"We'll always have Paris...and Poughkeepsie..."

Well, not exactly what Ilsa said to Rick in Casablanca but there may be a parallel that exists between the two cities some day. Tonight in our Hudson Valley Artist Spotlight, we listened to Bridge Music, a concept and recordings created by composer Joe Bertolozzi who shared his vision of how such a structure can be musical. Have you walked across the Mid-Hudson Bridge? It's a stellar scenic view of our historic river, so don't forget a camera when you visit. Joe shared these photos:

If you amble out to the towers, beginning this Thursday, April 1st, you can hear the music Joe composed using sounds from the bridge itself, while standing on what is clearly one of the largest percussion instruments in the world! It's an interactive installation where you can push buttons to hear the individual sounds and movements of the piece he composed. It will remain on the bridge through October, and you can hear Bridge Music broadcast on 95.3FM while visiting the parks on either the Poughkeepsie or Highland side, year round. If you can make it to the bridge this Thursday, 4/1 @ noon, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place to launch the reopening of the installation that made its debut last year, as part of the Quadricentennial Celebration of the magnificent Hudson River. Amici's Restaurant in Poughkeepsie has "composed" a menu item called the Bridge Music Parmigian Dinner, you can log into WHUD VIP Rewards for a chance to enjoy that. Learn more about Joe and his music, even get directions to the bridge at his web abode. The hope is that a live performance at the bridge will take place in the future. If you missed the interview, check back for the podcast to hear how the idea for Bridge Music was inspired by The Eiffel Tower--that may one day be the source of sound for Joe's mallets. The Paris monument is participating in Earth Hour this weekend, are you? Power down at 8:30pm local time and enjoy the night sky for an hour, as time goes by...

Moonlight & love songs,

Catherine

Pinktober : )

is a not-for-profit organization based in Valhalla that offers support to young Breast Cancer patients and survivors, as well as their families. Friday night we met Monique Johnson, a Breast Cancer survivor, and one of the founders of In The Pink. Check out the calendar of events and workshops Monique mentioned, even find out how you can experience the power of pink at Brighton in The Westchester Mall in White Plains. It's a month-long Breast Cancer awareness effort at Brighton, and Johanna will be performing the beautiful song we heard, You Are Not Alone, at an evening cocktail party there on Wednesday, October 14th @ 7pm.

Johanna wrote the song for In The Pink and proceeds support their efforts. The song is available at Johanna's website where you can find out where to catch one of her live shows, including tonight at The Striped Bass in Tarrytown, or next Friday night @ The Bayou in Mt. Vernon. Reach out to the resources of In The Pink by calling 914-681-9737 or visit the website where the song will also be available.

If you're Making Strides @ Jones Beach on October 18th, I'll see you on the boardwalk. ; ) Go United Knockers!!!

As mentioned on air, this week I visited the unique and wonderful public sound art installation on The Mid-Hudson Bridge in Poughkeepsie. Forgot my camera, so these low-res images were taken with my phone. We actually saw a rainbow, but it opted not to show up in my pictures.

Joe Bertolozzi, a Hudson Valley composer, found the musical potential in the architecture and created Bridge Music. You can walk along the pedestrian path to the middle of the bridge where you'll find speakers that play Joe's music at the touch of one of these buttons.
It's a majestic experience to stand on The Mid-Hudson Bridge, made better by its music. Joe's vision includes a live performance and you can learn more about his work at his website.

This weekend, The Walkway Over The Hudson has opened. Can't wait to visit that span too!

Which brings to mind a favorite song about a bridge further down the glorious Hudson River...

Groovy is good,

Catherine

Is it really August?

It seems mother nature has her foot firmly planted on the gas pedal this summer, with no sign of slowing down. Have you been enjoying the ride?

Tonight in our Hudson Valley Artist Spotlight, we checked in with Carolann Solebello, who just released a new solo album titled Glass of Desire. The song we heard is called Dance With Me, and you can hear more and check out her calendar here.


Carolann is also part of the acclaimed trio Red Molly, with numerous upcoming gigs all over the Northeast.

Tonight we also heard from Fr. John Nelson, the founder of Woodstock International Walk for Peace, that begins at the intersection of Routes 375 & 212 in Woodstock this weekend. Find the schedule of events in their blog.

Great news arrived from 11-year-old Ally Del Monte from Westchester, who is now a published author! She will be signing and selling copies of her book, Lilly's Story, at Bellizzi Restaurant in Larchmont this evening at 6pm. You can learn more about Ally and the book at her website.

We also heard the sounds of Joseph Bertolozzi, the composer of Bridge Music, created for and installed at the Mid-Hudson Bridge in Poughkeepsie. He'll be signing copies of his book at the Newburgh Barnes & Noble on Route 300, this Tuesday, August 11th @ 7pm.

My summer vacation last week was a stellar road trip and truly a memorable time visiting Rhode Island. My thanks to James, who gave me an insider's tour of The Cliff Walk, some of the buildings of Salve Regina University, and The Breakers...for some homemade Banana Bread. (The best experiences have no dollar value) Here are a few highlights:

The best place in Newport for New England Clam Chowder!

European Weeping Beech Tree on the grounds of Newport mansions

Sunset over Narragansett Bay

The view from Jamestown

Lobster Roll from Spinnakers--YUM!

...and this is James. : )

This week was a reminder of the totally unique decade we know as "the 80s," that lives on in the films of John Hughes. The songs were almost as paramount as the characters he created, like this one from the Pretty in Pink soundtrack...

Peace in music,

Catherine