by Elisa Zuckerberg, Founder of HearItThere.com
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
We’ve come a long way since ’20… I’m not sure if it’s because the live music scene has recovered and then some, or that HearItThere has finally reached a level of awareness and maturity that we recognize more and more places that offer live music too.
As for my personal experience, the scene has been busy and bright. In the last couple of weeks I had the chance to groove at Jazz at the Lodge in Ossining with Hammond Organ master, Paul Connors, guest guitarist Wali Ali, and Jon Doty on drums.
On Saturday, April 29 I had the opportunity to partake in the pre-gala festivities at The Bedford Playhouse in Bedford, New York. What a spectacle! It was fun hobnobbing with the famous, not-so-famous, and mostly local Bedford Playhouse supporters. There were record executives, TV personalities and a dedicated group of people who appreciate the center and want to support the arts in the town of Bedford. What many don’t know about venue is that along with presenting first run features and classic films, they offer live music performances, author talks, themed parties, and so much more.
Clive Davis and Sarah Long
The fundraiser’s honorees, legendary music producer and executive Clive Davis and founder of The Bedford Playhouse and current Chairman of the Board, Sarah Long were both honored that evening. Also in attendance were many playhouse volunteers who are committed to sustaining the Playhouse.
Above: Bedford Playhouse Staff & Gala Organizers – Courtney Walker, Dan Friedman, Stephanie Small, Jamie Rinaldi, Nancy Walton, Marie Scanlan. Below: Jim Parsons, Martha Stewart & Guests.
I didn’t stay for dinner but was glad to have been part of this special event. I know it was joyous and there was a lot of dancing because the live entertainment was provided by Jay Prince & Friends and included a full horn section! I’m sure Clive was very impressed!
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Before the night was over, I headed over to a show with a completely different flavor. “Lisa’s Pieces” was performing at Westchester Bluegrass Club in Lake Purdys that night. Lisa Gutkin (The Klezmatics), Mark Murphy, Michael Sassano, Wayne Fugate and Lisa Alcott played bluegrass, Celtic & old-timey music and delighted the sold-out audience. You can listen to a clip from that night here: lisagutkin.
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Earlier this month, I was a judge for The Pleasantville Music Festival’s Battle of the Bands. The contestants were young Westchester County artists who were all vying to win opening spots at the Festival. It was exciting to see the next generation of singer-songwriters and rockers – so much talent! Headliners at the Saturday, July 8 Festival include They Might Be Giants, Blac Rabbit, Sophie B. Hawkins, The Allman Betts Band, Allison Ponthier, The Criticals, and nine other bands. I cannot wait and hope to see you there!
Last weekend a new club called Uncle Cheef’s opened in Brewster, New York. The owner and saxophonist extraordinaire, Ian Hendrickson-Smith (The Tonight Show), performed with his quartet to a packed-house. What a treat that was! You should definitely check out the club and their full schedule.
Ian Hendrickson-Smith, Matt Garrison, Rick Germanson, Neal Miner, Willie Jones III
Although New York City is just a hop, skip and a jump for many of us, there really is no need drive all the way there if you want to see live music. We’ve got an abundance of events north of the city that most certainly will satisfy your entertainment thirst!
