NEWS - YEAR 2008
September 18, 2008
…CHRIS TRAPPER TO PERFORM ATTHE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS
Boston, MA based pop–rock singer–songwriter Chris Trapper is honored to
have been selected to perform an original song at the United Nations Headquarters International Day for
the Eradication of Poverty, Friday, October 17, 2008, in New York City.
The “Human Rights and Dignity of People Living in Poverty“ commemoration will take place inside the
United Nations Headquarters, Conference Room 2, from 1:15–2:45PM. Chris Trapper will be the only musical
guest at the event and will perform one song, specifically written for the occasion.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about the artist
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September 17, 2008
…CHRIS TRAPPER ANNOUNCES FALL 2008 TOUR DATES
Boston, MA based pop–rock singer–songwriter Chris Trapper announces Fall 2008 solo tour dates including Boston,
Philadelphia, New York, D.C., Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles. Chris Trapper’s live show is a favorite among
fans of indie alt–acoustic music. Chris’ on–stage persona is warm and inclusive, his songs speak to the
heart and to everyday experiences, and audience members particularly appreciate the lighthearted moments with the ukulele.
Chris will be previewing and showcasing tracks from his forthcoming CD ’Til The Last Leaf Falls throughout the Fall Tour.
The new work, a slightly dark departure from previous solo CD’s, is a collection of 12 songs written and performed
by the artist over the past 12 months.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about the artist
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August 09, 2008
…CARRYING ON THE WAINWRIGHT TRADITION THE NEW YORK TIMES
SLOAN WAINWRIGHT’S house, with its peaked roof and gingerbread shingles, has a gnomelike quality that sets it apart, even in this hamlet of
fairytale homes. Or perhaps it’s that lone pink flamingo on the sun deck.
As Ms. Wainwright, an acclaimed songwriter from a family with a seemingly endless supply of them,
stepped out onto the sloping lawn, she was not accompanied by her big brother, Loudon, or her nephew Rufus,
or her ex֪sister֪in֪law, Kate McGarrigle. She was with her son Sam McTavey, as burly and bearded as his mother
is blonde and cherubic, and who, at 25, is starting to make a name for himself.
The two discussed their musical lives in a room with several guitars, a miniature keyboard and lots of space for pacing should inspiration run dry.
photo by Alan Orling for The New York Times
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July 30, 2008
…ZO2 – ROCK TRIO’S DOUBLE LIFE NOW HEADED TO CABLE TV
The New York Times
Patrons of Arlene’s Grocery, the Lower East Side nightclub, have long known Paul and David Zablidowsky
and their good friend Joey Cassata as ZO2, a shaggy–haired, heavy–metal trio whose set usually precedes the
Monday night karaoke party. They might also know that in 2004 the band realized a dream when it was
tapped for a 40–date tour, opening for Kiss and Poison.
But even the most ardent ZO2 fans may not realize that to make ends meet – even after that big
break with Kiss – the three musicians moonlighted on Saturday mornings as a sought–after children’s
birthday party act called the Z Brothers. Had there been T–shirts for their dayside tour crisscrossing
the metropolitan New York region, they would have listed dates playing for the children of
Robert De Niro, Michael J. Fox, Chazz Palminteri and Al Roker, the “Today“weatherman.
» Click here to read the full article
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July 23, 2008
…THE SAW DOCTORS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT WINS SITE APPROVAL FROM THE JUDGE
Despite Objections From Local Resident, Galway, Ireland District Court
Gives Last Minute Go–Ahead for The Saw Doctors Concert Event To Take Place as Planned this Weekend, July 26th and 27th
(Galway, Ireland) July 23, 2008 – According to a Galway District Court Judge, The 20th Anniversary Concert Event for legendary
Irish Supergroup The Saw Doctors will take place as planned.
Ever mindful of their role in the community, and the need to respect their neighbors, the band and their manager agree
to provide nervous residents with extra–special security measures – and some private one–on–one dog sitting – during the
course of the two day concert event being held on site at St. Enda’s Secondary School, Threadneedle Road, Salthill,
Galway, on Saturday July 26th and Sunday July 27th.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about the band
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July 16, 2008
…TAIT TOWERS WITH BILLY JOEL
’LAST PLAY AT SHEA’
Billy Joel – on a Tait Towers stage – at Shea Stadium, Thu–Jul–17 and Fri–Jul–18; a concert
experience with the distinction of being the final musical event at the beloved yet crumbling sports stadium.
At the artists’ request, Tait Towers built a sleek and super–efficient Main Stage with a rolling performance
area, an Up Stage Bridge with a custom scenic handrail around the perimeter, and for Center Stage, Tait Towers
provided the custom Slip Stage (retractable section of stage) fabricated to reveal a Piano Lift with a built–in revolve.
» Click here to read the press release
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July 15, 2008
…ZO2 SURPRISE SHOW AND ZROCK SCREENING
IN JOHNSTON, RI.
Brooklyn based rock trio ZO2 announces unadvertised show and screening at Johnston, RI nightclub and rock venue,
BALLS SPORTS BAR, confirmed for Friday, July 18, 2008. Immediately following the special screening of the pilot
episode of their IFC semi–scripted comedy series ZROCK, the band will take the stage to perform live in support of
their critically acclaimed, Riker Hill Records’ debut CD, Ain’t It Beautiful.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about the band
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July 01, 2008
…TAIT TOWERS WORKS WITH BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
If you’re going to see Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at Hersheypark Stadium on Aug. 19, you’ll be witness to something revolutionary.
No, you won’t actually see it or hear it. You won’t even feel it.
But Springsteen’s stage, designed and built by Tait Towers of Lititz, uses a new click–and–lock, modular decking system
that drastically cuts the time it takes to load and unload a set.
And in the world of rock ’n’ roll tours, which is where the money is made these days, that’s revolutionary.
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June 26, 2008
…NYC ROCKERS FIXER ANNOUNCE JULY TOUR DATES
DEBUT CD BEFORE THE SUN IN STORES NOW
FIXER’s ’Mixing In With My Blood’ Featured on MTVs THE HILLS
High voltage NYC rockers Fixer announce newly confirmed June shows as part of their summer long
Rock N Roll Revolution Tour. Fixer’s Midwest club dates conclude with hometown New York City show at famed Bowery Ballroom on June 28, 2008.
Drawing from deep and varied influences, from the hard rock of Guns and Roses to the jam sensibilities of The Black Crowes
and the post–punk heroism of Green Day, Fixer has crafted a rock sound with a fire and intensity very much their own.
Fans describe their live show as ’must–see dirty rock and roll’ that does not disappoint.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about the artist.
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June 25, 2008
…THE SAW DOCTORS HONORED AT THE 2008 METEOR IRELAND MUSIC AWARDS
Legendary Irish Supergroup The Saw Doctors were presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 Meteor Ireland Music
Awards in celebration of their illustrious career in the Irish music industry.
The Saw Doctors are this year celebrating over 20 years in the music business, having achieved international
acclaim across the globe with classic hits such as ’N17’ and ’I Useta Love Her’, which holds the record for Ireland’s
biggest selling single of all time and the number one chart position for nine consecutive weeks.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about the band
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June 25, 2008
… LIMERICK IRELAND ALTERNATIVE ROCK BAND SENECA DEBUTS AT #19 ON THE IRISH MUSIC SINGLES CHART
On June 13, 2008 Seneca released their second Irish single ’Clarity’ to an impressive Singles Chart
position in the Top 20. Entering at #19, Clarity charted just behind Maroon 5 and bested other mega–selling acts Jordin Sparks, Jonas Brothers and Fergie.
Insiders expect ’Clarity’ to continue to impact Irish radio and work it’s way into the Top Ten on the Irish Charts.
» Click here to read the press release
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June 20, 2008
…ZO2 – VILLAGE VOICE – BAND ON THE STREET
Band on the Street – On the Genius of ZO2
Brooklyn trio is fucking with you, possibly. by Justin F. Farrar.
“Look up any pic of Z02, and you won’t believe your peepers: The Brooklyn power trio, all boasting meaty pecs,
resemble a Forever 21 train wreck starring Nuno Bettencourt, that one guy from Wolfmother, and an Italo–cokehead
from Syracuse who digs Tiesto and Daughtry. Are these guys fucking with us? Maybe. The boys are, after all, currently
filming one of them band–trying–to–make–it–big TV series for the Independent Film Channel: Z Rock, scheduled to
premiere this September, is a reality/fictional comedy fusion also starring the delicious Joan Rivers, weed–smuggling
survivalist John Popper, and Gilbert Godfrey (no witty qualification needed).“
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June 19, 2008
…TAIT TOWERS - LIVE DESIGN MAGAZINE COVER STORY
“...Without doubt, the biggest spectacle of the show is the Venetian blind system built by Tait Towers.
Adam Davis, vice president of Tait Towers, worked closely with the team at Artfag and with the band to come up with
effective solutions for the overall stage design. “Jon Bon Jovi himself and the production identified that they wanted
to do motion control video,“ says Davis. “Spike and Justin drove the idea, and we were a part of brainstorming the ideas
with them to bring it to reality and make it into something.“
» Click here to read the cover story
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June 18, 2008
…THE SAW DOCTORS ANNOUNCE SUMMER TOUR FOR 2008
West Ireland based super group The Saw Doctors announce 13–city United States Summer Tour for August 2008. Direct from a string of
successful UK Festival dates and their first–ever block of European club dates – a sure sign of positive and continued growth for the band–
the Saw Doctors arrive stateside on Thursday, August 7 in Lowell, MA to headline the Boarding House Park Summer Music Series.
The tightly routed tour continues on with noteworthy outdoor festival–style performances including Governors Island, New York City and
two nights at the Milwaukee Irish Fest. The final night of the tour, Sunday, August 24, sees the band wrap up their Summer 2008 US Swing
with a headlining performance at the Buffalo Irish Festival in upstate New York. A combination of indoor and outdoor shows have been selected
to provide fans the opportunity to experience a singular, summertime, Saw Doctors show.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about the band
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June 12, 2008
…SLOAN WAINWRIGHT RELEASES NEW CD REDISCOVERY
Contemporary folk–pop singer/songwriter Sloan Wainwright – youngest sister to folk–music luminary Loudon Wainwright,
and the aunt to the next generation of Wainwright artists, Rufus, Martha and Lucy – releases new CD project Rediscovery.
This new work is a collection of hand picked cover tunes, a musical rediscovery of, and reconnection to, ten songs that have
inspired and influenced the artist throughout her career.
Stand out tracks include the fan–favorite ’Ring of Fire’, a sweetly pretty version of Marvin Gaye’s ’Mercy Me/The Ecology’,
a poignant version of John Lennon’s ’Love’ and a stark, soulful interpretation of Neil Young’s ’After The Gold Rush’.
Rediscovery is available for sale at all live shows and can be purchased online through CDBaby.com.
» Click here to read the press release
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June 10, 2008
…LIMERICK, IRELAND BAND SENECA JOINS VERMILLION MEDIA GROUP ROSTER
Vermillion Media is pleased and proud to announce the addition of Limerick, Ireland, alternative rock
band, Seneca to its roster of indie–music clients. Seneca’s debut CD release Sweeter Than Bourbon is a
mix of indie guitars, radio friendly melodies, heart–warming lyrics and an emotional authenticity that
enhances the already well–crafted songs and musical production. Most often compared to alternative acts
Snow Patrol and Arcade Fire, this Limerick four–piece is one of the most promising and talented Irish bands
to have emerged in recent years.
» Click here to read the press release
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June 04, 2008
…TAIT TOWERS IN THE NEWS
Tait Towers, the leader in quality staging for the touring entertainment industry, continues to enjoy an
active production schedule having recently completed new projects for Bon Jovi, Bette Midler, Cher at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas,
The Spice Girls and more. Tait Towers, working in tandem with world–class stage designers and live video production experts,
engineers and fabricates staging, scenery and special effects for the world’s biggest artists. Their sophisticated, precise and
elegant staging –– along with rapid–response turnaround times, on–budget on–time delivery, and personalized client
relations –– is what sets Tait Towers apart from competitors in their field.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about Tait Towers
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May 30, 2008
…NYC ROCKERS FIXER ANNOUNCE JUNE TOUR DATES
DEBUT CD BEFORE THE SUN IN STORES NOW
FIXER’s ’Mixing In With My Blood’ Featured on MTVs THE HILLS
High voltage NYC rockers Fixer announce newly confirmed June shows as part of their summer long
Rock N Roll Revolution Tour. Fixer’s Midwest club dates conclude with hometown New York City show at famed Bowery Ballroom on June 28, 2008.
Drawing from deep and varied influences, from the hard rock of Guns and Roses to the jam sensibilities of The Black Crowes
and the post–punk heroism of Green Day, Fixer has crafted a rock sound with a fire and intensity very much their own.
Fans describe their live show as ’must–see dirty rock and roll’ that does not disappoint.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about the artist.
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May 29, 2008
…ZO2, NYC ROCKERS, SOON TO BE TV SERIES STARS
TOUR THE U.S. IN SUPPORT OF DEBUT CD, Ain’t It Beautiful
Band to Play at NYC’s Arlene’s Grocery on June 7th, 2008
Z Rock TV Show to Debut on IFC in August 2008
Brooklyn based rock trio ZO2 announces early summer show at hometown favorite Arlene’s
Grocery confirmed for Saturday, June 7th. The band will be performing live in support
of their critically acclaimed, Riker Hill Records’ debut CD, Ain’t It Beautiful. Onstage time for ZO2 at Arlene’s is 10:00pm.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about the artist.
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May 29, 2008
…VERMILLION MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW COLLABORATION WITH NEW YORK CITY BASED INDEPENDENT RECORD LABEL RIKER HILL RECORDS
Vermillion Media is pleased and proud to announce a newly formed collaboration with New York City based Riker
Hill Records, distributed by IDN, an aggressive independent where passion and experience meet the future of rock and roll.
Serving as the labels Public Relations and Publicity firm, our staff will work closely with Michael Morrison,
Riker Hill Founder and CEO and Lynn Lendway, Riker Hill COO, to properly position their substantive indie–music
roster within the broad and multi–layered landscape of today’s music business.
Having already earned a well–deserved reputation as a group of forward–thinking music executives
“interested in bands who offer the complete package: great music, charismatic live shows and non stop
fearless ambition“, Riker Hill Records will blend perfectly with Vermillion Media’s roster and commitment to quality independent endeavors.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about Riker Hill Records.
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May 13, 2008
…SLOAN WAINWRIGHT CD Release Show at Towne Crier
Contemporary folk pop singer/songwriter Sloan Wainwright, youngest sister to folk–music luminary Loudon Wainwright,
and the aunt to the next generation of Wainwright artists, Rufus, Martha and Lucy, is set to perform on Saturday
June 07 at Westchester County’s most popular acoustic music venue Towne Crier Cafe. The June 07 show at the Towne
Crier is positioned, for the fans, as a hometown CD release event.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about the artist.
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May 07, 2008
…CHER TAKES VEGAS via TAIT TOWERS
Tait Towers – the industry leader in building staging and scenery for today’s pop and rock icons –
is pleased to announce the completion of its latest stage project Cher at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Las Vegas.
Tait Towers is responsible for the stage renovation and transformation of the 4300 seat Colosseum at the
conclusion of the five year run of Celine Dion A New Day. The new stage, which made its debut on February 20th with
Bette Midler The Showgirl Must Go On, is now poised to host legendary hit maker Cher in concert.
» Click here to read the press release
» Click here to learn more about Tait Towers.
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March 20, 2008
…Soulful Singer SLOAN WAINWIRIGHT Set to Open
for Nephew RUFUS WAINWRIGHT.
Contemporary pop artist Sloan Wainwright – youngest sister to folk–music luminary Loudon Wainwright III –
invited to perform opening set for nephew Rufus Wainwright – at three select New Jersey shows – April 18, 19 and 20 in
Morristown, Princeton and Englewood respectively.
» Click here to read the press release
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March 20, 2008
…From the smoldering embers of ’80s rebellion rock,
White Lion rises again with Return of the Pride, their first studio album in sixteen years.
Fronted by original lead singer–songwriter Mike Tramp,
this new collection of songs was created by a superior line–up of seasoned musicians and boasts the traditional sound that made White Lion
a staple of the hard rock scene. Produced by Tramp, and bassist Claus Langeskov, Return of the Pride highlights the band’s seductive charisma and
will see them take hold of old and new fans alike.
» Click here to read the press release
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March 13, 2008
…THIS JUST IN: Wide Stance Productions today releases on-point script excerpt from satirical comedy Cell Phone Funeral,
a new work from Los Angeles playwright John Trapper.
The following excerpt from the script shines a spotlight on the premise and inspiration behind the work.
» Click here to read the excerpt
» Click here to learn more about the play.
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March 06, 2008
…Los Angeles, CA (March 06, 2008) Wide Stance Productions today announced the cast members for satirical comedy Cell Phone Funeral,
a new work from Los Angeles playwright John Trapper.
Trudy Forbes, known for her co–starring roles on L.A. Law and General Hospital, and for her tough and rumble role in the John
Frankenheimer film Dead–Bang, starring Don Johnson, will play the role of Mother, the wounded, bitterly stubborn family matriarch.
» Click here for the full press release
» Click here to learn more about the play.
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February 19, 2008
…Opening night for Cell Phone Funeral (I’ll Text You When I’m Dead) is set for April 11, 2008 at the Actor’s Playpen Theatre in West
Hollywood, CA. Written by Los Angeles based playwright John Trapper, this new work explores the question of love, loyalty and acceptance
through a farcical, and ultimately bittersweet, portrayal of who would attend a gay man’s wake when his socially repressed, long–distance
family is charged with planning the funeral.
Cell Phone Funeral is scheduled for a six–week run (April 11 through May 17, 2008) with two performances on Friday and Saturday evenings
at 8pm and 10pm.
» Click here for the full press release
» Click here to learn more about the play.
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February 14, 2008
…Tait Towers – the leader in innovative design and quality staging for the touring entertainment industry – has
fabricated and delivered a state–of–the–art rock and roll stage system to the Bon Jovi Tour 2008. Designed by Performance Environment
Designer, Spike Brant, the stage will afford concertgoers a unique and cutting edge concert experience.
» Click here for the full press release
» Click here to learn more about Tait Towers.
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February 11, 2008
…Country artist, Blake Shelton’s core production crew and management, arrived at the Tait Towers shop in Lititz, PA
to put the final approval on Blake’s new stage and to tour the facility.
Shelton’s management team, Narvel and Brandon Blackstock, (who also handle the career of Reba McEntire) selected Tait Towers
as the company–of–choice to design and build the new stage. The two companies have a long relationship after years of collaboration on Reba’s tours.
» Click here for the full press release
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January 30, 2008
…Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Appoints New Staff Execs
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is pleased to announce two new hires to their growing team. Ms. Rosie Vergilio appointed Director of Institutional
Marketing for Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and Bonnie Wright named Special Events Manager.
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January 29, 2008
…Award Winning Irish Group The Saw Doctors
Announce Spring US Tour
“West Ireland based rock band, The Saw Doctors announce their Spring 2008 American Tour:
a non–stop 16 city run beginning February 26 in Annapolis MD and concluding March 17 in Northampton, MA.
Most notably, The Saw Doctors will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day Weekend onstage in New York City, with two shows at the famed Nokia Theater“
» Click here for the full press release
» Click here to learn more about the band.
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January 17, 2008
…Memphis Flyer reviews Rob Jungklas New CD Gully
“Jungklas has returned with Gully (Madjack, Grade: A–), a sort of spiritual and sonic sequel to Arkadelphia.
This is a rattled, atmospheric, bluesy roots–rock record, and Jungklas has a way with words, which is what most sets him apart.
Contemporary Memphis music is full of talented formalists of many stripes and authentic blues–roots players, but sharp wordsmiths are more rare.“
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January 16, 2008
…Bette Midler Yanks Out Celine's Stage
“Make them fix the stage for you.“ – Celine Dion’s advice to Bette Midler, in the Las Vegas Sun, Dec. 14.
The Sun’s Culture Blog just got word that Midler’s rejiggered stage leaves the Tait Towers shop in Lititz, Penn., by truck on
Monday and will head straight to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, where it will support the Divine Miss M. and her squadron of hoofers during their two–year run.
» Click here for the full press clip
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January 16, 2008
…Tait Towers
Renovates Stage at The Colosseum
Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas
Tait Towers – the leader in innovative design and quality staging for the touring entertainment industry –
is responsible for the stage renovation and transformation in the 4100“seat Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The 2008 music season kicks off February 20th with Bette Midler’s ’The Showgirl Must Go On’ and will be followed by legendary
hit maker Cher and Caesars Palace alum, Elton John.
» Click here for the full press release
» Click here to learn more about Tait Towers.
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January 3, 2008
“…USA Today Travel Destinations.
10 great places to know it’s more than rock and roll.
Woodstock site. Bethel, N.Y.
’A concrete marker sits near where the stage stood for this legendary ’Music and Art Fair,’ three days of peace and love held in mid– August 1969.
This seminal event included performances by now legendary artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Crosby, Stills & Nash,’ Epting says.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts opened here in 2006, featuring a performing arts center; and in 2008, a ’60s museum will open that
includes the culture, politics and music of that most controversial decade.
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…This Just In
…Boston’s Power–Pop Singer/Songwriter CHRIS TRAPPER