Thursday Night Soul

Singer Songwriter Daphne Willis performs tunes from her latest CD, "Because I Can." Check out the video for a taste of the young artist. Thursday, 8:00 pm. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

Contempo Chateaux

Taking another dip into the deep end, I'm a bit smitten by this massive mod manse. Set on 11 acres on the Beaver Dam River in Bedford, the 5,388 square foot 4 bedroom house has many big open spaces. Built in 1977, the abode boasts some nice details, such as the huge living room's soaring ceilings, the vaulted ceiling in the kitchen, and a number of nifty fireplaces. There's also a pool and a one bedroom pool house. Sweet. The asking price is $5,750,000, and the taxes are $65,467.  
Sotheby's International Realty, Google Map, bing Map

Celtic Music, With a Global Twist

The "Dancing at Dusk" series gets off to a rambunctious start with the Irish tunes of Cady Finlayson and Vita Tanga. Blending traditional Celtic fiddle tunes with American folk and world music influences, the due performs jigs, reels, and more. Wednesday,  5:00 pm, at the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts.

Cool Stuff

It's that time of year again. When the kids are screaming, try something different and head up to Abbott's Frozen Custard in Shrub Oak. Supposedly "richer and creamier" than ice cream, the frozen custard comes in a variety of flavors. For an in depth look at the hows and whys of Abbott's, check out Small Bites.

Weekend Picks

My picks for the best activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester

Fish Tales Walk the river's edge and search for artifacts that lead to incredible, improbable and totally audacious stories. Saturday, 10:00 am. Croton Point Nature Center 

Lenape Life Experience what a day in the life of the indigenous people of the Hudson Hills and Highlands would have been like 400 years ago by visiting a wigwam and longhouse, playing games, and using replicated tools and artifacts. Saturday, 1:00 pm. Teatown Lake Reservation 

Jam and Jelly Making Learn how to make wonderful jams and jellies using what's in season. Saturday 10:00 am. Hilltop Hanover Farm 

Butterflies of Teatown Explore the fields and forest in search of butterflies. Saturday, 10:00 am. Teatown Lake Reservation

Greek Mythology The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company presents stories of gods and heroism from the ancient civilization by the sea. Saturday, 11:00 am. Croton Free Library 

Nest Watch Come along as a naturalist checks and records which nests have eggs and which have babies. Saturday, 10:00 am. Westmoreland Sanctuary

HMS Pinafore Opening night of Gilbert and Sullivan's musical in the Venetian Theater. Saturday, 8:30 pm. Caramoor   

The YaYas Pop folk musicians The YaYas perform their tunes. Sunday, 1:00 pm. Peekskill Coffee House

NPR's "From the Top" Join acclaimed pianist and host Christopher O`Riley and a slew of extraordinary young musicians for a broadcast recording of NPR's "From the Top." Sunday, 4:30 pm. Caramoor

Chelpa Ferro: Visual Sound A Brazilian collective of visual artists, Chelpa Ferro, presents a performance that turns everyday consumer items into sound-creating devices. Sunday, 6:00 pm. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

Potential, at a Good Price

Year Built: 1900

Square Feet: 1,756

Bedrooms: 3

Property: 0.17 of an acre

Location: Peekskill, downtown and steps from the artist's district.

Best features: This sweet house has great bones and good details. It's easy to imagine this spiffed up and shining. The house is mere steps to restaurants and amenities, and close to the parks and train. And the price is right.

Downside: Work is definitely needed to make this one shine. While its convenient, the location may not be ideal.

Taxes: $6,412

Asking Price: $239,000

Agency: Home Quest Realty (see the listing at the WPAR site)

Maps: Google Map, bing Map

The Once and Future Dylan

The documentary "The Other Side of the Mirror: Bob Dylan Live at the Newport Folk Festival" tracks the musician's transformation from youthful troubadour to folk-rock star over three appearances. After the screening, author Sean Wilentz, who has written widely on Dylan, will be interviewed by Sam Tanenhaus, editor of the New York Times Book Review. Wednesday, 7:30 pm. Jacob Burns Film Center

For Surreal

Art scholar Dr. Lewis Kachur gives an overview of the Surrealist revolution launched in the 1920s. Dr. Kachur will discuss Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, Alberto Giacometti, Joan Miró, as well as Kay Sage and Yves Tanguy—whose works are on display at the museum. Tuesday, 7:30 pm. Katonah Museum of Art

Weekend Picks

My picks for the best activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester

Trio Shalva The Israeli American jazz collective, Trio Shalva, performs tunes from their debut album "Riding Alone," with its striking blend of Jazz, World Music, and Jewish Folk. Friday, 7:30 pm. Bean Runner Cafe 

Bird Watching Walk Take a morning bird walk through the farm's pastures and hiking trails to identify species. Satureday, 9:30 am. Hilltop Hanover Farm

Hike the Teatown-Kitchawan Trail In honor of National Trails Day, adults and older kids can hike this 6 mile trail with a naturalist. Enjoy views of the Croton Reservoir, stream crossings, and open meadows. Saturday, 10:00 am. Teatown Lake Reservatio

Clearwater's Great Hudson River Revival Pete Seeger and friends are back again to sing, inspire, and raise awareness (and cash) for keeping the Hudson clean and pristine. The festival features lots of music, plus storytellers, family entertainers, boat rides, and more. The fun happens at Croton Point Park, Saturday and Sunday. Clearwater Hudson Festival

Map and Compass Treasure Hunt Use a map and compass to travel through a special course in search of lost treasure. Saturday, 10:00 am. Westmoreland Sanctuary

Wolf Pup 101 Celebrate the arrival of two wolf pups! Enjoy learning about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families. Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am. Wolf Conservation Center 

Los Loney Boys The Texican Rock 'n' roll trio of brothers, Los Lonely Boys, are back on tour in support of their fourth studio album, Rockpango. Saturday, 8:00 pm. Tarrytown Music Hall

Father's Day Fishing A once a year chance for dads and their kids ages 5-12 to fish in the lake (catch and release only). Sunday, 2:00 pm. Westmoreland Sanctuary

Whittling Demonstration Watch a whittler as he demonstrates the art and craftsmanship of a skill that many of our great grandfathers once enjoyed. Sunday 1:00 pm. Muscoot Farm

La Traviata, on Screen One of the most popular operas in the canon, Verdi's "La Traviata" is captured on film. Sunday, 3:00 pm. Paramount Center for the Arts

Deco Lake

Taking a look on the high side of the market, there's this lovely 1930 estate on Journey's End Lake in Yorktown. The 44 acre property boasts an 8 acre lake, two ponds, and miles of trails. In addition to the 7,532 square foot, 8 bedroom main house, there's also a boat house, a 6 bedroom guest house, a caretaker's cottage, and barns. Once the home of silent film star Holbrook Blinn, the abode has a good deal of Hollywood luxe—and features a glass block fireplace surround! How cool is that? That alone makes the $6,600,000 price seem reasonable. The taxes are harder to swallow at $90,533.
Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map, bing Map

From Flowers to Furniture

Located on the eastern edge of Ossining, Sundial Farm sells over 140 varieties of perennials, including everything from Achillea Pretty Belinda to Lavandula Munstead to Veronica Royal Candles. They also sell their own organic veggies. What's more, the farm boasts three barns brimming with delights of a very different sort. The Barn features a range of furniture from Danish Modern to antiques at prices running from low to on the high side. There's also an eclectic array of lighting, ceramics, glassware, and more. So if you're trying to freshen up your garden or your guest room, stop by the farm to check out the offerings.

Back in the Saddle

We apologize for this interruption.

Computer Down, Internet Out

Thursday's storm knocked out my Internet connection, and the momentary loss of power zapped my computer (to use the technical term). While I can do a simple post like this on the iPhone, anything more complicated is more than I can deal with. We're still waiting for Cablevision to come fix the connection, and the Mac is at the shop for a couple of days. All of which is to say that there won't be any new posts until later in the week.

Thomas Paine Slept Here

Year Built: 1734

Square Feet: 3,980

Bedrooms: 6

Property: 1.2 acres

Location: Yorktown Heights, in the Granite Springs area.

Best features: This sweet colonial retains its charm and charisma. There's plenty of original detail, and the rooms exude home-sweet-homeyness. There's a nice looking pool, as well as an apartment and offices for extra income.

Downside: The house is next to and across the street from commercial structures. Inside, some rooms need updating and most look to need some cosmetic care.

Taxes: $17,127

Asking Price: $775,000

Agency: Coldwell Banker

Maps: Google Map, bing Map

Summer Jazz

The three part Shades of Jazz festival at the Katonah Museum of Art kicks off this week. Legendary guitarist John Scofield has invited three of today’s brightest talents in the bebop and free jazz music communities to join him performing in the Sculpture Garden. This Thursday at 6:30 pm, things get going with a solo performance by guitarist Marc Ribot (right). On June 29, Saxophonist Joe Lovano performs with vocalist Judi Silvano, and on August 10 the festival wraps up with a solo performance by percussionist Billy Martin.

New Perspectives

The Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art's exhibit First Look III features works by 12 emerging artists, including an installation piece by Gabriel Dawe (above). The show runs through July 24.

A World of Food

"It isn’t easy to categorize Myong Gourmet — but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing... The unifying factors are freshness, a healthful approach (very little cream or butter is used) and strong attention to detail... Even though much of the food is rich in taste, it won’t leave you feeling weighed down."

—The New York Times review of Myong Gourmet in Mt. Kisco, which recieved a "Worth It" rating.
Image: The New York Times

Weekend Picks

My picks for the best activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester

Hike with a Naturalist Join a museum naturalist as they select a trail and topic to find some of the exciting ecological events that are occurring. Saturday, 1:00 pm. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Soap Making with Kids An experienced soap maker and former chemical engineer teaches parents and kids how to make glycerin-based soap. Saturday, 10:00 am. Hilltop Hanover Farm 

The Conigliaro Trio Brian Conigliaro and The Conigliaro Trio perform down home jazz and blues. Saturday, 7:30 pm. Bean Runner Cafe 

Big Equipment Day Come see the farm's old and new equipment. Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Muscoot Farm 
 
Bedford Garden Club Centennial Celebrate 100 years with hot air balloon rides, tag sale, boutique, plant sale, picnic lunches, and workshops and demonstrations. Saturday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. John Jay Homestead 

Stravinky's "The Rite of Spring" Renowned pianists Michael Barrett and Michael Boriskin close out the season with their acclaimed performance of Stravinsky's seminal masterpiece and other works. Sunday, 3:00 pm. Merestead 

Say Goodnight Gracie Alan Safier stars in Say Goodnight Gracie, the hit Broadway play that invites you to spend an evening with the world’s favorite and funniest centenarian, George Burns. Sunday, 3:00 pm. Paramount Center for the Arts 

Play Reading Jeremy J. Kamps reads from his play, "Water Hyacinth." Sunday, 4:30 pm. Hudson Valley Writers Center

May Sales and Deals

No previously featured Hot Properties sold in May, but a few lucky ones did find suitors.

Hot Properties That Went to Contract

Location: Katonah
Featured:  January 27, 2011
Asking Price When Featured: $770,00 
Last Asking Price: $695,000

Location: Bedford Hills
Featured: March 24, 2011
Asking Price When Featured: $639,000
Last Asking Price: $615,000
  

 


Location: Cortlandt Manor 
Featured: October 20, 2010
Asking Price When Featured: $650,000
Last Asking Price: $629,500

Kids' Stuff

History Kids Learn how people lived 200 years ago and what kids did for fun. Tour the Formal Parlor and William Jay’s Bedroom and play historic games. Wednesday, 10:00 am, at John Jay Homestead

Black Light for Insects Walk the woods as darkness falls to black-light for these splendid creatures of the night. Thursday, 8:00 pm, at Teatown Lake Reservation

Farm Fresh

It's time for my annual round-up of local farmers' markets. There are a few changes from last year, so click on the links to find out what is available at each market. In addition to these markets, great sources for local produce are the the farm stand and "U-Pick" fields at Hanover Hilltop Farm and the Meadows Farm Market, both in Yorktown Heights, as well as Hemlock Hill Farm in Cortlandt Manor.

Croton
Where: Municipal Lot on Municipal Place and Riverside
When: Wednesday, 1:30 to 6:30 pm, through November 23
Website: Community Markets: Croton

John Jay Homestead
Where: John Jay Homestead, Katonah
When: Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm,  through October 15
Website: John Jay Homestead

Muscoot Farm
Where: Muscoot Farm
When: Sunday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, through October 30
Website: Muscoot Farm

Ossining
Where: Main and Spring Streets, next to Market Square
When: Saturday, 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, through December 17
Website: Community Markets: Ossining

Peekskill
Where: Bank Street, between Main and Park
When: Saturday, 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, June 11 through November
Website: Peekskill Farmers Market 

Pleasantville
Where: Memorial plaza at Manville Road
When: Saturday, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, through December 17
Website: Community Markets: Pleasantville

Stone Barns
Where: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Website: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

Tarrytown
Where: Patriot's Park, Route 9
When: Saturday, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, through November 19
Website: Community Markets: Tarrytown

Weekend Picks

My picks for the best activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester

Rosanne Cash The eldest child of Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash joined the Johnny Cash Show at age 18—and has been performing every since. Friday, 8:00 pm. Paramount Center for the Arts

U-Pick Vegetables and Beekeeping Festival Come enjoy harvesting your own organically grown vegetables in the lovely fields. From 12:00 to 2:00, welcome the new bee colonies with activities such as bee education, honey tasting, sample desserts, and observing the bees in their new hives. Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center

Spring Bird Walk. Get up early to take a walk with a naturalist to view resident and migratory bird species along the trail. Saturday, 8:00 am. Westmoreland Sanctuary

Animals and Acrobats Capturing the fun of an early American traveling circus, Ringmaster Jonathan Kruk leads a cast of clever characters, including fire juggling, daring acrobats, birds of prey demonstrations, tightrope walkers, magicians, and more! Saturday to Monday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Van Cortlandt Manor 

Tour the Wildflower Garden Take a tour of the Luquer-Marble Wildflower Garden while the flowers are at their peak. The garden is home to over 70 species of flowers and ferns. Saturday, 1:00 pm. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

NY Latin Jazz Percussionist Tony Pastrana and his band, NY Latin Jazz, bring high energy grooves as they play from their new CD, "NY Latin Jazz." Saturday, 7:30 pm. Bean Runner Cafe 

Meet the Baby Animals Come and have a close encounter with some new baby animals. Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Muscoot Farm 

Antigues Fair Enjoy the 26th annual fair and garden show. Monday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Lasdon Park 

WeMustBe Christine Dominguez and T. Xiques, known as WeMustBe, play an assortment of instruments and continuously switch it up on stage to create their own "Organic Pop" sound. Sunday, 6:15 pm. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

Hot in Tarrytown

Tarrytown is out of my regular jurisdiction, but I'll make an exception for this mod stunner. Renovated and tastefully updated, this 1950 home is big, bright, and bold. With 4,400 square feet and 5 bedrooms, the house boasts some amazing spaces. Nestled nicely on an acre, the abode is close to downtown. Taxes are $29,840 and the asking price is $1,595,000. Offered by Houlihan Lawrence.
Google Map, Bing Map

Thai Life

Winner of the top prize at last year's Cannes Film Festival, "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives" tells the tale of a dying man who is visited by the spirits of his wife, son, and other creatures from the twilight world. After the screening, director Apichatpong Weerasethakul talks with World Cinema Foundation Executive Director Kent Jones. Tuesday, 7:15 pm. Jacob Burns Film Center

Early Bird (Walk)

Get up early to catch the tunes of the early birds. The naturalist will share facts and details about the sights and sounds of the spring warblers and other songbirds. Tuesday, 7:30 am. Bedford Audubon