MAY 9, 2026
1 pm - 8 pm
Join us for a gathering of friends, neighbors, and artists for a special Open House event at the Cistern. This will be a full day event, with planned performances every hour, on the hour.
This event is part of a series of ‘test activations’, presented by the City of Poughkeepsie w/ MASS. The space is currently not an established performance venue (but hopefully one day!) so access will be controlled.
See FAQs for details about the day!
Please click link to read waiver in advance, signature will be required at entry.
A scheduled performance will occur every hour, on the hour.
In between each scheduled performance will be an Open Mic opportunity for you to “play the Cistern”
Please note, the venue can only host 40 visitors at a time, and will be on a rolling entry basis.
This event is rain or shine. In the event of rain, there will some tent coverage, but bring your umbrella!
Visitor FAQ’s
Do I need to Preregister to visit?
No registration is required - visitors can arrive directly at the event. All attendees must sign a waiver before entering the cistern, see above to review ahead of time.
What artists are performing?
Performer selections are underway. Please check the website closer to date for the full line-up, or just come by! If you are interested in performing yourself, please see link to form below.
Can I take photos or videos?
Yes, but please be mindful of performers and guests, no flash. We highly encourage limiting phone usage so you can remain present and connected to the experience.
Is there seating inside the Cistern?
There will be limited seating available inside to watch performances. Seating provided will be on a first-come-first-serve basis.
A note about access:
The venue is not currently ADA accessible. Staff will provide guidance on safe access and ambulation. Please reach out if you would like to know more about access.
A note about lighting:
Lighting is limited within the space, as this is not yet an established performance venue The staff will provide direction on safe ambulation upon entry, and in the case of an emergency, will provide lighting and guidance to egress.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Boots or sneakers are recommended. The space is ~60° Fahrenheit, so dress accordingly.
Are children allowed? What about pets?
Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times. Unfortunately no pets are permitted.
Here are the artists in order of appearance, beginning at 1PM:
Peretsky: The vocal and multi-instrumental performance project of composer, educator, and writer Max Alper.
Randolph Cornelius: Acoustic Music/Solo Instrumentalist - Ambient, site-specific electric guitar.
Matt Azevedo: Minimalist solo baritone saxophone.
Lea Bertucci: A musician whose works revolve around electronic and spatial extensions of instrument and voice.
Hillel Arnold: Original songs, with acoustic guitar and voice.
Morey Bean, Community Artist: A whistling melody not unlike yodeling that will be an improv session in honor of the Cistern.
Nando: Local sound designer, showcasing rich and heavy notes of harmonium
Franc Palaia (Po'Town Beats): An acoustic percussion band using hand drums such as congas, djembes, bongoes and other hand instruments such as marimbas, shakers etc.
Caroline Ryan and Sam Bernhardt: Violin and Acoustic Guitar, duo improvisational exploration.
Booker Stardrum: A composer, drummer/percussionist, and producer.
Sanyamita: Nepali singer and producer, Avanti Singh on acoustic guitar and Mahya Hamedi on hand drums.
Sarah Overton: Solo cello, second time performing at the Cistern!
Man Bartlett: A multidisciplinary artist.
David Henningsen: Jazz /Environmental.
Garrick Neuner: Solo contemporary classical vocalist
Michael Beharie: A musician who sits at the imagined intersection between sound system culture, pop transmission and free improvisation.
Heba Touijar: Movement 1 of the Eccles Sonata for Bass (classical) and Improvisation (Jazz-esque)
Trevor New (Enjin): Immersive program explores the history of the Hudson valley through stunning visuals
Raven Chacon: A composer and installation artist from Fort Defiance, Navajo Nation.
Richard Reed Parry: Multidisciplinary musician accompanied by a french horn player.
Artist Lineup
From Clinton Street south entrance, follow signage along the park driveway to reach designated parking areas, and follow walking paths to the cistern entrance
