Natalie Merchant attended the first One Billion Rising Ulster County event in 2013, created as part of an international event to raise awareness of domestic violence. Moved by the event, she hosted a concert to raise awareness of domestic violence and funds for local shelters. The concert at Bard College’s Fisher Center last June was filmed and included performances by Merchant and other local female musicians alongside advocates, criminal prosecutors, victims and survivors.
One Billion Rising Ulster County will present Natalie Merchant as she introduces the first public screening of: Shelter: A Concert Film to Benefit Victims of Domestic Violence on Friday, February 28 at 9:30 a.m. at the Old Dutch Church at 272 Wall Street in Kingston. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
After the film, there will be a panel discussion to address the issue of domestic violence. One Billion Rising Ulster County has also invited representatives from Dutchess County to join in the discussion. Panelists include Gwen Wright, executive director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence; state assemblyman Kevin Cahill; Ulster County executive Michael Hein; Dutchess County executive Marcus Molinaro; Robert Rolison, chairman of the Dutchess County Legislature; Elizabeth A. Culmone, Ulster County senior assistant district attorney for the Special Victims’ Bureau; and Marjorie Smith, Dutchess County assistant district attorney and bureau chief for the Special Victims’ Bureau.
The event was originally scheduled to coincide with the One Billion Rising event on February 14, but was postponed due to severe weather conditions. For more information, call Beth Bengtson at (845) 383-1361.
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