The entire Musicmachine Magazine Vinyl LP Archives from the 1980s will be sold. Nearly 200 titles from groups in the mid-Hudson region. To see a complete list of the titles go to facebook.com/events/1463953926956732/
All proceeds go to Hudson Valley Honor Flights and Newburgh SCATS Animal Rescue.

Update November 18... Watch the video of this event

It was 50 years ago, in 1967, that my band, the Jelly Bean Bandits got together. I wanted to do something special for the half-century mark, but our frontman Billy Donald had passed on several years ago, our drummer Joe Scalfari broke his back in a hunting accident and our guitarist Jack Dougherty lives in Florida. Talking with our bassist Fred Buck I realized that there were many bands in this situation, with just a few members remaining, and I thought wouldn't it be cool if we could get them together for one night, like a rock and roll class reunion. That is how the Hudson Valley Musicians Reunion came together.

We needed a central location for the event, which would bring together musicians from Orange, Dutchess and Ulster Counties. Whoo's Sports Grill, Route 17K in Newburgh, fit the bill. Friday, August 11 was available.

I also thought that this gathering should do something good. For a month friends and fans alike sent in votes for their favorite 501 c 3 organizations. In the end it turned out to be a perfect balance - Hudson Valley Honor Flights and Newburgh SCATS Animal Rescue. Vets and pets - great!

We will be doing a 50/50 during the event, but we wanted something truly special. As former publisher of Musicmachine Magazine in the Hudson Valley, I had an archive of music from the 1980s at Orange County Community College and I decided it was time to put this treasure trove to good use. The 160+ vinyl records are listed at our Facebook page -- rare and amazing and all Hudson Valley artists. And if you want to reserve a record, send an e-mail to Mike Palladino 4mikepal@gmail.com and tell him what you want. The day of the Reunion, there will be a half-hour, from 3:30 - 4, when folks who reserved LPs can pick them up. $10 an LP, cash only. From 4-6 will be open purchasing and at 6 whatever is left will be auctioned off in one lot.

The response from musicians has been equally amazing. Again, at our Facebook page see some of the musicians who are coming and some who are interested. About 40 or 50 or so. And that's not counting the ones who have e-mailed us directly. Come July we will publish the line-up.

Thunder Sound has donated the P.A. Ric Skinner of Lot 14 will bring his amp and footboard to share, and his band will also perform. Fred Buck of the Jelly Bean Bandits will be sharing his bass amp and Mike Palladino will have a drum kit. Music will go from 6 - 10.

And musicians, let us know if you are coming. Drop a line to me michaelraab@bellsouth.net. It's a great party for two great causes and it only happens once every 50 years!

— Michael Raab