One key role of the Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association is clearly laid in our mission statement: “The HVBA is chartered as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit arts and educational organization, we promote bluegrass and related acoustic music in the Hudson Valley through jam sessions, concerts, and open mics in conjunction with other not-for-profit organizations.”
On Saturday, November 12th, the HVBA’s “Blue Mask Boys” band will head to Putnam County for an educational bluegrass performance. The Blue Mask Boys formed back in the summer of 2020 as the product of jamming the only we could at the time—socially distanced, outdoors, and with those bright blue masks. As we’ve learned how to make music during the pandemic, the Blue Mask Boys have stuck around as the HVBA’s house band, performing at venues like the Arlington Street Fair and making educational performances online for a variety of audiences.
The Blue Mask Boys ride again next month for an educational performance at Reed Memorial Library in Carmel. This six-piece ensemble—with David Chernack on fiddle, August Eriksmoen on mandolin, Bruno Bruzzese on banjo, Andy Bing on dobro, Jon Ahmadjian on guitar, and Peter Conklin on bass—will talk about the origins of bluegrass, how the genre got to where it is today, and background on each instrument. And of course, there will be plenty of pickin’!
Educating the public and spreading the word about bluegrass throughout the Hudson Valley is key to the HVBA’s mission. If you’d like to join us in that mission, sign up to attend this free event—this show is open to the public, but spaces are limited. I look forward to seeing you there!
David Chernack
HVBA President