Saturday, March 15
Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition at Vassar
The 42nd annual Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition takes place this weekend, and this year’s judge panel includes two former Competition winners: Violist Marcus Thompson won in 1967, and cellist Mickey Katz won in 2001. The competition is free and open to the public and takes place in Skinner Hall at Vassar College.
The first round takes place on Saturday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the semifinal round happens on Sunday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; and the finals take place on Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m., where the winner receives a $3,000 cash award and a solo performance with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic Orchestra. What an inspiring outing this could make for any family members who play violin, cello or viola!
Vassar College is located at 124 Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 473-5288 or visit www.bardavon.org.
Amazing Meldini at Unison in New Paltz
Seeing the Amazing Meldini at Unison this weekend means not having to cringe from stereotypes of female magic show assistants. Meldini’s act incorporates comedy, magic and ventriloquism, resulting in what sounds like fun for the whole family.
The Amazing Meldini performs on Saturday, March 15 at 1 p.m. at the Unison Arts & Learning Center. Tickets cost $14 general admission, $10 for seniors and $7 for children age 12 and under at the door, with $2 off for advance tickets.
Unison is located at 68 Mountain Rest Road in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 255-1559 or visit https://unisonarts.org. To learn more about the performer, visit www.melodynewcombe.com.
Mad Hatter magic show at Kingston Library
It’s a magical tea party with the Mad Hatter, and you’re invited! Laugh and marvel at tricks and teacups with a nod to Alice in Wonderland, as actor and magician Scott Payne performs in a free show for all school-aged children at the Kingston Library. The Mad Hatter takes place on Saturday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m.
The Kingston Library is located at 55 Franklin Street. For more information, call (845) 331-0507, extension 7, or visit www.kingstonlibrary.org.
Open Boat gathering at Clearwater’s Home Port in Kingston
Love the work of the Clearwater but need help conveying the message? Inspired by the life of Pete Seeger and want to learn how to engage more people in the conversation of environmentalism and river health? This weekend’s Clearwater Open Boat gathering includes a volunteer training workshop to learn skills such as tabling, and an Irish music jam open to all ages.
Open Boat takes place on Saturday, March 15, with the Volunteer Tabling Workshop at 1 p.m. and the potluck and musical jam at 4 p.m. The Open Boat takes place at the Kingston Home Port and Education Center at 50 Rondout Landing in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 265-8080, extension 7105, or visit www.clearwater.org.
Barefoot Dance at Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
On Saturday, March 15 at 11 a.m., the Barefoot Dance Center performs modern dance at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. This show is family-friendly and open to all ages. 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 https://centerforperformingarts.org.
Maple festival at Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill
As you may know, sugaring season is kicking into high gear with these warmer daytime temperatures, and the Sharpe Reservation’s popular annual festival, a fundraiser for the Fresh Air Fund, takes place this Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. I know of families who have been attending this event for years, who look forward to sampling and casting their votes in the maple syrup contest (will Bowdoin Park win this year?), enjoy the planetarium show ($2 donation), see live animals, hear live music, make nature-related crafts, learn from demos and Sharpe Historical Character actors and more.
This festival is free and open to the public. The Sharpe Reservation is located at 436 Van Wyck Lake Road in Fishkill. For more information or a complete schedule of the day’s events, call (845) 896-5910 or visit www.freshair.org/sharpe-reservation.
Join the family! 
