Friday, June 20, 2008
Don’t be surprised if you see horses, clowns, and the like causing traffic on the Thruway this weekend—the circus is back in town! The Big Apple Circus will set up shop—or tent, rather—at the Palisades Center through July 2 bringing with them everything from Grandma the Clown to jugglers and high-flying stars. The best part? The intimate setting assures you’re never more than 50 feet away from ringside.
Palisades Center, West Nyack
Commuter Lot J
(800) 922-3772
bigapplecircus.org
12:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 7 pm
$15-$39
Friday, June 20, 2008
Shutterbugs: See some of the best the Westchester Photographic Society has to offer at “Out of the Box,” an exhibit of multimedia compositions by members. The Society, which meets every Friday, is open to all photography lovers, no matter your style or skill level. They frequently have shows, such as this evening’s event, as well as workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and more.
Westchester Community College
Technical Building, East Gate
Grasslands Rd, Valhalla
(914) 837-2361
wpsphoto.org
8 pm
free
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Give back to a local art establishment and see a musical icon, when Patti LaBelle graces the Paramount’s stage for their 5th Annual Red Carpet Gala Fundraiser Concert. Since her days with the Bluebelles, LaBelle has not only made us swoon with her soulful voice, but also her big heart, contributing to causes such as GLAAD and the fight against AIDS. Now you can enjoy her music in an intimate concert while supporting the historic theater.
The Paramount Center for the Arts
1008 Brown St, Peekskill
(914) 739-2333
paramountcenter.org
8 pm
$75-$150
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Nothing quite captures summer in the Hudson Valley like the Clearwater Music and Environmental Festival. More than four decades running, the two-day event mixes American roots music with a keen eye for helping the environment. The five stages will be full of musical acts like Skatalites and The Kennedys, while vendors sell Earth-friendly products and educate at the Green Living Expo. And what would a riverside festival be without taking a sail on a Tall Ship? Through Sunday.
Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson
(845) 454-7673
clearwaterfestival.org
10 am to dusk
$45, day; $60, weekend
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Spend the evening in the City of Lights by way of the Opening Night Concert – Americans in Paris at Caramoor. The evening kicks off with cocktails and dinner, followed by a concert in the Venetian Theater, featuring songs by Gershwin, Copland, and Bernstein—all of whom were inspired by Parisian culture. Even the dress code is “Paris Chic,” The night doesn’t end there—dessert and dancing with the artists follow the concert.
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts
149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah
(914) 232-1492
caramoor.org
Cocktails, 6 pm; Dinner, 7 pm; Concert, 8:30 pm
Gala tickets: $600-$25,000
Concert tickets: $32.50-$70
Saturday, June 21, 2008
For an event with such a silly name, FrainaPalooza is nothing to joke about—all proceeds go to Autism Speaks. The musical and comedy extravaganza with eight bands and two comedians will also have artwork from local artists and even a live auction with autographed guitars from musical legends like Les Paul! Admission is free for the day-long festivity, which is expected to end around midnight.
Murray Memorial Skating Center, Yonkers
(914) 337-0723
frainapalooza.com
Gates open at 2 pm, showtime is 4 pm
free; donations encouraged
Saturday, June 21, 2008
The Taconic Opera really did save the best for last. In their final show of the season they will be performing one of the most powerful operas of all time—Verdi’s Otello. Based on Shakespeare’s Othello, the four-act tale is rife with revenge, jealousy, love, and compelling music. Performed in Italian with English supertitles. Through Sunday.
The Yorktown Stage
1974 Commerce St, Yorktown Heights
(914) 245-3415
taconicopera.org
Saturday, 8 pm; Sunday, 2 pm
$32-$42
Sunday, June 22, 2008
With the astronauts from space shuttle Discovery back on Earth, it’s perfect timing to lift off at the Hudson River Museum’s “Space is the Place” event. Harpist Rebecca Hampden will fill the halls with out-of-this-galaxy sounds while you tour the space-inspired exhibition. Head outdoors to see the Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Learning Center launch (and display) model rockets. And if you’re feeling inspired, you can build one yourself.
Hudson River Museum
511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers
(914) 963-4550
hrm.org
12-5pm
Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
Steve Forbert has wowed two generations of rock and folk fans with his bubbly stage presence, social consciousness, and heartfelt musicality. At the Watercolor Café tonight, Forbert—a singer with a flair for observational songwriting—will grace us with songs from his 30-year-long career and 12 studio releases.
Watercolor Café, Larchmont
(914) 834-2213
watercolorcafe.net
8 pm
$25