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View this Issue of the
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Previous Issues
Volume 4, Issue 7 - October 2011
Stringed Wonders to Showcase in Woodstock
Halloween, Hallowmas, and Samhain
Rituals and Events
For the Medicine of Art: The O+ Festival
Stringed Wonders to Showcase
in Woodstock
By Nina Flanagan
Baker Rorick is crazy about acoustic guitars. Not your run-of the-mill type, but hand-made, one-of-a-kind guitars. And to prove it, he’s invited 32 luthiers (makers of string instruments), and twenty additional exhibitors to display their wares at the Bearsville Theater on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23. This will be the third annual “Woodstock Invitational Luthiers Showcase,” and Rorick’s enthusiasm shines through his purple-colored glasses. “This event creates a platform of magic, where the generosity of spirit among the builders furthers art in the service of music.”
The concept evolved over a few years. Rorick knew some local luthiers, like Joe Veillette, who wanted to show some new instruments to the Woodstock community. So, Rorick invited a small number of them to the Colony Cafe in summer 2009, and the response was so great, he had to enhance it the following year. Veillette participates every year because he says the town has been part of the evolution of his guitars. “The show gives luthiers a chance to hang with other builders and meet new people – be part of a community . . . I’m sort of the ‘king of weird stuff’—baritone guitars, different tunings, etc.—this gives me a chance to preview what I’m working on.” Veillette will be displaying his latest creation, an 18-string, double-neck acoustic guitar.
Michihiro Matsuda, a luthier from California, says he likes the cozy and relaxed feel in Woodstock. “It’s a trade show, but it doesn’t have too much of a commercial feel.” Matsuda says he makes his guitars (about ten a year) with the sensibilities of European gut guitars, the power of American steel string guitars, and complexity of Japanese musical instruments. Matsuda will be bringing his experimental ukulele for its East Coast debut.
Sharon Klein, production partner, says they are trying to keep the event as close to a boutique show as possible for individual artisans. Most of the luthiers return every year and it’s almost outgrowing the space. Says Klein, “The show is important to these artists because it provides a way for them to sell their instruments and take custom orders.” For the potential customer, it provides an opportunity to play a guitar, meet the builder, and request specific changes. Most of the buyers, she says, are “Weekend Warriors,” professionals like doctors or lawyers who play guitar as a hobby and are looking for a something special. There are also collectors who return to the show every year.
If you can’t afford your dream guitar, there’s still plenty to see and hear. Such as a special exhibit of historic, vintage guitars and stringed instruments loaned by major collectors, including some from the pre-Civil War era, and the 42-string “Pikasso” made for Pat Methany. If you’re itching to learn some new techniques or improve your finger picking, there are clinics and workshops both days at the Bear Cafe, located next door to the Bearsville Theater. Topics range from jazz guitar duets to fingerstyle country blues. Advance registration is recommended, as space is limited. Cost is $35 per clinic.
There will be continuous live music both days on the performance stage at the Bearsville included in the admission price ($15/day or $25 for a two-day pass), featuring famous musicians and music educators demonstrating instruments and performing on behalf of the luthiers. Styles will range from jazz to bluegrass to African to Middle Eastern. Charity raffles of various guitar products donated by sponsors will benefit the John Herald Fund/Family of Woodstock.
If that’s not enough to satisfy your guitar jones, there will be two concerts. The “String Sampler” at the Colony Cafe, Friday Oct. 21, will feature the Frank Vignola & Vinny Radiolo Guitar Duo, Kinobe & the African Sensation (Ugandan kora) and American Guitar Masters (Larry Pattis & Peter Janson). The “After Show Party” will also be at the Colony Cafe, but on Sunday Oct. 23. This will feature Sharon Klein, George Worthmore, local notables, and special guests.
Even though I’m not a professional guitarist, I’m curious about all these artisans and their wonders. As Joe Veillette says, “Making guitars is sort of magical—like alchemy—taking wood and bits of metal and putting part of yourself in each piece.” A little magic sounds good to me. See you at the show!
For more info: www.woodstockinvitational.com
Nina Flanagan is a freelance writer and bass player. She has written for a wide range of publications, including Newsweek, Harvard Magazine, Genetic Engineering News, and Hudson Valley Magazine. ninaflanaganwriter@gmail.com.
Halloween, Hallowmas, & Samhain
Rituals and Events
by Robin B. Fre
with Fred Duignan, Nina Flanagan, Anya Kiefer, & Michelle Rice
Many doorways we will open in this article as we take a trip to our own underworld. Just the words Halloween, Hallowmas, Samhain cause us to shiver. Lost spirits roam the night on this most powerful of all nights in the pagan calendar, Hallowmas.
Halloween in Woodstock is a fun time with lots of candy, but where did the holiday start? Celtic in origin, celebrated as Hallowmas or Samhain (pronounced “sow in”) is the most powerful holiday in the whole year. It’s called the feast of the dead. It’s when the veil between the worlds is very thin. This is when our dearly departed is indeed close.
The mundane laws of time and space are temporarily suspended. End of summer, dark Hecate howls. Turnips (pumpkins) were carved with hideous faces to scare away the evil spirits and protect the home. The witch’s New Year when the dead are honored and new life begins.
Halloween has become a fun holiday now mostly for kids to eat candy and dress up, though the origins of this holiday are very old. At this time of year, we honor pumpkins and the many visions that can be carved. We reflect upon the dead in a colorful, gloomy parade of zombies. A ghost walk in an old town filled with historic stone houses tingles the spine. Rocky Horror will indeed present horror.
Tannersville Great Pumpkin Walk & Lighting
This is the second annual event. Bring your best-carved pumpkin and candle to Main Street. Pumpkins will be lined up along Main Street and candles lit at dusk. Trophies awarded for the most creative, funniest, scariest, and people’s choice. Karen Terns, event organizer, says the goal is to have enough pumpkins to line all of Main Street. Free Registration at Echo Lake Candles, next door to Maggie’s Crooked Cafe, or contact Karen: (518) 858-9094.
Tannersville also holds an annual Halloween Parade, October 30 from 1 to 3 pm on Main Street. Ages 2 to 102 welcome! There is trick or treating at local businesses.
Woodstock Annual Halloween Parade
The annual Halloween parade and Trick or Treat fest on “the” day, October 31rst, will take place on the Woodstock Village Green beginning at 5 pm, as the coffins open and the costumed ghouls, ghosts and kiddies celebrate the holiday and compete for prizes before safely gathering goodies compliments of the town’s shops and businesses. It’s another Woodstock town tradition and the perfect chance to view all the characters of the day. It’s also the best time to make sure your costume is seen.
Saugerties Village Invasion: Crawl of the Dead II
Heads up! The walking dead will be invading on October 22nd! The CDC warned us of the upcoming zombie apocalypse and now its happening right here on the streets of Saugerties! The horrific event starts at 7pm, when the second annual Saugerties Zombie Crawl kicks off the nights activities. Last year over a thousand bedraggled corpses attended and more than double that amount are expected this year! Captain Cruella of the Carnivorous Cadavers will be in attendance and it’s been rumored on Facebook that she has been tweeting Jimmy Fallon to attend.
As the zombies troll the streets for their victims maniacal horror flicks will be projected onto buildings just to add to the terror! Of course, your best defense is to get down with the marauding ghouls. Wear your bloodiest, tattered clothes and make sure your own last fiendish meal is evident on your face so you won't be mistaken for the living!
The terrifying fun will culminate at the Partition Street Fire House at 10:30pm when prizes will be awarded for the best zombie attire and appearance. Funds will assist in relief for Hurricane Irene victims. Who would have thought “the dead” would offer so much help?
Halloween Parties and Events
The corridor of Rte. 212 from Saugerties to Bearsville earns its title “Horror Highway” as major Halloween events dot the haunted landscape. The annual Halloween Party at New World Home Cooking Rte. 212 in Saugerties hosted by celebrity chef, Ric Orlando will continue its tradition as the hottest Halloween party in the area on Friday, October 28. Punctuated by the wildest costume contest in the Hudson Valley, the creative Woodstock crowd dazzles and delights while competing for the Best Costume prize. Come early for dinner and then dance the night away to an eclectic mix of multiple DJs spinning great tunes, anchored by the master himself, and host of WDST’s Sunday offering Unleashed, Dave Leonard.
The Castaway Players will present The Rocky Horror Picture Show Live! at the Colony Café, 22 Rock City Road from the 28th to the 31th at 8 pm. The price is $15.
Top off the evening at the Bearsville Theater, 291 Tinker Street in the Bear Café complex where local guitar phenom, Connor Kennedy and his band will expand your consciousness with a night of Pink Floyd music replete with lasers, projections and concert lighting. The gig is free, begins at 8 pm, and costumes are definitely in order.
Sunfrost Farms Pumpkin Jamboree
Appearing from the night of Halloween, just outside Woodstock on Rt. 212, Sunfrost Farms, with coffee bar, offers a display of carved pumpkins that marvel the eyes and bring wonder to the soul. On roof, porch, and all about the storefront are carved, grinning, frowning, intricately designed pumpkins greet you with frozen smiles. Truly a magical experience for young and old!
CTW talked to Mathew Ballister, owner of this marvelous display. Mathew began this pumpkin extravaganza with his father Barry back in 1973. Cub scouts pitched in to carve, but nowadays the pumpkins are carved by his staff and later fed to long-horned cattle. Anyone can come to Sunfrost and carve. There are no rules, just inspiration. Any thing you can imagine can be put on a pumpkin.
We asked if there would be a shortage of pumpkins this year due to the floods. Ballister replied that local fields were destroyed, but outlying farms were saved. “We will not raise the price, which stands at 49 cents a pound.”
It’s a real family event; participants often come in from miles away. Ballister said that last year, someone proposed marriage via pumpkins. Pictures of the carved pumpkins have been passed on the internet and sent through the mail. Says Ballister, “We get calls from people who don't know the pumpkins are in Woodstock. We try to include the town's name somewhere.”
Halloween in Woodstock, oh, what a ghoulish brew of fun! From Pumpkins to ghost walks, zombies crawling, and the days with the ghosts honored in pagan ritual; Blessed be.
Robin B Fre is our Senior Staff Writer and an Ambassador to Woodstockers and tourists with disabilities. Feel free to write to her at Blueelf9@aol.com.
Don’t Be Caught
Dead Missing:
October 1 - 10am to 4pm
Scarecrow Fest!
Zena Cornfield, Woodstock NY (914 Zena Rd)
www.woodstocklandconservancy.org
October 8
Great Pumpkin Walk
Trophies for Scariest, Funniest,
Most Creative & more
Main Street, Tannersville
www.communityeventsny.com
October 15 – 10:30 to 11:30am
Dramatic Reading of
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
by Jonathan Kruk
Kingston Library, 55 Franklin Street, Kingston
www.kingstonlibrary.org
October 22 – Deceased rises at 7pm
Crawl of the Dead II
Zombie Village Invasion
Main Street & beyond, Saugerties
www.crawlofthedead.com
October 28 – 7 to 9pm
Historic Hurley Ghost Walk
Main Street & Cemetery, Hurley
www.hurleyheritagesociety.org
October 28 – In the Dark of Night
Woodstock Halloween Ball
DJ Dave Leonard, Cash & Prizes,
Black Food and more—dress to kill!
New World Home Cooking,
1411 Route 212 Saugerties
www.ricorlando.com
October 28 to 31 – 8pm - $15
Castaway Players presents:
The Rocky Horror Show Live!!!
Colony Café, 22 Rock City Road, Woodstock
www.colonycafe.com
October 30 – Starts at 1pm
Halloween Parade & Trick-o-Treating
Main Street, Tannersville
www.communityeventsny.com
October 31 – begins at 5pm
Halloween Parade & Trick-o-Treating
Village Green, Tinker Street, Woodstock
October 31 – Dark:30
Amazing Display of Carved Pumpkins
Sunfrost Farms, 217 Tinker Street, Woodstock
www.sunfrostfarms.com
Publisher’s Note: This is a Come to Woodstock Event
Linking In With Jan Wallen
By Michelle Rice
The Woodstock Business Discussion Forum (started by Come to Woodstock’s own publisher, Lynda Herbeck) will be holding its first event on Thursday, October 6th. Guest speaker, Jan Wallen, is author of the best-selling book, “Mastering LinkedIn in 7 Days or Less.” CTW spoke with Wallen, who told a little about herself and what she will present at the forum.
Wallen has a long background in sales. She has experience with Fortune 500s, the Big 5, sales management and sales technology. She even started her own business training program. She joined LinkedIn eight years ago. Wallen signed on, yet was unsure of how to use the site. Nevertheless, she kept receiving more invitations. Finally, someone showed her the highlights of LinkedIn, and she realized that the online networking program worked perfectly with her sales background. Wallen then began using the site regularly and showing others the how-to. She had an idea to write a book, and “Mastering LinkedIn in 7 Days or Less” has been a huge success. Jan Wallen has increased her business, gets more clients, and has been giving workshops on LinkedIn ever since.
We discussed the main points that Wallen will be making at the presentation. She will be pointing out that LinkedIn is one of the “Social Networking” sites, but is the one for business. She will also mention that it’s not just for business owners. You can find a job, find staff and search for someone you want to hire by service, area, or other criteria. The main topic will be, LinkedIn Success Stories and “What exactly can you do with LinkedIn?” Wallen will also be showing the top ways to create an effective LinkedIn profile.
Wallen splits her time between Saugerties and New York City. She recently gave a presentation on LinkedIn to the Saugerties Chamber of Commerce. She is also active in the National Speaker’s Association and MENG (Marketing Executives Networking Group) in NYC. Wallen is also a local artist. She creates watercolor paintings mainly of cities, florals, and landscapes in the Hudson Valley, and was in the Saugerties Artists Tour 2011.
The presentation “Mastering LinkedIn” on Thursday, October 6th will be held at the Woodstock Community Center, 56 Rock City Road, beginning at 6 pm, continuing until about 9 pm. The event will start with a potluck dinner, and the presentation will be followed by an open discussion. There is a $7 suggested donation. Copies of Wallen’s book will be available for purchase, and Jan will autograph copies. There will be a drawing for an autographed copy of Jan’s book.
You can learn more about Jan Wallen at www.LinkedinWorks.com
And this event at www.CometoWoodstock.com/woodstockbusinessdiscussionforum
Michelle Rice is our youngest journalist. She enjoys exploring the area & being a Woodstock resident. djinnjrrsnapt@yahoo.com
For the Medicine of Art: The O+ Festival
By Melissa Esposito
For many of the region’s talented-yet-uninsured artists and musicians, even basic medical attention can seem unattainable due to cost. The O+ Festival (pronounced “O-Positive”) was formed as a way to change this dynamic by creating a barter/exchange system between community healthcare providers and local artists, placing the value of care equal to the value of culture.
The second annual O+ takes place October 7-9 (Columbus Day weekend) in uptown Kingston, with even more to offer than its hugely successful inaugural fest.
During last year’s event, artists were asked to create murals out of wheat paste —a biodegradable medium— on buildings around Kingston, while musicians performed concerts at various venues. Instead of monetary payment, they received general check-ups, eye exams, counseling, chiropractic, acupuncture and other services by various providers at a wellness clinic.
Dr. Art Chandler saw one woman whose blood pressure was so high she needed immediate hospitalization; he might have saved her life. Dr. Thomas Cingal, DDS filled more than 10 cavities among the members of one band. Dr. Kim Seeger, a family medicine/primary care physician in Red Hook (and nephew of acclaimed musician/activist Pete Seeger) treated musculoskeletal injuries, possibly due to the way musicians hold their instruments. In the evenings, the practitioners and physicians were able to unwind and watch performances by the same people they helped earlier that day.
This year brings even more to look forward to. While the festival still centers around its cause of “bartering the art of medicine for the medicine of art,” the general public (of which there were about 1,000 attendees last year) can visit Self Health, a wellness symposium during which guests participate in workshops, lectures and Q&A sessions about holistic health, nutrition, yoga, meditation, herbalism and other care.
Concerts (which are also open to the public) include performances by musicians Nicole Atkins & the Black Sea, Ida, Mike & Ruthy's Folk City, Willy Mason, Cat Martino, Only Son, Shana Falana and many others; they will take place in venues around the city such as Keegan Ales, BSP (Backstage Productions), the Stockade Tavern, Boitson’s, Maxwell’s, and more.
Beyond the music, a selection of cinematic art shorts will be shown, along with a screening of the feature documentary Marwencol; the Oo Gallery will feature a photo exhibition; the renowned podcast “RISK! True Tales Boldly Told” will be performed live; and those wonderful wheat paste artworks return—this year they’ve been created by artists both here in the Hudson Valley and from around the world.
For artists, musicians and festival volunteers, The O+ Pop-Up Clinic returns with a staff of general MDs, radiologists, occupational therapists, dentists, an oral surgeon, optometrists, massage therapists, chiropractics, acupuncturists, addiction counselors and others.
And if all this health stuff gets to be too much, Keegan Ales is brewing a special O+ Oktoberfest brew—a black lager featuring Keegan’s brewery-grown hops and honey—available at select venues.
Weekend-pass wristbands are available at a $25 suggested donation. For more information, visit: www.opositivefestival.org.
Melissa Esposito is a writer, painter, musician, and lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley. Her work has been in Hudson Valley Magazine and Examiner.com's Upstate NY
Underground Music.
Aries (March 21st - April 19th)
When it comes to decision making this month, it’s time to slow down, you’re moving to fast. At least that’s what the planets are trying to tell you dear Aries. Another person’s point of view will serve you well as opposed to going about things in your usual headstrong manner. Listening to others has its benefits, and everyone has an opinion in Woodstock. Soon enough you will find yourself feeling pretty groovy.
Taurus (April 20th - May 20th)
Okay so the heat is on. Expect some exciting things from your love life. If you are single there could be someone new in the horizon. If in a relationship Venus and Mars has a special rock show for you as well. So if you have been neglecting your partner October is the month to pick things up in the boudoir. You’ll be feeling pretty good about yourself so keep your ego in check.
Gemini (May 21st - June 20th)
Inspiration explodes as the planetary configuration allows you to touch base with your inner Lady Gaga. It is a happy month and with Halloween coming a head time you may find the perfect costume. You can get pretty creative when you want to and this might be the perfect month for you to show the world your more whimsical side. Cuz baby in the end, you know you were just born this way.
Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd)
Something’s brewing, could be a baby, the next great American Novel, or a new romance. There will be a lot to get done around the house. Sometimes domestic bliss can lead to massive ingenuity. Look at that Martha Stewart, lord knows the ideas that lady has gotten just dusting the living room. Remember it is always key to express yourself, don’t repress yourself. If it has to happen while you’re vacuuming, so be it.
Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd)
Thinking before you speak could be an important aspect to the month ahead. There are many benefits to learning new ways of expressing your ideas and connecting with the multitude. October is the month to address issues you may have been keeping in the closet. This could be regarding anything from finance’s to trick or treating as a drag queen.
Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd)
Money makes the world go round, the world go round, the world go round. Ah for the love of money. It’s an issue for you Virgo’s this month. What to do with your money? Improving you economic status may key or saving to take to a dream trip might be on your agenda. Monetary advancement could be yours once you shed some of those self-doubting tendencies of yours.
Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd)
For you Libra’s it’s all about “me, me, me” this month. Time to tune into your “self.” Self- help, self-esteem, self-assured. As long as you’re not self-medicating it’s okay to be selfish in October. Self improvement is another area you may want to look into specifically if self doubt rattles your ability to openly explore secretly desired opportunities. Who knows maybe naughty suits you?
Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st)
Feeling a little out of focused these day dear Scorpians? Could be because one chapter of your life has ended and it’s time to ponder the next big chapter. This could be related to taking the walk down the aisle or a change in careers. It could be both. Yikes, I hope your taking your vitamins, because it sure sounds like your going to need your strength. The Apothecary has just what you need.
Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st)
The letter “F” stands for fun this month for you Sadgie’s. You hear that fun! Yes it’s time to take your head out of where it has been dutifully lodged and participate in some good times in the days ahead. You can do this. Balancing work and play won’t be as difficult as you think, once you let the “F” word in. Whether you’ll be tricking or treating, one thing’s for sure, it’s time to get your party on.
Capricorn (December 22nd - January 19th)
Ever wonder if you are achieving your life’s purpose? Mostly career goals and spirtitual quests have nothing to do with one another. Many people could give a monkey’s bottom about such things. But you do, either publicly or privately you Capricorns care. This month social networking is important because you will find others who can support your life goals.
Aquarius (January 20th - February 18th)
When the moon is in the seventh house, it’s time to expand your horizons and break out into a couple of versus of you self appointed theme song. The one made popular from the Broadway play, Hair. Home may be where the heart is but your head is craving new information. Fortunately your intellectual hunger can even be fed through the internet thus leaving the domestic bliss you achieved intact.
Pisces (February 19th - March 20th)
Everything must change and this month a very distinct event may take place to remind you of this. Your intuition will tell you what you may want to hold on to and what to let go of, once you have gained some balance in the situation. It could be anything from making a commitment to another person, signing a contract, or coloring your hair.
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