Kettle Ridge Farm has a long happy relationship with Claudia Hoyser, beginning with her appearance nine years ago at our inaugural “Honey Dipper Festival” in Victor, and continuing with performances at our “Dinner Under the Moon” and “KettleFest” events, and then again last summer at Backwoods. Did we know back in 2017 that this Fairport native was destined to be a rising star in Rochester, Nashville, and other music hotspots around the country? Without a doubt we did, because her songwriting and vocal talents are simply undeniable. Claudia is accompanied by guitar virtuoso Ryan Hurley (no known relation to the Backwoods’ Hurleys) for another evening of enchantment. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Highly skilled classical guitarist Patrick Peralta sets the mood for our inaugural Sunday morning at Backwoods. No cover charge.

Guitarist Ryan Hurley returns for the second day in a row, this time with popular local troubadour Marty Roberts. This particular pairing doesn’t happen very often — Ryan performs full-time alongside Claudia Hoyser — but when it does the result is magnetic. (We know because we’ve heard them together.) Marty’s powerful voice and accomplished guitar playing takes on another dimension when backed by Ryan. Please note: the Backwoods Market begins next week, not today. No cover charge.

Noah and his acoustic guitar return to Backwoods after a wonderful performance during our “soft” opening season last fall. Covering many of the best singer-songwriters in music today, Noah mixes in his original songs for a truly enjoyable evening. (Rumor has it that his debut album is due for release this summer!) Welcome back, Noah. No cover charge.

We are excited to have Rochester-native and contemporary folk artist Kara Fink as the opener for this evening. We first discovered Kara at — where else — an “open mic” night and were impressed by her beautiful voice and musicianship. Expect to be totally relaxed by the end of Kara’s performance. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

We love having bands like Reddy Hollow at Backwoods, because their music is so freakin’ INTERESTING. Lyrical, tight, and energetic, frontmen Matt Geffers and Noah Parshall deliver indie rock that is written and performed from the heart. These guys are really going somewhere, and we’re not the only ones who think so. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

How does a gal from East Rochester end up as a Nashville-based country recording artist? You will just have to come to Backwoods to find the answer. Alyssa Trahan is a prolific singer-songwriter with many impressive credentials and songs that will surely capture your soul. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

We have a lot of critters at Backwoods — deer, fox, hawks, frogs, salamanders, and even a resident Sasquatch — but never any turtles, at least until now. We remember hearing an interview on wonderful WRUR 88.5 where the Dirt Turtles were asked about the origin of their name. Although we don’t recall the answer, suffice it to say that this group epitomizes the Backwoods vibe. Guitars, mandolin, drums, smooth harmonies, and foot-stomping rockabilly melodies will make you want to sit outside next to a fire pit all summer long listening to them. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Natalie Poole is becoming a familiar face at Backwoods, and deservedly so. Her vocals are impeccable and adapt effortlessly to extraordinary songs like John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery”. We are happy that she decided to relocate from her native North Carolina to Rochester so that y’all can enjoy her talents. Today is also our first “Backwoods Market Day” with select artisan vendors from 10am to 3pm. No cover charge.

Sit back in one of our Adirondack chairs (or bring your own lawn chair) and chill out on a sunny Sunday afternoon with Rat Fink Trio, a Rochester-based group playing a little Grateful Dead, a little Americana, a little rock, and maybe their own version of “Angel from Montgomery” (see Natalie Poole). It is sure to be a jammin’ good time. Today is also our first “Backwoods Market Day” with select artisan vendors, 10am to 3pm. Fun in the sun. No cover charge.

We first heard Reid Burton a couple of years ago at a local music venue. You could count the size of the audience on one hand. We thought “What the heck! How could someone this talented attract so few people?” (Turns out Reid was just filling in for a last minute cancellation.) Regardless, we knew we had to have Reid come out to Backwoods, which he did last fall to a crowd of hundreds having a glorious time of it. Many people know Reid as a leading member of local band BB Dang. But we love it when he switches gears to perform solo. This is sure to be a special evening. No cover charge.

First “The Voice” (2021), then “American Idol” (2023), and now Backwoods. Still in his early twenties, this Rochester-based singer with his acoustic guitar has already distinguished himself quite nicely. His covers and originals are sure to resonate beautifully in our outdoor setting. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

The creek at Backwoods runs clear. So why would we book a band called “Mud Creek”? It’s simply because they are so fun to listen to. Mud Creek is a local five-piece roots-rock group that puts out a great show with Grateful Dead covers and lots of other get-off-your-Adirondack-chair-and-dance songs. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

If you can’t get to a James Taylor concert (or don’t want to pay for one) you can still find the perfect mellow vocals at Backwoods with Rocco Sole. You will probably recognize 95% of his song selections and perhaps you’ll be feeling a bit of nostalgia — always a nice feeling. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Listening to Rockabilly Steve & BR3 you might think you are in New Orleans, or Nashville, or a New York City blues club. But no, you are lucky enough to be at Backwoods to catch this five-piece Buffalo-based band rocking it with a blend of blues, jazz, swing, roots, rockabilly and original music. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Start your Sunday off right with an acoustic set from Penfield-based Walker John. No cover charge.

We are counting on the Good Weather String Band to bring the good weather with them for this Sunday afternoon performance. They blend old-time traditions and original music, bringing together vocal harmonies with banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, dobro and upright bass. No cover charge.

Known locally as the Pat and Owen Duo, this pair of accomplished musicians bring their skills to Backwoods for two hours of acoustic rock, blues, and roots/Americana. Pat Harrington is a Grammy-nominated guitarist/vocalist while Owen Eichensehr provides rhythm, drums, and vocals alongside Pat. No cover charge.

Travis Rocco travels a lot. In his car. With his guitar. On June 26, Travis and his Honda Civic with over 500,000 miles on it arrive (hopefully) to Backwoods for a mix of his original songs and covers. Great voice, good times. $5 daily cover for 21+.

At any given point during a performance, Johnny Hart & The Mess can sound like a pop band, a blues band, a country band, a jam band or a funk band. At Backwoods, the outdoor setting and you (our visitors) set the tone for their song choices. The acclaimed Buffalo-based band brings its energy and passion on June 26 for a performance you won’t soon forget. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

If you’re not familiar with the style of music known as the Piedmont Blues, this is your chance to learn. Raedwald Howland-Bolton brings it with incredible guitar-picking and and comfortable bluesy vocals. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

We haven’t forgotten all you country music fans. The Cast Iron Cowboys are coming to Backwoods all the way from Ithaca to give us the best original country you’ll find in upstate New York. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Bolan Graham and Katy Rebholz are an acoustic duo from Rochester that apply beautiful harmonies to a thoughtful selection of songs covering pop, indie, and rock. It’s a great way to get your Sunday started at Backwoods. No cover charge.

We’re very pleased to have local artist Mike Speranza and his five-piece band Shades of Grey coming to Backwoods on a Sunday afternoon to entertain you (and your kids) with some familiar songs and a few of their own fun tunes. They cover songs in a variety of musical genres so you are sure to hear something that hits your sweet spot. No cover charge.

Acoustic Daddy is a staple in the Fairport music scene and covers songs from the 70s thru current times with tons of grit and determination. The trio entertained us at Backwoods last fall and we are happy to have them back. No cover charge.

Ed Iseley’s songs, whether covers or originals, are so full of emotion and feeling that you can’t help but ponder the meaning of life when listening to him. His deep resonant voice pairs perfectly with his acoustic guitar, making Backwoods a very appropriate setting for this performance. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

If you are from Rochester and appreciate Americana-sourced harmonies backed by the fiddle, banjo, and bass, you are probably already a fan of A Girl Named Genny. After all, the group has been around for 10 years producing and performing its eclectic mix of original music. They’ve highlighted many a local festival and we’re more than pleased to have them coming to Backwoods. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Stephen Morrell is a gifted singer and guitarist who has literally burst onto the Rochester/Fairport/Finger Lakes music scene over the last couple of years. We were lucky to have him perform at Backwoods last fall and we’re lucky to have him again. We especially enjoy his “mash-ups” and think you will too. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Son Henry, an award-winning singer/songwriter and Pittsford’s gift to our vibrant local music scene, brings his full band to Backwoods for an evening of high-energy blues, roots, and Americana. We really can’t get enough of Son Henry’s talents, stories, and expansive catalog of original music and know you will be just as impressed. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Young musicians with outsized talent, Cora and Liam are a duo making their mark on the Rochester music scene with their energetic renditions of songs familiar to every generation of listeners. No cover charge.

Be transported to another culture with the Daniel King Band, Rochester’s premier Latin/flamenco instrumental group. You will experience a thrilling, yet relaxing, Sunday afternoon here at Backwoods. You may even be inspired to stand up from your Adirondack chair or picnic table and show off a few Latin dance steps. No cover charge.

The Travis Prinzi Band brings their energetic mix of bluegrass, Celtic, and folk music to Backwoods for an evening of foot-tapping in the great outdoors. No cover charge.

Cat Stevens was one of our favorite artists growing up (which shows our age!) and it is totally refreshing yet unusual to hear a young performer covering his songs. Josh Ketchum does the job with incredible authenticity, as well as with his covers of other singer-songwriters from the 70s to now. We always give huge props to local solo artists who decide to go full time with their music, so come on out to Backwoods to support Josh and enjoy his performance. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

This uber-talented three-member rock group from Rochester “goes Backwoods” with a set of original material tailored to the landscape. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

We’ve asked Mark Cellura to return to Backwoods after a great performance here last fall. This time he will be accompanied by vocalist Chelsey Barry for even more enjoyment. They play a mix of acoustic rock and modern country covers. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Being located in the hamlet of Egypt, we knew Side Eye would be the perfect fit for Backwoods: their band logo features the Egyptian Eye of Horus. Side Eye is a five-member, high-energy “soul rock and blues” band from Rochester that will have you grooving all night long with their original songs. Rock on, Egypt! $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Fresh from his September 2025 appearance at Backwoods, singer/songwriter Ryan Sutherland and his guitar return to the woods to provide the Sunday morning outdoor vibes. No cover charge.

Sit back and relax on a Sunday afternoon with the music of The Grateful Dead brought to you by one of Rochester’s premier Dead bands. Our craft vendors will be out in full force. No cover charge.

Come out to Backwoods for an evening of classic rock hits and deep tracks with Nuthin’ Fancy, a three-member local group that certainly knows how to make the crowd happy. No cover charge.

Keep your eye (and ears) on Davey Allen. He has exploded onto the music scene, and not just here in the Rochester area. We expect this powerhouse singer/songwriter to become less accessible locally as he begins touring more and more, so here’s your chance to catch him on our Backwoods stage. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

We think you will quickly recognize Adrianna Noone as one of Rochester’s singer/songwriter treasures when you listen to her hit single “Honey”. (And it’s not just because we are beekeepers — the song actually has nothing to do with honey bees.) Adrianna and her band return to Backwoods for an evening of soulful and emotional melodies that will have you melting into your Adirondack chairs. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Here are two local guys who sing, play guitars, hand drums, and even some harmonica. They always seem like they are having a good time and are intent on making sure you are having a good time too. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

Are you ready to groove? The John Peyton Project brings its funk to the Backwoods for an evening of slamming reggae, jam, rock and blues. These guys will get you moving no doubt. It will be awesome, so be there. $5 daily cover charge for 21+.

At Backwoods we love to have local up-and-coming artists performing, and Max Doud is one of Rochester’s brightest stars. The 20-year old singer/songwriter has one of the best and most sincere voices we’ve heard (of any age). Come out for some early music to get your Sunday going in the right direction. No cover charge.

Ska music originated in Jamaica in the 1950s and Some Ska Band — with its horns, offbeat rhythms, and fun lyrics — represents the genre as well as anyone in the Northeast. We’ve been fans of this Rochester band for many years. Nothing could be finer on a Sunday afternoon in the woods. No cover charge.

Our music coordinator (Trent) is originally from Oswego so naturally he attempts to tap some of the best talent in that area and convince them to come to Fairport and perform at Backwoods. John McConnell, a full-time singer/songwriter/guitarist, certainly is one of the best. His Facebook page provides the perfect description of his music: jazzy bluesy folksy funky solo indie lounge covers and originals. You will most definitely enjoy his performance. No cover charge.