We’re certainly long past the days of when Canadian migrants used the Hudson River as an aquatic pathway to big city life and substandard maple syrup, but something tells me that if Basilica Soundscape had been a thing around the late 19th century, travelers of all nationalities would’ve temporarily given up their dreams of American density and stopped some three hours shy (five hours by horse and carriage). As it happens, the structure now known as “Basilica Hudson” was built in the 1880s, but only recently was it converted into an event, art, and home space by Melissa Auf der Maur and filmmaker Tony Stone, who continue to operate it as such. Weddings are a marginal note to this annual display of mostly music devotion…
… which will celebrate its fourth edition from September 11-13! Performers at the cavernous former factory in Hudson, NY this year include Actress, Wolf Eyes, Jenny Hval, Weyes Blood, The Haxan Cloak, Circuit des Yeux, Gourisankar & Indrijat Banajeer, HEALTH, Viet Cong, and Perfume Genius. Stone and Auf der Maur will once again be joined by Pitchfork’s Brandon Stosuy and Leg Up! Management’s Brian DeRan for the curation of the festival, which looks like a stellar chance to rebel against the event monopoly held by big cities and college campuses.
Max capacity for Basilica Hudson is around 1200 people, so potential attendees, best get on that. It’s $60 for a weekend pass and roughly double that if you want to camp. In addition to music, expect literary injections, visual explosions, and delish food.
• Basilica Soundscape: http://basilicasoundscape.com
• Basilica Hudson: http://basilicahudson.com