“There came a time when a group of eminent thinkers gathered in an historic theater in the Hudson Valley to share their views during an event the likes of which one might more rightly expect in New York City than in rustic Rosendale.” A passage like that could one day describe the Hudson Valley Ideas Festival in history books. Organized under the care of frequent area visitor Andrew Yang, the festival is intended to bring together individuals this champion of universal basic income has found inspiring. It’s going to happen at the Rosendale Theater this Saturday, 4/27.
Yang said during an interview that while speaking in various locations around the country, it started to feel important to see diverse thought leaders together under one roof. In time, Yang thought, “maybe I should do it.” Given the entrepreneur’s network, Yang may have been better qualified than many to pull such an event together. Several of Yang’s friends “jumped at the opportunity.” The speakers—Xochitl Gonzalez, Neil Parikh, Coleman Hughes, Stephen Marche, Stephen Dubner, and Rikki Schlott, along with Yang—have waived or considerably cut their usual speaking fees.
Many of the speakers—Yang included—have recently published books, and signing books will be part of this event. Buying books will also be an option, but not a requirement for signing. For Yang, writers are a good fit for this area: “I really enjoy reading generally, but in the Hudson Valley it makes one want to read sitting by a window.” There will be “a lot of writing, and thinking, and reading” at this first Hudson Valley Ideas Festival.
Yang demurred on the specific topics any of these speakers might choose to cover, but some of their recent writings could offer a clue. Xochitl Gonzalez just published Anita de Monte Laughs Last, following on a successful debut novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, and may be interested in talking about the process of writing those. Entrepreneur and sleep specialist Neil Parikh co-wrote Better Sleep, Better You in 2021. Coleman Hughes, an African American podcaster, this year published the book The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America. Canadian writer Stephen Marche’s latest work is titled On Writing and Failure. Many of Stephen Dubner’s works are tied to the bestselling Freakonomics, but there’s also books like the memoir Choosing My Religion. Journalist Rikki Schlott is coauthor of The Canceling of the American Mind. The entire event will be moderated by Carly Reilly, whose style of questioning has helped Reilly make a mark in the technology and political sectors.
Keeping the topics open allows for some flexibility. From a personal perspective, Yang will be coming to this event just two weeks after giving a TED talk on modernizing the political system. Yang might speak on a similar topic, or possibly about The Last Election, a novel written with fellow presenter Stephen Marche. Each presenter is independently “deeply expert, based on a recent book or starting an organization,” on one or more issues of the day. Attendees will get whatever’s on the speaker’s minds at that moment. “It’s a group of eminent authors and thinkers,” said Yang. “I hope members of the Hudson Valley community will enjoy listening to and meeting fascinating thinkers without having to go too far.” Yang especially hopes that students will take advantage of the opportunity.
This could become an annual affair, if it’s embraced in the community. “I have an idea that people in this area will be excited to have this in a community theater.” Having grown up in Schenectady and now living in Manhattan, Yang is a regular visitor who finds the beauty and charm of this river valley alluring. Part of the community that needs to embrace this festival is the presenters; Yang said that there are others interested in participating if plans firm up for a repeat.
Additionally, Yang hopes that this will result in a boon for local business owners, from shopkeepers along Main Street in Rosendale to local newspaper publishers running advertising. “I’d love to be supportive of those kinds of organizations.”
The day will be structured in two sessions, one at 10 a.m. and the other at 1 p.m. Schlott, Parikh, and Dubner will speak in the morning, while the afternoon will have a lineup of Hughes, Gonzalez, March, and Yang. One session is $20.00, and both will cost $30.00. There’s also a discount for students. “Part of this was to make this accessible and affordable to people,” Yang explained, which is why speakers were asked to cut their fees for this event. “Ordinarily this would be far more expensive. It’s a feel-good event that I hope is reflected in the pricing.”
Tickets and more information can be found at hudsonvalleyideas.org.
Join the family! 
