With thousands of attendees, multiple stages and a sometimes frenetic pace, the Mountain Jam Festival often developed a rhythm of its own, one that built steadily over several days and rivaled the tempo of the nationally known acts that drew crowds to the Catskills over the years.
Staged by Radio Woodstock (WDST 100.1 FM) owner Gary Chetkof, Mountain Jam, now on hiatus, also placed station personalities and staff at the center of the operation. Among those overseeing various aspects of the festival over the years was Assa Sacko-Zarcone. Amid the swirl of activity, she was typically unruffled and poised, ready to pause for a brief conversation before springing back into action, radio in hand.
“Some of the most intense pressure actually happens long before the festival begins, especially behind the scenes,” said Sacko-Zarcone, 41, a mother of two who was born and raised in Paris and now lives in Shandaken. “Over the years, I have learned that preparation is everything. The calmer I appear in the moment, the more planning has likely gone into it beforehand. And most importantly, it felt amazing being part of something so big and being able to bring joy to all our attendees. It makes it all worth it.”
That approach now shapes her work at Radio Woodstock, where Sacko-Zarcone was recently promoted to general manager of marketing and promotions and now oversees the station’s day-to-day operations.
“I’m excited—humbled and very excited to finally be able to get into this position,” she said, “and do what I’ve always wanted to do, which is help Radio Woodstock grow.”
In her role, Sacko-Zarcone oversees station operations including marketing and promotions, digital strategy, events and organizational workflow. She also works closely with Radio Woodstock General Sales Manager Marisa Perez-Rogers to align revenue and marketing strategies.
“There are strong women behind our different departments here,” Sacko-Zarcone said. “And that collective makes all the difference.”
She steps into the senior role at the independently owned station as broadcast radio continues to navigate a shifting media landscape shaped by corporate consolidation and competition from streaming platforms, social media, and artificial intelligence.
“Radio is often described as a ‘dying medium,’ but that has never been our belief at Radio Woodstock,” Sacko-Zarcone said. “In fact, we see the opposite. The more technology, automation and AI become mainstream, the more people crave something real—human voices, authentic connection, and a sense of place. That’s where radio still excels. Radio Woodstock has always been more than a music station.
“We are a companion, a connector, and a trusted voice in the Hudson Valley. Working closely with Gary, we are constantly thinking about how to evolve. The future isn’t about chasing every trend; it’s about staying human, relevant and intentional.”
Chetkof said promoting Sacko-Zarcone to general manager was an easy decision.
“Promoting Assa to the general manager position was the perfect move,” he said. “She understands the big picture—what Radio Woodstock stands for—and she has earned the respect and support of both her colleagues at the station and the broader local community. Assa is incredibly hardworking, smart and a true pleasure to work with. I have always been amazed by her capabilities, and I couldn’t be more proud to have her leading WDST.”
Sacko-Zarcone arrived in Rhinebeck at age 23 as part of an au pair exchange program.
“I was fortunate to land with the best host family I could have imagined,” she said. “That experience changed the course of my life.”
She joined Radio Woodstock as a part-time employee in 2011 and was promoted to marketing director in 2014. Since then, she has led initiatives including festival marketing and community partnerships. At Mountain Jam, she has served as lodging director, volunteer coordinator and in roles related to ticketing, box office operations, and marketing.
“I think she’s a great choice,” said Ike Phillips, a Woodstock resident who worked as a DJ and in sales at WDST when it launched in 1980, served as general manager from 1987 to 1994, and retired in 2019 as national sales manager. “She knows the whole operation—from the bottom up.”
Outside the station, Sacko-Zarcone balances her leadership role with family life. She and her husband, Anthony Zarcone, have two children, Xavi, 9, and Sequoia, 21 months. Zarcone grew up in Saugerties, and the two met at Dominick’s Cafe in Kingston.
“Balancing a demanding career with raising a family is no small feat, but I am certainly not the first woman to do it, and I won’t be the last,” Sacko-Zarcone said. “I am incredibly lucky to work at a place like Radio Woodstock, where I am supported by a team that understands flexibility and trust. I also have strong support at home with my husband. Staying organized, planning ahead and giving myself grace when things aren’t perfect are key. It’s a constant balancing act, but it’s one I’m proud of.”
John W. Barry is a reporter for The Overlook. Reach him at john@theoverlooknews.com.