Music legend Michel Pagliaro will be among the featured performers, as the Hudson Music Festival (HMF) will once again offer live music this summer, with four special events beginning this Friday, July 30.
“As we gradually emerge from our pandemic lockdown, we are absolutely thrilled to be able to bring the HMF back and provide a series of celebratory concerts,” said Blair Mackay, artistic director and co-founder of the event. “While certain COVID-19 regulations will still be in effect to ensure the safety and security of our audiences, it will still feel wonderful to be out with friends once again enjoying live music.”
This year is the 15th anniversary of the Hudson Music Festival and organizers have worked to bring a lineup aimed at celebrating the event’s past, along with a look forward to the future.
“We’ve brought together a group of artists to acknowledge our past and look ahead to brighter days,” Mackay said.
Running through the weekend until August 2, the event kicks off this Friday, July 30, at 8 p.m. at the Alibi Barn at 420 Main Road. Celebrated international singer Karen Young and pianist Marianne Trudel will be paying homage to the music of Joni Mitchell, with an intimate performance at the famous heritage barn.
Michel Pagliaro will perform at the Stephen F. Shaar Community Centre (394 Main Road), beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 31. Joined by guest guitarist Corey Diablo, the Quebec pop legend will be playing some of his best-known hits in an intimate acoustic setting. The music veteran still loves performing live for his fans, particularly on acoustic nights where ‘Pag’ revisits his musical adventure in a intimate and joyous atmosphere.
“Music must be lived, played, felt,” Pagliaro says. “It’s not just a packet of notes, but rather a series of sounds and rhythms that give life to ideas.”
Sunday, August 1, will feature a tribute evening of music by James Taylor, beginning at 8 p,m, at the Stephen F. Shaar centre. An avid fan himself, accomplished Montreal musician Denis Ducharme (vocals, keyboards) has assembled a group of musicians to bring the music of Taylor to the Hudson Music Festival. Featuring John Landon (acoustic guitar), Roger Mann (electric guitar), JP Levesque (drums & percussion), and Peter Wilson (bass), this performance of James Taylor classics and other selected gems is sure to please.
Wrapping up the Hudson Music Festival on Monday, August 2, will be a live classical concert, beginning at 7 p.m. at the St-Thomas Aquinas Church (413 Main Road). Within the grand setting of the church in the heart of the village, Ludwig Semerjian will be sitting at the concert grand piano on the altar. Joining him will be a trio of string players, surrounded by the natural light and acoustics of this magnificent church. Under the musical direction of Peter Purich – one of the founding musicians of the Metropolitain Orchestra of Montreal – Musica Ouest quatuor will present music by Bach, Mozart, Purich and more. Featured musicians: Ludwig Semerjian, piano; Peter Purich, violin; Leo Purich, viola; Donald Pistolesi, cello.
The HMF bar will be open for all of the concerts. COVID-19 regulations in effect include limited seating at all venues, face masks, social distancing and hygiene measures.
Because of the limited seating requirement, all tickets must be purchased in advance through the online box office at www.eventbrite.ca. More information on the festival and how to purchase tickets can be obtained by calling 450-807-1179. You can also visit the Hudson Music Festival’s website at www.hudsonmusicfestival.ca.
Accomplished Montreal musician Denis Ducharme presents An Evening with James Taylor to close out the Hudson Music Festival on Sunday, August 2.
