RUFUS WAINWRIGHT RETURNS TO DUTCHESS FOR SPECIAL BENEFIT CONCERT
Acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and composer Rufus Wainwright is returning to Dutchess County to headline a special benefit concert for the Dutchess County Democratic Committee on Friday, August 1 at 7 PM at The Stissing Center in Pine Plains.
The New York-born, Montreal-raised singer-songwriter has released ten studio albums to date, three DVDs, and three live albums including the GRAMMY® nominated Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall. He has collaborated with artists such as Elton John, Burt Bacharach, Miley Cyrus, David Byrne, Boy George, Joni Mitchell, Pet Shop Boys, Heart, Carly Rae Jepsen, Robbie Williams, Jessye Norman, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Sting, and producer Mark Ronson, among many others. He has written two operas and numerous songs for movies and TV.
The performance marks a meaningful homecoming for Wainwright, who was born in Rhinebeck and is a proud alum of the Millbrook School.
“I’m thrilled that my dear friend Rufus is returning to Dutchess to help raise funds in a critical local election year,” said Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago (D-19, Stanford), who is up for re-election this year after flipping the seat in 2023. “Rufus and I have cheered each other on since high school, and I’m grateful that he supports our work here in Dutchess. It’s going to be a really special night — and I suspect a bit of a reunion for us Millbrook alums.”
Proceeds from the concert will support local Democratic candidates and organizing efforts.
“OUT for Dutchess is a project of the Dutchess Dems dedicated to empowering and activating LGBTQ+ Democrats and allies across Dutchess County,” said Donnie Roberts, OUT for Dutchess Co-Chair. “With the attacks on LGBTQ+ people and our fundamental rights coming out of Washington, we need to make sure we have supporters in local government to hold the line.”
Michael Dupree, Chair of the Dutchess County Democratic Committee, emphasized the urgency of individual actions. “With the cruelty and chaos in Washington and overseas, we must ensure there are smart, compassionate people leading local government,” Dupree said. “The Republican County Comptroller candidate is publicly anti-LGBTQ — and I haven’t seen any Republican elected officials this year at any of the many Pride events in Dutchess. Both send a very clear message, and we’ll make sure voters know about it.”
