Born Ken Lauren in Brooklyn, changed his name to Lifshitz in 1958 after starting successful clothing line (OK just kidding,-- except for the Brooklyn part).

Attended Cornell 1968-70 and Ithaca College 1972-75 graduating with a BFA degree in music

Masters from NYU in 1981 in Music. Musical Credits Include :

• Appeared with the 'Platters' and 'Fabian' in revival shows;
• Huey Lewis (pre-News)
• Ithaca College Orchestra under Tomas Michalak
• Robert Merrill on ABC TV
• Artists Relations for the Kool Jazz Festival-- two years;
• Musical director for 'off-off Broadway' CSC Rep
• Recorded soundtracks for PBS specials;
• Performances at Alice Tully Hall;
• Manager Forest Hills Symphony
• Performed with the American University Symphony Orchestra;
• Performed with All-City Orchestra
• Manager and Principal Bassist for the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra.
• Currently, principal bassist for the SUNY Orange Orchestra.

After receiving his Master's Degree joined the Merchant Marine. Spent two years at sea before settling down to raise grapes in the Hudson Valley of New York. Worked as systems programmer while creating the vineyard, raising a family and learning the craft of winemaking. The winery tasting room opened in Novemberl of 2007. Silver Stream Winery . Currently lives with his twos dogs in the Hudson Valley.

Published Literary Works:

'Donderburg's Pumpkin Vine', the study of the Revolutionary War in the Hudson Valley has been serialized in the last five Orange County Historical Society Journals (Vols. 34 thru 39).

Other works include 5 plays, 2 books (including one on physics and measurement theory), short stories, a screenplay adapted from Hemingway's 'Torrents of Spring', assorted poetry and the current historical fiction project entitled: 'monoville' which centers on the USCS Coast Survey of the Pacific in the post gold rush era.

Wine blog: www.HudsonValleyWineries.blogspot.com

Member Chester Historical Society.

Member SUNY OCCC Orchestra