Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival announced musician and educator Nate Gross will be the Mainstage Music Coordinator for the 2026 Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is pleased to announce that acclaimed musician and educator Nate Gross will take the helm as the Mainstage Music Coordinator, curating the musical lineup for Colorscape’s NBT Mainstage beginning with the upcoming festival taking place on September 12 to 13, 2026.

For years, Nate Gross has toured coast to coast spreading his brand of Blues Rock, captivating audiences with a sound that blends Blues, Soul, Americana, Rock, Jazz, and traditional styles, all anchored by his signature, powerhouse guitar work. Through The Nate Gross Band, he has performed at some of the nation’s most respected festivals and venues and has shared the stage with legendary artists including Levon Helm, Tommy Castro, Dickey Betts, G.E. Smith, Jim Weider, Arlo Guthrie, J.D. Simo, Commander Cody, Walter Trout, Willie Nelson, Shemekia Copeland, and JJ Grey, among many others.

When he’s not touring, Gross owns and operates a private music studio in Norwich, where he teaches more than 50 students each week. A multi-instrumentalist and passionate educator, he emphasizes the importance, history, and enduring power of the Blues and traditional music styles.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the Colorscape team and step into this role,” said Gross. “Colorscape’s Mainstage has a strong musical identity, thanks in large part to the foundation and legacy long-time coordinator Ken Millett created. I’m honored to build on that legacy while bringing my own perspective, with a focus on authenticity, musicianship, and performances that truly connect with the audience.”

Colorscape Executive Director Michele Ericksen, shared her enthusiasm for the appointment. “Nate brings both deep musical roots and a fresh creative vision to this role,” Ericksen said. “Our attendees have come to love the quality and diversity of music on the NBT Mainstage, and Nate’s experience as a touring artist, performance curator, collaborator, and teacher makes him uniquely suited to elevate that experience even further while respecting the traditions our audience values.”

Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is a signature community event celebrating visual art, music, food, and family-friendly activities in downtown Norwich, NY every September. With Nate Gross guiding the NBT Mainstage music curation, festival organizers look forward to an exciting new chapter that honors the past while energizing the future.

For more information about Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival, including full event schedules and artist information, please visit www.colorscape.org.

Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival: Recognized as one of the country's top 200 fine art and design classic and contemporary craft shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine, Colorscape Chenango has celebrated premier artists in downtown Norwich since 1995. This free, two-day festival in September features over 100 creators displaying and selling their paintings, sculptures, fabric art, fine crafts, photography, and more.

Colorscape also offers nationally renowned musical performers on three stages, poetry and literary arts, food, and interactive art activities for all ages. The 2026 Colorscape will be held rain or shine on September 12-13, 2026 in East and West Parks in Norwich.