SHARE

"The Sounds of Peace" Can Be Heard in Hastings

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – As the cold air starts to creep upon the villages, "The Sounds of Peace" benefit in Hastings aims to take advantage of the last of the warm weather on Saturday afternoon.

"It'll be the last big bash of the summer," said Susan Rutman, one of the organizers of the event for the Concerned Families of Westchester.

The CFOW began the day after the 9/11 attacks as residents of the Rivertowns got together to discuss the tragic events and the visions they had to avoid war.

"People in the Rivertowns got together because of the shock of what had happened and in their concern for a retaliatory response to the attacks," Rutman said.

September marks 10 years for the group that organizes protests of war and peace rallies. The group can be spotted on Saturdays in front of the Dobbs Ferry Stop & Shop picketing against the war.

"I suggested doing some local concerts with getting the local musicians and activists together to do some benefits," Rutman said.

She even started using her own home to host events like the one on Saturday to celebrate the organization's 10 years. The benefit on Saturday runs from 2 to 7 p.m. and will feature a collection of 71 pro-peace songs playing over speakers. There will also be speakers from the organization's "Military Families Speak Out" and "Sept. 11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows," which the event will donate proceeds to.

"We really wanted to be teaching people these songs," she said. "Put it all together and its 71 songs and they all just flow one after the other."

Rutman will host the event at her home at 9 Ridgedell Ave in Hastings all afternoon until sunset. She encourages everyone to bring lawn chairs, yoga mats, and blankets and to come early or stay late. Local musicians may also perform at the after party. Rutman said she just wants local residents to come enjoy the show and to hear their message.

"It doesn't have to be everybody in the world that puts an end to the war," Rutman said. "It just has to be enough."

to follow Daily Voice Rivertowns and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE