NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Public Library’s jam-packed calendar of summer programs for all ages also includes family films, International Music and Dance, and live performances for children, through the week of August 27th. The following free programs will take place in the Ossie Davis Theater.
On Monday, August 6th, from 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm, The Buddy Holly Story will be shown. The Critically acclaimed biopic of the famed 1950s pop star, spanning the years from his beginnings in Lubbock to his tragic early death in the now famous plane crash, highlighted by Gary Busey’s Oscar nominated performance.
The International Music and Dance performance for Tuesday, August 7th, from 7:00 pm – 7:50 pm will feature Bokandeye African Dance & Drums. Djembe drumming, colorful costumes, and powerful dancing brings to life the cultural traditions of African villages. Directed by Anthony Wooden, the Bokandeye Troupe of multigenerational dancers and drummers will again delight all ages with their outstanding performance.
On Wednesday, August 8th, from 10:30 am – 11:15 am, children’s entertainer Graham Clarke will perform the “Live Show for the Younger Set.” Children ages 8 and under will have a great time dancing and singing along Graham, who brings music and hilarity to each of his performances. Later that day, the family film Madagascar will be shown between 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm. A pack of not so-wild animals experience some serious culture shock when they move from the Big Apple to the Mighty Jungle. When the critters find themselves living on the coast of Madagascar, they quickly discover they aren’t quite suited for living in the wild.
Go, Johnny, Go is the featured family film on Monday, August 13th, from 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm. In the 1959 black and white film, rock-n-roll promoter Alan Freed sponsors a talent search to develop a new rock star, and then must find the elusive mystery contestant, who doesn’t know he has won. The movie stars Alan Freed, Chuck Berry, Richie Valens, and Jackie Wilson.
On Wednesday, August 15th, from 10:30 am – 11:15 am, the “Film for the Younger Set” is Little Bear, based on the classic children’s book illustrated by Maurice Sendak, In the afternoon, from 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm, a live science show presents “Frogs, Bugs & Animals from Green Mountain Farm.” The exciting hands-on program features frogs, bugs, reptiles, a fluffy chicken, bunnies, chinchillas, baby animals and more. Music and dance is also part of the fun!
The acclaimed Calpulli Mexican Dance Company returns for another fabulous, costumed performance at the BID Grand Market, in Ruby Dee Park at Library Green, on Saturday, August 18th at 1:00 pm. The professional dancers, who thrill audiences of all ages, will be joined by students who have been taking part in the library’s free Mexican Dance Classes, led by Calpulli members. The performance takes place on the platform outside the library door to the park, unless weather requires it to be moved into the Ossie Davis Theater. The Grand Market opens at 9:00 pm, and children are invited to create a project at the craft table, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
On Monday, August 20th, from 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm, Bye, Bye Birdie will be shown. When rock star and teenage heart-throb Conrad Birdie gets drafted, the nation’s teenagers go haywire and Conrad’s manager, Albert (Dick Van Dyke), faces unemployment. So Albert and his girlfriend (Janet Leigh) organize a nationwide contest in which one lucky girl wins a farewell kiss from Conrad on the Ed Sullivan Show. The movie also stars Ann-Margret and Bobby Rydell.
Groovy Joe and Dinosaur Stories will be the featured “Films for the Younger Set” on Wednesday, August 22nd, from 10:30 am – 11:30 am. Children ages 3 – 6 will enjoy these fun stories from picture books: Groovy Joe: Ice Cream, How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?, How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?, and T is for Terrible. Later in the afternoon, from 2:00 pm – 3:45 pm, the film Mary and the Witch’s Flower will be presented. A dazzling adventure is about a young girl named Mary, who discovers a flower that grants magical powers, but only for one night. Based on Mary Stewart’s 1971 classic children’s book The Little Broomstick, the award-winning animated film is action-packed and full of jaw-dropping imaginative worlds, ingenious characters, and the and the stirring, heartfelt story of a young girl trying to find a place in the world. The movie is rated PG.
The Market activities are made possible by the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District, BID. The library programs are made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library.