Star-Studded Evening at the Carey Institute for Global Good

Downtown Express screening, Film Director David Grubin and Singer-Songwriter Nellie McKay present a special event in Rensselaerville

RENSSELAERVILLE, NY – The Carey Center for Global Good continues its film series on Saturday June 15 with a screening of the film, Downtown Express, with a special appearance by Director David Grubin, followed by a live performance from the star of the movie, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, Nellie McKay. The evening begins with a BBQ picnic, on the lawn of the Huyck House estate home, overlooking the Catskill Mountains.

Downtown Express is set in the world of Russian immigrants living in New York City, and uses music to explore the clash of old world values against the lure and excitement of a new country. Under the watch of his loving but overbearing father, virtuoso violinist and Juilliard student Sasha (Grammy nominee Philippe Quint) prepares for a critical recital meant to launch his career. Yet, he is increasingly drawn to the rhythms of the streets of New York, when he meets singer-songwriter Ramona (Nellie McKay), he joins her band, falls in love, and begins to lead a double life, careening frantically between two worlds. As his classical debut nears, Sasha must decide whether to break with his father and forge his own destiny.

“To tell a story of relationships and the struggle between duty to family and love of another through blending two types of unique music is amazing,” said Carey Center for Global Good President Carol Ash. “We are excited to have the opportunity to show Downtown Express, and welcome Nellie McKay and Director David Grubin to beautiful Rensselaerville.”

Director, writer and cinematographer David Grubin has produced over 100 films, winning numerous awards in documentary television, including two Alfred I. Dupont awards, three George Foster Peabody prizes, five Writers’ Guild prizes and ten Emmys. For many years Grubin has been toying with the idea of film where music, not words, drives the narrative. Grubin and his team were able to develop a story in which two worlds and two types of music collide.

Nellie McKay is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and former stand-up comedienne, noted for her critically acclaimed albums, and for her Broadway debut in The Three Penny Opera, for which she won a Theatre World Award. She’s currently starring in the NYC Broadway show Old Hats, where her performances garner many accolades. “Girl wonder Nellie McKay takes care of the vocals, delivering bouncy songs that contain little time bombs of bitterly ironic humor,” says Marilyn Stasio from Variety.

The doors and cash bar will open at 5:00 p.m.; the picnic served at 5:30 p.m., and the film will begin at 6:30 p.m. The price of admission is $25 and will include the BBQ picnic, film, and the live performance. Overnight accommodations are available with rooms starting at $125. Reservations are required and can be made by phone at 518.797.5100. For more information on the Carey Center and its initiatives, visit their website at www.careyconferencecenter.org.