This fall is always a busy season in the village of Saugerties, with events both major and minor. Now a month-long celebration of art, music and conversation will take over. Shout Out Saugerties, the brainchild of local resident Suzanne Bennett, will have events every Friday Saturday, and Sunday in October.
“I was sitting at one of the Indivisible Saugerties meetings, and thought about the issue of how the arts and humanities are being endangered, and what can we do to promote these in Saugerties,” Bennett said.
October is National Arts and Humanities Month, she explained, “so we set our sights on coming up with something to promote the arts at that time.” Bennett and two others went to work. “This all started back in May or June. Just the three of us,” Bennett said.
They have put together a full slate of activities that jam-packs the month. “There was just so much enthusiasm out there.” Bennett reported. “I talked to some people and asked them what should be do, and they pointed me to other people to talk to, and then others, and the merchants have been so awesome offering us space for these events, and they had ideas to .… It just grew. I really anticipate that people will enjoy this because there is so much too enjoy.”
The month-long celebration kicks off on October 6, 7 and 8 — also the weekend of the Mum Festival — with history talks and eco-art displays.
The second weekend will have writing workshops, youth art exhibits and roots music presentations. On October 14 at 5 p.m. students from Saugerties High School will present a program on creative writing, art and music, hosted by Literally, Saugerties High School’s arts magazine, at the Inquiring Minds Bookstore.
For the third weekend, Bust Out: Laughter, Movement, Crafts will include belly dancing classes, stand-up comedy shows, street dancing, and jewelry-making demonstrations. On October 20 at 4 p.m. Joe Sinnott of Marvel Comics fame and Janice Chiang will be at the Dutch Ale House.
The final weekend is Chill Out: Ourselves, Our Communities will include health and food, yoga, performance art and a community forum.
“There will something for everyone, youth, middle age, and older folks,” Bennett promised. “I believe we are the only local community in the area that is celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month. It just seems logical with the type of community that’s Saugerties that we should connect with this, and be part of the celebration.”
For more information go to the Shout Out Saugerties (SOS) website at shoutoutsaugerties.org.
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