Kenneth Little Hawk Featured Performer at Philipsburg Manor's ‘Green Corn Festival’

A Labor Day Weekend celebration of Native American Heritage

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY (Aug 3, 2007) — Renowned storyteller, musician, and actor Kenneth Little Hawk is returning to Philipsburg Manor over Labor Day Weekend as part of the historic site’s “Green Corn Festival,” a celebration of the Hudson River’s Native American heritage.

This three-day-long festival, taking place from 10-5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1, Sunday, Sept. 2, and Monday, Sept. 3, honors the original inhabitants of the Hudson Valley.

The festival features folk tales, songs, storytelling, and a participatory presentation of traditional Native American dance, plus open-hearth cooking demonstrations, games, and live music.

Calling the event both entertaining and educational, Philipsburg Manor Site Director Thom Thacker said, “Our goal is to create a fun, enjoyable atmosphere as we celebrate the influence Native Americans had on the development of colonial New York.”

Green Corn festivals, harvest celebrations held by many tribes for generations, typically during the full moon, marked a time to give thanks, to name children born since the mid-winter festival, and to sing chants, dance, and enjoy a great feast.

Special features at Philipsburg Manor’s celebration include music and dance performances by Kontiwennenha:wi (Carriers of the Words), a group from the Mohawk Nation at Ahkwehesashsne.

Kenneth Little Hawk, one of the event’s most popular performers, uses his rich bounty of skills to bring Native American culture to life. He has performed at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the White House.

Susan McLellan Plaisted of Heart-to-Hearth Cookery will demonstrate Native American cooking and medicine making, and Arthur Kermss will demonstrate wampum-making and treenware (wooden bowls and utensils). Richard Chrisjohn and Crystal Henry will demonstrate Native American crafts.

Geordanes of Irvington will provide picnic food.

Admission to Philipsburg Manor is $12 for adults; $10 for seniors; $6 for children 5-17; and free for children under 5 and Historic Hudson Valley members. Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow. For information: 914-631-3992, www.hudsonvalley.org.