Hammond Museum announces September programming

While summer will soon be drawing to a close, the weather is still ripe for outdoor events and gatherings. North Salem’s Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden is kicking off the fall season with a full slate of programming. The events are diverse in nature, but each connects with at least one of the museum’s three pillars: art exhibitions, nature, via the museum’s Stroll Garden, and the encouragement of East-West cultural understanding.

“We continue to offer events that have long been popular, such as the Moon Viewing Concert and Norm Hathaway Swing Band performances,” said Liz Hammer, executive director of the Hammond. “However, we are also trying new things to see what appeals to our audience and the nearby community.”

Hammer said that the museum’s goal is to have visitors enjoy Hammond events while also finding meaning on a deeper level, whether through a memorable concert, an insightful gallery talk or an educational garden tour. “We also strive for our programs to be high quality, with knowledgeable, skillful and experienced presenters,” Hammer said.

Photo by Benjamin Allen, HudValley Photo

The museum’s annual Moon Viewing concert is typically the organization’s biggest event of the year. “Listening to Japanese traditional music in the garden is a very special experience,” Hammer said. Families may want to mark their calendars for the Oni Festival, which will take place Sunday, October 29. The program introduces kids to Japanese demons in clever and creative ways.

“While not every event will appeal to every person, we try to offer a diverse program that, taken all together, is enjoyed by a wide audience,” Hammer said. “So, some programs are geared toward kids, some focus on wellness, others have cultural appeal. And, we have lots about nature. Hopefully something for everyone.”

Photo by Benjamin Allen, HudValley Photo

 September events at the Hammond:

Flute Serenade at the Hammond
Saturday, September 9, 6:00 p.m.
$35 General admission
$30 seniors admission (65 and up)
$15 students

Reserve your tickets and get ready to be swept away by an enchanting evening program at the Hammond Museum. The first program features a musical landscape of exquisite dance melodies from the New Jersey Wind Symphony Flutes and the second program highlights mesmerizing piano solos and a flute-and-piano duet—featuring Tomoko Isshiki and Kristin Bacchiocchi-Stewart. Strolling in the garden and light refreshments complete the occasion.

Sound Bath in the Garden with Nadya Mainskaya
September 10
$20 per person

Escape into the beautiful garden and experience pure vibrations of crystal singing bowls tuned to 432 Hertz, the frequency of nature, played with other instruments producing healing sounds. Bring comfortable clothes and blankets to this hour-long meditation.

Zen Garden Meditation and Writing Sessions with Stephen Leslie and Cynthia Eyster
September 17 and October 15, 10:00 a.m.
$15 per person for each session

Each session will begin with a brief meditation followed by a writing exercise. On Sept. 17th we will practice writing haiku poetry. On Oct. 15th the writing format is open. Please bring writing material. Each session will be outdoors. In case of rain, the sessions will be under the tent.

57th Annual Moon Viewing Concert
Saturday, September 30
$25 per person
Garden opens at 6:00 p.m.

Join this special tradition begun by Natalie Hays Hammond in 1966. Wander through the garden under the soft twilight light. Enjoy a tea ceremony demonstration at 6:30 p.m. and at 8:00 p.m. a very special outdoor concert with traditional koto and shamisen music by Masayo Ishigure and Miyabe Koto Shamisen Ensemble. Refreshments and cultural displays will be available.

For more information about The Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden,visit www.hammondmuseum.org or call 914-669-5033.