Rivertown Screens That Kid by Nyack’s Ashley Dawson
Friday, July 25, 7:30pm, The Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave, Nyack
That Kid tells the story of a young, gifted Black boy from Nyack Plaza named James. All of his elders do their darndest to help him prepare for life in a system that is predicated on his exploitation rather than designed for his success.
It seems like in our culture a person or community’s monetary wealth is frequently mistaken for their real value as human beings.
Many people probably think about the residents of Nyack Plaza in terms of what they don’t have. Ashley Dawson’s fictional debut, That Kid, shows us something else, on both sides of the camera. It is a community creation embodying the kind of value which cannot be bought with money (or entirely displaced through eminent domain, either!!!).
In the cinema verité tradition of Battle of Algiers, Ashley Dawson manages to show what life is like with fictional storytelling in a real environment. That Kid premiered at the LA Underground Railroad Film Festival on April 17.
After the film, stay for a discussion with filmmaker Ashley Dawson.
In 2020 Ashley Dawson co-founded Truth 2 Power to bring people together at the intersection of education, community, and film, some of which has documented the under-valued African American history of Nyack. She has also conducted essential journalistic coverage of the deaths of Tina Davis and Sean Harris, in addition to the ongoing issue of police brutality in Rockland County, more broadly. You may have learned from Ashley about film in the African diaspora from the credit bearing course Truth 2 Power offered entitled Honoring African Cultural Continuity in Film. It is now our pleasure to announce the release of her debut as writer/director of a fictional film.
Penguin Rep Theatre Premieres Son of Zeus
Now through Sunday, July 27, 7 Crickettown Rd, Stony Point
Son of Zeus the new play by and starring Jimmy Georgiades is described by Mr. Brancato, Penguin Rep’s founding Artistic Director as “A Bronx Tale meets Zorba the Greek.” The play is a captivating story about family lost, family found, and the challenges of living up to – or letting go of – expectations. Tickets may be purchased here.
Art of the Flash Sketch Mob
Saturday and Sunday July 26 & 27, 1-4:00pm, entrance, 611 N Midland, Upper Nyack
Enjoy the works of the Flash Sketch Mob on display in the Old Stone Carriage House at River Hook. The images reflect the work of over a dozen artists who spent two hours last Saturday documenting our regions newest public space as part of NyackNewsAndViews Executive Director Bill Batson’s public art project the Flash Sketch Mob. The culture mon returns in October at the Edward Hopper House.
Spend the afternoon enjoying River Hook’s 12 acres of unspoiled greenery, historic buildings and public sculptures.
Hike the Hook Like Hopper
Sunday, July 27, 2025, 11:00am-2:00pm, Marydell Life and Faith Center (parking lot 3), 640 N Midland Ave, Upper Nyack
Guided by Bob Stien, Tom Perry, and Jeremy Cazes, walk shaded trails and catch glimpses of the Hudson River glistening below on paths once explored by Edward Hopper himself.
Bob Stien is passionate about the great outdoors. As an environmental educator he is committed to inspiring others to respect and appreciate all that is found in natural settings. He is on the board of the Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain. He is one of the founders of the New York Fathering Conference.
Tom Perry is a life-long resident of Nyack, with an interest in nature and local history. He taught Science at Nyack High School for 33 years, and has led many hiking trips.
Jeremy Cazes is a key team member in Edward Hopper House’s Visitor Service, and an avid explorer of Rockland County’s vast places to hike.
Click here for tickets
10:45am Meetup location: Marydell Life and Faith Center (parking lot 3); details will be sent to registrants per confirmation email. RAIN DATE: Sunday, July 27
Jazz in the Garden at the Edward Hopper House
Thursdays through August 28, 7:00pm, 82 N Broadway, Nyack
The series founded by Bert Hughes and Ray Wright turns 45!
2025 Jazz in the Garden Lineup:
July 31 – Jim Donica Quartet
August 7 – Ariacne’s Quartet
August 14 – Ray LeVier and Friends
August 21 – Marya Lawrence Quartet
August 28 – 45th Anniversary All-Star Concert
$15 Members / $20 Public
♬ Season tickets available until opening night, July 10!
Edward Hopper House Garden, Nyack
Tickets & info here.
In case of inclement weather, concerts will be moved to The Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave, Nyack
Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket for seating.
Please register here.
African Extravaganza Dance & Music
Sunday, July 27, 3:00pm, Rockland Community College Cultural Arts Theater, 145 College Rd, Suffern
Chiku Awali African Dance, Arts & Culture, Inc. presents The 22nd Annual African Extravaganza Dance & Music Performance – Sunday, July 27 at 3:00pm at Rockland Community College. Celebrating African dance and culture. Join us for an afternoon of music, dancing and drumming. Special guest performance by Bambara Drum and Dance Ensemble!
Click here for tickets.
Rockland Riverway Trail Community Meeting
Thursday, July 31, 5:00-7:30pm, Harry & Thelma Adler Community Room at the Palisades Center Mall,1000 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack
Rockland County is hosting a community meeting to gather input and share information on the Rockland Riverway Trail.
During this community meeting, you’ll be able to:
- Hear insights and comments we collected from the public during the walking tours earlier this July
- Ask questions to the project team about the trail, including segments or priority areas you find important
- Learn about next steps in the trail design process
Please register here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Wright Bros. Real Estate where Experience meets Excellence at Nyack’s Longest Operating Brokerage.
