Woodstock Global Music Festival
“Sandeep transcends his instrument– when he plays the Tabla he is a creator of myths, a master communicator and an orchestra, all in one. In my decades of collaboration around the world, he is easily one of the greatest artists I have ever met. He gives everything of himself to every encounter, musical or otherwise. Sandeep’s work reminds us that when we listen to one another, we create something profoundly beautiful and entirely new.”
Yo-Yo Ma
Festival Concept
The Woodstock Global Music Festival seeks to build a year-round incubator for world-class music, performing arts, and culture in Woodstock, CT. Guided by the artistic vision of Guggenheim Fellow and Grammy-winning Tabla maestro Sandeep Das, the festival will serve as a hub of global artistry and exchange, immersive education, and community engagement. Launching in August 2025, the inaugural Festival is the first step toward realizing a new arts hub in Northeast Connecticut.
Interested in sponsoring or donating to the festival? Click here to contact us.
On August 7, 2025,
We shared the vision of the Woodstock Global Music Festival with the community, mentored two young artists, and presented a preview concert.
Watch the video above to learn more!
Mission & Vision
To create a vibrant, inclusive platform for global music and the performing arts that nurtures creative excellence, fosters intercultural dialogue, and connects artists and communities through education, performance, and innovation.
Our Long-Term Vision includes:
Concerts featuring world-renowned artists and regional talent
Artistic residencies and camps for schools and universities
Innovative lecture series
A Community recording studio
Commissioning of new work
A Young Artist Initiative and mentorship platform
Interdisciplinary and experimental performance labs blending tradition with innovation
The Woodstock Global Music Festival is an initiative of Layālaya, a nonprofit organization* that creates arts experiences connecting people across time, place, and culture. Through resonant stories, inspiring performances, and community-rooted programs, Layālaya deepens understanding, nurtures belonging, and ensures the arts thrive for generations.
Layālaya is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization (EIN: 39-3075557) based in Massachusetts. Contributions made to Layālaya are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. If you are interested in sponsorship or making a donation, please contact us for more information.
5 Year Plan
Year 0
Launch the Festival Vision Showcase
Year 1
Curate an immersive and themed concert, involving local talents, offer masterclasses for young artists, and engage local businesses and partners.
Year 2
The above plus:
Pilot artist residencies in schools and community settings
Launch IL-Logical Minds (Intelligent Learning = IL): an Arts & Ideas Lecture Series exploring the intersections of arts and various disciplines, where artists, thinkers, and audiences come together in meaningful conversation.
Year 3
The above plus:
Launch a full-scale artist-in-residence program
Introduce the mentorship program: Young Artist Initiative
Commission new interdisciplinary works
Year 4
The above plus:
Pilot year-round programming, building on concerts, residencies, and community events
Year 5
The above plus:
Establish year-round cultural offerings, including seasonal festivals, artist residencies, youth showcases, and regional tours
Position the festival as the anchor site for Layālaya’s cross-cultural performance and learning initiatives
Launch accredited programs in partnerships with schools and colleges
About Sandeep Das
Sandeep Das is a Grammy-winning tabla virtuoso, composer, educator, and cultural ambassador with a career spanning 30+ years of performing globally with luminaries such as Yo-Yo Ma, Paquito D’Rivera, and Bobby McFerrin. His cross-genre collaborations span five continents, from the BBC Proms to Carnegie Hall. He has performed for Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth II, and the UN General Assembly. As a committed educator, Das has led learning initiatives at Harvard, Juilliard, Berklee, and beyond. He is also a founding member of the Silkroad Ensemble in the United States and Harmony and Universality through Music nonprofit in India.
