Cultural Correspondent Bess J. M. Hochstein reports from Hudson: On the weekend before Thanksgiving, cats, dogs, and other animals found themselves with much to be grateful for, thanks to the efforts of Art for Animals. The NYC- and Columbia County-based organization, which draws on artists to support animal rescue groups and educate public school students about humane issues through art classes, held its Rock 'n' Roll Rescue More Than a Benefit Concert on Friday, November 19 at Club Helsinki Hudson. A stellar roster of celebrity chefs—including Bill Telepan of Telepan, Dévi’s Suvir Saran, Philip Hoffman of The New French, and an enthusiastic crew from the MoMA cafés (all from Manhattan) plus local food gurus Jeff Gimmel of Swoon Kitchenbar and cheesemonger Matt Rubiner—donated sumptuous delectables, heeding the call of famed food writer Ruth Reichl, an Art for Animals advisory board member, who organized an early evening cocktail party to kick off the event. After noshing, hob-nobbing with the animalitteratti (such as event chair Elizabeth Hess and advisory board member Susan Orlean), guests (such as Christine Dittmar and painter Brian Bumo, above left) filed downstairs for a performance by animal-loving songstresses Cathy Grier (aka NYC Subway Girl), Joy Askew, and headliner Laurie Anderson, who followed a solo keyboard set by her rat terrier, Lolabelle. Tom Davis, the lesser-known half of the Saturday Night Live comedy team Franken & Davis (the one who is not a U.S. senator), served as the evening’s MC, adding an element of humor to a heart-felt evening.
Comedian Tom Davis with author and editor Ruth Reichl; Marianne Courville of Hudson Wine Merchants and Sarah Gilbert of Hudson's Cannonball Factory.
Elizabeth Hess, who organized Rock 'n' Roll Rescue with Helsinki co-owner Marc Schafler; Allan Davidson and Karen Halveson.
Inn at Hudson proprietor Dini Lamot (aka Musty Chiffon) and Michael Albin of Hudson Wine Merchants.
Chef Bill Telepan and pastry chef Larissa Rapahel; writers Suzanne Snider and Susan Orlean.
Great Barrington cheesemonger Matthew Rubiner and The Mount's chairman of the board, Gordon Travers; Ketah Raut, Suvir Saran and Raju Sain of Dévi Restaurant.
Florist Wenonah Webster, who did the floral design for the event, with artists Dawn Breeze and Valerie Shaff.
Sharon & Eric Schafler; MC Roberts and artist Alexis England.
Strongtree Coffee Roasters Nora Edison &Chris Neumann with Patrick & Rita Birmingham of Mount Merino Manor.
Astrid & Patrick Jehanno of Le Gamin; art conservator Valerie Septembre, co-founder of Art for Animals, with Equine Advocates volunteer Tanell Bulan.
The performers take a bow: Cathy Grier, Ana Milosavljevic, Joy Askew, Laurie Anderson & Master of Ceremonies Tom Davis.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
