WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL
SPIRIT OF WOODSTOCK CELEBRATION
ON THE HUDSON
(Woodstock, NY) May 16, 2011: The Woodstock Film Festival is happy to announce that it will be hosting its first Spirit of Woodstock Celebration on Saturday, July 9 at 7pm. This summer gala will honor Woodstock's own Michael Lang and will begin a series of annual events along the Hudson River; each celebrating film, music and art while benefiting the Woodstock Film Festival.
"We are excited to launch this annual series of celebrations on the Hudson," commented Meira Blaustein, co-founder and executive director of the Woodstock Film Festival. "The river is the pulse of the Hudson Valley and connects us all. With that in mind, it is truly a privilege to honor Michael Lang, a long-time active WFF advisory board member, who was responsible for also connecting millions, from all walks of life and all parts of the world."
"It's an honor being the first recipient of the Spirit of Woodstock Award," said Michael Lang. "That spirit is what led me here in the 60’s to realize a dream and that spirit has been a part of the Woodstock Film Festival since its beginning."
Michael Lang, originator of the 1969 Woodstock Arts and Music Festival and the evening's honoree, will be presented with the first annual Spirit of Woodstock Award by two-time Academy Award® winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple. The award will be hand-crafted by local artisan Steve Heller of Fabulous Furniture.
Musician Tracy Bonham, first catapulted to the spotlight with her 1996 hit Mother Mother, will be the featured performer of the evening. Her new album Mast of Manhatta is available online. The festival is thrilled to have her, and other great talent, to kick off this evening of live music, entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, cocktails and the casual opportunity to mingle with musicians, actors, filmmakers, artists and art lovers from both NYC and the Hudson Valley.
The July 9th event will be held at a magnificent penthouse loft in Poughkeepsie, NY. Once an old piano factory, this newly renovated space features a rooftop entertainment area offering incredible panoramic views of the river.
Woodstock Film Festival sends a special thanks to Mary Giuliani Catering & Events for generously providing the evening's catering, as well as Gregory & Arlene Chiaramonte for being gracious, charitable hosts..
For transportation, a round trip Party Bus from Woodstock to Poughkeepsie will be provided for an additional $20. Guests should make their reservations early, only a limited number of bus seats are available. The event is also within walking distance from the Poughkeepsie Train Station (with Amtrak and Metro North service).
Editors & Reports: For interview requests, please contact meira@woodstockfilmfestival.com |
