The Ballad Tree

TEMPO Concert Hall — Saturday, November 14, 2026
Doors 7:30 PM | Concert 8 PM
29 Wurts St., Kingston, NY

Where murder ballads become fairytales. Songs of heartbreak, death and the supernatural come to life in The Ballad Tree, an atmospheric evening of live music, song, dance and puppetry inspired by the Appalachian murder ballad tradition.

Passed down through generations, these tragically romantic songs have traveled and changed with every telling. The Ballad Tree weaves familiar and lesser-known ballads together with original music and movement. The dark stories take on a fairytale quality, transforming tales of terrible deeds and tragic heartbreak into moments of beauty.

Director and choreographer Djahari Clark developed The Ballad Tree with longtime musical collaborator David Kamm, inspired by ballads sung to her as a child. Together, they approach these stories as living things, passed from one generation to another.

Kamm leads the live music with Hudson Valley musicians Allison Godleski and Lee Bones Godleski. Clark is joined by dancers Glenna Yu and Laura Victoria Ward. Costumes are by Kristin Costa. The Ballad Tree is a production of Gloaming Project, the creative collaboration led by Clark and Kamm.

Tickets: $25 community / $35 standard / $50 supporter. Free for kids 12 and under. All tickets are general admission; seating is available at all TEMPO events. Beer, wine, and cider bar available.

Choose the ticket that feels right for you. Every option supports Tempo in its own way, and we’re grateful to have you with us.