EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

American cellist Ashley Bathgate has been described as an “eloquent new music interpreter” (New York Times) and “a glorious cellist”(The Washington Post) who combines “bittersweet lyricism along with ferocious chops”(New York Magazine). Her “impish ferocity”, “rich tone” and “imaginative phrasing” (New York Times) have made her one of the most sought after performers of her time. The desire to create a dynamic energy exchange with her audience and build upon the ensuing chemistry is a pillar of Bathgate's philosophy as a performer. Dynamism drives her to venture into previously uncharted areas of ground-breaking sounds and techniques, breaking the mold of a cello's traditionally perceived voice.

For ten years Bathgate was a member of the acclaimed sextet Bang on a Can All-Stars. She is also a member of the chamber music group HOWL, TwoSense with pianist Lisa Moore, and Bonjour, a low-strung, percussive quintet. She serves as the Artistic and Executive Director of Avaloch Farm Music Institute.

For more information about Ashley, please visit www.ashleybathgate.com

CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Jessica has garnered international acclaim as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician, having been described as an "outstanding talent" (Performing Arts in Canada) with "keen sensitivity and receptivity" (Bloomington Herald Times), who "allow[s] us to savour her sense of ardour and intensity, but never at the detriment of her tonal beauty." (ClassiqueInfo France).

She has been a top prizewinner at the Eckhardt-Gramatté Competition, the Toronto Symphony, Canadian Music and Yellow Springs International Chamber Music Competitions and has served as first violinist of both the Vinca and Larchmere String Quartets, during which time she was Artist-in-Residence for the Perlman Music Program in Florida, the ProQuartet Odyssée Program in France and at the University of Evansville in Indiana. She serves as Violin Professor at the State University of New York at Fredonia, Chamber Music Director of the Composers Conference, Artistic Director of Music Beyond the Chamber, and Co-Artistic Director at Avaloch Farm Music Institute.

For more information about Jessica, please visit www.jessicatong.com

OPERATIONS MANAGER & SOUND ENGINEER

Mike is a drummer and upright bassist from Cape Cod, MA. He received his degree from Berklee College of Music in 2011, dual-majoring in Music Production & Engineering and Music Business. This acted as a launching pad for founding Wachusett Recording Company in 2013, a commercial recording studio where he cut his teeth recording music & artists from all around the world. Mike plays bass with Grain Thief (Boston MA), and has toured the world over from behind the drums. With a family history of over 70 years in Boscawen, Mike is excited and inspired to bring his experience to Avaloch and to call Boscawen home.

DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR

Ashley is a lifelong New Hampshire resident who is passionate about fundraising and the arts. A graduate of Saint Anselm College with a BFA in Business and a Certificate in Musical Theater, Ashley worked at the Palace Theatre for five years as the Assistant to the Director of Development, where she was an integral part of the fundraising team. She later worked as the Development Coordinator for the Rex Theatre. Ashley has been onstage since age five, first in plays and then in musicals until she discovered a passion for opera at the age of twenty-two. Now, she is a lyric soprano who has been praised for her beautiful timbre, expressivity, and musicality. In addition to nearly 30 years of performing experience, Ashley has worked extensively in almost every aspect of theater including backstage, front of house, administration, and management. She is thrilled to combine her love for classical music with her passion for fundraising as part of the Avaloch team!

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Violinist Audrey Potter is an avid performer, educator, and fiddler from Rochester, NY. The newly appointed orchestra director in West Irondequoit at Rogers Middle School, she recently graduated with double degrees in performance and music education from SUNY Fredonia, where she was awarded the President’s Award for Excellence as a student of Jessica Tong. Dedicated to serving her community through her music, Audrey has coordinated performance partnerships between Fredonia students and Buffalo String Works, as well as the Concert at a Distance Project-- which provided digital concerts to nursing homes during covid times.

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Chef Jerome brings years of experience, formal training, and knowledge to his position as Avaloch’s Executive Chef. Jerome is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has previously held Executive Chef positions at Harvard University, Sebastian’s Catering at The World Trade Center, The International Golf Club, and City Fresh Foods in Boston. Chef Jerome was an instructor at The Culinary School of Washington, D.C., developer for the Culinary Arts Focus Program for EXPLO at Wellesley College, student cooking classes at Harvard University, and an on-line interactive culinary class for the Brookline school system. Chef Jerome and his wife were the owners of Small Plates Restaurant, Tapas & Wine Bar in Harvard Square, and Mighty Love Food, a plant-based eatery, in downtown Boston.

Chef Jerome enjoys preparing farm-forward meals that are healthy, clean, and delicious, getting much of his creative inspiration from local ingredients and products found throughout New England.

CHEF

Sean Gravel has worked his way around Concord and up the chain at several of the Capitol City's most well known establishments. His cuisine was highly rated by the Concord Insider's very own Food Snob, and with some mentoring from Avaloch's own former Chef Peter Novom, came into his own as a kitchen leader. Well versed in allergen specifics and dietary needs, Gravel is also nationally certified to manage food safety in commercial establishments.

MANAGER OF FACILITIES

Joe Dykeman grew up in the town of Swampscout, MA. He graduated from Essex Agricultural High School where he studied horticulture and floriculture. After school he worked as a automobile collision technician for 40 years. Returning to his love for landscaping, he was appointed as the Head of Maintenance at Avaloch Farm in 2019. Joe enjoys spending time with friends and family, riding his motorcycle, fishing and raising chickens. He has been happily married since 2009 to Kathy, has one child and three grandchildren of whom he is very proud.

HEAD OF HOUSEKEEPING

Louise joined Avaloch in March 2022. She has a background in production planning, purchasing and inventory control. She and her husband John have called Boscawen their home for 37 years. Together they’ve raised two sons and are now proud grandparents to Jackson and Annabelle. When not busy slaying dust bunnies at work, you’ll find her gardening, tackling those never ending DIY projects, quilt making and spoiling the grandchildren.

BAKER

Dian Darrah was born and raised in Boscawen, NH not far from Avaloch Farm. She spends half of the year in Bradenton, FL and the other half on the farm, bringing joy and delicious baked goods to all who pass through. During the month of July she manages our extremely popular PYO Blueberry Patch. Dian is universally adored by all, including her daughter and grandchildren. When not working at Avaloch she enjoys spending time with family.