The Mammals are folksingers Ruth Ungar, Mike Merenda, and a cohort of compelling collaborators who form a touring quintet on the fiddle, banjo, guitar, organ, bass, and drums. Over the past 20 years they have quietly composed a canon of original songs (“Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” -LA Times) that both reflect our culture and offer a vision of how the world might yet be. “These days we sing about what we’re for over what we’re against,” says songwriter, Mike Merenda, and what they’re for is “nothing short of sublime” according to Americana UK.

A rough and tumble decade in the 00’s forged The Mammals identity as “subversive acoustic traditionalists” (Boston Globe) or a “party band with a conscience.” Re-emerging in 2017 from a hibernation period during-which the band’s founders explored new songwriting terrain, The Mammals “don’t suffer from multiple genre syndrome, they celebrate it as if gleefully aware that the sound barriers separating old-timey music, vintage pop and contemporary folk are as permeable as cotton” (Washington Post). Their latest album, Nonet, “marshalls the defiant spirit needed to heal a damaged world” (No Depression). In 2023 they released a series of singles recorded at their own Humble Abode Music, as well as issuing bonus material from 2020’s landmark album Nonet.

Ruth is the daughter of legendary fiddler, Jay Ungar, composer of the storied “Ashokan Farewell.” You can catch The Mammals semi-annually at The Hoot, a folk festival they curate and produce at The Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY.

“Hailed by many as Americana trailblazers and exuding togetherness on stage, [The Mammals] are also gently-mannered activists with well-crafted songs that successfully ask potent questions and raise issues to probe how we can improve the planet. They deliver their material persuasively and in an eloquent manner with enjoyment of their music underpinning the approach overall. The music is the motivator throughout.”

“In the vanguard of today’s vibrant folk revival” – PopMatters

“One of New York State’s finest treasures.” – Americana UK

“Some of the best folk-rock music you will ever hear.” – TapeOp

“Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” – LA Times

“These two will shatter any preconceived stereotypical notions of what it means to be a folk musician.” – Coastal Journal

“Nonet marshals the defiant spirit needed to heal a damaged world” – No Depression

“The Mammals tell stories that are at once topical and timeless, bearing a message of hope and empowerment with a modern string-band sound.” – Freshgrass Festival

The Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series is thrilled to feature The Mammals!

Admission is $10 at the door. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Located in New York’s Capital Region, Everest Rising is a tightly-knit quintet influenced by bluegrass, Americana, rock, jazz and more. Together they create progressive acoustic music that is unique, powerful, and comfortably familiar. With a wide dynamic range, Everest Rising’s material spans from heartfelt laments to all out jams, all executed with instrumental finesse and thoughtful story-telling.

As this summer’s host of the Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series, Everest Rising aims to support an authentic musical experience for both audience and musicians. Music traditions are meant to be fluid and evolving — this concert series nurtures local and regional musical talent while providing opportunities for cross-pollination of musical ideas, all in an authentic setting that inspires and reminds us of our place within history.

The oldest farm in the Mohawk Valley (1705), Mabee Farm Historic Site was originally settled by Daniel Janse VanAntwerpen around 1670, who established it as a fur trading post to meet Native American traders before they reached Schenectady. In 1705 the property was sold to Jan Mabee and it was handed down to generations of Mabees for 300 years. The farm complex comprises of a 17th Century Dutch House, Inn, Brick Building, 1760 Dutch Barn (originally built in Johnstown, NY), English barn, Mabee family cemetery and other outbuildings, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Depending on conditions, concerts are held either in the hand-pegged 1760s Dutch Barn or under the pavilion behind the George E. Franchere Education Center, both located at the Mabee Farm Historic Site.

Address

Mabee Farm Historic Site
1100 Main Street
Rotterdam Junction, NY 12150

Map