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View this Issue of the
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Previous Issues
For the 7th straight year,
THE DAY THEY STOLE MOTHER’S DAY at your local library!
The Country Kitchen, “Ordinary Name . . . Extraordinary Food”
by Chloe Valentine
CULTURE VULTURE: “Opera Night” at WJC
Keeping it Vibrant
The Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair on Memorial Day Weekend
The Woodstock Music Trade Show
Must Be Mountain Jam 2011!
by Christina Varga
My heart starts skipping every time I think about Mountain Jam. I went for the first time last year and it was an incredible experience. For three days and nights I made new friends, had fun, did exciting things, saw beautiful people, ate delicious food and jammed to amazing music into the wee hours of the morning. This year's Mountain Jam will be better than ever. It’s produced in association with Radio Woodstock WDST and acclaimed guitarist Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule, the Allman Brothers Band and the Dead. The seventh annual Mountain Jam Music Festival happens at Hunter Mountain beginning Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, June 5, 2011. Mountain Jam is a four-day, multi-stage event, featuring over 50 bands on 4 stages in one of the northeast’s most pristine natural amphitheaters. 15,000 people gather in an intimate, fan-friendly environment that Rolling Stone Magazine rates as one of the top music festivals in the country. The festival offers 3 day tickets, 4 day tickets (which includes a Thursday pre-party), and single day tickets; all purchasable online at www.mountainjam.com.
Over the years, Mountain Jam has hosted some of the top names in live music, including the Allman Brothers Band, Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Weir & RatDog, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Coheed & Cambria, G. Love & Special Sauce, Richie Havens, Gomez and the Felice Brothers, among many. Last year's festival presented Levon Helm’s 70th Birthday Jubilee. This year's musicians include: Soulive, Warren Haynes Band, Gov’t Mule, My Morning Jacket, Bela Fleck & the Original Flecktones, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, North Mississippi Allstars, Steven Lynch, Voodelic, The-Erin-Hobson-Compact, the Big Takeover and many more sensations.
Besides amazing music and one giant camping party, Mountain Jam boasts the forward-thinking Awareness Village. It features an acoustic music stage, children’s entertainment area with music and interactive fun, performance and sculpture art, physical and spiritual healing, and a beer and wine garden. Last year, Merrell Footwear, sponsor of the Awareness Village, gave away free Chaco hiking sandals to everyone that picked up trash from the festival and a gift certificate for volunteers for a trail restoration on the Hunter Mountain! The Village will have exhibits from non-profit organizations and environmental groups. The festival will continue its greening efforts with recycling, carbon offsets, and free water refills with a Mountain Jam water bottle to reduce the usage of plastic bottles.
There will be a live performance art installation near the Village. It’s at the top of the mountain with a group of five men and five women who will each paint a panel during the three day festival. The art project will depict the form of the Sephiroth; interpreted as the body of God through the Kabbalah and expressing the theme of equality between men and women and the highest evolution of our species.
The campgrounds open on Thursday, June 2nd at 3pm for campers who have purchased a Thursday admission ticket and 9am on Friday, June 3rd for campers who have purchased a Friday admission ticket. The campgrounds close at noon on Monday. Concert goers must have a camping wristband to enter the on-site camping area. If you’re camping bring your tent with a tarp, markers to identify your site, toilet paper, coolers (but remember outside beverages and food are not allowed off the campgrounds into the main concert field). Small propane cooking stove are allowed but there are to be no open fires. Bring soap and towels if you want to make use of the showers on-site for $5. All festival goers should pack sunglasses, bug spray, blanket or chairs to sit on, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, camera, rain gear and an extra pair of shoes. There is a list of banned items is available on the Mountain Jam website. There are a variety of food options; including, organic and health conscious vendor menus, vegan, ethnic, and gourmet options, as well as comfort food such as pizza, burgers and much more. Last year's offerings included kabobs, chicken pita, falafel, subs, hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, corn dogs, kettle corn, chicken tenders, dumplings, sesame noodles, chocolate chip cookies, fresh fruit and smoothies. Don’t forget MY FAVORITE - Sprinkle’s Soft Serve Ice Cream!
Children under 10 will be admitted free with a paid adult. Parents can head over to the kid’s tent located in the Awareness Village to register their child in case of separation; there is no extra fee for this wristband. The kids tent will be offering face painting, arts and crafts, workshops, team games and lots of fun. Ratboy Jr. and other entertainers will perform for the kids on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The kid’s tent will be open Friday thru Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm.
Hunter Mountain is a world class ski resort that offers many year-round amenities. The lodge provides fans with 24-hour access to indoor bathrooms and full service bar and food. Festival goers can take a tour on the Sky Ride as a fun and unique way to see the beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains while experiencing the music. The Sky Ride tour begins with a scenic chair lift ride or an exciting off-road adventure to the Hunter Mountain Summit Lodge.
More daring fans can experience almost 5 miles of zip lines at the longest and highest zip line in North America, and the 2nd largest in the world! All zippers must attend the Zip Line Pilot Training School to learn on pertinent flight and safety information. The tour includes five unique side by side racing zip lines, the first of which sets you soaring instantly on a 3,200 foot cable 600 feet above the valley and reaches speeds of up to 50 mph. The tour also features a special 500' self powered zap-line or a Burma bridge option. Allow approximately 3 hours to complete your tour.
The VIP experience is widely acclaimed and sells out every year. VIP offers shaded outdoor hospitality lounges with great views of the two main stages. VIP guests enjoy a variety of gourmet hors d’oeuvres and beverages, discounted beer, and best of all, air-conditioned VIP bathrooms. "Tavern in the Woods" features a private bar area and "Hammock Grove." Other benefits include early arrival access, a VIP Viewing Area in front of the two main stages and private camping areas. They are also offered the ability to purchase on-site lodging and park RV’s on the top portion of the festival grounds.
Hunter Mountain is just a short drive from anywhere in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut or Pennsylvania. Mountain Jam has joined forces with NYC bus company Urban Sherpa to provide deluxe motor coaches at discount prices for attendees coming from the city. This helps the festival reduce its carbon footprint. Goers will arrive in a comfortable and fun coach bus and get dropped off in the parking lot nearest the front gate. Round trip tickets are only $20; making it the least costly way to get there from New York City. There’s plenty of room for camping gear. Reservations are a must.
The festival is sited on the side of Hunter Mountain. It does have rough, rugged terrain in some areas and is not handicapped accessible in all areas. The site is grassy, on a slope, and uneven. If it rains, which it did last year, there will be mud. Come prepared! There are extra services for handicapped attendees and designated volunteers to help handicapped patrons all weekend long. There is also a special needs viewing area at the main stage with sight lines to both stages. Festival taxis are available to assist handicapped patrons. If you would like to volunteer, you must be over 18 years old and complete the volunteer application. Volunteers purchase a 3-day festival ticket with camping in order to be accepted. The payment is refunded once volunteers fulfill sixteen hours of duties. Benefits include a meal voucher and a Mountain Jam Festival Staff T-shirt.
Listen to 100.1 WDST for previews and announcements. Fans can catch the Mountain Jam Music Hour hosted by Drew Frankel weeknights at 8pm on Radio Woodstock 100.1. The program features music and interviews of artists appearing at this year’s event, as well as “Mountain Jam Flashbacks” from previous years. Hear it all online at www.mountainjam.com/media/artist-interviews.
Get your tickets early! The sooner you get them, the less they'll cost! There will be food and fun and camping to be had by all with music to fill your ears and heart near to bursting. Catch la VARGA there. I'll be in turquoise sunglasses and a straw hat, painting the panels along with nine other artists on top of the mountain . . . or zip lining . . . or riding the Sky Ride with Honey pie. Wherever you find us, we'll be up high, cuz’ that's where you get the best View from VARGA! Catch us online at www.VARGAgallery.com.
For the 7th straight year,
THE DAY THEY STOLE MOTHER’S DAY at your local library!
Article by Dr. Christina Starobin
When looking for a space for my performance group WORD SALAD in 2004, I chanced upon Boughton Place in Highland, New York. The director of Boughton Place, Claire Danielson, had just received a grant to write a play about the history of Mother’s Day and wanted me to help. Although I was too busy to do more than give her a few ideas, something must have resonated because a week later I woke up in the middle of the night and began to scribble away. Refusing her grant money, and asking it be used for publicity, I began to construct THE DAY THEY STOLE MOTHER’S DAY which we have performed in four performance spaces, including Boughton Place, Kingston and Woodstock Libraries, and the Colony Café in Woodstock. It was always for free to enthusiastic audiences.
Claire wanted Masterpiece Theatre and got more of Monthy Python; her idea was that the history behind the holiday be turned into a play that amateur theatrical groups could perform all over the country and that I would go to help direct them and get the play going. Although it was an overly ambitious and charming idea that has yet to take the country by storm, the play has certainly been well received in our area of New Paltz, Woodstock and Kingston.
Mother’s Day was started by American women during the Civil War because they did not want their sons to kill the sons of other mothers. It was not (repeat NOT) a commercial holiday and turning it into one has completely, or almost completely, obliterated the original intent. To find out more about this, come see the play! Bring your mother, bring someone else’s mother, bring someone you know who has a mother!
In the Kingston Library, it will be performed at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 7th, the day before Mother’s Day. This is the third time we will be performing in the library and the audience there is wonderful.
In the new Saugerties Library, it will be performed at 3 PM on Saturday, May 7th, the same day. This is the first time we will be doing the play in Saugerties.
When I say “we”, I mean Michael Strong who plays Uncle Mad Sam, the discount man, “listen to everything I say and discount 65%, 72% if you include tax,” his assistant, Henrietta Honorbright, played by Mary Carroll, Lucy Mumford, played by Anne Cover, Auntie Salmonella, played by the 93 year old Carol Fijan and myself, Christina Starobin, playing Sally the secretary. Although Michael certainly has massive professional credits from three years with the Living Theatre, playing the lead in Moliere’s The Miser at PAW, and Carol Fijan is an internationally known puppeteer and author of three books, the rest of the cast is skilled in enjoying themselves and, hopefully, having you enjoy yourself.
So don’t just take Mom out to lunch this year; take her to a real live play (which is almost as good as a movie except there is no 15 minutes of coming attractions). And if Mom isn’t with you, you can certainly take 30-40 minutes out of your technologically advanced life to have some fun! You won’t forget it, or regret it! You might just find out something about your country and yourself you haven’t even imagined yet! More at www.drstarborn.com
The Country Kitchen,
“Ordinary Name . . . Extraordinary Food”
by Chloe Valentine
Approaching the pink/peach home that is called The Country Kitchen on this rainy Monday, I knew right away I’d have a warm cooked delicious meal. They are owned by the Chung family of Woodstock and located at 138 Tinker Street, right next door to The Tinker Street Cinema and The VARGA Gallery. There is ample parking and attractions. They are a fully fledged food and beverage operation with a semi exposed kitchen gleaming with new tiles from the renovations. The Country Kitchen came into business during July of 2010. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and upon request, events and dinners. They cater to birthday parties, baby showers and the like. The restaurant seats forty-four people for a comfortable and cozy dining experience.
I was greeted by restaurant manager, Johnnie D., whom likes to be called just that! He gave me a big hug with a huge smile and swiftly seated me next to an inviting window. I was surrounded by smells from the kitchen and art work by local artisans such as Bruce Anderson, Peter Head, Christina Varga, David Jeffrey and myself. The music, eclectic but subdued, is conducive for talking over one’s meal. The Country Kitchen is open 6 days a week from 8am to 3pm; closed on Wednesdays.
Locals and tourist alike have been indulging in the wonderful delights at The Country Kitchen every day with breakfast favorites like blueberry pancakes, eggs Benedict (2 poached eggs on an English muffin with hollandaise sauce), three egg omelet with your choice of fillings and sides. Don’t forget the home fries, bacon, smoked ham, and corned beef hash; all ranging in price from $1.50 to $3.50. Some of the breads offered for toasting are whole grain whole wheat (which I thoroughly enjoyed), white bread, bagels and rye.
I had the breakfast special for the day; a feta cheese and spinach omelet with home fries (warm and crisp) and yummy toast. My omelet was abundant with cheese and spinach, light and fluffy and of perfect temperature. I sat and drank one of many choices of beverages; Green Mountain coffee with cream. My other choices were grapefruit and orange juice, chocolate milk, hot tea and soft drinks from the unassuming cooler.
Some of the lunch dishes include a crispy shrimp po boy, veggie burger, a corned beef Rueben, Cesar salad, chef salad and more. Plates range in price from $6.95 to $9.95. In addition, they offer a garlic roasted beef sub, oven roasted or fried chicken wings, and an 8 oz Black Angus burger. Today’s lunch special was fish-n-chips for $11.50; very tempting, mmmmmm. A children’s menu will be coming shortly, in the meantime you can have a selection of dishes such as a grilled cheese on white bread to please the little ones.
The Country Kitchen has a Facebook page for you to “like.” The page has pictures and the menu. To contact Johnnie D. for dinners, events or just to say “Hi”, please call (845) 679-8088. There will be outdoor seating in approximately a month!! So Come to Woodstock and eat where they know your name . . . at the comfortable, artful, delicious Country Kitchen.
Abbe Graber, also known as Miss G, is living her dream. Two years ago, she began to make the wooden kazoos that she has been “wailin’ the blues” on for the past 35 years. Originally inspired by Maria Muldaur playing a bluesy style kazoo on a popular album by Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band titled “Garden of Joy”. That was 1975; when Abbe went out and found a wooden kazoo and has never looked back. Miss G can hang with the big boys on any blues riff with her Woodstock Wooden Kazoo.
Abbe grew up in Monticello, NY and in 1969, the Woodstock Arts and Music Festival came through her town on its way to Bethel. She was 13 at the time; not old enough to go, but sensitive enough to understand what the hippie movement meant to music. Her parents owned a country bar and grill and by the age of 11 she was a pool shark, a pinball wizard, and a great singer from many hours in front of the jukebox.
Tragedy struck in 1973. Abbe was a passenger in a pickup truck along with her parents. They flipped three times on I-95 while heading to a new life in Florida. She was 16 at the time. Her father was killed and her mother was badly crushed. Due to this event, she received a grant from NYS to attend college at New Paltz and worked as an apprentice under the loving guidance of sculptor Hans Vande Bovenkamp of Tillson, NY.
Forward 30 years ahead to 2003; a tractor-trailer carrying 7,000 live chickens flipped over and careened into her home in Monticello. Days later, she found 3 live chickens still hiding inside the wall! Now, they live peacefully at a neighbors coop. This event is also life changing; Abbe moves back to Woodstock. In August of 2009, and just in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival, she opened the doors to Woodstock Wooden Kazoo.
Each kazoo is a labor of love, and played by such greats as John Sebastian, Wavy Gravy, Levon Helm, Pete Seeger, Leon Russell and Maria Muldaur. She creates them with local hardwoods. These instruments use a combination of three; typically oak, cedar, maple, walnut or cherry. They are played by vocalizing into them. Abbe says, “What you put in, is what comes out, because the better the voice, the better the sound.” She goes on, “I give you the kazoo, you add the blues;” reminding folks that there’s a fine line between a kazoo that sounds great and one that will drive you crazy.
A visit to Woodstock Wooden Kazoo is a sure guarantee that you’ll get a piece of incredible blues kazoo playing! The shop is located at 86B Mill Hill Rd in Woodstock (across the street from the Woodstock Playhouse). Kazoos are for sale at the Woodstock Music Shop on Rock City Road as well. Also, you can find Miss G playing around Woodstock at Mower’s Flea Market, on the Village Green, or at the Harmony Café. Check out www.woodstockwoodenkazoo.com.
Woodstock’s Memorial Salute
Article by Michelle Rice
May 30th is Memorial Day, and Woodstock honors its veterans, past and present, with the town’s annual parade. The Woodstock American Legion, a national charter organization, is responsible for its inception and continuing function. Kevin Verpent, the legion’s chaplain, has been organizing the event for the past four years.
Parade participants will form at the Woodstock Playhouse on Mill Hill Road. They begin their march, up this same road, around noontime. They then turn up Rock City Road, where they continue until they reach the Woodstock Cemetery. A memorial dedicated to our local veterans sits there. It is at this place where Kevin speaks and says a prayer, followed by the rest of the ceremony, which includes; the singing of the National Anthem, Taps, a flag salute and a rifle squad. There are also some words spoken by the Town Supervisor, as well as the legislators. The parade then forms again to march to the American Legion Post, located on Hillcrest Ave.
Verpent has stated that he has initiated more participation in the parade. As a result, it has tripled in size within recent years. Expect to see the Woodstock Police, Color Guard, as well as local legislators marching. Also, our Fire Department, West Hurley Rescue Squad, Environmental Police, Ulster County Sheriff’s Department, and the Diaz Ambulance. Let’s not forget those with the floats; Little League, the Soccer League, and local volunteers. Family of Woodstock will be there, as well as other town organizations. To make the music are the Catskills Pipe and Drum Corps, and the Oneteora Marching Band. The Legion members-the veterans themselves, of course will be there as well.
Woodstock’s American Legion 1026, is a not for profit organization. They fund-raise; and support community functions and local events. Their goal is to protect the Constitution, and the rights of the American people. Among them is also the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary; who are also very active in charity/fundraising, as well as being the ones who place a wreath on the Veteran’s Monument. For more info, and the parade’s official announcement, visit www.woodstockamericanlegionpost1026.org. You can also call them at (845) 679-8401.
Another Local Salute to Our Nation
The Ashokan Center will be holding its annual “Ashokan Civil War Days” on May 21-22nd. This Sesquicentennial Event is in its third year, and is entire-family friendly. Since we have reached the Civil War’s 150th anniversary, the center’s main focus will be on New York State’s major role. There are many assorted and various activities, etc . . . going on within this event, as is strongly suggested to be checked out. The Ashokan Center is located in Olivebridge, NY, 25 minutes west of Kingston. For more direction, as well as more info about “Civil War Days”, and the center itself; visit their website at www.ashokancenter.org, or call them at (845)657-8333.
CULTURE VULTURE: “Opera Night” at WJC
by Paula J. Silbey
Thanks, in part, to the Metropolitan Opera HD Live Simulcasts, seen locally at UPAC, the Bardavon and Time & Space Ltd., enthusiasm for opera seems to be growing. Building on this burgeoning interest, noted Woodstock resident Daniel Abrams will present three illustrated lectures on opera at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation on Thursdays, May 12, May 26 and June 16 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Titled “Opera, The Ultimate Art – From the Intimate to the Spectacular” the series will feature extensive musical excerpts played by Abrams at the keyboard and viewed on DVDs. Session one will focus on the birth of opera, explaining how the voice came to be seen as a musical instrument. It will trace opera’s development from the church and palace to the opera house. Session two will cover romantic opera and the final session in June will focus on Wagner and beyond.
The Woodstock Jewish Congregation series grew out of last November’s successful benefit for Friends of the Library that featured Abrams’ “Opera for Piano” compositions. “A member of the audience approached me and asked about doing more events about opera,” recalls the acclaimed pianist, composer and scholar. “It seemed like a natural fit since for the past 12 years all of my compositions have been my Variations on Opera for piano.”
In these works, Abrams creates music for solo piano based on opera arias and themes in the style of the original composer. The well-received pieces have delighted audiences in Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Japan and the USA.
Abrams is no stranger to Woodstock audiences. He is well known locally for his Candlelight Series at Byrdcliffe in the 1990s as well as performances at Maverick Concerts. He has performed throughout the world at major musical venues. In addition, he served for many years on the faculties of Johns Hopkins University and of Goucher College, outside Baltimore where he appeared frequently as soloist and recording artist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
The excitement of opera is unparalleled in any other art form, according to Abrams. “I want people to love opera because it has combines every single emotion. It has everything: music, words, sets and acting. That’s why it’s important that people get into it” he explains.
His enthusiasm for opera came a bit late in life, considering that at age five he was already performing in public. In his early twenties, Dan attended his first live opera at the New York City Opera while he was studying at The Juilliard School. After seeing his first opera in person, he was hooked and wanted to see more. Previously he listened to opera on the radio and on 78 records that he described as “a bunch of screaming” to his young ears. He remembers having two operas -- Bizet’s Carmen on 19 disks and Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro on 12 disks. Today he has a huge collection of operas on DVD and a tremendous flat screen television on which to view them.
The suggested donation for each lecture is $20 per person at the door. The Woodstock Jewish Congregation is located at 1682 Glasco Turnpike, off of Route 212 between Saugerties and Woodstock. For more information, call the synagogue at (845) 679-2218 or visit www.wjcshul.org. Check out Abrams’ impressive career at his website, www.daniel-abrams.com.
Keeping it Vibrant
The Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair on Memorial Day Weekend
by Michael Strong and Christina Starobin
When asked what he wants the reader to know about the Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair, Neil Rubinstein, co-director of the fair with his brother Scott, said, “To remember the fact that American crafts is part of the American fabric and that it be supported. People make everything themselves. Keep the economy vibrant: buy American. Respect for this fabric of America, that’s why it’s been successful.” And having survived for 30 years is testament in itself. “Times we’re living in. we must understand and support this in America. It’s not self-serving to say this. Lose this and we’ve lost part of America. This festival is a tribute to those who support us.” The fair is at the Ulster County Fairgrounds for the Memorial and Labor Day weekends.
And in answer to that support the festival features handicapped parking and accessibility. There is a children’s tent where children from 3 to 12 can be supervised by teachers and can do various projects, including art, while parents visit the fairgrounds. There’s handcrafted specialty food, healthcare products, and an eating tent, along with many juried crafts. If there is less than perfect weather, not to worry. The majority of the exhibits are housed by tents which will allow visitors to experience the fair in comfort. And don’t forget to buy!
Reminiscent of the historic ’69 Woodstock Music & Art Festival, this fair features some brilliant musicians such as Judith Tullock, Finley & Pagdon, Vito Petroccitto, Out of the Bluegrass, Erin Hobson Compact, and Blond & Blue. Our craftsmen will afford us an opportunity to observe how they create with a series of demonstrations in these techniques; jewelry making, ironwork, wood carving, turning, leatherworking, broom making, etching, weaving and other arts.
Fair dates and times are May 28 to 29, 10 AM to 6 PM, and May 30, 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, children under 12 are free. There is a $1 off coupon on the website, www.quailhollow.com. In addition to the wonderful website, a new e-commerce link to the festival exhibitors at www.quailhollow365.com allows shoppers to buy all year round.
Keep it Vibrant!
The Woodstock Music Trade Show
by Mark Marnell
The first ever Woodstock Music Trade Show will take place in Kingston on May 13th through May 15th. This will be the first show in what is to become an annual affair. The event will be held at the Kingston Holiday Inn Conference Center on Washington Avenue, right off exit 19 of the NY State Thruway. They are expecting an excellent crowd of music enthusiasts of all kinds. The show kicks off with musical entertainment on Friday night from 8 to 1:30am. The trade show starts on Saturday from 10 to 6pm. There will be more musical performances on Saturday from 11 to 6pm and again from 8pm to 1:30am. The trade shows also runs on Sunday with live music from 10 to 5pm. Admission is $10 for one day or $15 for the entire event.
Joining the ranks of other U.S. music industry showcases like NAMM, co-founder Steve Marnell wanted to host one right here in the musically rich, majestic Catskill Mountain region. This is where many industry giants of the past and present share a part of their storied careers. This is where an incredible number of skilled musical instrument artisans and equipment makers have outfitted many famed musicians. It is no secret that the talent here in the Hudson Valley is indeed influential in all aspects of music; from musicians, recording and production, to musical instruments and equipment. This May, musicians, artisans, and music enthusiasts alike will put the Hudson Valley on the map with offerings from some of the greatest industry talent. This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to buy products that some of the most famous professionals have used. Vendors include Allcre8ive, Amedia Cymbals, Babicz Guitars, Champtone, Drummer Boy, Gerhards, Godlyke Dist. Inc, HHOT Hat, LaBella Strings, Mancuso Guitars, Music Works, Mymi Drums, Inc. Phil Jones, Planet Woodstock, Salvin, Spector, SpiderCapo, Tobias Design, US Custom Drums, Veillette Guitars, Vincitore’s, Woodstock Invitational, 3 Bays Studio, Bella Mia, Body Central, and First Impressions.
Friday night, enjoy live music performances by local greats Swear and Shake, Aaron Hobson Compact, Sara Kyles and Phelonius Phunk featuring John Platania (from Van Morrison, Randy Newman, Bonnie Raitt, Chip Taylor...), Danny Louis (from Gov't Mule), Machan (from Sting, Bobby Caldwell, Pink Floyd…), Randy Ciarlante (from The Band…), and the legendary bass player, Charlie Nicely. Live music on Saturday will include Michael Dimin, Grey Horizin, Sasha and the Vocal Soul, Johnny Marnell, and Hot Rod’s Tribute to the Doors featuring John Henricksen. Also on Saturday night, John Platania and friends will play with special appearances by Marshall Crenshaw, Nick Rael, Dean Batstone, Steven Wrightmark, Mark Murphy, and Steve Petrone. Sunday’s live music includes the Drive, Antidote 8, Todd Mihan & Downside Joyride, Infernophonic, and Mr Roper.
There will be several clinics. Saturday, participate in a career discussion panel hosted by Ray Wilson, as well as a master drum class with Larry Levine, Clutch Reiser, and Aaron Kennedy. Sunday, there will be another career discussion panel and two more drum clinics; one with David Northrup (from The PacAKracRs) and one with Troy Luccketta (from Tesla).
Get ready for lots of industry giveaways. For more information, please go to www.woodstockmusictradeshow.com.
Happy Mother’s Days
by Cassia Berman
“I do not come to you as a guru, I come to you as your own near and dear mother.”
—Amma Sri Karunamayi
The ‘s’ on the end of Mother’s Day above is not a typographical error. In Woodstock, we will have three days of Mother’s Day this year: Woodstock’s own Divine Mother, Amma Sri Karunamayi, returns here for her annual visit on May 9-10. She’ll present programs at the Bearsville Theater the Monday and Tuesday after Mother’s Day.
The holy lady from India, affectionately called Amma (the word for Mom in most Indian languages), has been coming to Woodstock since 1999, showering us with love, blessings and blissful vibrations. Revered since her childhood as the embodiment of compassion, wisdom and peace, Amma’s birth was foreseen by the great Indian holy man Ramana Maharishi, who told her mother she’d give birth to a child who was coming to uplift the world.
At a young age, Amma withdrew from the world to meditate in a forest, and emerged ten years later to take up her mission of ‘mothering’ the world. In South India her charitable projects for the poorer-than-poor tribal people near her forest ashram in Andhra Pradesh include distribution of food and clothing, a free modern hospital and traveling medical programs, schools and a college, houses for people left homeless when the government flooded their land for a dam. Her larger mission in India and the West is to help all people attain realization of our inner divinity, and thus create peace in the world.
Amma has great tenderness for Mother Earth, the elements, and all forms of life. She was here last year during the time BP was unable to stem the oil gushing into the Gulf. “Mother Earth is angry,” she told a small group of us who accompanied her on an excursion to meditate by Cooper Lake, encouraging us to say healing prayers, and send love to the earth and waters. This year, Amma is expressing her sadness about what’s happening in Japan, again indicating that human greed and selfishness is at the root of these disasters. In India, she tells us, homas, sacred fire ceremonies, are being performed to balance the situation; she herself is performing homas in many of the places she travels to across the United States.
Amma will offer two sacred fire ceremonies in commutable distance from Woodstock: on Mother’s Day, May 8 in Princeton, NJ, and in Ossining on Sunday, May 15, both of them from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The ceremonies are free, and confer great blessings on those who attend; you can also sponsor these ceremonies with a donation. For information, go to www.karunamayi.org.
On Monday, May 9 at 10 a.m., Amma presents a free program of Individual Blessings at the Bearsville Theater. Amma will give a short spiritual talk, perform a puja, a ceremony to invoke divine energy, and spend the rest of the day blessing people one by one. You can request whatever blessings you’d like for yourself or others. Amma’s blessings are quite powerful. In Woodstock alone, people have found places to live, jobs, relationships, and best of all, experienced inner healing, spiritual elevation and progress after being blessed by Amma. Doors open at 9 a.m. Part of this experience is sitting quietly in Amma’s presence while waiting for your blessing, sometimes for a few hours, allowing yourself to unfold in the wonderful spiritual atmosphere that Amma radiates.
On Tuesday, May 10, there’s a silent meditation retreat with Amma, an opportunity, Amma has said, to find permanent relaxation not just from day-to-day concerns, but “from the pain of innumerable births that lies inside our hearts.” Appropriate for people of any level of spiritual experience, participants are requested to wear white clothes and keep silence throughout the day. Amma gives instruction in yoga, meditation, ayurvedic remedies for health, and spiritual guidance. Pre-registration is advised, with full day or half day options, which include vegetarian lunch and snacks. Download the form or register online at www.karunamayi.org/tour/2011WoodstockRetreat.html or at Monday’s program.
Amma’s crew loves to come to Woodstock because of our great volunteers. To help the crew unload and set up, come to the theater at 6:30 a.m. Monday, May 9th. If you have beautiful large plants to decorate the stage, bring them by 8 a.m. Would you like to cook tasty vegetarian meals for the crew and volunteers? Email Woodstock@karunamayi.org for instructions. Other help is needed before and during the two days.
Cassia Berman teaches classes in Qigong and T’ai Chi and offers private healing sessions in Woodstock. Contact her at (845) 679-9457 or go to
www.cassiaberman.com.
Wild Thoughts - May Flowers
by JoAnne Sullam
It was a rainy April day after a long winter that I sat in my chair dreaming of my dream garden. My thoughts stray to last spring when I was on a very tight budget that did not allow for my dream garden. But I was still excited about my piddles of flowers and what the color scheme would be. (artist before gardener) I went to the garden center. Happily I planted away; first the front of the house then I made my way up to the deck. Oh what a glorious sunny day it was. Then as I look out into the field, what joy! Bella, the fawn I had raised had come by for a visit! I called out to her and she headed towards the house. My day simply could not get any better.
As I turned the corner to the front of the house there was my beautiful Bella eating the last of the Red Geraniums!! The Eric Clapton song (from Derek & the Dominos) started to play in my head (my version), “Bella’s” bottom blues.
She even got to the flowers on the table (I didn’t think she would raid the table too). I was going to plant them for the hummingbirds and it had only been a passing thought. (Hmm, I wonder if Bella would eat the flowers) Well, I had my answer and there she was; looking so innocent with those big eyes. I could almost hear her say, “Thanks for the snack Mom.”
Oh, how I love gardening but I love Bella more, and all of her friends. After all that’s why I moved here, so I can see the wildlife in my back and front yard. You can decide to embrace or fight. (I confess I am still trying to outsmart a squirrel) I say embrace! There are plenty of wildlife friendly plants out there; Butterfly Weed, Bee Balm. For sun or shade, Begonias and Marigolds are supposed to be deer proof (we’ll see). Heirlooms, Native Plants and a fence around your garden is a solution. A flower box full of plants for butterflies and humming birds can be quite bountiful and beautiful. The web or local garden center can be helpful if you need it. (Home depo has an on-line garden club with discounts on plants) Take a walk around town, a hike in the mountains or go on a SECRET GARDEN TOUR for inspiration. Remember to dream big. Share that dream and a full belly with our furry and feathered friends.
Some Things to Do:
Kenco's First Annual Trail Fest Saturday is May 14th
www.atkenco.com
Annual Garden Party at the Ulster County Animal Shelter is May 7th
www.ucspca.org
The Seventh Annual Secret Gardens of Saugerties Tour is July 9th
Call (845)246-0710.
A tour of the private gardens in Putnam County is June 11th
www.PartnerswithPARC.org
JoAnne Sullam is an Award Winning wildlife artist, rehabilitator, conservationist, and author of a new children’s book- Little Puppy & the Mystery of “The Doody in the Hallway.” She is available for lectures and school programs. She can be reached at (845)246-5424 or www.joannesullam.com.
Johnny D’s May Horoscopes
by Johnny D.
Aries (March 21 to April 19)
Zippity do dah relationships are on the rise after something of a lull. Keep that pesky thing you call an Ego in check and stay the course for fun times ahead. If married, even that ball and chain is doing to seem lighter more enjoyable (like they seemed too be when they “embellished” their profiles when you found them on that internet dating site). You will enjoy a festive time together.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
Maybe your “one a day” finally kicked in and you’re feeling more confident about yourself setting off a positive chain reaction in your social life, at the job, to the extent that finances (ugh that word) are even looking bright but now you are concerned with world peace, faith, and Katie Couracs employment status. Geesh, relax already! Weed’s not legal in this state (Ya hear that all you Libra’s?) better to take in a Yoga class.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
It’s springtime, there’s almost as much positive energy in the air as there is pollen (even the Tea Party might break out into a verse of “Give Peace a Chance”). Unfortunately at work the Boss’s leadership skills will have you shaking your head and wondering if they’d gone to The Dumb and Dumber Academy of Business. Do yourself a favor invite them out to a night of Angie’s Karaoke and dazzle them with your rendition of “Nine to Five.”
Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
Seems you’ve been busier than a blind one legged dog digging the back yard for his lost bone. All work no play had dulled up your relationship to the point where your spouse is feeling like Stedman to your Oprah. Good news for Stedman, the social horizon is looking hot, hot, hot for you and spousey poo, it’s now two for tea, tea for two time. So seize the moment and drink it up Crabby crab, crab, Cancer. Maybe a night at the Bearsville Theatre will will prevent you from getting the old heave ho from your relationship.
Leo (July 23 to August 22)
Looks like you’ve got more balls up in the air than the New York Knicks flying out of town on a chartered flight. Trouble is keeping up with deadlines and workloads, the good news is adventure and exploration is ahead, so when in doubt cafeinate. That’s right a good old cup of Joe will keep your keep on keeping on mantra from going stale. An afternoon snack at Bread Alone will remind you that you are not alone.
Virgo (August 23 to September 22)
Talk about everything coming up roses! We all wish we could be Virgo’s this month! Romance is abundunt, there’s financial emancipation, your career is about to get a huge boost all I can say is, geesh, could I please be your friend? If I give you five bucks will you buy my next lottery ticket? Don’t be stingy take someone you love for a nice dinner at Cuccina.
Libra (September 23 to October 22)
The rocky road the old relationship has been on is starting to clear up (possibly because someone has already moved on or moved out). Ah but yours has become a spiritual quest suddenly (possibly because someone has already moved on or moved out). Just like the inmates in Attica you may decide to find Jesus (because that’s where he hangs out I hear)
or maybe you’re a chubby chaser and Buddha’s your man. Best bet get into nature, its hiking time, if still with your partner avoid all cliffs.
Scorpio (October 23 to November 21)
You might find yourself singing, “Isn’t it romantic?” while your partner toils away at their rubic’s cube. Don’t fret, you Scorpio’s are clever people, the things you can do with a rubic cube might even capture Charlie Sheen’s attention (if ever so briefly). Dinner at Joshua’s could seal any deal.
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21)
You’ve had some tough times in the past couple years but have been wise enough to avoid pity parties (the RSVP’s for those things are exhausting, I know) but still in the words of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, “Relax Get to It”. That is, as in life, join a drum circle, get all trible with your bad selves and let your friends have a giggle at your expense, God knows your often incapable of laughing at yourselves.
Capricorn (December 22 to January 19)
If you had to be one of the seven dwarfs, I’m thinking its Grump, Grump, and Grumpy, which you’d be cast as. Sorry to say it might be time to open your mind just a little, even a smidge, please, come on, it won’t hurt you, promise. Spend some time with your loved ones, folks who make you laugh. No one close by? Hang out in the center of town, there’s no such thing as a stranger in Woodstock.
Aquarius (January 20 to February 18)
Apparently you Aquarians are highly evolved people who “get” that the journey is the adventure and that the climb is every bit as important as the summit. Well now, isn’t that special? Why oh why can’t we all be like you? To top it all off, you are still searching for new ways to broaden your horizons (and will). On behalf of all us non achievers, knock it off already!
Pisces (February 19 to March 20)
Well it seems that you and Uranus have been having quite a time together (and yes I am speaking of the planet). As part of the solar system it has been trying to give you the heads up to let loose, find the real you, and assertively tell the world, this is how it’s going to be. So if you haven’t gotten that first tattoo or dyed your hair pink, get on with it! Don’t make Uranus do all that hard work in vain (and yes I am still speaking of the planet).
Johnny D is an aspiring comic author, from Santa Monica California, who dropped into Woodstock while dropping out of the Hollywood scene. Come see him at the Country Kitchen where he'll treat you like the superstar you are. Send rebuttal to vibeisgood@msn.com
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