Irish-born guitarist Gerry Leonard says he was “enchanted” by the Hudson Valley while recording at the former Bearsville Studios in Woodstock with musicians Paula Cole, Jonatha Brooke and Rufus Wainwright.
“That got it in my bones,” said Leonard, 63, then a New York City resident.
Soon enough, the New York City resident was hopping on his motorcycle to explore the area, hiking maps in hand, finding lodging on Cooper Lake Road and grabbing a bite at the former Bear Cafe. He and his wife, musician Pamela Sue Mann, were so taken with the area that they eventually bought a second home in High Falls.
Leonard, who performed for years with Suzanne Vega, returned to Woodstock when he signed on to record with David Bowie. That brought him to Allaire Studios in Shokan, where Bowie recorded his 2002 album, “Heathen.” Leonard ended up touring with Bowie and serving as his music director.
He’ll gain an even sharper perspective on Ulster County and how arts drive its creative community on May 7, when he brings his solo musical endeavor, Spooky Ghost, to The Local in Saugerties. He’s among 30 world-spanning acts that the venue, in business since 2023, announced through mid-June.
Spooky Ghost is “ambient aggressive,” Leonard said. “A little bit of a sound bath kind of experience. It’s about creating an atmosphere, live in the room. There’s an improvisational element to it; it’s somewhat spontaneous.”
Leonard said Danny Melnick, The Local’s co-founder, reached out to him about playing at the venue. Although Leonard has yet to scope out the spot, housed in a former chapel built in 1875, “I’ve heard through my friends about this great new venue.”
Other shows coming to The Local include guitarist Scott Sharrard, former guitarist for Gregg Allman & Friends who now plays with Little Feat, two days of The Mystical Arts of Tibet and music from Algeria, Ukraine and Korea. For a full lineup of shows visit The Local’s website, and here’s a sample:
Karen Mantler Trio
Feb. 13 at 8 p.m.
Tickets from $29.87
Mardi Gras with Glen David Andrews
Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.
Tickets from $29.87
Indigenous Inuk Pop: Elisapie
Tickets from $29.87
Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.
Korean Folk Rock Meets Mask Dance: Insun Park & Generals
Feb. 21, 8 p.m.
From$29.87
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Irish band Lúnasa
Tickets from $35.44
Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.
John W. Barry is a reporter for The Overlook. Reach him at john@theoverlooknews.com.