The Fourth of July, John Adams wrote wife Abigail, “ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”
And it has, so much so that the party goes on for several days, if not a whole week, depending on where this moveable feast falls. We at WAG love a holiday that rolls on, so in that spirit we present some celebratory activities, Adams-style, including Caramoor’s annual “Pops, Patriots & Fireworks” concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 1 in Katonah. Tickets to the beloved Venetian Theater event – featuring standards from the American Songbook and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” along with baritone Ryan Silverman, trumpeter Amy McCabe and the Westchester Symphonic Winds – range from $30 to $85. For more, visit caramoor.org.
Can’t get to Katonah? There’s still plenty to do. Also on July 1, you can meet Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum alumni artist Sharon Louden for a book signing and discussion of her second book, “The Artist as Cultural Producer: Living and Sustaining a Creative Life.” The collection of essays describes how artists extend their practices outside of their studios. The 2 p.m. meet and greet is at 258 Main St., Ridgefield. 203-438-4519, aldrichart.org
On July 1 and Sunday, July 2, Historic Hudson Valley presents “A Night on Fire,” a fully choreographed display featuring A Different Spin, a comedic fire juggling troupe, plus pre-show entertainment by musician Jim Keyes. Performances both nights are at 8 p.m., with an additional show 9:30 p.m. July 1, all at Philipsburg Manor, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow. 914-366-6900, hudsonvalley.org
Off for the week or entertaining out-of-town guests? Lyndhurst and Jazz Forum Arts has just the ticket. They team Thursday, July 6 for “Sunset Jazz at Lyndhurst,” featuring the Rocky Middleton Sextet. The performance is part of the concert series held on the sweeping lawns of the Tarrytown estate. Grounds open 4 p.m., with the music beginning at 6:30. Lyndhurst is at 635 S. Broadway. 914-631-4481, lyndhurst.org, jazzforumarts.org
From July 6 through 9 and 14 through 16, it’s all about Shakespearean pyrotechnics as
Stamford’s Curtain Call presents “Julius Caesar,” its 14th annual free outdoor Shakespeare production at its Sterling Farms Campus. The park opens for seating at 6 p.m., with the performance following at 7:30. The address is 1349 Newfield Ave. 203-461-6358, curtaincallinc.com
Saturday, July 8 through Aug. 20, Silvermine Arts Center holds its 67th “Art of the Northeast,” an exhibit featuring every medium juried by the Whitney Museum of American Art’s David Kiehl. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays at 1037 Silvermine Road, New Canaan. 203-966-9700, silvermineart.org
Rounding out the week, Boz Scaggs and Michael McDonald team up to deliver a night of music Sunday, July 9 at The Ridgefield Playhouse Summer Gala. Tickets include dinner by area restaurants and a silent auction. The gala starts at 6 p.m., with the live auction and performance beginning at 8. The Playhouse is at 80 E. Ridge Road. 203-438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org
For more, check out When & Where in WAG’s July “Exploring Hospitality” issue. And wherever you are, have a spectacular Fourth.
– Georgette Gouveia
