Event Information

Gates: 5:30PM / Doors: 7:30PM / Show: 8:00PM

Our gates are opening an hour early, at 5:30pm. We are going to have the Bistro To Go food truck offering grilled meals and small bites to purchase, an art show with work by Mae Skidmore, assorted food and craft vendors and a Ramble Picnic Social, with a traditional acoustic pickin’ circle at our lake (bring an instrument and join in!). 

Levon Helm Studios Presents: The Helm Family Midnight Ramble

Night 1 - Levon Helm's Birthday Weekend!

ft. Special Guest Mark Erelli

The Helm Family Midnight Ramble is a musical tribute to the founding songbook of Rock and Roll. Born inside the hallowed walls of Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY, the Midnight Ramble has preserved and furthered Levon Helm's legacy for nearly two decades, playing the iconic music of The Band, and Levon Helm.

The Helm Family Midnight Ramble crosses generational and musical lines, featuring an ever-evolving family of musicians. Amy Helm honors her father's penultimate vision for both Levon Helm Studios and the Midnight Ramble - to create a community for musicians to share their art, and "keep it going."

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Mark Erelli

Mark Erelli is a critically acclaimed American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his distinctive blend of rock, folk, and Americana. His music is known for its lyrical depth and intricate instrumentation, drawing influence from classic rock icons.

Highlights from Erelli’s career include 14 solo albums; three records with his bluegrass band Barnstar!; sideman stints accompanying Marc Cohn, Paula Cole, and Josh Ritter; and a pair of records he produced for GRAMMY-winning songwriter Lori McKenna.

In the summer of 2020, he faced a profound personal challenge when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative eye disease, after a two decade-long career. This diagnosis raised questions about how his diminishing eyesight might affect his songwriting and creative insight. These concerns and his quest for creative expression are central themes in his newest album, Lay Your Darkness Down.

Lay Your Darkness Down follows his 2020 album Blindsided, which received high praise from Rolling Stone Country, Associated Press, NPR, The Boston Globe, and other notable outlets. Folk Alley encourages people to “listen close; there’s sure to be something in there to break your heart a split second before it leads you straight to grace.” Whether he’s wielding a pen or a Telecaster, Mark Erelli’s music welcomes the casual listener, and richly rewards those who choose to dig deeper.