Lydia's Cafe

Elsa Nilsson Quartet
2024-11-24 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
Elsa Nilsson Quartet
Elsa Nilsson – flutes
Sebastian Noelle
Ben Zwerin – Bass
Hamir Artwal – Drums

Flutist and composer Elsa Nilsson explores unlikely connections across society and the natural world. The Gothenburg native left Sweden for Seattle in 2005 before settling in Brooklyn in 2010. Her openness and refinement have prompted collaboration with Jon Cowherd, Chris Morrissey, Karl Berger, Robert Dick, Jamie Baum, Jessica Lurie, Rodrigo Recabarren, Marty Kenney, Santiago Leibson, Mark Ferber, Sebastian Noelle, Tina Raymond, Emma Dayhuff, the CMS improvisers Orchestra, Vinny Golia, Brad Shepik, Jovino Santos Neto, Chuck Deardorf, Jim Knapp, Dawn Clement and Bill Frisell. Elsa has appeared at Nefertiti Jazz Club and Victoriateatern (Sweden), Winter Jazzfest, Earshot Jazz Festival, Nublu Jazz Festival, National Sawdust, Blue Note Jazz Club, Cornelia Street Cafe, 55 Bar, The Owl Music Parlor, Shapeshifter Lab, Roulette and Rockwood Music Hall, among other venues. Solo leader releases include Pulses (2023), Atlas Of Sound – Coast Redwoods (2022), Dark Is Light Is (2021), Hindsight (2020), After Us (2018) and Salt Wind (2017). In fall 2024 she’s poised to issue Project Oasis, the second Atlas of Sound release, researched in Patagonia. She’s the 2018 winner of the National Flute Association’s Jazz Flute Competition, and the recipient of multiple Chamber Music America grants, including a 2022 New Jazz Works grant for Band of Pulses. Elsa graduated from Hvitfeldtska gymnasiet in Gothenburg; she received her bachelor of music from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle and her master of music from NYU. She has served as a professor of Rhythmic Analysis and Socially Engaged Artistry at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music since 2020, and led master classes at University of Madison, Kansas University, CCM, Cincinnati Public Schools Jazz Academy, Indiana University and Ann Arbor Arts Clinic.

Neil Alexander & Nail
2024-11-16 19:00 - 22:00
Neil “Nail” Alexander is a world-renowned Pianist, Synthesist, Keyboardist & Composer. NAIL is a hi-energy trio playing a fusion of World Jazz, Jazz & Funk. With Brian Mooney (basses) and Nadav Snir-Zelniker (drums).
NEIL ALEXANDER is a world renowned Pianist, Synthesist, Keyboardist & Composer who works with music in all forms and styles (including jazz, rock, funk, blues, electronica, ambient and contemporary classical). In a career spanning more than 4 decades Neil has made his mark on the local and international music scenes, having toured the US, Europe, Mexico and Canada. I addition to his long running original music project Neil Alexander & NAIL he has toured with successful acts such as The Machine, The Mahavishnu Project, Marty Balin, Corey Glover (among others) and performed with a who’s who of local artists such as Tim Moore, local hip hop phenom Decora (for whom he was musical director for 4 years), Pee Wee Ellis, Ted Orr, Jesse Gress, Blue Food, Jeff Siege Segal, Tony “Thunder” Smith and many others.
In 2015 Neil was awarded Individual Artist Of The Year by the Orange County Arts Council and is currently endorsed by Moog Music.
Currently Neil is in several performing ensembles including “NAIL“, “Cloudburst“, the “X Ensemble”, “Mr. GONE“ and Supercluster, and performs experimental electronic music under the name “Nail Jung“. His most recent self produced CD releases include “Check Your Vibration” (Nail Jung), “Solos/Duos/Trios” (Neil Alexander) and a pair of live recordings – A Solo Piano performance of the “Rite Of Spring” from 2013, and a live performance by NAIL at the Blue Note in NYC. In October of 2016 Neil premiered the “X Ensemble“, an 11 piece acoustic/electric Chamber music group in a concert of contemporary and original chamber works at the Ritz Theater in Newburgh NY. In 2021 the X Ensemble premiered a new piece entitled “Convergence: Series A”, composed by Neil for an octet, and in 2018 they appeared at the Interactive art festival “Dusklit” in Sugar Loaf NY where they performed a site specific work played at the moment of Sunset. in 2019 Neil Alexander & NAIL celebrated their 20th anniversary with multiple shows around the region. Their most recent CD is titled “Live at the Blue Note“.
Neil has also been involved in Modern Dance and Ballet, as a composer and accompanist, working with such Choreographers as Kevin Wynn, Molly Poerstel, Larry Clark, Lane Gifford and Jonathan Riedel, as well as SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance students and faculty where he worked from 1992-2019. His compositions have featured many times as part of the Conservatory’s Nanang Academy of Fine Arts exchange program in Singapore.
From 2012-2013 Neil performed a solo piano concert series titled “100 Years Of Spring“, celebrating the centennial of Stravinsky’s “Rite Of Spring” with a stunning solo piano arrangement, and released his 1st solo piano CD “Darn That Dream: Solo Piano Vol. 1” to critical acclaim. Volume 2 was released in March of 2018 and featured a live recording of “Le Sacre”.
Neil’s other projects include Solo performances (both acoustic and/or electronic) and “Scene Re-seen”, live electronic scoring of silent films. In addition, Neil teaches Master Classes in Synthesizer Programming and Music Performance Technology and heads up the Ableton Hudson Valley Users Group.

Bassist/composer, Brian Mooney during his high school years studied harmony, physiology, and improvisation with Gerald Carboy (bassist for fusion pioneers Barry Miles and David Sancious & Tone).
On both Electric and Double Bass Brian’s experience spans Jazz, Fusion, Soul, Prog-Rock, R&B/Funk, Latin, Experimental, EDM, Avant-Garde Jazz, Classical, Pop, & Rock both live and in the studios.​
Brian has performed live and/or in the studio and with many artists, including recent projects: Neil Alexandar & NAIL, Mahavishu Project, Ray LeVier Band, Burr Johnson Band, Shueh-li Ong, Monroe Quinn jazz trio, Gregg Bendian, Matt Sewell, Duane Eubanks, David Gilmore, Glenn Alexander, Premik Russell Tubbs, Res Abassi, Bele Beledo, Peter Furlan, Swaminathan Salvaganesh, Bernard Purdie, Ritchie “LaBamba” Rosenberg, Mark Pender (Conan O’Brien), Rob Paparozzi, Nadav Snir-Zelniker, Eric Person, Brad Hubbard, and countless others.

Born in Israel in 1974, Nadav Snir-Zelniker started playing drums at the age of 16. Soon he became involved with the local Israeli music scene, playing and recording with different Rock & Jazz artists. Throughout these years Nadav has absorbed elements and flavors of the local Mediterranean-music traditions. In 1999, after receiving several honorary scholarships, Nadav was able to move to the US and got his BFA degree in music-performance from the Conservatory of Music at SUNY-Purchase College. Soon after his arrival in New York, Nadav became highly involved with the local music scene. His versatility enabled him to perform & record with artists from different genres. Amongst the many artists Nadav has worked with are: Jon Faddis, Stella Mars, Arthur Lipner, Adam Rogers, Gene Perla, Ted Rosenthal, James Camack, Francois Moutin, Cameron Brown, Heather Cornell & Manhattan Tap, The Doug Ferony Show Band, Sal Scott & Gene Benson’s Big-Band, Dekel Bor Trio, MacTalla Mo’r, The Burr Johnson Band, Neil Alexander & NAIL, Herb Deutsch, Brian Dolzani, Debbie Friedman and Shirona. Nadav has also collaborated with a few modern dance companies, such as David Prasons Dance, Limon and Nelly van Bommel’s NoaDance. Discography: Dekel Bor Trio: “Stories & Tales” “Emuna” “Home” MacTalla Mo’r: “Pipin’ Hot” “Jacob’s Ladder” “No Man’s Land” Lance Koonah / Innerworkings: “Expressions 2” Neil Alexander & NAIL : “Tugging At The Infinite” Shirona: “Judaic Love Songs”

Nancy Donnelly & Friends
2024-11-09 19:00 - 22:00
Nancy Donnelly – vocals
Peter Tomlinson – keys
Mark Dziuba – guitar
Mark Usvolk – bass
Phil Nestor – drums

A blend of R&B and jazz. Dancing!!
Nancy Donnelly is an exciting singer whose voice is nestled nicely somewhere in between jazz and soul• a rich, warm and powerful sound” Peter Eldridge (New York Voices).
Nancy’s ability to blend a spectrum of musical styles is attributed to her wide array of musical influences and experiences. Nancy began training as a classical vocalist at a young age. Upon graduating from the “Crane School of Music”, Nancy moved to Boston to further pursue her musical studies. While in Boston, she had the opportunity to work with several Blues and R&B groups. Nancy realized her true passion for jazz when she performed with Russian saxophonist Igor Butman.
Nancy then moved to New York, where she played in many of the cities famous jazz clubs, such as the Blue Note, The Village Gate, Iridium, and Birdland numerous jazz festivals including the Rochester International Jazz Festival and the Wall St. Jazz Festival. Nancy’s critically acclaimed debut CD features Peggy Stern Jay Anderson and Matt Wilson.
Nancy has two critically acclaimed CD’s available on iTunes and Spotify.

Marc Black/Michael Esposito/Ralph Legnini
2024-11-02 19:00 - 22:00
Marc Black – guitar/vocals
Michael Esposito – bass
Ralph Legnini – guitar
Marc Black, singer/songwriter/guitarist, and NY Blues Hall of Fame inductee will be performing with bassist Michael Esposito at Lydia’s Cafe, a cozy, intimate local cafe with excellent food and friendly folks.
Marc has been a local favorite for over 50 years, beginning his career at age 18 with shows with The Doors, Neil Diamond and Van Morrison.
He has enjoyed many adventures following the music through folk, blues, funk, experimental soundscapes, and film scoring. But in the end, it seems he always comes back to Claudette, that sweet hunk of wood he’s been carrying around with me for 50 years. His guitar, not his wife (in case you’re wondering).
Michael Esposito’s occupations have included musician, painter, builder, priest, and bicycle repairman, as well as cartoonist. In the 1960s, he played in a rock band, the Blues Magoos, touring the country and appearing on TV shows. A decade later, he lived as a renunciate at Church on the Mount, up on Meads Mountain Road. For years he’s been riding and repairing bicycles. These days, he avoids making plans.
Ralph Legnini (a/k/a E Boy) is a music artist / songwriter / producer / engineer based in Woodstock, New York. His studio career began as a member of Nile Rodgers Productions team – working in the control room with Nile on records being produced for Madonna, David Bowie, Jeff Beck and Mick Jagger, followed by a move to Woodstock, NY to become Todd Rundgren’s studio manager and eventually Production & Studio Manager for Rundgren’s Alchemedia Productions & Utopia Studio.
As a studio musician, Legnini has recorded with Jules Shear, Tin Huey, Rick Danko, James Taylor, Todd Rundgren, Pete Seeger, Chip Taylor, Danielia Cotton, Dr. John, Mick Ronson, Jill Sobule, John Sebastian, Levon Helm and Kate Pierson.
After years of being in the studio every day with legendary producers Nile Rodgers & Todd Rundgren, Legnini / E Boy Music is currently involved in creating music that helps make the world a more positive place to be.

Bob Shaut & Sax Life
2024-10-26 19:00 - 22:00
Bob Shaut (saxophones and arrangements)
Wayne Tice (saxophones)
Jim Perry (saxophones)
Dan Shaut (Saxophones)
Peter Einhorn (guitar)
Rich Syracuse (bass)
Jeff “Siege” Siegel (drums)

Sax Life is a saxophone quartet with rhythm section. Saxophonist Bob Shaut created the group and is responsible for the repertoire consisting of music from Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, through Wayne Shorter and the Beatles, as well as originals by Bob. A CD, “The Saxophone and the Drum,” was released in 2014, and a new CD of originals and another CD of Beatle music will be released in the near future. Besides Bob Shaut, saxists include Dan Shaut, a leading jazz educator, and West Point band retirees Jim Perry and Wayne Tice. Guitarist Peter Einhorn, bassist Rich Syracuse and drummer Jeff “Siege” Siegel round out the group.

Regusis/Horton Quartet
2024-10-12 19:00 - 22:00
Tim Regusis – piano
Ron Horton – trumpet/flugelhorn
Jay Anderson – bass
Ron Vincent – drums

Tim Regusis is a Hudson Valley-based pianist who has been active in the jazz scene of the NYC region, as well as in the fields of R&B, Latin and various world musics for many years.
He has played and/or recorded with Patti Austin, Ruben Blades, David Byrne, Celia Cruz, Chuck Mangione, Johnny Pacheco, Daniel Ponce, Rick Margitza, Cindy Blackman, Jeff Williams, Akira Ohmori, Najee, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Jonathan Butler, Ofra Haza and others.
Ron Horton has perform and/or record with such artists as Lee Konitz, Will Holshouser, Neil Kirkwood, Rez Abbasi, Phillip Johnston, Andy Laster, Mick Rossi, Matt Wilson, Bill Gerhardt, Bill Mays, Peggy Stern, Allan Chase, Andy Biskin, Ted Nash, Jon Gordon, John McKenna, Walter Thompson, Diana Perez, Billy Newman, Mario Pavone, Tina Marsh, Maryanne DeProphetis, Landon Knoblock, Sam Bardfeld, Maria Guida, Abigail Riccards, Angie Sanchez, Kris Davis, Darcy James Argue.
Bassist/composer Jay Anderson is among the most versatile and respected jazz artists performing today. He has performed/recorded with a wide range of jazz artists including Woody Herman, Carmen McRae, Michael Brecker, Paul Bley, Bob Mintzer, John Abercrombie, Dave Liebman, Joe Sample, Maria Schneider, Stanley Cowell, John Scofield, Lee Konitz, Vic Juris, Red Rodney, Ira Sullivan, Mike Stern, Anat Cohen, Toots Thielemans, Kenny Wheeler, Jay Clayton and non-jazz artists like Oswaldo Golijov, Dawn Upshaw, The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Robert Spano (Atlanta Symphony), Michael Franks, David Bowie, Frank Zappa, Tom Waits, Terre Roche, Chaka Khan, Michel Legrand, Allen Ginsberg, and Celine Dion. He has been featured on over 400 recordings, seven of which have received the Grammy Award. His original recordings “NEXT EXIT” (DMP), “LOCAL COLOR” (DMP), and “DEEPSCAPE” (Steeplechase) have received critical acclaim both in the U.S. and abroad. Jay has conducted clinics around the world and is a Professor of Jazz Bass Studies at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City and New Jersey City University.
Drummer Ron Vincent was a member of the Gerry Mulligan Quartet and the Re-Birth of the Cool Tentet from 1989 until Mr. Mulligan’s passing in 1996. He recorded four CDs with Mr. Mulligan and has also recorded with Phil Woods, Lee Konitz, Randy Brecker, Bob Brookmeyer, Bill Charlap, John Lewis and Slide Hampton to name a few.
Ron has appeared with such notables as Art Farmer, Bill Crow, Rob McConnell, Rufus Reid and Dr. Billy Taylor. Presently Ron is a member of the Bill Mays trio
As a jazz artist/educator for Sabian Cymbals, Ron presented workshops at over 100 Colleges and Universities and has been on the faculty of the Jamie Aebersold Jazz Camps and the Stanford Jazz Camp (CA). In 1996 Ron received a National Endowment for the Arts grant for jazz performance.

Spin Cycle
2024-10-05 19:00 - 22:00
Tom Christensen- Saxophone
Pete McCann- Guitar
Phil Palombi- Bass
Scott Neumann- Drums

Tom Christensen- Saxophone
Pete McCann- Guitar
Phil Palombi- Bass
Scott Neumann- Drums
Since 2014, contemporary jazz band Spin Cycle has been bringing their original music to clubs and concert halls across the US and Canada. Co-lead by Scott Neumann and Tom Christensen, the band highlights their flexibility, reach and capacity to surprise their audiences. On any given song, you might encounter the modal influence of John Coltrane, the second-line funk of New Orleans, or the edgy experimentation of free jazz.
Featuring guitarist Pete McCann and bassist Phil Palombi, both bandleaders and well-respected artists in their own right, Spin Cycle has spent the last 7 years touring, recording, and providing educational workshops at colleges. The band’s fourth CD will be released soon on their label, Sound Footing Records.
There is, to be sure, plenty of musical variety provided by Spin Cycle, with compositions by Christensen, a consummate multi-instrumentalist who mostly plays tenor saxophone, and by Neumann a versatile and expressive drummer. Having performed in all kinds of settings including the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Jazz Mandolin Project, the Gil Evans Project, Madeleine Peyroux’s touring group, Broadway pit bands and with Cecile McLorin Salvant, Rufus Reid and Maria Schneider the co-leaders know how to bring out the intimacy of a ballad as well as the soulful feeling of swing.
Since joining forces to form Spin Cycle in Fall of 2016, drummer Scott Neumann and saxophonist Tom Christensen have been serving up an eclectic blend of jazz featuring original compositions by both musicians. The band can most often be heard at venues like Smalls in Greenwich Village or Bar Bayeux in Brooklyn, The Rex in Toronto, Birdland, Visiones, The Village Vanguard, the legendary Augie’s on the upper westside and headlining at jazz festivals.
Once they decided on the format of the band, getting Pete McCann on guitar was a no-brainer. Neumann has played with the Wisconsin native for more than 30 years, going back to their days at the esteemed music program at North Texas State (now the University of North Texas). And Christensen had played with the guitarist in Maria Schneider’s Jazz Orchestra. Matt Pavolka, a gifted bassist with whom Neumann had played was the final inspired piece to fall into place.
Tom Christensen attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he studied classical music, was a member of the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra, appearing on five of their albums. He also has played on such notable recordings as Joe Lovano’s Celebrating Sinatra, Don Sebesky’s I Remember Bill, Rufus Reid’s Quiet Pride, the David Liebman Big Band’s Tribute to Wayne Shorter, and Ryan Truesdell and the Gil Evans Projects’s Lines of Color—Live at the Jazz Standard.
Scott quickly became a busy player on the New York scene playing with such luminaries as Woody Herman Orchestra, Kenny Barron and Ben Allison, Neumann also accrued impressive credits as a vocal accompanist.

Harvey Wainapel Quartet
2024-09-28 19:00 - 22:00
Harvey Wainapel – saxophone
Larry Ham – keys
Rich Syracuse – bass
Jeff Siegel – drums
Wainapel joins forces with three of the region’s top musicians: pianist Larry Ham; bassist Rich Syracuse; and drummer Jeff Siegel. Harvey says, “We’ll present a few of my compositions, some tunes we believe should be considered ‘standards,’ and we’ll throw in some Brazilian spice.”
Saxophonist Harvey Wainapel grew up in Ellenville, then moved to Philadelphia, Boston, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, New York City, and has lived in the San Francisco areasince 1982. Over the years Harvey has toured internationally with Ray Charles, Airto Moreira & Flora Purim, and Joe Lovano. Wainapel (pronounced “wine-apple”) hasalso performed and/or recorded with pianists Kenny Barron, Dave Brubeck, andMcCoy Tyner; drummers Billy Hart and Mike Clark; the hr-Bigband (German Radio Big Band in Frankfurt); Holland’s Metropole Orchestra; and he has presented his own work in 17 countries.
Pianist, composer, and arranger Larry Ham is a veteran New York sideman, performing, touring, and recording with many great jazz artists.
Larry began his professional career in the Lionel Hampton Orchestra in the late ’80’s. He was pianist in the Illinois Jacquet Big Band 1990-95 and has worked extensively with countless other jazz legends, including the late Junior Cook and Dakota Staton. He has appeared at jazz festivals, concerts and nightclubs throughout the United States, Europe, West Africa, and Japan. His New York appearances include Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Blue Note, Carnegie Hall, Iridium, The Village Vanguard, Birdland, Small’s, Mezzrow, and Harlem’s historic Lenox Lounge.
RICH SYRACUSE STRING BASSIST, ELECTRIC BASSIST, COMPOSER Rich Syracuse has been a mainstay on the New York area scene for more than three decades. While performing at an early age in New York City he was the winner of the prestigious Congress Of Strings Award. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Rich performed with The Group For Contemporary Music under the Conductor Charles Wournin and Harvey Solberger, The Hartford Ballet and the New Jersey Lyric Opera Co. During the early part of his career he performed in Jazz groups featuring pianists John Mehegan, Joey Calderazzo and Ted Rosenthal. After moving to New York State’s Hudson Valley in the mid 1980’s he began a long-standing stint in the Nick Brignola Quartet playing clubs, festivals, and recording sessions. Besides his years with Brignola, he has performed with Mose Allison, Kurt Elling, Dave Liebman, Brubeck Brothers, Warren Bernhardt, SumiTonoka, David Torn, Mike DeMicco, Peter Levin, Sam Morrison, Bernard Purdy, Vic Juris, Dave Stryker, Chuck Lamb, Jeff “Siege” Siegel, Dena DeRose, John Medeski, Michael Musilliami and Ali Demogli, Rich had been the bassist for Jazz pianist Lee Shaw for over 25 years until her passing.
Drummer/Composer Jeff “Siege” Siegel is a veteran of the New York Jazz scene and has worked with a virtual “who’s who” of artists. A member of the Sir Roland Hanna Trio from 1994-’99, Siegel’s diverse career has also led him to perform and/or record with legends such as Ron Carter, Kenny Burrell, Jack DeJohnette, Benny Golson, Sheila Jordan, Helen Merrill, Mose Allison, John Medeski, Arthur Rhames, Dave Douglas, Stefon Harris, Pat Metheny, Kurt Elling, Ravi Coltrane, Ryan Kisor, Lee Shaw, Levin Brothers, John Medeski, Dena DeRose, Lee Shaw and many others. He has worked in the avant garde world as well with Wadada Leo Smith, Baikida Carroll. He’s performed over 30 European tours including four as leader of the Jeff “Siege” Siegel Quartet and several others as co-leader. The Jeff “Siege” Siegel Sextet performed a 3 week tour of Africa in the summer of 2019.
harvjazz.com larryham.com

Pasin/Ciampa Quartet plus one
2024-09-21 19:00 - 22:00
Jeff Ciampa/Chris Pasin Quartet
Jeff Ciampa – guitar
Chris Pasin – trumpet
Clayton Thompson – bass
Bob Meyer – drums
Featuring Todd Anderson – sax

Chris Pasin, a graduate of the New England Conservatory, spent two years playing with the Buddy Rich band in the early 80’s, touring with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, and many others. Then he relocated to New York City. Much of the next decade was spent playing jazz with various groups, including the Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin big band. There was also work with Jack McDuff, many Salsa bands like Johnny Rodriguez and Brazilian bands like Amazon, and various other jazz ensembles, including the Lee Shaw quintet in recent years.
He’s performed at Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater, the Royal Albert Hall, the Village Vanguard, Ronnie Scott’s, and the Blue Note, among others, and toured Europe and Asia many times.
Contemporary Jazz Guitarist Jeff Ciampa has recorded and toured with some of the most demanding practitioners, including Harry Belafonte, Jon Lucien, Dave Matthews, Mark Egan, Bill Evans, Al MacDowell, Ornette Coleman, Lew Solof, Pete Levin, Tony Levin, Lenny White, to name a few. His fluid melodic style, steeped in the jazz tradition, continues to inspire fellow musicians and listeners worldwide.
Jeff has recorded two critically acclaimed recordings on Mark Egan’s Wavetone label, Signs of Life and House of Mirror featuring Mark Egan and Danny Gottlieb. Subsequently, the popular trio was booked into major jazz festivals, including the JVC in New York City, the Newport Jazz Festival
in Rhode Island, the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, and the St. Kitt’s Jazz Festival.

Dziuba/Harrison Guitar Summit
2024-09-14 19:00 - 22:00
Mark Dziuba – guitar
Joel Harrison – guitar
Rich Syracuse – bass
Jeff Siegel – drums
The Magnatone Brothers is a two guitar ensemble led by Joel Harrison and Mark Dziuba. The two like -minded guitarists bonded over the fact that they both own rare and eccentric 1950s guitars made by the Magnatone company. They resolved to do a show where both guitars would speak to each other. Both Joel and Mark are improvisors with an open minded aesthetic which includes all kinds of American Music. Both are composers so expect a mix of originals, jazz tunes, groove- based material, and in general a lot of fine interplay and good fun. The two are joined by illustrious colleagues— Rich Syracuse on bass and Jeff Siegel on drums.
Guitarist, composer, arranger, lyricist, writer, educator, and vocalist Joel Harrison has “created a new blueprint for jazz” (New Orleans Times-Picayune). A Guggenheim Fellow (2010) whose compositions have been commissioned by Chamber Music America, Meet the Composer, New Music USA, the Jerome Foundation, NYSCA, and the Mary Flagler Cary Trust., he has released 25 CDs as a leader on seven different labels. Harrison’s music may be founded on jazz but veers into classical, rock, country, and all manner of American roots music. Succinctly described by the New York Times as “protean… brilliant.”
Harrison is the founder and director of the Alternative Guitar Summit, a yearly festival devoted to new and unusual guitar music. Pat Metheny has called the Summit “one of the most interesting and distinguished forums for guitar on the planet. Harrison is the author of “Guitar Talk: conversations with visionary players” as well as “Modern Jazz Standards for Guitar.”

Pete Levin Trio
2024-09-07 19:00 - 22:00
Pete Levin – organ
Mike DeMicco – guitar
Peter O’Brien – drums
In a diverse music career spanning several decades, keyboardist/arranger Pete Levin has performed and recorded with hundreds of Jazz and Pop artists – including Paul Simon, Annie Lennox, Miles Davis, David Sanborn, Lenny White, Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, Robbie Robertson and John Scofield – receiving critical accolades for his work during a 15 year association with the legendary Gil Evans, and his 8 year stint with jazz icon Jimmy Giuffre.
Since the 70s, Pete has been part of New York’s jazz, pop, and electronic music scene. In 1974 he got a call to play French horn with legendary jazz arranger Gil Evans, and Gil made him a regular. As an experiment, Pete brought a Moog synthesizer to an Evans gig. Gil loved it and Pete’s role was permanently changed, beginning the transformation of the band into the electronic/acoustic hybrid sound that won 2 Grammy awards. Among the first to explore synthesizers during the 70s, Pete became a sought-after sideman for studio and live gigs. As an arranger and musician he worked on dozens of film scores, hundreds of jazz and pop records, and countless TV and radio commercials. Over the years, interspersed with Gil Evans, Paul Simon, Annie Lennox and Jimmy Giuffre tours, Pete has done arranging and electronic music for feature films including MISSING IN ACTION, THE COLOR OF MONEY and STAR TREK. He composed the orchestral score for the independent film ZELIMO, composed an original music score for a stage production of THE DYBBUK, did the official band/chorus arrangement of the U.S. Infantry song and composed the anthem for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit, performing it in the U.N. General Assembly. But his favorite collaboration was “THE CLAMS” with his brother, bassist Tony Levin and drummer Steve Gadd, a Spike Jones tribute band that produced the top-40 hit single “CLOSE TO YOU” that’s now a cult classic.
Between 1964 and 2017, Pete has recorded and/or performed live with artists and ensembles including …
Michael Allman, Aztec Two Step, Joe Beck, Jeff Berlin, Marc Black, Terrance Blanchard, Carla Bley, Blood Sweat & Tears, Broadside Brass Bed Band, Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Hiram Bullock, Butterfield Blues Band, Donald Byrd, Don Byron, Jay Chattaway, Tommy Chong, The Clams, John Clark, Jimmy Cobb, Judy Collins, Commander Cody, Gene Cornish, Albert Cummings, David Darling, Kal David, Bettye Davis, Miles Davis, Robbie Dupree, Don Elliott, Gil Evans, Fania All-Stars, Rachelle Farelle, Bryan Ferry, Letizia Gambi, Jimmy Giuffre, Leila Gobi, Government Mule, Gregory Hines, Freddie Hubbard, Kathy Ingraham, Howard Johnson, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Band, Mamadou Kelly, Annie Lennox, Tony Levin, Levin Brothers, Rod MacDonald, Al MacDowell, Mike Mainieri, Melissa Manchester, Chuck Mangione, Liza Minnelli, Charles Mingus, Gerry Mulligan, Ola Onabule, Rob Paparozzi, Jaco Pastorius, Simon Phillips, Lorenza Ponce, Genya Ravan, Nicki Richards, Robbie Robertson, Teri Roiger, Ali Ryerson, David Sanborn, John Scofield, Wayne Shorter, Carly Simon, Paul Simon, Lew Soloff, Vaneese Thomas, John Tropea, Joe Lynn Turner, Michal Urbaniak, Jimmy Vivino, Joe Louis Walker, Jim Weider, Peter Welker, Lenny White & Vanessa Williams.
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Mike DeMicco’s expansive embrace of music has led him to work with prominent artists in many genres. He’s toured the world extensively since 1980, performing and recording with a diverse cross-section of jazz, blues and popular artists, including Dave Brubeck, The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Jack DeJohnette, Nick Brignola, Warren Bernhardt, Lee Shaw, Rory Block, James & Livingston Taylor, Professor “Louie” and The Crowmatix, and many others. Mike’s selected performance highlights include appearances on PBS and NPR; at the major European and North American jazz festivals; and at prestigious clubs and venues such as The Kennedy Center, Ronnie Scott’s, LA’s Jazz Bakery, The Blue Note, Birdland, The Five Spot, The Bottom Line, Wolf Trap, Great American Music Hall, and BB King’s.
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Drummer Peter O’Brien has performed with organist Brother Jack McDuff, the Edgar Winter Band, Roy Buchanan, including a sold-out show at the Beacon Theatre with Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, and Junior Wells.
Peter moved to Woodstock, NY in early 1988 and became a member of John Hall’s band Orleans.
Other performances include The Cafe Lena Jazz Series at the world famous venue in Saratoga, NY.with pianist Chuck Lamb( Brubeck Bros.) that featured separately; Guitarist Mike Moreno, Alto Saxophone Legend Dick Oatts, Guitarist Mike DeMicco (Brubeck Bros.) & Saxophonist Ken Gioffre (Smokey Robinson), , The John Hall Reunion Band, The Eric Person Quartet plays The Music of Wayne Shorter & John Coltrane, Hal Galper, Cindy Cashdollar’s Rhythm Syncopators, Murali Coryell , Jay Collins, Spero plays Nyro & various others

Daniel Palladino Quartet
2024-08-31 19:00 - 22:00
Daniel Palladino is from Accord, NY. He began playing drums at the age of 4 and has been performing since elementary school. Given his versatility on the instrument, he’s played in groups ranging from punk to funk and all in between. Apart from his freelance work in various ensembles, some may recognize him as a member of the band Pour La Terre. Daniel studied classical percussion at UCCC and is currently enrolled as a Jazz Performance major at SUNY New Paltz.
The Quartet mostly follows the Hard Bop tradition. This combo plays original compositions as well as a selection of various standards.
> Max Barnes- Tenor Sax
> Patrick Stokes- Piano
> Mark Venuto- Bass
> Daniel Palladino- Drums

Democratic Fundraiser
2024-08-25 16:00 - 20:00
Sunday, August 25, 4-8pm – Democratic Fundraiser Bar-b-q and Live Music

Outdoor Event to raise funds for Democratic candidates.
Live Painting to Music by Nancy Ostrovsky. Incredible line up of musicians – Jazz, Acoustic/Americana, New Age/Ethnic, Latin, R&B
Bring dishes to share and lawn chair/blanket
MUSICIANS
Marc Black
David Lopato
Steve Gorn
David Gonzales
Ev Mann
Jimmy Madison
Nancy Donnelly
Chris Pasin
Jeff Siegel
Rich Syracuse
David Winograd
Peter Einhorn
John Bruschini
Jerry Plotkin
Mark Usvolk
David Heckendorn
Marty Elkins
Lee Tomboulian
Mr. (Dorian) Randolph
Peyton Pleninger
Phil Nestor
John Berenzy
Dale DeMarco

Closed
2024-08-24 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-07-20 19:00 - 22:00

Mark Usvolk Quintet
2024-08-17 19:00 - 22:00
Mark Usvolk – bass/composer/arranger
Ron Horton – trumpet/flugelhorn
Tim Armacost – sax
Peter Tomlinson – keys
Peter O’Brien – drums
Bassist/guitarist/composer Mark Usvolk has an unfair advantage. Since he and his wife, Roni own Lydia’s Cafe, he gets to play there whenever he wants and can usually entice musicians who play better than he does to play in his band.
After receiving his Bachelor of Music degree (BM) from the University of North Texas many, many years ago, Mark went on to make a tolerable living playing guitar and teaching until he came to the realization that his chances of finding a woman who would put up with his BS and his meager income would be greatly improved if he had a real job. In the late 80’s, Mark moved to Stone Ridge after living in Dallas and Tucson and began designing and building houses. It worked! He met and married Roni and in 2006 they bought the Country Deli from Roni’s mom, Lydia and thus began the saga of Lydia’s Cafe, a struggling music venue and gaping money pit, which brings us to the present situation.
Mark has performed with the Tucson Symphony, Salsa/Latin, jazz, R&B & funk bands during his musical era and currently makes his living as a residential designer.
Mark has assembled a dream team of musicians whose sole purpose in life has been to prepare them to perform Mark’s original compositions and to provide beautiful solos over his weird chord changes. The pieces are representative of a range of styles from jazz to Latin to funk to classical and feature memorable melodies and a somewhat unique harmonic approach.
Dream Team
Since 1982, trumpeter Ron Horton has been an integral part of New York’s flourishing jazz scene and he stands out both as an exemplary instrumentalist and as a highly progressive composer and arranger. Whether called upon as a sideman or as a leader of one of his own ensembles, he shows that he is committed to further expanding the existing perimeters of jazz.
Horton has had many long musical associations with leaders such as saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom (1983-2000) and pianist Andrew Hill. He was a member of Hill’s sextet from 1998 until 2003, and appears on the group’s critically acclaimed cd, Dusk (Palmetto 2000). He was also musical director and co-arranger for Hill’s big band, and is featured on the cd, A Beautiful Day(Palmetto 2002).
Ron Horton was born in 1960 in Bethesda, Maryland, and has been frequently called on as a sideman to perform and/or record with such artists as Lee Konitz, Will Holshouser, Rez Abbasi, Phillip Johnston, Andy Laster, Mick Rossi, Matt Wilson, Bill Gerhardt, Bill Mays, Peggy Stern, Allan Chase, Andy Biskin, Ted Nash, Jon Gordon, John McKenna, Walter Thompson, Diana Perez, Billy Newman, Mario Pavone, Tina Marsh, Maryanne DeProphetis, Landon Knoblock, Sam Bardfeld, Maria Guida, Abigail Riccards, Angie Sanchez, Kris Davis, Darcy James Argue and many others.
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Saxophonist Tim Armacost’s music is known for its balance of lyrical invention, harmonic sophistication and exciting interplay among top-tier band mates. His improvisations are brimming with ideas, but organized into a naturally flowing narrative
Touring regularly around the world both as a sideman and a leader, Armacost has worked with a phenomenal number of jazz greats, including Al Foster, Jimmy Cobb, Kenny Barron, Tom Harrell, Billy Hart, Victor Lewis, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Peter Erskine, Ray Drummond, Roy Hargrove, Don Friedman and Randy Brecker.
Armacost has recorded 14 critically acclaimed albums as a leader, performed on more than 60 as a sideman, and has recorded over 100 original songs and arrangements. His most recent leader outing, Time Being, featuring Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts and Bob Hurst received 4 stars in Downbeat magazine, and has met with critical acclaim around the world.
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Pianist/composer Peter Tomlinson holds a BFA from SUNY New Paltz. He hasalso studied with Barry Harris, Warren Bernhardt and Mulgrew Miller.
Peter has been an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut since 1990. He has also taught instrumental music and directed stage bands, grade 3-12, for the Paul Effman Music Service since 1992. In 2006 Peter became an associate professor of jazz piano at Vassar College. Other teaching experiences include jazz clinics and coaching high school All-State jazz bands.
Recordings include albums with Grammy Award winner Jay Ungar, “The Lover’s Waltz”, and Mark Dziuba, “Son of Cramdon”, also featuring Adam Nussbaum and Jay Anderson. Of Peter’s own albums, “Momentum” , on the Compose label, featured musicians include Dick Oatts, Dave Douglas and Jimmy Cobb. Rhodes Spedale of Jazz Times Magazine says, “ He’s talented, lyrical, imaginative, and swinging- all the necessary attributes of a fine pianist.” Peter’s 2003 album, “For Evans’ Sake” is a duo with guitarist Peter Einhorn. Jim Hall wrote “ It’s amazing… I loved it!” In 2007 he recorded with singer Bar Scott and bassist Lou Pappas, “ A Little Dream”. Other musicians Peter has worked with include Ron Carter, Hubert Laws, Laurel Masse, jazz tap legend Honi Coles and singer/songwriter Natalie Merchant.
Born in Flushing, Queens, NY, drummer Peter O’Brien inherited his musical talents from his father, drummer Bill O’Brien, with whom he began his formal studies of the drums at age five. Peter toured the USA with organist Brother Jack McDuff and, from 1984-1985, performed all over the USA and Canada with the Edgar Winter Band. The band featured the legendary singer Jerry LaCroix (the original lead singer for White Trash) and performed the jazz-inflected fusion material from Edgar’s first ground-breaking record “Entrance,” as well as his rock and blues music. During this time, Peter also performed several dates with Roy Buchanan, including a sold-out show at the Beacon Theatre with Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, and Junior Wells. From 1986-1987, he toured Europe with Mark McMillan. Peter moved to Woodstock, NY in early 1988 and became a member of John Hall’s band Orleans. He was the subject of a feature article published in Modern Drummer’s Rhythm and News (Japan).

Jimmy Madison & Friends
2024-08-10 19:00 - 22:00
Jimmy Madison – drums
Tim Regusis – keys
Tarik Shah – bass
Awan Rashad – saxophone
Drummer Jimmy Madison has performed with the greats of Jazz and Funk for over six decades, from Lionel Hampton, Roland Kirk, Chet Baker and Quincy Jones to James Brown, Maceo Parker and George Benson, among many others. But this trio format allows he and his compatriots to do what they do best, improvising on themes both familiar and new. It’s pure Jazz at its best.
Tim Regusis is a Hudson Valley-based pianist who has been active in the jazz scene of the NYC region, as well as in the fields of R&B, Latin and various world musics for many years.
He has played and/or recorded with Patti Austin, Ruben Blades, David Byrne, Celia Cruz, Chuck Mangione, Johnny Pacheco, Daniel Ponce, Rick Margitza, Cindy Blackman, Jeff Williams, Akira Ohmori, Najee, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Jonathan Butler, Ofra Haza and others.
Tarik Shah is an African American Muslim with a career as a professional jazz musician. As the sole student of Slam Stewart, Shah began playing the upright bass at age 12 and went on to play with Betty Carter, Ahmad Jamal, Abbey Lincoln and Art Taylor among others. He is a composer, a jazz educator, and lyricist.
Awan Rashad – In his early years he was a member of the ESYO Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, as well as the NYSSMA All-State Jazz Band. More recently he has performed at many well-known jazz clubs in NYC such as Birdland, Dizzy’s, Smalls, Ornithology, Jazz Forum, and other smaller venues.

Circular Jazz: The Trio
2024-08-03 19:00 - 22:00
Bob Meyers – drums
Steven Frieder – sax
Bryan Copeland – bass

Circular Jazz will be playing music from the Great American Song Book along with compositions by the band members and the music of the late, great Bert Wilson.

Drummer Bob Meyer has performed and/or recorded with Joe Lovano, John Abercrombie, Ed Schuller, Ken Werner, Nina Sheldon, Judi Silvano, Perry Robinson, Glenn Moore, Cameron Brown, Andy Statman, Sheila Jordan, Ray Nance, Art Davis, Jaki Byard, Paul McCanless, Julian Priester, Gary Peacock, Peggy Stern, Bert Wilson, Diane Schurr, Stanley Cowell, Mal Waldron, David Friesen, Jim Pepper, Red Rodney, Itzhak Perlman, Arnie Lawrence, James Moody, Kirk Leitsey, Avishai Cohen, Wayne Horvitz, Drew Gress, Rob Scheps, Mike Bisio, Don Friedman, James Emery, Tony Malaby, Essiet Essiet, Santi Debriano, Vic Juris, Harvey Wainapel, Peter Barshay and Mel Martin, Eric Person, Travis Sullivan among many others.
Steven Frieder
An all-around talent with a compelling voice in almost any genre, saxophonist and multi-wind player Steve Frieder captivates audiences in jazz, pop, funk, rock, club, avant-garde, and free improvisation. Steve has established himself as a versatile, in-demand musician in New York and around the world.
In 2023 Steve began touring with Boy George and Culture Club, showcasing his talents with dynamic saxophone solos and energetic stage presence. Amongst the ten week 2023 summer tour with Culture Club, Steve performed at two sold out shows at Hollywood Bowl, a two week Australia run and a show at the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Bryan Copeland
Born in Abilene, TX.,bassist/composer/ bandleader Bryan Copeland spent the early part of his life growing up in the fertile farm lands of the north Texas panhandle. He lived his more formative years in Dallas and Austin, TX., surrounded by blues, folk, and country music. Currently, he resides in New York, where he uses his country roots, along with jazz and classical training, to influence his unique compositional styling.
He has toured and performed with several artist that include Joe Lovano, Roy Hargrove, Matt Wilson, Ingrid Jensen, Camila Meza, Tim Warfield, Marcus Belgrave, Aaron Parks, Fabian Almazan, Jon Cowherd, Dayna Stephens, Rudy Royston, Kenny Wollesen, Jamire Williams, Marcus Printup, Frank Locrasto, Donald Edwards, J.J. Johnson, Adam Nussbaum, Steve Houghton, Ernie Watts, Ashley Arrison (Kelly Clarkson), and Toby Goodshank (Moldy Peaches) He has recorded with Jon Brion, David Binney, Radney Foster, Andre Heyword, and Aben Eubanks (Kelly Clarkson)
Bryan has performed at Montreux Jazz Festival, Jazz a Juan in Antibes, Vienne Jazz Festival, Lion Jazz Festival, NYC Winter Jazz
Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center. As a student, he was named outstanding soloist at Addison Jazz Festival

The Saints of Swing featuring Miss Rene Bailey
2024-07-27 19:00 - 22:00
The Saints of Swing Featuring Miss Rene Bailey
An extraordinary collection of musicians providing an ultimate experience in art and entertainment, the SAINTS OF SWING present an eclectic selection of foot-tappin’ Swing favorites, down-home New Orleans Dixieland Jazz, Motown/R&B, Ballroom, Latin, and even Gospel and Klezmer gems guaranteed to get your guests partying and lit up!… with a smile. This is a celebration of American music from its roots, with modern influences.
Not only will the SAINTS OF SWING regale you with terrific dance music…they will also put on a fun-filled show featuring
Miss Rene Bailey, featured vocalist
David Winograd, bass/tuba
Dale DeMarco, sax/clarinet/vocals
Peter Tomlinson, piano
Larry Balestra, drums
Barry Bryson, trumpet/vocals
Ken Foy, trombone, vocals

Rene Bailey uses her vocal clarity to sell the blues with true feeling. Combining gospel, jazz, and rhythm/blues, she has performed with such greats as Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Dave Brubeck, Ruth Brown, Paul Anka, and many more…
Rene Bailey started singing gospel as a young girl in her Georgia church. Moving north to Connecticut, she hit the New York City scene where she sang blues and jazz. The transition from gospel to nightclub work came naturally, and Rene became the featured vocalist at the Peg Leg Bates Country Club for over 20 years.
In church it’s called “shouting” – the gospel dance. “They get up and shout and shout and shout.” In a nightclub when Rene Bailey sings and “it” hits, you holler, “Yes, indeed!”

The Professors
2024-07-13 19:00 - 22:00
Vinnie Martucci – keys
Mark Dziuba – guitar
Rich Syracuse – bass
Jeff Siegel – drums
SUNY music professors come together on this special night to perform original works, jazz, world music and other musical gems.
Vinnie Martucci has had an exciting and diverse career as a performer, composer, arranger, producer, and educator. He has toured extensively on the international stage as co-leader of the Jazz Fusion Quartet “The Dolphins” with Dan Brubeck, as arranger, accompanist for Laurel Masse (Manhattan Transfer), arranger and performer for Blues artist Rory Block. He has recorded and toured with Graham Parker, Livingston Taylor, and others. He co-composed the off-broadway play “Clue, The Musical” as well as numerous cable network TV themes for Lifetime, the Travel Channel, CNN and underscores for daytime TV dramas “As the World Turns”, Guiding Light”. As a producer and recording engineer, he has worked with composer Baikida Carroll on recordings and productions for several theatrical and television projects, most notably the Tony award winning play “Having Our Say”. He has also given clinics in Jazz and improvisation in Europe, South America, as well as the Central Conservatory in Beijing, China. Currently, Vinnie is the chair of the music department at SUNY, New Paltz, where he also teaches jazz studies and recording technology courses.
Mark Dziuba has been a guitarist, improviser and composer for most of his life. He has performed with a who’s who of Jazz, Blues, Rock and Bluegrass musicians and has performed and taught at workshops and festivals internationally for over 40 years.
Mark is a tenured professor of music at the State University of New York at New Paltz where he directs the Jazz Studies program. He was a part of the internationally acclaimed National Guitar Workshop for 25 years and has been a part of the Crown of the Continent International Guitar Festival since its birth.
Mark is a published author and a featured soloist and composer on numerous recordings. He continues to explore the world of improvised live and virtual music and can be found performing often in the area and abroad. (dziubam@newpaltz.edu)
RICH SYRACUSE STRING BASSIST, ELECTRIC BASSIST, COMPOSER Rich Syracuse has been a mainstay on the New York area scene for more than three decades. While performing at an early age in New York City he was the winner of the prestigious Congress Of Strings Award. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Rich performed with The Group For Contemporary Music under the Conductor Charles Wournin and Harvey Solberger, The Hartford Ballet and the New Jersey Lyric Opera Co. During the early part of his career he performed in Jazz groups featuring pianists John Mehegan, Joey Calderazzo and Ted Rosenthal. After moving to New York State’s Hudson Valley in the mid 1980’s he began a long-standing stint in the Nick Brignola Quartet playing clubs, festivals, and recording sessions. Besides his years with Brignola, he has performed with Mose Allison, Kurt Elling, Dave Liebman, Brubeck Brothers, Warren Bernhardt, SumiTonoka, David Torn, Mike DeMicco, Peter Levin, Sam Morrison, Bernard Purdy, Vic Juris, Dave Stryker, Chuck Lamb, Jeff “Siege” Siegel, Dena DeRose, John Medeski, Michael Musilliami and Ali Demogli, Rich had been the bassist for Jazz pianist Lee Shaw for over 25 years until her passing.
Drummer/Composer Jeff “Siege” Siegel is a veteran of the New York Jazz scene and has worked with a virtual “who’s who” of artists. A member of the Sir Roland Hanna Trio from 1994-’99, Siegel’s diverse career has also led him to perform and/or record with legends such as Ron Carter, Kenny Burrell, Jack DeJohnette, Benny Golson, Sheila Jordan, Helen Merrill, Mose Allison, John Medeski, Arthur Rhames, Dave Douglas, Stefon Harris, Pat Metheny, Kurt Elling, Ravi Coltrane, Ryan Kisor, Lee Shaw, Levin Brothers, John Medeski, Dena DeRose, Lee Shaw and many others. He has worked in the avant garde world as well with Wadada Leo Smith, Baikida Carroll. He’s performed over 30 European tours including four as leader of the Jeff “Siege” Siegel Quartet and several others as co-leader. The Jeff “Siege” Siegel Sextet performed a 3 week tour of Africa in the summer of 2019. Other recent tours include The Levin Brothers Japan, Mexico, Canada and the US west coast and Midwest as well as South & Central America. His 2017 CD release “King of Xhosa” features South African trumpeter Feya Faku and is on the ARC label. His most recent release with his quartet is the 2018 release on ARC entitled “London Live” and “When You Were There” (2019) with Hetko, Syracuse & Siegel.

Rob Scheps Core-tet
2024-07-06 19:00 - 22:00
Rob Scheps – saxophone/flute
Tim Regusis – piano
Lew Scott – bass
Jeff Siegel – drums
Oregon native Rob Scheps began studying the tenor saxophone at age nine. He grew up on Long Island, New York. After graduating high school, he enrolled in the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music. There he received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies with Honors in Performance.
​While living in the Boston area, Rob formed and led his own groups, including the True Colors Big Band. In 1988 he moved to New York, where he formed the Rob Scheps Core-tet and the Bartokking Heads, firmly establishing himself on the jazz scene.
​Not content to limit himself, Rob continued to take on new challenges. He formed new bands on both coasts. He served as a faculty member at the Mannes College of Music. He worked with contemporary music ensembles. All while performing with some of the most noted and influential big bands of our age, such as the Gil Evans Orchestra and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.
​In addition to his jazz credentials, Rob been an active part of the classical, theater, and popular music communities. For 13 years, he served as the Principal Saxophone with the Oregon Symphony. He was part of the national tour of Porgy and Bess with the Charleston Symphony, and the New York City Opera orchestra for Wonderful Town. He has worked on Broadway on productions such as CATS and Miss Saigon. He has appeared with such legends as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Liza Minnelli, and Linda Ronstadt. His range is best shown by viewing his ‘Performances’ page, showing the diversity of those with whom he has worked.
Tim Regusis is a Hudson Valley-based pianist who has been active in the jazz scene of the NYC region, as well as in the fields of R&B, Latin and various world musics for many years.
He has played and/or recorded with Patti Austin, Ruben Blades, David Byrne, Celia Cruz, Chuck Mangione, Johnny Pacheco, Daniel Ponce, Rick Margitza, Cindy Blackman, Jeff Williams, Akira Ohmori, Najee, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Jonathan Butler, Ofra Haza and others.
Lew Scott, bassist, has been performing in the New York area and throughout the country for many years. He has performed with many notable musicians, including Clark Terry, Conti Condoli, Frank Rosolino, Joe Lavano, Herb Ellis, George Coleman, Dave Liebman, Jack Sheldon, Peggy Stern and John Abercrombie, as well as many others. He has toured with vocalists Melba Morre, Lainie Kazan, Nnena Frelon and Michael Amante. Lew has worked with Anita O’Day, Mark Murphy and many other singers, including Robert Goulet, Vic Damone, Sergio Franchi, Jerry Vale, Al Martino, Eddie Fisher, Florence Henderson, Julie Budd and Lucie Arnaz. He has also performed with many groups, including the Four Aces and the Fifth Dimension. In the past, Lew was a competition cyclist, but now, he rides his bicycle around the county for enjoyment.
Drummer/Composer Jeff “Siege” Siegel is a veteran of the New York Jazz scene and has worked with a virtual “who’s who” of artists. A member of the Sir Roland Hanna Trio from 1994-’99, Siegel’s diverse career has also led him to perform and/or record with legends such as Ron Carter, Kenny Burrell, Jack DeJohnette, Benny Golson, Sheila Jordan, Helen Merrill, Mose Allison, John Medeski, Arthur Rhames, Dave Douglas, Stefon Harris, Pat Metheny, Kurt Elling, Ravi Coltrane, Ryan Kisor, Lee Shaw, Levin Brothers, John Medeski, Dena DeRose, Lee Shaw and many others. He has worked in the avant garde world as well with Wadada Leo Smith, Baikida Carroll. He’s performed over 30 European tours including four as leader of the Jeff “Siege” Siegel Quartet and several others as co-leader.

Matt Finck Trio
2024-06-29 19:00 - 22:00
Matt Finck – guitar
Adam Cote’ – bass
Bram Kincheloe – drums

For the past 15 years guitarist/composer Matthew Finck has established himself as one of the most versatile and respected guitarists on the New York scene. With a full gamut of experience in so many facets over those years, he has finally launched his own group (in partnership with saxophonist Jonathan Ball) with the Matthew Finck Jonathan Ball Project. Their first CD, It’s Not That Far, was released in July of 2013.
But the remarkable guitarist’s journey began virtually at birth, as music has always been an intrinsic part of his life. His father Ron Finck was a prominent saxophonist and teacher who worked steadily in jazz ensembles, Broadway pit bands and – after touring extensively with Sammy Davis, Jr. – with top name entertainers in the Borscht Belt and all over the U.S. Matthew was regularly surrounded by musicians and performers of all genres – his “second family” as he calls it. Among those were jazz artists Roswell Rudd, Anthony Braxton, Frankie Dunlop and Ed Summerlin, composer Meyer Kupferman, choreographers/dancers Maurice Hines and Mercedes Ellington, and popular entertainers Milton Berle, Jackie Mason and Davis.
Matthew also recorded with John Medeski and Heather Masse and performed with artists like Steve Wilson, Dennis Mackrel, Randy Brecker, Adam Nussbaum, Jay Anderson, Pete Yellin and Roswell Rudd. Working on and off with Rudd over more than 12 years, he has performed at U.S. and European Festivals and on two of the great trombonist’s albums.Adam Coté is a double bassist born in Burlington, VT, and now based in the Hudson Valley in New York. He has been a part of New York City’s creative music scene for the past 15 years and is regarded for his lyrical solos and supportive accompaniment.
Adam has been fortunate to collaborate with esteemed musicians like George Coleman, Philip Harper, Billy Drummond, and Myron Walden. He has also played with Ian Hendrickson-Smith’s band featuring James Poyser of The Roots, and was a founding member of the jazz quartet Walking Distance, led by saxophonist Caleb Curtis.
Walking Distance’s debut album, “Neighborhood”, was released in 2015. “Coté cleverly walks the line between rhythm player and melodic voice” writes Dan Bilawsky of All About Jazz. Their sophomore album, “Freebird”, featured pianist Jason Moran and was included in the New York Times’ “Best Jazz of 2018” list where it was called “utterly fresh”.
Bram Kincheloe is a multi-instrumentalist, writer, producer, and engineer based out of New York. In 2002, Bram, then aged sixteen, moved to New York City on his own to pursue a career in jazz drumming. He attended Laguardia School of Performing Arts for one year before being accepted into Manhattan School of Music. While at Manhattan, attending on a Zildjian scholarship, he studied with Justin DiCioccio. During this time, he also studied composition and piano with Garry Dial, and was involved in various recording and performing projects headed by Dick Oatts, Steve Slagel, Kenny Wollesen, and many more. Through the years playing jazz, he has been honored to play with Lee Konitz, Branford Marsalis, Ambrose Akinmusire, Wynton Marsalis, Ben Street, Steve Cardenas and many others.

John Menegon Quartet "Sound Embrace"
2024-06-22 19:00 - 22:00
John Menegon Quartet “Sound Embrace”
John Menegon Bass/compositions. www.johnmenegonmusic.com
Jeff Lederer Sax www.littleimusic.com
Dave Lopato Piano www.davidlapato.com
Harvey Sorgen Drums www.harveysorgen.com

The intuitive, spontaneous nature of the music presented by Bassist & Composer John
Menegon, in collaboration with these exceptional musicians, pushes the boundaries of
today’s music on the world stage. The music is deeply rooted in the traditions that come
out of the Free Bop era of Ornette Coleman, Dewey Redman, and Paul Motian, to name
a few. The music is created in the “moment of now!” Some of the melodies presented on
Saturday will be freely interpreted, sometimes letting the form create itself, using
melodic and harmonic expression relying in the trust of each player’s deep knowledge
of improvisation. The group will be exploring some odd meters and different grooves,
and will include Menegon’s original compositions. The unique sounds in improvisation
are unleashed by these four exceptional musicians.

The Magnatone Brothers feat. Joel Harrison and Mark Dziuba
2024-06-15 19:00 - 22:00
Joel Harrison – guitar
Mark Dziuba – guitar
Jay Anderson – bass
Jeff Siegel – drums
The Magnatone Brothers is a two guitar ensemble led by Joel Harrison and Mark Dziuba. The two like -minded guitarists bonded over the fact that they both own rare and eccentric 1950s guitars made by the Magnatone company. They resolved to do a show where both guitars would speak to each other. Both Joel and Mark are improvisors with an open minded aesthetic which includes all kinds of American Music. Both are composers so expect a mix of originals, jazz tunes, groove- based material, and in general a lot of fine interplay and good fun. The two are joined by illustrious colleagues— Jay Anderson on bass and Jeff Siegel on drums.

Guitarist, composer, arranger, lyricist, writer, educator, and vocalist Joel Harrison has “created a new blueprint for jazz” (New Orleans Times-Picayune). A Guggenheim Fellow (2010) whose compositions have been commissioned by Chamber Music America, Meet the Composer, New Music USA, the Jerome Foundation, NYSCA, and the Mary Flagler Cary Trust., he has released 25 CDs as a leader on seven different labels. Harrison’s music may be founded on jazz but veers into classical, rock, country, and all manner of American roots music. Succinctly described by the New York Times as “protean… brilliant.”
Harrison is the founder and director of the Alternative Guitar Summit, a yearly festival devoted to new and unusual guitar music. Pat Metheny has called the Summit “one of the most interesting and distinguished forums for guitar on the planet. Harrison is the author of “Guitar Talk: conversations with visionary players” as well as “Modern Jazz Standards for Guitar.”

Eric Goldberg Memorial Jam
2024-06-09 16:00 - 20:00
Sunday afternoon jazz jam, potluck dinner to pay tribute and remember our good friend Eric who died in December last year.
Bring your instrument, backline provided.
Bring lawn chairs/blankets in case we run out of seats.

David Lopato Quintet
2024-06-01 19:00 - 22:00
David Lopato – piano, composer
Ed Neumeister – trombone
Lucas Pino – saxes and clarinet
Ratzo Harris – bass
Harvey Sorgen – drums
Hudson Valley-based pianist/composer David Lopato has performed as a leader and sideman throughout the world. As a composer he has received multiple grants from the N.E.A., New York Foundation for the Arts, Meet the Composer, and the Beards Fund, as well as a Fulbright Fellowship to study Javanese Gamelan in Surakarta, Indonesia, where he lived for a year. Lopato has toured his own music in configurations ranging from solo piano to 10-piece ensembles, having performed with Dave Liebman, Dewey Redman, Joe Lovano, Mark Helias, Ray Anderson, Wadada Leo Smith, Jane Ira Bloom, Steve Gorn and numerous others. His most recent recording, Gendhing for a Spirit Rising (Global Coolant-02), a Gamelan-influenced work for large ensemble, was hailed by Downbeat Magazine as one of the “Best Albums of 2017”…“unlike anything you are likely to hear this year (or any year).

John Bruschini Quartet
2024-05-25 19:00 - 22:00
John Bruschini – guitar
John Mulkerin – trumpet
Rich Mollin – bass
Chris Bowman – drums

Jimmy Madison & Friends
2024-05-18 19:00 - 22:00
Jimmy Madison – drums
Tim Regusis – keys
Tarik Shah – bass
Drummer Jimmy Madison has performed with the greats of Jazz and Funk for over six decades, from Lionel Hampton, Roland Kirk, Chet Baker and Quincy Jones to James Brown, Maceo Parker and George Benson, among many others. But this trio format allows he and his compatriots to do what they do best, improvising on themes both familiar and new. It’s pure Jazz at its best.
Tim Regusis is a Hudson Valley-based pianist who has been active in the jazz scene of the NYC region, as well as in the fields of R&B, Latin and various world musics for many years.
He has played and/or recorded with Patti Austin, Ruben Blades, David Byrne, Celia Cruz, Chuck Mangione, Johnny Pacheco, Daniel Ponce, Rick Margitza, Cindy Blackman, Jeff Williams, Akira Ohmori, Najee, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Jonathan Butler, Ofra Haza and others.
Tarik Shah is an African American Muslim with a career as a professional jazz musician. As the sole student of Slam Stewart, Shah began playing the upright bass at age 12 and went on to play with Betty Carter, Ahmad Jamal, Abbey Lincoln and Art Taylor among others. He is a composer, a jazz educator, and lyricist.

Nico Soffiato Duo
2024-05-04 19:00 - 22:00
Nico Soffiato – guitar
Dean Sharp – drums

Dean Sharp is a prolific creative percussionist, composer, producer and remixer. He has played and/or recorded with a strikingly diverse array of creative artists including Moby, Brad Mehldau, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elliott Sharp, Michael Bisio, Joe Lovano, Marc Ribot, John Stubblefield, Jazz Criminals, Hugh Brodie, Tony Levin, Steve Swallow, Carter Burwell, Todd Sickafoose’s Blood Orange , Kris Davis, and Ani Defranco. Sharp has written and recorded with notorious loop-miester David Torn (SPLaTTeRCeLL project), co-lead the ensembles earmight (w/ Dean Jones, David Hofstra, Russ Johnson and Ken Mcgloin) and trio loCo (w/ Marc Dzuiba and StudioStu) and is the creative catalyst behind SONic 150 (with bassist michael bisio and trumpet notebender russ johnson), scribbleScrabbLe (with videographer Thomas Moore), sharpEND (with Ken Mcgloin and John Menegan) and Word Was (w/ russ johnson and mario pavone). He has played a vital role in the recordings and live performances of such innovative singer/ songwriters as Rachael Sage, Greg Brown, Donna Lewis, MIMI, Noe Veneble, Louise Taylor, Jill Sobule and Jane Siberry.

Nico Soffiato is an Italian guitarist, composer and educator. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2007, he made his home in Brooklyn and moved to the Hudson Valley in 2021. A versatile player, Nico finds himself playing in various jazz and experimental groups such as his duo with Grammy-winning trumpet player Josh Deutsch, Paradigm Refrain with Anti Label recording artist Marco Buccelli, and Dogwood. As a member of the New York music scene for over fifteen years, Nico has been part of the collective Out Of your Head Brooklyn, whose members included Gerald Cleaver, Michael Attias, Tony Malaby, Kirk Knuffke, and many others. He also plays in Innocent When You Dream, Aaron Schragge’s ensemble that reimagines the music of Tom Waits.
He had played nationally and internationally, presenting his music at renowned festivals like Dave Douglas’s FONT Festival, Sile Jazz Festival, Padova Jazz Festival and more.
Nico is also music for media composer and producer. He’s a staff composer for the international music house Overcoast and has worked on movies and commercials.

Horton/Regusis Quartet
2024-04-20 19:00 - 22:00
Ron Horton – trumpet/flugelhorn
Tim Regusis – piano
Lew Scott – bass
Peter O’Brien – drums

Tim Regusis is a Hudson Valley-based pianist who has been active in the jazz scene of the NYC region, as well as in the fields of R&B, Latin and various world musics for many years.
He has played and/or recorded with Patti Austin, Ruben Blades, David Byrne, Celia Cruz, Chuck Mangione, Johnny Pacheco, Daniel Ponce, Rick Margitza, Cindy Blackman, Jeff Williams, Akira Ohmori, Najee, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Jonathan Butler, Ofra Haza and others.
Ron Horton has perform and/or record with such artists as Lee Konitz, Will Holshouser, Neil Kirkwood, Rez Abbasi, Phillip Johnston, Andy Laster, Mick Rossi, Matt Wilson, Bill Gerhardt, Bill Mays, Peggy Stern, Allan Chase, Andy Biskin, Ted Nash, Jon Gordon, John McKenna, Walter Thompson, Diana Perez, Billy Newman, Mario Pavone, Tina Marsh, Maryanne DeProphetis, Landon Knoblock, Sam Bardfeld, Maria Guida, Abigail Riccards, Angie Sanchez, Kris Davis, Darcy James Argue.
Born in Flushing, Queens, NY, drummer Peter O’Brien inherited his musical talents from his father, drummer Bill O’Brien, with whom he began his formal studies of the drums at age five. Peter toured the USA with organist Brother Jack McDuff and, from 1984-1985, performed all over the USA and Canada with the Edgar Winter Band. The band featured the legendary singer Jerry LaCroix (the original lead singer for White Trash) and performed the jazz-inflected fusion material from Edgar’s first ground-breaking record “Entrance,” as well as his rock and blues music. During this time, Peter also performed several dates with Roy Buchanan, including a sold-out show at the Beacon Theatre with Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, and Junior Wells. From 1986-1987, he toured Europe with Mark McMillan. Peter moved to Woodstock, NY in early 1988 and became a member of John Hall’s band Orleans. He was the subject of a feature article published in Modern Drummer’s Rhythm and News (Japan).
Lew Scott, bassist, has been performing in the New York area and throughout the country for many years. He has performed with many notable musicians, including Clark Terry, Conti Condoli, Frank Rosolino, Joe Lavano, Herb Ellis, George Coleman, Dave Liebman, Jack Sheldon, Peggy Stern and John Abercrombie, as well as many others. He has toured with vocalists Melba Morre, Lainie Kazan, Nnena Frelon and Michael Amante. Lew has worked with Anita O’Day, Mark Murphy and many other singers, including Robert Goulet, Vic Damone, Sergio Franchi, Jerry Vale, Al Martino, Eddie Fisher, Florence Henderson, Julie Budd and Lucie Arnaz. He has also performed with many groups, including the Four Aces and the Fifth Dimension. In the past, Lew was a competition cyclist, but now, he rides his bicycle around the county for enjoyment.
