The Beat

Schenectady, NY (November 27, 2023) - Throughout December, Schenectady County Historical Society (SCHS) will welcome guests to its historic sites for a suite of holiday-inspired programs.

The biggest event happening at SCHS is the annual Festival of Trees fundraiser. Over 60 sponsors from local businesses and non-profit organizations have come together to decorate trees in a sparkling blend of wit and whimsy. Since 2007, the Festival of Trees has offered the community an opportunity to be creative with tree decorations.

December 17th, 3:00 pm, Purchase Performing Arts Center

White Plains, NY — The Westchester Philharmonic’s 41st season continues on Sunday, December 17, 3:00 pm at the Purchase Performing Arts Center with “Clash of the Cellos!”

Everyone loves the sound of the cello, but when you put six of them together something other-worldly happens. The entire Philharmonic cello section gathers for great fun, a surprise or two, and the famed, goosebump-raising melody of Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5. The program will also feature music of The Beatles, Saint-Saëns, Borodin, Joni Mitchell, Piazzolla, and much more.

Liberty, NY — The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) proudly announces the recipients of the 2023 Tourism Excellence Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and contributions to the Sullivan Catskills region.

They will be recognized at the SCVA’s annual meeting and cocktail party to be held on Wednesday, December 6 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

December 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15 & 16

Mumford, N.Y. – Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, NY, invites visitors to join in the holiday cheer of Yuletide in the Country in a 19^th-century village. Visitors will explore the wintry Historic Village by candlelight and be invited into scenes that highlight celebrations and gatherings as they would have looked throughout the 1800s. Highlights will include a look at the Italian-American tradition of Festi dei Setti Pesci, French Noël, a family’s Hanukkah gathering, explorations of St. Lucy’s Day, a traditional tree lighting, and more.

Blue Mountain Lake, NY – November 27, 2023 – Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (ADKX) announces the establishment of three short-term research fellowships for the 2024-2025 academic year. The ADKX Research Fellowships were established to honor the memories of Julie and Warder Cadbury and Peter C. Welsh. The ADKX Director of Archives & Special Collections, Jenny Ambrose, will oversee the fellowship program and work with researchers on-site during the term of their fellowship.

Auburn, NY (Nov. 28, 2023) – Perhaps it was natural for William “Lee” Hoag to become an artist. His mother’s sister was a painter and art teacher whose landscapes he admired. His older sister worked for Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling and Exhibition Service and often sent Hoag artists’ biographies. Or maybe it was when a friend placed a Salvador Dali book in Hoag’s teenaged hands when the two were experiencing psychedelics. “In a flash, I knew I wanted to learn about art and to make art,” the Rochester, NY, artist recalled. “Three years later, I was a student at the legendary San Francisco Art Institute.”…

Long Lake, N.Y. – The Town of Long Lake Parks and Recreation Department along with support from the Long Lake Fire Department and the Long Lake Rescue Squad join forces for the “Feeling Long Lakey Polar Bear Plunge” on December 30, 2023 at Noon.  The event kicks off on Saturday of New Years weekend at the Long Lake Town Beach, 1258 Main Street, Long Lake NY. …

Regional Favorite Holds Court at Devitt’s Nursery in New Windsor; Live Media Coverage Welcome

New Windsor, N.Y. - When the holidays come knocking at Hudson Valley, it's not just Old Saint Nick that has the kiddos buzzing. Eggbert, an over-sized, talkative egg donning a crown, holds court on a throne at Devitt's Nursery & Supply in New Windsor, N.Y. Move over Santa, Eggbert's in town! Eggbert has been a holiday fixture since 1971 and is adored by visitors – both young and old – who come to chat, tell jokes, and take photos with him.

Inaugural Free First Friday on December 1, 2023

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Yonkers, NY (November 27, 2023) —The Hudson River Museum is thrilled to announce Free First Fridays, a new initiative that offers free admission and special programs to the Museum on the first Friday of each month from 5–8pm. Celebrate the weekend with live music, dance performances, art-making, drinks, and friends! …

Hudson, NY - The Olana Partnership invites the community to join in celebrating the changing season during its annual free Winter Solstice Celebration at Olana State Historic Site. Visit the site on Saturday, December 16, from 1-5pm for a series of free opportunities to experience the Hudson Valley‘s beautiful winter landscape and explore some of the countries that inspired the artist Frederic Church and his family!…