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Westchester Circus Arts Offers a Unique Immersive Experience to Fully Appreciate The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

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“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Rides Again” in a Unique Cirque Performance with production dates from September 23 through October 16.

Groundbreaking Use of Hologram

SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y– Step back in time. It’s the 1800s. Hear the clamoring metal horseshoes click across cobblestone roads in this dark Sleepy Hollow tale. The LEGEND is a simmering adaptation of Washington Irving’s iconic ghost story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Audiences will be treated to a cirque/theatre noir production with narration by Washington Irving himself – in hologram form, commemorating the 200-year anniversary of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

Zoë Heywood, third-generation circus artist, performs as Katrina Van Tassel in, The LEGEND, a total immersion, modern adaption of Washington Irving’s classic The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to commemorate its 200th Anniversary. The show runs Sept. 23 – Oct. 16.

The LEGEND is a new, total immersive experience with the groundbreaking use of holograms combined with live action circus performers to tell the story. Two years ago, Westchester Circus Arts began exploring the concept of holograms as part of the cirque performance with Montreal-based Neweb Labs to find out if the idea was possible.

“We invite people to come see the show as we make history Sept. 23. This is the first time that an American Circus will use a hologram to portray an ‘animal act’ in a circus tent. Come out, buy tickets, grab some popcorn and tell us if our concept has come alive,” says Carlo Pellegrini of Westchester Circus Arts, creator, producer and writer of The LEGEND.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.SleepyHollowLegend.com. The show will run from Sept. 23 – Oct. 16, 2022 in The LEGEND Circus Tent on the East Parcel at 60 Continental Street in Sleepy Hollow, NY. Showtimes: Fridays, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., and Sundays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Shows run for an hour and a half and include an intermission. Tickets are $30 online and $40 at the door. Recommended for ages 10 years old and up. For more information, contact Westchester Circus Arts at (914) 275-5711.

Producing The LEGEND has been a years-long endeavor by The Village of Sleepy Hollow’s Administrator Anthony Giaccio and the Village’s grant writer Fiona Matthew. The Village re-engaged longtime collaborators Westchester Circus Arts to create a show that would celebrate the bicentennial publication of this story, so unique to Sleepy Hollow.

This project is supported by a Market New York grant awarded to the Village of Sleepy Hollow from I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism through the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative.

Come Fall in Love with this Season’s Fantastic Films and Events at the Jacob Burns Film Center

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E.T. The Extra Terrestrial photo courtesy Universal Pictures iMordecai photo courtesy Greenwich Entertainment Karaoke photo courtesy Greenwich Entertainment Moonage Daydream photo courtesy Neon See How They Run photo courtesy Searchlight Pictures The Silent Twins photo courtesy Focus Feature

The JBFC’s compelling fall schedule offers scintillating special events and the return of fan-favorite series, including Q&As with casting director/filmmaker Jennifer Venditti, Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) alumni, activists, and local filmmakers; a 100th anniversary screening of Nosferatu with live piano accompaniment; a haunting Halloween triple feature; the return of our beloved Jewish Film Festival; a Sidney Poitier retrospective; live broadcasts of stage shows; highly-anticipated new releases; and more.

Pleasantville, NY – Sept. 12, 2022 – The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) announced today a variety of unique, compelling, and one-of-a-kind events, series, and screenings for fall 2022. With special events and thought-provoking Q&As featuring filmmakers, politicians, activists, and more, there’s something for everyone to see this season at the JBFC!

Special Events with In-Person Guests and Limited Engagements Include:

Join us for an engaging evening of conversation and clips highlighting the prolific work of acclaimed casting director and filmmaker Jennifer Venditti. In both her casting and filmmaking (Billy the Kid), her work recognizes the extraordinary in the ordinary, confronting stereotypes and broadening our ideas of beauty and our understanding of what it means to be human.  She is known for casting non actors for acting roles. Venditti has cast such film and TV projects as Euphoria, where she has been nominated for an Emmy, C’Mon C’Mon, Uncut Gems, Good Time, and American Honey, among many others.

  • 19 at 7 p.m.: God’s Creatures screening and Q&A with filmmaker Saela Davis & Anna Rose Holmer

In a windswept fishing village, a mother is torn between protecting her beloved son and her own sense of right and wrong. A lie she tells for him rips apart their family and close-knit community in this tense, sweepingly emotional epic.

  • 22 at 7 p.m.: Coast screening, live musical performance with Hannah Kenny of Black Match, and Q&A with director Jessica Hester, producers Dani Faith Leonard & Sonya Lunsford, and Coast actors Mia Frampton & Mia Xitlali

Desperate to escape the trappings of her small coastal farming town, 16-year-old Abby falls for the lead singer of a touring rock band and must decide whether or not to leave her family and friends behind. With live music performances and an exciting ensemble cast, Coast is about female friendships, finding your truth and letting the music take you home. Presented in partnership with River Towns Music Group. Community partner Hudson Roots.

Dramatic Escape, a feature-length documentary, transports viewers into the lives of a group of incarcerated men at a maximum-security prison who are attempting to mount a behind-bars stage production of A Few Good Men at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York. Tracing the journey from auditions through curtain call, viewers witness the development of these men as individuals and as an ensemble. Personal stories and candid accounts of the crimes that landed them in prison are interwoven with everyday struggles and philosophical considerations of the nature of redemption. RTA helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment. At this special screening and reception, we’ll be joined by nearly 20 men who were featured in the documentary and have since been released.

This film is part of JBFC Series Community Matters: Now More Than Ever, and is presented in partnership with RTA with support from ArtsWestchester. Community partner Hudson Roots.

  • 21 at 7 p.m.: Halloween Triple Feature

Join us for a triple feature full of thrills and chills, as A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, The Babadook, and Titane round out this mini-marathon highlighting horror flicks from women filmmakers.

Just in time for Halloween, catch the silent horror classic Nosferatu–now celebrating its 100th anniversary–an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, crafted by legendary German director F. W. Murnau (Sunrise, Faust, The Last Laugh). Featuring live piano accompaniment by Ben Model.

Join us for a lively conversation about the status of women in journalism – back in Elsie Robinson’s time (1920s-1950s), and today. Allison Gilbert, whose new book is the first biography of Hearst nationally syndicated newspaper columnist Elsie Robinson, will be joined by Lisa Belkin, former columnist for The New York Times, and Pamela Paul, The New York Times Opinion columnist and former editor of The New York Times Book Review. Before the discussion, enjoy the 1940 classic His Girl Friday, a rapid-fire screwball comedy featuring reporter Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell) who spars with her ex-husband and editor (Cary Grant).

Highly Anticipated New Releases Include:

Básculas Blanco, a Spanish company producing industrial scales in a provincial Spanish town awaits the imminent visit from a committee which holds its fate in their hands as to whether they merit a local Business Excellence award: everything has to be perfect when the time comes. Working against the clock, the company’s proprietor, Blanco (Javier Bardem) pulls out all the stops to address and resolve issues with his employees, crossing every imaginable line in the process. Spain’s Official Submission to the 94th Academy Awards.

In the aftermath of a huge scandal, Trinitie Childs (Regina Hall), the first lady of a prominent Southern Baptist Mega Church, attempts to help her pastor-husband, Lee-Curtis Childs (Sterling K. Brown), rebuild their congregation.

In the West End of 1950s London, plans for a movie version of a smash-hit play come to an abrupt halt after a pivotal member of the crew is murdered. Starring Sam Rockwell, Adrien Brody, and Saoirse Ronan.

The Silent Twins is the astounding true story of twin sisters who only communicated with one another. As a result, they created a rich, fascinating world to escape the reality of their own lives. Based on the best-selling book The Silent Twins, the film stars Letitia Wright (Black Panther) and Tamara Lawrance (Kindred).

Told through sublime, kaleidoscopic, never-before-seen footage, performances, and music, Brett Morgen’s (The Kid Stays in the Picture, Cobain: Montage of Heck, Jane) feature-length experiential cinematic odyssey explores David Bowie’s creative, musical and spiritual journey. The film is guided by David Bowie’s own narration and is the first officially sanctioned film on the artist.

  • Sept. 23: Don’t Worry Darling

A 1950s housewife living with her husband in a utopian experimental community begins to worry that his glamorous company may be hiding disturbing secrets.

  • Oct. 21: Tár

From producer-writer-director Todd Field comes Tár, starring Cate Blanchett as the iconic musician Lydia Tár. Tár examines the changing nature of power, its impact and durability in our modern world.

 

Other Highlights of the Fall Schedule Include:

We are thrilled to present the 21st annual Jewish Film Festival, returning for in-person screenings this October! This year’s selection includes more than two dozen entertaining, thought-provoking, mesmerizing, and often humorous films, including narratives and documentaries from Israel, the US, and around the world. JBFC member pre-sale opens Tuesday, Sept. 13 at noon; tickets go on sale to the general public Tuesday, Sept. 20 at noon. This festival is sponsored by AJC Westchester/Fairfield, Roberta and Joseph Rosenblum, Elisabeth and Gary Schonfeld, Anonymous, Nadia and Bob Bernstein, Bonnie Gale, and Kauff McGuire & Margolis LLP.

Don’t miss this exciting retrospective of Hollywood icon Sidney Poitier’s most celebrated films. From popular classics to lesser-known gems, this series reflects the full range of Poitier’s dynamic on-screen persona as well as his immense skill behind the camera. Thoughtfully curated by Professor of Film at Vassar College and noted Poitier scholar Mia Mask, we hope this brief dive into Poitier’s work will delight long-time admirers and convert new fans.

Films Include: Paris Blues (Oct. 23), A Raisin in the Sun (Oct. 24), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (Oct. 26), To Sir, with Love (Oct. 26), Buck and the Preacher (Oct. 27), and A Warm December (Oct. 28).
To Sidney, with Love screens as part of JBFC Series REMIX: The Black Experience in Film, Media, and Art. This series is presented with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts and ArtsWestchester.

 

The Following Fan Favorites Return this Fall:

Nov. 10, 2022–Jan. 12, 2023

Films Include Three Productions from National Theatre Live: Jack Absolute Flies Again (Nov. 10), Emilia Clarke’s (Game of Thrones) West End debut in a 21st-century retelling of Chekhov’s The Seagull (Dec. 8), and acclaimed director Simon Godwin’s return to Shakespeare with Much Ado About Nothing (Jan. 12).

World Stage on Screen brings the best of international theater and fine arts programming to the silver screen. This series is sponsored by The Knolls–A Bethel Community.

 

Sept. 17–Nov. 19, 2022

Films Include: An American Tail (Sept. 17), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Oct. 22) and Charlotte’s Web (Nov. 19).

JBFC Kids is designed to deepen the experience of viewers ages 3–13 (and their families) and welcome a new generation of cinema-lovers and media-makers into our community. JBFC Kids is presented in partnership with the Westchester Library System. 

 

Sept. 28–Dec. 21, 2022

Films Include: Love with the Proper Stranger (Sept. 28), My Man Godfrey (Oct. 24), Ball of Fire (Nov. 30), and What’s Up, Doc? (Dec. 21).

Senior Afternoon Cinema is a year-round matinee series, featuring outstanding repertory films programmed to appeal to senior moviegoers. This series is sponsored by The Knolls–A Bethel Community.

At Open Caption screenings, the film’s dialogue appears directly on the screen as would subtitles for a foreign-language film. The JBFC is working to expand the accessibility of our programming lineup for our patrons with hearing loss, and presently offers at least one Open-Captioned matinee every Wednesday and Sunday.

Until further notice, JBFC is offering Masked Matinees for the first screenings of the day on Sundays and Mondays until further notice. While in the building, staff and customers will be required to wear masks unless enjoying concessions while seated. Other than the Masked Matinees, masks are recommended but not required.

For more information, visit burnsfilmcenter.org, FB: @JacobBurnsFilmCenter, Twitter: @JBFC_ny and Instagram: @JBFC_pville. 

 

The Jacob Burns Film Center is a nonprofit arts and education hub located on a three-building campus in the New York Metro area. The JBFC brings the transformative power of film to the surrounding community through unique programming and discussion, support for working artists, and educational initiatives. Since opening in 2001, millions of people have enjoyed the best of current American and foreign cinema, unique film series, and special events at the five-screen theater complex. A pioneer in visual literacy, the JBFC offers educational experiences for students of all ages at our state-of-the-art Media Arts Lab, including curricula for public schools. Creative Culture offers robust filmmaker fellowships and residencies to champion diverse voices, and fosters a community of thriving artists.

Fall Offering News Courtesy of the Jacob Burns Film Center

JazzFest White Plains Launches with Free Performances!

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Headliners include the Joey Alexander Trio; the Buster Williams Quartet “Something More”; Grace Kelly and Ragan Whiteside

I’RO & The Afro Latin Exchange perform at the White Plains Farmers Market on September 14, 2022 on the first day of JazzFest White Plains, which runs through Sunday.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (September 14, 2022) – JazzFest White Plains began its five-day run Wednesday with a free performance by I’RO & The Afro Latin Exchange.

The concert at the White Plains Farmer’s Market was the first of three free noon weekday concerts that will occur this week in downtown White Plains. The festival will conclude on Sunday with a free, six-hour Jazz & Food Festival on Mamaroneck Avenue between Main Street and Martine Ave.

This year’s headliners include the Joey Alexander Trio; the Buster Williams Quartet “Something More”; Grace Kelly and Ragan Whiteside and Friends. Free and ticketed performances will occur on downtown streets and in venues that include ArtsWestchester, Grace Episcopal Church and the White Plains Public Library.

“Since its origins in late-19th-century New Orleans’ Black communities, jazz has been a wellspring of new ideas in American culture, and it has inspired musicians around the world,” said Janet Langsam, ArtsWestchester’s CEO. “JazzFest celebrates this genre’s glorious history of innovation while showcasing the exciting artists of today for glimpses of jazz’s future direction.”

Other notable artists scheduled to perform at the 2022 JazzFest White Plains are: Miki Hayama and Richie Goods, the Albert Rivera Quintet, the Carlos Jimenez Mambo Sextet, the G. Thomas Allen Quartet and more.

The eleventh-annual JazzFest White Plains is produced by ArtsWestchester, the City of White Plains and the White Plains Business Improvement District.

For a full festival schedule and to purchase advanced tickets, visit artsw.org/jazzfest.

About ArtsWestchester

For over 50 years ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest private not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership vision and support to ensure the availability accessibility and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998 ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.

News Courtesy of JazzFest and ArtsWestchester

‘Choices: A Rock Opera’ Coming to the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center November 11, 12 & 13

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Following three OVERSOLD premiere performances at Whippoorwill Hall in Westchester County, NY, the creative team of Choices: A Rock Opera went back to the drawing board to improve the show wherever necessary. After meeting with several focus groups that included dozens of people with mixed theatrical backgrounds, ranging from casual theatergoers to Tony-Award winning producers and directors, it was determined by Choices creator John Krupa to “go deeper” with the show’s next performances at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on November 11, 12 and 13.

“The goal of the new shows is to explore the storyline, characters, emotions, reactions, and all interpersonal relationships to a deeper degree,” states Krupa.  To help achieve this, there is a new focus on acting, with a concentration on character motivation. In the prior performances, acting was secondary to singing and blocking. 

The storyline has been given greater depth by adding six brand new songs that provides more backstory and better explains certain elements of the storyline.  The show has even been working with a licensed therapist to help better understand why the characters might do what they do.

“In the first shows, we purposely left a lot to the interpretation of the viewer. In response, viewers suggested that we provide them a little more information about the characters and the storyline, to help them see things more clearly.  We were happy to oblige.” Krupa says the changes made “give more clarity to important elements of the plot, illuminating reasons why a character acts a certain way or interacts with another character in a certain way.  These changes do not change the storyline at all, but merely enhance it.”

Choices: A Rock Opera tells the story of a journey through life of a lead singer in a 1980’s “hair band”.  His journey is universal in the way that with each twist and turn he must make choices as to which path to take, knowing that all paths lead forward, and you can’t do-over your past.  With the changes made for the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center shows on November 11 & 12, viewers will have a deeper understanding of who this person is and why he makes the choices he does.  Choices is Broadway bound, and these Westchester shows (Westchester County, NY is home to the show’s creative team) are critical to the development of the story, and the show overall.

Tickets are on sale now for the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center November 11 & 12 shows at www.choicesarockopera.com. Check out that site for additional information on the show and to buy show merchandise.  See you at the next shows!

 

 

The Celebrated Armonk Outdoor Art Show Celebrates SIXTY with a Special Emphasis on StoryTelling!

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One of the many hallmarks of this town, and one of the best reasons to live here, or visit here, is the opportunity to attend the beloved Armonk Outdoor Art Show! This year’s show has ‘special’ written all over it as it marks the show’s 60th anniversary, after all. The Art Show is a fun experience for all ages and get ready, get set… it’s happening October 1st and 2nd!

The newly appointed director of the show, Nicole Blum stated: “People have told me they moved to the town from the city because of the art show.” There is something for everyone of all ages: there will be children’s activities such as clay workshops, drink and food vendors, and artists of all different mediums will be represented. Some food vendors will be Captain Lawrence serving beer and wine, DeCicco & Sons serving salads and sandwiches, Penny Licks dishing out ice cream, Fortina doing pizza and burgers, and several more! Expect a return of the Byram Hills High School tent too–a really fun spot where many local talented high schoolers proudly display their artwork.

Ultimately, the show is about the artists! This year, expect about 140 different artists–many favorites are returning and exciting new ones are debuting for the first time.

Artist Michel Delgado.

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show is a nonprofit event that raises money for the Friends of North Castle Public Library, Inc. For over 60 years, the money raised thanks to the show has been earmarked to help support our local library’s programs, theater groups and to build upgrades for Armonk and North White Plains locations. All the work is performed by volunteers and that holds a special place in the town’s heart too because, as Blum noted, “it is a small-town community event put on by the community.”

To help celebrate 60 years, a special exhibit with the theme called Art of Storytelling will be offered for the first time. The artists were told to use a book as their canvas and create a piece of artwork. The instructions were very open-ended, the idea being to leave it to the artist’s creativity to interpret the theme. Artists may deconstruct, reimagine, or recycle a book in any way they want, for example. The theme is aimed to help highlight the work of the foundation and that of the Friends of North Castle Public Library, Inc.

As Blum said: “Authors take you on a journey–it’s an escape. The same is true for art: artists take the viewer on a journey.” Many people may think art is very different from reading, however both mediums engage the viewer in a pleasurable, memory making experience. They will be unveiling the Art of Storytelling pieces on September 29. The works will be auctioned that same night, but the show’s producers will not be passing them along to the winners until after the art show. First, a tent at the show will display all the works of the exhibit.

To help raise money for the Friends of North Castle Public Library, Inc, and gather momentum for the upcoming show, the art show had also set up a tent set up during the Fol De Rol. There, anyone who donated a minimum of $35 received a tote bag as a “thank you”. The tote bags are “bright, cheerful and a great way to show support for the art show,” said Blum. The tote bags were designed by local artist Rachel Forman, who is a co-chair of the Art Show! Thankfully, they are still available for purchase! For those who are interested in receiving one, please email info@armonkoutdoorartshow.org or check the link at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show on Instagram.

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show requires enormous behind the scenes work and love to help it run smoothly. With over 32 committees, the considerable effort of all the volunteers pays off handsomely to help make it an event at which the whole community can come together for an enjoyable time. As Nicole Blum said beautifully, it is a day of “wonderful feelings of tradition and excitement.” So come on out and browse gorgeous art pieces, consider a purchase that can complete your home, all the while enjoying your friends and neighbors, and of course, any of your favorite treats!

For more information and to keep up with all its awesome plans, please visit, armonkoutdoorartshow.org, or check them out on any of your favorite social media.

The Art Show’s tote bags.