River Towns Music Group is proud to present the second annual Sleepy Hollow Music Festival at Kingsland Point Park on Saturday, June 7. To whet our appetites for another great day, we spoke with three of the artists hitting the stage: Christine Chanel, Dan Zlotnick, and AJ Chiarella of Shakeout. We asked these hometown heroes what playing at the festival meant to them and what they hope the audience will walk away feeling after their set. Here’s what they had to say:
Christine Chanel
Harrison
Favorite local venue to play: River Outpost Brewery | Peekskill
“Sleepy Hollow has been more than just a stop on my musical journey — it’s become a second home. To be part of this festival feels like a full-circle moment — an opportunity to give back to the community that’s given me so much.
I hope the audience feels seen, connected, and inspired during my performance. I want them to leave with some fire and a whole lotta soul — whatever it is they need in that moment. Music has this way of reaching people where words fall short, and my hope is that something in my set resonates deeply with them.”
Dan Zlotnick
Yorktown Heights
Favorite local venue to play: Intimate house concerts
“I am so grateful any time someone gives me a place to share my music, and a festival like this takes it to a whole other level. It is beyond cool to share the bill with bonafide legends like Band of Horses and Living Colour, and it’s also so exciting to be on the bill with our friends Christine Chanel and Alex Cano.
Every time we take the stage, we hope the audience members feel like they are our friends, regardless of how many times they’ve seen us. It’s inspiring to perform in a setting in which everyone is seeking that sense of music and community. With this set in particular, I want the audience to feel energized and lighter on their feet for the rest of the festival.”
AJ Chiarella
Yonkers
Favorite local venue to play: Yonkers Brewing Company
“As a lifelong Westchester resident and musician, it’s extremely exciting that more live music is happening in the county, especially at this level. I can’t wait to see this festival just keep growing. We are very grateful to be a part of this.
Shakeout is definitely a high-energy rock band, we really just try to have fun. We try to build a set that has a little something for everyone. My hope is that people are just excited and bring their dancing shoes!”
You can find all three bands on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. And as Dan already mentioned, they will be sharing the stage with major acts Living Colour, Band of Horses, Jade Bird, Fantastic Cat and others from noon to 9 p.m. There will be no overlaps, so you can catch all the fun.
In addition to a day full of top musicians, there will be food trucks, an expanded beer garden, and a massive kid zone, making Sleepy Hollow Music Festival the most family-friendly music festival in the tristate.
- sleepyhollowmusicfestival.com
