The Poughkeepsie Journal patio: Listening to it all roll by

Launching the Poughkeepsie Journal Patio Sessions on Aug. 21 has offered me the opportunity to interact with Hudson Valley musicians as I never have before.

In addition to writing about them, I am now coordinating with them.

To capture musicians performing on the patio at the Journal on video, we must determine what time the musicians arrive, how their gear is set up, where they stand in front of the camera and — among the most important things — how they sound.

Offering musicians a new way to reach an audience and offering regional music fans a new way to enjoy some tunes has been quite the endeavor — and a whole lot of fun. We featured Woodstock’s Lindsey Webster and Keith Slattery Aug. 21 and Poughkeepsie native Vito Petroccitto Jr. Aug. 28.

New Paltz’s The Big Takeover is set to be featured on our website today at noon. On Sept. 11, Rich Hines & the Hillbilly Drifters will perform “Springtime in Poughkeepsie," written by one of its members, resophonic guitar player and vocalist Jeff Anzevino of Highland.

Speaking of Poughkeepsie, helping to coordinate the Poughkeepsie Journal Patio Sessions has brought me very much in tune with the sounds of the Queen City. As we want our musicians to sound as close to perfect as possible, my ears are on the alert for any sonic disturbances while they perform.

Last week, while we were filming David Kraai and Amy Laber of Gardiner, there was a yelping dog that sounded to me like a whistle. I was so convinced of what I heard that I asked a passing cyclist if he could stop blowing his whistle. He gave me a funny look and alerted me to the dog.

As The Big Takeover played, an ambulance drove right past the Journal, east on Mansion Street. (We’re very glad that whoever needed help was getting it in a timely manner.) As I cringed, anticipating another take, the band members just kept performing, allowing nothing to rattle their cage.

I was impressed and realized I could just relax. The Big Takeover had it all under control. And it all made me realize that, from now on, whatever sounds find me while the Poughkeepsie Journal Patio Sessions are underway, I will consider it all music to my ears.

Visit www.poughkeepsiejournal.com at noon today for The Big Takoever. You can also visit www.facebook.com/johnwilliambarry and, if you do, please like, share and view the video. We want our local musicians to get as much exposure as possible.

John W. Barry’s column appears every Friday: jobarry@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4822, Twitter: @JohnBarryPoJo