Albert Rivera Presents: A Brief History of Jazz Through the Eyes of its Performers
2024-03-11 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
In this hybrid talk and saxophone performance, teaching artist Albert Rivera will take us through a brief history of jazz from the 1930s through the present day. He’ll discuss how different styles of jazz were created in response to the socio-economic and political themes of certain decades and how jazz music shaped the sounds of music we hear today.
About the instructor: Described by WNPR’s Owen McNally as “A modern Jazz messenger,” saxophonist Albert Rivera has been a consistent force on a national and international level since finalizing his studies at The New School University Jazz and Contemporary Music Program. Born and raised in the Bronx, Albert is a recipient of a Chamber Music America Residency award, an ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award, and most recently a City Arts Corp Grant. He is the current Director of Operations at the Litchfield Jazz Camp and serves on the Jazz Faculty at SUNY Purchase.

Evan Weiner presents Germany's Troubling Olympics History, 1936 and 1972
2024-03-18 10:00 - 11:00
Germany is currently bidding to host the 2036 Summer Olympics in Berlin.Proponents of this idea think it could be a teachable moment about how propaganda was used to promote the Olympic Games and the Nazi regime when they hosted in 1936 and 1972. But for many, the idea of the Olympics in Germany brings up terrible memories.
In this talk, journalist Evan Weiner will go into detail about the past games hosted by Germany, including Germany’s exclusion of Jewish athletes, American boycotting of the Games, and the devastating terrorist attack in Munich.

Laughter Yoga with Vinodray Shah, MD
2024-03-25 10:00 - 11:00
Experience Laughter Yoga, a unique exercise routine that combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing. Laughter reaps many scientific benefits including reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression; lower blood pressure; a strengthened immune system; and much more. Laughter is initially stimulated as a physical exercise and soon leads to real and contagious laughter. Bring your playful spirit!
About the presenter: Vinodray R. Shah, MD was a plastic surgeon for 35 years in Massachusetts before retiring to the Rivertowns. He is a certified Laughing Yoga instructor who runs programs at Phelps Hospital, Gilda’s Club, the senior centers in Elmsford, Ardsley, and Ossining. He is a passionate believer that laughter is the best medicine.

David Cheney Presents Music of the 80’s (Part 1)
2024-04-01 10:00 - 11:30
The 80s have been called “the decade of decadence” as a strong economy fed materialism and consumerism. The mix of wealth with advances in music technology— synthetic instruments, MTV videos, cassettes, CDs, and boom boxes—fed a surge in musical development. Many new genres of music boomed at the same time including new wave, synth-pop, punk rock, hip-hop, heavy metal, dance music, and power ballads, while electric instruments introduced sounds never heard before. Join us as we listen to a mix of songs that defined the 80s and share memories together.
About the facilitator: David Cheney is an international economics writer, instructor, and trainer for international and educational institutions. He has held a variety of positions at the International Monetary Fund and has provided communications and writing support for a number of multilateral institutions including the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

David Cheney Presents Music of the 80’s (Part 2)
2024-04-08 10:00 - 11:30

Connecting the Yoms: An Exploration of Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron, and Yom Ha'aztmaut
2024-05-06 10:00 - 11:30
Within the Jewish calendar, there are periods of time when holidays are connected to each other and, in their connection, add another layer of meaning to the days. We see this So too with Yom HaShoah, Yom HaYizkaron, and Yom Ha’atzmaut. As we observe Yom Hashoah on May 6, this discussion will look at each holiday’s meaning and how their connection amplifies and enhances the individual days.

Irish Heritage Concert with Fiddler Brian Conway
2026-03-30 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for a performance of traditional Irish fiddle music, presented by master fiddler Brian Conway. Through performance and storytelling, Brian explores the cultural context and immigrant experience that shaped this rich tradition—one that has thrived from County Sligo to the Bronx, passed down through legendary fiddlers like Michael Coleman and Brian’s mentors Martin Wynne and Andy McGann.
About the Presenter: Brian Conway is a leading exponent of the New York-Sligo style of traditional Irish music. A Smithsonian/Folkways recording artist and multiple All-Ireland winner. Brian recently released an instructional book titled The Brian Conway Fiddle Method, and a new CD titled Wallace Avenue. For more information about Brian Conway, visit brianconway.com.
