In the Hudson Valley, Sunday nights will begin to slip into something deeper and unspoken, as a new monthly jazz series takes shape at Reason & Ruckus beginning April 26.
Main Street in Poughkeepsie becomes an immersive space for rhythm, bringing together performers that make jazz a living, breathing expression, and Sundays not just a day of rest, but a day of release. Placing jazz in local settings like Reason & Ruckus reflects what the genre has always stood for and continues to embody. It thrives in areas like Poughkeepsie because the city fosters close-knit spaces where improvisation and connection can feel like a conversation between performers and audience.
Poughkeepsie’s own Joe McPhee, a defining voice in free jazz whose work has influenced generations of improvisers, will lead the opening night performance. His significance is indisputable, with a decades-long career that has not only evolved with the genre, but invited new possibilities within it. He will perform a set alongside Michael Bisio on bass, Jay Rosen on drums, and jk on electric guitar.
The evening will open with a solo set from guitarist and vocalist Ava Mendoza, who has recently relocated to the Hudson Valley. This performer defines experimentation, bridging genres through a dynamic musical exploration that returns the art form to its foundation in freedom.
The series will continue with two additional Sundays currently scheduled.
On May 31, the Eric Person Trio will perform, featuring Neil “Nail” Alexander on keyboards and Peter O’Brien on drums. Opening the evening will be 2Horns&What?, together with Phil Haynes on drums, Peyton Pleninger on tenor and C-melody saxophones, and Adam Siegel on alto saxophone.
Following that date on June 21, Bard Jazz Program director Angelica Sanchez will perform on Fender Rhodes electric piano alongside Harris Eisenstadt on drums. The opening set will feature Sean Morrison on Fender Rhodes and Ben Basile on bass.
More Sunday jazz sessions at Reason & Ruckus are expected to be announced.
The Sunday jazz series will take place at Reason & Ruckus, located at 305 Main Street in Poughkeepsie. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with two groups performing across two sets each evening. Additionally, admission is $20 at the door.
For updates and additional dates, follow Reason & Ruckus on Instagram.
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