If it is in New Paltz and it moves and/or shakes, chances are that Steve Casa has something to do with it. The tireless Casa has now formalized his work as cultural agitator and promoter with Troubadoor Promotions. And Troubadoor’s inaugural event is a biggie: Grammy-winning songwriter Jesse Harris at Unison Arts & Learning Center in New Paltz on Thursday, July 27. Harris is mostly known as the writer of Norah Jones’s mega-hit “Don’t Know Why” and as the guitarist in Jones’s band, but he has maintained a steady and acclaimed career as a singer/songwriter in his own right, starting with Jesse Harris & the Fernadinos in 1999.
Heavy cats tend to keep company with heavy cats, and on the 27th, Harris will be accompanied by jazzgrass guitar virtuoso Julian Lage and by (presses rewind) jazz guitar virtuoso Anthony Wilson. Also on board for the date is Harris’ longtime collaborator, veteran session drummer Bill Dobrow (Donald Fagen, Graham Parker).
Troubadoor hits the ground with a tiered-ticket model in place. For $50, the already-intimate environment of Unison will get a whole lot cozier with a special VIP meet-and-greet and cocktail hour from 7 to 8 p.m. General admission tickets go for $20. Local favorite Casey Erdmann kicks off the music at 8 p.m., with Harris & Co. taking over at 8:30.
Jesse Harris & Casey Erdmann, Thursday, June 27, 8 p.m., $50/$20, Unison, 68 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz; www.brownpapertickets.com/event/404437.
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