Latest news with #BirdsongProject


Time Out
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
A pigeon festival may be coming to the High Line, complete with a "pigeon impersonation pageant"
New Yorkers are known for strutting their stuff, but on Saturday, June 14, it's the pigeons' turn. The High Line is hosting Pigeon Fest, an all-day celebration of NYC's most divisive bird in honor of National Pigeon Appreciation Day. From 12pm to 8pm, the elevated park's 30th Street section and Spur will transform into a feather-filled playground of art, science, dance and bird-themed hijinks—including what may be the city's first Pigeon Impersonation Pageant. Inspired by Iván Argote's Dinosaur — the giant 17-foot aluminum pigeon sculpture that currently looms above 10th Avenue—the festival will explore the complicated relationship New Yorkers have with their most common avian neighbor. 'Love them or hate them, people are fascinated by our feathered friends,' said Alan van Capelle, the High Line's executive director. 'This festival felt like a fitting way to celebrate New Yorkers' dynamic relationship with art, nature and, most specifically, pigeons.' Expect pigeon-themed carnival games, family-friendly art workshops, a hands-on Discovery Fair and appearances from more than a dozen urban ecology organizations. But the real showstopper is the 2pm pageant, where contestants will channel their inner city bird and be judged on costume ("plumage"), physicality ("strut") and vocal performance ("sound"). Hosted by NYC legend and costume designer Machine Dazzle, the pageant will also feature a special appearance by Argote himself. Before the pageant, attendees can warm up with a Zumba-style Pigeon Dance Party at noon or catch Mother Pigeon's Impeckable Puppet Show at 1pm—a delightful mix of animal rights activism and sing-along storytelling. Later in the day, there's a panel on building bird-friendly cities (3:30pm), a talk with Argote and High Line Art curator Cecilia Alemani (4:15pm), and a musical finale (5:30–8pm) presented in collaboration with the Birdsong Project. Whether you're a lifelong pigeon defender or someone who dodges them on your daily commute, Pigeon Fest promises a new perspective on the birds that have been part of NYC's ecosystem—and personality—for more than a century.


Travel Daily News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Daily News
Weekapaug Inn brings nature-inspired music to every guest suite
Weekapaug Inn partners with The Birdsong Project to offer in-room vinyl records blending music and birdsong, enriching guests' nature-inspired experience. WEEKAPAUG, R.I. – Weekapaug Inn, a timeless Relais & Chateaux and Forbes Five Star Hotel, New England-style inn set in the peaceful Weekapaug community perched on the idyllic Quonochontaug Pond with sweeping views of the Atlantic beyond, is proud to announce a new partnership with The Birdsong Project, a celebrated initiative that brings together acclaimed musicians, poets, and artists to honor birdsong and nature. As part of this collaboration, Weekapaug Inn will now feature custom record players and curated vinyl LPs from The Birdsong Project in each of its guest suites. Guests will be invited to immerse themselves in the soothing sounds of nature and music through exclusive Birdsong Project recordings, blending field recordings of birds with compositions from world-renowned artists. This unique offering enhances the Inn's commitment to creating a restorative experience rooted in the natural beauty of coastal Rhode Island. 'We are thrilled to partner with The Birdsong Project and bring their beautiful and meaningful work directly to our guests,' said Daniel Abrashoff, General Manager of Weekapaug Inn. 'This collaboration not only elevates the guest experience but also aligns perfectly with our mission to celebrate and preserve the stunning environment that surrounds us.' The Birdsong Project is a one-of-a-kind creative endeavor founded to support the National Audubon Society's mission to protect birds and their habitats. The project features contributions from artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Beck, Nick Cave, and many others, and serves as a gentle reminder of the role nature plays in wellness and inspiration. The in-room record players and LPs will be available in the Carriage House suites, newly renovated Fenway Suites and Signature Suites, which are all named after birds, starting in April, inviting guests to relax to the sounds of nature and artistry during their stay. Originally built in 1899, the charming Weekapaug Inn has welcomed guests ever since to its bucolic landscape where a shimmering sun rises over Quonochontaug Pond, Adirondack chairs grace the great lawn, and a verdant chef's garden provides the Inn's kitchen and bar with the freshest of ingredients. 33 guest rooms, including four Signature Suites, range from 250 to 2,000 square feet. Each is distinctive in décor, and equipped with the finest amenities, as well as a mix of original Inn furnishings and up-to-date pieces. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are enjoyed in the casually elegant Restaurant where the culinary team works closely with local growers, farmers, and fishmongers, while developing their seasonal take on New England coastal cuisine. The dining room is cozy, with views of the pond and the lawn, and adjacent The Garden Room bar is the spot for casual bistro-style dining. In warmer months, al fresco dining is offered on The Deck and around the pool, and beach snacks, sandwiches and pizza are served at the Bathhouse. S'mores are presented every night in any season (weather permitting).