Dutchess County is a one-of-a-kind destination for live music. Concerts run the gamut from intimate winery settings to large arenas. Of course, sitting on the banks of the Hudson River listening to live performances is one of the most memorable experiences the area has to offer.
Jazz in the Valley brings acclaimed artists to the Poughkeepsie waterfront. The annual festival takes place just a short walk away from the MTA Metro-North train station. A massive tent offers plenty of seating, but bring lawn chairs or blankets for a true open-air atmosphere. Enjoy two days of music at Waryas Park August 16-17!
This carefully curated lineup of musicians will impress and inspire audiences at Waryas Park. This year's lineup is packed with living legends and emerging talents alike.
Trombonist Craig Harris leads a large ensemble of musicians for Saturday's free performance. Experience "BREATHE" from 3-4:30 p.m. Harris led the group Cold Sweat, performed and recorded with Sun Ra, and used his music to affect change.
Sunday's list of performers is stacked with renowned jazz talent. Jazzmeia Horn breathes new life into jazz standards and staples from other genres. Bobby Sanabria and Ascensión brings Afro-Cuban jazz to Poughkeepsie. Sanabria recorded and performed with Latin jazz legends and other musical luminaries, including and certainly not limited to Mario Bauzá, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaría, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Barretto, Ruben Blades and Celia Cruz.
Day two's festivities culminate in performances from "ECHOES OF AN ERA", a project curated by Jazz in the Valley artistic director Javon Jackson. Jackson's music has been described as a blend of tradition and neo-jazz, soul, funk and hard bop. His career stretches from membership in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers to playing on Tupac Shakur's "Keep Ya Head Up/Madukey Remix". Beyond recording with Betty Carter, Elvin Jones, Ben E. King and more, Jackson also portrayed saxophonist Illinois Jacquet in the Spike Lee joint Malcom X. "ECHOES OF AN ERA" reimagines the classic Chaka Khan/Chick Corea album with its original Grammy Award-winning drummer Lenny White. Also featured are vocalist Lisa Fischer, pianist Orrin Evans, bassist John Patitucci and trumpeter Dr. Eddie Henderson.
General admission tickets are $60 in advance and $70 at the gate. Or, puchase them before August 1 for an early-bird special of $50. Students with valid ID gain entrance at the gate for $20. Tickets can be purchased online through the festival’s website; to buy advance tickets, click here.
Traveling from New York City? Take Metro-North from Grand Central or Amtrak from Penn Station to Poughkeepsie Station.
While you’re at the festival, grab a bite to eat at one of the local food trucks, which in the past has included Caribbean fare, southern barbecue, seafood and more. Of course, several fan-favorite eateries are just around the corner. Pick up one of the famous Italian sandwiches at Rossi Rosticceria Deli, or snag a table on the rooftop at Zeus Brewing Co. for pizza, pasta and brews with views.
Related: Prettiest Places to Dine Outdoors in Dutchess
While you’re in town, be sure to check out the myriad of summer activities and events found only in the heart of the Hudson Valley.
Related: Outdoor Summer Concerts in Dutchess County
Parents, it’s a great time of year to bring the kids! Just a short walk from Jazz in the Valley, the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum has several state-of-the-art interactive exhibits for developing minds. Our Dutchess Tourism Connection Finder mobile passport features several deals and discounts at family-friendly destinations, free of charge! Embark on scenic hikes with alpacas at Lilymoore Farm and Clover Brooke Farm, catch a classic summer baseball game with the Hudson Valley Renegades, rock climb at Gravity Vault and more. To get your free pass to family fun, click here.
Couples, it’s also a wonderful time of year for romance. There are so many romantic memories waiting to be made in Dutchess. Pick gorgeous sunflowers during peak season at Hudson Valley Cold Pressed Oils, or take a kayak for two out to castle ruins at Bannerman Island. (For other ways to enjoy the river during your stay, click here.)
The night before Jazz in the Valley, catch an outdoor movie and spend a night in a vintage airstream at Four Brothers Drive-In. Of course, if you’re looking for swoon-worthy accommodations, book a weekend at Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Rhinebeck—less than a half hour from Poughkeepsie! For a full list of hotels, bed and breakfasts, boutique inns and more nearby, click here.
No car? No problem! Metro-North Railroad Poughkeepsie Station is just a short walk from Waryas Park. Start your day with a scenic train ride along the Hudson River on the Metro-North to Poughkeepsie. Walk toward the river from the train station as the gates open at 11 a.m.
About Jazz in the Valley
Jazz in the Valley began as an afternoon of music when TRANSART received an individual artist grant commission from the New York State Council on the Arts to commission Ahmad Jamal to create an original composition for the organization. Inspired by the natural beauty of the area he created “Picture Perfect” and it was first heard in a concert in the summer of 2000. Promoted as an afternoon of music and art the concert has since grown into an annual festival, showcasing music performed by world-class musicians, fittingly complemented by breathtaking views of the Hudson River Valley as backdrop.
