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Print 2008 Acoustic Music Series Press Release

August 16th & 17th, 2008

GARRISON ART CENTER's 39th ANNUAL FINE ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

Press Release: 2008 ACOUSTIC MUSIC SERIES

Collectors returning to GAC's 39th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Fair (ACF) may notice their foot tapping soon upon arrival! Accompanying two-days of remarkable craft and Hudson River views is the Acoustic Music Series supported by Series Underwriters Scenic Hudson and The Garrison.

Admission to the fair is $5, children under 12 free. Parking at the event is free. Want to save gas? The event is a Metro-North One Day Getaway Discount Package (more information at www.mta.info or 800-METRO-INFO). To learn more about the Fair and print out a Performance Schedule visit www.garrisonartcenter.org, click Arts & Crafts Fair, then click Special Events (or call 845-424-3960).

The Acoustic Music Series (AMS) presents four great music groups that draw inspiration from popular trends in the 1920's, 30's & 40's in very different ways. Swing du Jour performs the upbeat, Parisian fusion of early American jazz and Eastern European Gypsy music developed by Django Reinhart in the 40's. Tiki Daddy reflects the Hawaiian music craze of the 20's that introduced the influential slide guitar technique. The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn play old-timey jazz, swing and blues tunes from 1910 to the 40's. Also GAC proudly presents the Ebony Hillbillies. Having played to Carnegie Hall and Grand Central Station audiences they tout their cd thus: "A Traditionalists dream! Herein find a Creole Waltz, a Stephen Foster standard, and hoedowns and frolics from Texas to Virginia".

For two days these musicians will bring excitement to both ends of the Fair while proclaiming the still vibrant sound of Americana.

Here's the 2008 AMS Performance Schedule:

Saturday, August 16th:

Swing du Jour South Stage: 10:30am - 1:30pm

Award winning veterans of Roxbury, CT's Pickin' and Fiddlin' Contest,

Howie Bujese (violin) & Norman Plankey (guitar) are Swing du Jour,

playing their upbeat jazz inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt.

Tiki Daddy North Stage: 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Hawaiian inspired 1920's & 30's jazz tunes played by Art Labriola (steel guitar),

John Harms (guitar & ukulele), and Al Hemberger (bass).

Sunday, August 17th:

The Ebony Hillbillies South Stage: 10:30am - 1:30pm
Norris Bennett, Enrique Prince, Bill Salter, and A.R. are one of the last black string

bands in America. Their 19th century string band sound, consisting of fiddle, banjo, washboard and bass fiddle, was popular in the 1920's & 30's, and was a key element

in the genesis of jazz and virtually everything after!

The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn North Stage: 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Billy Nemec (acoustic guitar, lead vocals), Christopher Pistorino (upright bass),

David Langlois (washboard percussion), and Sam Hoyt (trumpet) form this early jazz,

swing, and blues band. Their repertoire of witty songs from the 1920's & 30's is augmented

by original tunes with moving, yet often bawdy lyrics, and a catchy 4 part vocal harmony.