A New Friday Night Series Begins at Stissing Center

The first song played at The Grace Note, a new performance venue at Stissing Center in Pine Plains, was Paul Simon’s “American Tune.” Written in 1973, the song reflects on a country that seems to have lost its way. On a cold Valentine’s Day Eve in 2026, the lyrics felt strikingly current.

The singer, Natalia Zukerman, playfully suggested that Simon had opened the show for her. She said the rest of the program would consist of her own compositions and, until the encore, it did.

Zukerman’s songs were varied and delivered with a confidence shaped by two decades as a traveling singer-songwriter. Beginning in a contemplative mood not unlike Simon’s, she explored uncertainty and the beauty of the world in unsettled times. From there, she turned to love, longing and aging, her deft guitar work complementing her voice. While not a flashy guitarist, her playing was inventive and textured, including moments of expressive slide guitar.

She was joined onstage by longtime friend Trina Hamlin, of Norfolk, Conn., whose soulful harmonica enriched several songs. Zukerman closed her set of original material with her enigmatic “Gas Station Roses.” Two standing ovations followed, between which she and Hamlin returned for Mose Allison’s “Everybody Cryin’ Mercy” and Rodgers and Hart’s “My Funny Valentine.”

Throughout the evening, Zukerman spoke easily between songs, sharing details about her life and artistic path. By night’s end, a palpable bond had formed between performer and audience.

Music runs in her family. Her mother, Eugenia Zukerman, is a retired flutist and arts journalist. Her father, Pinchas Zukerman, built an international career as a violinist. Natalia Zukerman moved from Brooklyn to Amenia in 2018 to be closer to her aging mother in Ancramdale.

Though she no longer tours, Zukerman has remained active in the arts. In addition to launching The Grace Note, she writes a weekly column, “What To Do,” for The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News.

Her connection to Stissing Center dates to its renovation period, when she performed in the Center’s “Chair Series” of recorded solo performances. During the pandemic, she filmed a one-woman show there. When Patrick Trettenero became executive director, he invited Zukerman to inaugurate a new, as yet unnamed series in the building’s downstairs space. In their conversation, she asked whether she might help book the series, drawing on relationships forged during her touring years. The offer was accepted.

The Grace Note takes its name in part from Stissing Center volunteer and stage performer Grace Dietrich, a nonagenarian fixture who greets attendees at many events. She was acknowledged from the stage on opening night and, for once, had no volunteer duties.

Zukerman told the Herald that her goal for The Grace Note, “is to create a space where people really feel welcome. To have a place that’s not too expensive, where people can come and hang out, have a drink or a cookie and see world class performers.” The series will run every Friday night. Doors open at 6 p.m. for beer, wine and small bites; performances begin at 7:30.

The downstairs venue seats 85. Zukerman expressed confidence in attracting artists to the intimate space. “I’ve performed in lots of different venues and this place just feels perfect. Having performed here, I’m in a good position to tell artists what a good setting it is,” she said.

If opening night was any indication, The Grace Note has begun on firm footing.