MORRIS — A new tradition is taking center stage in the Butternut Valley this summer. On Sunday, Aug. 23, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Gatehouse Coffee Shop & Mercantile will present the inaugural Morris Music Festival, a full day of live music, food, coffee, yoga, and community celebration as part of Butternut Valley Days.

Organized by the Butternut Valley Alliance (BVA) in partnership with local organizations, Butternut Valley Days celebrates the people, places, and creativity that make the region unique. Spanning two weekends, the festival features free live music, family activities, local food and beverages, the Gravel Grinder Bike Race, Hellbender 5K Fun Run, and community gatherings across the valley.

The Morris Music Festival is a natural extension of that spirit, celebrating the musicians, artists, and creative voices that make the Butternut Valley a vibrant place to live and visit. Hosted at The Gatehouse, the festival will transform downtown Morris into a destination where audiences can discover new artists, share memorable musical experiences, and experience the region's thriving creative culture.

The day begins at 9 am with Yoga with Mira upstairs and performances in the cafe, also starting at 9 am, from an exceptional lineup of regional musicians representing folk, Americana, jazz, blues, singer-songwriter, and acoustic traditions.

This year's lineup includes: John Houshmand, Blue Stone, Orchard, Liam Herbert, Andrew Carrington, Trio Afinado, Khalil Jade, The Hardy Brothers, Carl & Jack, Jimi Hendrix Trio, Yana King, Shira & Healing Love Water, and Yolanda Bush.

Admission is free with a suggested donation for the performers, inviting visitors of all ages to enjoy outstanding live music, handcrafted coffee, delicious food, artisan shopping, and the welcoming atmosphere that has made The Gatehouse a community gathering place.

“Some of my favorite musical experiences have always happened in small rooms where people come not just to hear music, but to truly listen,” said Chris Riffle, co-owner of The Gatehouse Coffee Shop & Mercantile. “That’s something we’ve been fortunate to build at The Gatehouse, and this festival feels like a natural extension of it. We wanted to create a stage that celebrates the incredible artists who live and work in this region and gives people the chance to discover music they may never have encountered otherwise. If someone leaves having found a new favorite artist or feeling a little more connected to this community, then we've accomplished what we set out to do.”

Since opening in 2023, The Gatehouse has become a destination for live music, arts, and cultural experiences in Morris. The Franklin Register recently recognized The Gatehouse as "one of the best listening rooms in Otsego County," reflecting the venue's growing role as a home for musicians and audiences across the region.

“The Morris Music Festival represents exactly what Butternut Valley Days is about,” said Cassandra Miller, executive director of Butternut Valley Alliance. “It’s neighbors coming together, visitors discovering what makes this valley special, local artists sharing their talents, and organizations working together to create experiences that celebrate the character and creativity of our communities.”

The Morris Music Festival takes place Sunday, Aug. 23, 9 am - 9 pm at The Gatehouse Coffee Shop & Mercantile, 129 Main St., Morris, NY. Admission is free with a suggested donation for the performers.

Visitors are encouraged to spend the day in Morris, experience the Morris Music Festival, and spend the weekend experiencing the many events, activities, and traditions that make up Butternut Valley Days.

- Information from the Gatehouse