Nestled in the historic richness of the Hudson Valley, Kingston, New York, carries a profound heritage from its roots as the ancestral land of the Munsee people, through its founding by Dutch colonists in 1652, to its prestigious designation as New York State’s first capital in 1777. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant hub of creativity and communal synergy, illustrated poignantly by the O+ Festival.
This innovative festival, pronounced O Positive, embodies a forward-thinking model where art transacts health—artists receive medical care in exchange for their contributions. Now celebrating its fourteenth year, from October 11-13, 2024, the O+ Festival transforms Kingston into a pulsating arena of artistry, showcasing a diverse array of talents from musicians, writers, dancers, and visual artists.
The festival’s stages and events stretch across Kingston, interlinking its historic venues like the iconic Old Dutch Church with contemporary spaces like Keegan Ales, where local bands energize the scene with diverse musical flavors from hip hop to techno. A parade marks the commencement of festivities, setting the stage for a weekend that blurs the lines between cultural exposition and health advocacy.
Key attractions of the 2024 festival include performances by renowned artists like Neko Case, Rhett Miller & The All Stars, and Kate Pierson at the Old Dutch Church, enveloping attendees in a rich musical tapestry. The smaller yet intimate venues like Utility Bicycle Works stage, where performers like Sug Daniels reveal their soul-stirring melodies in cozy settings, underscore the festival’s eclectic charm.
The culmination of the festival is marked by a memorable event at the Old Dutch Church—an insightful panel discussion featuring the creators and cast of “The Blair Witch Project,” moderated by esteemed actress and musician Amanda Seyfried, coinciding with the film’s 25th anniversary.
O+’s unique vision, “When artists and musicians thrive, so do culture and our communities,” captures the essence of Kingston’s fluid transition from a historical landmark to a beacon of modern cultural innovation. The O+ Festival doesn’t just contribute to Kingston’s storied past; it weaves these new threads into the vibrant tapestry of its community-driven future.
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