1. Step Afrika
Where/When: Paramount Center for the Arts Saturday, February 12, 3:00 p.m.
Why Go: Step Afrika is the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping, a unique dance tradition created by African American college students. This art form combines rhythms, complex body movements, claps, stomps and spoken word to produce a show you won’t see the likes of elsewhere. We guarantee that you’ll be practicing your own moves in the mirror when you get home.
Pricing: $30, $15 - seniors
2. Foundation Fest: An Evening of Wine and Beer Tasting
Where/When: At the former McKinley School, 1024 McKinley St. Peekskill; Saturday, February 12, 7:30 -10:30 p.m.
Why Go: There will be a wine tasting by Marco’s Vino & Spirits, in addition to a beer/ale tasting and food pairing by Birdsall. Proceeds from the event will go to fund the Research and Engineering programs at the Hendrick Hudson High School, as well as other local charities.
Pricing: $40 per person; $70 per couple
3. Valentine's Day Swing Dance
Where/When: Yorktown High School; Saturday, February 12, 7:00 p.m.
Why Go: Dust off that zoot-suit. You’ve always wanted to learn how to swing dance and now’s your chance. The night begins with an hour long, beginner level dance lesson provided by a swing professional. Music to be provided by YHS Concert Band, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble, and of course, swing era attire is encouraged.
Pricing: $5 Students & Seniors, $8 Adults
4. "Toyland"
Where/When: Yorktown Museum, Thursday, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. & Sunday, 12 p.m. -3 p.m.
Why Go: Relive your childhood, and bring along your own kids. Show them what life was like before the Nintendo DS was invented. The display will consist of old favorites such as “Hot Wheels,” Dolls, Clowns, Teddy Bears and various games.
Pricing: Donations
5. Armen Donelian Trio, with David Clark & George Schuller
Where/When: Beanrunner Café, Peekskill; Friday, February 11, 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Why Go: Donelian has quite the musical resume. He has performed in 23 countries as a featured solo pianist, leader of his own quintet and trio, and with Jazz legends including Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, Paquito D'Rivera, Mongo Santamaria and Billy Harper.
Pricing: $10
Where/When: Saturday, Feb 12 8:00p at the Katonah Museum Of Art, Katonah, NY
Why Go: It’s a fun filled night of “love focused” Valentine’s events. Chocolates, desserts and wine will be served while music fills the air. Artist Marcy B. Freedman will be present performing her interactive "First Kiss Remembered," which encourages guests to share stories about their first kiss, a subject that proves to get interesting. A professional sketch artist will also be there to capture all the memories you’re making on paper. Attendees are encouraged to wear red or pink.
Pricing: $20 - $25
7. Duchess Di & the Distractions
Where/When: 12 Grapes, Peekskill; Saturday, February 12, 9:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Why Go: Two words: horn section. Enjoy the 7-piece band play a risqué mix of music such as blues, swing and rock-a-billy, while front-woman and show-stopper Duchess Di sings her heart out. It’s the perfect take on the classic dinner-and-a-show date!
Pricing: $15 Entertainment Fee, or $5 with dinner entrée
8. "TBA" Productions - The SUNY New Paltz Improv Comedy Group
Where/When: John C. Hart Memorial Library, Shrub Oak; Sunday, February 13 at 2:00 PM
Why Go: Get your wit flowing while you help this young troupe of aspiring jokesters spread the joy that is improve comedy. Join in the interactive hysterics a-la-“whose-Line-Is-It-Anyway”-style. Laughs gaurenteed!
Pricing: Free / No registration required
9. ART TIME OUT
Where/When: Croton Cortlandt Center for the Arts; Saturday, February 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p. m.
Why Go: More than why you should go, is why your 6-12 year old should go. Kids will get to experience art making excitement in a “structured and supervised” environment, and you get three hours of off from parent duty. (Don’t forget to pack them a snack for this event). For ideas on how to spend your three hours of freedom see numbers 2,3, 6, and 7 on this list.
Pricing: $25
10. The Music of Neil Young: A Tribute Concert
Where/When: Carnegie Hall, NYC; Thursday, 7 p.m.
Why Go: Besides the fact that the proceeds from the show will be used to fund music and arts programs for underprivileged youth, the guests performing are amazing. The line-up for the evening includes: The Roots, Patti Smith with Jesse Smith, Bettye LaVette , Aaron Neville , Pete Yorn, Cowboy Junkies, Bebel Gilberto, J Mascis, Juliana Hatfield and Evan Dando, Jakob Dylan and more. Well worth the drive or train ride into the city.
Pricing: $45–$250
