If You Listen Carefully You Can Hear Music In Orangetown's Air !

Orangetown is a model American suburb, be it a little suburb. Less than 50,000 residents of all age groups live in 3 historic Villages along the iconic Hudson River and 9 Hamlets of various sizes, each of which seem to have their own very pleasing flavor.

For purposes of this Article, two of the Villages, Nyack and Piermont, and two of the Hamlets, Pearl River and Tappan, have very "destination-worthy" restaurants and pubs, many of which host live music of every genre. When you add to the latter all the many schools of music, which include all 3 School Districts, you have a very musical town.

Let me tell you about 2 of the most traditional and interesting musical establishments in town.

Everything I write are facts taken from the published web sites of the establishments, nothing is fabricated by me, except my opinions.

I start with the Rockland Conservatory of Music in Pearl River. In 1956 Edward & Janet Simons, two life-long musicians, open the Community Music School of Spring Valley in an old firehouse to fill the need for quality music instruction in the community. Four musicians make up the faculty, teaching strings and piano one afternoon per week and one evening per month. In 1959 it as Incorporated and chartered by the Board of Regents of State of New York, officially making it a not-for-profit entity. In 1961 an Inauguration of Scholarship Fund, with concerts given in order to make lessons available to families in need. In 1963 the New York State Council on the Arts awarded a new grant for scholarships for students of color, which is still applied for and successfully awarded at its highest level ever in 2018 – 2020. In 1974 it was accepted as a full-member of the National Guild of Community Arts Education, cementing it as a cultural hub for music education in Rockland County. In 1989 the Community Music School of Spring Valley officially changes its name to the Rockland Conservatory of Music.

To my very explainable joy, a Music Therapy program benefiting mentally and physically challenged adults from ARC of Rockland and Venture is initiated through corporate and foundation support. I was the President Venture for 42 years and always saw the magic of music for folks with Special Needs who really get a great deal out of music.

In 2010, after renting for 56 years, it purchased and renovated a beautiful, convenient, and spacious home of our very own at 45 South Main Street in Pearl River, NY, my home hamlet.

Please understand that it is not just an unbelievable fantastic school, it is a very comfortable casual performance space. In fact, my son Chris, a graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory in Boston has performed there to every very one's enjoyment and will be there again on Saturday, November 12th at 7:00 PM. Admission is only $20, for adults , no cost for children.

Call 845-356-1522 for more info or a Reservation. Bring your children, they are welcomed.

Now on the opposite side of Orangetown, we have the Turning Point Cafe, the "Home Of Great Music'"in Piermont, in a very historic and interesting Village.

The Turning Point was started back in May of 1976 by John McAvoy and his sister Diane. The name of the club was in dispute between John who wanted to call it “The SoHo” and Diane who wanted “Sojourners Truth” (a real mouthful). Their mother intervened and suggested finding the name of a song or album as the name. Well the name was found on one of John’s favorite performer’s album “The Turning Point ” by John Mayall.

The restaurant was created in a small room seating 36 people. After dinner, local musicians would come in to play and be paid by “passing the bottle”.

In 1978 Diane and John with the help of some friends, bought the building that houses the Turning Point today. Finally moving into the new location in September of 1981 “seven trees south of our old location” .

In November of 1984 the Turning Point presented Eric Anderson, the first of many concerts featuring nationally prominent musicians. The next to appear was Rambin’ Jack Elliott. Slowly more and more national acts came to the Turning Point. In August of 1985 the Cafe above thematic space opened. The opening night performer was a little known blues guitarist from Seattle named Robert Cray. It was a great night. The list reads of performers is long and impressive: Arlo Guthrie, Kris Kristofferson, Dave Mason, Poco, Orleans, Bela Fleck, Bill Monroe, Joan Osborne, Christine Lavin, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Richie Havens, Janis Ian, Rick Danko just to name a few. . The Turning Point has presented shows with over 47 members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Unlike the Rockland Conservatory of Music which is best know for its traditional music, the Turning Point is known for a greater spectrum of many genres of music.

The performing space is at the street level and is very intimate with tables and chairs if you wish to order food or take advantage of the Bar in the space. Chris has played there for many years.

Chris will be performing there with Artie Norton again by demand on Wednesday, November 9th & Thursday November 10th at 730 PM. The ticket prices re $20.20.

But its is important to have a reservation. Please call 845-359-1089 from Wed to Fri 2-5

I believe we are living at a place and in a time that this thought is timely:

Music… will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.

– Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German Lutheran pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident