Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition at Vassar
Whether you are a regular classical music concertgoer, or you used to play a stringed instrument yourself, or you’re just looking for an opportunity to expose your child or grandchild to the genre, the 41st annual Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition for Violin, Viola and Cello is the perfect activity. Thirty young musicians between 18 and 25 years old will compete: First Prize is a $3,000 cash award and solo performance with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. One of the aspects that I like about competitions like this, where they perform individually, is hearing each player’s personal style and interpretation of the pieces.
The Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition takes place on Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10 in Skinner Hall at Vassar College. The first round on Saturday goes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the semifinal round takes place on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; then, at 3 p.m., three finalists perform their concertos at a recital. The competition and recital are free and open to the public, although donations are welcome.
Vassar College is located at 124 Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 473-2072 or visit www.bardavon.org.
Sesame Street Live at Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie
Sesame Street fans will be delighted to learn that Elmo, Grover, Big Bird and Abby Cadabby are coming to town this weekend. When Super Grover loses his “super,” how do his friends help? They sing and dance about healthy habits, teaching Grover and the audience about exercise, rest, nutrition and hygiene.
Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Super Heroes takes place on Friday, March 8 at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, March 10 at 1 and 4:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $14.50 to $56.50. The Mid-Hudson Civic Center is located at 14 Civic Center Plaza in Poughkeepsie. For tickets or more information, call (845) 454-5800, extension 1201, or visit www.midhudsonciviccenter.org. To learn more about the show, visit https://sesamestreetlive.com.
Poughkeepsie library screens Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
In the same way that I adore Mary Poppins, I love the 1968 movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I like the quirky humor, the upbeat tunes, the innocent simplicity of good versus evil and the family-friendly content. I can’t wait to give my kids a chance to watch it this week at the Adriance Memorial Library as part of its America’s Music film and lecture series. Do you remember this song?
“Near, far, in our motorcar/ Oh what a happy time we’ll spend/ Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang/ Our fine four-fendered friend.”
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be screened on Thursday, March 7 at 12 noon in the Charwat Meeting Room. This showing is free and open to the public. The Adriance Memorial Library is located at 93 Market Street in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 485-3445 or visit https://poklib.org.
Bellringing festival in Poughkeepsie
Bellringing is a style of music that I think is cool to play, interesting to watch and enjoyable to listen to. It’s such a clear, joyful sound. I’ve done a little bellringing before, and I found it to be pretty intense, since I only had control of a couple of specific pitches – unlike viola or piano, where I play all of the sequences of notes myself.
When I heard about this weekend’s youth bellringing concert, I wanted to pass the information along because it might be the first time that some families were exposed to this style of music. The fourth annual Young Ringers’ Festival concert takes place on Saturday, March 9 at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, located at 55 Wilbur Boulevard in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 452-1550 or visit www.hudsonvalleyhandbells.org.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s in Rhinebeck & Goshen
St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, and here are two events to help get you in the spirit:
Enjoy watching terrific Irish jigs and reels while listening to great music this weekend with the performance of Celtic Heels at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Celtic Heels takes place on Saturday, March 9 at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $7 for children, $9 for adults and seniors. The Center is located at 661 Route 308 in Rhinebeck. For tickets or more information, call (845) 876-3080 or visit www.centerforperformingarts.org. To learn more about the performers, visit www.celticheelsdance.com.
If you’ve been meaning to check out the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen, here’s a wonderful reason to go this weekend: the Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Workshop. This event takes place on Sunday, March 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities include horse-related crafts, games, a ride on the 3D Harness Racing Simulator and a chance to explore the Museum, followed by a St. Patrick’s parade. The cost is $3 per child, adults get in free, and no reservations are needed.
The Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame are located at 240 Main Street in Goshen. For more information, call (845) 294-6330 or visit www.harnessmuseum.com.
Join the family! 
