"Time and the River: Songs of the Historic Hudson" with Linda Russell

The Hudson River has been the backdrop for a wealth of human history. In the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates hid in the coves and soldiers built forts on its banks. In the mid-19th century, it was inspiration for artists, poets and inventors. In the 20th century, it was a neglected, dirty stream transformed by Pete Seeger and others into an environmental success story. This program at the Crispell Memorial French Church (60 Huguenot Street, New Paltz) traces life along the Hudson as seen in folk ballads, Erie Canal ditties and dance tunes accompanied by guitar, pennywhistle and hammered and mountain dulcimers.

Following the program will be a simple reception, stocked with colonial favorite Cider.

For 30 years, balladeer Linda Russell has explored America's past through song. She served as 18th century balladeer at Federal Hall National Memorial in NYC. Now, her performances are in demand at historic sites, schools and community centers around the country. New York venues have included Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center Out-of Doors, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing. She has recorded eight albums of traditional and historical music, including: Stephen Foster Songs on Albany Records , The Good Old Colony Days on Prairie Smoke Records and Christmas Past, on Helicon Records.