Author discusses his tale of a rock legend

Posted 3/17/23

Gardiner Library presents Levon Helm: Rock, Roll & Ramble Author Talk with John Barry on Sunday, March 26 from 2-4 p.m.

During his time in Poughkeepsie, John got to know Levon Helm, a …

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Author discusses his tale of a rock legend

Posted

Gardiner Library presents Levon Helm: Rock, Roll & Ramble Author Talk with John Barry on Sunday, March 26 from 2-4 p.m.

During his time in Poughkeepsie, John got to know Levon Helm, a longtime resident of Woodstock who played drums in The Band. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy winner as a solo performer, Levon invited John to collaborate on a book about his Midnight Ramble house concerts. These concerts saved Levon from financial calamity and sparked a comeback unlike no other in rock and roll.

The book, Levon Helm: Rock, Roll & Ramble—The Inside Story of the Man, the Music and the Midnight Ramble, chronicles Levon’s final chapter and the triumph of house concerts that began as rent parties. 

 John will offer a peek behind the curtain and share stories related to his work with Levon Helm, and interviews he conducted with Roger Waters of Pink Floyd; Danny Louis and Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule; Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers; and Graham Nash.

 Join John for a Q&A/discussion, as he’d like to hear your Levon Helm stories as well as his. Inscribed copies of Rock, Roll & Ramble will be available for purchase. 

 John W. Barry is a 32-year resident of Ulster County and graduate of SUNY New Paltz who worked for 18 years as music writer for the Poughkeepsie Journal, which is part of the USA Today Network. 

 The library is located at 133 Farmer’s Turnpike in Gardiner.