Lineup announced for Willie ‘The Lion' Smith Jazzfest

Sonando, Bill Perry are among headliners Goshen — On Sept. 16, jazz will ring out from every corner of Goshen — from local cafés to the main stage, from the afternoon into the evening. The Goshen Rotary Club has announced the lineup of musical talent to perform at its third annual Willie “The Lion” Smith Jazz Festival, named for a jazz great born and raised in Goshen. Bluesman Bill Perry, the Latin band Sonando, jazz vocalist Michelle Walker with her Quartet Emcee, and bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan will perform on the main stage at the Historic Track at 7:30 p.m. Sullivan will be the emcee. The festival will benefit the Rotary Club’s music scholarship fund, dedicated to Smith’s memory. Admission is a donation of any amount. Last year’s scholarship recipient was percussionist Maria Alejandra Perez Lawrence from Cornwall Central High School in New Windsor. The festival celebrates the life and legacy of the legend who ignited the jazz world in the 1920s with his piano style known as the ”Harlem Stride.” In describing his early influences, which included the musical sound of a newborn baby’s cry, Willie “The Lion” Smith was quoted as saying, “Somewhere in Goshen, I began to get music on my mind.” [For more information on Smith’s life, see The Chronicle’s 2002 article by Frank Zeccola at www.chroniclenewspaper.com.] Orange County Executive Edward Diana issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 18 Willie “The Lion” Smith Day in Orange County, the date of the first festival in 2004. The festival is endorsed by Goshen officials, the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, and local merchants. During the afternoon, West Main Street will be closed for an arts festival. Free jazz performances will be ongoing during the day at selected venues (see schedule below for artists and venues) as well as Harriman Square in the center of the village. About the artists Bill Perry, who began playing guitar at age six, commands an arsenal of blues guitar styles while being equally at home playing in the style of Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray. He toured with Richie Havens and The Band’s Garth Hudson and Levon Helm before forming his own band in the early 1990s. His recordings include “Love Scars,” “High Octane,” “Fire It Up,” “Crazy Kind of Life,” and Raw Deal. (Visit www.BillPerry.com.) Sonando’s fiery rhythm section and high-octane horns make it a popular band with people who like to dance. They play a wide variety of Latin styles, from plena and son to salsa and merengue. They have played clubs, festivals, and benefit concerts throughout the Hudson Valley, as well as the Puerto Rico Day Parade in New York City. (Visit www.Sonando.net.) Singer Michelle Walker has a “soul-comforting allure,” according to Mike Joyce of The Washington Post. Dave Nathan of All About Jazz said she has an “extraordinary musicality,” and jazz singer Mark Murphy says “She sings the soul of the song.” Walker is often compared to Cassandra Wilson and Nina Simone. (Visit www.michellewalker.net.) Christopher Dean Sullivan can be heard on many recordings spanning a myriad of styles with artists Stanley Jordan, Barbara Sfraga, Odean Pope, Carl Grubbs, Newman Taylor Baker, Archie Shepp and more. His own project, co-led with soundrhythium Michael T.A. Thompson — Center Search Quest — can be heard on 2003’s Language of Swans (Drimala), on Barbara Sfraga and Center Search Quest’s new release Timelessness Frozen in Time, as well as the upcoming CSQ Project. He has hosted his own award-winning television show, “The Tree of Arts Alive.” Schedule of free concerts The following may be heard from 1 to 4 p.m. unless otherwise noted: • Michael Jackson Trio at Maureen Mullany’s • Steve Raleigh Duo at 170 West Main • Joe Tranchina Duo at Howell’s Deli • Paul Roessel Trio at New St. Tavern • Mark Hagan Trio at WV’s Coffee House and Roastery (formally Moon Doze) • Vocalist Lillie Howard at Il Limon Cello (formally The Orange Inn) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. • Carmen Chiles (singer/songwriter/guitarist) Jamie Kay (songwriter/guitarist) at Harriman Square starting at 4:30 p.m. For information on sponsorships, artist displays, or volunteer opportunities, call Vince Hammond at 914-805-9392 or visit www.goshenjazz.com.