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.