Charlie Rauh writes some of the quietest, most intimate guitar music in New York — fingerstyle miniatures closer to lullabies than to shredding — and the lawn of a 270-year-old Dutch-English manor house is the perfect room for it. One hour, one guitar, birdsong and stone walls. If your weekend needs a genuine pause, this pairing of the city's gentlest guitarist with its most unlikely historic backdrop is it.
What to expect
A single unhurried acoustic set on the museum lawn; listeners sit on the grass or benches a few feet from the performer. Afterward you can tour the historic house or walk Van Cortlandt's trails.
Good to know
- Take the 1 train to its last stop, Van Cortlandt Park-242nd St — the house is a short walk in
- The concert on the lawn is free; the house museum charges modest admission if you tour it
- Bring a blanket or low chair for the grass
- It's an hour long — easy to pair with the park's trails or the parade ground
- Quiet music: this one rewards actually listening rather than picnic chatter
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Common questions
Who is Charlie Rauh?
A Brooklyn-based acoustic guitarist and composer known for soft, lullaby-inspired solo guitar records and close-listening live sets.
Can I visit the Van Cortlandt House too?
Yes — the museum, the oldest building in the Bronx, is open for tours; the concert happens on its lawn.
