About the Artist
Close Season 13 of Concerts by the Pond with GRAMMY-nominated brass quartet The Westerlies, one of the most inventive and engaging ensembles in American music today. Returning to Cold Spring Harbor after their celebrated Holiday Concert appearance in Season 11, The Westerlies bring their signature blend of folk traditions, contemporary composition, jazz influences, and heartfelt storytelling to a program that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly new.
Described by The New York Times as "an arty quartet…mixing ideas from jazz, new classical, and Appalachian folk," The Westerlies have built a national reputation for performances that are adventurous, joyful, and profoundly human. Their program, Paradise, draws inspiration from shape-note singing, American folk traditions, contemporary composers including Caroline Shaw, and original works by members of the ensemble. Performed with the precision of a chamber ensemble, the spontaneity of a jazz group, and the warmth of a family gathering, their music creates a sound that is unmistakably American while remaining entirely their own.
Featuring music that ranges from soaring and reflective to playful and exuberant — including the Long Island-inspired The 5:10 to Ronkonkoma — this season finale invites audiences to slow down, listen closely, and rediscover the beauty in the places and communities we call home. Joyful, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the spirit of community, Paradise by the Pond is a fitting conclusion to a season devoted to discovery, connection, and extraordinary live music.