Save Our Democracy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Catskill, New York
Musicians Natalie Merchant, Simi Stone, James Felice and Berkshire Bateria will perform, and a number of New York State Democratic Committee members and candidates will speak at the SAVE OUR DEMOCRACY RALLY at Catskill Point, 1 Main Street, Catskill, NY on Monday October 17, 2022 from 5-9PM.

This event aims to articulate the vision of our local Democratic candidates who are seeking to protect women’s rights, protect voting rights and to create a more diverse, inclusive, and just New York State. The rally is free to attend and will be held indoors at Catskill Point. Presented by the Columbia County and Greene County Democratic Committees in conjunction with Club Helsinki and Melmar Productions, it comes in advance of the November elections and will encourage participation in the upcoming elections.

Speakers include New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, Chairman of the Green County Democratic Committee Lori Torgersen, Chairman of the Columbia County Democratic Committee Sam Hodge, Congressional District 19 Candidate Josh Riley, Democratic Candidate for Assembly District 102 Nicholas Chase, and NY Supreme Court Judge Candidates Heidi Cochrane, Meagan Galligan and Sharon Graff.

Natalie Merchant’s 40-year career has earned her a place among America’s most respected recording artists as well as garnering a reputation for her quality songwriting.

Over the course of her solo career and as lead singer for the group 10,000 Maniacs, she has also been active in promoting a number of non-profit organizations by lending both financial support and raising public awareness, particularly in the Hudson Valley where she resides.

Simi Stone, the former frontwoman of Suffrajett and The New Pornographers, is a musician, songwriter, and visual artist born and raised in Woodstock. James Felice is a member of the Felice Brothers, an American folk rock/country band originally hailing from Palenville, NY in the Catskills. Berkshire Bateria, a samba band, will provide authentic Brazilian music.

Opening up the event, will be Athens (Greene County, NY) Mayor Amy Serrago.

The event will be hosted by Carmel Holt, beloved longtime Hudson Valley radio personality. She currently hosts and produces a weekly syndicated show known as

SHEROES.

Melmar Productions is a collaboration between Cameron Melville and Randall Martin and is a progressive event and multi-media production company. This will be the 2nd official production of the company. Their most recent effort was raising money for medical supplies for Ukraine. Club Helsinki has been a longstanding presence in the Hudson, NY community championing music and activism.

Free parking for this event will be at Dutchman’s Landing. The Catskill Visitor’s Center
will provide golf cart rides to and from Catskill Point.