls, the party will continue a er each night’s show.” ose a er-hours sessions include DJ sets with Dave Leonard and live performances by Jay Collins and his band. Collins’ resumé includes playing sax with artists such as Gregg Allman, Little Feat, Levon Helm, e Midnight Ramble Band and Donald Fagen. “On day three, we will all take a bus to Woodstock, where I grew up. I can’t wait to show everyone the streets I grew up roaming as a young one! Keith (Slattery) and I are also planning a duo performance at one of our favorite restaurant venues, Pearl Moon. en it’s back up to the resort for our nal night of music. is will be our formal night where we can dress up a little.” Concerts are held in the renovated Spruce Barn and Moondance Pavilion. Accommodations include air-conditioned cottages with mountain views and private decks or deluxe lodges. Resort amenities include a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and electric vehicle charging station. e on-site catering provides three meals, nonalcoholic beverages and snacks daily, plus a modestly priced bar. Webster said she wanted to create something di erent from typical festivals. Attendance is limited to 60 guests. And, she said accommodations are luxurious but only a limited number are available. Webster and her team planned a variety of activities so that the guests can choose their own curated and personalized experience. “ e day is yours,” she said. “You can be as active and involved or as relaxed as you need.” at team includes her husband, Omar Viramontes, a professional audio tech, tour manager and monitor engineer. His talents as the festival’s production manager should de nitely elevate the experience. “Plus, I’ll be there to host and be a part of everything. And, there will be some fun bonus touches along the way. It’s just a one-of-a-kind experience,” she concluded. For more information on Lindsey Webster’s Music in the Mountains, scheduled for May 26-29, at the Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, New York, visit www.lindseywebstermim.org. ese are just two examples. ere are many more, including Dave Koz’s Somma cruise aboard the Silversea Silver Nova, an 801-foot luxury vessel that accommodates just 728 passengers—a stark contrast to the 2,000 guests typical of his larger sailings. Koz said that Somma is intentionally di erent. “A more elevated experience,” he told our writer Ken Capobianco for his Somma feature (page 18). “It’s about luxury, relaxation, the best food, wines and music—and visiting beautiful destinations and ports that the larger ships can’t.” Koz emphasized that while music remains the centerpiece, Somma also highlights wellness, enlightenment and personal enrichment. Inspirational speakers, health experts and even a comedian round out the onboard programming, creating a wellbalanced, immersive experience. Meanwhile, saxophonist Marcus Anderson is carving out his own niche with the intimate, invitation-only ENCORE Experience. e inaugural event took place in January 2026 at the Graylyn Estate in North Carolina, where guests were treated to a three-day retreat steeped in culture, elegance and Southern re nement. e curated getaway blends world-class jazz with elevated culinary experiences, butler service and thoughtfully designed social moments. Its second annual gathering is set for Jan. 22-24, 2027. In an era where VIP access and unique experiences are increasingly valued, these artist-led retreats represent an exciting evolution of the genre. They offer more than music—they provide connection, discovery and the rare opportunity to step inside the world of the artists themselves. And for fans, that may be the most memorable journey of all. continued from page 8 Photo: FrancoVogt Full Moon Resort, venue for Lindsey Webster’s Music in the Mountains, in Big Indian, New York Photo: Ovi Horta
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