Farm Arts Collective in Damascus, Pennsylvania, is bringing nationally recognized artists to the Upper Delaware Valley this weekend for its second annual Alone Together Solo Festival. The three-day event runs Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21, 2025, with performances each evening at 7 p.m.
The festival showcases original solo works by guest artists from across the United States, expanding Farm Arts Collective’s mission of blending agriculture, art, and community.
“We wanted to throw the net a little bit wider and invite colleagues and friends from the greater national community,” said artistic director Tannis Kowalchuk. “It’s a way to broaden our horizons and create intercultural exchange right here in our agricultural center.”
Featured Performances
Friday, Sept. 19 – Remember You Will Die by Maureen McGugan of Scranton, PA. McGugan, director of arts and culture for Lackawanna County, explores society’s avoidance of death.
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Nine Pictures by Ashley Sparks of Los Angeles, CA. Sparks brings her background in civic engagement and ensemble theater to a personal, multimedia performance.
Sunday, Sept. 21 – CETACEAN (The Whale) by Deek Weaver & Company. This large-scale multimedia piece is part of Weaver’s ongoing series about extinct and endangered animals.
Though billed as a solo festival, several artists incorporate musicians, projections, and collaborators, pushing the boundaries of solo performance.
Post-Show Conversations
Each evening includes “Break the Ice” discussions with guest moderators. On Friday, writer Josh Liveright will lead the conversation following McGugan’s show. On Sunday, Brett Kaiser of NACL Theatre will respond to Weaver’s whale performance.
Community Exchange
On Monday, Sept. 22, festival artists will join Farm Arts Collective’s resident ensemble for a private work exchange—sharing creative methods and strengthening ties between local and national performers.
“We don’t have to travel to see this work—it’s coming to us,” said company manager Jess Beveridge. “It enriches our community and creates lasting connections.”
More festival details at farmartscollective.org
Note: Farm Arts is a financial supporter of Radio Catskill.
Image: CETACEAN (The Whale) is the sixth interdisciplinary performance from Deke Weaver’s The Unreliable Bestiary—a lifelong project presenting a performance for every letter of the alphabet, each letter representing an endangered animal or habitat. (Credit: Deke Weaver)