Clearwater Festival is the country’s oldest and largest music and environmental festival, bringing together major musical acts and Clearwater’s own brand of green activism for a unique weekend on the banks of the Hudson River every June.
Renamed the Great Hudson River Revival (Clearwater Festival) on June 21 and 22 in beautiful Croton Point Park, Croton-On-Hudson, NY marks the first event since the passing of its founders, musician and activist Pete Seeger and his wife Toshi Seeger.
Clearwater 2014 promises to be a special celebration of the Seeger’s and their legacy – hosting many Clearwater friends old and new, many of who will perform special musical tributes during the event.
Pete Seeger’s vision and desire to clean up the Hudson River in the 1960s prompted a series of riverside concerts throughout the Hudson Valley to help raise the funds to “build a boat to save the river.” The banjo case was laid open to accept contributions, and this was the start of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater that also laid the foundations for the Great Hudson River Revival – today also known as the Clearwater Festival.
“Pete and Toshi’s legacy is truly something to celebrate,” says Clearwater Festival Director Steve Lurie. “We’re excited to host a variety of tributes throughout the weekend – both on and off the stages.” Among the tributes planned is a set by the Clearwater Family Band featuring Clearwater friends Tom Paxton, Tom Chapin, Guy Davis, David Amram, Dar Williams, Holly Near, Josh White, Jr. and others. There will also be a banjo tribute lead by Tony Trischka and featuring other great banjo players, and sets of both The Weavers’ music as well as the Almanac Singers, both of which Pete Seeger was a member.
In addition, a special set will feature songs from Seeger’s repertoire that were written in honor of the 3,000 Americans who volunteered to serve in the Spanish Civil War. Pete originally wrote the songs to pay tribute to those who fought against the fascist government led by Francisco Franco, and supported by the fascist governments of Italy and Nazi Germany.
“A Square Dance in Memory of How Pete and Toshi Met” will be hosted by Clearwater friends Jay Ungar & Molly Mason on the Dance Stage. Pete and Toshi were very fond of dancing and personally funded the launch of Clearwater’s Dance Stage in the early 80’s, making it the first participatory dance stage at an American Folk Festival.
For 2014, the Clearwater Dance Stage will present global beats perfect for dancing with a wide array of artists, including Buckwheat Zydeco; Contra-Dance band Wild Asparagus; Congolese Salsa great, Ricardo Lemvo; Cajun band, The Revelers, featuring members of the Red Stick Ramblers and the Pine Leaf Boys; Cajun artist, Jesse Lége & Bayou Brew; Grammy award winners, The Klezmatics; Gnawa style Moroccan musician Hassan Hakmoun; NYC based Colombian band, The M.A.K.U. Soundsystem, mixing traditional music with psychedelic rock; andThe Vanaver Caravan, paying tribute to Pete & Toshi on both days with special dance performances.
Last month Clearwater Festival announced its 2014 artist lineup, including Lucinda Williams, Puss N Boots (featuring Norah Jones, Sasha Dobson and Catherine Popper); singer-songwriter, Rufus Wainwright; alternative Country/Swing band, The Mavericks; legendary guitarist and singer, Richard Thompson; jam band moe. playing a special acoustic set; Martin Sexton; Josh Ritter; Dar Williams; David Bromberg’s Big Band; ukulele virtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro; soul diva, Bettye LaVette; indie jazz/soul band, Lake Street Dive; children’s music artist Laurie Berkner, and many others.
Visit www.ClearwaterFestival.org for the complete list of performers by day.
Ticket prices start at $70.00 and are available for purchase now at www.ClearwaterFestival.org. Clearwater members receive 20% off. Kids 12 and under are free.
The Clearwater Festival is wheelchair accessible and most stage programming is staffed with American Sign Language Interpreters.
Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival is produced by the nonprofit, member-supported, environmental organization Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc. All proceeds go directly to support Clearwater’s environmental education and advocacy.
Other offerings that make the Revival experience unique and memorable include the Working Waterfront, offering rides on small boats and tall ships including the sloop Clearwater and the schooner Mystic Whaler. The Handcrafters’ Village showcases over 50 crafters and folk artists with quality hand-made items, demonstrations and workshops. The Green Living Expo is the place to learn about sustainable products, services, concepts and technologies for informed lifestyle and business choices. The Discovery and Tideline tents feature Clearwater’s original hands-on environmental education programs and Hudson River research. The Environmental Action Tent highlights Clearwater’s watershed and environmental justice initiatives in our Hudson Valley communities. An expanded Artisanal Food & Farm Market offers Hudson Valley foods and specialty items as well as demonstrations and performances by local musicians.
FestPop Editorial Team
Press@FestPop.com