- Catherine Sebastian
- Levon Helm
It’s almost impossible to believe that Levon Helm’s been gone for three years. Despite the 2012 passing of his mortal form, the unconquerable spirit of the Band’s cherished drummer and vocalist and the music he made continues to joyously reverberate throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond—as it always will. And nowhere in the region does it echo more strongly than within the sturdy log walls of the Barn AKA Levon Helm Studios, the home and music space he built in Woodstock and the site of his famed Midnight Ramble sessions. Before Helm died he asked the Ramble organizers to “keep it goin’” at the Barn. He’d be proud to know that that’s just what they’ve been doing ever since, in fine style. And this Sunday, to honor the third anniversary of its namesake’s passing, Levon Helm Studios will present a special open house at the Barn.
Hosted by the late drummer’s wife Sandy Helm and daughter Amy Helm, the event will feature staff-led tours of the property and studio, and visitors are encouraged to take photos, share their memories, and honor Helm’s amazing legacy. No live music is planned, but, according to the studio website, “in typical LHS tradition—‘ya never know who will show up.’” Visitors are invited to bring their children and a lunch, but should leave their pets at home.
Here’s Levon Helm and the Midnight Ramblers performing the Band’s “Ophelia” at the Barn in 2012:
The open house in honor of the third anniversary of the passing of Levon Helm will take place on April 19 from noon to 2:30pm at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock. The event is free. For more information, call (845) 679-2744 or visit http://www.levonhelm.com/index1.htm.
This article appears in April 2015.
