Residents Enjoy Hudson Valley Jazz Festival in the Pine Island Park

By Lourice Angie

    The Pine Island Chamber of Commerce hosted a live musical performance on Fri., Aug. 14 as part of the 2020 Hudson Valley Jazz Festival. The fun- filled, free of charge, family friendly event was held at the Pine Island Park pavilion, located at Kay Rd. and Treasure Ln. in Pine Island.

   After months of people staying at home in quarantine due to COVID-19 guidelines, a day of live outdoor music was the perfect way to spend a warm summer evening. The safety and enjoyment of all attendees was a top priority for the P.I. Chamber, who asked that all guests arrive wearing a face mask or covering, bring their own lawn chairs and maintain social distancing, which is already a mandate at the Pine Island Park. 

  The popular Hudson Valley Jazz Festival, is a four-day event that attracts music lovers alike at different locations and venues in the Hudson Valley. It is led and directed by local resident and musician, Steve Rubin and many other local artists and volunteers. This year, because of the extraordinary times we are all facing, many of the artists collaborated on creative solutions in order for the show to go on. 

  There were fewer shows held, and all of the events, either took place outside or were streamed live online, indoors or both. Each performance was designed with the safety of the audiences and musicians in mind. At the Pine Island park, Mike Jackson & Friends, Rave Tesar and Jeff Siegal delighted the crowd with their precise musical talents.

   During the event, the P.I. Chamber gratefully accepted donations that will go towards the support of local food pantries, scholarships for local children and the preservation of Pine Island. P.I. Chamber President Janet Zimmerman, was very enthusiastic about hosting the festival and encouraged visiting guests to support local businesses.  

  For more information about the festival visit www.hudsonvalleyjazzfest.org.

The Pine Island Chamber of Commerce hosted a free outdoor musical event at the Pine Island Park in part of the 2020 Hudson Valley Jazz Festival.

Mike Jackson (right) & Friends, Rave Tesar & Jeff Siegel, delighted the crowd with their soothing jazz sounds during the 11th annual Hudson Valley Jazz Festival in Pine Island Park. 

Hudson Valley Jazz Director Steve Rubin & his wife, Bettina Skye, enjoy the live music performance at the Pine Island Park on Fri., Aug. 14.