Yellow Monkey Music Series Sets the Summer Standard

Please see tip, pledge and subscribe buttons at the end of the article or I can be tipped on Venmo at @Rich-Monetti

Scroll down to end and then click for photos

On Thursday August 6, the Summer Music Series at the Yellow Monkey Village continued in Cross River and standards were on the evening play list.  But since local live music has largely become out of the ordinary in the area, the organizer now endeavors to bring the joyful sounds back to us like we deserve.

 “This town has been missing a community gathering like this,” said Joe Bachana, “and the Yellow Monkey Village is just a gorgeous open space for a summer music series.”

 Maybe Making Him Feel so Young, Bachana belted out the first standard, and perfectly in sync, Lisa Kilion followed with some pretty good wind pipes herself. Getting to Know You, from the King and I had Elana Dunn of the Lewisboro Library Board tapping her happy feet. “I really love show tunes - sing along and smile wide,” she contently sat back in the sedate moment.

So did Mike Mulder, and the setting just piled on the groove. “The old buildings, the shady trees and the green grass - it is just lovely,” said the North Salem resident.

 He didn’t mind seeing a few young people among the crowd of 50 either. “The musical selection expands their horizons,” said Mulder.

 Colette Hourigan agreed whole heartedly, and with a few young performers on the billboard, she saw the night filling an important local void. “Sports are such a big focus in our communities. But kids who are successful as artist, they need venues and accolades to shine also,” she said.

On the musical docket too, she was confident her musical number could deliver the goods. “All That Jazz, it’s spicy and gets the audience going,” said the classically trained Katonah based singer.

 A real necessity she says in the divided world we live in today.  “With everything going on,” she said. “We need music. It really brings us together.”

Lisa Rotondi was happy to be the connecting vehicle. “I love having events here to involve the community in our space,” said the Yellow Monkey owner.

Admittedly a little hot on this evening, she’s really looking forward to continuing the music series in the fall. “It will be perfect,” she said, “darker, the mood will really be set.”

 The ambiance was still pretty good for Ron Isaacson. “Even though we’re right off the road,” said the Katonah resident, “under the trees, it feels so calm and the surrounding buildings create a very nice breeze.”

Ambiance wasn’t the only thing he was grateful for either. “We have so many talented people looking for opportunities, and now we have at least one home for it,” he clarified.

Eli Mundis had the same back yard feeling. “It reminds me of old images of gatherings they had back in the 19th century,” said the Somers High School student.

He wasn’t put off by the old school sound either. “I like how the songs put you in swing time motion,” said Mundis.

No reason to stop this train, Bachana is also thinking beyond the Yellow Monkey property.  “I would hope to see more venues emerge in the area,” he concluded. “It’s something that is really missing.”

Please click square/image just below for my photos

If you are looking for a photographer for any sport, at any level, I can be reached by phone at 914 318 0997 or by email at [email protected]

Also :

Please follow Katonah Bedford on Facebook

Please follow Katonah Lewisboro on Instagram

Thank you very much