2027 Music & Band Applications
Now Accepting Applications for 2027
Important: Please Read Before Applying
For the 2027 festival season, we are currently seeking cover bands and tribute acts only. At this time, we are not accepting applications from original music acts.
All performances are scheduled as 90-minute sets, and applicants should be prepared to perform a full 90-minute show that aligns with the vintage spirit and audience expectations of the festival.
Event Overview
Dates TBD (dates to be announced August 2026!)
Ulster County Fairgrounds,
New Paltz, NY
About the Festival
Vintage in the Hudson Valley is a new annual summer festival bringing together thousands of families, collectors, makers, and musicians who love the spirit of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s.
Across two days, our guests wander tree-lined fairgrounds filled with vintage clothing and retro treasures, handmade goods, classic cars, food trucks, a kids marketplace, and blankets spread across the lawn while the music plays on.
What We’re Looking For
We are primarily seeking:
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70s, 80s & 90s Tribute Bands
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Classic Rock Tribute Acts
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Motown Tribute Shows
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Soul & R&B Tribute Performances
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Funk Tribute Bands
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Classic Pop Tribute Acts
Examples include tribute performances honoring artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Journey, The Eagles, Elton John, Billy Joel, Queen, Alanis Morissette, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Chicago, and The Doobie Brothers, as well as Motown, Soul, R&B, and Funk tributes celebrating artists such as The Temptations, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Four Tops, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Prince, Tina Turner, Kool & The Gang, etc.
Please note: Vintage in the Hudson Valley is focused on tribute and nostalgia-based entertainment. Original music projects are generally not a fit for this event.
Festival Dates & Format
Ulster County Fairgrounds — New Paltz, NY
Saturday, (DATES TBD) — 10:00AM–6:00PM
Sunday, (DATES TBD) — 10:00AM–4:00PM
Artists perform 90-minute sets with a short changeover between acts.
The festival is entirely outdoors, family-friendly, and summer-forward. We have space for both rising regional acts and well-loved feature artists. Music sponsorship opportunities may also support a small number of special guest performances.
Performer Experience
Performing with us includes:
✔ Performance time on our main outdoor stage
✔ Professional stage management & support
✔ Merch booth included with merch sales (keep 100%)
✔ Festival weekend passes for your band or crew
✔ Optional marketing features across our platforms
Compensation
All applicants are required to provide their requested performance fee on the application. Applications that do not include a compensation request will not be considered.
We encourage tribute bands and performers of all sizes to apply. Final selections are based on overall fit, performance quality, audience appeal, professionalism, and alignment with the festival.
Application Review Process
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2027 festival season.
Our booking team will begin reviewing applications in January 2027.
Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond to every applicant.
If your act is selected for consideration, we will contact you directly.
Please submit one application only.
*Repeated applications, emails, phone calls, social media messages, or follow-ups regarding booking status may result in your application being removed from consideration.
Before You Apply
Please be prepared to provide:
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Band or performer name
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Contact information
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Tribute act description
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Website and social media links
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Live performance videos
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Promotional photos
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Stage plot (if available)
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Technical requirements
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Performance history
Applications without live performance examples may not be considered.
FAQ's
Is the festival family-friendly?
Yes! Families, collectors, vintage lovers, and community members make up a large part of our audience.
Is the festival outdoors?
Yes. Performances take place on our main outdoor stage. Rain plan details will be communicated to confirmed artists.
Can musicians sell merch?
Absolutely. Merch tables may be available, and artists keep 100% of their merchandise sales.
Are there genre restrictions?
Yes. We are primarily seeking tribute acts and nostalgia-based performances from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, including classic rock, Motown, soul, funk, folk, Americana, and pop.
Original music and genres that do not align with the festival's vintage atmosphere may not be considered.
Do you provide sound and backline?
Yes. A professional production company provides stage, sound, audio engineering, and a standard festival backline setup. Artists will be asked to provide any special technical requirements during the application process.
What kind of stage will be provided?
Artists will perform on a standard festival stage with professional sound production and festival backline.
How long are performance sets?
Performance sets are typically 90 minutes with a 15-minute changeover between acts.
Will there be a backstage or artist area?
Yes. Performers will have access to a designated artist area where they can prepare prior to their set.
Can out-of-state musicians apply?
Yes. Touring artists and performers from outside New York are welcome to apply.
Can I apply if I don't have professional recordings?
Yes. Live performance videos, rehearsal footage, and other live recordings are acceptable. However, applications submitted without live video samples may not be considered.
When will applications be reviewed?
Applications for the 2027 festival season will begin being reviewed in January 2027.
Will every applicant receive a response?
Due to the high volume of submissions, we are only able to contact performers selected for further consideration.
Can I submit more than one application?
No. Please submit only one application per act. Repeated applications, emails, phone calls, or messages regarding booking status may result in your application being removed from consideration.
Do I need to provide my requested performance fee?
Yes. All applicants must provide their requested performance fee. Applications that leave this field blank will not be considered.
What types of acts are you looking for?
We are primarily seeking tribute bands, classic rock tributes, Motown acts, soul and funk performances, 70s tribute bands, 80s tribute bands, 90s tribute bands, pop and retro-pop acts, folk and Americana performances, acoustic nostalgia acts, and multi-decade tribute shows that fit the overall festival experience.
Do you provide lodging or travel reimbursement?
Not typically. If any lodging, hospitality, or travel accommodations are available, they will be discussed directly with selected performers.
Can tribute acts based on a specific artist apply?
Absolutely. Tribute acts are strongly encouraged to apply and are a primary focus of our music programming.
How many bands will be selected?
The number of selected acts will vary based on the final festival schedule and sponsorship support.