SULLIVAN COUNTY – Building from his existing electrifying rock ’n roll cello programs, such as his popular British Invasion show, Alex Prizgintas is preparing his latest electric cello show to resonate at the heart of the Hudson Valley's rich cultural history.

“Woodstock: 1969 has been an exciting journey,” says Prizgintas, whose cello shows are shown more than 200 times annually across the Hudson Valley. “Though some classics from existing shows will be featured in this new program, the bulk of material being presented is fresh and new, covering the depth of artists featured at the Woodstock Festival. Among those I am excited to share, especially with a unique electric cello sound, include the musicians Joe Cocker, Janis Joplin, The Who, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Jefferson Airplane, Mountain, and Credence Clearwater Revival.” What has perhaps been even more exciting in this journey is crafting the historical narrations that accompany each selection to blend history and harmony. This allows Alex to bring in a few artists that, while not present at Woodstock, such as Joni Mitchell, contributed in important ways to the sentiments of that era.

The unique sound of Alex Prizgintas and his amplified cello will be shown twice across Sullivan County in August. First, Woodstock 1969 will come to the Liberty Public Library on Thursday, August 13th at 6:00 PM. Then, Alex’s show will travel to the Mamakating Public Library in Wurtsboro on Tuesday, August 25th at 5:00 PM. Classically trained, he employs non-classical tools like distortion, delay, and the iconic “wah-wah” guitar pedals symbolic of 1960s Rock n’ Roll bands--all in conjunction with a looping station.

Equally comfortable with intimate and stadium settings, Alex can craft his own wall-of-sound through his 1,000-watt amp. Accompanied by a narration that reveals some of the back stories of baroque, jazz, folk, and Rock n’ Roll classics, he immerses his audience in a journey through musical history. As Alex says, “in these shows, not only do I gather music but also reinterpret it with tools such as a looping station, guitar effect pedals, a mixer, and an amp, and share it in a format that is part drama, part concert, a bit of storytelling, and mostly a show.” For more information, check out Alex’s website at alexprizgintas.com.