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‘Music Across the Hudson’ Features Free Concerts at Six Locations in Westchester and Rockland Counties on Sept. 6
On Saturday, September 6, Historic Hudson River Towns will present “Music Across the Hudson” – a full day of free music at six locations highlighting scenic riverwalks, river crossings, ferry connections and more in Westchester and Rockland counties.
The event rain date is Sunday, Sept. 7.
Performances in Ossining and Haverstraw will highlight the “new” (second season) weekend ferry service connecting the two river villages. Operated by NY Waterway in conjunction with Metro-North Railroad and the MTA, the weekend service has become popular with residents and visitors alike. In Haverstraw, each ferry meets a free bus provided by Rockland County, bringing visitors to multiple destinations in the county.
Performances in Ossining will take place on the waterfront stage at Louis Engel Park, just steps from the ferry landing, and feature The Barn Vultures (3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and Funk & Disorderly (4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.). In Haverstraw, the popular Adriano y la El Fuego Band will perform on the waterfront at Emeline Park, just blocks from the ferry landing, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A fabulous free circus performance featuring the Flotsam River Circus will follow shortly after the concert from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Emeline Park.
Music Across the Hudson highlights the scenic Shared Use Path of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, connecting Westchester and Rockland counties. The 3.6-mile path features bike and walking lanes and six overlooks with stunning Hudson River views.
Performances on the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Path will take place at three locations. At the Rockland Landing, percussionist Glenn Schloss will perform with the Pocket Royals duo from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. At the Westchester Landing, Mark Morganelli & The Jazz Forum All-Stars will perform from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. At the Half Moon overlook (the second overlook from the Westchester Landing), solo guitarist Paul Speziale will play from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., inspiring path walkers and bikers to enjoy a remarkable Hudson River sunset view. Those interested in visiting the path can take the free Hudson Link bus shuttle, which serves both landings on weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Schedules are available on Hudson Link’s website: The Path – Hudson Link. Limited parking is available at each landing, as well.
Performances at Fleischmann Pier in Peekskill highlight the newly renovated pier and park, as well as scenic ferry service available from the pier. A free concert from the popular local band Dos Belos is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Fleischmann Pier is home to RMS Cruises, offering seasonal weekend brunch and sunset cruises. The pier is also served by free Discover Peekskill shuttle service on weekends through October, linking to the Peekskill Train Station, and Downtown Peekskill.
Music Across the Hudson is exclusively sponsored by the Ginsberg Development Corporation whose support ensures that performances are free to the public. Partners include the New York State Thruway Authority; the Village of Ossining; the Town of Ossining; the Village of Haverstraw; the City of Peekskill; Metro-North Railroad, and NY Waterway. Music production by River Towns Music Group. More information is available at www.hudsonriver.com.
A Taste of Rockland Celebrates 30 Years of Culinary Excellence and Community Impact
The Arc Rockland’s 30th anniversary of A Taste of Rockland will take place on Sept. 29, 2025, at the Hilton Pearl River. This year’s “pearl anniversary” includes dining, craft beverages, and community connection to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.
For three decades, A Taste of Rockland has brought together Rockland County’s top restaurants, bakeries, and beverage artisans for a one-night-only culinary experience. Guests partake in gourmet tastings, signature cocktails, decadent desserts, and live entertainment, while contributing to The Arc Rockland’s mission of advocacy, empowerment, and inclusion, according to the nonprofit.
“A Taste of Rockland is more than a fundraiser—it’s a testament to the power of community coming together to create opportunities and celebrate the talents of the people we support,” said Jane Zemon, CEO of The Arc Rockland. “We are proud to mark this milestone year surrounded by the partners and supporters who have made our work possible.”
Event Details:
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Location: Hilton Pearl River
Early Bird Tickets: $175 (save $25 when purchased by September 10)
Proceeds from the evening directly support The Arc Rockland’s programs and services, helping ensure that individuals with IDD have access to the resources, opportunities, and advocacy they deserve.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, visit https://arcofrockland.org/a-taste-of-rockland/ or contact Colleen Smith at 845.905.6527, CSmith@TheArcRockland.org.
St. Thomas Aquinas College Hosts Grand Opening of the SKAE Astronomy Center
St. Thomas Aquinas College will hold the grand opening of the state-of-the-art SKAE Astronomy Center on Tuesday, Sept. 30, beginning at 5:30 PM in the Romano Student Alumni Center on campus.
The evening will include remarks from Peter and Leslie Skae, the benefactors whose vision and generosity made the Astronomy Center possible. Dr. Charles Camarda, a 46-year NASA veteran, inventor, author, educator, and STS-114 astronaut who flew the historic return-to-flight mission following the Columbia disaster will be the keynote speaker.
“This transformative project reflects our deep commitment to inspiring curiosity, advancing STEM education, and engaging our students and community in lifelong learning,” said Ken Daly, President of St. Thomas Aquinas College. “We are honored to recognize Peter and Leslie Skae, whose generosity has brought this vision to life, and to welcome Dr. Camarda — a pioneer in aerospace innovation and an inspiring leader — to mark this milestone and spark a passion for discovery among our students and community members.”
Their support included securing the telescope and observatory dome from Hudson River Trading and providing the funding needed to build the observatory and dedicated classroom space.
From 7:00 – 9:00 PM, guests can take part in small-group tours of the SKAE Astronomy Center, available by advance reservation when registering. There will be a reception with family-friendly astronomy activities, Telescopic!, a group exhibition celebrating the beauty, mystery, and wonder of space in the Azarian McCullough Art Gallery — and a book signing with Dr. Camarda for his acclaimed work, Mission Out of Control: An Astronaut’s Odyssey to Fix High-Risk Organizations and Prevent Tragedy.
The SKAE Astronomy Center features a powerful, 24” diameter Cassegrain telescope (manufactured by DFM engineering) housed in a custom observatory dome, alongside a specialized classroom designed for astronomy and astrophysics programming. Students, faculty, alumni, and community members will have the opportunity to observe planets, stars, comets, and galaxies — fostering hands-on research, citizen science projects, and community stargazing events.