Over the past two weeks, the Peekskill Herald has written two articles promoting  Peekskill’s Jazz and Music scene. The Herald has highlighted Jazz Nights Series at Apropos, the South Street Jazz series at The Artist Spot, musicians at the Beanrunner Cafe and at Gleasons. This week, the Peekskill Herald highlights a few local and area concerts. Thursday is the final performance of the initial series of Jazz Night concerts at Apropos, Stix Bones and the Bones Squad at the Beanrunner Cafe, a cellist performing at the Hendrick Hudson Coffeehouse Concert Series, the Taghkanic Chorale Spring Concert at Mariandale, and the 8th Annual Pete Seeger Festival at Tompkins Corners Cultural Center. 

Thursday, May 2

Apropos restaurant presents Jazz Nights with Charley Krachy and Billy Stein

On Thursday, May 2, Jazz Nights at Apropos Restaurant at the Abbey Inn hosts its final show: Charley Krachy and Billy Stein.

Charley Krachy began playing the saxophone at age ten. In 1981 he began a three-year association with jazz saxophonist Lenny Popkin, and in 1984 he began a thirteen-year association with pianist Connie Crothers, protégé of Lennie Tristano, where he continued his studies. 

Charley has performed at the Blue Note, Sweet Basil, Birdland and in 2015 played at Lincoln Center for the Lennie Tristano Induction Ceremony to the Jazz Hall of Fame. 

Charley Krachy is a local guy who has had an extensive career but has kept his roots firmly planted in the area. Charley was born in the old Peekskill Hospital, and grew up on 9th street in Verplank. In his youth, Charley played in the Hendrick Hudson High School Band, played with the Peekskill Music Center Orchestra in 1956, and played at The Diesel in 1965. His career took off from there, but he always played local gigs such as at the Division Street Grill, Ford Piano, The Hudson Room, and many other venues near and far. He loves to fish for stripers off of Fleischmann Pier, lives in Garrison and continues to play and teach.

Billy Stein has performed and recorded with a wide range of eclectic artists including jazz saxophonist/arranger Sahib Shihab, Latin pianist/arranger Joel Blanco, the rock group The Coasters, free-jazz drummer Rashid Bakr, and many others. Recordings as a leader include “Hybrids” (Barking Hoop).

The cost for the final Jazz Thursdays is $50 per person minimum and reservations are required. Call (914) 739-3546 for reservations. 

Saturday, May 4

The Beanrunner Cafe presents: Stix Bones and the Bones Squad

On Saturday, May 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Stix Bones and The Bone Squad will be performing at the Beanrunner Cafe. 

With their unique blend of soul, funk, and hip-hop, Stix Bones & The BONE Squad will keep you dancing all night long. 

Stix Bones was the drummer for internationally known group Soulfege, lead by former Oprah Winfrey XM Sirius host Derrick N. Ashong. Stix has had the privilege to record two award winning albums with Soulfege and perform on the Derrick Ashong Experience. The album “Afropolitan” made its mark on the Jazz Week World Charts. He has produced hit songs for guitarist Matt Marshak including “Gas Lamp Groove” and “Harlem River Drive.” The band’s current CD, “Olimpik Soul,” is a heart-stopper and will be available via a special ticket purchase or at the show, both will be signed at the show.

Don’t miss it, this will be their only appearance in the area. Tickets are $20 per person. For reservations, call 914-737-1701. To see what live music the Beanrunner has coming up every Friday and Saturday night, visit the Beanrunnercafe.com, the Beanrunner’s Facebook Page or sign up for the Beanrunner’s newsletter to stay up to date with all the Jazziest music in town

Sunday, May 5

On Saturday at River Outpost Brewing Company at Charles Point Sugarush will be performing at 8 p.m.

River Outpost Brewing is located at The Factoria, 5 John Walsh Blvd. River Outpost Brewing is a craft beer brewery located within the Factoria entertainment complex

Hendrick Hudson Library Coffeehouse Concert presents: From Bach to Rock: 200 Years of Musical Transformation with Cellist Alex Prizgintas

On Sunday, May 5th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, the Hendrick Hudson Library Coffee House Concert series welcomes Alex Prizgintas and his amplified cello!  Beginning with works by J.S. Bach, this inspired program travels through time sampling selections through many musical genres that highlight – and in some cases – show a direct connection to Bach.  

Classically trained, Alex employs non-classical tools like distortion, delay, and the iconic “wah-wah” guitar pedals symbolic of 1960s Rock n’ Roll bands – all in conjunction with a looping station. Equally comfortable with intimate and stadium settings, Alex is able to craft his own wall-of-sound through his 1,000 watt amp. Accompanied with a narration that reveals some of the back stories of baroque, jazz, folk, and Rock n’ Roll classics, he immerses his audience in a journey through musical history. This event is free and registration is not required. 

8th Annual Pete Seeger Festival at Tompkins Corner Cultural Center

On Sunday May 5th, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm the Tompkins Corner Cultural Center hosts the 8th Annual Pete Seeger Festival

This family friendly free event will celebrate the musical, environmental and humanitarian legacy of our neighbor, mentor, and friend. Scheduled performers include David and Jacob Bernz, Betty and the Baby Boomers, the Neverlee Brothers, Rick Nestler, Laurie Siegel and Patrick Stanfield Jones, Joe Kaminsky, and Sarah Underhill, among others.

Fine crafts will be offered for sale, and refreshments will be available. Vendors include craft artisans Denise Leaden, Carol Keane Forester, Liana Moss and Nancy Holmes Doyle, as well as Earthtone Farm.

This is a FREE, family-friendly event held outdoors. Donations will be shared with local organizations that Pete created, including the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, the Beacon Sloop Club and the River Pool at Beacon.

Tompkins Corners Cultural Center is located at 729 Peekskill Hollow Rd, Putnam Valley, NY

Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5

On Saturday and Sunday at Ruben’s Mexican Cafe DeeJay Josue will be spinning tunes, starting at 10 pm,  to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. Ruben’s is located at 12 North Division street.

Taghkanic Chorale Spring Concert at Mariandale

The Center at Mariandale will welcome the Taghkanic Chorale concert: Motets from the Renaissance to now on Saturday, May 4 at 8pm and Sunday, May 5 at 4pm.

Be inspired and uplifted by the Taghkanic Chorale as they explore and experience the Motet through the centuries.

The Taghkanic Chorale concert features the genre of the motet, as written by master composers from the Renaissance Period to today. Motets include those by Tallis, Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Bruckner and Durufle.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $12 for students. To buy tickets, click here. The Center at Mariandale is located at 299 N Highland Ave, Ossining, NY