REV FEST 250

Jonathan Kruk, M.A., Educational Theater, is a master storyteller, renowned for his solo shows of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Featured on CBS Sunday Morning, The Today Show & Travel Channel, he is the author of Legends & Lore of Sleepy Hollow. The Sons of the American Revolution awarded Jonathan with a citizenship medal for historic storytelling.

Audience members will revel in Kruk’s tales where every ghost in Sleepy Hollow reveals Westchester's “trying times” in Revolutionary New York; Listen and leap to tales of Mother Hulda, the witch of the Revolution, learn of tragic Major Andre, the wailing women of war-torn Westchester, and experience the origin story, dramatic and horrid of the Headless Horseman. To learn more visit, https://jonathankruk.com/

Educators and historical re-enactors, Sean Grady and Gary Petagine, designed a course for the Living History Education Foundation about the Andre/Arnold Conspiracy. As a result of its popularity, they decided to write Rendezvous with Treason: The Andre/Arnold Conspiracy in order to bring the story to life for the general public. Since 2009, Sean and Gary have performed as Major John Andre and General Benedict Arnold at museums, historic sites, taverns, restaurants, libraries, and historical societies all over the Tri-State Area.

Rendezvous With Treason: The Andre/Arnold Conspiracy is a dramatic portrayal of the lives of two of the American Revolution’s most intriguing characters, Major John Andre and General Benedict Arnold and their fateful meeting in Haverstraw, NY in 1780. The production allows these infamous men an opportunity to tell their side of the story and their motivation behind the plot that could have ended the cause of Independence. Rendezvous with Treason is their flagship production and has been performed at historic sites, restaurants, taverns, libraries, and historical societies across the tri-state area.

To learn more visit their social media at https://www.facebook.com/dramafromthepast/ or on instagram @drama_from_the_past

Kofi and Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensemble - Kofi is the leader and artistic director of Kofi & Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensemble. Sankofa (meaning –‘going back to the roots’ in the Asante Twi language from Ghana, West Africa) This ensemble symbolizes the promotion of personal and community awareness of the positive role the arts plays in the villages of West Africa demonstrated through our rich cultural values passed on to us by our great ancestors ‘Nananom’. Kofi & Sankofa Ensemble brings you Sounds and Sights of West Africa with audience participation in electrifying way.

Kofi has played with world renowned drummers such as Baba Olatunje (Drums of Passion), Mickey Hart) of Grateful Dead), Baba Camara, Sikiru Adipoye (talking drum maestro), Arthur Hall, and many more.

For more information visit www.bak2roots.org

History At Play™, LLC was founded in 2010 by Artistic Director Judith Kalaora. Offering solo and ensemble programs with an emphasis on women’s history, H.A.P. is woman-owned and operated, with a commitment to employ artists from the region. Kalaora is a professional educator, writer and living historian. She graduated from Syracuse University and completed the Globe Education Program at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre of London, England.

Kalaora will bring two important figures from the Revolution to life at REV FEST 250: Deborah Sampson, a female soldier who fought disguised as a man, and Rachel Revere, the wife of Paul Revere.

To learn more visit, http://www.judithkalaora.com/

Charles W. Dickerson Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps, is a distinguished musical organization from New Rochelle, New York, organized in 1929.The Corps represents a remarkable journey from a local Boy Scout band serving a specific community to an internationally recognized musical institution. Its history is a testament to the vision of its founders, the dedication of its teachers, the talent of its members, and an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, independence, and the preservation of its unique heritage. The Charles W. Dickerson Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps continues to honor its "long and noteworthy traditions" while embracing innovation and nurturing new audiences, ensuring that its "glorious history" continues.

 https://www.charleswdickerson.org/

The Walkabout Clearwater Chorus blends music with mission, using song and education to inspire environmental stewardship and social action. Based in New York, this volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization operates under the name Walkabout Clearwater Sloop Inc. and is a chartered member-club of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, with programs that further its parent organization’s work. More than just performers, the Chorus appears at coffeehouses, rallies, marches, and in schools—engaging audiences of all ages and generations. At their core, they are activists, harnessing the power of folk music to spark awareness, foster community, and drive change.

To learn more, visit https://walkaboutchorus.org/

Char Weigel is Vice President of Special Projects for Revolutionary Westchester 250 and a member of the board of a new museum opening in Westchester: The Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters Museum. Weigel is a frequent speaker and author on Westchester County during the Revolutionary War.

You may think you know the story of Peggy Shippen, wife of Benedict Arnold, if you have watched Turn: Washington’s Spies or read one of the many books that portray her as either the mastermind behind Arnold’s treason or a total innocent. The true story of her involvement and how it affected her life is much more complex and fascinating than the fiction. Come hear Peggy, in her own words, describe her participation with Arnold and British intelligence officer Major John André in a plot that could have changed the outcome of the war and what she did after that may surprise you.

Carla & Keyes is a married performing duo based in Yorktown Heights, NY. Collectively, they have performed hundreds of concerts and educational programs for schools, spiritual centers, and community events over the course of thirty years. Combining their individual experience in school and library programs, live music, songwriting, and playwriting, they wrote the Holiday musical, “Santa’s Reindeer Ranch,” which won a grant from ArtsWestchester and was mounted (“virtually” during COVID) by Pleasantville Music Theater.

They have also written and produced “This Man’s A Spy!,” a musical retelling of the traitorous Revolutionary War plot of American General Benedict Arnold and British Major John Andre. Their other original programs include “An Afternoon with Madam CJ Walker,” ”Hulda: The Witch of the American Revolution,” and “Ona’s Interview: The True Story of George Washington’s Runaway Slave.”

Colonial Crossroads is a family friendly interpretation of African and European traditions and instruments that influenced each other during the Colonial period. The audience is encouraged to participate in call-and-response and body percussion techniques. Jim is a multi-instrumentalist who uses baroque guitar, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, and recorders to perform European music from the Colonial Era. Carla represents the African side of Colonial America through stories and songs performed on Shekere, Talking Drum, and Djembe.

To learn more visit, https://carlaandkeyes.com/history/

Jonathan Kruk, M.A., Educational Theater, is a master storyteller, renowned for his solo shows of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Featured on CBS Sunday Morning, The Today Show & Travel Channel, he is the author of Legends & Lore of Sleepy Hollow. The Sons of the American Revolution awarded Jonathan with a citizenship medal for historic storytelling.

Step into stories showing what children and those not in the military did to fight for Independence here in Westchester.  

Call in the Militia!  Hide the cows!  Find gunpowder!  Look out for Redcoats, Cowboys and Spies!!!

To learn more visit, https://jonathankruk.com/

Kofi Donkor’s, Sankofa Drum Circle will take participants on a journey through the rhythmic and oral tradition of West African Drumming and Culture. Sankofa means “going back to the roots” in the Twi language from Ghana. The spirit of Sankofa, and this drum circle, is to promote personal and community awareness through this art form steeped in West African Cultural values and traditions.

Participants will explore the rhythmic patterns and meaning of traditional West African Drumming and Storytelling. We will use this form to create a bridge to our contemporary understanding of ensemble hand drumming and strengthen ties in our own communities. Limited drums will be available for participants on a first come first serve basis but feel free to bring your own drum.

Participants who come as strangers are guaranteed to live as life-long friends with a shared passion for this form of musical expression!

For more information visit www.bak2roots.org

Educators and historical re-enactors, Sean Grady and Gary Petagine, designed a course for the Living History Education Foundation about the Andre/Arnold Conspiracy. As a result of its popularity, they decided to write Rendezvous with Treason: The Andre/Arnold Conspiracy in order to bring the story to life for the general public. Since 2009, Sean and Gary have performed as Major John Andre and General Benedict Arnold at museums, historic sites, taverns, restaurants, libraries, and historical societies all over the Tri-State Area.

Rendezvous With Treason: The Andre/Arnold Conspiracy is a dramatic portrayal of the lives of two of the American Revolution’s most intriguing characters, Major John Andre and General Benedict Arnold and their fateful meeting in Haverstraw, NY in 1780. The production allows these infamous men an opportunity to tell their side of the story and their motivation behind the plot that could have ended the cause of Independence. Rendezvous with Treason is their flagship production and has been performed at historic sites, restaurants, taverns, libraries, and historical societies across the tri-state area.

To learn more visit their social media at https://www.facebook.com/dramafromthepast/ or on instagram @drama_from_the_past

Indigenous Enterprise and Daisy Jopling have come together in a powerful, first-of-its-kind collaboration to present a groundbreaking performance that celebrates heritage, healing, and the power of dance, music, and storytelling.

Indigenous Enterprise is a globally recognized Native American collective of dancers and culture-bearers whose mission is to share and preserve Indigenous traditions through vibrant performance and community engagement. They have performed worldwide, including at the Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, at Lincoln Center, Sydney Opera House, and they won an Emmy for their original film "Indigenous Enterprise Brings Powwow Dancing to the World Stage".

Daisy Jopling is an internationally-renowned violinist, composer and show creator who has performed in major concert halls and festivals in 54 countries around the world, collaborated with many international stars, and her original music has been aired on television worldwide.

These two visionaries are joining together to inspire audiences with a story that connects us all to the land, our ancestors, and each other.

To learn more about Indigenous Enterprise and Daisy Jopling, please visit https://store.indigenousenterprise.com/ and https://www.daisyjopling.com/

The Westchester Symphonic Winds (WSW) is a 60-piece adult community-based wind and percussion ensemble, led by Conductor and Music Director Curt Ebersole. The Westchester Symphonic Winds promotes music in our area, instills pride in our nation and heritage, provides opportunities for personal expression and growth within our membership, and nurtures the love of music by offering an exceptional musical experience for people of all ages.

Curt Ebersole has served as Conductor and Music Director (John P. Paynter Memorial Chair) of the Westchester Symphonic Winds since 2008, leading the ensemble to major milestones including their Carnegie Hall debut (2023), Lincoln Center debut (2010), and annual sold-out performances at Caramoor since 2014, as well as appearances in Chicago, Poughkeepsie, Stamford, and Syracuse. He retired in 2013 after 31 years as Director of Instrumental Music at Northern Valley Regional High School (Old Tappan, NJ), where his acclaimed ensembles and annual Prism Concerts became community traditions. Ebersole now teaches String Ensemble, Chamber Music, and Public Speaking at The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY. He holds degrees in music education, conducting, and clarinet performance from Northwestern University and SUNY-Purchase, studying with John P. Paynter, Larry Combs, and Ben Armato.

The Westchester Symphonic Winds performance at RevFest reflects the revolutionary spirit of America with three Sousa marches, a medley of Revolutionary War melodies, a medley of the greatest Broadway hits from Kander & Ebb, a musical view of the Old West (courtesy of John Williams), and some good ol' battle music - Overture 1812.

To learn more visit, www.westchestersymphonicwinds.org

Alright theatre nerds and Hamilton stans — make some noise! This is your shot, so don’t throw it away! Welcome to Broadway Rave: Hamilton Sing-Along — the ultimate Hamilton dance party! Sing every word, dance like you’re on Broadway, and let’s make history today!

Charles W. Dickerson Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps, is a distinguished musical organization from New Rochelle, New York, organized in 1929.The Corps represents a remarkable journey from a local Boy Scout band serving a specific community to an internationally recognized musical institution. Its history is a testament to the vision of its founders, the dedication of its teachers, the talent of its members, and an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, independence, and the preservation of its unique heritage. The Charles W. Dickerson Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps continues to honor its "long and noteworthy traditions" while embracing innovation and nurturing new audiences, ensuring that its "glorious history" continues.

https://www.charleswdickerson.org/

David and Jacob Bernz are a father-son team of folksingers and songwriters hailing from Beacon New York. David’s performance ensembles have included “Dave, Perry, Rande, “Stone Soup” and “Work o’ the Weavers” and he has released CDs with each. David has also received two Grammy Awards producing CDs for Pete Seeger including Best Folk Album 2008 and best children’s album 2010.  Jacob is a prolific young songwriter with five CDs of original material.  Combining many influences into a genre all his own, Jacob’s delivery is uniquely poetic and personal,  Together they weave a tapestry of songs old and new.Websites: 

Jawbonepress.com, Jacobbernz.com, Davidbernz.com (under construction) 

Laurie Siegel is a lifelong performer who was nurtured by the Hudson River folk community from a young age. She is a founding and current member of the folk trio Hudson Valley Sally (hudsonvalleysally.org) trio, The Trouble Sisters. She is a long time member of the Walkabout Clearwater Chorus and is contributing vocalist on Pete Seeger’s grammy winning CD, “Pete at 89.” Laurie is a genre-bending vocalist and musician who has influences spanning the musical spectrum (and in several languages). She currently performs jazz, folk and original songs with her partner, Patrick Stanfield Jones. 

Patrick Stanfield Jones (patrickstanfieldjones.com) is a guitarist and vocalist, composer and lyricist, arranger and producer. A life long performer,  Patrick began to play guitar at age 13 and since 1973, has played in various bands spanning many genres. He has shared the stage as a supporting musician with many well known acts, recording artists, has made T.V. appearances in England, Australia, Canada, and the U.S. Patrick has been a touring and backing musician with the Isley Brothers, Whitney Houston, Buddy Miles, and Imelda Staunton.  He has also opened for Albert Collins, Taj Mahal, Charlie Daniels, Hubert Sumlin, War, Papa John Creach and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. He is known locally in the Hudson Valley for his work with various local performers as a guitarist, bass player and arranger. He has, for the past few years, been working on his latest project, bringing together a mix of well-seasoned musicians and honing and developing his writing and arranging skills even further.  

.

Carla & Keyes is a married performing duo based in Yorktown Heights, NY. Collectively, they have performed hundreds of concerts and educational programs for schools, spiritual centers, and community events over the course of thirty years. Combining their individual experience in school and library programs, live music, songwriting, and playwriting, they wrote the Holiday musical, “Santa’s Reindeer Ranch,” which won a grant from ArtsWestchester and was mounted (“virtually” during COVID) by Pleasantville Music Theater.

They have also written and produced “This Man’s A Spy!,” a musical retelling of the traitorous Revolutionary War plot of American General Benedict Arnold and British Major John Andre. Their other original programs include “An Afternoon with Madam CJ Walker,” ”Hulda: The Witch of the American Revolution,” and “Ona’s Interview: The True Story of George Washington’s Runaway Slave.”

Colonial Crossroads is a family friendly interpretation of African and European traditions and instruments that influenced each other during the Colonial period. The audience is encouraged to participate in call-and-response and body percussion techniques. Jim is a multi-instrumentalist who uses baroque guitar, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, and recorders to perform European music from the Colonial Era. Carla represents the African side of Colonial America through stories and songs performed on Shekere, Talking Drum, and Djembe.

To learn more visit, https://carlaandkeyes.com/history/

History At Play™, LLC was founded in 2010 by Artistic Director Judith Kalaora. Offering solo and ensemble programs with an emphasis on women’s history, H.A.P. is woman-owned and operated, with a commitment to employ artists from the region. Kalaora is a professional educator, writer and living historian. She graduated from Syracuse University and completed the Globe Education Program at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre of London, England.

It is May 2, 1775 and Rachel Revere has only heard from her beloved husband Paul once since his legendary midnight ride on the 18th of April. Still isolated from one another due to the Siege of Boston, Rachel desperately tries to create a plan which shall safely take her children: six step-children from Paul’s first marriage and a newborn baby of their own, from the reach of the British Regular Army in Boston. In this program, you will help Rachel, as she carefully considers the dangers and demands of each plan. Find out if Rachel is successful in her perilous mission to unite her family, amidst the wake of an American Revolution. Rendezvous with Rachel Revere is brought to you by History At Play. Founded in 2010, History At Play travels nationwide to chronicle the stories of influential and often forgotten women through immersive living history. www.HistoryAtPlay.com.

Char Weigel is Vice President of Special Projects for Revolutionary Westchester 250 and a member of the board of a new museum opening in Westchester: The Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters Museum. Weigel is a frequent speaker and author on Westchester County during the Revolutionary War.

You may think you know the story of Peggy Shippen, wife of Benedict Arnold, if you have watched Turn: Washington’s Spies or read one of the many books that portray her as either the mastermind behind Arnold’s treason or a total innocent. The true story of her involvement and how it affected her life is much more complex and fascinating than the fiction. Come hear Peggy, in her own words, describe her participation with Arnold and British intelligence officer Major John André in a plot that could have changed the outcome of the war and what she did after that may surprise you.

Liss: Slave, Servant, Spy brings to life the extraordinary true story of Elizabeth "Liss" - an enslaved woman from Oyster Bay, Long Island, whose courage and intelligence may have helped shape the outcome of the American Revolution. Through live performance and storytelling, the audience is introduced to Liss's journey from enslavement in the Townsend household to her daring escape alongside British officer Colonel John Graves Simcoe, her possible role in George Washington's Culper Spy Ring, and her her flight to reclaim freedom after the war. 

Yes, limited public parking will be available at the park. We strongly encourage attendees to use public transportation or the free shuttle service.

Yes, we’re offering a free shuttle service from the Croton-Harmon Metro-North Railroad Station.