Latin music reigns in nearby Hudson Valley

SUGARLOAF, N.Y.- Just when local Latin music aficionados have been voicing their concerns that there wasn’t enough salsa or Latin-jazz in Orange County, the Sugarloaf Music Series, downstate New York’s premiere jazz presenting arts organization, hosts its second annual Latin Jazz Festival on Friday and Saturday evenings, June 1 and 2, featuring Larry Harlow and His All Stars and, from upstate New York, the Latin little big band, Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra. Both events take place in the Pavilion of the Lycian Performing Arts Center on Kings Highway, Sugarloaf, New York at 8 p.m., respectively, this weekend. They’ll be plenty of dancing with excellent floor space although capacity is limited. On the heels of last season’s sell-out Latin Jazz Fest dedicated to the late congero, Latin-jazz icon and former Warwick resident, Ray Barretto, Sugarloaf Music has made the commitment to present an eclectic variety of jazz and related genres of music. Pianist Larry Harlow, the better known of the two featured artists, has made innumerable recordings best documented on the Fania Record label. Not of Latino extraction, he is well endeared by the mainstream Hispanic community of New York City. Beyond that, he holds a Master’s Degree in philosophy from the New School for Social Research in New York City. It may sound unusual that world-class musicians would pursue disciplines beyond their musical prowess but vocalist/actor/activist Ruben Blades, who broke into the music business with both Harlow and Barretto, holds a law degree himself, from Harvard University. Additionally, Harlow has pursued extensive music study in the cradle of Latin music: Cuba. Alex Torres, like Mr. Harlow, hales originally from New York City. Torres is a bassist/composer who leads a 13 piece orchestra. “A major powerhouse aggregation. ... Not to be missed,” hailed one music critic. Indeed, Alex Torres has been asked to share the stage with the likes of Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Arturo Sandoval, Ray Barretto, Larry Harlow, and The Count Basie Orchestra. The group has released no less than eight CD’s. Reservations are necessary. Call 845-258-3019. Tickets may also be purchased at Village Music, Main Street, Warwick and at Van Gelder Music, Route 17M, Monroe. For more information, visit www.sugarloafmusic.org.