Dutch Chapel Set to Transform into New Multi-Arts Venue

September 13, 2023154 views0

Dutch Chapel Set to Transform into New Multi-Arts Venue

2023-09-13T09:38:36+01:00

By Church News

For over 40 years, the Dutch chapel in the heart of the Village of Saugerties served as a child daycare centre. But soon, this church building will be brimming with the sounds of music from all over the world.Recently acquired by Isabel Soffer and Danny Melnick, cofounders of the world music events producing company Hudson Valley Live, Saugerties’s 1800s Dutch chapel has now been transformed into The Local: a year-round, multi-arts venue. The upcoming debut concert series features 15 distinct shows from September through December.Founders Soffer and Melnick each have more than 30 years of experience in the music industry, including producing multiple festivals, concerts, and curated arts experiences. Soffer was instrumental in developing the global music scene in America, and she’s renowned for her work as cofounder and codirector of globalFEST.Celebrated in the jazz world, Melnick has produced the Newport Jazz Festival as well as a variety of other festivals and tours through his own company, Absolutely Live Entertainment.With The Local, Soffer and Melnick hope that they can lean on their experience in curating eclectic international music acts to help introduce new musical talents to the Hudson Valley. Melnick sums up the goal succinctly: “Let’s bring the world to Saugerties.” Arguing that there have been far too many touring and recording artists who miss the Hudson Valley, Melnick believes that The Local is an opportunity for local residents to see these kinds of artists without having to trek out to the city or major festivals. “These bands have had success all over the world, so why can’t they be successful here?” asked Melnick. “Why should Saugerties be different from any other place?”Two highlights from The Local’s diverse lineup include the Wazumbians, an Afropop group from Ghana (performing October 7, at 8pm) and Troker, a band from Guadalajara that blends psych jazz, rock, and funk with traditional Mexican music (November 12, at 7pm). Although The Local will feature a motley of uncommon acts from abroad, it will also uplift local artists during events like the John Street Jam—the long-held Saugerties tradition featuring Hudson Valley-based musicians performing folk, blues, bluegrass, and country in-the-round (November 10, at 8pm).ALSO READ: The Outpouring Canada 2023: A Night of Worship and Miracles