The Hudson Valley Jazz Festival enters it’s seventh year, this August 11-14. Originally centered in Warwick, the festival has expanded to include several towns and counties in the greater Hudson Valley.
Different from most national jazz festivals, this one is about highlighting local Hudson Valley resident jazz artists. Local jazz festivals are growing nationwide. With big cities no longer the singular resource for talent, these festivals play an essential role in developing and expanding interest in the music.
Over the years, The Hudson Valley Jazz Festival featured Dave Liebman, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Arturo O’Farrill, Lenny White, Bill Evans, John Abercrombie, James Emery and Wallace Roney, to name a few.
But the focus has always been local talent. The quality, high.
The festival takes places in cafes, restaurants, parks, galleries, theaters and this season a local historical society.
Many shows are free. The ones with a music charge are minimal.
Festival director and drummer, Steve Rubin, thanks the many supporters, musicians and venues that make this possible.
Goals for the future include a jazz education program, corporate sponsorship and increased wages for musicians.
