(FREAK) FLAG DAY
(FREAK) FLAG DAY For the 4th year in a row, Basilica Hudson held the after-dark (FREAK) FLAG DAY party as a ritual recognition of the beloved Flag Day tradition in Hudson, NY. LIGHT ASYLUM, fronted by Shannon F., performed for the first time in 2 years! "(FLAG DAY) brings out a crazy cross-section of people, from firefighters to high school bands to politicians and local people of all kinds. And the dialogues among gays, freaks and tree-huggers are part of this interchange, too. All of these people – including the progressive/lefty types – have a presence here, are part of the dialogue. And they’re patriotic. They love where they live." - Melissa Auf der Maur, Basilica Hudson Co-Founder + Director, Almanac Weekly Special thanks to Almanac Weekly team, everyone who came out to dance and raise flags + funds, as well as all our freak accident flag makers!
FIREWORKS IN YOUR FACE! There's no better seat in the house for the fireworks display on Flag Day, the culmination of the David-Lynch Americana wet dream that is Hudson's parade to the waterfront. For the past four years, we've programmed music in concert with the loud racket of the fireworks in what has got to be one of the most earth-shattering sonic experiences ever set in the Basilica space. YOUWHO provided the sound art and thanks to the City of Hudson and Elks Lodge for making the fireworks show possible!
NEON MUSIC AT OUR LATE NIGHT DANCE PARTY A special shout-out to DJ Neon Music who brought the crowd together for a new wave/industrial dance party lasting into the night!
FREAK ACCIDENT FLAGS This year, (FREAK) FLAG DAY was prefaced by three community flag-making workshops in Basilica Hudson's Back Gallery, manifesting in more than 50 unique flags created by members of our community and generously donated to Basilica Hudson to raise funds for our future arts programming. We fell in love with the freak (flag) accidents of our dreams! These crafty creations hung in the Main Hall during (FREAK) FLAG DAY, where they were available for purchase. We are so thankful for the support of our community in beautiful, weird Hudson, NY! Additional heartfelt thanks to Traditions Linens and Sketch for supporting this celebration of expression.
FLASH FROM THE PAST… Our first Freak Flag Day experiment featuring Black Pus (Brian Chippendale of Lightning Bolt’s one man, drums, machines and screams solo project) and fireworks show.
Photo of Light Asylum + audience by David Lee. Photo of audience and Power Animal Systems by Tito Echevarria. Photo of fireworks and Basilica exterior by Sebastian Barre. Photo of fireworks by Kate Orne. Photo of fireworks by Kate Orne. Photo of fireworks + spectators by Kate Orne. Photo of attendees in Basilica by Sebastian Barre. Photo of DJ Neon Music by Kate Orne. Photo of dancers by Kate Orne. Photo of Flag-Making Workspace by Kate Orne. Photo of Flags (wide shot) by Kate Orne. Photo of Flags (close up) by Kate Orne. Photo of Freak Flag in Basilica hall by Sebastian Barre.
