The Summer Scene at Hudson Park

Hudson Park is rapidly becoming a vital summer destination, with a lively art-inspired scene drawing guests from all over the region.

The beach, of course, draws crowds all summer long; the park and playground offer shaded recreation; and the new “Tiki Bar” (introduced last summer) keeps the crowds coming long after the sun has gone down.

But it’s the growing arts scene along the waterfront that makes Hudson Park so exciting. The Emil Paolucci Summer Sounds Concert Series brings an eclectic menu of musical styles to the refurbished band shell every Wednesday night at 7:30 pm beginning July 11. The “Fabulous Sixties Rock Show” will kick off the summer concert season with a tribute to the “swingin’ Sixties”; other featured groups include the Latin sounds of 3D Ritmo De Vida, jazz from the Andrew Swift Five, music from the Big Band era by Virgil Scott, and a special concert by New Rochelle Opera. For a complete schedule visit the New Rochelle Council on the Arts website at newrochellearts.org or download this flyer.

Nearby — just before entering Hudson Park — Wildcliff Manor will be the site of a sculpture garden open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. Eric Woodlin’s Incoming Tide Entertainment will also present a full season of arts, music, family events, and workshops at the Wildcliff site, starting with a Fine Arts and Crafts Festival on June 16 (rain date June 17) from 10 am to 4 pm. Artists and craftsmen will be exhibiting and selling their work — jewelry, ceramics, metal work, wood, and eclectic gift items — throughout the day, accompanied by live music, including a performance by the Westchester Harp Ensemble. There will also be yoga demonstrations, pop-up pastel workshops, and, at 2:30, a chance to meet the sculptors whose work is on exhibit. Two more Arts and Crafts Fairs will be held July 14 and August 11.

For a full listing of summer events at Wildcliff go to incomingtideentertainment.com. For information as to how to participate as a vendor contact crafts@incomingtideentertainment.com or call 914-740-5437.

Wildcliff Harvest Festival This Saturday

Located at 44 Wildcliff Road, adjacent to Hudson Park, Wildcliff is one of New Rochelle’s real treasures, a beautiful and historic structure with a spectacular view of Long Island Sound. This Saturday, October 15th (October 22nd Rain Date), come enjoy a Harvest Festival at Wildcliff, featuring music, craft workshops for children, a petting zoo, local artisans, tasty treats and more. Take a look at this poster for more information.

This great family event is sponsored by Jen’s Community at Wildcliff, which is presently working to restore the site for nature-based educational programming.

The Harvest Festival is free, although voluntary contributions to Jen’s Community at Wildcliff will be accepted.

Summer Season Jazz at Wildcliff

Wildcliff is one of New Rochelle’s most spectacular settings. A stately manor set at the water’s edge with amazing views of Long Island Sound. And now, thanks to Eric Woodlin and the Wildcliff Entertainment and Arts Consortium, Wildcliff is also a great place to take in live musical entertainment.

The 2011 season includes three weekend jazz performances in June, beginning this Saturday at 4:00 pm with Steven Husted & The Low End Initiative Band. A Music & Arts Fest is planned for August 19 and 20. What’s more, the Wildcliff Art Market exhibits and sells art from local and regional artists on concert days starting at 11:00 am.

You can click HERE for a full schedule of events.