Phil Hartman, executive director of the HOWL! festival, told The Villager that the dates for the second annual arts and culture extravaganza have been set for the week of Tues., Aug. 17, to Tues., Aug. 24. Things had been up in the air because of the Republican National Convention coming to town, Hartman had said two weeks ago when queried by The Villager on the festival’s dates. This year’s festival will include “lots of proactive political events,” he assured.
Many of HOWL!’s events take place in Tompkins Sq. Park, which anti-Bush activists have asked for as a possible campout site during the Republican National Convention, so there was the possibility of a crowded situation, if not conflict.
In other news, Hartman confirmed that David Leslie, artistic director of HOWL!, is leaving the position. “He gave an incredible amount to the festival and is now moving on,” said Hartman. “We’re all indebted to him and hope he continues to contribute energy and ideas to the cause that he helped birth.”
