The Beat

Jamestown, N.Y. (March 12, 2019) – The National Comedy Center was formally designated today as the nation’s official cultural institution dedicated to the art form of comedy. In a tremendous bi-partisan show of support, both the Senate and House of Representatives passed this bill in February, and the president signed it into law today, recognizing the Center as the “Official National Comedy Center of the United States.”

The bill, as written, recognizes that the National Comedy Center, located in Jamestown, New York, “exists for the exclusive purpose of celebrating comedy in all its forms” and officially designates the Center as the “National Comedy Center.”…

The Museum re-opens for A Season of Song and Celebration March 30^th featuring the 2019 Special Exhibit We Are Golden

BETHEL, NY (March 8, 2019)  – On March 30^th, The Museum at Bethel Woods, located at the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, will open for the 2019 season and mark the 50^th Anniversary with the Special Exhibit We Are Golden: Reflections on the 50^th Anniversary of The Woodstock Festival & Aspirations for a Peaceful Future, part of A Season of Song and Celebration. This exhibit examines the desires of the youth of 1969, places the legendary festival within the context of the positive societal changes it inspired and asks today's youth what THEY are asking of the world now. 
We Are Golden will feature a large collection of authentic Woodstock artifacts such as instruments, clothing, equipment, art and photography. Highlights include Jack Casady of Jefferson Airplane's bass guitar and tunic, handwritten lyrics for "Goin' Up the Country" by Alan Wilson of Canned Heat, a speaker cabinet and mixing equipment used by Bill Hanley at Woodstock which helped to set the standard for outdoor sound engineering and world-class photographs from the 15 best photographers of the festival.

Poughkeepsie, NY—Three days of peace and music were actually almost a decade in the making. This summer, Marist College will hold a conference, “1969: When Woodstock Changed the World,” examining the events that led to the iconic music festival. Marist’s conference, which will be held June 13-14, 2019, is the definitive—and perhaps only—academic conference on this key anniversary. All events are open to the public (registration required; see below for details).

“With the site of Woodstock essentially in our backyard, it is fitting for Marist to take the helm on an event like this,” said President David Yellen. “This conference curates key historical milestones to fully examine the circumstances that culminated in the unprecedented three-day concert that was the Woodstock Music Festival.”…

New Exhibit Pays Tribute to New York Women of Change—Those Who Were First, and Those Who Have Been Forgotten to be Honored in the Capitol

Hear Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa Discuss the Exhibit Here

See Photos of Exhibit Here and Here

New York (March 6, 2019) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of the Women's History Month exhibit honoring New York State female trailblazers and public servants. The exhibit is located in the Governor's Reception Room on the second floor of the New York State Capitol and will run through the end of March.

Part of Bethel Woods Season of Song & Celebration Anniversary Weekend
Tickets On-Sale Friday, March 8^th at 10 AM

Bethel, N.Y. (March 5, 2019) – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Carlos Santana has announced that he will return to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival on Saturday, August 17^th – exactly 50 years after Santana made history during the legendary festival.
 
Santana’s performance will be a highlight of Bethel Woods’ Anniversary Week programming, commemorating the semi-centennial of the greatest festival of all time on the days in which it happened.  Anniversary Week will include extended museum hours, docent tours of the exhibits and historic site, and a variety of events and programs, beginning with a screening of the Warner Bros. Academy-Award winning documentary Woodstock: the Director’s Cut on Thursday, August 15^th.

Exploring the Impact and Inspiration of the Sixties

Changemakers, artists, and influencers inspire thinking and awaken purpose throughout series of eight events from May to October 2019

Part of a Year-Long Celebration of Woodstock’s Golden Anniversary

 Bethel, NY, February 12, 2019 - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a nonprofit cultural center located on the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, today announces Vibrations, a series of eight events celebrating the iconic festival’s Golden Anniversary from many angles. From May to October 2019, Vibrations will explore music, iconic photography, film, mindfulness, environmental stewardship, deep space and more, connecting these conversations to the legacy of the sixties and movements of today.

Peace, Love & Posters Contest

Original Woodstock poster designer David Edward Byrd and renowned Broadway poster artist Frank “Fraver” Verlizzo to serve as judges

Bethel, NY, January 10, 2019 - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a nonprofit cultural organization located on the historic grounds of the 1969 Woodstock festival, today announced a national poster contest in celebration of the iconic festival’s 50th anniversary this year. Woodstock spawned one of the most recognizable posters of the century with its signature bird and guitar celebrating “3 Days of Peace & Music.”
 
The Peace, Love & Posters Contest invites student, amateur and professional artists to create a poster that visually expresses values of kindness, community, and our aspirations for the next fifty years. The contest opens for submissions on February 6 and ends on March 14, 2019. The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of $2,500 and national exposure for their work.

An Unprecedented Celebration of the City’s Maritime History

A fleet of 12 historic and majestic tall ships from harbors across the United States, Canada, Spain, and the South Pacific will grace Canalside, Riverwalk and Erie Basin Marina for Buffalo’s inauguration as a host port of the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Great Lakes 2019 race from Toronto to Buffalo on July 4-7, 2019. In conjunction with the arrival of the tall ships, Basil Port of Call: Buffalo, a four-day, family-friendly celebration of the city’s maritime heritage, will take place along the downtown waterfront. Offering a unique opportunity for adults and children to view, board and explore the vessels, the festivities will feature family activities, live entertainment, historic exhibits, artisan food and beverages, and a Parade of Sail of the tall ship fleet.

Newburgh, NY (December 5, 2018)  -- You are invited to Warm Up at the Washingtons’ at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, in Newburgh, on Sunday, December 9th, 12 PM until 4 PM. Historic interpreters in each seasonally decorated room will greet visitors and share what took place when the Washingtons occupied the Hasbrouck farmhouse during the last winter of the Revolutionary War. The Salmagundi Consort will perform period appropriate music by an indoor Dutch jambless fireplace, and cookies and warm cider will be served near an outdoor fire.

Highlights New York's Progressive History of Promoting Social and Equal Rights

Opening Features Unveiling of Commemorative Statue of Harriet Tubman

Complements "CNY Rising" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn, Cayuga County. The Center serves to emphasize New York State's progressive history of promoting social and equal rights, celebrate New York's equal rights pioneers, and encourage tourism at the region's many attractions and destinations. The $10 million Center is funded and supported through the Governor's Central NY Rising Initiative, the region's comprehensive strategy to revitalize communities and grow the economy.

"New York's history is rich with progressive champions who fought for justice and equality for all, and it is critical that we honor those whose heroic efforts forged a better path for everyone," Governor Cuomo said. "New York is the progressive capital of the nation and as we continue leading the way to ensure full equality, the Equal Rights Heritage Center will serve as a poignant reminder of these important pioneers and inspire us all to keep up the fight."…