Artists are the most underused asset in tourism
Artists do more than perform. They absorb, interpret, and reflect the places they move through. In doing so, they create…
This spring has been one of the most diverse seasons we’ve programmed yet — and we’re only part-way through.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve already seen sold-out shows, new audiences discovering the space, and some unforgettable moments on stage. And with several events still to come, the season continues to unfold.
One of the standout moments came early in April with Babes, Babes, Babes!, a drag and burlesque show that completely transformed the Hudson Creative Hub for one unforgettable night. It was the first time we’ve brought a show like this to Hudson, and it came about through a connection I made at Pacific Contact in BC last fall — a reminder of how those industry gatherings can lead to something truly special at the local level.
The response was immediate. Tickets sold out faster than any show we’ve ever booked, and the energy in the room was electric from start to finish. The performers were sharp, hilarious, and incredibly skilled — the kind of show that leaves people talking about it for days after. It won’t be the last time we welcome them back to Hudson.
That spirit of curiosity and range is carrying through the entire season — from intimate concerts and film screenings to workshops and community-driven events, with more still ahead.
We opened the season at Vankleek Hill Vineyard on March 21 with Flamenco, Félix & Jazz, a sold-out evening featuring two exceptional instrumentalists: Lucien Lavoie on guitar and Adam Maiorano on double bass. Blending flamenco and jazz with inventive arrangements of songs by Félix Leclerc, the performance struck a beautiful balance between virtuosity and accessibility — familiar material, reimagined in a way that felt fresh and alive.
Back at the Hudson Creative Hub, March 24 brought a sold-out screening of Walking Through the Fire, creating space for a different kind of shared experience — quieter, reflective, and deeply engaging.
The very next night, we shifted gears again with Sultans of String on March 25. Known for their high-energy, genre-crossing performances, the group brought a vibrant, global sound into the room and drew a strong, enthusiastic crowd.
April was anchored by that unforgettable Babes, Babes, Babes! performance on April 2 — a clear highlight of the season and a reminder of the appetite for bold, joyful programming in our community.
Later in the month, on April 18, we return to Vankleek Hill Vineyard with David Leask, an award-winning songwriter and seasoned performer. His ability to move seamlessly between intimate ballads and high-energy moments made for a dynamic evening that resonated with a wide range of listeners.
On May 8, we will welcome Sandra Bouza for a powerful performance at the Hudson Creative Hub, along with a daytime workshop, Taking Your Space: A Workshop in Authenticity and Personal Ownership. Combining performance with a learning opportunity creates a deeper connection between artist and audience — something we’re continuing to explore in our programming.
We will close out this season on May 30 with Songwriters Spotlight: Women in Music, an evening dedicated to original songs and the voices behind them. Shows like this are a reminder of the importance of creating space not just for performance, but for emerging and established artists to share their work in a supportive, attentive environment.
Alongside these feature events, we also host and program live music events in our community every week throughout the year.
At Microbrasserie Cardinal, we present live music every Friday and Saturday night. We also host a weekly acoustic jam on Thursdays and an all-originals open mic on the first Sunday of each month — low-pressure entry points that invite people to participate, not just attend.
At Rube Restaurant, Seiji hosts a Wednesday night acoustic jam and curates live music on Friday evenings, contributing to a growing network of spaces where live music is part of the weekly rhythm of the community.
From instrumental virtuosity to drag and burlesque, from film to folk, from intimate workshops to high-energy concerts, this is one of the most diverse seasons we’ve ever programmed in Hudson.
That diversity isn’t accidental. It reflects a belief that vibrant cultural communities are built not by repeating the same formula, but by creating space for different kinds of experiences — and trusting that audiences are curious, open, and ready to be surprised.
