The Hudson Valley’s Music Event of the Year: The Lifted Project 2025

Edition Twelve- Week Twelve; Unit 2:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

A Celebration of Music, Community, and Purpose

On April 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM, something extraordinary will take place at The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck—The Lifted Project 2025, an event that has quickly become the Hudson Valley’s most anticipated musical gathering. What started as a heartfelt tribute has evolved into a spectacular annual tradition, bringing together some of the most talented
musicians in the region to uplift, inspire, and support local nonprofits making a difference in our communities.

Following the sold-out success of last year’s event at Hudson Valley Airport, The Lifted Project returns, even bigger and more impactful than before. The magic of this event isn’t just in the music—it’s in the mission. Every note played, every lyric sung, and every seat filled directly supports four nonprofit organizations that serve vital roles in our community.

More Than Just a Concert: A Purpose-Driven Event

The Lifted Project isn’t a traditional fundraiser, nor is it a traditional benefit concert. Instead, it operates on a unique model where it does not collect or distribute money. Its four nonprofit partners—THANC (Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer Foundation), James’s Warriors, Hudson River Housing, and Earth Angels Believe—are featured and supported throughout the event’s promotional campaign and at the performance itself. These organizations each sell tickets directly, ensuring that 100% of ticket sales go directly to them. The Lifted Project is about something even more profound than fundraising—it’s about giving these organizations a voice, and creating a room that cannot be recreated where the non
profit partners and the audience leave changed.

“It begins and ends with the talented musicians who give of themselves without blinking. The choir is a group of headliners, singers who could hold a room for three hours on their own, and setting all that aside to raise up goodness,” says John Burton, the event’s creator, conductor, and driving force, “We don’t collect money, we collect lift.”

A Look Back: The Electric Success of 2024

If you were lucky enough to attend The Lifted Project 2024, you know exactly why it left people tingling. The event sold out Hudson Valley Airport, turning the space into a cathedral of sound, emotion, and connection.

The highlight? A spine-tingling performance of “Won’t Be Broken,” a song that became the event’s anthem of resilience, healing, and hope. The Core Choir, made up of some of the most talented vocalists in the Hudson Valley, led the charge, creating a moment that brought the entire audience to their feet.

“The Lifted Project is something special,” says Karen Catalano, producer of the 2025 event. “You can’t replicate that kind of energy—but we can build on it. And that’s exactly what we’re doing this year.”

What to Expect in 2025

Each year, The Lifted Project evolves, adding new musical elements, bigger moments, and fresh surprises. Here’s what’s in store for 2025:

A Children’s Chorus

For the first time, young voices will join the stage, adding a new layer of innocence and power to the music. Their performance will be a moment of pure heart, reminding us all why music is such an essential part of childhood and growth.

A Guitar Symphony

The Lifted Project has always featured remarkable guitar work, but this year, the instrument takes an even bigger role. A Guitar Symphony will feature multiple acoustic and electric guitarists playing in rich, layered harmony, showcasing the depth and complexity of the instrument.

The Unrehearsed Debut of “Holy”

The Lifted Project thrives on risk and authenticity, and nothing captures that more than the live, unrehearsed debut of “Holy.” This means no one—not the choir, not the musicians, and certainly not the audience—knows exactly how it will unfold. It will be a moment of pure musical trust, raw
emotion, and deep connection.

A Finale Like No Other

Last year’s “Won’t Be Broken” electrified the audience, and this year, it will be even bigger. The Core Choir will once again lead the charge, joined by local dignitaries and community members in a massive, choral finale.
You have to understand the ask I have made of the best musicians in the Hudson Valley,” says Burton. “Come to a sold-out theatre, sing an original song you have never rehearsed, and do it at the highest level so that you have to look down to see cancer, homelessness, suicide, and all of the challenges that our nonprofit partners deal with every day. If you come, you won’t just hear, you will feel. You will be lifted on the backs of the most magical musicians that the Hudson Valley has to offer.”

Why This Event Matters

The Lifted Project is more than a concert—it’s a call to action, a gathering of hearts, and a showcase of the talent and generosity that define the Hudson Valley. Each of this year’s nonprofit partners is doing critical work in our community:
● THANC supports thyroid, head, and neck cancer patients and caregivers with groundbreaking research and education.
● James’s Warriors provides mental health advocacy, suicide prevention, and support for young people.
● Hudson River Housing is committed to ending homelessness and building sustainable communities as well as offering veteran services.
● Earth Angels Believe offers emotional and financial assistance to families facing serious cancer.

“The Lifted Project is about building bridges between music and mission,” says Catalano. “It’s about using art to elevate causes that truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

The Talent That Makes It All Happen

At the heart of The Lifted Project is a community of incredible musicians, all volunteering their time and talent to make this event possible.

“These are some of the most skilled, passionate, and dedicated musicians in the Hudson Valley,” says Burton. “And the fact that they’re all willing to donate their talents for something bigger than themselves? That’s what makes The Lifted Project what it is.”

John Burton is well known for his work as the host of Home From Here and as sought-after guitarist, composer, and singer-songwriter in the Hudson Valley. His work has made him a beloved figure in the local music scene.

Get Your Tickets Now—Before They’re Gone

If you want to experience The Lifted Project 2025, don’t wait to get your tickets. Last year’s event sold out, and this year’s demand is even higher.

Tickets are $25, general admission, and first-come, first-served.

Available exclusively through our nonprofit partners—visit LiftedProject.org for ticket links.

“The songs will be released everywhere as they were last year”, Burton concluded, “As will video. We want to share the power of people lifting people. We want to show the good. We want to wash you in the talent. But ultimately, we want to lift you to a place where you have to look down to see your problems, where you have to look straight ahead to see your better self, and where you have a chance to look up to see what you, you, can do to make this a better place.”