All that jazz

Library’s first a rousing success, By Vicki Botta GOSHEN — Last Sunday Goshen was filled with the sound of music -- jazz music -- in celebration of the Goshen native who became one of America’s most innovative musicians. Currently in its fourth year, the Willie “the Lion” Smith Jazzfest is now produced entirely by the Goshen Public Library and Historical Society in conjunction with bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan of Newburgh, who is also a promoter and artistic director, and consultant R. Vince Hammond. Smith fired up the world of jazz in the 1920s with his piano style known as “The Harlem Stride.” Orange County Executive Edward Diana commended the library for bringing joy and music to the county. The Goshen Rotary Club was the festival’s first sponsor. Library coordinator Ken Tschan said the Rotary first approached him when he was president of the Lion’s Club. Rotary members felt the festival had run its course for them and asked if the Lions wanted to take it over. The project didn’t quite fit with the Lion’s Club mission, Tschan said, but he thought it would be a good fit for the library. Library Director Pauline Kehoe and the library board agreed. From Historic Track to Church Park Aside from the change in command, the late afternoon musical cavalcade had a change of venue. This year’s Jazzfest took place at church park in the center of the village. Last year’s was held at the Historic Track. Tschan said the Rotary had the luxury of having some members with deep pockets. Their sponsorships allowed for amenities, such as the tony setting of the track, a V.I.P tent, and a cocktail party. The Rotary had also raised money through the festival to fund a music scholarship for a Goshen high school student planning to pursue study in jazz performance. Next year, Tschan said, he will apply for grants and get an earlier start finding sponsors. In the meantime, all proceeds from the 2007 festival will pay for next year’s event. He said he was not sure if the library would be allowed to offer a jazz scholarship because of its affiliation with the school district. Next year may also see other genres of music mixed with jazz, Tschan said, suggesting such additions as bluegrass, big band music, and children’s theater. He hopes to turn Jazzfest into an arts festival. An art display tent was added just this year. One thousand plus Tschan and Lorraine Tucci of Sound Ideas, a promoter for the event, said almost 1,200 people turned out this year. Some of the venues included 170 Main Street, Maureen Mullany’s, Howell’s, New Street Tavern (Squirrel Cage), WV’s Coffee and Roastery and Il Limon Cello. At some venues, Tschan said, people were enjoying the music so much, they passed a hat to hire the entertainers for an extra hour. Performers included Steve Raleigh Duo, Michael Jackson Trio, Joe Vincent Tranchina Duo, Elegant Swing and Metropolitan Hot Club, Caribe Sol, East Coast “Gumbo” Jazz Express, Neil Alexander & Nail, and the Kitt Potter Experience. The Jubilee Dancers were a visual treat on a small dance floor near the stage in Church Park. The String Trio of New York provided a soft counterpoint to the horns and keys. Jazz lovers cuddled for warmth in the early fall chill. People came up from Queens and Brooklyn to hear the music, Tucci said. The biggest jazz stations in the New York/New Jersey advertised the fest. Tschan thanked the village’s Department of Public Works and its superintendent, Mike Nuzzolese, and the village police chief, James Watt, for their help and support.