Join us for a special lighting ceremony of the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse to close its 150th Anniversary Celebration! Bring a candle!
In November 1874, the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse—then known as Hudson City Light—first lit its beacon, guiding ships along the Hudson River. Now, 150 years later, we are celebrating this historic milestone while honoring the dedicated lightkeepers who devoted their lives to preserving this important part of our maritime history. Their legacy continues to illuminate the river and keep our beloved community landmark alive.
We are honored to have the Hudson Community Choir performing during the ceremony as we come together in gratitude, offering prayers for unity and peace. This special event marks the culmination of a yearlong celebration that began with a boat parade connecting both Columbia and Greene Counties. The lighting ceremony will unite the communities of Hudson and Athens once again. A speaker system will be set up at the Athens Riverfront Park so that the music and ceremony can be enjoyed while watching the Lighthouse lights come to life.
About Hudson Community Choir:
In partnership with Beautiful Racket and Hudson Hall the Hudson Community Choir is a free and non-audition choir based in Hudson, NY. Hudson Community Choir’s mission is to empower a community of singers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to foster connection, belonging, and joy through music.
Hudson Community Choir was founded by Hudson community members Anneice Cousin, Jess Laddin, and Sharece Johnson in the Spring of 2023 to create an accessible space for community members to come together in song through positive leadership, intergenerational learning, and a commitment to supporting the Hudson community and beyond. In just three seasons, Hudson Community Choir has performed for family and friends at Hudson Hall, singing as well in many community events including Winter Walk, Caroling for the Cows, collaborating with Hudson Festival Orchestra, Waterfront Wednesdays, and the Hudson Pride Parade.
Michael Hofmann - Conductor
Michael's experience as a musical artist spans choral and operatic performance, conducting vocal and instrumental ensembles, and stage direction & management. As a baritone, he has sung regularly with several New York-based choral ensembles and small opera companies, including The Choir of St. Luke in the Fields, Canticum Scholare, and Opera on Tap, and currently is a staff singer at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran in Poughkeepsie. Michael works as the Audience & Member Services Manager at the Fisher Center at Bard, and served as the Mayor's Aide to Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson from June 2021 through April 2024. He is an active volunteer and leader for a number of local organizations, serving on the Boards of the Hudson Festival Orchestra (President), Clarion Concerts (Treasurer), Friends of First Presbyterian Church, Columbia Opportunities, and the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society. Born and raised in northern New Jersey, he has been a Hudson Valley resident for 15 years and has lived in Hudson since 2018. Michael holds a B.A. in music from Vassar College and an M.M. in voice from the Bard College Conservatory.
About Beautiful Racket:
Beautiful Racket was born in the summer of 2020 out of the need for accessible creative programming for the youth of Hudson, NY. They believe accessibility means more than financial access. They are committed to eliminating barriers that have historically prevented Black and Brown people from accessing the power of self expression, by creating a safe and empowering environment rooted in: representation in leadership and instruction; tuition-free programming for students; and competitive wages that honor the true skills of the instructors.
Beautiful Racket continues to expand its programming. Currently they offer opportunities for: first time music experience, song writing, piano lessons, music production, and performance
Location: Henry Hudson Riverfront Park & Athens Riverfront Park