The FDR Presidential Library, the Catharine Street Community Center and the Roosevelt Institute will host the third annual Eleanor Roosevelt “We Make Our Own History” Forums in February and March 2012. The first forum, featuring Paul Stewart, co-founder of the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc., is on February 26, 2012 in commemoration of African American History Month. The second forum, “Eleanor Roosevelt & Civil Rights: What You Might Not Know, But Should!” with Roosevelt historian Allida Black, will be held on March 25, 2012 in honor of Women’s History Month. Both forums will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home and will include a book talk, signing and reception. Proceeds benefit the Catharine Street Community Center in Poughkeepsie, New York and the education programs of Roosevelt Library.

Pre-registration and an admission fee is required for both events (February 26 only, $25; March 25 only, $25; or both programs, $40). Call (845) 486-7745 for registration information. To download the registration form visit www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/publicprograms/pdfs/erforums.pdf.

On February 26, 2012, beginning at 2:00 p.m., Paul Stewart, co-founder of the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc., will present an illustrated lecture on the history of the Underground Railroad in the Albany, New York area and the nonprofit organization he established to celebrate its history. The Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc. (URHPCR, Inc.) strives to reclaim and share the voices of freedom seekers, African American abolitionists and their supporters through public education, research, preservation, and community involvement. The Capital Region of New York State was visited by thousands of fugitives seeking freedom in the years prior to the Civil War. URHPCR, Inc. seeks to acknowledge the active Underground Railroad movement in the Albany region, to raise awareness about and stimulate interest in this movement, to understand it in its historic context, to encourage the recognition of local historic figures and the activities in which they engaged, and to preserve that history.

On March 25, 2012, beginning at 2:00 p.m., Allida Black will present a talk entitled, “Eleanor Roosevelt & Civil Rights: What You Might Not Know, But Should!” Prof. Black is Executive Editor of the fdr4freedoms Digital Initiative of the Roosevelt Institute, an education and advocacy program dedicated to the Four Freedoms. She serves as Founding Editor and Editorial Advisory Board Chair of The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers, a project designed to preserve, teach and apply Eleanor Roosevelt’s writings and discussions of human rights and democratic politics. A popular author, commentator and lecturer, Professor Black frequently speaks before audiences ranging from the general public to members of Congress to human rights associations and international women’s organizations. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee, the Center for New Deal Studies, the National Coalition for History, secretary of the Gaea Foundation, and a director of the Liberian Education Trust.

Catharine Street Community Center, in Poughkeepsie, New York, promotes and coordinates educational, health, and cultural programming that enriches and enhances the lives of individuals, children, and families. Visit www.catharinecenter.org.

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to preserving historical material and providing innovative educational programs, community events, and public outreach. It is one of thirteen presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. For information about the FDR Presidential Library call (800) 337-8474 or visit www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu.

Historic Hyde Park is a group of government and private non-profit organizations based in Hyde Park, New York. Each has a unique mission, but all are united in their dedication to extending the legacy of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt to new generations. HHP includes the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill, the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. For more information about HHP visit www.HistoricHydePark.org.

Mrs. Bailey, co-founder of the Fort Montgomery Battle Site Association, has been involved and dedicated to preserving Hudson Valley History for over 50 years.  She has worked in all capacities in over 20 different organizations over these many years.  At present, she is the Executive Director and Financial Officer of the Fort Montgomery Battle Site Association; President of the Town of Highlands Historical Society for 32 years; and Town/Village Historian for 19 years.  Mrs. Bailey also finds time to write “Then and Now” columns for the local News and is busy with community projects such as the Senior Citizen’s Group, and the Local Development Corporation for Main Street revitalization.

The Fort Montgomery Battle Site Association is a Friends Group which supports the preservation and restoration of the Revolutionary Fort Battle Site,.  Opened to the public in 2001, is it now one of the State’s major tourism attractions in the area featuring a media room, conference room, and museum.

Mrs. Bailey will be added to the already esteemed list of previous winners of this award, including Janet Dempsey, local historian and author, Barbara Bedell,  TIMES-HERALD RECORD columnist, Mary McTamaney, City of Newburgh Historian and, most recently, Mara Farrell, community activist.

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site presents the prestigious “Martha Washington Woman of History Award” as part of their annual Woman’s History Month program, “The General’s Lady”.  This event will take place on March 31st in Newburgh.  In addition to presenting this prestigious award, “The General’s Lady” includes a reception and a speakers’ program, starting at 1:00pm.  The program is open to the public.  For further details call 845-562-1195.

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is a registered national historic landmark.  It is located at the corner of Liberty and Washington Streets within the city of Newburgh’s East End Historic District.  The site is one of 35 historic sites within the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and is one of 24 facilities administered by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission in New York and New Jersey.  For further information contact: (845) 562-1195.  For more information about New York State Parks, please visit our website at www.nysparks. com.

“LINCOLN’S WAY: HOW SIX GREATPRESIDENTS CREATED AMERICAN POWER”

and DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY: PRESIDENTIAL AUTOGRAPHS

Saturday, February 18, 2012, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum will host an afternoon of President’s Day Weekend events on Saturday, February 18, 2012. The programs begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home with an author talk and signing with Washington College Professor of History Richard Striner, author of “Lincoln’s Way: How Six Great Presidents Created American Power.” Professor Striner will sign copies of his book after the talk. Following the signing visitors can view a selection of presidential autographs from the Roosevelt Library archives — many of which are from FDR’s personal collection — on display only once a year. These events are free and open to the general public.

AUTHOR TALK AND SIGNING: RICHARD STRINER

“LINCOLN’S WAY: HOW SIX GREAT PRESIDENTS CREATED AMERICAN POWER”

2:00 p.m.

Washington College Professor of History Richard Striner, author of “Lincoln’s Way: How Six Great Presidents Created American Power” will speak at 2:00 p.m. in the Wallace Center. In “Lincoln’s Way,” historian Richard Striner tells the story of America’s rise to global power and the presidential leaders who envisioned it and made it happen. From Abraham Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt within the Republican Party, the legacy was passed along to FDR — the Democratic Roosevelt — who bequeathed it to Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy. A book signing will follow the talk.

DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY: PRESIDENTIAL AUTOGRAPHS

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Following the author talk and signing, visitors can view original documents from the Roosevelt Library archives bearing the signatures of many of our nation’s Presidents including: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Martin Van Buren, Andrew Jackson, Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy. Over thirty signatures will be on display in the Research Room of the Wallace Center — most of which were collected by FDR himself. Archivists will be on hand to answer questions about the documents. These rare documents are on display only once a year. There will be a short video presentation and family-friendly activities relating to presidential history.

www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu

Monday, February 13, 2012, 11:30 am—1:30 pm

“A Rare Glimpse of the Enslavement of Indians In Orange County, NY”

Presented by Ginny Privitar and Clifton Patrick, Chester Town Historian at the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, 240 Main Street, Goshen, NY

Partake of a delicious buffet lunch with delightful speakers at the Harness Racing Museum and discover all the hidden historical treasures this county has to offer!  Bring your friends on Monday, February 13, 2012 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, share in a scrumptious meal and learn something new as Ginny Privitar, reporter for The Chronicle, and Clifton Patrick, Chester Town Historian, discuss Ray Decker’s paper regarding the enslavement of Indians in Orange County. Tickets are $18 for museum members and $20 for non-members and include a buffet lunch with beverages and dessert.  The museum is located at 240 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924.  Because of the popularity of this series and the risk of selling out early, reservations are required by Friday, February 10, 2012; please call 845-294-6330.

Ginny Privitar and Clif Patrick will discuss the results of research by Ray Decker, a renowned author, avocational archeologist, explorer, historian and winner of the “Meritorious Service” award from the New York State Archaeological Association. His amazing discovery of a 1720 deed and memorandum regarding the sale of the Crommelin Plantation in Orange County listed all of the chattels included in the sale, including three slaves, two of which were Indians. This document is believed to be the only extant record of the enslavement of Native Americans in Orange County, New York.  This presentation is a discussion of his research paper on this discovery.

For further information about the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, the museum’s school programs, educational workshops or children’s birthday parties, please contact the Education Department at (845) 294-6330 or e-mail at education@harnessmuseum.com.  Thanks to USTA support, the Museum is currently offering free admission for walk-in visitors and $4.00/person for group docent-guided tours. For information on all the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame special events or gift shop services, please visit our website at www.harnessmuseum.com.  The museum is located at 240 Main Street, Goshen, NY and is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Residents of New York are invited to enjoy a winter wonderland and explore some of the exhilarating winter activities that New York State has to offer!

The Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), Ski Areas of New York (SANY), and I Love New York are bringing in tons of snow to Union Square to remind New Yorker’s that the mountains of New York are covered with fresh and man-made snow. This snow day, Thursday, February 9^th, is being hosted to encourage New Yorkers to get out and enjoy the outdoors during the winter months.

New Yorkers are invited to come out and enjoy the snow and learn about all the New York States’ winter destinations from downhill and cross-country skiing to snowmobiling, ziplining, snowshoeing and more.

ORDA will be trucking in and blowing tons of fresh snow, utilizing the latest snow-making technology to create this incredible winter wonderland. This Union Square event will feature:

• Burton Riglet Park, where children ages three to six can test ride snowboards and learn the basics of snowboarding; instructors will tow kids on snow features and around obstacles to introduce them to the fun of snowboarding.
• Fresh from receiving a bronze medal for his video part in Winter X Games Real Snow, professional snowboarder Pat Moore will be on-site to talk about snowboarding. Pat holds “Highest Air” honors in the quarterpipe at the Oakley Stylemasters in China, the Abominable Snow Jam and the U.S. Open. Flying in style won him “Best Trick” for a massive 20-foot McTwist at the Arctic Challenge.
• Red Bull’s street team will be giving away a pair of custom skis, movies, shirts, and more.
• Skiing and snowboarding experts from Whiteface Mountain, Hunter Mountain, Windham Mountain, Mountain Creek, ORDA and SANY will be available to talk about the quality and technological advances of snowmaking, New York’s 50-plus ski destinations and New York’s winter activities across the state.

WHEN: Snow will be unloaded and made on Wednesday, February 8, 2012; 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.

COME SKI NY SNOW EVENT:  Thursday, February 9, 2012; 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Union Square Park, South at 14^th Street

About New York State

New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s attractions span from landmarks such as Niagara Falls, to the wine trails of Hudson Valley and treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Whether it’s wide-ranging outdoor activities for the whole family like fishing, hiking and boating, culinary wonders and farm-to-table fresh foods, or the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all travelers. For more information, visit http://www.iloveny.com. Media can find press releases and more at thebeat.iloveny.com.

A wonderful dinner, wine tasting, delectable chocolates or just something fun to do,

check out some of these happenings for Valentines!

Dinner

Shadows on the Hudson – Dinner for 2 –  2/14/12 $39.95/couple – visit www.shadowsonthehudson.com

The Poughkeepsie Grand – Dinner for 2 -  2/14/12 $99.00/couple – includes DJ and complimentary one-dozen long-stemmed boxed roses – visit www.pokgrand.com

Rolling Greens at Dutchess Golf & Country Club – Dinner for 2 – 2/11/12, $99.50/couple – includes 4 ½ hours of top-shelf open bar, music and complimentary one-dozen red long-stemmed roses – visit www.rollinggreensatdutchess.com

Anthony’s Pier 9  -  Cupid’s Dinner Dance – 2/14/12 – $79.95/couple – includes 4 hours of top-shelf open bar, live DJ, one-dozen boxed long-stemmed red roses – visit www.piernine.com

GiGi Hudson Valley Trattoria – Devote Today, 2/14/12 , to Amore Enjoy our 4-course menu for lovers at $55.95 – www.gigihudsonvalley.com

Le Chambord -Valentines Dinner Dance Buffet – 2/11/12 – $79 plus tax and tip – Cocktail Hour – 5 Hours Open Bar – visit www.lechambord.com

Emerson Resort – Catamount’s Valentine’s Day Dinner – $39.95/pp – 845.688.2828 for reservations – www.emersonresort.com

Wineries

Robibero Winery – Sweet & Sinful Revenge – 2/11 & 2/12 – Celebrate Valentine’s weekend and discover the romance of pairing wine with some of life’s greatest pleasures.  Indulge yourself with chocolate, cupcakes and wine in sinful combination.  Seating’s at 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm – $15.00/pp.  Reservations required.  Visit www.Rnywine.com

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery – Valentine’s Day Weekend 2/11 & 2/12 – Wine & Truffle Tasting — $20/pp – A special reserve tasting event featuring our new wine, infused chocolate truffles paired with our Millbrook reserve wines. This is a delicious way to celebrate the romance between two great loves, wine and chocolate.   Available Tasting Times: 1:00/2:00/3:00/4:00.  Call 800.662.9463 ext 20 for reservations and details  www.millbrookwine.com

Whitecliff Winery – Valentine Tasting – 2/11/12 – noon – 5pm – Come in the Saturday before Valentine’s Day for a taste of our sparkling wine, paired with fabulous chocolate truffles from New Paltz chocolatier, Lagusta’s Luscious. While Lagusta’s chocolates happen to be Fair Trade, organic, and vegan too, most importantly they are truly wonderful!  www.whitecliffwine.com

Tousey Winery – “Art and Wine for Lovers” event – 2/10/12 – 5-8pm – opening reception – current works of art by Rhinebeck artist Thomas Cole – features wine tastings and expert recommendations for unique art and wine pairings. www.touseywinery.com

Chocolates

La Deliziosa Pastry Shoppe, 10 Mount Carmel Pl, Poughkeepsie, NY, 845-471-3636

Edible Arrangements, 10 IBM Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 845-463-3900 www.ediblearrangements.com

Alps Sweet Shop, 1054 Main Street, Fishkill, NY 845-896-8080 www.alpssweetshop.com

Oliver Kita Fine Confections, 18 West Market Street, Rhinebeck, NY, 845-876-2665  www.oliverkita.com

Lagusta’s Luscious, 25 North Front Street, New Paltz, NY, 845-255.8834 www.lagustasluscious.com

Something Fun

The Castle Fun Center – 2/11/12 – 6pm-10pm – Valentine Skate Party – For all ages, includes Games, Skating, Contests, Prizes and Fun! $9 per person $3.50 for skate rentals; $4.50 for roller blade rentals – Email us with a message for your Valentine to be posted on our 17′ Rink Screen during the party!  Please send it before Friday to sue@thecastlefuncenter.com – visit  www.thecastlefuncenter.com

The Castle Fun Center – 2/11/12 – Valentine’s Dinner & Show – Jesters Comedy Club – Doors open 8pm, show starts 9pm – special – Pre-fixe Dinner Option 7pm!  This special show features Kevin Meaney as headliner and Mark Cooper from WPDH as host!  18 & over only for Comedy Club – Purchase your tickets at www.jesterscomedyclubny.com

Bananas Comedy Club, Poughkeepsie  –Comedian Joey Kola – Valentine’s Day Weekend Special Event – $25 – Feb 10, 2012 8pm, Feb 11, 2012 8pm, Feb 11, 2012 10:30pm  – visit www.bananaspk.com

While many of the parking and traffic issues experienced last year were beyond our control, we are actively working with our partners to implement strategies to improve your festival experience.

We’ve been working hard on putting together a global line-up that has cross-generational appeal. From Folk to Bluegrass, Native American to African, Cajun to Swing and Indie-Rock to Blues, we have a line-up that transends musical boundaries and geographic borders.  Artists confirmed so far include Ani DiFranco, Bela Fleck, Dawes, Deer Tick, Tinawiren, The Punch Brothers, The Klezmatics, Donna The Buffalo, Peter Yarrow, Tom Paxton, Aoife O’Donovan, Tim O’Brien, Tom Chapin, Joanne Shenandoah, Toshi Reagon & Big Lovely, Raul Midon, Jill Sobule, Sara Watkins, Guy Davis Band, David Amram, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, Joe Purdy, Melissa Ferrick, Joseph Firecrow Band, Alsarah, The Deadly Gentlemen, Dala, Joel Rafael, Melissa Ferrick, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Jesse Lege & Bayou Brew and many more.

We’ll also be celebrating The Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s 50th anniversary and Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday.

We’ve kept ticket prices low and in some cases they are lower than last year.  We’ve also negotiated a new deal with our ticketing company and our service fees are the lowest they’ve ever been.  Our weekend camping package now includes Friday night and showers!

TIER ONE tickets are now on sale at ClearwaterFestival.org, so buy now and save money!  Clearwater Members receive a 20% discount off of all advance ticket prices.  If you’re not a member and would like to join, or you would like to renew your membership, please do so by clicking here. Don’t forget that kids under 12 get in for free!

We’ll announce more artists soon, so keep checking our Clearwater Festival website.

The Festival offers much more than just great musical artists; there is the Working Waterfront with sails on tall ships, including the sloop Clearwater, an expanded Artisanal Food & Farm Market, Juried Crafts Fair, Green Living Expo, Activist Area, Market Place and lots of activities for families and kids.

The Traveling Musical Petting Zoo, a new attraction for this year, will be located right next to our Jam Tent.  From accordian to zither, The Zoo is a fully interactive, hands-on exhibition for musicians, young and old, novice to professional.

The Festival’s success is dependent upon the 1,000 volunteers who help to put on all that you see and hear during the weekend. With over 45 committees to choose from, including Site Crew, Peacekeeping, Working Waterfront, Environmental Action and many others, there are many ways for you to get involved.  “Early Bird” registration for volunteering is now open.  If you are interested in volunteering this year, please click here.

All proceeds from the Festival directly support Clearwater’s environmental education, advocacy and research to help preserve and protect the Hudson River and its tributaries, as well as the communities of the Hudson River Valley.

“For 30 years the Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre has been performing at the beautiful Bardavon 1869 Opera House – an achievement we are very proud of,” remarked VRDT director John Meehan. “Consequently our 2012 Gala Performance is a special celebration with strong repertory of both existing and brand new works and very talented company of dancers. The best kept dance secret in the Hudson Valley this is not a concert just for the Vassar Community, but for all people who enjoy dance.”

The VRDT repertoire will include faculty and student choreography as well as Balanchine’s “Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux” and two new works by Edwaard Liang and Larry Keigwin:

• Larry Keigwin, a renowned modern dance choreographer, created “Take Off” at Vassar for VRDT in October 2011. Set to the music of exciting young composer Jonathan Melville Pratt, “Take Off” celebrates youth, energy, dance and flight.

• Edwaard Liang, who danced with New York City Ballet and later performed on Broadway in the musical Fosse, has developed his distinct choreographic voice using a vocabulary that fuses traditional ballet and contemporary movement. His mysterious work “Whispers in the Dark,” set for VRDT, is a radical reworking of a contemporary ballet last seen in the repertoire of the Bolshoi Ballet. The gala will offer its North American debut.

To celebrate the company’s 30th year at the Bardavon Opera House, George Balanchine’s dazzling “Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux” will be added to the repertoire. John Meehan noted that “Balanchine’s pas de deux is classical ballet at its most exhilarating and will feature brilliant young Vassar students Juliana Rodzinski and Brian Heil.”

Katherine Wildberger, senior lecturer in dance and drama and assistant director of VRDT, collaborated with adjunct artist and VRDT resident composer, Howard Kilik, to create “Drumlin,” based on the poem “Buck in the Snow” by alumna Edna St Vincent Millay ’17. A live string quartet will perform Kilik’s commissioned score.

Steve Rooks, chair of the Department of Dance and VRDT resident choreographer, has created “Social Network(s)” a dramatic piece of three abstracts on the connections/disconnections of our social lives, set to music of the composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Stacey Widelitz, and Thomas Newman.

The jazz work “Voodoo Rendezvous,” was created by Abby Saxon, adjunct instructor in dance. Co-choreographed with Martha Ross ’83 Tobias, “Voodoo Rendezvous” was first presented by VRDT during the 2005–06 season.  Set to the music of Ben Charest, this entertaining piece returned to the current repertoire by popular demand.

The gala program will also highlight VRDT’s classical ballet dancers as they perform “The Dance of the Odalisques,” from the Marius Petipa ballet Le Corsaire with music of Adolphe Adam and Cesare Pugni. This excerpt was set by VRDT Director John Meehan.

“Jai Ho,” the hit song from the movie Slumdog Millionaire (written by A. R. Rahman) inspired the VRDT company finale, choreographed by the dance faculty in collaboration with the dancers of VRDT.

Student choreographers represented in the program will include Mickey Mahar ’12 (“Untitled”), Elly Dembo ’13 (“Chiaroscuro”), Michael Graceffa ’13 (“Contact 3 2 1”), Niya Nicholson ’14 (“Jigsaw”), Matt Ortile ’14 (“Brightside”), and Emma King ’15 (“If I am Not Beautiful”).

Tickets for the 30^th anniversary Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre Bardavon Gala are $11 for general admissions or $9.00 for students, seniors, and the Vassar community. You may purchase tickets by calling the Bardavon Box Office at (845) 473-2072 or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Group rates are available through calling the dance office at Vassar, please call (845) 437-7470 for information. Tickets will be on sale at Vassar College at the College Center Information Desk located in Main Building and at the Dance Office in Kenyon Hall.

Ultimate Beatles covers featuring the hardest working musicians in NYC!

The Bardavon is pleased to present The Fab Faux featuring the Hogshead Horns and Creme Tangerine Strings (Blues Brothers; Blood, Sweat & Tears; and SNL band alums) at the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) in Kingston, NY on Saturday, February 11 at 8pm. Sponsored by M&T Bank.

With a commitment to the accurate reproduction of The Beatles’ repertoire, The Fab Faux treat the seminal music with unwavering respect, and are known for their painstaking recreations of the songs, with emphasis on the later works never performed live by the Beatles.  Far beyond a cover band, they play the music of The Beatles so impeccably that one must experience it to believe it.

Imagine hearing complex material like “Strawberry Fields Forever” or “I Am the Walrus” performed in complete part-perfect renditions; or such harmony-driven songs as “Because,” “Nowhere Man,” and “Paperback Writer,” reproduced not only note- for-note, but with extra vocalists to achieve a double-tracked effect.

The musical virtuosity of The Fab Faux is actually five of the hardest working musicians in New York City:

Will Lee (Vocals/Bass) – to say this Grammy Award-winner has done it all in the music business would be quite an understatement. Perhaps best known as bassist for over two decades on The Late Show with David Letterman, Will has also lent his considerable talents to well over 1,000 pop, jazz and rock albums (Ricky Martin, Burt Bacharach, Bee Gees, George Benson, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Luther Vandross, Mick Jagger, Cyndi Lauper, Barry Manilow, Buddy Rich, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, Grover Washington Jr., Cat Stevens, Vanessa Williams, Billy Joel, Barbara Streisand, Carly Simon, D’Angelo, Frank Sinatra, Mariah Carey, Pat Metheny, and Steely Dan among them; has sung and played on an equal number of TV and radio commercials; and performed live with countless artists, including three of the real Beatles! Founding and leading The Fab Faux reflects Will’s lifelong love and respect for The Beatles’ music; he says it best when he says, “They gave us all a wake up call.” Will’s website is: www.willlee.com

Jimmy Vivino was music director/guitarist/arranger for The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and long-time music partner of Levon Helm, John Sebastian and Al Kooper, to name a few.

Rich Pagano (drums and vocals), is a respected New York sideman known for his expertise in producing, recording or playing drums on tour with artists including Patti Smith, Rosanne Cash, Robbie Robertson, Ray Davies, Joan Osborne, Levon Helm, and Mott The Hoople legend Ian Hunter. Rich released his first solo effort, rich pagano + the sugarCane cups in 2009 to high praise (“Among the best albums that you’ll hear in 2009″ – Blurt Magazine). More at www.richpagano.com

In addition to The Fab Faux and his music industry day job, Frank Agnello has had the pleasure of playing with such artists as Marshall Crenshaw, Badfinger’s Joey Molland, Phoebe Snow, Al Kooper, Mike Viola, Jill Sobule, Jackie DeShannon, Willie Nile, Richard Lloyd and Ivan Julian. Frank has written and commenced recording a self-arranged and produced album of 12 songs, which he hopes to complete in the coming months.

Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist Jack Petruzzelli, is one of the most sought after and respected musicians on the scene. Recording and touring with everyone from Rufus Wainwright to Joan Osborne, music legends Patti Smith and Ian Hunter, to budding underground sensations, Jack’s raw talent, unique style, and genuine love of his craft seamlessly blend into all he touches. A soulful musician on guitar & keyboards, any instrument within distance, or as a singer, Jack is also writing and producing music.

Tickets for The Fab Faux at UPAC are: $66 Golden Circle, $51 Adult and $46 Members, and are on sale now at the:

Bardavon Box Office, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, 845.473.2072

UPAC Box Office, 601 Broadway, Kingston, 845.339.6088

and through Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.com, 800.745.3000

For more information: www.bardavon.org.