Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
A popular debate often arises among family and friends: when is the right time to start listening to holiday music? Some people I know begin decorating and embracing the festive spirit immediately after Halloween, while others prefer to wait until December. Regardless of your preference, there’s something about holiday music that warms our hearts and prepares us for the season of giving. If you’re ready to enjoy some holiday tunes, The Local in Saugerties is celebrating the season with Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O on Saturday, December 14, at 8:00 p.m.
The mission of The Local is to bring transcendent music, dance, performing arts, conversations, and workshops to the Hudson Valley as a means to educate, entertain, inspire discovery, and nourish the soul. The Local serves as a community hub and a venue for exceptional cultural programs, both globally and locally, dedicated to nurturing and sustaining a vibrant local arts scene. Located in a former Dutch chapel built in the 1800s and lovingly restored, The Local opened its doors in 2023 as a space for arts, culture, and community. This initiative is led by Isabel Soffer and Danny Melnick, co-founders of Hudson Valley Live. Based in Saugerties, these music producers and performing arts professionals each bring over 30 years of experience in producing festivals, concerts, and curated arts experiences.
“My favorite aspect of the space is the strong sense of community and togetherness that emerges when the musicians are on stage,” stated Melnick. “The building is truly remarkable, with light streaming through the stained glass and exceptional acoustics. When you combine these features with the incredible talent on display, audiences are in for a truly special experience.”
Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O is the second to last show in The Local’s 2024 season. Matt Wilson’s greatest gift lies in his inventive spirit and the infectious sense of fun he brings to the bandstand—an ideal combination for the holiday season. As The New York Times noted, “Wonder and innocence, gaudiness and cheer: can it be any surprise that the jazz drummer Matt Wilson thrives around the holidays?” With five consecutive Rising Star accolades from the DownBeat Critics Poll and a Best New Artist award from the New York Jazz Critics Circle, Wilson has established himself as one of the most sought-after musicians in jazz. He will be joined by Jeff Lederer on reeds and Paul Sikivie on bass.
Audiences will leave the event with a sense of discovery, confident that this feeling will be rekindled each time they return. “They can trust us, ”Melnick continued, “; and feel assured that when they purchase a ticket, they will enjoy an incredible experience—whether it’s learning about a new group or culture, or simply having a night out.”
The first half of The Local’s 2025 programs will be announced in the coming weeks. They invite you to stop by, enjoy a show, soak in the incredible atmosphere, and discover something new this holiday season.
If you go:
Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O
16 John Street, Saugerties, New York 12477
Saturday, December 14 at 8:00 p.m.
Contact: (845) 247-5078
thelocalsaugerties@gmail.com
www.thelocalsaugerties.com/calendar
