After the initial fund raiser was cancelled due to threats from the carriage horse industry The Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages will be hosting its second fund-raising party at Mantra986.
We are currently mired in a political season that seems to be increasingly consumed by looming economic disasters and the cringe inducing fumblings of incoherent politicians. This benefit offers everyone a direct opportunity to support a very worthy cause that will not only save horses from the abuses they now suffer, but return a level of credibility to our city. Horse-drawn carriages have been banned in major cities all over the world, including that bastion of liberal democracy, Beijing, China. It is time to make this archaic practice a part of New York’s colorful past, not a feature of its embarrassing present.
And besides contributing to a very worthy cause, you get to hang out with some very cool people.
Guests will include:
Fiona Walsh- Irish comic, writer and animal activist, our host for the evening. Ms. Walsh is currently in an off-Broadway show “Great White American Teeth” which, as part of 1st Irish 2008 Festival in New York, is playing at Manhattan Theatre Source on MacDougal Street through September.
Councilmember Tony Avella- Mayoral candidate and New York City Councilmember from Queens. Mr. Avella is the sponsor of the landmark legislation to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City.
Donny Moss – independent film maker of “Blinders: the Truth Behind the Tradition,” an award-winning documentary about the plight of NYC carriage horses. It has enjoyed screenings all over the country and in Canada. Mr. Moss will speak about making this film.
Joy Askew – Singer/songwriter, exceptional vocalist and instrumentalist. Ms. Askew is also a tireless animal activist. Her latest CD, “The Pirate of Eel Pie” on Red Parlor Records (2008), is a soulful and lyrical celebration of commitment – now and in an earlier inspired era.
Nellie McKay- Singer/songwriter – Ms. McKay’s work has been described as smart, quirky, unpredictable, distinctly inspired, highly original and genre crossing. She has released three CDs to critical acclaim including 2007′s “Obligatory Villagers” on the Hungry Mouse label. She is an inspired animal rights activist.
Ann Design – is a co producer of the comedy show “Sundays at Seven” and has performed all over New York City, San Francisco and Galway. She has been seen on many commercials and most recently on “This American Life” on Showtime.
Liam McEneaney – has been seen on Comedy Central and VH1, has been on the NY Post’s list of “50 Best Comedians on the Face of the Earth,” and called a “stand-out stand-up worth watching” by Backstage Magazine. He has toured all over the US, Canada and Europe.
The party will feature an array of vegan hors d’oeuvres from Blossom, Candle 79, Caravan of Dreams, Franchia, Kates Joint, Mantra 986, Pongol, Streit’s Bakery, VP2, VSpot, Wendy Berkovits Vegan Chef, Whole Earth Bakery and Zen Palate — a cash bar, and a silent auction of appealing and interesting items to be sold to the highest bidder. Click here to purchase tickets
