As Mountain Jam eagerly makes its return to the Catskills this summer, founder Gary Chetkof contemplates the festival's journey, reflecting on its history, present circumstances, and future aspirations as a legendary upstate music event deeply connected to the essence of Woodstock.
"Woodstock represents a state of mind" – and Mountain Jam serves as its vibrant, living soundtrack. After a six-year break, this beloved music festival is back this summer, infused with fresh energy, a lively spirit, and one of its most thrilling lineups yet. Nestled amid the stunning scenery of Belleayre Mountain, the festival combines top-notch music with community spirit, picturesque beauty, and an abundance of soulful experiences.
With major acts like Mt. Joy, Khruangbin, and Goose, alongside long-standing favorites like moe., Michael Franti, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, plus emerging talents such as Molly Tuttle, TORRES, Dogs in a Pile, and Grace Bowers, the 2025 lineup is a vibrant celebration of music's vitality: new, dynamic, and alive.
However, Mountain Jam has always meant more than just music. As Gary Chetkof explains, it’s a thoughtfully conceived space for gathering, dancing, giving back, and honoring the Woodstock legacy as a mindset rather than a mere destination. “Our aim has always been to capture the magic of the original Woodstock Festival,” he states, “where music, social harmony, and enjoyment were at the forefront.”
Chetkof emphasizes the festival’s focus on providing an enjoyable experience in a beautiful setting, without long lines or excess hassle. With a single stage and 30-minute breaks between sets, attendees can explore a range of local food vendors showcasing diverse culinary delights. In addition to quality beers, crafts, and art, the newly introduced Cannabis Village offers a secure area for relaxation and enjoyment. The festival includes a breathtaking 25-minute gondola ride, providing sweeping views of the Catskills, further enhancing the natural surroundings.
"We're dedicated to ensuring a great experience for a select group of attendees," Chetkof notes.
With extensive hands-on experience, he knows what it takes to fulfill that promise. A key figure in the Hudson Valley music scene, Chetkof has dedicated over thirty years to shaping the region's cultural landscape through radio, festivals, and artist support. After acquiring Radio Woodstock in 1993 and relocating from the city, he quickly became a recognized tastemaker and community champion, initially through radio and later as a concert promoter. In 2005, in celebration of the station’s 25th anniversary, he launched Mountain Jam as a one-day festival at Hunter Mountain. What began as a grassroots celebration of music and community has since evolved into one of the area's most treasured live music experiences, embodying the spirit Chetkof has long supported.
This ethos of purpose also extends beyond the music stage. Through its collaboration with the Radio Woodstock Cares Foundation—an organization Chetkof established in memory of his late mother—Mountain Jam funds cancer research and support, prioritizing local initiatives. A portion of every ticket sold contributes to the foundation, and even complimentary tickets include a built-in donation. "We've raised over a million dollars so far," Chetkof shares, "and this year we're aiming to raise $25,000, $30,000, or even $40,000." It represents a continued commitment to giving back to the community that made the festival possible.
In a recent discussion, Chetkof reminisced about Mountain Jam's early days, the challenges of reviving it after the pandemic, what fans can expect this year, and what distinguishes this community from others.
The story of Mountain Jam is one characterized by resilience, dedication, and intent—and whether one is a returning devout fan or a first-time attendee, this year's event is poised to be extraordinary. Mountain Jam is set to return from June 20–22, 2025, at Belleayre Mountain in the heart of the Catskills – and if Chetkof's vision holds true, this year's festival is destined to be remarkable. Whether seeking catharsis, connection, or simply a great time, Mountain Jam provides a venue to celebrate music, community, and the Woodstock spirit in all its forms.
Tickets are currently available—visit mountainjamfestival.com to find out more, explore the lineup, and secure your passes before they sell out. Continue reading for more insights from our interview with Chetkof!
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Mountain Jam will return June 20–22, 2025, at Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills.
Atwood Magazine: Gary, can you tell us about your background in the live music industry?
Gary Chetkof: My journey began as an enthusiastic fan of concerts and music festivals. In 1993, I purchased Radio Woodstock in Woodstock
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As Mountain Jam is set to make its highly anticipated comeback to the Catskills this summer, founder Gary Chetkof contemplates the history, current state, and future of this iconic upstate music festival, which is deeply connected to the essence and spirit of Woodstock.