Sangjaru, a funk-rock band from South Korea, played to a sold out crowd at The Local in Saugerties on Sunday evening. Just 24 hours earlier, locals and visitors moved to an unlikely mix of klezmer, hip-hop, and square dance beats. The driving force behind these electric nights, drawing global talent and diverse crowds to the Hudson Valley, is The Local.
Housed in a restored nineteenth century Dutch chapel at 16 John Street, The Local features wide arched ceilings and a large wooden floor, quickly becoming the artistic heart of Saugerties since opening in September 2023. Founded by industry veterans Isabel Soffer and Danny Melnick, the venue has revitalized a long-vacant church space while simultaneously boosting the town’s economy and cultural offerings during traditionally slow tourism seasons.
From Empty Building to Cultural Destination
For Terri Massardo, a 71-year-old elder at the Reformed Church of Saugerties, the transformation represents more than just a business success—it’s the answer to a community’s prayer.
Massardo recalled the loss of the Seedling and Giant Steps daycare programs that once occupied the space, describing how the church struggled to maintain an empty building while paying high heating costs.
She and her husband, Steve, had previously organized The John Street Jam, a community music series to support the church, but those performances ended when the space sat vacant. “I believe in prayer, and suddenly things came to be,” Massardo said. “Isabel and Danny saw the place, had a vision, and we all came together to make it happen.” When Isabel asked to check under the linoleum, a stunning wooden floor was uncovered, and they knew it would be magical.
Hidden Beauty Revealed and a Vision Realized
What now stands as an elegant performance space with warm lighting, exposed architectural details, and colorful glass windows was initially masked by fluorescent fixtures and drop ceilings. “The church let us explore what was underneath, and when we uncovered the colorful glass windows and a beautiful arch, which is now our stage backdrop, our jaws dropped,” Soffer explained.
The building’s transformation mirrors Soffer and Melnick’s own professional evolution, from what they describe as parallel careers in music and event production in New York City to actualizing their vision of a collaboration that would harness their global industry connections to enrich their new hometown of Saugerties.
“We knew our music and cultural networks were unique for this area, so when Terri showed me the space, I knew I had to bring Danny to see it,” Soffer said.
Economic Ripples Through the Community
On performance weekends, The Local’s impact extends far beyond its walls. Chris Mayone, sales manager at Diamond Mills Hotel, confirmed their properties were fully booked during last weekend’s performances. “As we progress through the season, I expect we’ll continue seeing this positive trend,” he noted.
Mark Smith, 85, chair of the Saugerties Chamber of Commerce, called The Local “a definite asset” to the town. “It has revitalized our music scene and become a cultural resource. I can’t offer exact numbers, but whenever there’s a destination event in Saugerties, there’s an influx of people dining and shopping. It’s helping our businesses.”
By Soffer’s estimate, The Local has contributed over $200,000 to the local economy since opening—a figure based on visitor spending at restaurants, shops, and lodging establishments.
“The fact that most of our events take place from September to June, when businesses don’t typically benefit from tourist traffic, is especially important.”
Crossing Musical and Cultural Boundaries
The venue’s programming philosophy is refreshingly simple: “Trust us—come check it out, and you won’t regret it,” said Melnick, whose 57 years have been steeped in music appreciation.
This approach has drawn diverse audiences and sparked cultural exchanges. Shawn Choi, director of SORI Artists and agent for Sangjaru, witnessed this firsthand during Sunday’s performance.
“People remarked how unexpected and unforgettable the experience was. It was also amazing to see local Korean families in attendance and for everyone to sample Korean food from Ogle Bogle, a local pop-up.”
Jacqueline Pasaran Ball, 38, a bartender at The Pig for 11 years, has noticed an uptick in customers after shows. “People stop by, including performers, some of whom are fascinating. I love how The Local highlights different genres.”
Looking Ahead: Community and Growth
This weekend, The Local presents regional talent with three local performances, including the Hudson Valley Next Gen Music Review — a showcase of original music by teenage bands Mona Freaka, LowLight and Rhythm Revival. Established artists Rebecca Martin, Jack Petruzzelli, and Cindy Cashdollar will also take the stage.
With four years remaining on their lease, Soffer and Melnick are seeking additional support to enhance the venue’s accessibility and functionality. They recently received their first $10,000 grant from the New York State Council on the Arts and are running a fundraising campaign through fiscal sponsor globalFEST, with a $15,000 matching donor commitment already secured.
Another dream? Air conditioning. “It would make the space usable during the summer months,” Soffer said.
Saugerties Deputy Mayor Jeannine Mayer has attended several performances and is thrilled to see the space’s evolution. “It was wonderful to use the venue for this year’s Holiday in the Village event, and to have our high school choir and band perform there. The Local is a valuable asset to the community.”
For the Reformed Church, The Local has become a blessing. “Congregants attend performances, the space is being used again, and we are all so grateful for the income it provides.”
As night falls on John Street and the lights of The Local illuminate its colorful windows, what was once a vacant building continues its renaissance—filling a long-empty space with music, community connections, and economic vitality, one unforgettable performance at a time.
Chana Widawski is a contributing reporter. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com
