'Heart of Gold'

Palaia Vineyard’s annual Neil Young Tribute Festival to fight lung cancer is July 23 and 24 Highland Mills — The Palaia Vineyard on Route 32 in Highland Mills will host its fourth annual Neil Young Tribute Festival to support the fight against lung cancer Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24. Bands will play Neil Young tunes from 1 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 at the gate, with all admission proceeds benefitting “Uniting Against Lung Cancer.” “Joan’s Legacy,” the founding partner organization of Uniting Against Lung Cancer, was created in honor of Joan Scarangello McNeive, a journalist, lifelong New Yorker, and Yankees fan who died in 2001 of lung cancer. Winery owner and event producer Jan Palaggi said organizers chose Neil Young’s music because “we just like Neil Young - he has survived every new phase of rock and roll since he started playing in the 60’s, and he’s still writing songs and producing albums.” As is the case with most nonsmokers, McNeive and her physicians missed the signs and symptoms of the disease until it was late-stage. Her cancer — like most lung cancers — was resistant to chemotherapy and, despite a national search, she found no alternative treatment options. McNeive vowed to fight lung cancer, raise awareness, and find a cure. After a nine-month campaign to beat the disease, she died at age 47 —exactly 20 years after the death of her mother Edith, also a nonsmoker, from lung cancer. In the wake of this loss, and inspired by McNeive’s passion and her life, her family and friends took on her mission and created this foundation. “My tasting room manager has a personal connection with Joan and suggested this idea to raise funds for the organization,” said Palaggi. “He books all the bands for the winery, and has played a set himself every year in her memory. It is his commitment to the cause that keeps the festival going every year, as well as our wonderful musicians who donate their time and talents.” To learn more about McNeive, her legacy, and the foundation she inspired, visit: www.unitingagainstlungcancer.org/partners/joan.

If you go
The Neil Young Tribute Festival to benefit “Uniting Against Lung Cancer” is Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, the Palaia Vineyard in Highland Mills, from 1 till 8 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 till 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, children, and seniors, and are available for pre-purchase in person at the winery or at the door on the day of the show.
Note: Reservations will not be taken by phone.
Vendors of all kinds will be there on grounds, and food will be available by Little Italy Deli of Monroe. Bring a chair or blanket - no coolers or outside beverages or food allowed. Because this event will be outside under the tent, all ages are welcome.