Our art factory reawakened this past weekend with our two kick-off events: Temple of Sound (4/23) and our Earth Day Celebration (4/24). At the conjunction of music and climate action, of sound and art, of individuality and connection, our opening weekend welcomed hundreds of visitors back to our campus. 

Temple of Sound

The day began with 24-HOUR DRONE co-curator and collaborator in sound Sarah Van Buren’s Deep Listening workshop, which brought a palpable energy of intent and care to Basilica’s halls. 

Sound installations by Kamau Patton and Arone Dyer then commenced, echoing waves of voice and electronic drones throughout our North and Main Hall. The installations were free, allowing for curious passersby to enter Basilica and wander through the sonic experience. 

At sunset, Samer Ghadry led the audience through a meditative gong bath, then passing the sound to Madeline Darby who ushered in a new, commanding resonance under a wash of fog. Each performer joined seamlessly, including Kamau Patton who stepped in to meld his sound installation into his performance using mini solar panels on a shirt to generate the input signal for his set. 

Hellish Cashtrap gave the first ever performance to take place in our newly expanded Gallery Building, using reversed samples of opera vocals to create a haunting landscape. 

Thank you to all who spent their day with us, exploring Basilica Hudson as a temple of sound, a place to connect diverse musical communities and traditions. The installation and performances offered a localized snapshot of experimentation within the larger context of universal sound.

“Performing at the Temple of Sound at Basilica Hudson was beyond enchanting. My project started a little over 3 years ago. Since day one, it has been an absolute dream of mine to perform in the beautiful space that is Basilica Hudson. The project Madeline Darby has allowed me to continue to hold space for playful exploration of sound, listening and composing. It was a delight and thrill to bring this project to that space.” – Madeline Darby, Temple of Sound artist

Temple of Sound photos by Cozy Oaks Productions

Earth Day Celebration

From workshops on divesting from fossil fuels and electrifying your home, to anti-pesticide sign painting and live music from Brasskill, we were thrilled to have so many passionate individuals of all ages celebrating our Earth and creative climate solutions. 

Thank you to Local 111 for providing incredible food all weekend, and thank you to Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson, Michael Richardson of Rivers & Mountains GreenFaith Circle, NEA Artist in Residence Ellie Irons, Toolshed, Betta Broad of New Yorkers for Clean Power, SunCommon, Citizens Climate Lobby, Neighborhood Sun, Inclusive Ecologies, Dr. Leonisa Ardizzone and Environmental Justice students from Vassar College, Brasskill and Super Stories for making our Earth Day Celebration so special.