Hastings’ quest to develop its waterfront; the best ice cream treats around the county; local designers’ tips on revamping your home with small changes; what to do this weekend; and more
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With over 25,000 versions, Gershswin’s jazz standard “Summertime” is one of the most covered songs in the world. Music greats including Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Sam Cooke, and many others have recorded inspiring renditions. I intentionally chose a contemporary version for this week’s article, artist Lana Del Rey’s 2020 recording, because it demonstrates that a poignant and beautifully written song transcends time.
Written in 1934, “Summertime” was one of the first compositions George Gershwin worked on for his opera Porgy and Bess (1935). The jazz-inspired song is a lullaby for the character Clara to sing to her child. The lyrics were written by DuBose Heyward, the author of the novel “Porgy” on which the opera was based, and also co-credited to Ira Gershwin. Heyward’s inspiration for the lyrics came from the southern folk spiritual lullaby called “All My Trials.”
New York native and six-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Elizabeth Woolridge Grant is known professionally as Lana Del Rey. Her music has been described as “Baroque pop” or “Dream Pop.” Variety honored her at their Hitmakers Awards for being “one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 21st century.”
— ELISA ZUCKERBERG, Founder of HearItThere.com, an online resource for live music events in the Hudson Valley and Fairfield County.
📰 ICYMI: This Week’s Features
Putting the River in a Rivertown
A look at the longstanding challenges and aspirations to develop Hastings’ storied waterfront
Very Cool Treats for Very Hot Days
No need to SCREAM for ice cream — we handpicked enough sensational scoop shops to enjoy a different sweet treat every day of the week
Small Changes, Big Impact
Three local designers share their tips for making a modest change in your home to create a dynamic difference.
Your Best Bets: What to Do This Weekend (and Beyond)
Music and heritage festivals, nature activities for the whole family, and a sunset meal along the Hudson are all part of this week’s picks.
Home Health Aide Indicted for Stealing from Somers Resident: A home health aide was indicted last week for impersonating and stealing more than $2,000 from a 93-year-old Somers resident for whom she worked. (Examiner)
Westchester Home Prices on the rise, Housing Sales Decline in 2Q: If the prices at the pump aren’t enough, prices for homes in Westchester County are also on the rise. Housing sales, however, declined in the second quarter of the year compared to the same period last year, according to the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. (News 12)
Hochul Signs Enhanced Gun Safety Law Following Special Session: Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Sunday that bolsters restrictions on concealed weapons, one of two initiatives approved in a special session held last week by the state legislature. (Examiner)
26 Years In Prison For Man Who Lured Child In Westchester For Sex: A Florida man who enticed underage victims in New York, Kentucky, and New Jersey for sex will spend decades behind bars. (Patch)
Local Leaders Lobby for Putnam County Sales Tax Revenue: Municipal leaders from across the county turned out for a recent Putnam County Legislature committee meeting to ask legislators to consider County Executive MaryEllen Odell’s proposal to give the towns and villages $10 million from the county’s sales tax revenue and American Rescue Plan funding. (Examiner)
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