Valentine's Weekend Brings a Jazz Festival to Hudson

It was only a matter of time before Hudson became even hipper by putting together a jazz festival. After all, the riverfront town has been written up in every major publication as 'upstate's Brooklyn' - a home-away-from-home for everything cool.

A bed & breakfast in Hudson, the Inn at 34 (www.innat34.com/events) has put together a package for the post Valentine Weekend that includes two nights stay and tickets for the Inaugural Hudson Jazz Festival taking place February 16th - 18th.

"It seemed like a perfect match," said Inn co-owner Bob Rasner. "We are located within walking distance of the venue and several of the main street restaurants. And the train station is so close that we offer pick up to anyone who wants to spend the weekend here."

This February weekend would be a doozy. The festival kicks off with The Ara Dinkjian Quartet on Friday evening. His group is an instrumental collaboration rooted in Turkish, Armenian and Macedonian sounds and, in case you think this is just going to be a ho-hum festival, Dinkjian is a world-renowned oud player.

Saturday includes an afternoon of jazz solo piano immersion with NEA Jazz Master JoAnne Brackeen, Manhattan jazz scene favorite, Aaron Goldberg and young lion James Francies at 3pm. Then, a free screening of director Stephanie Castillo's award-winning portrait of the life and loss of Thomas Chapin at 5pm.

Headlining Saturday evening are Sheila Jordan and Dominique Eade. Jordan "reigns indisputably as mellow mistress of any jazz club she visits" (Downbeat) and has been honored by the NEA as a 2012 Jazz Master. She will be followed by Dominique Eade accompanied by pianist and Jazz Festival curator, Armen Donelian, who has played with both Mongo Santamaria and Sonny Rollins.

In a nod to jazz's next generation, Sunday at 11am local students are invited to a multi-generational hands-on jazz improv. workshop lead by Armen Donelian and saxophonist Marc Mommaas, co-founders of Hudson Jazzworks.

Finally, Sunday afternoon will feature the traditional sounds of Brazil as Quarteto Moderno takes the stage. Their debut album, Live! Ao Vivo! showcased 10 legendary Brazilian musicians.

"This is the beginning of a great annual event," Rasner said. "Our City has always had lots to offer and jazz is a great addition. Plus, it's nice that it happens around Valentine's Day. It's a good excuse for a get-away weekend."

To learn more about the weekend, go to http://www.innat34.com/events.