On Reflection… HearItThere.com

by Elisa Zuckerberg, Founder of HearItThere.com, December 13, 2018                                          

This year has been a whirlwind!

Hard to believe that HearItThere.com launched just over a year ago! It started as just a vision and after a lot of hard work and passion, it came to life!

When initially throwing out the idea to friends and former work colleagues, they’d ask, “Why do it”? My simple answer, “Because almost everyone loves music, we have an unlimited supply of talented artists and great live music in our backyards and music fans just don’t know how to find them!”

“No one is offering music events in such a way quite like I will,” I told the skeptics. My goal is to offer music fans a way to search for shows by location, date, and music genre, making it easy to find a show without traveling far.  The love for music is universal and the joy that it gives doesn’t discriminate. Plus, I really enjoy making people happy and this is the best way I know how”!!

As a music fan living in the burbs it’s a challenge to find music I want to hear without traveling to NYC. Most media sources only provide few select choices and Facebook provides individual event recommendations, presented piecemeal, that are easy to miss in my feed.

It’s been my pleasure to meet all the passionate musicians and fans I’ve come across this past year and really look forward to meeting more, sharing more, and moving into new territories with HearItThere.com.

I really hope that everyone who signed on for this journey: musicians, event/festival organizers, venue managers and promoters have appreciated the extra bump in attention.

Most importantly… I hope that the passionate MUSIC FANS who signed up, went to more shows while discovering new artists and venues! (Music fans, please take notice the names of the musicians and venues I’m about to share. Many are in the Hudson Valley, Westchester and western Connecticut/Fairfield County regions and want to share their music with a wider audience.)

SHOUT OUT to David, my husband, for his patience and willingness to listen to more music than he’d care to. Miriam Paska, my web designer and developer, who spent countless hours making sure this site works as it should, along with a lot of troubleshooting! Also, Jacque Roche, my music muse and biggest supporter who has championed this endeavor from the get-go! Also a shout out to my dear friend Jane Weil Emmer for giving me encouragement and reassurance that what I’m doing is meaningful and for joining me at great music events!

I saw A LOT of shows this year. As Frank Migliorelli, singer-songwriter from the band Frank Migliorelli and the Dirt Nappers said, “She’s a kook.”  Yes, it’s true!  Some nights I go to more than one show!

Here’s a look at the short list of shows I went to this year! ;-) It’s not exactly in the right order.

Brother’s of the Road Band– Allman Bros Tribute Band at The Bijou in Bridgeport – First I have to say that The Bijou is a great venue! “Not a bad seat in the place,” as Gary Peterson, operator of the theater likes to say! I have to admit, I’ve never been a regular listener of the Allman Bros, more of a passive admirer, but really like blues-rock. These guys are great musicians and I had a blast at the show. Big plus, they covered some “Dead” tunes. Josi Davis’ vocals really added a spark!

Caramoor in Katonah, NY- Colin Jacobsen, Nicholas Cords, and Edward Arron –  viola/violin/cello, performed Bach’s Goldberg Variations transcribed for string trio. Superb performance! I love these musicians and have heard them solo and in other ensembles (Brooklyn Rider).

Soul’d Again on News Year’s Eve at Bro Vic’s in South Salem – Super funky and fun! Full band with brass – great way to ring in the New Year!

Brewster Cultural Arts Coalition – Celebration of Women Composers.  Cozy setting with poetry and music.  Thank you to the arts coalition organizers for recognizing these masterful works of women composers!

Blue Alien Mystic with Kristen Huttunen at The Freight House in Mahopac, NY – 80s covers, original music great vocals by talented Kristen. Love this venue, cozy, friendly and perfect for intimate live music experience.

Dan Zlotnick – Pleasantville Music Festival – Lasdon Park, Burger Barn, Somers, Garcias, and a house concert with Jim Avett. Obviously, I’m a fan. Check out the Garcias performance on YouTube.

Ronald Reggae and Alex Cano performed with Dan at Garcias recently. Great young musicians – lots of talent!

Datura Road– Kingston Artists Collective – Listening to these guys was a breathe of fresh air. Their instrumentation are unique and original, their influences varied: Progressive Rock, Folk, Rock and World Music.  Just amazing. Check out on YouTube!

Doug Munro and Vinny Raniolo at Daryl’s House- holy moly! They are super talented jazz guitarists. Gypsy jazz is so much fun, joyful and entertaining. (Plus, Daryl’s makes my favorite sandwich, grilled chicken with avocado ;-))

Gil Parris and band also at Daryl’s House – great musicians and music – jazz, blues and rock! One of my favorite music listening experiences is to hear familiar, well written and classic compositions re-interpreted, rearranged and performed by masterful musicians! This applies here! Also recently caught him at Ron Black’s Beer Hall in White Plains!

Matt Garrison & Kristina Koller– Rosemary & Vine – sweet place nestled in Rye, NY. Kristina was accompanied by guitar. Matt joined in with his sax for a number. Although I’m not as well versed in Jazz, I could definitely appreciate her beautiful tone that is reminiscent of the great vocalists of an earlier Jazz era.

The Ray Blue Quartet at the Peekskill Jazz Festival in Peekskill were incredible! Mom and Dad were groovin’ with them for sure! Had the pleasure to hear Kristina Koller again too!

Pleasantville Music Festival– Dan Z., Lizzie & the Makers, the super- funky Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Juice at the Pamnation Stage (incredible young band from Boston who you’ll definitely hear more about, take my word!). Check out a snippet of Robert Randolph’s performance on YouTube!

River Spirit Music Festival  – Peter Shafran, River Spirit Music Concerts mastermind, certainly puts on a fantastic festival, a super line-up of artists with various musical influences. I had the pleasure to hear Radio Jarocho and Sir Cadian Rhythm.

Austin City Limits Festival – Paul McCartney, David Byrne, Hozier, a new one for me Reignwolf, who is pretty incredible and Dublin Band, The Coronas, who I really loved. Caught the Arctic Monkeys too – Austin City Limits live TV recording!

Clearwater Festival at Croton Point Park– They Might Be Giants, Beth Orton and a bunch more! Great music and great mission! Always a highlight of the summer!

Blues & BBQ in Patterson, NY – Paul Toscano did an amazing job organizing this event for the Patterson Rotary! Great variety of super blues and rock bands. Fun time with mom! Excited to hear Dylan Doyle perform again.

Pluck and Rail – Daryl’s House – I’ve heard Andy Sussman and George Grier play many times in various settings, but this venue was very fitting for them. Accompanied by double bass, Zach Swanson, they sounded great! The packed house just loved them as I did and always do. Andy knows that I adore when he goes off on improvisational tangents! Very original songwriting too! Good times!

Jay Prince & Friends – Daryl’s and Brother Vic’s in South Salem – They are definitely one of the bands with the best musicians around – they may play covers, but add their own touch to classic funk, dance, rock and jazz tunes!

Doug Wahlberg Band at The Heights at Brother Vic’s in South Salem – Super cool rock and roll band! It was like seeing a classic rock and roll concert reminiscent of the best era for music 70s-90s. Covers and catchy original music.

Brian Larney at PPR (Pawling Public Radio) LIVE  – Original, thoughtful songs, nice arrangements as a solo. To me Brian’s music should be classified as INDIE music – smart, modern, but music that is reminiscent of some of my favorite songwriters of the past.

Kiss the Sky, the ReExperience; “worlds greatest tribute to Jimi Hendrix” at The Palace Danbury – oh yeah…. Jimi’s spirit definitely returned to Danbury that night!

Two Shots of Blue – Michael and Steve have a great thing going on. Both really good musicians.  A lot of rock n’ roll and jazz thrown into the mix for some rock-blues. Little Pub, Ridgefield, CT

Daisycutter – House Concert in Hastings – Peter Shafran who runs River Spirit Music, sure knows how to pick his performers! Not only did I love their music, but Sarah’s stories and honesty also added to my enjoyment of the show. I liked them so much I caught them up at the Dogwood with a full band a couple of months later.

Birds of Chicago – Common Ground Concerts at the Irvington Theatre. Did you know that this theater was modeled after the Ford Theater? Very cool place. They are a special group combining Bluegrass, Folk, and Appalachian sounds.  Carter Smith knows how to choose great artists for his music series!

Artie Tobia –  Rosie Tomorrow’s, WPWL – Artie is the definition of “Roots Rock” and Americana – deep, rich rock vocals and very honest storytelling/songwriting.

CHIRP Ridgefield – Eileen Ivers – Wow! Celtic and folk music, super entertaining and charismatic fiddle player! Perfect night of music in the park. Also saw Eliza Gilkyson, singer-songwriter one beautiful evening as well. Thank you Barbara Manners for all you do!

Fred Gillen Jr – Six Degrees in Ossining – I had met Fred at Tribes Hill event months earlier, but had never heard him perform. I finally took a ride over to Ossining to hear him play solo. Fred is a super nice guy, funny, passionate, and thoughtful singer-songwriter. Also saw Fred perform with his “Greenheart” music crew for a “Solar Powered” show in Peekskill.

Greg Jacquin Band  – Six Degrees of Separation in Ossining – Greg had reached out to me to review his album “” when I first began the HearItThere journey. Although I didn’t have a chance to write it, I listened carefully to the album and absolutely loved it, every song. “Hudson River“ is one of my favorite kinds of albums, one you can listen to all the way through and enjoy every moment. I’m a big fan and look forward to his new album, “Clocks Slow Down” too! Caught Greg Jacquin and Paul Griffin at a Ferry Sloops fundraiser in Ossining too, with Fred Gillen Jr, Greg Connors and the very special music legend, Tom Chapin!

The Whispering Tree – WCSU Coffeehouse and Howland Cultural Arts Center in Beacon – absolutely in love with these two. Not sure the college students appreciated them, but I sure did! Love the tone of Eleanor’s voice and Elie’s beautiful guitar accompaniment. “Invisible Forces” is one of my favorite albums of the year!

Frank Migliorelli and the Dirt Nappers at the Green Growler. My first impression of Frank and the band is that they are straight up Rock and Roll band, but as I have since been corrected, they are all Americana. OK Frank and Jacque, I got it! Really like the band, the Croton-on-Hudson community, and the venue! Also caught them at the FABULOUS “Porchfest” Event in Rhinebeck! Looking forward to Frank’s new album!

WPWL Radio/PPR Live – My dear friend Jacque Roche invited me on her live radio broadcast, “Jacque’s Giant Music Show/PPR Live” and was fortunate to get a private concert with Thunderhead Organ Trio, a Progressive Rock group and Jazz w/organ, drums and trombone, yes, trombone! Dan Brother and The Blue Confusion also performed on PPR Live. They’re really super live! Check out YouTube for a clip from the performance. Also had the opportunity to hear the Evan Balzer Trio at the station too. Original rock music with the classic rock sound with a fusion of blues that I love!

Charli LaToven – The Heights in South Salem – In my eyes Charli is a super-star! She is an extremely talented vocalist, vivacious and charismatic performer – also a really sweet person. I saw her solo with DJ Doc, but can’t wait to hear her again with the band!

Green Eyed Lady – Lugano’s in Greenwich and The Hideaway in Ridgefield.  I call them the hardest working band in town and it’s true. But all that performing has made them a very tight and entertaining band that covers our favorite tunes from 70’s-today!

Gilbert – Schoolhouse in Croton Falls. These H.S. students can rock!!

Guitarist Itamar Erez at a River Spirit House Concerts in Hastings. He creates a unique sound by combining Middle Eastern, Jazz and Flamenco melodies. Wonderful performance!

Rock and Roll Playhouse – Tribute to Bowie for kids – Garcias in Port Chester. Wish these rock concerts were around when my kids were little. They are so much fun!

Marquis Hill Blacktet at Jazz Forum– Tarrytown – a real deal Jazz ensemble. Venue has a great vibe and feels like a NYC jazz club for sure. Mark Morganelli surely knows what he’s doin’!

Tribes Hill – Kindred Folk – Event at Lucy’s Pleasantville. Hangin’ with a community of musicians. How much better does it get?

Punch Brothers – Beacon NYC – Incredible! Chris Thile is a force of nature. Fiddle, double bass, acoustic guitar and banjo ensemble. One of those musical religious experiences.

Gospel Celebration at Katonah Library including Baptist Antioch Church – Joyful, uplifting, spiritual performers and music. Loved it so much they almost converted me!

Open Book w/Dan Bonis on pedal steel at Tompkins Corners Cultural Center – Very special singer-songwriting duo. Can’t listen to “Go” without getting teary eyed. Such a beautiful and perfect song. Michele and Rick are super songwriters!

The Blue Confusion supporting  Chris Isaak at the Paramount Hudson Valley – Peekskill.  Had no idea what to expect from the former, but enjoyed them so much was sad when they left the stage. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to hear them again live at PPR Live. It’s Chris Isaak, what can I say. Rockabilly fun and smooth and sexy vocals….

Bill Wisnowski in Katonah during the Gallery Stroll! Fun to watch perform! Favorite part of his performance – when the metro ran by and he incorporated the “choo choo” into the song J  Gotta love it! Check it out: YouTube.

Westchester Bluegrass Festival in Purdys – various artists. Mike Burns gathered some of the best bluegrass musicians for this very special outdoor event.

Westchester Bluegrass Club Open Mic and Five in the Chamber – really entertaining young Bluegrass band from New Haven. Really enjoyed their original music and covers! Toe tapping fun!

Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association – Andy’s Ramble – Andy Statman, Marc Horowitz – banjo (master!), Gene Yellin – guitar, and Tim Kiah – bass.  Aside from the fabulous young bassist, these guys have been playing Bluegrass together since the 60s Washington Sq. Park days.  Absolutely incredible! Statman is a rock star mandolin player. Love ya’ Chris Thile, but Andy is the master!

Pickpocket Romance in Mount Kisco – nice covers and original music.

WMD – Will Demers, Mat (1 “t”) Kastner, and Dan Bonis at Hayfields in North Salem – Bluegrass fun in a cozy, country setting. Listening to these guys play together is very entertaining. You can sense the joy they have when playing together. Also saw the wonderful Sarah Browne with super fiddle player, Greg Holt, at Hayfields. It’s such a nice, cozy-country setting for live music.

Jeanne Marie Boes at the Green Growler in Ossining, presented by Frank Migliorelli for his Songwriters’ Series – She is an amazing songwriter, musician, and vocalist. In my opinion, one of the best I heard this year!

So Percussion in Beacon at the Howland Cultural Arts Center – like nothing I’ve ever heard before. Compositions by John Cage performed on flower pots, bells and other unlikely objects used as instruments. Challenged my perception of what music should sound like. Love the audience’s reaction.

George Mallas, Mike Latini, Dave Goldenberg, Dave Ray at Brother Vic’s.  These guys each have very different styles and approaches to songwriting that made the evening very entertaining.

Elle Sera – Little Pub Wilton. Elle is a very original and talented songwriter! Her vocal style and beautiful voice got me. Thank you Elle for the CDs. I am definitely a fan!

Phil Lesh & Friends at The Capitol Theatre – Yes, I’m a fan of The Dead. A full-on jam ensemble performed. Was fun, but I’m getting too old to stand for concerts. Thank you Jane for joining me!

California Guitar Trio at Daryl’s House – Magnificent ensemble whose arrangements are original and performance spellbinding. Technically, they are the most proficient musicians and at the same time expressive and very engaging!

Sundad at Good Choice Kitchen in Ossining – I loved this guys! Beautiful original acoustic music (w/percussion) and arrangements. Check out my clip from that night on YouTube.

Brazilian Jazz Concert with Susan Pereira & Sabor Brasil in Katonah, NY – Brazilian Jazz isn’t just Bossa Nova!  The rhythms are complex and for me, a very different style of jazz. Very entertaining and certainly widened my view of this genre of music.

Kehila Kedosha Synagogue in NYC – An evening of Sephardic and Romaniate (Greek Jewish community) Music – What a special community of people and wonderful  introduction to new melodies (for me) for prayer and celebration.

I was fortunate to squeeze in other shows with nationally known artists this year too: Kamasi Washington – genius saxophonist and accompanied ensemble, Andrew Bird – master of the violin, original, and one of my favorite artists. Jethro Tull, Brooklyn Rider with the famous Iranian Kamancheh player Kayhan Kalhor (while visiting my son in Vienna, Austria) – have a listen on YouTube!

Also saw Ed Sheeran, and of course, for anyone who knows me, the Indigo Girls!

MUSICIANS – Sorry if I missed anyone  here, this year still isn’t over!

MUSIC FANS – Please check out many of these artists, especially the local ones who work so hard to create original music and entertain us!

Elisa Zuckerberg is the Founder of HearItThere.com. She is a music enthusiast, an advocate for the arts, mother of both a musician and illustrator/artist, and wife of a easy going husband who has heard way too much live music this year!

THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING LOCAL, LIVE MUSIC!