HUDSON, N.Y. March 12, 2025 -Columbia Memorial Health (CMH) Foundation will host an unforgettable night of music “Smooth Tracks” on Saturday, April 26 at The Caboose in Hudson, featuring NYC singer-songwriter, Sami Stevens and saxophonist, Kazemde George to benefit the quality health care services provided by Columbia Memorial Health.
Sami Stevens’ captivating performances blend Jazz, Soul, and Folk influences to create truly intimate original music. Kazemde George infuses his music with rich rhythms drawing from American, Cuban, and Brazilian styles. With over a decade of collaborations under their belt, including Sami’s ongoing tour with the legendary Norah Jones and Kazemde’s performances with Solange Knowles and Saint Heron, David Murray, Román Filiú, and Jason Moran – this will be a performance to remember.
In 2023, Sami released her debut solo album ‘Morning’ on Sunnyside Records. Born from a love of classic American music and an ear for storytelling, ‘Morning’ showcases Stevens’ rich vocal delivery as it ebbs between intimate personal stories and stunning symphonic textures, treating the vastness of the human condition with painterly impressions and an empathetic disposition. Glide Magazine wrote “Sami Stevens did more than impress with her first solo outing, she quickly established herself as one of the most promising songwriters to appear in the past few years.”
Kazemde George is an African American jazz saxophonist, composer, and beat-maker who exhibits a gift for streamlined, emotionally direct melodies, articulated with a warm tone. In October 2021, Kazemde released his debut album, I Insist, on Greenleaf Music by Dave Douglas. Through his travels, he has expanded his focus from Hip-Hop and Jazz to the full spectrum of musical styles which blossomed from the African Diaspora, including Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Brazilian, and African American traditions.
James J. Armstrong, Chair of the CMH Foundation, said: “We are excited to bring these talented artists to our local community for this unique performance. The constant support and participation of our community at the Foundation’s events is a vital component of Columbia Memorial Health providing quality care as close to home as possible.”
CMH President and CEO Dorothy M. Urschel said: “We look forward to the smooth listening of our accomplished musicians at this event. I am personally grateful for the philanthropy that has made so much possible and is changing the trajectory of what Columbia Memorial Health is today and what it will become in the future.”
Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the performance beginning at 7 p.m. The event will feature complimentary cocktails and select hors d’oeuvres. Seating is limited to 150 guests. Click here to make a reservation and for sponsor information, or call the CMH Foundation office at 518-828-8239.
The CMH Foundation is grateful to its Premier Sponsors: A. Michael Bucci, Jr. & Dawn M. Bucci, Steve & Laura Corsun, Hudson Financial, a division of Pioneer Wealth Management, Kneller Insurance Agency, John & Debbie Mastriani, Pierro, Connor, Strauss, LLC, and Dorothy M. Urschel.