The first ever Voices of the Earth Festival on Labor Day weekend brings together musicians, dancers, artists, and speakers—of both indigenous and transplanted heritage—with environmental groups to inspire a culture of celebration and action toward a healthy Earth. The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 31 and September 1, at Seed Song Farm at 160 Esopus Avenue, Kingston, NY, and will be held rain or shine under the big tent.
There will be fresh sweet corn and other food from farm and forest, food and craft vendors, tables and workshops for environmental action, speakers, and farm activities for all ages including you-pick and hayride tours.
Saturday, August 31, 11am-6pm
On Saturday, August 31 from 11am-6pm, join Native American voices leading the healing of our relationship with the land and needed environmental action. Featured are singer/songwriter Bear Fox from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, dancer/musician Donna Coane (Schaghticoke), storyteller/singer Matoaka Little Eagle (Tewa, Apache, and Chickahominy) with Gus Mancini's Sonic Soul Band, singer Angeline Butler (Cherokee and Catawba), Cloudbreaker drummers and Red Feather singers, and Red Wing Blackbird Theater. Micmac scholar and musician Evan Pritchard will emcee.
Chief Vincent Mann and Floyd “Little Sun” Hicks of the Ramapough Lenape Nation will join local Native American and allied groups in a ceremony to bless the land being re-dedicated to traditional agricultural crops and methods, education, ceremony, and celebration. The Saturday event, organized by Neetopk Keetopk, Association of Native Americans, Center for Algonquin Culture, Tribal Harmony, and Seed Song Center raises funds toward resolving toxic dumping on Ramapough Lenape Nation lands.
Sunday, September 1, 11am-9pm
On Sunday September 1 from 11am-9pm, Voices of Ecology will feature music, dance, and activities for young and old. The day will be a celebration of community-driven environmental stewardship and involvement. The event has been organized by Woodstock Ecology whose mission is to develop widely recognized theme songs and artistic works to promote environmental action.
Sunday performers include Arm of the Sea Theater, The Jennifer Maidman Band (UK/USA), Andes Manta (Ecuador/USA), Open Book (USA), The Mead Mountain Resonators (USA), The Cupcakes, Kate Boyer’s Family Friendly Music, E C Lorick, Linda Diamond Dance Company, and The Voices of Ecology Singers with a rousing crowd sing-along. Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan will speak about the county's sustainability initiatives. The day will also include displays and information, activities for children and families, as well as food and craft vendors.
Sunday Event Schedule:
Sing-Along with Elly Wininger and Creek Iverson: 11-11:30am
EC Lorick: 11:30-12:00pm
Kate Boyer's Family Friendly Music: 12:15-12:50pm
UC Exec. Pat Ryan Keynote: 1:00-1:15pm
Linda Diamond Dance Company: 1:30-2:15pm
Voices of Ecology Singers: 2:30-2:45pm
The Cupcakes: 3:00-3:45pm
Arm of the Sea Theater: 4:00-4:45pm
Open Book: 5:00-5:45pm
Mead Mt. Resonators: 6:00-6:45pm
Andes Manta: 7:00-7:45pm
Jennifer Maidman Band: 8:00-9:00pm
Tickets at the gate are on a pay-what-you-wish sliding scale: $5-$25 Saturday and $10-$25 Sunday, keeping in mind the important causes and organizations being supported. Free for volunteers and children under 15.
For more information about the events including volunteering, tabling, vending, or leading a workshop or activity, please leave a message at [email protected], [email protected], or (845) 383-1528.
