Sunday,
July 16th, 2006
Woodstock Square
12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Holly Near (3:30 pm) – Holly Near is a unique combination of entertainer, teacher and activist. She is a skilled performer and an outspoken ambassador for peace who brings to the stage an integration of world consciousness, spiritual discovery, and theatricality. Out of this gentle, vibrant woman comes a huge voice, a unique sense of humor, an unexpected theatricality and a startling power. Near has released over 20 recordings and performs as a guest on many others. Over the past few years, Near has been busy re-releasing much of her early material as well as new works on her own label, Calico Tracks Music. Her recent recording, Edge, clearly demonstrates that Holly is not resting on her laurels, but continues to write and sing political songs with the grace, humor, and maturity that come from doing social change work for over 30 years.

During the Festival, the Woodstock Folk Festival Board will present the Fifth Annual Woodstock Folk Festival Lifetime Achievement Award to Holly Near. Throughout her lengthy career, Ms. Near has used her performances to educate audiences. A natural teacher, Holly presents master classes in performance craft and song writing to a wide array of audiences. As she laughingly says, "I’m old enough now to be an expert!" Holly’s unique personal perspective, which makes the subject matter leap out of the books and into the classroom, draws praise from college faculties around the country. The unifying and healing nature of her work explains the diverse nature of the groups who call on her to speak and sing. Near’s integrity has earned her a reputation as one of the most powerful and articulate political artists of our time.

For more info about Holly Near, visit her website at www.hollynear.com.