Arts & Entertainment
Hudson River Ramblers Perform at Chappaqua Library
Storytelling duo describe Native American, colonial history of the Hudson Valley as part of the library's midsummer story series.
The Hudson River Ramblers performed an hour-long show at the Chappaqua Library on Tuesday evening. The event was the second of three in the library's Midsummer Tales program, showcasing the art of storytelling.
The Ramblers featured stories and songs about the Hudson River and the towns that were built to take advantage of the river as a gateway to commerce and livelihood, while also bringing to life early New York history.
Jonathan Kruk is the duo's master storyteller. Dressed in colonial American costume, he began with the Native Americans who settled in and around the Hudson Valley. Weaving Algonquin, Mahican and Lenape elements, he began with the Ramblers' inspiration- "Mahicanituck" (river of the Mahicans).
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Kruk told of the sleeping giant, who created the mountains and valleys, and the "river that flows both ways." According to the Lenape legend, the giant formed the valleys and lake, but when the people eventually forgot to thank the giant, he arose and the lake spewed forth, creating what we now call the Hudson River.
Rich Bala accompanied Kruk on dulcimer, horn and acoustic guitar. Bala also lead the audience in folk songs and sea chanteys. Singing Reuben Ranzo, Bala and Kruk had the kids doing a simulation of pulling the ropes of a sailing ship, while keeping the beat to song sung a capella.
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Evoking the turbulent period of the American Revolution, with the pantomime help from a boy and girl called to the stage, they sang Soldier Will You Marry Me. The soldier may contemplate the lovely offer, but alas the young lady learns he has a wife and children back home.
The Hudson River Ramblers have a ecorded CD of their program, titled Once Upon the Hudson. Information about the performers is on their website at hudsonramblers.com.
The third and final installment of the Midsummer Tales program at the Chappaqua Library - Storycrafters - is next Tuesday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. in the theater. Registration is encouraged. For more information, visit chappaqualibrary.org or call 914-238-4779.
