Thankful for feasting and festivities

The big feast is soon to arrive — and with it the spectacle and delights of the festive season ahead. The stage is set for the turkey, the trimmings, The Nutcracker, and all that is merry. Before we settle in for that Thanksgiving gathering with family and friends, and the hectic pace of the season, step out and explore some of the many holiday-themed events nearby.

      
The venerable South Shore Symphony Orchestra heads into the holiday season — and this post-election week — with a special fall concert, “American Classics,” on Saturday, at the Madison Theatre on the Molloy College Campus.
This uplifting program features quintessential scores by two of the nation’s most important composers: Samuel Barber and Aaron Copland.

The evening’s highlights include Barber’s eloquent “Concerto for Violin,” with the exceptional Metropolitan Opera violinist Wen Qian, as thesoloist. Copland’s stirring “Lincoln Portrait,” the composer’s tribute to our 16th president, inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s letters and speeches, includes narration by film and stage star Steve Guttenberg, who will deliver the dramatic monologue on democracy.
Rounding out the program are Barber’s bracing “Essay N.1 for Orchestra” and Copland’s western-0inspired ballet score, “Billy the Kid.”
“Our special guest performers make this program a real happening,” says Wayne Lipton, the orchestra’s president and principal cellist. “Wen Qian is an extraordinary violinist who brings her unrelenting passion to this magical composition.”
“After what has been a tumultuous election season, we thought that some extremely positive music about our country and beautiful American music would be appropriate. Copland’s “A Lincoln Portrait” is one of the most inspiring and moving compositions ever. I first heard it at Tanglewood years ago with James Earl Jones narrating. It turns o ut that dozens of our country’s greatest actors and statesman have performed as narrator over the past decades since it was composed. When I started to look for a narrator, it was suggested to me that Steve Guttenberg would be a great choice. He grew up in Massapequa, is a Hollywood star and is a product of the South Shore of Long Island. When we asked him, he accepted enthusiastically. It gives us great pleasure to have him perform with the South Shore Symphony.”
“Even those who normally are not classical music goers should come to hear this short, but inspiring concert,” Lipton adds. “You will have a chance to meet Mr. Guttenberg and Ms. Qian. It will be one of the highlights of our season.”
Share this salute to America, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Madison Theatre, Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4000 or www.madisontheatreny.org.

Native American feasting
Early on in our nation’s history Native Americans handed down time-honored practices as they rejoiced over nature’s bounty at harvest time, even though it wasn’t Thanksgiving in the traditional sense. Yet, there was plenty of feasting and festivities as these Native Americans gathered to commemorate their harvest before preparing to settle in for the approaching winter.
An annual holiday tradition — one that has been popular here for more than 25 years now — takes place at Garvies Point Museum and Preserve each year prior to Thanksgiving. The season’s festivities take the form of a Native American version of a holiday feast that celebrates the culture of Northeastern Native Americans.
This weekend’s hands-on program — held both outside and indoors — gives visitors a first hand look at the life of these early Americans, through an interactive glimpse of their culture and daily life. Everyone can participate in tool and pottery-making, fire-making, spear-throwing and the use of the atlatl (a spear-throwing tool). Primitive fire building and on-site cooking (including Garvies’ famous popcorn soup) are among the favorite activities always enjoyed by all who take part.
Families can also sample some authentic native foods and learn about the process of creating “dugout” canoes. In addition, examine displays of artifacts from the museum collection and an authentic reproduction of a wigwam, always a favorite with kids and parents.
While there, be sure to check out the museum’s permanent exhibits, which showcase Long Island’s Native American culture and archaeology, as well as the geology of Long Island and New York State. Films about Native American life are also shown hourly.
Share the Native American experience, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19-20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $3, $2 ages 5-12. Garvies Point Museum and the adjoining 62-acre preserve are at 50 Barry Dr., in Glen Cove, by Hempstead Harbor. (516) 571-8011 or www.garviespointmuseum.com.

Thanksgiving 19th century-style
Year after year, families throughout the area look forward to making a pre- or post-Thanksgiving trek to Old Bethpage Village Restoration’s re-created village to immerse themselves in the sights and aromas of the holiday season, where those early years of our national day of feasting and giving thanks comes alive. Journey back to 1863 as townsfolk prepare their holiday meal, following President Abraham’s Lincoln’s proclamation of the first official national holiday of Thanksgiving Day.
Step back in time as the village bustles with activity to prepare for Thanksgiving: wood-burning stoves, beehive ovens and hearths are fired up to prepare foods and baked goods made from 19th-century recipes. Culinary exhibits include the “spitting” and roasting of turkey in a tin reflector oven beside the Williams House hearth and preparation of pies at the Powell House. The village also displays the 19th-century methods of food preservation employed for late fall crops.
Historical fiddle music adds to the festive atmosphere during the afternoons, while at the Noon Inn, children’s stories are read several times each day.
Enjoy an old-fashioned Thanksgiving, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19-20 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Nov. 26-27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10, $7 children and seniors. Old Bethpage Village Restoration is located on Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. (516) 572-8400 or www.obvrnassau.com.