City of Beacon’s Latest Website Photo is Stunning Winterscape of East End of Main Street

The City of Beacon has been swapping out its home page photo for a number of years. Since at least the start of the Ukraine War, when they featured a photo of full sunflowers in bloom in Beacon.

For this winter season, the administration has featured a stunning photo of Beacon’s East End of Main Street. The Winterscape is a photo by local photographer Scott Snell, who is a DP, Camera Op, and Aerial Cinematographer. The scene feels like Beacon is a little gingerbread town, or box cover of an Advent calendar with chocolate surprises behind each window.

When ALBB "Goes To The Garden"...She Asks: "WTF Is Going On."

Hello, dear Reader.

It’s become apparent that sometimes ALBB disappears in articles. We don’t churn out PR-friendly articles like a machine. Our articles are organic, based on feeling and what is going on in the neighborhoods of Beacon.

Sometimes, in covering these articles, things can get heavy. When that happens, it seems that we, and by “we” we mean Katie, retreats into the space that is not publishing, but is researching, pausing, and publishing content very selectively.

Being that ALBB has advertisers on board with us. we are mindful of when sponsor content happens. Unlike other publications which may show a flash-ad at any time, without caring what you see or how your reading experience is interrupted.

We are also mindful of your triggers and what upsets you. But. This can get in the way of getting you the real news of what you want and need to know now.

So know this, dear Reader. Katie may disappear sometimes into the garden. After publishing this blog for 14 years, sometimes she takes a pause to ask: “WTF is going on,” when evaluating our audience. Thank you for being here, as always. This video was made on August 16, 2025 and shared to ALBB’s IG. We are working on amplifying more videos we share there to the blog so that you can see too.

Beacon Litfest Presents: “Queer from There to Here” at Savage Wonder

he Beacon Litfest and Live Writing are thrilled to bring you two outstanding works in their intimate event "Queer from There to Here," on Oct 9 at Savage Wonder Salon room. Featuring Ned Asta of The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions and Dawn Lundy of Instructions for The Lovers.

Audiences will hear from the 40th anniversary edition of the classic 1970's "fable manifesto," The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions by Larry Mitchell and illustrated by Ned Asta, featuring additional new essays and archival material.

Also featured will be the 2024 National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist, Instructions for The Lovers, by poet and activist Dawn Lundy Martin. Implementing "... vulnerability and virtuosity, Martin constructs moments of pleasure, humor, and sexiness woven with grief..."

Asta and Lundy Martin will read and join in conversation with Nightboat's Publisher and Director, Stephen Motika. Supported in part by Poets & Writers, and the assistance of Live Writing.

Beacon Litfest Presents: “Queer from There to Here”
Day: Thurs Oct 9,
Time: 7-8:30pm
Price: $10
Location: Savage Wonder, 139 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508
More Info >

Beacon Open Studios 2025 Is This Weekend - Here's A Partial Lineup And Event List

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It is one of the best times of the year in Beacon: sidewalk hopping through artists’ studios in Beacon. The map of all artists opening their studios is on Beacon Open Studio’s website. Another version of the map includes pictures of some artwork to give you an idea of what you will see.

This year, several locations are displaying multiple artists. For example, the studio pictured here is at the home of 243 Rombout Avenue, is branded as “Hudson Valley Guitar Fix” and will exhibit Eric Alfredo, Chris Ams, Bam Bowen, and Ellion Debryun.

Other home studios include Rho Tang Studio, Elizabeth Mihaltse Lindy, Procario Designs on Maple Street (will feature John Procario, Rachael Sage, Elizabeth Arnold, Kat Spontak, and Famous Meadow), another on Maple (Edward Miller, Laurel Smith, and Jennifer Smith), and the metalsmith Caiming Cheung Studio. Several others are listed on the map. Get on your bike or drive strategically.

Businesses and art galleries are also participating, usually showing several artists at once. This is a great opportunity to get into The Kube at 211 Fishkill Avenue (the Old Beacon High School up on a hill with a parking lot), who is exhibiting the ROLL OUT Group Show. ROLL OUT just completed its open call for artist applications for the 2025 interactive show in October. Stop to see artists carving large-scale woodblocks on site and the opportunity to create your own sticker print on a mini press.

Businesses include LotusWorks Garden at their outside lot location at 14 N Cedar St. Artists will include John Procario and John Menzie. Trax Coffee at 1 East Main Street showcasing Jennifer Blakeslee and Denise DeVore. The Yard Group Show Gallery will be open all weekend, and is the main destination for all of the performances.

New interactive gallery, Blooming Hearts Studio at 41 Mason Circle, Building 10, Studio #2 from photographer and painter Meghan Spiro will be open. Artist Christie Rose will be at the vintage boutique Another Door at 468 Main Street.

Beacon Open Studios Musical Performances At The Yard

There are several satellite events around this event. ....................................................................................
FRIDAY NIGHT, JUNE 27
LOVE IS AN ACTION: SUNSET DANCE SHOWCASE
The Yard | 4 Hanna Ln, Beacon NY (outside)
Doors at 7:00
Love is an Action 3.0 is the third installment of an ongoing performance series created by choreographer Skyla Schreter. A celebration of raw, real-time collaboration, this one-night-only outdoor event invites audiences into a moment of creative alchemy—where dance and music meet in spontaneous, unscripted exchange.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 28
BOS MUSIC SHOWCASE
The Yard | 4 Hanna Ln, Beacon NY (indoors)
Doors at 6:00 | Drinks will be for sale

THIS YEAR'S MUSICIANS:
Martin D. Fowler
Martin D. Fowler has composed music underscoring Pulitzer Prize-winning radio from This American Life and other number-one Podcasts, composed ad music for clients like MLB, BMW, Coke, and Spotify, co-produced on tracks for Lil Wayne, Princess Nokia, Aja the Kween, and Arthur Lewis (Freestyle Love Supreme), has had work appear on VH1, VICELAND, and many other media outlets.

Odetta Hartman with LETZ
With a heart-stopping voice & wide- ranging instrumental talent,Odetta Hartman carries cowboy soul into an era where country can clash with computers & bluegrass isn’t afraid of bass.

ILLARI
Illari is a project born from transition, rooted in resilience. Created by Peruvian percussionist Angel Lau after a canceled Fulbright dream, Illari is a personal and musical response to the longing for connection—with home, with ancestry, and with community. Drawing from Afro-Peruvian, Brazilian, Congolese, and jazz traditions, the music is danceable, spiritual, and deeply grounded.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 29th
BROADWAY IN BEACON: MUSICAL THEATRE
The Yard | 4 Hanna Ln, Beacon NY
Doors at 6:30 | Drinks will be for sale
After a year of sold out shows, Will Reynolds and Jen Malenke host a night of Broadway magic and mayhem! Prepare to be blown away as Broadway performers and incredible local talent sing your favorite show tunes. There will be surprise guests appearances…direct from Broadway! Plus, a special appearance by Choir Illume, Beacon's new all-gender choir.

Call For Artists: ROLL OUT 2025: Community Print and Steamroll Event

The 2025 Call For Artists for the annual ROLL OUT community steamroll print event is going on now, with the deadline of June 20th! The event is on October 18, 2025 at The Yard from 12-5pm. Videos have been included in this article for you to experience what this steamroll print event can be all about.

This is the third annual ROLL OUT event, which is open to applications from relief print artists who would like to create a large-scale wood block to print by steamroller, followed by an exhibition and celebration in The Yard Galleries.

ROLL OUT is a community-wide event for ages 4-94 and all skill levels. Selected established artists will print their large-scale block by steamroller in the parking area of The Yard and install in exhibit that evening.

Activity tables for all ages and skills will be set up outside with guided instruction for making a variety of relief prints. Festivities include music, food vendors, and drinks for adults and kids.

ROLL OUT is made possible with support from The Yard, Beacon Arts, Arts Mid-Hudson, and the City of Beacon School District.

This year, the event is being hosted with Fledgling Press, Lauren Adelman, Sergio Alexis, and Carindaswann.

Application and Requirements:

Click here for the Application Link. Any trouble with that, email rolloutbeacon@gmail.com and DM their Instagram.

Meanwhile...Slime Factory To Open In Little White House At 300 Main Street While The Proposal Moves Through Planning Board

Before the submission of the redevelopment of 300 Main Street, Tina Lentini quietly announced to the business mom circuit that she was opening a slime factory for experiential birthday parties for kids and adults called Up In The Clouds Slime & Doh Co., It’s a hands-on experience to mix color, scent, texture, and charm into your own custom slime in 35-minute sessions, with pre-made kits and private party bookings available.

ALBB is no stranger to slime selling. Longtime readers will remember that we hosted a popup slime shop in our former office called A Little Beacon Space on Main Street when we were in the Telephone Building.

Tina is no stranger to Beacon. She is the Attendance Secretary at Sargent Elementary and has kids in the district with her husband Mike Lentini, who is the Beacon Girls Varsity Soccer Coach at Beacon High School. He also coaches a younger travel soccer program for the Wolves,

For 300 Main Street, Tina signed a 2 year lease and has first dibs on which storefront she wants in the new location when that time comes, she told A Little Beacon Blog. “I want to make something fun and inviting for kids and adults. I want people to feel like they have a place to go on Main Street where they can have a fun experience with their children. Something hands-on, using their imaginations & creating memories. I’ve lived in Beacon forever. We wanted to do something fun and new. Two years from now hopefully I have created a loving and fun business on Main Street. Fingers crossed we will be willing and able to keep it growing with a new beautiful space (when the time comes).”

Disability Challenge Short Filmed At Key Food - Featured Local Actors and Makeup Artist - Scenes And Interviews With Cast And Crew

The Actor Rachel Handler, on set for “Interview WIth The Vampire,” who wrote and produced “Don’t Take This The WRong Way,” filmed at Key Food.

Bionic Brunette is an award-willing writer and filmmaker who moved to Dutchess County a few years ago, spending her career time between the Hudson Valley and NYC. Her name is Rachel Handler and she wears a glittery golden prosthetic leg.

Rachel’s leg is the extension of her that drove her to write and star in the just over 5 minute short thriller film, “Don’t Take This The Wrong Way” to compete in the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, which was filmed at Beacon’s Key Food and in Wappingers Falls with a local cast and crew, which included Beacon-based Twinkle Burke who played “Maria” and makeup and special effects makeup by Jenny Magliano. The local production company Whirligig Pictures provided the crew and equipment.

Rachel’s covered Prosthetic Leg in a scene clipped from “Don’t Take This The Wrong Way,” in an isle of Key Food.

This year’s genre for the film challenge was Thriller. “This film is incredibly suspenseful, as my character completely unravels and loses her sense of self and reality,” Rachel told A Little Beacon Blog. “I've been in a few different TV shows, most recently Interview With The Vampire. But I also love to write, direct and produce. This is my 10th film for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and this one is all about common microaggressions people with disabilities face on a daily basis.”

“This was an incredibly written film from deep within and thank you for the bravery so many people would love to have. Incredibly done!”

— Makup Artist Jenny Magliano

This film is compact with lead-up detail, coming in just over 5 minutes, so we won’t spoil any seconds for you. ALBB has watched it 6 times already, and a new discovery “ah ha!” moment is revealed with each replay. Like with the handicap sign in the Key Food parking lot, and the intrusive guy taking the photo. Won’t say any more!

“This film is based on my own experiences as a disabled filmmaker and actress. I channel those experiences into my art as a coping mechanism and for catharsis.”

Set in a grocery store because that is one of the main places Rachel as a person with a disability receives micro-aggressive comments about her leg that seem to start with “Don’t take this the wrong way, but…” Rachel told the Highlands Current that when she said she wanted to film it in a grocery store, her Director of Photography, Robert Featherstone, suggested Key Food, saying that he shops there often and would ask the owners.

“This film is based on my own experiences as a disabled filmmaker and actress. I channel those experiences into my art as a coping mechanism and for catharsis.”

— Rachel Handler, Writer, Actor, Producer

“Thank goodness [the owners] said yes,” Rachel told the newspaper. “Shooting in Key Food was such a dream. Everyone was so accommodating and welcoming.” Rachel hopes her film helps disabled people “feel seen and heard.” She told the newspaper that some people - even on her own film crew - didn’t realize they had a disability. “Our director has ADHD [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder]. She never identified as someone with a disability, but ADHD is covered under the [federal] Americans with Disabilities Act. We’re hoping that more people get comfortable self-identifying so that the perspective shifts to seeing the strengths in disability rather than the flaws.”

Hudson Valley Makeup Artist Jenny Magliano applying the Special FX prosthetic makeup to the throat of Beacon-based actor Twinkle Burke for the short thriller “DOn’t Take This The WRong Way.”

Makeup artist Jenny Magliano did the makeup, and the Special FX prosthetic makeup, for when Twinkle Burke’s character “Maria” had her (trigger warning!) throat slashed after a micro-aggressive question. “Jenny did an incredible job with the slash prosthetic,” Twinkle told ALBB.

“I was thrilled to be asked to work on this film for this cause,” Jenny told ALBB. In her Instagram, Jenny shared: “I had the pleasure of donating my time to work on this amazing film with some of the best in the industry. Thank you Bionic Brunette (Rachel Handler) for having us. This was an incredibly written film from deep within and thank you for the bravery so many people would love to have. Incredibly done!”

Locally, Healthy in Color across the street and down the block granted a discount for the cast and crew’s lunch break.

“Don’t Take This The Wrong Way” is competing in the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and they need your views! View the film right here or on YouTube. Like it, Share it, Comment on it. Deadline is Monday, April 21, 2025! Be like ALBB and watch it a few times to pick up on different details.

Investor Seraphim Equities Aims to Buy 30% Of All Rentals in Newburgh - Already Faced Pushback For Artwashing And Property "Hoarding" in 2021

by Arvind Dilawar
Arvind is an independent journalist. His articles, essays and interviews have appeared in The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Daily Beast and elsewhere. Find him online at: adilawar.com

“Seraphim Equities already owns nearly 5% of the city’s rental units.”

Photo Credit: Princeton University Press

The City of Newburgh is only four square miles and, according to the most recent Census data, includes fewer than 7,400 rental units. Seraphim Equities, a Long Island-based private real estate investment firm, owns nearly 300 of those units — almost 5% of the total — per public property records reviewed by A Little Beacon Blog. The purchases are part of Seraphim's strategy to corner the rental market in Newburgh — of which the firm hopes to control at least 30%, as reported by sociologist Richard E. Ocejo in his recent book Sixty Miles Upriver: Gentrification in a Small American City.

Seraphim Equities is a real estate investment firm based in Great Neck, Long Island.

224 Broadway, Newburgh, NY
Photo Credit: Google

Since 2018, Seraphim has purchased properties throughout Newburgh, all under various limited liability corporations similarly named “Newburgh SHG.” Following some of those acquisitions, the firm took legal action against the remaining tenants, such as in 2020 when “Newburgh SHG 15” — the LLC which owns 224 Broadway — filed non-payment proceedings against three different defendants, per public court records reported on more broadly at Chronogram’s The River. In 2021, Seraphim also attempted to organize a festival in Newburgh called Hudson Valley Hype in partnership with Fidelity Management Group, which was cancelled after locals like Celebrate845 criticized it as a ploy to market real estate. (Seraphim failed to respond to multiple requests for comment from A Little Beacon Blog.)

The Mural at 224 Broadway in Newburgh that Seraphim Equities commissioned to artwash displacing residents.
PHoto Credit: Celebrate845

Celebrate845 explained: “The company bought up an astounding amount of property in Newburgh New York when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and states on their website that ‘Newburgh re-emerges with a major revitalization movement fueled by an existing and growing artist community, non-profit organizations, and ambitious yet socially conscious developers, making Newburgh a city worth exploring.’ Seraphim is taking advantage of Newburgh by hoarding housing during a pandemic, flipping properties, and then using the creative community as a means to increase property values, ultimately displacing creatives and other long time residents, many of whom are low income BIPOC.”

For Sixty Miles Upriver, which was published in 2024, Ocejo interviewed Seraphim leadership and employees, who told him of their plans of “owning up to 30% of all rental units,” as he writes in his book. In an interview with A Little Beacon Blog, Ocejo further describes the firm’s operations in Newburgh.

“Seraphim is taking advantage of Newburgh by hoarding housing during a pandemic, flipping properties, and then using the creative community as a means to increase property values, ultimately displacing creatives and other long time residents, many of whom are low income BIPOC.”

— Celebrate845

“Companies like Seraphim manage an investment fund to purchase and rent out a large number of properties or speculate and sell them for profit,” says Ocejo. “The model is based on using investors' investments to acquire properties and generate income from escalating property values and rents.”

By soliciting outside investment and focusing it on markets like Newburgh, which are small and on the upswing, but still relatively depressed, Seraphim is able to gain control of a greater share of rental units and thereby demand higher rental prices. That higher rent compensates both the firm and its investors for their respective investments, and everyone is happy — except, of course, for renters. In Newburgh, where 69% of residents rent and 61% of renters are already cost-burdened, Seraphim cornering the market means renters are likely to see greater financial hardship and displacement, either via eviction or simply being priced out of their homes.

“By soliciting outside investment and focusing it on markets like Newburgh, which are small and on the upswing, but still relatively depressed, Seraphim is able to gain control of a greater share of rental units and thereby demand higher rental prices. That higher rent compensates both the firm and its investors for their respective investments, and everyone is happy — except, of course, for renters.”

Indeed, Seraphim is not shy about its method, which they placed prominently on their website homepage: “Seraphim Equities developed a city feasibility reporting system that algorithmically identifies cities and neighborhoods that are equipped for a holistic rejuvenation movement. Seraphim Equities leverages the expertise of its team to devise compelling business plans that combine real estate speculation and stabilization with capital markets partnerships to successfully develop cash-flowing portfolios of 1-4 family and mixed-use properties for acquisition by private equity firms and institutions.”

“With enough investors, a company like Seraphim can purchase a lot of rental properties in a market and contribute to unaffordable rents and fewer ownership opportunities for smaller actors,” says Ocejo. “When rental housing gets connected to financial markets, and the expectation is a continuous rise in value from rent and property appreciation, low-income people in high-poverty places like Newburgh suffer the most.”

The Wynotte Sisters To Play At Southern Dutchess Country Club Thursday Dec. 5th

Stop the presses!! This flyer just flew in to Artisan Wine Shop! The Wynotte Sisters are popping up for their annual Christmas concert special, this year at the Southern Dutchess Country Club (1209 North Avenue aka Wolcott Ave at the intersection of Verplanck Ave), with special guest The Lousin’ Brothers. December 5th. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Last year they filled up the Howland Cultural Center, so needed a larger space.

Says band member Sara Milonovich @daisycutter “We do everything from Andrew Sisters covers, to Willie Nelson to Yoko Ono. We do *not* do covers of other songs that are played to death at any shops or bars.” Sara tells ALBB about this Christmas show specifically: “We do songs about eggnog, cheese, and naughty Santa’s. Listen for our fan favorite, ‘Santa wants to take you for a ride.’”

The Wynotte Sisters don’t pop up often together. It’s more of a Christmas collab for them as they perform separately all over the county.

Singing in the 🎵 snippet on ALBB’s IG is Vibeke Saugestad @vibekesaugestad from her album.

All three musical artists are:
Sara Milonovich
@daisycutter

Vibeke Saugestad
@vibekesaugestad

Daria Grace
@deegee99

Sky Diamond Jewelers Is Second Jeweler To Leave 226 Main Street; Flourishing In Flagship Space In New Windsor

In October 2024, Sky Diamond Jewelers left their Beacon location at the new-ish building of 226 Main Street to focus entirely on their flagship New Windsor location. “It was going to be an uphill battle after the robbery. And we had the opportunity to leave, so we had to make a decision,” Sky Diamond Jewelers told A Little Beacon Blog. “We’re still here to service you in our New Windsor location.”

The robbery on June 13, 2024 happened at the same time as two other robberies of jewelry stores in Cold Spring and Danbury, CT. The glass of the front door was broken and a neighbor called the Beacon Police at 4:30am, at which point the Beacon Police pursued a car already speeding away from the store to the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge, where the police stopped their pursuit due to high speeds. Suspects were later arrested in Newark, NJ in connection to the burglaries.

Sky Diamond Jewelers are the second jeweler to leave this location, the first being Hudson Valley Goldsmith. Sky Diamond Jewelers moved in shortly after Hudson Valley Goldsmith moved out. Currently a retail boutique selling clothing, crystals, signs and other home goods has moved in.

Sky Diamond Jewelers was established in 2016 by husband and wife team Isreal & Jennifer Morales in New Windsor, NY. They specialize in custom designed jewelry made on site, bridal jewelry, and permanent jewelry. They are deep in the thriving lab grown diamond market, and are always having events and reasons to buy new bling. Follow them on Instagram for more.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Recognized In Beacon By BeaconLGBTQ

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 was Transgender Day of Remembrance. One place it was recognized in Beacon was by BeaconLGBTQ at The Yard Beacon. The event featured food, drink and community. The event was designated free, sober, and kid friendly. BeaconLGBTQ described the day as: “Transgender Day of Remembrance: A day dedicated to honoring the memory of transgender individuals whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.”

The artwork they used to promote the event was a portrait of Cecilia Gentili by the artist Gabriel García Román who is based in Newburgh. He describes his experience photographing her here. Learn more about Cecilia’s expansive life, community service, and death here.

BeaconLGBTQ listed names on what they called an “official record of community members we have lost this year to anti-trans violence.” However, they emphasized: “Not listed are the countless Trans folks whose lives gone too soon from a million micro-aggressions, trauma and no hope. As well we know that many of our community members are mis-gendered and/or ignored, so the numbers and the names are under reported.” More names and portraits can be found here at www.transremembrance.org

San Coleman
Honee Daniels
Kassim Omar
Redd (also known as Barbie)
Tai Lathan
Vanity Williams
Dylan Gurley
Monique Brooks
Shannon Boswell
Kenji Spurgeon
Pauly Likens
Liara Kaylie Tsai
Tayy Dior Thomas
Jazlynn Johnson
Kita Bee
Andrea Doria Dos Passos
Starr Brown
Nevaeh “River” Goddard
Tee Arnold
Meraxes Medina
Alex Franco
Diamond Cherish Brigman
Reyna Hernandez
África Parrilla García
Sasha Williams
Kitty Monroe

Organizer KkDevina Naimool expanded on more of their thoughts here in their Instagram post.

POEM: To Anyone Who Tells Me That I Support Terrorists; That I Don't Know What It's Like To Be Jewish

Sometimes when someone says something to me about Palestine - either a stranger in Comments, or a regular Instagram person in Comments, or a regular Commenter here at the blog itself, or a person I know in real life - it can trigger a poem to process what they just said. In this case, someone who I know for years, and had just spent several hours with in one of the most pleasant and fun experiences, did an about face on a Monday evening. Unprovoked directly by me, resulted in them letting me know their thoughts in a random DM.

If it triggers a response in me that may help others, the response is put into words if possible, and then into a poem. Or word phrases. However you grammar dart enthusiasts want to target it to say what it isn’t. :) It’s words. And if they help someone, they are here.

---

To anyone who tells me that I support terrorists.
That I don’t know what it’s like to be Jewish.
You’re right.
I don’t know what it’s like to be Jewish.
Or to have your family be wherever they are from.

I also don’t know what it’s like to be Black.
Or to have my family stolen from me and my body sold.

I know what it’s like to study the Holocaust.
I know what it’s like to be challenged.
I know what it’s like to be asked:
“What would you do if this were happening again?”
I know what it’s like to be racist.

I know that telling me that I support terrorists and that I don’t know what it’s like to be Jewish is an extremely racist thing to say.
You are extremely racist.
Were before. And still are. Despite my hope.

You wish ill on me.
You wish I get what I deserve.
This is not what is breaking my soul today.
Something completely different and unrelated is breaking my soul today.
And making me stronger and more focused. Clarity.

Doing anti-Zionist, anti-occupation, liberation work is healing my soul today.

Free Palestine.

New Day/Time!! "SOON IS NOW," Lovers Of Long Dock Park Will Love This Immersive Multi-Performance Curated Around Climate And Eco On Oct. 1

SOON IS NOW, the climate and eco art & live performance festival in Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park is happening on a new date an time, due to last week’s weather. Fitting, being that this performance is all about the climate! This year, it is on the same day as Spirit of Beacon Day, so you have quite a collection of things to do this Sunday.

Important Things You Need To Know:

IMMERSIVE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Resistance Revival Chorus, coming to Beacon for “Soon Is Now” at Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park. On October 1 at 3pm.

SOON IS NOW is from 12pm-3:30pm. Multiple performances happen throughout the nature in the park, ending with the finale of the famous The Resistance Revival Chorus performing at 3pm. Tours take people through the different performances and run every half hour starting at: 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm. If you miss the start of a tour, you could wander around the park and fall into a group.

Lovers of Long Dock Park will get to experience it in a way they have never experienced it before. Located along the Hudson River, this park is mainly covered in tall grasses with winding paths cut through, surrounded by dunes of other grasses, shaded by trees and rocky beach along the water.

WHAT PEOPLE WILL EXPERIENCE ON THE TOURS

Tours will start at the River Center (big Red Barn). Walk straight to the dancers on the berm ahead of the River Center. Walk through the native grasses and the aster and sunflowers currently in bloom, and continue to the shore of the Hudson River. Performances will be seen all along the rocky beach - 3 performances in total. At the edge of the beach is a performance in a bog in the wetlands. The wetlands! The group will then go to the Outdoor Classroom, which is a mini concrete amphitheater located down low in what feels like a sunken part of the tall grasses. People will experience theater in this spot. People will make their way back across the park, past the kayak shelter to go straight ahead to meet a dancer again where they dance with 5 trees.

WHO YOU WILL SEE

Come to the park to see the visual arts exhibition in the River Center (Big Red Barn) with work by Camille Seaman, Jaanika Peerna and Jean Brennan. Meet climate activists from Beacon Climate Action Now and Climate Reality, and sign up for a tour.

This event is FREE of charge and open to the public and there are so many wonderful artists (many from Beacon) participating: Edwin Torres, Andrew Brehm, Elise Knudson, Elisa Santiago, Twinkle Burke and more. Click here for more details >

3PM: THE RESISTANCE REVIVAL CHORUS

Beaconites and those located nearby are in luck, as they get to experience The Resistance Revival Chorus up from NYC to sing a closing concert at 3pm. The Number Seven Sandwich Food Truck located near the River Center in Long Dock Park will have food for sale.

PARKING & DRIVING NOTES

The 46th annual Spirit of Beacon Day is happening up the hill on Beacon’s’ Main Street. A few notes for parking and driving down to Long Dock Park:

12pm-1:30pm Wolcott Avenue will be closed from Beekman Street (Giannetta’s Salon Spa) to Beekman Street (Rose Hill Manor Day Care), as Spirit of Beacon Parade participants will be lining up there. If coming from the south (Cold Spring), take 9D all the way, or if in Beacon, take Teller Avenue down to Beekman (Rose Hill Manor Day Care) and take a left on Beekman, which will take you past the Dia and to the park.

If coming from the north (1-84) take Wolcott/9D to Beekman (Giannetta’s Salon Spa) and take a right on Beekman. Pass Two Way Brewery and Brett’s Hardware all the way around until Long Dock Park.

Free parking is at the Metro North Beacon Train Station. The Spirit of Beacon Day will have a special FREE Dutchess County Bus that is shuttling people from the train up to Main Street from 11am-4:40pm. You can take it to help you experience both events.

Main Street in Beacon will be blocked from Key Food to the Yankee Clipper Diner, so take Henry Street if you want to go around Main Street for any reason.

SOON IS NOW - A Festival Of Climate And Eco Art, Performance And Activism - Here In Beacon - September 23, 2023

SOON IS NOW is an afternoon of art and live performance about climate change and the ecological in Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park, a former industrial site and brownfield transformed by Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architects, the Scenic Hudson Land Trust, and others, into a sustainable park on the Hudson River in Beacon, NY. This site is on the unceded land of the Wappinger, in a region with a vital history of environmentalism rooted in Scenic Hudson’s fight to save Storm King Mountain from industry and Pete Seeger’s fight for an unpolluted Hudson River.

Twinkle Burke, What We Give Back, by Madeline Sayet, photo by Lucas Millard 

Audience walking to the next performance, photo by Flynn Larsen

Part reverence for the River, part cry for what is lost to climate chaos, part response to the pollution and rejuvenation of the park's ecosystem, SOON IS NOW places art in conversation with the landscape and brings audiences into an immersive experience with original works. 

Actors, dancers, musicians, performance and visual artists are curated throughout the park (many of them Beacon-based): Edwin Torres, Alex Waterman, Raven Chacon, Bob Bellerue, Koyoltzintli, Elise Knudson, Elisa Santiago, Randy Burd, Cecilia Fontanesi, Tom King, Jim Fletcher, Jaanika Peerna, Twinkle Burke, Jojo Gonzalez, Camille Seaman, Andrew Brehm and Jean Brennan.

Edwin Torres, Water’s Way: A Poet’s Choir for the Hudson River with E.J. McDonald, LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs, Tamalyn Miller, Kristin Prevallet, Urayoán Noel, Jayden Featherstone. photo by Flynn Larsen  

The Resistance Revival Chorus will be performing a special concert at 5pm including a new song about climate change. 

The Resistance Revival Chorus, photo by Ginny Suss

On SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd at 2pm the day starts at the River Center (the red barn) in Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park with a visual arts exhibition. Meet activists including Beacon Climate Action Now, Climate Reality Hudson Valley & Catskills and Fareground, and learn what you can do. Sign up for an 80 minute tour of performances throughout the park that start at 2:30, 3pm and 3:30pm, first come, first served. Even if you don't get on a tour you will be able to experience performance, visual art in the River Center and the concert by The Resistance Revival Chorus at 5pm. Poppy's Farm 2 Trailer food truck will be at the event selling tacos. Parking at Long Dock Park is limited. Park at the Metro North Beacon Train Station where all parking spots are free on the weekends, a short walk to the event. Free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by Climate Reality Hudson Valley & Catskills and HV Climate Solutions Week. Part of Climate Change Theatre Action's 2023 season. Funded by Arts Mid-Hudson, the Clara Lou Gould Fund for the Arts administered by Beacon Arts, and many local businesses and individuals. 

Tom King, photo by Lucas Millard

Jaanika Peerna, Glacier Elegy, photo by Flynn Larsen

Liz Zito, Eric Magnus, Andrew Brehm, The Oysters, by Miranda Rose Hall, photo by Lucas Millard

Elise Knudson, Sentinels, photo by Flynn Larsen

For more information: soonisnow.org or contact evemorgenstern@gmail.com.

About Eve Morgenstern:

Eve Morgenstern, Director/Founder/Producer is a photographer and filmmaker. She has been awarded artist residencies at The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Workspace and MacDowell, and grants for her work from The New York State Council on the Arts, Chicken and Egg Pictures, The George Gund Foundation, The Park Foundation and Arts Mid-Hudson. Her environmental film Cheshire, Ohio has screened in festivals in the US, Canada and Asia and is distributed by Bullfrog Films and ovid.tv . Her photographic project Facades of Crises had its solo Museum premiere at Bildmuseet in Umeå, Sweden. Eve is also co-chair of her Climate Reality Hudson Valley & Catskills chapter. She lives in Beacon, NY with her daughter Chloe and her beloved mutt Amber. “This started as an experiment to produce plays from Climate Change Theatre Action, a project that uses storytelling and live performance to foster dialogue about our global climate crisis. The project grew to include visual art and original live performance created in dialogue with the site. The idea to curate works throughout Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park as a tour for audiences is intentional and meaningful as this site was once a brownfield, remediated and revisioned into a beautiful climate resilient public park on the Hudson River.”

CREDITS SOON IS NOW:

Eve Morgenstern, Founder, Director

Connie Hall, Producer

Brian Mendes, Producer

ALBB is a Media Sponsor of this event, and is proud to partner to help get the word out.

Artwork Deadline September 1 For Beacon Bus Shelters From BeaconArts

BeaconArts is the group behind the changing art on the bus shelters in Beacon, and the time has come to change the art again. After a recent round of fundraising which included a benefit concert, BeaconArts raised the funds needed to refresh the artwork on 5 bus shelters located throughout the city.

Artwork needs to be submitted by Friday, September 1st via this link. Submissions need to be from BeaconArts members (you can join here - membership starts at $100/year).

Artists will be asked to submit digital files that will be printed on vinyl and displayed on the shelter panels.

Submission guidelines:

• All applicants must be BeaconArts members.

• BeaconArts is looking for artwork that has a strong graphic quality and can be viewed from a distance.

• The final artwork will consist of two 50" w x 60" h panels.

• The artwork selected should fit within the proportions of the bus shelter panels

• Submissions must be jpg files, 1000 x 1200 pixels at 72dpi

• If selected, artwork must be delivered as high resolution files, 50 x 60 inches at 300 dpi

Vinyl printing and installation are provided by BeaconArts at no charge to the artist.