A Hudson Valley summer tradition returns to the banks of the Hudson River on Sunday, August 16, as the 26th annual Jazz in the Valley takes over Waryas Park from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Produced by Transart & Cultural Services, Inc., upstate New York’s premiere jazz festival will showcase a rich blend of veteran virtuosos and rising stars. Headlining this year’s lineup is Westonalia, a centennial celebration honoring the late NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston, a giant of the genre celebrated for fusing bold jazz melodies with traditional African rhythms. Performing in the tribute are African Rhythms alumni Alex Blake, Chief Baba Neil Clarke, and Sharp Radway. Smith added that the festival feels like a family reunion and a homecoming for long-time attendees and new fans alike.