Beacon Second Saturday in the News: “Beacon’s 2nd Saturdays offer arts, nightlife” – Poughkeepsie Journal, Jan 2, 2013
Written by Lindsay Pietroluongo For the Poughkeepsie Journal
Max’s on Main. Photo by Lindsay Pietroluongo
You would think that recruiting friends to accompany me as I research my next nightlife column would be easy — it isn’t. I’ve come to learn over the years that people like their routines, their radius and their familiar places. Coercing a twenty-something into leaving her hometown for the evening to explore one bar that’s more than half an hour away is as easy as bribing a fish out of water with the most pathetic of lures. That’s why I’ve come up with a formula: mash together a few different experiences into one day-turned-night out and you’ll get more bang for your buck.
Our own little Beacon is actually one of New York’s most admired art communities — even New York City residents and journalists would agree. As more and more contemporary art lovers flocked to the area, nearby restaurants and entertainment venues realized they should keep up with the influx of customers. Now, every second Saturday of the month, galleries, restaurants and other nightspots in Beacon stay open late, host live music and provide snacks for visitors.
Beacon’s next Second Saturday is Jan. 12 — the first for the new year. Stroll along Main Street, pencil in a couple of scheduled events and pop into shops and eateries as you go. Galleries and stores stay open until 9 p.m.; restaurants and bars are open later.
• The Hurricane Sandy Benefit Concert for the Point Breeze Volunteer Fire Department begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Howland Cultural Center. There’s a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students; 477 Main St. Visit carlaspringer.com or howlandculturalcenter.org for more information.
• The Fluid Cats art opening will be held at Spire Studios from 6 to 9 p.m.; 45 Beekman St.; spirestudios.org.
• Max’s On Main hosts live music at 9 p.m. Show your true support for the town by ordering the Beacon Rolls — shaved beef, cheese, caramelized onions and peppers all wrapped up and fried; 246 Main St.; www.maxsonmain.com
Other notable sites that are bound to have art displays, music, tastings or bites to eat include:
• Joe’s Irish Pub, 455 Main St.; 845-838-1779
• The Hop, serving craft beer and artisanal fare; 458 Main St.;www.thehopbeacon.com
• Bank Square Coffeehouse, 129 Main St.; www.banksquarecoffeehouse.com
• Chill Wine Bar, 173 Main St.; 845-765-0885
• Artisan Wine Shop, 180 Main St.; www.artisanwineshop.com
Visit www.beaconarts.org/second-saturday for more information.
Lindsay Pietroluongo writes about nightlife in the Hudson Valley for the Poughkeepsie Journal. Email her at lindsaypietro@gmail.com.
