‘American Beauty,’ Now 50 Years Old, Keeps on Truckin’ at the Bardavon

‘American Beauty,’ Now 50 Years Old, Keeps on Truckin’ at the Bardavon
The Bardavon Theater in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., is celebrating the 50th anniversary (and what a long strange trip …) of the Grateful Dead’s “American Beauty” album with a virtual concert on Nov. 1. 

It’s the 50th anniversary of an iconic Grateful Dead album, and the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., is celebrating with a free online show on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. featuring covers of songs from the album and the general Dead song list. 

One of the highlights of the show will be Jefferson Airplane’s Jorma Kaukonen performing “Operator,” with John Hurlbut. Kaukonen went on to have a long and fruitful solo career after leaving the Airplane.

The show will also include the lovely “Box of Rain,” written by Dead founding bass player Phil Lesh, with Robert Hunter. It’s one of the few recordings of Lesh singing.  Nicki Bluhm and Amy Helm will cover the song for the Nov. 1 show.

Members of Moonalice and Doobie Decibel System will cover “Attics of My Life.” 

Other covers will include Animal Liberation Orchestra (ALO) performing “Friend of the Devil;” Mihali performing, “Sugar Magnolia;” Yonder Mountain String Band performing “Candyman;” Marco Benevento performing, “Ripple;”The Harmonellas performing “Brokedown Palace;” Railroad Earth performing, “Till the Morning Comes;” and Donna the Buffalo performing, “Truckin’.”  

As a bonus,  from “Workingman’s Dead,” The Weight Band will cover “New Speedway Boogie.”

The 50th anniversary celebration was curated by Bardavon Production Manager Stephen LaMarca; the show has commentary by Bardavon Executive Director Chris Silva.

A portion of all donations from this and other concerts in the Bardavon streaming series Bardavon Presents @ You Tube will benefit People’s Place in Kingston, N.Y., and  Dutchess Outreach in Poughkeepsie.

Coming up next on  Bardavon Presents @You Tube is the 50th anniversary of “Loaded” by the Velvet Underground on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m. with special guest artists.

Don’t be sad that your favorite albums are celebrating their half century; be glad that you grew up with so much great music!

Find the Bardavon’s “American Beauty” tribute on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. and see other shows, too,  at www.youtube.com/channel/UCfYyXGTdmF4O55Duc4sgaSw. 

Latest News

Farm Fall Block Party returns to Rock Steady Farm
Rock Steady Farm during the 2024 Farm Fall Block Party. This year’s event returns Sept. 6.
Provided

On Saturday, Sept. 6, from 12 to 5 p.m., Rock Steady Farm in Millerton opens its fields once again for the third annual Farm Fall Block Party, a vibrant, heart-forward gathering of queer and BIPOC farmers, neighbors, families, artists, and allies from across the Hudson Valley and beyond.

Co-hosted with Catalyst Collaborative Farm, The Watershed Center, WILDSEED Community Farm & Healing Village, and Seasoned Delicious Foods, this year’s party promises its biggest celebration yet. Part harvest festival, part community reunion, the gathering is a reflection of the region’s rich agricultural and cultural ecosystem.

Keep ReadingShow less
The art of Marilyn Hock

Waterlily (8”x12”) made by Marilyn Hock

Provided

It takes a lot of courage to share your art for the first time and Marilyn Hock is taking that leap with her debut exhibition at Sharon Town Hall on Sept. 12. A realist painter with a deep love for wildlife, florals, and landscapes, Hock has spent the past few years immersed in watercolor, teaching herself, failing forward, and returning again and again to the page. This 18-piece collection is a testament to courage, practice and a genuine love for the craft.

“I always start with the eyes,” said Hock of her animal portraits. “That’s where the soul lives.” This attentiveness runs through her work, each piece rendered with care, clarity, and a respect for the subtle variations of color and light in the natural world.

Keep ReadingShow less
Reading and recommendations from Carissa Unite of Oblong Books

Carissa Unite, general manager of Oblong Books in Millerton.

Provided

Carissa Unite of Millerton, began working at Oblong Books 16 years ago as a high schooler. She recently celebrated her eight-year anniversary as the general manager.

Unite’s journey at Oblong began even before she applied for her first position.An avid reader from a young age, she was a frequent customer at the store. During those years, Unite bonded with a former employee who encouraged her to apply for a position after connecting over their shared love of reading.

Keep ReadingShow less