Woodstock 40th anniversary

August 15-17 will mark the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival and it's a perfect time to visit the Catskills region of New York.

In 1902 the famed Byrdcliffe arts and crafts colony was established and it's been a haven for the arts ever since. I'm working with a new act, The Duke & The King, who are based in the region. It's a new project from Simone Felice of the Felice Brothers, who is also a published novelist and Mark Twain devotee. The music is just gorgeous, sun-faded music with shades of country, soul, and '60s pop.

Felice gets a lot of inspiration from hiking and backpacking in the region, growing his own herbs and vegetables, and riding a vintage motorcycle around the area. The Woodstock area is a gorgeous place to visit, especially as you get to fall and leaves start to change. If you're planning to write any travel coverage on what Woodstock is like 40 years after the festival, perhaps Simone can give some local recommendations on hikes, restaurants, bars, galleries, and such.

The new album 'Nothing Gold Can Stay' is out Aug on Ramseur Records and the band celebrates w/ a hometown show at Colony Cafe Aug 1 and a NYC CD release show at Mercury Lounge Aug 4. Check out a few tracks: http://www.myspace.com/dukeandtheking