Damn Sam Productions was founded to raise money for pro-freedom activism in NY and beyond. The money that is raised at the Harvest Fest and through other Damn Sam ventures goes to fund several organizations in NY that focus on a variety of issues, mostly regarding the War on Drugs and its impact on our physical and social environments. Damn Sam was conceived in the early 1990s primarily to raise money to support pro-freedom activism in NY and beyond; in particular regarding changing the marijuana laws. We are proud to have helped change our congressperson's views on it, and Maurice Hinchey has since made headway by introducing legislation to support patients on a federal level. We have helped with the effort to protect patients in NY, which is bound to happen in the near future. Our goal by holding events is to raise money and awareness so that the full potential of the hemp plant for recreational, medicinal, and industrial uses is realized once again.

Proceeds from the event will go to several groups that
we at Damn Sam are involved with:

NY Sustainable Living Grants Issuing Foundation
NY NORML
NY State Cannabis Action Network
New Yorkers for Compassionate Care

Rob Robinson

Founder and co-producer, NY Harvest Festival
Executive Director of NY NORML
Senior Activist NY State Cannabis Action Network
Advisor to New Paltz NORML/SSDP
Co-publisher, Notes on the Scene magazine

Jen Rog

Co-producer, NY Harvest Festival (1999-present)
Associate Director NY NORML
Founder New Paltz SSDP
Publisher, Notes on the Scene magazine

Terry Phelan

A New Yorker who's been to Damn Sam festivals, protests and marches ever since we can remember! Co-founder of the Hemp Coalition in Albany, NY, he is also a member of Albany ReconsiDer.

Justin Holmes

A student at SUNY New Paltz, he has been active in the fight to change the school's drug policy, both through student government and the NORML/SSDP chapter. He is currently running for Judge in New Paltz, NY.

Burton Aldrich

Burt is one of many examples of NY residents in need of medical marijuana legalization. He has advocated and lobbied for patients accross the US, travelling to DC and other states to conferences and rallies. He is a powerful speaker, a poet, and writer.

Dave Lawson

Dave is a long-time supporter of Damn Sam's efforts to end marijuana prohibition. He played in the band Half Step and performed for several years. This year we'll see a Half Step reunion at Harvest Fest. Nowadays you can find him behind the soundboard, and onstage speaking about the struggle for freedom in America. Dave is also a medical marijuana patient.

Mike Kester

Mike is a burn victim who lived through a 30-foot-high fire after crashing on his motorcycle. With a negative 2% chance of living, he made it through the ordeal and taught himself to walk again.

Reverend Yaman

Reverend Yaman aka Scottypaluza takes the stage once again at Harves Fest to Spread the Love and Cheer and to Increase the Atmosphere for CHANGE........

Strangers Helping Strangers Food Drive

Please bring canned and non-perishable food to our food drive! Everything collected will be donated to a local food pantry. Other good items to donate are diapers, baby formula, bottles etc. Together we can show the local community that we care.

Common Sense Revival

The Common Sense Revival is: Critical Thinking, Positive Psychology + Music and Fun! They have an eclectic booth with a lot of signs and educate folks on progressive issues.

Hemp fibers on display at Sanford's booth (2006)

Signs at the Green Party's booth (2006)

These folks say Bush has gotta go! (2006)
Bring your own literature and share it with the crowd!

This booth, focused on solar energy, was in the main stage area (2006)