ABOUT US
TThe Untermeyer Performing Arts Council was created in 1976 to bring free entertainment and music to the people of Yonkers in Untermyer Park.
Greystone, originally created by hat magnate John Waring, was purchased by one-time NY Governor and 1876 Presidential candidate Samuel Tilden. It later became the country home of Samuel and Minnie Untermyer, enthusiastic supporters of the arts. They often presented performances in their home, in the gardens and in the amphitheater.
The Untermyer Performing Arts Council is honored to continue their tradition. For more than 45 years we have delighted tens of thousands of Yonkers area residents with presentations on the Great Lawn of the park, adjacent to the now beautifully restored gardens. Our summer series takes place every Saturday evening at 6:30, from June through the Labor Day weekend, with a different offering each week.
In this charming setting overlooking the Hudson River, audiences have thrilled to the sounds of the symphony, the beat of Big Bands, the rhythms of rock and rap. They have enjoyed ballet, modern dance, and up-to-the-minute experimental troupes. They have laughed at a Shakespeare comedy, cried at an opera by Puccini. They have joined their neighbors to celebrate the music and dance of many of the ethnic groups that make up Yonkers’ diverse population.
More information about our off season!
ON THE ROAD
Between its summer seasons, Untermyer Performing Arts takes the show on the road, presenting concerts at venues throughout the City of Yonkers. Past performances have included celebrations of Irish culture with acclaimed performers such as Brian Conway and Mary Courtney. These Three Tenors have honored Italian-American heritage with their entertaining blend of operatic favorites, Sinatra standards, and Italian folk songs. We continue to enthusiasticly support Yonkers Arts Weekend and the Yonkers Idols Competitions.
These Three Tenors, On The Road Series
YONKERS IDOL COMPETITION
Since 2008, Untermyer Performing Arts has supported the Yonkers Idol Competition, in which aspiring singers ages 15-19 compete for the title of Yonkers Idol, and singers ages 10-14 vie to be the Yonkers Junior Idol. The competition is sponsored by the City of Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation. Throughout the year, the winners provide live entertainment at civic functions, such as the our own community tree lighting, and events and ceremonies throughout the city. The Theresa Fund, established in honor of Theresa Sansone, a life-long patron of the arts, and the Untermyer Performing Arts Council award each of the winners a $1000 scholarship.
Amanda Gentile, 2019 Yonkers Junior Idol and Ada Victoria Israel, 2019 Yonkers Idol
MAY GALA
Each spring celebrates the start of a new summer season with a gala fundraising cocktail party. A highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Griffin Awards, honoring prominent citizens of Yonkers for their contributions to the organization’s mission. At the 2019 gala, the honorees were Henry Djonbalaj, Silvia Metrena-Nunez, Top Class Limousine, and Homefield Deli. Nick and Chrissy Theodoropolis of the Homefield Deli accept their award with Vice President Peter DiIorio and President Mary Hoar.
YONKERS ARTS WEEKEND
Each May Untermyer Performing Arts participates in the City of Yonkers’ weekend long celebration of the arts in Yonkers. In 2019 flutist Carlos Jimenez brought his Latin Jazz band to downtown Yonkers. Muy caliente!
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
The first Tuesday of August is National Night Out, a festive event that strengthens the relationship between police departments and the communities they serve. In 2018, Untermyer Performing Arts participated with a table display with information on the remainder of the summer season and beyond, and brought along the Alex Safey Jazz Trio to entertain the party-goers. This is just one way to thank Yonkers’ Finest and to honor the Yonkers Auxiliary Police Force, whose officers are present at every summer concert.
CAROLING FOR A CAUSE: Community Tree Lighting in December
Untermyer Performing Arts gets into the holiday spirit by lighting the beautiful blue spruce outside the Charles Cola Center, which houses the organization’s offices. After the lights go on and the carols have been sung, the party moves indoors for hot chocolate, cookies, face painting, and more singing. But the most important part of the evening is presenting the hundreds of toys and gifts, donated by the Untermyer Performing Arts community, to our neighbor, Rising Ground, since 1831 a leading nonprofit human services organization that provides children, adults, and families the tools and opportunities they need to rise above adversity and positively direct their lives.
JUNIOR VOLUNTEERS
Untermyer Performing Arts is especially proud of our UPAC Teen Volunteers, organized by board member Zafiro Acevedo. Before becoming volunteers at Untermyer Performing Arts, none of these young people had had the opportunity to attend live entertainment events. Now they have experienced a wide range of arts events, from Shakespeare to ballet, from salsa to swing music. The junior volunteers attend performances year round, where they assist with setup, cleanup, program distribution and interact with our patrons and artists.
Our Council is funded by the City of Yonkers,ArtsWestchester, the County of Westchester, as well as a variety of corporate and individual sponsors. Please consider a donation to help us continue our work.
