It’s a week of firsts. The Nyack Art Collective kicks off the weekend with the first First Friday of the year, the Edward Hopper House features their artist of the month and the Rockland Chess Club holds its first meeting. If you want to prolong the holiday season, don’t miss the Sparkill Salon Series celebration of Russian Christmas with Oxana Mikhailoff and Vassily Primakov on Sunday at the Union Arts Center. You can keep up those resolutions with a hike or learn about healthy eating and just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t get fresh produce with two indoor farmers markets.
Friday
On the First Friday of each month, local businesses host art and music events.
- Kick off the New Year with art and music from the Nyack Art Collective. The artists work hard to make First Friday a fun destination at Casa del Sol. Don’t let this chilly weather keep you in, come listen to the classic rock of Jeff Rubin and see the artwork in various mediums. 8-10p, 104 Main St, Nyack.
- Reception for Ray Wright, the First Friday Artist of the Month from 6-7p and a gallery talk with Ray Wright sharing his insights and passion for nature photography, his process and tips, including the best places in Rockland from 7-8p at Edward Hopper House, 82 N Broadway, Nyack.
- The Dave Keyes Band brings their rockin’ rhythm boogie and blues to the Turning Point stage for a CD release party. 8:30p, 468 Piermont Ave, Piermont.
Saturday
- Head to the Palisades Indoor Winter Farmers’ Market for a bounty of just-picked veggies and a wide variety of locally made artisanal specialties to prepare delicious seasonal meals. 9a-1p, 675 Oak Tree Road, Palisades.
- The Rockland Poets are hosting the fifth Poetry Slam of the season at Casa del Sol. 5:30p pre-slam workshop, 6:30p poetry slam begins, 104 Main St, Nyack.
- Enjoy an Evening of Winter Blues and A New Year Celebration at the Pomona Cultural Center. The concert features Al Orlo and the Yonzo Blues Bend. View the current holiday season’s exhibition Scenic Vistas ~ Flow of Time & Space featuring metal and wire sculptures by multimedia artist Natsuki Takauji and acrylic paintings by Michele Paradiso. Light refreshments will be served. 7:30p, 584 New York 306, Suffern.
Sunday
The Sparkill Salon Series continues with a very special celebration of Russian Christmas. Acclaimed pianists Oxana Mikhailoff and Vassily Primakov will perform one piano four-hand works by Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Bortkiewicz, Mussorgsky and Tchaikovsky. Enjoy this sparkling and virtuosic classical piano performance in a unique gallery setting showcasing a 9-ft Yamaha grand piano. Halo and Horns Kitchen will offer delicacies and a wine-beer bar after the concert, with a special meet and greet with the musicians. Tickets are available online, $25 Concert General Admission/$50 Concert plus Reception. Reservations are required by January 5 for the reception. Advance concert tickets are available until 12p the day of the performance. Concert-only tickets are available at the door for $30. 3p, Union Arts Center, 2 Union St, Sparkill.
- Escape the winter’s cold into a rich sensual oasis perfumed with spices, rich oils and artisan cheeses mingling into the smokey air with the irresistible aromatic mixtures from cauldrons of steamy simmering soups, roasted meats and fresh baked pies. The SOUK Farm Market and Artisan Bazaar returns to The OUTSIDE IN for its 5th season with a great mix of vendors from earlier seasons plus lots of first-time participants. 11a-3p, 249 Ferdon Ave, Piermont.
- Take a hike and learn a little history. Eric Nelsen leads a tour of Millionaire’s Row. The two mile round trip hike will wend through some of the more impressive foundation remains of the cliff-top mansions, built from Civil War days through the early 1900s, which were torn down over half a century ago. To confirm if weather is questionable on the morning of this hike, or if trails may be too icy to conduct the hike, please call 201-768-1360 and enter ext. 108. 1p, Palisades Interstate Park Headquarters, Palisades Parkway Exit 2, Alpine, NJ.
- For a night of sophisticated sound and versatility from Sinatra to rock the John Malino Family Band performs at Maureen’s Jazz Cellar. 6p, 2 N Broadway, Nyack.
Next Week
Tuesday
- Need help with those resolutions? Larisa Schuckle of the Ethical Choices Program talks Healthy Eating. Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other diseases are lifestyle-related. Learn about the connections between diet and health and discuss ways that informed dietary choices can help prevent or relieve diseases. 7p, Nyack Library, 59 S Broadway, Nyack.
- RESCHEDULED: Rockland County native and folk-influenced singer/songwriter Isabella Rose headlines with her all-female band at The Turning Point Cafe. 7:30p, 468 Piermont Ave, Piermont.
Wednesday
Rivertown Film screens Backpack Full Of Cash which explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children. The film follows parents, teachers and activists through the tumultuous 2013–14 school year, exposing the world of corporate-driven education “reform” where public education—starved of resources—hangs in the balance. Meet the Filmmakers: Sarah Mondale, Vera Aronow and Roger Grange. 8p, Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave, Nyack. Snow date: January 17
Thursday
Be among the first to join the Chess Club of Rockland. There is no cost to come and play this time and all levels/abilities are welcome. Participants will get to know one another briefly and chat about what this chess club should become and then will pair off and play. BYOC (Bring Your Own Chess set if you have one). 7p, Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave, Nyack.
