Latin music alive and well in the Hudson Valley
Sugar Loaf Just when local Latin music aficionados have been voicing their concerns that there wasn’t enough salsa or Latin-jazz in Orange County, the Sugarloaf Music Series will host its second annual Latin Jazz Festival at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings, June 1 and 2, featuring Larry Harlow and his All Stars and Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra. Both events take place in the Pavilion of the Lycian Performing Arts Center on Kings Highway, Sugarloaf. On the heels of last season’s Latin Jazz Fest, dedicated to the late Ray Barretto, a Latin-jazz icon and former Warwick resident, Sugarloaf Music has made the commitment to present an eclectic variety of jazz and related genres of music. Furthermore, Harlow’s appearance in Sugarloaf will be coupled with a free concert/workshop earlier in the day for the students and staff of Warwick Valley Middle School. Sugarloaf Music, which celebrates its Silver Anniversary next season, is equally dedicated to augmenting the educational experience of public school youngsters. In the past, the Series has facilitated free concert/workshops in Warwick Schools featuring such stellar artists as Mark Egan, Jeff Ciampa, Danny Gottlieb, Jon Werking, The String Trio of New York, Judy Silvano, Cindy Blackman, The Tehillah Gospel Choir, Popa Chubby and The Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band. A pianist by trade, Harlow is actually of Jewish heritage, nonetheless well-endeared by the mainstream Hispanic community of New York City. Additionally, he has pursued extensive music study in the cradle of Latin music: Cuba. Torres, like Harlow, hails originally from New York City. The bassist/composer will take the stage leading a 13-piece orchestra. The evening concerts will allow for plenty of dancing with excellent floor space, but the capacity is limited. Reservations are necessary and may be arranged by calling 258-3019. Tickets may also be purchased at Village Music, Main St., Warwick and at Van Gelder Music, Route 17M, Monroe. For more information, log on to www.sugarloafmusic.org.