Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra with Maxim Lando, piano
2026-08-18 20:00 (America/New_York) | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
Rossen Milanov, conductor
Maxim Lando, piano
Maxim Lando joins the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra in an evening of rhythmic fire. Lando commands the Amphitheater stage in Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, balancing bold modern energy with moments of lyrical warmth. Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances offers nostalgia and momentum, with the widely recognized Dies Ire making its looming presence. Together, these works bring passion and power to the orchestra.
Program:
Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3
Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances

Sunrise Paddle - Kayak/SUP
2026-08-19 06:15, 2026-08-21 06:15, 2026-08-26 06:15, 2026-08-28 06:15 | Sports Club, Sports Club
Enjoy the beauty of the lake during our sunrise paddle. This is not a guided tour but an opportunity to rent a kayak, SUP or canoe for an enjoyable hour at sunrise. Reservations accepted one day in advance at the Sports Club. Contact sportsclub@chq.org with questions.

The Rev. Natalie Hanson
2026-08-19 09:15 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
The Rev. Natalie Hanson has been a longtime presence at Chautauqua; with her husband, the Rev. James Paul Womack, pastor of Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church, she has co-hosted the United Methodist Missionary Vacation Home at Chautauqua for several years. Hanson has also served Chautauqua as interim senior pastor in 2022, crafting, planning and evaluating worship services alongside members of the Department of Religion.
She is a clergy member of the United Methodist Church, now retired after 40 years of ministry. Much of that ministry was focused in urban parishes, with eight years serving as a District Superintendent in the Western, then Upper New York Annual Conference. On behalf of the Conference and as an adjunct for Wesley Seminary’s Course of Study, Hanson for several years taught classes on preaching and worship development. She was also Co-Convener and worship developer for the NE Jurisdiction’s Clergywomen’s Convocation. Hanson was educated at Wesleyan University and the Harvard Divinity School.

Brian Frank
2026-08-19 10:45 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
Brian Frank is the founder and general partner of FTW Ventures, bringing decades of experience in building transformative technology that impacts the way people work, play and live. In 2015, Frank turned his attention to how technology can improve the lives of every person on the planet by building a better food system. He raised two early-stage funds for investments into food and agriculture technology businesses with FTW, partnering with the leading executives and corporations in the field.
Now at FTW, Frank continues to build a more sustainable, resilient, productive and profitable food system through leveraging advanced science and technology in the $10 trillion food and agriculture sectors. He cultivates urgent, essential technology that reshapes the global food and agriculture industries. To support the company’s three core values — preserving and amplifying nature’s offerings, modernizing science, and nurturing humankind — Frank and his team support the innovators who think beyond the box and have a unique perspective on improving the food system.
Prior to founding FTW, Frank led the creation of industry-defining products in mobile communication, social media and AI at numerous startups and Fortune 500 Companies over his 25-year career. As an entrepreneur, he directed three venture-backed businesses to successful exits, returning more than $100 million in capital to investors. Frank is a graduate of Cornell University with dual degrees in computer science as well as science and technology studies with a concentration in human-computer interaction (HCI).

Taste Caravan
2026-08-19 11:30, 2026-08-20 11:30, 2026-08-21 11:30, 2026-08-21 16:30, 2026-08-24 11:30, 2026-08-25 11:30, 2026-08-25 14:30, 2026-08-26 11:30 and 3 more dates | Bestor Plaza, Bestor Plaza
A moving feast of regional flavor. Taste Caravan transforms Bestor Plaza into a rotating showcase of the area’s most exciting restaurants and food trucks, offering guests the opportunity to sample 15–20 different regional establishments each week through thoughtfully prepared small bites.
Food trucks will be available:
Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (Lunch)
Tuesday & Friday, 4:30–8:00 p.m. (Dinner)
Vendors rotate throughout the week, and all offer small bites so guests are encouraged to return often so they can explore the wide range of cuisines, cooking styles, flavors and culinary voices—all in one vibrant, walkable destination located just outside the Amphitheater in Bestor Plaza.
During each Taste Caravan lunch service, guests can enjoy a live culinary demonstration or discussion in the plaza, creating an immersive experience where learning, conversation, and flavor come together. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or lingering to sample multiple offerings, Taste Caravan invites you to taste broadly, learn deeply, and celebrate the diversity of our regional food community.
Food/Drink Tickets:
All food vendors only accept Food Festival tickets for payment. The Athenaeum Hotel Beverage Tent & Lounge will accept tickets, cash or card. Tickets can be purchased from one of the two information and ticket tents located within steps of the food vendors.
5 Pack of Tickets: $10

Bestor Plaza Demo/Talk
2026-08-19 13:00, 2026-08-21 13:00, 2026-08-24 13:00, 2026-08-25 13:00, 2026-08-26 13:00, 2026-08-28 13:00 | Bestor Plaza, Bestor Plaza
Big flavor meets big ideas in Bestor Plaza. Enjoy a dynamic lineup of live culinary demonstrations and discussions featuring chefs, artisans, and community partners from across the region and beyond. These engaging sessions spotlight innovative techniques, cultural traditions, sustainability practices, and the stories behind the food we love.
Held daily during the Taste Caravan, each demonstration or talk runs from approximately 1:00–1:45 p.m. and offers guests the chance to learn, ask questions, and connect directly with experts—all while enjoying small bites from the surrounding food vendors.
Featured topics will include a discussion on innovative approaches to tackling food insecurity with 412 Food Rescue, the cultural significance of matzo ball soup and challah bread—with hands on challah braiding guests can take home—live fish breakdowns showcase the preparation process for both restaurant and home chefs, and much more. Programming will showcase something new each day, highlighting regional chefs, culinary professionals, and community organizations.
All demonstrations and talks are free to watch and designed to complement the vibrant flavors and energy of the Taste Caravan, making them the perfect midday stop for inspiration, learning, and delicious discovery.

Taste of Chautauqua
2026-08-19 15:00, 2026-08-26 15:00 | Bestor Plaza, Bestor Plaza
A celebration of food, art, music, and family. Taste of Chautauqua invites guests to experience the spirit of the region through an afternoon that brings together regional cuisine, craft beverages, live music, and local art—all in the heart of Bestor Plaza.
Designed for guests of all ages, this vibrant community gathering showcases the incredible culinary and creative talent of Chautauqua County. Sample small bites from a variety of local restaurants, explore and purchase products from area food manufacturers, wineries, distilleries, and breweries, and browse work from local artists sharing their craft and creativity. Live local music sets the tone, creating a relaxed, joyful atmosphere where flavor and culture come together.
Taste of Chautauqua is an opportunity to taste broadly, meet the makers, and celebrate the people and products that define our region. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite restaurant, supporting local producers, or simply enjoying an afternoon with family and friends, this event captures the heart of the community in one joyful celebration.

Masters Series Masterclass: Good Food Belongs to People, Not a Landfill
2026-08-19 15:15, 2026-08-20 15:15 | Hultquist 101, Hultquist 101
At the intersection of food insecurity and climate change lies one powerful opportunity: food rescue. Food waste and food insecurity are often treated as separate crises — yet they stem from the same structural inefficiencies in our food system. In the United States, up to 40% of food produced goes uneaten, even as 1 in 7 households face food insecurity. Most wasted food ends up in landfills, where it becomes a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. 412 Food Rescue in Pittsburgh is transforming how communities respond to these challenges. By mobilizing volunteers through innovative, people-powered technology, the organization rescues fresh, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste and delivers it directly to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. In this way, the organization operates at the intersection of food waste and environmental sustainability, redirecting surplus food to communities experiencing food insecurity while reducing landfill methane emissions. In this session, leadership from 412 Food Rescue will examine how technology-enabled logistics, volunteer mobilization, and cross-sector partnerships can serve as civic infrastructure — addressing hunger, advancing environmental sustainability, and strengthening local food systems. Participants will explore how surplus food recovery functions not as charity, but as systems-level intervention in both public health and climate resilience that has national and global impact.

UU Cultural Ethics Series: Roger Doebke
2026-08-19 15:30 | Hall of Philosophy, Hall of Philosophy

Unity's Positive Path for Spiritual Living
2026-08-19 18:30, 2026-08-26 18:30 | Turner Conference Room, Turner Conference Room
Programmed by Unity of Chautauqua

The Rev. Natalie Hanson
2026-08-20 09:15 | Hall of Philosophy, Hall of Philosophy

Bestor Plaza Demo/Talk: 412 Food Rescue
2026-08-20 13:00 | Bestor Plaza, Bestor Plaza

Norman Wirzba
2026-08-20 14:00 | Hall of Philosophy, Hall of Philosophy
Norman Wirzba is Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor of Christian Theology & Senior Fellow at the Kenan Institute of Ethics at Duke University. His research and teaching interests are at the intersections of theology, philosophy, ecology, and agrarian and environmental studies. He is the author of Love’s Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis and Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating. Raised on a farm in Southern Alberta, Norman went on to study history at the University of Lethbridge, theology at Yale University Divinity School, and philosophy at Loyola University Chicago. Since then he has taught at Saint Thomas More College/University of Saskatchewan, Georgetown College (KY), and Duke University Divinity School. He’s the father of four children and is married to Gretchen Ziegenhals. He likes to bake, cook and make things with wood. He also enjoys playing the guitar. He used to be a good athlete! He enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his family and friends. He tries to grow some food.

Masters Series Masterclass: From Spirit to Shelf — Inside Mezcal & Whiskey Manufacturing in Mexico
2026-08-20 15:30 | Norton Hall, Norton Hall
Go beyond the glass and into the heart of artisanal spirits production in this immersive Masters Series class presented by Laika Spirits. This special program brings two master distillers—one of mezcal and one of whiskey—directly from Mexico to Chautauqua for an insider look at how some of today’s most compelling spirits are made, transported, and shared with the world.
Joined by close colleague and brand importer Ismael Gomez, distillers Txomin and Carlos will share vivid images and firsthand stories from the regions where their spirits are produced, offering rare insight into traditional techniques, regional terroir, and the cultural heritage behind each bottle. Together, they will explore the realities of modern spirits production, including the challenges and opportunities of importing handcrafted products into the American market.
Designed as a conversational and engaging experience, the class blends storytelling, visual presentation, and open dialogue. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions, deepen their understanding of mezcal and whiskey production, and gain a clearer picture of the journey from raw ingredient to finished spirit.
The brands sharing in this Masters Series class will also be showcased during the Premium Craft Beverage Tasting Events on Thursday, August 20, and Thursday, August 27, offering guests a chance to taste these products and continue the conversation in a relaxed, social setting.
Perfect for curious drinkers, spirits enthusiasts, and anyone interested in craftsmanship, culture, and global trade, this Masters Series class offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the people and processes shaping today’s premium spirits landscape.

Premium Tasting Event
2026-08-20 17:00, 2026-08-27 17:00 | Bestor Plaza, Bestor Plaza
Sip, swirl, and savor at this lively Premium Craft Beverage Tasting Event, an interactive evening designed to showcase exciting wines, craft beers, and artisanal spirits you may not have encountered before. Set in the heart of Bestor Plaza, this social tasting experience invites guests to explore new flavors, discover emerging brands, and connect directly with the people behind the products.
Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy a curated selection of beverages alongside thoughtfully paired small bites, guided by knowledgeable producers and beverage experts who can speak to the craftsmanship, origin, and unique character of each offering. From innovative flavor profiles to time-honored techniques, the focus is on discovery, conversation, and appreciation.
Presented in partnership with regional producers and collaborators, the Premium Craft Beverage Tasting Event creates a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where curiosity is encouraged and favorites are found. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply eager to try something new, this event offers an engaging way to taste, learn, and celebrate the creativity shaping today’s beverage landscape.
Perfect as an evening gathering with friends—or a flavorful complement to other Food Festival programming—this tasting event highlights the joy of sharing great drinks, great food, and great company.
Those interested in this event may also enjoy the Masters Series Class: From Spirit to Shelf — Inside Mezcal & Whiskey Manufacturing in Mexico, presented by Laiki Spirits on Thursday, August 20. This in depth conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the production, culture, and global journey of some of the spirits featured at the tastings—providing a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship behind what’s in your glass.

Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra: Generational Voices- An Evening with the Denyce Graves Foundation
2026-08-20 20:00 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
This special evening marks the official launch of the Denyce Graves Foundation’s Generational Voices program, a dynamic new initiative dedicated to mentoring and elevating the next generation of vocal artists. The final concert of our orchestral season showcases rising talent from this groundbreaking program. Join maestro Rossen Milanov and the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra for a soaring night of vocal artistry and symphonic brilliance. From beloved operatic arias to Bernstein’s enthralling Jeremiah Symphony, this performance celebrates the future of American opera and the enduring excellence of our resident orchestra.

Aimee Nezhukumatathil
2026-08-21 14:00 | Hall of Philosophy, Hall of Philosophy
Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle — Bite by Bite: Nourishments & Jamborees by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
From the New York Times bestselling author of World of Wonders, a lyrical book of short essays about food, offering a banquet of tastes, smells, memories, associations, and marvelous curiosities from nature. In Bite by Bite, poet and essayist Aimee Nezhukumatathil explores the way food and drink evoke our associations and remembrances—a subtext or layering, a flavor tinged with joy, shame, exuberance, grief, desire, or nostalgia.
Nezhukumatathil restores our astonishment and wonder about food through her encounters with a range of foods and food traditions. From shave ice to lumpia, mangoes to pecans, rambutan to vanilla, she investigates how food marks our experiences and identities and explores the boundaries between heritage and memory.
Bite by Bite offers a rich and textured kaleidoscope of vignettes and visions into the world of food and nature, drawn together by intimate and humorous personal reflections, with Fumi Nakamura’s gorgeous imagery and illustration.
Aimee Nezhukumatathil is the author of Night Owl, a poetry collection, the book of food essays Bite By Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees, and the New York Times best-selling illustrated collection of nature essays, World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks & Other Astonishments. She has also written four previous poetry collections including Oceanic and At The Drive-in Volcano. Her most recent chapbook is Lace & Pyrite, a collaboration of epistolary garden poems with the poet Ross Gay. Honors include a poetry fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Pushcart Prize, a Mississippi Arts Council grant, NAAEE’s 2024 Pepe Marcos-Iga Award for Innovation in Environmental Education, and being named a Guggenheim Fellow in poetry. For a decade, she served as the poetry editor for Orion and Sierra magazines. A professor of English and Creative Writing for over twenty five years, she also serves as a firefly guide for Mississippi State Parks.

Kabbalat Shabbat Service
2026-08-21 17:00, 2026-08-28 17:00 | Miller Park, Miller Park

Renée Fleming with Béla Fleck The Fiddle and the Drum
2026-08-21 20:00 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
This collaboration brings together 5x Grammy winning soprano Renée Fleming and 19x Grammy-winning banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck for a celebration of Appalachian folk music. For our country’s 250th anniversary, the program mines a rich vein of America’s musical heritage, weaving the expressive depth of Fleming’s voice with the brilliance of Fleck’s banjo and his all-star My Bluegrass Heart band. Through mountain songs, haunting ballads, and folk hymns, The Fiddle and the Drum honors the roots and emotional power of Appalachia.

Catholic Mass
2026-08-22 17:00, 2026-08-23 09:15, 2026-08-29 17:00, 2026-08-30 09:15 | Hall of Christ: Sanctuary

Silkroad Ensemble featuring Rhiannon Giddens
2026-08-22 20:00 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
The Silkroad Ensemble featuring Rhiannon Giddens brings an electrifying fusion of global traditions and contemporary expression to the stage. This acclaimed collective of artists creates a vibrant tapestry of sound that celebrates cultural exchange and musical curiosity. Giddens’ compelling voice and storytelling artistry add emotional depth and urgency to the performance. Audiences will be swept into an unforgettable evening of boundary-crossing music that resonates long after the final note.

Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J.
2026-08-23 10:45, 2026-08-24 09:15, 2026-08-25 09:15, 2026-08-26 09:15 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries. Based in Los Angeles, the organization is the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world.
From 1986 to 1992 Boyle served as pastor of Dolores Mission Church, then the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles, and the one with the highest concentration of gang activity. In the face of law enforcement tactics and criminal justice policies of suppression and mass incarceration as the means to end gang violence, Boyle and parish and community members adopted what was a radical approach at the time: treat gang members as human beings.
In 1988 they began what would eventually become Homeboy Industries, which employs and trains former gang members in a range of social enterprises, and provides critical services to thousands of people who walk through its doors every year seeking a better life.
Boyle is the author of the 2010 New York Times bestseller, Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion, as well as Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship, and The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness. Most recently, he authored Forgive Everyone Everything, an anthology of writings accompanied by Fabian Debora’s artwork.
Recently, Boyle was a recipient of the 2025 Civic Renewal Award from the Center for Christianity and Public Life. In 2024, Boyle received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joseph Biden. Homeboy Industries was awarded the 2020 Hilton Humanitarian Prize, and Boyle was the recipient of University of Notre Dame’s 2017 Laetare Medal, the oldest honor given to American Catholics. In 2014, President Barack Obama named him a Champion of Change. Boyle has also received the California Peace Prize and been inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

Week Nine: Reimagined Food Festival
2026-08-23 12:00 - 2026-08-28 20:00
Savor a week of elevated culinary experiences with our reimagined Food Festival. With only 80 packages per week, enjoy intimate moments across the grounds, from two Masters Series classes and five Bestor Plaza demos to a lively Weekly Feast of Friends. Your package also includes a Premium Chef’s Dinner, family‑friendly Feast on Film, a Craft Beverage Tasting and the flavor‑packed Taste Caravan featuring five lunches and two dinners. Cap your experience off with the high‑energy Battle of the Bites and the celebratory Taste of Chautauqua.
Package includes:
2 Master Series Classes
Sunday Feast with Friends Ticket
1 Premium Chef’s Dinner
Feast on Film Event
1 Premium Craft Beverage Tasting Event
Experience Taste Caravan
Battle of the Bites Tasting Event
Taste of Chautauqua
Plus, a limited merch package, $50 in food truck tickets for the taste caravan and a popcorn and soda for Feast on Film.
Package price: $505
Only 80 packages are available each week. Purchase by calling 716-357-6250.
*Packages available for week’s eight & nine. Packages do not provide standalone access to Chautauqua’s grounds and must be purchased in addition to your gate passes.

Community Gathering with Dance Theatre of Harlem
2026-08-23 15:00 | Bestor Plaza, Bestor Plaza
Community Gathering with Dance Theatre of Harlem
Dance Theatre of Harlem invites you to “Dancing in the Streets,” a participatory dance workshop for people of all ages and abilities in Bestor Plaza. This free and fun workshop brings world-class artistry directly to our Chautauqua community. Deeply committed to building connection through the arts, company artists will introduce you to the joy and power of dance.
*Rain Location: Chautauqua Amphitheater

Feast With Friends: Farm to Table Dinner with 3 C’s Catering
2026-08-23 17:00 | Bestor Plaza, Bestor Plaza
Where food builds community. Weekly Feast with Friends invites guests to gather around the table together in Bestor Plaza and kick off each week of the Chautauqua Institution Food Festival with a warm, welcoming shared meal. Designed to bring people together, this communal dining experience celebrates the joy of connection, conversation, and exceptional food.
Guests will delight in thoughtfully prepared dishes from some of the region’s best caterers, showcasing the flavors, care, and creativity that define our local food community. On Sunday, August 23, the evening will feature 3 C’s Catering, a beloved regional catering company known for bold flavors and generous hospitality.
More than a meal, Weekly Feast with Friends is an opportunity to slow down, share space, and connect with our community, fellow guests, chefs, and community partners. Whether you arrive with friends or sit down with someone new, the experience reflects a simple truth at the heart of the Food Festival: food is one of the most powerful ways we come together.
3 C’s Catering
Theme: Farm to table dinner
Standard (FT = FARM TO TABLE)
FT Italian Sausage with FT peppers and onions
FT parsley buttered potatoes
FT seasonal roasted vegetables
Vegetarian Option:
White FT ratatouille lasagna,
Homemade Italian bread,
FT seasonal vegetables,
FT tossed salad with homemade Italian dressing

Hebrew Congregation, Shirley Lazarus Sunday Evening Lecture Series
2026-08-23 19:00, 2026-08-30 19:00 | Smith Wilkes Hall, Smith Wilkes Hall

Priya Parker
2026-08-24 10:45 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
Priya Parker opens Week Nine of the 2026 Chautauqua Lecture Series and the theme of “The Importance of Gathering” by helping us take a deeper look at how anyone can create collective meaning in modern life, one gathering at a time. She is a facilitator, strategic adviser, acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters, and the host of The Art of Gathering Digital Course. She writes and teaches on Group Life, her Substack publication aimed to make “group help” as normal as “self help.”
Drawing from her diverse training in conflict resolution, business management, public policy and community-building, her talks dive into the anatomy of gathering with purpose. Whether she is talking about gathering as a 21st-century leadership skill, fostering belonging among remote teams, the art of hosting meetings everyone wants to attend, or connecting people across identities, backgrounds and hierarchies, Parker gives her audiences the skills they need to succeed.
Parker has helped numerous clients develop better in-person and virtual gatherings, including tech and Fortune 500 companies, leading non-profits, education groups and government agencies, among others.
Parker has spoken on the TED Main Stage and her sessions have been viewed over 3 million times. The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters was named a Best Business Book of the Year by Amazon, Esquire Magazine, NPR, the Financial Times, 1-800-CEO-READS and Bloomberg. In 2023, The Wall Street Journal tapped Parker as their work expert for their “Future of Everything” series. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes.com, Oprah.com, Real Simple Magazine, Glamour, “The Today Show” and “Morning Joe,” among others.

Battle of The Bites: Best Slider
2026-08-24 15:00 | Bestor Plaza, Bestor Plaza
High energy. High stakes. Incredible food. Inspired by competitive cooking shows, Battle of the Bites brings the thrill of a culinary showdown to Bestor Plaza as talented local chefs go head‑to‑head in a fast‑paced, flavor‑driven competition.
Each week features four different chefs and a guest judge. Chefs are given three hours to develop and execute a dish inspired by that week’s featured cuisine, building a cohesive flavor profile that reflects creativity, technique, and personality. At the end of the challenge, each chef presents their dish to the judge—and the community—to determine who has created the best bite of the day.
Battle of the Bites is free to attend, and everyone is welcome to watch the action unfold. Guests who want to taste along with the judge can purchase a tasting ticket, which allows them to sample the same bites being evaluated—making the audience part of the experience.
On August 24, the competition will be judged by celebrity chef Darian Bryan, joining us from Buffalo. The judge for August 17 will be announced in the coming weeks.
Lively, interactive, and deliciously fun, Battle of the Bites celebrates local culinary talent while inviting the community to cheer, taste, and take part in the excitement. (Limited Tasting Tickets sold)

Chautauqua Chamber Music: American Brass Quintet
2026-08-24 16:00 | Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall, Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall

Dance Theatre of Harlem
2026-08-24 19:30 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
Dance Theatre of Harlem is a leading dance institution of unparalleled global acclaim, encompassing a world-class company, a professional studio school, a leading arts education program-Dancing Through Barriers®, and community engagement activities.Each component of Dance Theatre of Harlem carries deep commitment towards enriching the lives of young people and adults around the world through the arts.Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, Dance Theatre of Harlem was considered “one of ballet’s most exciting undertakings” (The New York Times, 1971).Shortly after the assassination of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mitchell was inspired to start a school that would offer children—especially those in Harlem, the community in which he was born—the opportunity to learn about dance and the allied arts. Now in its sixth decade, Dance Theatre of Harlem has grown into a multicultural dance institution with an extraordinary legacy of providing opportunities for creative expression and artistic excellence that continues to set standards in the performing arts.

Chautauqua Science Group Weekly Lecture
2026-08-25 09:15 | Hurlbut Church sanctuary, Hurlbut Church sanctuary

Lara Downes and John McWhorter
2026-08-25 10:45 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
Visionary American pianist and scholar Lara Downes is joined by fellow American scholar and linguist John McWhorter for a musical-conversation to discuss the role of American music as a joyful noise, even in the hardest times — the songs that have chased our cares away even in times of hardship, crisis and wartime, to remind us of the importance of “harmonizing together.” This program is part of Downes’ series, “America in Pursuit,” developed for NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and continues Chautauqua’s weeklong exploration of “The Importance of Gathering,” in collaboration with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
At 8 p.m. the same evening, vocalist Kurt Elling joins Downes in a special concert called “Get Happy,” inspired by the morning’s conversation and celebrating 250 years of American music. The duo will share beloved songs that remind us that “the sun will come up tomorrow!” The performance features music by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, H.T. Burleigh, Louis Armstrong, and more.
Lara Downes, a visionary trailblazer and American pianist occupies a unique position of visibility through her dynamic work as a sought-after soloist, a Billboard Chart-topping recording artist, and a beloved NPR personality. She seeks inspiration from the legacies of history, family and collective memory, creating performances and recording projects that serve as gathering spaces for her listeners to find common ground and shared experiences.
Downes has recently launched “The Declaration Project,” a national initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States by gathering together American communities to find common ground in exploring the core essence of our founding promise: the unalienable rights of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Engaging with multigenerational communities in the form of round-table conversations, generative writing workshops, and collaborative creative practice, Downes encourages reflection and expression that actively reimagines the promise of our future, reflecting on the magic and mystery of life, the ongoing quest for freedom and equality, and the radical power of joy.
Downes is the creator and host of the NPR Music video series “Amplify with Lara Downes,” which features intimate, profoundly personal video conversations with visionary artists and cultural leaders who are shaping our creative present and future. Downes’ fierce commitment to citizenship and advocacy has led to her role as an Artist Ambassador for Headcount, a non-partisan organization that uses the power of music to register voters and promote participation in democracy. A cultural visionary with a firm finger on the pulse of tomorrow, Downes is increasingly active as a curator and creative partner with institutions including Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Aspen Ideas Festival, Mass MoCA, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and as Resident Artist for Classical California (formerly KDFC and KUSC).
Downes’ uniquely insightful approach to concept and curation have created an extensive and acclaimed series of chart-topping recordings, including her latest release “Rhapsody in Blue Reimagined,” featured on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” in The Wall Street Journal and Downbeat Magazine. Her 2023 release “Love at Last” was featured as an NPR Tiny Desk Concert, and her groundbreaking 2016 release “America Again” was called “a balm for a country riven by disunion” by the Boston Globe.
John McWhorter is not just a linguist — he’s a storyteller of language, a cultural critic and a fearless commentator on the social issues of our time. As a professor in the Slavic Department at Columbia University, McWhorter has spent his career dissecting the ways in which language evolves, adapts and reflects the human condition. His research into creole languages, dialects and sociolects offers a window into the everchanging tapestry of human communication.
McWhorter’s work extends far beyond the classroom. Known for his bold, unorthodox views on race and society, he has become a prominent public intellectual, challenging the status quo and encouraging us to rethink our assumptions. Through his writing, speaking and media appearances, McWhorter brings a fresh, incisive perspective that is both enlightening and accessible, making even the most complex topics approachable for all.
McWhorter is an author of more than 20 books, including The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language, Losing the Race: Self Sabotage in Black America and Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold History of English. In 2016 he published Words on the Move: Why English Won’t — and Can’t — Sit Still (Like, Literally), while in 2021, he published Nine Nasty Words and Woke Racism. He also writes a weekly column for The New York Times and hosts the language podcast “Lexicon Valley.” He earned his B.A. from Rutgers, his M.A. from New York University and his Ph.D. in linguistics from Stanford.

Ken Parker, Native Plants Guy: Indigenous Ecological Wisdom
2026-08-25 12:30 | Smith Wilkes Hall, Smith Wilkes Hall

Masters Series Culinary Masterclass: Chef Darian Bryan
2026-08-25 15:30 | Norton Hall, Norton Hall
Bold flavor, big personality, and unforgettable food take center stage in this dynamic Masters Series class with Chef Darian Bryan, one of Western New York’s most celebrated culinary voices. Known for merging fine dining techniques with the vibrant soul of Caribbean cuisine, Chef Darian delivers an experience that is as entertaining as it is inspiring. He has been featured in numerous national and international media outlets, including the Food Network, CBS News, ESPN, The Jamaican Observer, The Gleaner, and TVJ, sharing his food and story with audiences around the world.

Premium Chefs Dinner: Darian Bryan
2026-08-25 17:30 | Athenaeum Hotel, Athenaeum Hotel
Bold flavor and joyful hospitality take center stage at this special Guest Chef Dinner with Chef Darian Bryan, one of Western New York’s most dynamic culinary talents. Hosted at the Athenaeum Hotel, this one night only dining experience celebrates Chef Darian’s vibrant fusion of fine dining technique and Caribbean soul.
Born in Jamaica and based in Buffalo, Chef Darian is known for creating food that makes people happy—an ethos reflected in every course of this thoughtfully crafted tasting menu. Guests can expect an evening that balances elevated presentation with bold, expressive flavors inspired by heritage, culture, and creativity.
The night begins with passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by a seated multi‑course dinner showcasing Chef Darian’s confident, energetic approach to cuisine. From start to finish, the experience is designed to be immersive, celebratory, and deeply satisfying.
Perfect for adventurous diners and longtime fans alike, this Guest Chef Dinner offers a rare chance to enjoy Chef Darian’s cooking in an intimate, elegant setting.
Please note:
The menu for all courses is determined by the visiting chef; specific dietary restrictions may not be accounted for in the menu design. The final menu will be added to the website at a later date.
A wine pairing will be available on the night of the event for an additional fee.

Get Happy with Lara Downes and Kurt Elling
2026-08-25 20:00 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
Pianist and cultural visionary Lara Downes has been called “A musical ray of hope” by NBC News. Vocalist Kurt Elling, whom The Guardian dubbed “a kind of Sinatra with superpowers,” joins Downes in a special concert called GET HAPPY, celebrating 250 years of American music as a joyful noise, even in the hardest times. The duo shares beloved songs that have chased our cares away even in times of hardship, crisis, and wartime, to remind us that “the sun will come up tomorrow!” Music by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, H.T. Burleigh, Louis Armstrong, and more.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
2026-08-26 10:45 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is the Alphonse Fletcher University professor and director of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University. The Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, literary scholar, journalist, cultural critic and institution builder has produced and hosted an array of documentary films and published numerous books. Gates joins the Chautauqua Lecture Series during this week on “The Importance of Gathering,” in collaboration with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, to reflect on the importance of sharing collective histories and memories, based on his extensive work and scholarship exploring the connections that bind us.
Nominated for a 2024 Primetime Emmy, and in its 12th season this year, is Gates’s groundbreaking genealogy and genetics series “Finding Your Roots.” His latest history series for PBS are “Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History” and “Great Migrations: A People on the Move.” He also served as executive producer of PBS’ “The Black Church” and HBO’s “Frederick Douglass: In Five Speeches,” which each received Emmy nominations as well.
Gates’s latest book is The Black Box: Writing the Race. Published in 2024, it was named one of the New York Times 100 Best Books of the Year. Other recent titles include The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song and Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow. A former chair of the Pulitzer Prize board, he is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and serves on a wide array of boards, including the New York Public Library, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Aspen Institute, the Whitney Museum of American Art, Library of America and The Studio Museum of Harlem.
Gates earned his B.A. in history from Yale University, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in English literature from Clare College at Cambridge. He was a member of the first class awarded “genius grants” by the MacArthur Foundation in 1981, and in 1998 he became the first African American scholar to be awarded the National Humanities Medal.

Leon and Gloria Plevin Lecture: Garrett Klein (Massey Klein Gallery)
2026-08-26 18:30 | Hultquist 101, Hultquist 101

Samara Joy
2026-08-26 20:00 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
A native of the Bronx, Samara Joy became entranced by classic R&B as a child and cut her teeth as a singer in her church’s gospel choir. And while her family history is deeply musical—her grandparents helmed the Philadelphia gospel group the Savettes, and her father, the musician and songwriter Antonio McLendon, has produced, composed and arranged his own astounding original work—she didn’t delve into the jazz tradition until college at SUNY Purchase. During her studies there she won the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, which introduced her to the larger jazz scene as a rising star to watch. She was heard, by audiences and critics alike, as a masterful interpreter of jazz standards and a rightful heiress of the sound, technique and charisma that defined her jazz heroines—including Vaughan, Betty Carter, Abbey Lincoln and Carmen McRae.
Joy released her self-titled debut on the Whirlwind label in 2021, followed a year later by Linger Awhile, her breakout Verve debut, of which Down Beat said, “With this beautiful recording, a silky-voiced star is born.” The album earned her a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album in addition to a headline-making win for Best New Artist. A deluxe edition of the album was released, as well as the EP A Joyful Holiday, which took home Grammys for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Jazz Performance in 2025. Her new Verve album, Portrait, which Joy co-produced with the veteran trumpeter/bandleader and multi-Grammy winner Brian Lynch, showcases the intimate, soulful chemistry she’s developed with her touring band, already earning her an NAACP Image Award this year for Best Jazz Album. Portrait also spotlights her burgeoning gifts as a lyricist, in ingenious arrangements that meld her thoughtful words with music by Charles Mingus, Sun Ra and her late mentor Barry Harris.

Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J.
2026-08-27 09:15 | Hall of Philosophy, Hall of Philosophy

Bestor Plaza Demo/Talks
2026-08-27 13:00 | Bestor Plaza, Bestor Plaza

Masters Series Culinary Masterclass: Sysco Chef
2026-08-27 15:30 | Norton Hall, Norton Hall
As Food Fest winds down, there is still plenty to experience with two of Sysco’s finest chefs, Brian Barcus and Joe Bucci, who will demonstrate their expertise in the kitchen. This masterclass will showcase their combined nearly half a century of culinary artistry. Both chefs have careers filled with fine dining creations in a Michelin starred restaurant, associations with the best chefs in their fields and represent the finest specialty food ingredients in the world! Get inspired to take some Food Fest practical knowledge home with you and re-create these tasty dishes once you leave Chautauqua!

The Australian Pink Floyd Show
2026-08-28 20:00 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
Selling over 4 million tickets worldwide and described by The Times as “The Gold Standard” and The Daily Mirror as “The Kings of the Genre,” The Australian Pink Floyd Show gave its first-ever concert in Adelaide, Australia in 1988. Since then, they have performed in over 35 countries worldwide; played at David Gilmour’s 50th birthday celebration and were even joined on stage by David Gilmour and Rick Wright. TAPFS is the leading show of its kind in the world.
Performing the music of Pink Floyd with note-for-note perfection, this critically acclaimed show has been astonishing audiences worldwide for more than three decades. Always striving to reproduce the complete Pink Floyd experience and bring the music to new audiences, the show continues to include a stunning light and laser show, video animations, state-of-the-art high-resolution LED screen technology, and other special effects.
In addition, and in true Pink Floyd fashion, there are several huge inflatables including a giant pig and their own unique Pink Kangaroo. They have worked with Pink Floyd touring musicians like Guy Pratt and Durga McBroom. Lorelei McBroom, who was a member of the Pink Floyd touring band on both the Momentary Lapse of Reason and Delicate Sound of Thunder tours, has been a member of TAPFS for over 15 years.
Often described as being much more than a tribute band, The Australian Pink Floyd Show is the first Pink Floyd tribute show that took the concept into the worldwide arena circuit. The band has played to sell-out audiences throughout Europe, the UK, America, Canada, and South America.
With over 35 years of history, the world’s biggest, best, and greatest Pink Floyd tribute show continues to delight its global fan base. From its humble origins in the bars and clubs of Adelaide, in recent years the band has become a truly international affair, with members from Australia, the UK, France, and the USA.

HOLD: Bob McClure Play Readers event
2026-08-29 10:00 | Smith Wilkes Hall, Smith Wilkes Hall

The Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton
2026-08-30 10:45 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
The Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton is the senior pastor of Chautauqua Institution. Formerly the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and Canon Pastor of Washington National Cathedral, where he directed the Cathedral’s Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage, Sutton has also served as a college chaplain, parish priest, and professor of homiletics and liturgy at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. Sutton is a frequent leader of retreats focused on spirituality, nonviolence, and social justice, including multiple missions to South Africa. He co-founded Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington, an ecumenical network of churches and individuals committed to centering prayer and renewing the contemplative gospel for daily living.
Sutton is a prolific writer, and has contributed to multiple books, including The Diversity of Centering Prayer and Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace: Challenging the Epidemic of Gun Violence. Bishop Sutton has been named by the Center for American Progress as one of “Fourteen Faith Leaders to Watch” for his faith-led efforts to promote nonviolent solutions to conflicts.
Sutton is a prolific writer, and has contributed to multiple books, including The Diversity of Centering Prayer and Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace: Challenging the Epidemic of Gun Violence. Bishop Sutton has been named by the Center for American Progress as one of “Fourteen Faith Leaders to Watch” for his faith-led efforts to promote nonviolent solutions to conflicts.

Indigo Girls
2026-09-10 19:00 | Amphitheater, Amphitheater
Released in 1989, Indigo Girls’ eponymous major label debut sold over two million copies under the power of singles “Closer to Fine” and “Kid Fears” and turned Indigo Girls into one of the most successful folk duos in history. Over a thirty-five-year career that began in clubs around their native Atlanta, Georgia, the multi-Grammy-winning duo of Emily Saliers and Amy Ray has recorded sixteen studio albums, sold over 15 million records, and built a dedicated, enduring following across the globe. Rolling Stone describes them as the “ideal duet partners.” Committed and uncompromising activists, they work on issues like immigration reform (El Refugio), LGBTQ advocacy, education (Imagination Library), death penalty reform, and Native American rights. They are co-founders of Honor the Earth, a non-profit dedicated to the survival of sustainable Native communities, Indigenous environmental justice, and green energy solutions.
Their latest record, Look Long is a stirring and eclectic collection of songs that finds the duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers reunited in the studio with their strongest backing band to date. “We joke about being old, but what is old when it comes to music? We’re still a bar band at heart,” says Saliers. “While our lyrics and writing approach may change, our passion for music feels the same as it did when we were 25-years-old.” “As time has gone on, our audience has become more expansive and diverse, giving me a sense of joy,” she adds. To hear those collective voices raise into one, singing along and overpowering the band itself, one realizes the importance Indigo Girls’ music has in this moment. In our often-terrifying present, we are all in search of a daily refuge, a stolen hour or two, to engage with something that brings us joy, perspective, or maybe just calm. As one bar band once put it, “We go to the doctor, we go to the mountains…we go to the Bible, we go through the work out.” For millions, they go to the Indigo Girls. On Look Long they’ll find a creative partnership certain of its bearings, forging a way forward.
