Vassar College Music Department - Skinner Hall

Oct. 23, 2026, 7:15 p.m.
Location: Skinner Hall of Music
An Evening of Carnatic Raga: Featuring Sumanth Manjunath (violin), accompanied on mridangam. Carnatic raga is the improvisation-based classical music of South India. Sumanth Manjunath is a world class musician and an ambassador for Carnatic music globally. He is skilled in introducing the Raga system and its expression on violin and mridangam to international audiences unfamiliar with the form.
Sponsored by the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/music" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Music Department</a>. This event is free and open to the public.

Local Event: An Evening of Carnatic Raga

Dutchess County

Mid Hudson Valley

New York

An Evening of Carnatic Raga

Oct. 23, 2026, 7:15 p.m.
Location: Skinner Hall of Music
An Evening of Carnatic Raga: Featuring Sumanth Manjunath (violin),...

Taylor Hall 203, Vassar College

A talk by Anita Varma ’08 (Media Studies), Assistant Professor of Journalism and Media, University of Texas, Austin based on her 2026 Columbia University Press book Solidarity in Journalism, about journalism and social justice. The talk will explore how conventional journalistic norms discourage reporters from taking sides; journalists are supposed to remain neutral, impartial, and objective. Yet there is also a long tradition in journalism, dating back to the 1800s, that pursues truth by practicing solidarity for social justice. Solidarity in Journalism offers a bold defense of reporting for social justice, showing what journalistic solidarity looks like in principle and in practice.
This event is sponsored by the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/mediastudies" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Media Studies Program</a> and the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/sociology" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sociology Department</a> and is free and open to the public.

Local Event: Talk by Anita Varma ’08

Talk by Anita Varma ’08

A talk by Anita Varma ’08 (Media Studies), Assistant Professor of Journalism and Media, University of Texas, Austin based on...

Vassar College

Oct. 28, 2026, 5:30–6:45 p.m.Location: Taylor Hall 203
Nicola Yoon is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of Instructions for Dancing; Everything, Everything; The Sun Is Also a Star; and co-author of Blackout. She is a National Book Award finalist, Michael L. Printz Award recipient, and Coretta Scott King–John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, and the first Black woman to hit #1 on the New York Times Young Adult best-seller list. Two of her novels have been made into major motion pictures, and she’s the co-publisher of Joy Revolution, a Random House young adult imprint dedicated to love stories starring people of color. She grew up in Jamaica and Brooklyn, NY, and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, novelist David Yoon, and their daughter.
Sponsored by the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/education" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Education Department</a>, the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/africana-studies" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Africana Studies Program</a>, the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/american-and-native-american-studies" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">American and Native American Studies Program</a>, the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/english" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">English Department</a>, the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/internationalstudies" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">International Studies Program</a>, the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/asian-studies" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Asian Studies Program</a>, the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/film" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Film Department</a>, and the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/engaged-pluralism" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Engaged Pluralism Program</a>.
A Louise Seaman Bechtel (1915) Lecture.
This event is free and open to the public.

Local Event: An Engaging Conversation with New York Times best-selling author Nicola Yoon.

An Engaging Conversation with New York Times...

Oct. 28, 2026, 5:30–6:45 p.m.Location: Taylor Hall 203
Nicola Yoon is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of Instructions...

An Engaging Conversation with New York Times best-selling author Nicola Yoon.

Olmsted Greenhouse

Oct. 30, 2026, 2:00–5:00 p.m.Location: Olmsted Greenhouse
Trick or treat at the Greenhouse! Celebrate Halloween with a hands-on activity and seasonal treats while exploring some of the greenhouse’s strange and unusual plants. Vassar’s Artifacts Project (VCAP) will also share items from its taxidermy collection. Come in costume to enter the costume contest, with prizes for the best costumes.
<img src="https://www.vassar.edu/sites/default/files/2026-09/IMG_2650.jpg" alt="Potted plants, miniature pumpkins, and a bat decoration surround a “Happy Halloween” sign on a greenhouse table.">
Drop by anytime between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. The greenhouse is on the lower level behind Olmsted Hall, facing Skinner Music Hall. Visitors can park in the South Lot and take the stairs by Skinner. Accessible parking is available next to the greenhouse: Turn onto Chapel Gate from Raymond Avenue, then take the first right down the hill.
Sponsored by the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/greenhouse" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Olmsted Greenhouse</a>.
This event is free and open to the public.

Local Event: Boos and Blooms at the Greenhouse

Boos and Blooms at the Greenhouse

Oct. 30, 2026, 2:00–5:00 p.m.Location: Olmsted Greenhouse
Trick or treat at the Greenhouse! Celebrate Halloween with a hands-on...

Oct. 30, 2026, 7:30 p.m.Location: Skinner Hall of Music
Six-time Grammy-nominated Skylark vocal ensemble presents Sleepy Hollow, a haunting musical retelling of Washington Irving’s beloved Hudson Valley ghost story. Conceived by Artistic Director Matthew Guard, the program blends narration, folk song, shape-note singing, part-song, and instrumental improvisation to evoke the world of Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, and the legendary Headless Horseman.
Featuring narration by actor, singer, and educator Tynan Davis and atmospheric cello improvisations by Thomas Barth, Sleepy Hollow transforms Irving’s classic tale into an immersive journey through the folklore, music, and imagination of early America. By turns humorous, mysterious, and haunting, the performance brings one of the Hudson Valley’s most enduring legends vividly to life.
Matthew Guard, Artistic Director
Sponsored by the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/music" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Music Department</a>. This event is free and open to the public.

Local Event: Skylark

Skylark

Oct. 30, 2026, 7:30 p.m.Location: Skinner Hall of Music
Six-time Grammy-nominated Skylark vocal ensemble presents Sleepy...

Nov. 1, 2026, 3:00 p.m.Location: Skinner Hall of Music
The Play of Opposites: The music of Beethoven foreshadows the later 19th-century obsession with the depiction of character in music. This program features works from Beethoven through the Romantics that explore oppositions in character. A piece from the French modernist Dutilleux turns musical material against itself, in a different sort of opposition. Thomas Sauer, piano.
Sponsored by the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/music" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Music Department</a>.
This event is free and open to the public.

Local Event: The Play of Opposites: Thomas Sauer, piano

The Play of Opposites: Thomas Sauer, piano

Nov. 1, 2026, 3:00 p.m.Location: Skinner Hall of Music
The Play of Opposites: The music of Beethoven foreshadows the later...

Nov. 7, 2026, 7:30 p.m.Location: Skinner Hall of Music
America at 250: The Vassar College Chamber Singers present an amalgam of American choral music from Billings to Bobby McFerrin. Drew Minter, conductor.
Sponsored by the <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/music" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Music Department</a>.
This event is free and open to the public.
This is an in-person event that will also be <a href="https://vimeo.com/1224948023?fl=pl&amp;fe=vl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">streamed live</a>

Local Event: America at 250: The Vassar College Chamber Singers

America at 250: The Vassar College Chamber Singers

Nov. 7, 2026, 7:30 p.m.Location: Skinner Hall of Music
America at 250: The Vassar College Chamber Singers present an amalgam of...

Nov. 12, 2026, 6:00 p.m.Location: Taylor Hall, Room 203
What if everyone spoke Mohican?
How Do You Say Bagel in Mohican? (USA, 2023) explores the revitalization of the Mahican language and the relationship between language and identity formation. The screening will be preceded by Jan Müller’s short reel, Resonance of Words, and followed by a discussion with Müller and featured participant Brock Schreiber.
Müller is an artist living in the Poughkeepsie community. Schreiber belongs to the People of the Waters that are Never Still—the Mahican, or Mohican, nation originally based in the upper Hudson Valley—and lives in Wisconsin.
Sponsored by the <a href="https://offices.vassar.edu/dean-of-the-faculty/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dean of the Faculty Office</a>, <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/american-and-native-american-studies" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">American and Native American Studies Program</a>, <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/anthropology" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Department of Anthropology</a>, <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/english" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Department of English</a>, <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/film" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Department of Film</a>, <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/history" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Department of History</a>, and <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/mediastudies" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Media Studies Program</a>.
This event is free and open to the public.

Local Event: How Do You Say Bagel in Mohican? Screening and Discussion

How Do You Say Bagel in Mohican? Screening and...

Nov. 12, 2026, 6:00 p.m.Location: Taylor Hall, Room 203
What if everyone spoke Mohican?
How Do You Say Bagel in Mohican? (USA,...

How Do You Say Bagel in Mohican? Screening and Discussion

Media Relations

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Rich Kirby

Hartford Metropolitan Area

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Jeff Edwards

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Yorktown-Somers

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Hayleigh Evans

Danbury

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Bethel

Jay Estate

<img src="https://jayheritagecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Balloon-300x200.jpg">Jay Day is our classic fall family festival held annually at the 23-acre award-winning Jay Estate with offerings for everyone! Join us on Sunday, October 25 from 11am - 3pm. New this year in honor of the Montgolfier Brothers invention of the hot-air balloon in 1783 - you guessed it - learn all about the thermodynamics of these beautiful aircrafts from <a href="https://www.libertyballoon.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Liberty Balloon Company</a>. Enjoy outdoor activities and old-fashioned entertainment as we commemorate America 250 with a very special chance to see authentic centuries-old artifacts of the Revolutionary War at the historic first home of patriot and peacemaker John Jay. <a href="https://youtu.be/1-5rBwbfv08?si=7Y61Jf0fiNcaNAr2" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Watch a video from last year's festival here.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/b5a7d988-48ca-4a56-bb9b-28da36e2bc0e" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">REGISTER HERE TO AVOID THE LINES.</a>
<img src="https://jayheritagecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Revisit-the-Rev-300x300.jpg">
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
* Silhouette artist <a href="https://www.sweet-silhouette.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Varin Acevado</a> will create heirloom portraits. * Stilt walkers &amp; jugglers ensure super photo ops for the whole family! * Professional facepainters from <a href="https://www.jamesdaniel.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">James Daniel Entertainment </a>will create butterflies and dragons with deft dabs of paint and glitter! * Join the <a href="https://www.ryetroop2.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rye Boy Scouts Troop 2</a> for boat racing in the reflecting pool * Create your own take-home origami animals with talented volunteers from our Japanese community partners in Harrison. * Try your hand at special geocaching activities in honor of America at 250 highlighting John Jay's role as spymaster during the Revolutionary War. * Make a self-portrait with artist <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellenjingxu/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jing (Ellen) Xu </a>and ColorWorld. * Learn about robotics and STEAM with <a href="https://www.makeinspires.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">MakeInspires.</a> * Don't miss the rocket show with <a href="https://newyorkcity.madscience.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mad Science!</a> * Pony rides and the petting zoo are family favorites!

ALL AGES
* Self-guided tours of<a href="https://parks.ny.gov/history/rev-war?utm_campaign=NYSOGS+Parks-RevWar250&amp;utm_source=Google&amp;utm_medium=Search&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23972741403&amp;gbraid=0AAAABD-CRbX_77SLGE4f5AlYAwtMckwIS&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwlsfWBhD4ARIsACL7p1GnNW59-3sZb1eG8wDrPXmniU0OpY52GakfKQTDy-DZfXtRno0_JBwaAnZYEALw_wcB" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> Revisit the Revolution Exhibit</a> at the Jay Mansion. * Self-guided tours of the award-winning Jay Estate Gardens (2022 NYS Nonprofit Excellence, 2023 ICAA Landscape Design, 2026 GCA Historic Preservation). * Nibble on savories from food trucks and local favorites like Cousins Lobster Roll, Jimmy's Soft Serve, Crazy Taco Mex, Food Truck Refinery, Westchester Burger and Mangones Market. * LIVE Music from <a href="https://www.brooklynbluegrass.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brooklyn Bluegrass Collective</a>. * Horse-drawn Carriage Rides by Pelham Bit Carriages. * Shop for the holidays early or for any occasion - explore gorgeous jewelry, sweaters, fine art photographs, handcrafted Japanese pottery from <a href="https://nslifestyles.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NS Lifestyles</a>, <a href="https://shopthebeehive.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Beehive</a>, <a href="https://www.crichlowfineart.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Crichlow Fine Art</a>, <a href="https://hirokosceramics.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hiroko's Ceramics</a> and many more bespoke offerings from our vendors * Learn about 10,000 years of archaeology beneath our feet with Dr. Eugene Boesch.
More activities being added every day! Admission is $50 per family and $20 individual.
Thank you to our Jay Day Co-Chairs Lindsay Bello Martin, Claire Weschler, Jennifer Soliman and Julia Thalhammer and 2026 RCDS Community Engagement Fellow Ellora Shah.&nbsp;
More volunteers welcome! Contact us at <a href="mailto:jayheritagecenter@gmail.com">jayheritagecenter@gmail.com</a> to sign up for a shift.
The Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is a dynamic nonprofit which manages the Jay Estate in Rye, New York. The 23-acre park that they have preserved and interpreted since 1992 is an award-winning culture hub and wildlife refuge on Long Island Sound. Located in the heart of Westchester’s only National Historic Landmark District, the site welcomes visitors April through November to learn about our nation’s flawed yet precious democracy through indoor and outdoor public programs. Offerings about American History feature prominent writers and educators. Free horticulture and birding workshops teach guests about native plants and wildlife. Family-friendly concerts draw hundreds for old-fashioned fun and unplugged enjoyment. The site is a member of NY State's Path Through History and Westchester County's African American Heritage Trail. Sign up to volunteer or access all they offer at <a href="https://jayheritagecenter.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.jayheritagecenter.org</a>
<img src="https://jayheritagecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Vendors-300x300.jpg">

Local Event: Jay Day - Fall Family Festival

Jay Day - Fall Family Festival

Jay Day is our classic fall family festival held annually at the 23-acre award-winning Jay Estate with offerings for everyone!...

<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0000651396109D61" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Bring The Whole Family!</a>Get ready to laugh, Hudson Valley!
Comedian Candice Guardino brings her hit theatrical comedy ITALIAN BRED to the historic Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 3 PM!
As seen on Amazon Prime Video, Italian Bred is a hilarious, heartfelt theatrical comedy packed with unforgettable family characters, outrageous childhood stories, and the kind of Italian-American family chaos everyone can relate to &mdash; whether you're Italian or just wish you were!
From growing up in a larger-than-life Brooklyn family to navigating the madness of everyday life, Candice brings her stories to life in a one-woman theatrical experience filled with laughter, nostalgia, and heart.
Bring your mother, your cousins, your girlfriends &mdash; and anyone who loves a great laugh!
Sunday, December 6 | 3 PM Bardavon Opera House | Poughkeepsie, NY
Tickets available through the Bardavon box office.
One family. A thousand stories. Endless laughs.

Dutchess

Poughkeepsie

Amazon Prime Comedy Star Candice Guardino...

Bring The Whole Family!Get ready to laugh, Hudson Valley!...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

An Evening of Carnatic Raga

OCT

23

7:15 PM

Vassar College Music Department - Skinner Hall, 100 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY

Talk by Anita Varma ’08

OCT

26

5:30 PM

Mid Hudson Valley, NY

An Engaging Conversation with New York Times best-selling author Nicola Yoon.

OCT

28

5:30 PM

Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY

Boos and Blooms at the Greenhouse

OCT

30

2:00 PM

Olmsted Greenhouse, Vassar Lake Dr, Poughkeepsie, NY

Skylark

OCT

30

7:30 PM

Vassar College Music Department - Skinner Hall, 100 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY

The Play of Opposites: Thomas Sauer, piano

NOV

1

3:00 PM

Vassar College Music Department - Skinner Hall, 100 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY

America at 250: The Vassar College Chamber Singers

NOV

7

7:30 PM

Vassar College Music Department - Skinner Hall, 100 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY

How Do You Say Bagel in Mohican? Screening and Discussion

NOV

12

6:00 PM

Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY

Jay Day - Fall Family Festival

Amazon Prime Comedy Star Candice Guardino Brings “Italian Bred” to Poughkeepsie – December 6!