PREVIEW: Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy Presents the Second Annual Trail Tunes
08/16 @ Bender Melon Farm Preserve, New Scotland
**This preview originally appeared in our August 2026 print issue**
Photos by Andrew Pelletier
“By bringing artists into natural settings, we hope to introduce new audiences to both the music and the trails, creating a shared experience that celebrates our community, creativity, and the outdoors.”
The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC) have announced the return of Trail Tunes, their free and family-friendly hiking and live music event. This second annual installment will take place at Bender Melon Farm Preserve in New Scotland on Sunday, August 16. As participants wander the trails of the preserve, they will encounter four distinct areas with local artists performing intimate, acoustic sets nestled among the scenic paths.
Last year, the event’s first installment drew approximately 200 visitors from all around the Capital Region, every one enjoying the music and exploring the 175 acres the site has to offer. The event was largely organized by local music fixture Kim Neaton, who began planting the seeds for the event when she was first employed with MHLC a couple of years back. It all started shortly after she was hired, when she was approached by a part-time staff member who happened to be a songwriter.
“He knew that I came from working in live music,” she told me over the phone. “And he's like, ‘Hey, I've always had this idea of doing music on one of our preserves. Could you help me do something?’”
It didn’t take long for her to dive in headfirst with enthusiasm, jumping at the opportunity to combine two lifelong passions in live music and environmental conservation. When I asked her what her overarching goals for the event were when she became involved with the concept, she answered:
“To be able to really connect two different communities that might not cross paths with each other. Taking our incredible original local music scene where we have so many great artists and connecting them with all the people that come to our preserves, people that are more into hiking and the outdoors.”
She emphasized that making those kinds of connections is the essence of what Trail Tunes is all about. That sentiment was echoed by MHLC Executive Director Mark King, saying, “Trail Tunes is all about connecting people with great local music and beautiful outdoor spaces they might not have discovered yet. By bringing artists into natural settings, we hope to introduce new audiences to both the music and the trails, creating a shared experience that celebrates our community, creativity, and the outdoors.”
This year’s lineup is certainly not pulling any punches with performances by Kimono Dragons, Carolyn Shapiro, Laura Leigh, and The Husbands to guarantee a day of excellent stripped-down music on the trails, with added perks for those who take the time to visit every location. Neaton told me that upon entering the preserve, attendees will be given a map to be stamped at each of the four spots with completion allowing them to receive a vinyl MHLC logo sticker and an entry into a prize raffle to win MHLC merchandise, Tacos Diablo gift cards, or a gift basket from Common Roots Brewing Company. There will also be refreshments on site from Common Roots and food from the Hungry Traveler food truck, and the MHLC will also be hosting a kids’ craft table to ensure fun for the whole family. If you have a passion for the outdoors, a passion for live music in unique environments, or, like Kim Neaton, are passionate about both, this is the perfect place to spend a Sunday in August.
MHLC encourages participants to arrive at any time between 1–4 p.m. and stroll through at their own pace. RSVPs are encouraged (not required) on the MHLC website at www.mohawkhudson.org/trail-tunes.
