Come summer in the Hudson Valley, music is everywhere. While the abundance of concerts in the region showcase everything from country to folk to pop, few fests focus on the local talent that thrives in our riverside community.
Hudson Valley Jazz Festival is here to change that. Now in its ninth year, the event spotlights area musicians and gives them a stage to share their talents. “Stages” might be more accurate, however, since the performances occur over the span of a long weekend and hop from cafes to libraries to restaurants to parks. Thanks to the combination of local performers, small town spaces, and grassroots efforts, the festival is a true community event.
In 2018, more than 15 performances are scheduled from Thursday, August 9 to Sunday, August 12. Here are a few of our favorites, but don’t forget to check out the full lineup online.
August 9
The NY Swing Exchange
Village Green, Railroad Ave, Warwick
Start the celebration with a free outdoor concert at the Village Green in Warwick, where the festival first began. The NY Swing Exchange, one of the premier jazz groups in New York, will perform at 7 p.m. In case of rain, the event will move to The Warwick Reformed Church on Main St.
August 10
Chloe Borthwick
Glenmere Brewery, 55 Maple Ave, Florida
The talented local singer-songwriter may be young, but she has already racked up an impressive number of musical credentials. She’s a 2017 National YoungArts Competition Merit winner, a semi-finalist in the 2016 International Songwriting Competition, and a performer in the 2017 GRAMMY Camp Jazz Session choir. Catch her performance at Glenmere Brewery at 7 p.m.
The Gabriele Tranchina Group
Warwick Center for the Performing Arts, Warwick
After a childhood spent in Germany, Gabriele Tranchina traveled across Europe and Asia before settling in with the jazz community in New York City. This summer, the world vocalist will charm her audience at the Warwick Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. Admission is $5.
August 11
Rick Savage Group
Pine Island Park, Pine Island
The talented composer and trumpet player brings his expertise to the Jazz Festival on Saturday at 5 p.m. for an outdoor show at scenic Pine Island Park. Presented by the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, the show is the perfect way to spend a summer evening.
Doug Munro and La Pompe Attack
201 South Division St, Peekskill
Doug Munro, a two-time Grammy nominee, author, and guitar performer, comes to Peekskill on the Saturday of the festival at 8 p.m. to showcase his jazzy style. His blend of soul jazz, organ trio, Latin, and gypsy jazz inspires dancing and foot-tapping, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself moving to the rhythm. Featuring Zwelakhme Duma Bell La Pere and Ian Carroll, this is one for the books.
August 12
The Eric Person Group
The Albert Wisner Library, 1 McFarland Dr, Warwick
To enjoy the soulful sounds of the saxophone, stop by the Albert Wisner Library at 2 p.m. on the final Sunday of the festival for a performance by The Eric Person Group. Vocalist Gabriele Tranchina joins the talented blues and jazz performers for an outdoor show on the River Birch Performance Patio. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for a fun afternoon.
The Rave Tesar Trio
28 Railroad Ave, Warwick
As part of the Courtyard Music Series, The Rave Tesar Trio will hold its outdoor show in Warwick on the last day of the fest. Tesar, a talented keyboardist, composer, producer, and recording engineer, is a longtime presence in the New York jazz scene and is best known for his role in the progressive rock band, Renaissance.
