Poughkeepsie, NY: Miles away from their native Caribbean, the members of the music group, Lechayim, belt out Caribbean strains with a mix of American and other forms of music, played with a distinct Caribbean flavor. The five member group is based in Stormville, New York. All group members were born on the Caribbean island of Dominica. Incidentally, Dominica is a participant in the Partners of the Americas program, and has Dutchess County as a partner.

Lechayim was formed in 1990, when four Dominican musicians living in the United States decided to combine their talents. The group has since grown to include one more member. The group's leader is Ed Schaeker (Vaughn James), a former calypso king of Dominica (King Shakey), and a former member of the Sparrow's Young Brigade Calypso Tent in Trinidad, West Indies. Another former Dominican calypso king, De Rabbit (Bernard Alexander), is also a member of the group. Other group members include the lead singer, long-time Dutchess County resident, Ignatius; Fred James, a song-writer who once wrote calypso songs for his brother, Ed Schaeker; and Charles Hilaire, a resident of New Jersey who still finds time to play with the Stormville-based group.

Lechayim has released two recordings: 'Optimistic Wanderers' (1991) and 'To Life' (1993). The group hopes to record again as soon as group leader, Ed Schaeker, graduates from law school in May, 1998. The group's repertoire includes country, folk, calypso, reggae, light rock, blues, gospel, and almost everything else. Because lead singer, Ignatius (a foreign languages teacher in Yonkers, New York), speaks several languages, Lechayim's repertoire also includes pieces done in French, Spanish and Italian. Truly, Lechayim presents a unique sound, a sound which will fill the Fountains at Millbrook on August 12. Rain date is August 13.