Beacon Litfest & HIT HOUSE CREATIVE welcomes: TEA Transcending Bias Through Insight Artistry6/28/2025
DANKE! Proceeds from ticket sales help support the Beacon High School PTSO/GAPP German Exchange Program. I'm a Stranger Here Myself by MADERA VOX (Kelly Ellenwood, vocals) recorded at the Howland Cultural Center, 2009 Composer: Kurt Weill Lyrics: Ogden Nash Listen on Spotify: I'm a Stranger Here Myself “Saint Rita: Lost and Found” Brings Passionate Music of Kurt Weil and Edith Piaf Featuring the talents of Kelly Ellenwood (vocals), Kathleen Bosman (violin/viola), and Stephen Clair (guitar), the evening will be a heartfelt exploration of the music of Kurt Weill and Edith Piaf. They will be joined by Nate Allen (double bass) and Brad Hubbard (woodwinds). Saint Rita offers a unique blend of artistry that captures the raw emotion and gritty authenticity of Weill and Piaf’s compositions. The trio’s performance will transport audiences from Weimar-era Brecht to the Rue Pigalle and across time and space to 1940’s Hollywood and Broadway. The concert is a benefit performance for Beacon High School’s short term foreign exchange program to Munich, Germany, under the auspices of the Goethe Institut's German American Partnership Program (GAPP). About the Artists: Kelly Ellenwood is an acclaimed soprano and award-winning actor known for her dynamic roles on Broadway, in film and television, and the concert stages. With accolades such as the Gold Medal and First Prize at the Savannah Music Festival’s "American Traditions Competition," Ellenwood brings a powerful voice and rich interpretive skills to her performances. A founding member of the indie-classical quintet Madera Vox, she also is a dedicated community organizer, and one of the team responsible for the Beacon Bonfire Music + Art Festival. bonfireworksfoundation.org @beaconbonfire Kathleen Bosman is a versatile violinist and violist with a rich performance history across Boston and New York City. Her extensive work with prestigious orchestras, opera companies, and chamber ensembles, along with collaborations with world-class musicians, underscores her exceptional talent. Bosman also teaches at Beacon Music Factory and continues to inspire and educate through her music. beaconmusicfactory.com Stephen Clair is a renowned songwriter and guitarist with a distinguished career in music. His critically acclaimed albums - (his 11th came out last October) - and performances nationwide have earned him a respected place in the industry. Clair is also the founder of Beacon Music Factory, an innovative music education center featured on CBS Sunday Morning and beloved for its impact on the community. stephenclair.com Nate Allen Nate Allen is a versatile musician who has toured the U.S. and Europe and recorded with artists such as Bees in the Barn, Stephen Clair, Peter Karp, Sue Foley, and the Kristijan Krajčan Contemporary Jazz Ensemble. He plays a wide range of styles including blues, jazz, rock, bluegrass, and more, on instruments like bass (upright and electric), banjo, guitar, keyboard bass, and percussion. Nate has performed at notable venues such as the Highline Ballroom, Music Hall of Williamsburg, and Yoshi’s Jazz Club. He is also an experienced music teacher, offering private lessons and group classes in bass, banjo, guitar, music theory, and composition at Beacon Music Factory and online. @nathanbradleyallen Brad Hubbard is a composer and multi-instrumentalist, playing Baritone Saxophone, Flute, and Bass Clarinet. He has performed worldwide in diverse settings, including as a soloist and with groups like the Hot Wrk Ensemble, The David Sanford Big Band, Neil Alexander’s X Ensemble, and the Analog Jazz Orchestra. In May 2024, he premiered his "Concerto for Baritone Saxophone and Concert Band." Brad is also the Woodwind Instructor at The Beacon Music Factory in Beacon, NY, where he resides with his family. @bigasssax  For kids of all ages! This show is teeming with hijinks, harmonies, nostalgic beauty, and physical comedy. Something for everyone and family friendly! Happenstance Theater brings old Vaudeville back! Happenstance Theater This program is produced in part with the support of the State of New York Office of Children and Family Services, upon the legislative initiative of Assembly member Jonathan Jacobson.  An immersive multimedia experience with readings by acclaimed bestselling crime and thriller fiction writers MargotDouaihy, Jode Millman, and Julia Dahl in conversation with author Cynthia Weiner of NYC Writers Studio and Town Square Media's Jackie Corley. The winner of our BLF Crime Writing Workshop opened the event! Learn more about Beacon Litfest  An eclectic concert series, ensemble, record label, and presenting organization for music with a 39-year history of premiering good music that is pushing the boundaries of sound and composition. COMPOSERS CONCORDANCE  Imagine a graphic novel coming to life with music. That’s the idea behind Songs, Stories, & Art – Lessons from Strangers, a visually stunning and emotionally rich live show from award-winning songwriter John John Brown. With only a guitar, a projector, and a storyteller’s heart, Brown guided the audience through 14 compelling character portraits—each one brought to life with original hand-drawn comics and narrative-driven songs. It’s part concert, part illustrated story hour, and unlike anything else on stage today. “So well written that every song could be a short story.” – Americana UK A show for music lovers, story lovers, and anyone who’s ever wondered what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes. John John Brown   A collaboration VIDEO ART BY ROOSTER, IMPROV BY DON ROMANIELLO - Feedback turns a four-dimensional mirror on a cast of improvisers. Live footage of the ensemble is delayed, altered, and expanded by video artist Rooster into new characters. Every player is launched out of their comfort zone to land in a hilarious world built by the other players. Featuring Lily Labe, Jennifer Lavenhar, Don Romaniello, David Schwartz, and Alec Vanacore.  "November, 1994" Pauline, a young Presbyterian pastor revives the church’s long-dead puppet ministry as a means to address her being treated differently than her pastor husband. Using puppets like the creepy singing child "Little Ruthie" to tell stories about women in the Bible, Pauline doesn’t realize the chaos her feminist puppet ministry will create in both the church and her marriage. Launching her into an unanticipated crisis of faith, Pauline has to confront the question: Is God pulling the string or someone else? Hit House Creative  Celebrating over a quarter century of music making, the three time GRAMMY® nominated group has led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations and outreach endeavors that have inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds.  Three informative-yet-entertaining visual presentations on Aliens, Activism and Agriculture! With fun music, a special surprise guest, libations and guaranteed good company! "Be There and Be Square" for more Nerd Night Hudson Valley stuff! "Saucer on a String: The UFO Hoaxes of Gray Barker" by Gabriel Mckee The founder of one of the earliest flying saucer fanzines, Gray Barker (1925-1984) played a major role in shaping the cultural narrative of unidentified flying objects. Drawing on his recent biography of Barker, THE SAUCERIAN, Gabriel Mckee will dig into some of Barker's wildest hoaxes. We want to believe, we want to believe! "Weird Wins: Unusual Activist Victories" by Steve Lambert Steve has worked alongside over 1400 artists and activists, in 16 countries, on 4 continents helping them use creative means to effect power. He has built a robotic chimp named “James Chimpton” that interviews artists, a browser plugin that replaces ads on the internet with art, a video game that measures your stress level and much much more. Ho Ho, Hey Hey, these Nerd Nite Talks are Here to Stay! "Magriculture: The Everyday Magic of Agriculture. Episode 1: Plants" by Rebecca Cossa School's almost out for summer and Rebecca Cossa is going to give us a lesson on Plants! She has been involved in agriculture for over 25 years and has worked on farms, CSAs, with non profits, in urban and sustainable agriculture and in various educational contexts. Good things come in trees.  The ARTICHOKE's main curated show returned to the stage with Moth superstar Adam Wade with Calvin Cato, Carly Ciarrocchi, Scott Gabriel, Carly Ann Filbin, and Kelli Dunham. A great mix of ARTICHOKE veterans, and new faces to our stage. Last show of the season before our summer break. The Artichoke Storytelling Series  1:00 PM Classics for Kids: "The Magic of Mozart" 4:00 PM Main Stage: "History of Opera: Up Close" HCMC is delighted to host the Met Chorus Artists for TWO performances. Classics for Kids At 1:00 PM the musicians will entertain and educate children in our Classics for Kids concert, co-sponsored by the Howland Cultural Center. Their program will feature "The Magic of Mozart". Come experience the magic of opera—for all ages! Geared toward kids, this program will explore opera, voice types, and story through an interactive experience of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”. Learn how to listen to opera, what the different voice types are, and experience the power of classical music up close and personal. Fun for the whole family! Tickets for the Classics for Kids are $15 for adults and children are FREE. Purchase tickets at howlandmusic.org/classics-for-kids Main Stage The musicians then return at 4:00 PM for a Main Stage concert titled, "History of Opera: Up Close". With composer/professor Whitney George as our guide, seven Met Chorus Artists will take us through the history of opera, accompanied by the fantastic Derrick Goff. Arias, duets, and ensembles from every operatic era will weave through the lecture, letting you experience opera up close, perhaps even changing the way you listen to this art form. Tickets to the Main Stage concert are $35/adults and $10/students (25 and under). In addition, we release a limited number of pay-what-you-wish tickets one week prior to the concert. Get more information, and purchase tickets at howlandmusic.org/events/met-chorus-artists Each concert is followed immediately afterwards by a reception and an opportunity to meet the artists. All are encouraged to attend! Met Chorus Artists, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created by members of the Metropolitan Opera Chorus, and is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes. The C4K program is produced with the support of the State of New York Office of Children and Family Services upon the legislative initiative of Assembly member Jonathan Jacobson.   Little Lies is an 8-piece tribute from Boston performing an authentic playlist of your favorite Fleetwood Mac hits. Join us for a night of romance, drama, and, of course, Rumours!  Three informative-yet-entertaining talks on Building Castles, Failed Spelling and Black Rodeo “Prithee, attend me!” Professor Nancy Bisaha (Vassar) teaches courses on the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and will present a talk titled “So You Wanna Build a Castle?” Why, yes, Nancy, we do. Nerd Knight, Nerd Night, Nerd Nite? Author Gabe Henry’s new book serves as the focus of April’s talk: Enough is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell. “This ain’t Texas!” Dr. Mia Mask (Vassar) teaches African American cinema & Documentary History and will present on the topic of her 2023 book: Black Rodeo: A History of the African American Western. Yee Haw! hudsonvalley.nerdnite.com  The American Artist Professional League, Inc. REALISM ON THE HUDSON. Featuring artwork from prominent AAPL artist. And Still Life Painting Demo with Brian McClear. Still life painting in oil demo with Brian McClear along with a demonstration table sponsored by Vasari Classic Oil Colors hand-crafted paints! Click here to learn more: AAPL - Vasari Classic Oil Colors   differentpeople celebrated the release of their debut EP, “Revisionist History,” on vinyl. With a SOLD OUT performance! A milestone event performing the EP live, along with many new songs, building on what is proving to be a strong foundation!    With Ruth Danon, curator. The Sister Arts and more. William Allen, Joanna Fuhrman, Nan Ring, Eva Salzman, Elaine Sexton, and John Yau.
Click here for bios  RJ Cowdery has been a winner at the Kerrville New Folk contest in 2008 and the Mountain Stage New Song Contest in 2007, and won at Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist and Sisters Folk Festivals too. She’s played at venues like 30A, The Ark, The Bluebird, Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival and Vancouver Island Folk Festival. Cowdery has worked with Don Dixon, Billy Crockett, and Amy Speace. She’s also received glowing press from No Depression, Country Standard Time, Making a Scene, The Alternate Root, WMOT, The Morton Report, Americana Highways, and many others.
Her 2019 release, What If This Is All There Is (GoosePie Music) was produced by Amy Speace and rerecorded and mixed by ( 2021 IBMA Songwriter of the Year) Thomm Jutz. Her all covers release Something Fine came out in 2015 on GoosePie Music and was produced, recorded and engineered by Matt Nakoa and Neale Eckstein. Her 2011 album was In This Light (Blue Rock Artists), produced by Billy Crockett recorded and engineered by Keith Gary. And her debut album was 2008’s One More Door, out on GoosePie Music, and produced by Todd Burge. https://www.rjcowdery.com/home-shows Stephen Clair ""booty-slaps the sweet spot between power-pop, indie-rock, new wave and alt-country"—Tinnitist" https://www.stephenclair.com/ Martin Dockery’s incredible one-man shows have earned him fifty (50!!) “Best of Fest” awards at festivals around the world. We were excited to have him back on our stage! Hosted by Jamie Mulligan  Clearwater educators and Linda Richards Music brought the Hudson River to life through music, movement, and song. With the help of the audience they navigated the river with a giant hands on Hudson River puzzle. Sharing what it takes to be a crew member- your voice and your mind! Click to learn more Hudson River Sloop Clearwater This program is produced with the support of the State of New York Office of Children and Family Services upon the legislative initiative of Assembly member Jonathan Jacobson.  With puppeteer Brad Shur of Paper Heart Puppets A series of captivating tales unfold through the magic of cardboard and the boundless power of imagination. With help from the audience, puppeteer Brad Shur takes the simplest of materials—plain cardboard shapes—and skillfully transforms them into an array of expressive and elaborate puppet characters. As each story develops, these characters move, interact, and surprise, proving that with a little creativity, even the most ordinary materials can become something extraordinary. Free family program - This program is produced with the support of the State of New York Office of Children and Family Services upon the legislative initiative of Assembly member Jonathan Jacobson. Check out our other free family programs!  An evening celebrating Stories, Struggles, & Success of Fierce and Fabulous Women https://www.lenarizkallah.com/  Album Release Show with a Special Opening Performance by NOGA Joined by Zohar Cabo, Adam Cabo, Mia Lailani, Lila Blue, and Angel Lau. Video art by ROOSTER.  Song of Nature performed by Lydia Adams Davis with Elly Wininger Along with Lydia’s hand puppet routines, while full of stories, songs and improvisational humor, invite lively participation and produce on the spot "Kid Puppeteers" in this show. This program is produced with the support of the State of New York Office of Children and Family Services upon the legislative initiative of Assembly member Jonathan Jacobson. For Kids & Families  |
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