Summer at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium unfolds as much as a ritual as it does a concert series where music, landscape, and community converge. This year’s lineup reflects that spirit, bringing together genre-defying artists, master musicians, and storytellers whose work spans generations and borders. From the improvisational energy of Railroad Earth to the virtuosic brilliance of Tommy Emmanuel, and from the global resonance of DakhaBrakha to the enduring innovation of Herbie Hancock, the Chautauqua Summer Concert Series offers more than a slate of shows—it’s a season-long invitation to experience music at its most immediate and transcendent.
Railroad Earth, June 4
For more than two decades, Railroad Earth has built a devoted following with their genre-blurring blend of bluegrass, rock, folk, and improvisation. Known for their unpredictable, story-rich live shows and deep musical chemistry, the band brings a spirit of adventure to every performance, creating a sound that feels both timeless and exploratory.
Tommy Emmanuel, CGP, June 19
Hailed as one of the world’s finest acoustic guitarists, Tommy Emmanuel has spent a lifetime redefining what one instrument can do. A child prodigy turned global virtuoso, he’s known for his explosive fingerstyle technique, rhythmic precision, and the ability to sound like an entire band on one guitar. A Grammy winner and celebrated collaborator, Emmanuel delivers performances that are as emotionally resonant as they are technically breathtaking.
Blind Pilot and John Craigie, June 25
After years of evolution and deep creative exploration, Blind Pilot show their spirit of storytelling, connection, and musical sincerity. Blind Pilot’s recent work reflects a renewed, collaborative energy and a freer approach to their indie-folk roots, while John Craigie continues his tradition of conversational songwriting, blending wit, heart, and lived-in narratives. Together, they create an evening where songs unfold with warmth, humanity, and quiet power.
DakhaBrakha, July 22
Hailing from Kyiv, DakhaBrakha has carved out a singular voice with their self-described “ethno chaos” sound—a dynamic fusion of Ukrainian folk traditions and global influences. Their work carries deep cultural resonance, shaped by both heritage and the realities of a changing world. Part performance and part cultural expression, their music reflects a modern Ukraine—resilient, cosmopolitan, and rooted in tradition—while also extending beyond the stage through powerful live interpretations and storytelling.
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, July 29
With a career spanning more than five decades, Marty Stuart remains one of country music’s most vital innovators and torchbearers. A five-time Grammy winner and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, he has helped shape the genre from his early days alongside legendary figures to a solo career defined by reverence and reinvention. Backed by The Fabulous Superlatives, Stuart continues to expand the boundaries of country music with bold, genre-defying projects that blend surf rock, soul, and cosmic country into something entirely his own.
Cat Power, August 3
Marking the 20th anniversary of her landmark album The Greatest, Cat Power revisits and reimagines that era with renewed purpose and artistry. Known for her raw, emotive voice and genre-spanning approach, she continues to evolve while honoring the music that shaped her career. Her latest work blends reflection with reinvention, offering new interpretations alongside songs that have become defining moments in her catalog, underscoring her lasting impact as a singular voice in modern music.
SYML, August 5
The solo project of Seattle artist Brian Fennell, SYML—Welsh for “simple”—creates music that feels both intimate and expansive. His songs explore themes of grief, love, and human connection with a delicate yet powerful touch. With deeply introspective new work, SYML blends cinematic soundscapes with deeply personal songwriting. The music serves as both refuge and revelation, offering honest reflections on loss, time, and the human experience.
The Jayhawks and James McMurtry, August 8
Bringing together decades of storytelling and roots-driven songwriting, The Jayhawks and James McMurtry share a stage grounded in craft and lyrical depth. The Jayhawks, pioneers of the alt-country movement, are known for their harmony-rich sound and emotional honesty, while McMurtry has built a reputation as one of America’s sharpest songwriters, crafting vivid, often darkly humorous narratives. Together, they represent two distinct but complementary voices in American music—one rooted in band chemistry and evolution, the other in incisive storytelling—coming together for a night of authenticity and timelessness.
Herbie Hancock, August 11 & 12
A true visionary across seven decades, Herbie Hancock has continually reshaped the language of music. From his groundbreaking work with Miles Davis to the genre-defining fusion of jazz, funk, and electronic music, Hancock’s influence spans eras and styles. A 14-time Grammy winner and Academy Award recipient, he has a legacy built on innovation, collaboration, and global cultural impact. His performances remain a masterclass in creativity and evolution, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of music’s most enduring and forward-thinking artists over two unforgettable nights.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Z2ent.com/Venues-We-Book/Chautauqua-Summer-Concert-Series.