The spring arrived just in time for us to kick off our opening weekend of a new season at the Basilica. We got the old beauty of a building up and running with new plumbing just in the nick of time – Now we are open for business!

Here’s how we kicked it off:

SLOW FADE: AN EVENING READING WITH RUDY WURLITZER AND WILL OLDHAM
APRIL 28TH 2011

“Novelist and screenwriter Rudy Wurlitzer, has joined forces with Chicago’s seminal independent record label, Drag City, to launch their new line of alternative audio books. His 1984 novel “Slow Fade”, is a portrait of a director descending into the dark side of the Hollywood film world, this audio release is narrated by singer songwriter, folk music legend, Will Oldham (Palace Brothers, Bonnie Prince Billy). Both Wurlitzer and Oldham will participate in this unique literary event.

The reading is accompanied by guitar player Ben Chasny (Six Organs of Admittance) and photographic projections by acclaimed photographer Lynn Davis. Connecticut based artist Elisa Ambrogio, of noise rock band Magik Markers, will open the evening with her own reading.”

The honorable and delightful Rudy Wurlitzer, brought this event together. It is his novel that inspired Will Oldham and Drag City Records to kick off a line of alternative audio books and it’s Wurlitzer’s passion for the Basilica and the cultural life of Hudson, that made this event possible. He has given his blessing and it bodes well for the future of Hudson and future special Events to come to the Basilica.

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HUDSON RAMP FESTIVAL : APRIL 30TH 2011

“The first forageable green, spring delicacy, wild onion of myth and mystery. Abundant in the Hudson Valley, the ramp will be at the center of original dishes created by chefs from upstate New York and New York City. Indulge in their pungent and therapeutic pleasure at the first annual Ramp Fest in Hudson.”

Brought to us by the finest food on Warren street, Swoon Kitchenbar, the ring leaders that dug for wild ramps this spring and got 12 incredible chefs together to creatively cook one dish with the Hudson Valley Ramp as their MUSE. From Ramp PopTarts and Ice-cream to Ramp Goat Stew and Wild Turkey Chasers, this event brought foodies from all over the valley and the city to us that spring weekend. We hope this becomes an annual ritual for all.

There was an incredible turn out of people and sunshine for both events. Thank you to all who participated, we hope to see you at the upcoming events. For more information, please be sure to sign up to our NEWSLETTER HERE.

-BH