Experiencing music at the Towne Crier, from the musician’s point of view

Bachmann appears tomorrow night, Sat., Aug. 14 at the Towne Crier, in Pawling, N.Y.
August 13, 2010
by Bill Bachmann

I first played at the Towne Crier back in the late Seventies. I was, of course, only two at the time! The location then was in Beekman, New York in an old general store.  After all these years, it is still owned by Phil Ciganer, but is now located in Pawling, New York. The cafe is extremely charming and cozy, the food is always amazing . . . and the desserts are unparalleled.

For many years, Open Mic Night at the club has been a haven for singer-songwriter-musicians who are starting out, as well as for those who are established, but want to try out new material.  There is a community of musicians in the area, and we regularly go in on a Wednesday night to sing, to laugh, to commiserate, to philosophize, to keep it all real.

When I lived in the Village, all in the same week I’d be playing in a rock band at Kenny’s Castaways, singing with The Song Project at Folk City, and playing jazz or bluegrass in Washington Square.  Then I’d travel out to Queens to take bouzouki lessons or take the train to New Jersey to learn how to play the oud. 

Playing a variety of genres is what has defined my music.  Singing and songwriting has offered me the opportunity to combine my influences, which stem from every conceivable type of music around, old and new, as my body of work reflects the diversity of my musical interests.  You might catch a klezmer riff on the heels of a bluegrass lick, or a jazz phrase in the middle of a blues song. I’ve never been married to one genre.

I love playing at the Towne Crier.  The sound system is terrific; for the performer it is so important to hear what you’re doing on stage, and to have the confidence that the audience is catching your every nuance.  A musical experience at the Towne Crier is a treat for all involved, because the musicians who come to play, come to play, and the people who come to listen, come to listen.  So come listen on billbachmannmusic.com.

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