A Year-Round Residency Celebrating the Power of Inclusive Music
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and Daniel's Music Foundation are proud to launch a year-long performance residency that brings musicians of all abilities to stages across our campus throughout the season. Together, we're creating more opportunities for artists to perform, audiences to connect, and communities to experience the joy of music without barriers.
About the Partnership
Music has the power to bring people together, inspire creativity, and build community.
Through this residency, Bethel Woods and Daniel's Music Foundation are expanding what inclusion looks like in the performing arts. Rather than a single annual event, Daniel's Music Foundation artists will become a recurring part of the Bethel Woods experience, performing throughout the season on every stage across our historic grounds.
This partnership reflects Bethel Woods' commitment to building on our legacy of peace and music by providing extraordinary experiences and access to the arts, while advancing Daniel's Music Foundation's mission to provide transformative music experiences for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
A Season Long Artist Residency
Instead of one performance, residency artists will appear throughout the year at a variety of Bethel Woods events, introducing thousands of visitors to extraordinary musicians and creating meaningful moments of connection. Each performance provides new audiences the opportunity to experience inclusive artistry while giving Daniel's Music Foundation musicians paid professional performance opportunities throughout the season.
Why it Matters
For Artists
-Professional performance opportunities
-Paid engagements
-Expanded audiences
-Connections with new communities
-A welcoming venue where artists of all abilities can thrive
For Audiences
-Experience the power of music to transform, heal and connect
-Celebrate artists of all abilities
-Discover new perspectives through performance
-Contribute to a more inclusive arts community
Looking Ahead
The Performance Residency is the first phase of a long-term partnership.
As the residency grows, Bethel Woods and Daniel's Music Foundation will explore opportunities to develop larger collaborative performances, including a future Pavilion benefit concert that celebrates inclusion on one of the region's most iconic stages.
Invest in Inclusion
Whether you're attending a concert, supporting an artist, or discovering Daniel's Music Foundation for the first time, you're helping build a more welcoming and inclusive future for the arts.
The Resilient | July 4
The Resilient are a band that is primarily composed of severely wounded U.S. combat veterans. The Resilient formed in 2012 after members, Tim Donley and Nate Kalwicki were rehabilitating at Walter Reed Military Hospital after suffering devastating injuries in Afghanistan. The two members joined MusiCorps, a music program for wounded warriors, and they met Greg Loman, who would later join the band. The veterans used music as a spiritual, emotional and physical healing pursuit, they practiced relentlessly and formed a life-long brotherhood in the process. Now, they have an outstanding music career with their focus being on writing and performing music that reflects the inspirations and hardships that they've experienced in both their civilian lives and their military careers.
Jake Nielsen | July 24 | 2:15 PM
Jake Nielsen is a rocker, blues-guitarist, and international recording artist from Santa Cruz, California. Jake's music journey started when he was only 13 years and he started playing on stages in 2010!
Check out Jake on the Horizon stage on July 24 at 2:15 PM, before The Beach Boys. Included with your Pavilion show concert ticket.
Iolanta | August 16 | 5:30 PM
At just 13 years old, Iolanta is already making waves in the music world with her powerful voice, inspiring story, and remarkable resilience. Diagnosed with retinal cancer at just nine months old, Iolanta underwent a five-hour surgery that left her completely blind. Despite enduring four rounds of chemotherapy and a long period of rehabilitation, she emerged victorious, conquering cancer at the tender age of two.
Named after a blind princess from a Tchaikovsky opera, Iolanta draws strength and inspiration from her namesake as she embarks on her musical journey. Her passion for music and singing has made her a beacon of hope and motivation for audiences around the world.
Her debut single, "Unbreakable," is a testament to her strength and spirit. The song, which explores themes of courage and triumph over adversity, has resonated deeply with listeners globally. Iolanta’s soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics create a moving and unforgettable musical experience, reminding others of the power of resilience.
Inspired by artists like Billie Eilish and Joy Crookes, Iolanta brings a unique blend of grace, style, and raw emotion to her music. Her performances are characterized by a genuine connection with her audience, inviting them to share in her world and her extraordinary story.
Beyond her music, Iolanta is dedicated to spreading a message of hope and empowerment. Her journey as a blind artist and cancer survivor is a powerful reminder that challenges can be transformed into strengths. She strives to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Iolita will be playing an exclusive, Member Lounge Set on August 16th at 5:30 PM. This will be before the Brandi Carlile Pavilion show and is for members and VIP only to attend.
George Dennehy | August 30 | Time TBA
George Dennehy was born without arms, but that couldn't keep him from pursuing his love for music. He learned how to play music using his feet, and the first instrument that he learned was the cello at only eight years old. That led to George teaching himself how to play guitar, electric bass and basic piano. He gained worldwide attention after posting a video cover of "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls, in which the band themselves even saw the video and were so moved that they invited George to join them on stage to perform at Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA. Since then, George's career has continued to takeoff and he continues to share his powerful message: every individual has a purpose and absolutely anything is possible.
Watch George perform on the Harvest Festival Stage on August 30, before the Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration. Included with your Pavilion show concert ticket.
Corevalay | October 7 | 5:00 PM
Corevalay is a high-energy, innovative band from New Jersey, known for their dynamic performances and unique sound. Fronted by Phil Barbetta’s distinctive vocals and Gerald Vitale’s rap-influenced style and powerful screams, they deliver an intense, emotional musical experience. With heavy riffs, infectious grooves, and unforgettable melodies, their live shows are a must-see spectacle. Corevalay is not just a trend—they’re a creative force set to make a lasting impact in the industry.
They will be playing Horizon Happy Hour on October 7 in the Market Sheds. Show starts at 5:00 PM.
Daniel Trush & Gerry Powers | October 10 | 8:00 PM
Daniel Trush, Co-Founder and President of Daniel's Music Foundation (DMF), and Gerry Powers, DMF's Artistic Director, form a talented singer-songwriter duo that has been crafting heartfelt music together since 2011.
Daniel’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience. At just 12 years old, he survived a life-altering rupture of an undetected brain aneurysm, an experience that could have silenced his dreams. Instead, music became a beacon of hope and a critical part of his recovery, transforming his life and igniting his passion to connect with others through song.
As a team, Daniel and Gerry craft and perform powerful folk-rock anthems that resonate deeply with audiences. Their songs, centered on themes of kindness, understanding, and acceptance, reflect their shared commitment to using music as a force for good in the world.
They will be playing in the Event Gallery on October 10th, beofre That Motwon Band takes the stage. You will need tickets to That Motown Band to attend.
James Ian | December | 6:30 PM
James Ian is a multifaceted talent whose artistry transcends music. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, James captivates audiences with his deeply personal lyrics, soulful melodies, and raw emotion that resonates with listeners worldwide. His music reflects his unique experiences as an artist living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), giving voice to underrepresented stories and fostering a deeper sense of connection and understanding.
In addition to his musical achievements, James has built a successful acting career, appearing in various film and television projects. His on-screen performances exude authenticity and depth, earning him recognition for his ability to convey powerful narratives that challenge stereotypes and broaden perspectives.
James is also a sought-after public speaker, using his platform to advocate for disability inclusion and to encourage others to embrace their individuality. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and community events, he shares his journey, encouraging audiences to view differences as strengths and to champion accessibility and representation across all industries.
Whether through his music, acting, modeling, or speaking engagements, James Ian continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be an artist, leaving an indelible mark on the worlds of entertainment and advocacy.
James Ian will be performing during the Peace, Love & Lights festival in December.