Chris Wells and Jeremy Bass: Story Songs

Story Songs offers an evening of theatrical, wild, and deeply narrative-driven music. Singer Chris Wells and guitarist Jeremy Bass have written songs and collaborated across genres for more than 20 years. They draw from their extensive back catalog alongside brand-new original compositions. The performance ranges from hilarious and bawdy to tender and outrageous, exploring vivid NYC character studies, one-night stands, a harrowing run-in with an old friend, and the nostalgic first night of summer camp.

The production comes to the Hudson Valley following a series of celebrated, sold-out performances at Pangea in New York City’s East Village, where the duo holds a semi-regular residency. Critics have praised their creative partnership:

• “A bit of razzle dazzle to chase away the gloom.” – The New York Times
• “Orson Welles telling David Sedaris stories in a Taylor Mac Show.” – American Theater Magazine
• “Hilarious and heartwarming.” – Broadway World
• “Best of Off Off Broadway Theater in NYC.” – Time Out NY

Wells and Bass are also behind the 2005 cult-hit musical Olsen Terror and are the driving forces behind The Secret City, the downtown art sanctuary and “artchurch” they founded in 2007.

About the artists:

• Chris Wells is an Obie Award-winning performer, writer, teacher, and arts activist who creates theater, community celebrations, music, and literature. He is the founder and producing artistic director of The Secret City. A Woodstock, NY, resident, Wells lives with his husband, painter Robert Lucy, and has recently completed his debut novel, Je Suis Fatty Gay.
• Jeremy Bass is a guitarist, songwriter, and poet based in Woodstock, NY. His poems and compositions have earned accolades including the John Lennon Award for Best Jazz Song and the UK Songwriting Contest Mozart Award. Bass has served as Music Director and bandleader for The Secret City since 2006. His latest studio album, Cabin Songs, was released in March 2026 under Adhyâropa Records.

Tickets:
- $30 for Byrdcliffe members
- $35 for not-yet-members