Fifty-plus years of music, with the Towne Crier owner Phil Ciganer

Photo credit: Michael Isabel

Phil Ciganer, who founded The Towne Crier in the early 70s, has a long history staging folk acts in the Hudson Valley. As a young man, Phil prowled the folk scene in Greenwich Village, a wellspring of American music. He initially based his venue in Beekman and has moved twice, most recently to Beacon 11 years ago.

Among the first musicians to play the Crier was Pete Seeger, and this interview contains some great lore about Beacon’s favorite late native son. Speaking of which, the Crier will host its annual celebration of Pete’s life on May 3, the anniversary of his birth. This year’s event will be hosted by David Bernz, a dear friend and collaborator Pete’s who has authored a new book called “Pete Seeger – Chopping Wood, Thoughts and Stories of a Legendary American Folksinger.”

This episode is made possible by Healthy In Color, a purveyor of delicious and healthful salads, breakfast options, wraps, warm bowls located at 259 Main Street.