Join us for any of the upcoming events listed below!
Dan Elias Presents: Swing Du Jour
The incomparable gypsy jazz clarinetist Dan Elias performs with guest musicians on the first Sunday of every month. This February, he brings his very own Swing Du Jour back to our stage, performing in the tradition of Django Reinhard—a jazz form that emanated from France and is often referred to as "Gypsy Jazz". With music that varies from lively to contemplative, Swing du Jour will surely have you tapping and swaying to their infectious sound. Feel free to listen or dance—or listen while you dance!
Tickets: $20 here or at the door.
About the Musicians
(more coming soon)
Dan Elias
Daniel Elias has been playing the clarinet since its invention. A product of his surroundings, Daniel brings the streets of Brooklyn alive with his instrument. There is so much good music in the world that Daniel feels would benefit from the clarinet. In playing classical, Klezmer, Greek, Jazz and American Contradance music, this approach seems to work. The clarinet is not apparently suited for Grunge Music or Hurrian Hymns - so he will not be playing those. Daniel is pleased to continue his musical explorations at Ossining’s Hudson Valley Books for Humanity.
Blind Tiger Improv
The funniest improv this side of the Hudson, brought to you by Blind Tiger Improv.
This show features the cream of the crop, the best in the business: The Blind Tiger House Teams!
All shows are rated PG-13. Although they aren’t vulgar and don’t go blue, they can’t guarantee that their shows won’t feature adult material, like alcohol use or taxes. Parents and guardians are urged to exercise their judgement when bringing children and minors to these shows.
Only $15 at the door or $12 online.
Blind Tiger Improv is committed to creating a space where everyone, regardless of background or experience, can explore the art of improvisation. They seek to create and foster well-rounded improvisers, perform high-quality improv shows, provide an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all, and support the improv and comedy community in the Hudson Valley. Learn more at www.blindtigerimprov.com.
Asian American Teen Mental Health Workshop
Join the author of the Asian American Teen’s Mental Health Workbook, Dr. Teresa Hsu, for a workshop empowering teens (parents also welcome) to find out what’s important to them and how to live by those values. There will be matcha cookies and a hot chocolate bar as well!
This workshop is free; copies of the workbook will be available for a 10% discount off the $21.95 cover price.
About Dr. Hsu
Teresa Hsu, PhD, is the Founder and Executive Director of S.P.E.A.K., a Supportive Place for Empowering Asian Americans & Kin, which focuses on Asian American mental health and wellness through education, destigmatization, research, and services. She currently holds a dual appointment as an Assistant Professor of General Academic Pediatrics and Assistant Professor of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
As the former Assistant Director of the Pediatric Behavioral Health Integration Program at Montefiore Medical Center, she helped establish one of the largest pediatric integrated behavioral health primary care programs in the nation. Her research focuses on collaborative care, prevention, and population health in diverse, historically marginalized communities. I'm passionate about making mental health accessible to the AANHPI community, which is often marginalized in behavioral health research and practice.
About the Book
It's time to prioritize your mental health and achieve a more balanced, empowered, and confident sense of self.
From navigating academic pressures and planning for your future to dealing with peers and the often-toxic social media arena--being a teen in today's world is hard. And if you're an Asian American teen with immigrant parents, you may also face racism, stigmatization, cultural challenges, and intense family expectations. Juggling the social and emotional demands of two different cultures can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, and depressed. But there is help.
Written by an Asian American psychologist who's been there, this book blends proven-effective therapies with real-world knowledge to help you develop a strong sense of identity, connect with peers, and nurture your bicultural pride. You'll find strategies to help you deal with family expectations, cultural differences, and generational trauma--as well as tools to help you challenge the racism, bullying, and microaggressions you may encounter at school or out in the world. Most importantly, you'll develop the resilience needed to take charge of your life and your future. Discover powerful tools to help you:
Deal with parentification and family expectations
Manage stress and alleviate anxiety and depression
Build close connections with family and peers
Live a more emotionally balanced and rewarding life
If you're feeling disconnected and are struggling to navigate two different cultures at the same time, help is here. This empowering guide--written just for you--will help you gain the skills you need to be confident, independent, and resilient.
Building Bridges Through Books: Feb. 10
Join us for the January meeting of our Social Justice Book Club. We’ll be discussing The Silence of the Choir, by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr.
Blind Tiger Improv
The funniest improv this side of the Hudson, brought to you by Blind Tiger Improv.
This show features the cream of the crop, the best in the business: The Blind Tiger House Teams!
All shows are rated PG-13. Although they aren’t vulgar and don’t go blue, they can’t guarantee that their shows won’t feature adult material, like alcohol use or taxes. Parents and guardians are urged to exercise their judgement when bringing children and minors to these shows.
Only $15 at the door or $12 online.
Blind Tiger Improv is committed to creating a space where everyone, regardless of background or experience, can explore the art of improvisation. They seek to create and foster well-rounded improvisers, perform high-quality improv shows, provide an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all, and support the improv and comedy community in the Hudson Valley. Learn more at www.blindtigerimprov.com.
Special Read-Aloud with Author Nancy Castaldo: Whales in the City
Kids age 4-8: Join us for a special read-aloud with local author Nancy Castaldo, and learn about the remarkable history of whales in the Hudson!
Minding Your Memory: Book Talk with Lisa Feiner and Dr. Susanne Saltzman
Join Board Certified Health Coach and Co-Editor Lisa Feiner, and Susanne Saltzman MD, to learn what you can do, starting today, to preserve your most precious asset: a healthy, vibrant mind.
Building Bridges Through Books: Jan. 20 Gathering
Join us for the January meeting of our Social Justice Book Club. We’ll be discussing There There, by Tommy Orange.
(s)mother stories: shedding (y)our skin
(s)mother stories is back!
Put 2025 behind you and kick-start the new year with an evening of poems, stories, and songs honoring the constant state of becoming necessary to survive this brutal world . . .
Let us know you’re coming by registering here or below.
Community Mixer
Community Mixer: Where Creative and Business Professionals Exchange Ideas
Hudson Valley Books for Humanity is honored to host this month’s Community Mixer, a vibrant gathering where connections are made across industries, interests, and identities. Come find out what all the buzz is about!
Community Mixers are designed to bring together people from all walks of life—artists, entrepreneurs, educators, activists, tech minds, and beyond. It’s a space where new ideas spark, collaborations form, and neighbors become allies. Come enjoy a fun ice breaker, light snacks provided by Melike Turkish Cuisine, and jazz in the background.
There is no charge to attend. Cash bar (beer, wine, cider), with complimentary seltzers, water, and tea.
Nonprofit highlight: Our spotlight this time falls on Hudson Link for Higher Education. For nearly 30 years, Hudson Link for Higher Education has provided higher education opportunities to incarcerated people in New York State, as well as reentry resources and support upon their release.
We encourage you to check out these Community Mixer sponsors: Smart Test Prep, Melike Turkish Cuisine, Friends of Music, Well Collab Acupuncture, Ritual Yoga, RL Designs, Sound Safari, Throne & Key, Just Eyes, Form Sense Photos, Health Vibes Only!
Need more info? Contact Community914Mixer@gmail.com
Author Talk and Book Signing with Séamus McElearney and Barbara Finkelstein: Flipping Capo: How the FBI Dismantled the Real Sopranos
Join co-authors Séamus McElearney and Barbara Finkelstein for an in-depth look at how McElearney helped dismantle a murderous criminal enterprise extending from New York to Florida. Book signing and Q&A to follow.
CANCELED: (Re)Writing the Legacy of Trauma: A Discussion with authors Aron Hirt-Manheimer and Ellen Satinof
Local authors Ellen Satinoff and Aron Hirt-Manheimer come together for a discussion of generational familial dysfunction and trauma, and share insights into resilience, healing, and confronting the past. A Q&A and book signing will follow the discussion.
Hudson River Singing Circle
For all who love to sing and make sound! A special New Year’s edition.
Book Launch: "A Walk Down Memory Lane" by Sarah Bracey White
Join us to celebrate the publication of southern storyteller Sarah Bracey White’s new book, “A Walk Down Memory Lane.”
Make a Scene Production: Holiday Story Hour
An evening of scenes, songs, stories and more . . .
Meet & Greet John Cappello
Meet & Greet John Cappello, Democrat for Congress (NY-17)
Come meet Congressional Candidate John Cappello and ask him: Where do we go after Lawler & Trump? If you don’t know about John, this is your chance to learn more about his background and find out how he plans to serve our community. Light refreshments will be available.
Here are a few call-outs from his campaign website:
Service to the Community that Gave Me Everything
"Every opportunity I've had — the opportunity to attend the Air Force Academy, to serve my country, to live my dream — I've had because I was fortunate enough to grow up in this community.
At this time, when so many people are feeling those opportunities are increasingly out of reach and Congress is abdicating its responsibilities, I feel my own responsibility to step up, give back, and serve so future generations can have the same — or better — opportunities than I had."
Recommitting to Equality
"Our country was conceived in the ideal that ‘all men are created equal’ — I still believe in that commitment to equality.
This is who we are as Americans. We must continue to strive to make 'a more perfect union.'
We are at our best when we act in a way that is consistent with our ideals. We must not retreat from this promise to each other."
Better Days Are Within Reach
"I remain incredibly optimistic about the future of America. We've been through tough times before and we've emerged stronger as a country.
My optimism isn't naivety. I've taught history to Air Force cadets who are still volunteering to serve because they believe in America. I've also seen how hard people will fight for democracy.
I have seen what happens when we acknowledge our differences and take a commonsense approach to our common problems: nothing can stop us."
Drag Queen Read-Aloud AND Holiday Wrapping with DD
A holiday read-aloud AND gift wrapping event by our favorite local Queen, DD!
Book Talk and Signing with Susan Cheever, author of "When All the Men Wore Hats"
Join us to celebrate the publication of When All the Men Wore Hats, a sympathetic and illuminating account of the intersecting life and work of the legendary writer John Cheever, as told by his eldest daughter, Susan Cheever. Susan will be joined onstage by her brother, fellow writer Benjamin H. Cheever, for a conversation about writing, the family legacy, and the connections between art and life.
Building Bridges Through Books: Dec. 9 Gathering
Our social justice book club is back. For our December meeting, we’re reading The Tragedy of True Crime, by John C. Lennon.
Dan Elias Presents: Fernern Shtern Klezmer Music
Let's have a Simcha (party)!
The incomparable gypsy jazz clarinetist Dan Elias performs with guest musicians on the first Sunday of every month. This December, he brings the Fernern Shtern Klezmer Band to our stage. They will play festive music from the Klezmer and other traditions. Come celebrate the holiday season with this joyful performance.
More information on the performers coming soon.
Tickets: $20 here or at the door.
About the Musicians
Jordan Shapiro
Jordan is a Hudson Valley–based pianist, accordionist, guitarist, vocalist and bandleader known for his long-standing work in Balkan/Eastern European music, bluegrass music and progressive rock. A fixture of the NYC scene for decades, he’s performed in countless ensembles, bringing a deep feel for regional styles to both keyboards/accordion and guitar. His sideman work includes tours and recordings with Project/Object, Gary Lucas and Nona Hendryx, and a wide range of gigs that reflect his ability to move fluidly across folk traditions, rock music, and improvisation.
Jordan is the founder and bandleader of Choban Elektrik, a project dedicated to reimagining Balkan folk music through the sounds of vintage keyboards, electric textures, and tight ensemble interplay. Under his direction, the group has appeared in formats ranging from a core trio to a full six-piece lineup with strings, horns, and vocals—each arrangement built around Jordan’s vision of bringing new life to traditional melodies. Alongside his work as a performer, he is also an active teaching artist, leading workshops and school programs that explore global folk traditions and creative music-making.
Jerry Kisslinger
One of North America’s foremost presenters of Eastern European rhythms, percussionist Jerry Kisslinger has performed Balkan and Klezmer music at community events, concerts, and festivals for decades. On the faculty of the East European Folklife Center’s workshops since 1985, he teaches at workshops in the US and abroad, and with private students, and leads the informal music for congregation Mishkan Ha’am in Hastings.
A founding member of Zlatne Uste Balkan Brass Band, he currently plays with ZU and Kavala Brass Band as well as Pontic Firebird and other ensembles. Jerry’s discography includes Édessa and Friends: Balkan Border Music, Like in a Different World with traditional klezmer violinist Leon Schwartz, Di Shikere Kapelye, with Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All Stars,` as well as four recordings with Zlatne Uste and guest appearances on Raif Hyseni 24 and Dolunay’s Our House.
Dan Elias
Daniel Elias has been playing the clarinet since its invention. A product of his surroundings, Daniel brings the streets of Brooklyn alive with his instrument. There is so much good music in the world that Daniel feels would benefit from the clarinet. In playing classical, Klezmer, Greek, Jazz and American Contradance music, this approach seems to work. The clarinet is not apparently suited for Grunge Music or Hurrian Hymns - so he will not be playing those. Daniel is pleased to continue his musical explorations at Ossining’s Hudson Valley Books for Humanity.
Holiday Music with School of Rock
Get your holiday spirit on with holiday music performed by students from Briarcliff’s School of Rock! Shop or relax while the performers do their thing. Either way, we invite you to come out and show your support for the young talent in our community.
Ian McKellan’s Acting Shakespeare
An evening of Shakespeare as you’ve never experienced it before.
Acting Shakespeare is a one-man show of Shakespearean monologues interspersed with theatrical anecdotes—and tastefully updated with some contemporary passages . Masterfully performed by Hudson Valley actor Kamran Saliani, and adapted from the original Acting Shakespeare by Sir Ian McKellan. Kamran is on a mission to share its power, message, and magic with the world. He is forever grateful to Sir Ian for his graciousness, his kindness, and the opportunity of a lifetime in entrusting him to revive the work and carry on its legacy.
Acting Shakespeare is produced through the Irvington Shakespeare Company, the official theater troupe of Rivertowns Playhouse - The Official Theater Wing of The Center for Independent Productions, Inc. (CIP)
This event is free, but we ask for RSVPs so we may plan for seating and refreshments.
WHO IS KAMRAN SALIANI?
Kamran Saliani founded the Irvington Shakespeare Theater Company (ISC) in 2020 as a local theater initiative, which evolved into the Rivertowns Playhouse (RTP), a non-profit organization bringing accessible, professional theater to Westchester, NY. Saliani, an actor and producer, gained permission from Sir Ian McKellen to revive his one-man show, Acting Shakespeare, and has received recognition as a "Westchester Wunderkind" for his work. The company is dedicated to making Shakespeare accessible to all people.
Born in the Bronx and raised in Irvington, NY, Kamran is a proud Iranian-Italian-British-American and graduate of NYU Tisch (BFA, Drama). Selected roles include Algernon (The Importance of Being Earnest), Pericles (Pericles, Prince of Tyre), Friar Lawrence (Romeo & Juliet), Malvolio (Twelfth Night), Dumaine (Love’s Labour’s Lost), Bertolt Brecht (Requiem for Black Marie)
Saliani has cited Ian McKellen, Bo Burnham, James (‘Jimmy’) Stewart, Bill Hader, Janet McTeer, Ismenia Mendes, Heath Ledger, Kenan Thompson, Jack Nicholson, Peter Sellers and Marlon Brando as influences.
For more about how this production came to be, please click here.
Fall of Freedom: A Read-In of Books Banned in Prisons
As part of the Fall of Freedom call to action, the Sing Sing Prison Museum presents a program of books banned in prisons, in cooperation with community partners Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) and Hudson Valley Books for Humanity. Hear passages from great works of art in support of free minds inside and outside the prison.
“Book banning and restrictions on literature must be opposed,” PEN American has reported, “because when society accepts the basic premise that ideas and information can be a threat, it opens the door toward the suppression of learning and information more broadly.”
The event is free, but registration is encouraged.
Author Talk: K-Drama School with author Grace Jung (in conversation with Helen Park)
From stand-up comedian and media studies PhD Grace Jung comes a rollicking deep dive into the cultural significance of Korean television.
Death Cafe
Free and open to the public!
Hosted by Hudson Valley Books for Humanity and Michelle Carter, Funeral Director, End-of-Life Coach and founder of The Death Expert, this event offers space for open conversation about death, dying, and the choices available to us at the end of life.
Special guests include:
David C. Leven, Executive Director Emeritus and Senior Consultant with End of Life Choices New York, who will answer questions about New York's Medical Aid in Dying legislation
Colin Sandler, LCSW, of Medicaid Solutions, who will offer guidance on navigating Medicaid, long-term care, and financial considerations for aging and dying
This is not a lecture or seminar. It is a facilitated community gathering where people are encouraged to share thoughts, ask questions, or simply listen.
This event is free and open to the public. Books, beer, cider, and wine will be available for purchase.
Whether you are supporting a loved one, working in end-of-life care, or simply exploring your own feelings and questions about death, this is a safe space to have a meaningful conversation.
Short Attention Span Book Club
Short on time? No problem! This book club is designed with minimal reading and maximum impact.
Artisan Showcase 2 of 2
Get ready for the holidays!
Meet the artists and artisans who create the gorgeous products you see in our store. Organized into two separate days — November 9 and 16 — each event features makers of greeting cards, jewellery, pottery, and a diverse array of artwork. Come view the products, meet the artisans, and pick up a few special items for yourself or loved ones. Better yet, come both days and meet them all!
November 16 features these artists and artisans:
Chad Crume - Cards and prints
Kerry Goldberg - Pottery
Fabiana Chiu - Jewelry
Shu Tu - Framed prints, ceramic jewelry
Chopoholic Cutting Boards and René Ebersole
Maxine Young - Cards and prints
Anne Marie Leone - Cards and prints
November 9 feature(d) these artists and artisans:
Jennifer Eolin - Upcycled bottle lamps, framed collage art
Shannon Fury - Bug and nature stickers
Dennis Kirby - Greeting cards and framed prints
Martin Munroe - Paintings, prints, and much more
Gentle Flame by Laura Pontrelli - Pottery and ceramic jewelry
Frog Prince Pottery by Matthew Van Fleet
Pam Zicca - Photo cards and prints
Make a Scene Production: Fall Hodgepodge
An evening of scenes, songs, stories and more . . .
Building Bridges Through Books: Nov. 11 Gathering
Come be a part of something truly special - now in our 2nd season.