The goal of Experience the Arts is to offer access to artistic, educational and entertaining programs and opportunities for the community.

Select premier artists present an Encore Performance for local youth, offering an interactive and educational opportunity, allowing for audience participation and youth engagement in the arts. 2009 Encore Performances programs to be announced soon.

2008 Terrance Simien performance
July 24, 2008, Experience the Arts, presented a free encore performance by Grammy-Award winners, Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience. One of Louisiana's most respected Creole cultural ambassadors presented their lively and informative "Creole for Kids and The History of Zydeco". Attendees included children from Winston Day Camp, Sullivan West Central School / Callicoon Youth Group, Monticello Housing Authority, Fallsburg Central School, Orange County Youth Leadership Academy / Orange County Youth Bureau, Town of Bethel Youth Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension 4H and Girl Scout Troop #401 and Rockland Children's Psychiatric Center / Sullivan County B.O.C.E.S.

Regional young adults are invited to visit Bethel Woods during a culturally oriented show and participate in pre-show activities such as performances, lectures and demonstrations with premier artists. In addition, music students are permitted to showcase their talents. 2009 Youth At programs to be announced soon.

2008 "Youth At" The Boston Pops
August 22, 2008, Experience the Arts, presented "Youth At" The Boston Pops. Twenty-four students from Liberty High School Band, and 45 young musicians from the Goshen Youth Band were invited to take part in an hour long educational performance and a workshop by James Emery & The String Trio of New York. This multi-faceted discussion about their music, origins, touring and recording, as well as improv and audience participation took place on the Terrace Stage.

2007 "Youth At" Jazz
August 4, 2007, Bethel Woods hosted "Youth At" Jazz, an interactive demonstration and jam session for more than 100 students led by premier chamber jazz ensemble, James Emery and The String Trio of New York. Participants also performed on the Terrace Stage and were guests of Bethel Woods at the evening's Pavilion Stage performance with jazz greats Earl Klugh, Randy Crawford, Joe Sample and the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

2007 Music Industry Professionals
September 29, 2007, one hundred Sullivan County "Junior" and "Senior" Girl Scouts enjoyed a multi-troupe summit at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. These young scouts learned about the experiences of female professionals who work in the music performance industry.

The Access Program enables qualified community and civic groups within the region the ability to access complimentary lawn tickets to certain performances, selected by Bethel Woods.

►Find out if you are eligible and DOWNLOAD the Qualification Form.

Eligable groups may choose from the following 2009 performances at Bethel Woods:

• NY Philharmonic, July 11
• Big & Rich, July 16
• Tom Jones, July 27
• Peter, Paul & Mary, July 31
• NY Doo Wopp Show, August 1
• OAR & Matt Nathanson, August 12
• Bethel Woods Music Festival, August 15
• Loggins & Messina, Poco with special appearance by Richie Furay, August 21
• Boston Pops with Arlo Gutrie, August 22
• B.B. King & Buddy Guy, August 27
• John Sebastian & David Grisman, Oct 2
• Tom Rush, Nov 13

For more information about any of the Experience the Arts programs, please contact Elaine Muscara at 845.295.2446 or email emuscara@bethelwoodscenter.org.