Friday Night Live: Edgy Magic in Hastings

Originally from Calabria, Italy, Hastings' resident magician Pino Gareri captivated local and foreign audiences for decades with  his "Magic of Romance" and illusions, including: the Floating Lady, The Diminishing Pictures, Flash Gipsy Thread, and his famous Bottles Routine. But in 2006 Gareri died, leaving behind a legacy of young magicians aspiring to live up to their instructor's magical prowess.

"Gareri is dearly missed in Hastings," Village Trustee Meg Walker said. "Tomorrow's celebration is a tribute to him."

Hastings Weekend 2010 begins Friday with the next installment of the village's monthly Friday Night Live series, a concept Walker recently conceived.  Aptly titled "Mid-Summer Magic," the event will feature both local and New York City-based magicians whose performances Walker promises will delight kids and parents alike.

"This is new-age magic," she said. "It's edgy magic."

Produced by Dobbs Ferry resident and Gareri protege "Vanishing" Vinny DePonto, the evening will include: live music, dancing, juggling, fire eating, fortune telling and of course magic.  DePonto himself will deliver the culminating performance.

In addition, many business and restaurants will be offering special deals Friday night, the details of which can be found  here. 

"Mario the Magician"--sometimes called Mario Marchese--will perform a children's show at the VFW at 5:30.

"Magic In The Streets" kicks off at 6 p.m. in the downtown business district on Warburton Avenue. Also at 6, Musician Dan Elias will perform a set of Sephardic music at the VFW with his band, "The Elias Ladino Ensemble."

The main stage show runs from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m on the center stage. 

Musical duo, "Gillen & Turk", Fred Gillen Jr. and Matt Turk, will perform at the James Harmon Community Center, directly following the magic show. 

And Riverrun, a local acoustic folk rock band will perform at Hastings Station Café from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

"It's Perfect summer's night entertainment," Mayor Peter Swiderski said. "And, for crying out loud, its free. You don't have to search out a circus or carny show. Here it is, wonder delivered to your door step."

As for the rest of the weekend:

On Saturday, the 5th annual village-wide tag sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 50 homes throughout the village are expected to participate. Tag sale maps are available online here or at the community center, library, village hall or pool.

Saturday night, there will be a "Dive-In Movie Night" at the Chemka Pool. Pool members have free admission. For non-members:  $5 per adult and $3 per child. Attendees are encouraged to bring a float to use in the main pool while watching the movie. Movie Night begins at 8:30 p.m, weather permitting.

On Sunday, there will be a "Senior Splash Pool Party" held at the Chemka Pool from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This party, which will have a catered lunch by Slices, is completely free for all senior residents, during which time the pool will be closed to anyone under 65. To make reservations for bus transportation to the party, call: 478-2380 by Friday, July 16.

Sunday afternoon, from 1 to 4 p.m., "Family Fun Day" will also be held at the Chemka Pool with activities will including a balloon toss, toy toss and more.