350 Fair!

Okay, okay... so this was a while ago (2 Saturdays ago to be exact), but I was busy going to lots of events! And also there was Halloween... yeah... But this is perfect timing because I can actually just remind you to vote tomorrow! Ulster County elections are here!

170 countries participated, held events to create awareness about climate change. The goal is to get the carbon density back down to 350. Then the climate will be stable. So... let's get to it! Turn off your lights when you can! Ride your bike instead of driving!



Soul Purpose played some classics like "Mustang Sally", "Superstition", and (yes, they had to) "Soul Man".














High School rappers "Pistols for Pandas" spit some environmentally friendly rhymes.

Then Betty and the Baby Boomers played some classic folk songs.

It was a lovely day, the biggest Haz Park event this year :)

Rock the Vote!

There was yet another event in Hasbrouck Park, calling on all of us New Paltzians to be active. This time the message was, specifically, to vote in local elections! There's an election in November, so keep your eyes peeled for NYPIRGers and register to vote in New Paltz. The day also included lots and lots of music.

The day began at noon with a performance by Quatrane. The poor weather resulted in a small crowd, but Quatrane rocked the gazebo, experimenting more due to a more casual setting.

Then Ed Daley and The Allstars came on the gazebo-stage. There were some additions and subtractions since their last performance at Haz Park. The group contains many Allstars.

Haden Minifie joined the band and started a sing-along with the crowd. She wailed an outstanding and enthusiastic rendition of "Lean On Me" followed by a couple of other equally group-loved tunes.

After this joyous crowd unity, The Jonny Monster Band played. They revealed music that was made to move hips.

The finale of the day was a performance by The Big Takeover (which I sadly missed... if anyone has pictures, please send them to me?)

Anyway, there will be another of these festive days filling the park with music on Saturday, October 24th.

Activist Day!

This past Wednesday was Activist Day in Hasbrouck Park. It was a "celebration" of Earth Overshoot Day (which is actually today, September 25th 2009). For more information on how the planet is dying go here: http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/earth_overshoot_day/

Although it marked a pretty bad moment in history, there was music, poetry, activism, and of course, hippies dancing.

First, Ed Daley and a couple of his Allstars performed. They played "Tangled Up in Blue", "Imagine", and a lot of other tunes in that vein. It was a true New Paltz gathering.

Here he is! Ed Daley!

And some of his Allstars...

The band grew in size...

Then Quatrane played.

It was another great show for them. Be prepared to hear a lot about their gigs.

Catfish Brown on guitar...

Ben Basile on bass and Mike Kadnar on drums





VT on trumpet, Ben Basile on bass


















Yes, it's a 5 string bass.

NYPIRG will be sponsoring a (larger? happier?) fair at Hasbrouck Park on Saturday, October 24th.

There's also another event at Hasbrouck Park next Saturday, October 3rd. Its purpose is to promote voting in local elections, and it's sponsored by Democracy Matters at New Paltz. There will be repeat performances by "Ed Daley and The Allstars" and "Quatrane" as well as some other great bands: "The Big Takeover" and "Liana and The Michaels". So check it out :)

Hello, facebook links!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143659076745&ref=nf http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130077281191&index=1