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Yoga, Dance, Music, Film, and so much moreÂ
By Sally Deering
Summer’s just around the corner and after the winter we had, every day should feel like the 4th of July. One of the many benefits of living here on the Hudson is not only our close proximity to all things Manhattan, but the many activities that are offered either on the water or close to it. From kayaking to dance performances to film screenings on a starry night, there are plenty of fun things to do this summer; here’s a sampling…..
SUMMER ENCHANTED EVENINGS
Hoboken Concert Series
Thurs, 7 pm: Jun 25-Aug 20
Sinatra Park Amphitheater
Between 4th & 5th Streets, Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
Music under the stars; what a great way to spend a weekday night. Hoboken’s Cultural Affairs department presents free outdoor performances this summer with a little something for everyone.  And don’t miss the community play along on Thurs, July 23rd when the Guitar Bar All Stars attempt to beat the world’s record for “Most People Playing a Stringed Instrument on the Same Songâ€. Hundreds of local musicians gathered for a group performance of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door†last year. Tutorials are provided for guitar, mandolin and ukulele on the Guitar Bar’s YouTube page, so start practicing for that world record. Here’s the summer line-up!
Jun 25:Â Â Karen Kuhl Band and Christine Santelli Band
Jul 2:Â Â Â Â Â Hoboken All Star Jam featuring Krystal
Jul 9: Â Â Â Â Hoboken Summer Bash hosted by Frank Raia
Jul 16: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The Gordys and Abbe River & Friends
Jul 23: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Guitar Bar All Stars
Jul 30:Â Â Â Ray Rodriguez y Swing Savroso.
Aug 6:Â Â Â Skanatra (reunion concert)
Aug 13:Â Swingadelic
Aug 20:Â Julio Fernandez & Friends featuring a Top Flite / Park Ave Band Reunion
Kayak & Paddle-Board the Hudson
Hudson River Recreation
(914) 682-5135
If you’re looking for some interactive fun in the water, why not explore the historic Hudson in a kayak, with lessons and tours offered by Hudson River Recreation. Since 1998, its experienced staff has guided thousands of kayakers – from beginner to pro – “through some of the most stunning waterways in New York.†Their program lineup includes regularly scheduled guided kayak tours, instructional kayak lessons, recreational and touring kayak rentals, stand up paddle boarding tours, lessons, and rentals. In addition, they offer special events like fireworks paddles, moonlight paddles, and kayoga (kayaking & yoga).
 MOVIES UNDER THE STARS
Wednesday nights at 9 pm:
Jun 17 & 24; Jul 8, 15, 22 & 29; and at 8:15 pm Aug 5, 12 & 19
Pier “A†Park
First St & Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
Instead of spending Wednesday nights watching MODERN FAMILY reruns, why not grab a blanket or lawn chair and head over to Pier “A†Park in Hoboken for some free movies under the stars. You may bring a picnic, but no booze (subject to a fine). Assisted-listening devices are available, but must be reserved three weeks in advance (call 201-420-2207). Here’s the lineup:
Jun 24: THE IMITATION GAME, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley.
Jul 8: Â SAVING MR. BANKS, starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson.
Jul 15: BIRDMAN, starring Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, and Edward Norton.
Jul 22: THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, starring Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansbury.
Jul 29: BIG HERO 6, Academy Award Winner for Best Animated Feature Film.
Aug 5: CINDERELLA, starring Lily James, Cate Blanchett and Richard Madden.
Aug 12: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2; at 7 pm, Preschool of Rock performs.
Aug 19: Disney’s FROZEN.
HUDSON RIVER DANCE FESTIVAL
Wed & Thurs, June 17, 18 at 6:30 pm
Pier 63 in Chelsea, NYC
A huge free treat for dance lovers, the Hudson River Dance Festival features some of the best dancers in New York as they take the stage for this celebration of Modern Dance. For two nights only; bring a blanket (chairs are not allowed on the Pier 63 lawn) and watch the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Parsons Dance and Ballet Hispanico with the Hudson at their feet.
WALK THE WATERWAY
Sun June 28, Sept 13, & Sept 27
Hudson River Waterfront Conservancy
Sponsored Waterfront Walks
To get a good view of the new and improved waterfront, the Hudson River Waterfront Conservancy (HRWC) sponsors waterfront walks that focus on different locations on the Hudson. Each waterfront walk is approximately 2-3 miles. Upcoming walks:Â June 28, Bayonne, Dennis Collins Park; Sept 13, Liberty State Park, North/Liberty Marina; Sept 27, Edgewater South.
Walkers meet at 9 am and walk from 9:30 to noon and return to the starting point by 12:30 pm. Cost per walk:Â $5 per person, payable in cash or check on day of walk. Each walker will be asked to sign a release form. To sign up, email [email protected] with your contact info, date of the walk you are interested in, and number of walkers.
RIVER DANCE
Thurs, Jul 9 – Aug 13, 6:30 pm
The Kennedy Dancers
- Owen Grundy Pier
Exchange Place, Jersey City
(201) 659-2190
The Kennedy Dancers’ Professional Company and Inner City Youth Junior Dance Company perform on the J. Owen Grundy Pier with the Manhattan Skyline as their backdrop, and as part of Jersey City’s Summer Dance Festival Series.
DOWNWARD DOG ON THE PIER
Free Waterfront Yoga by Michelle Timek
Sat, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept 12, 9-10:15 am
- Owen Grundy Pier
Exchange Place, JC
(201) 357-7292Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
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Bring your yoga mat, a bottle of water, and your pals to free yoga on the waterfront by Michelle Timek who teaches yoga in downtown Jersey City. In 2010, Timek began offering free guided yoga sessions on the Hudson to give the community the chance to enjoy the experience of yoga with the beautiful skyline in the background. What began as a small gathering grew to more than 60 participants at each class last summer. Timek focuses on movement, breath, laughter, fun, ease, playfulness and discovery. “It’s quite a magical site and feeling to see everyone gathered together in front of the glistening water and skyscrapers, collectively saluting the morning sun. The energy, views and experience is all so amazing. We’re so excited for this season to do it all over again.â€
