Live Events

Author Stephen B. Shepard offers a deep dive into the enigmatic life of J.D. Salinger in Salinger’s Soul. Fourteen years after his passing, Salinger remains as intriguing as ever—renowned for The Catcher in the Rye and his reclusive nature. Shepard explores key moments that shaped Salinger’s work, from his WWII experiences to his fascination with Eastern religions and his decision to stop publishing. Until Salinger’s unpublished works are released, Salinger’s Soul provides valuable insight into the man behind Holden Caulfield.

A locally-based trio performing an eclectic, fun mix of popular favorites from across the decades, in perfect harmony! Featuring Colleen Casale (vocals), Lauren Beachak (vocals) and Frank Iorio (piano). Show begins at 6:30pm. Free admission, no reservation required.

In 1925 in Dayton, Tennessee, John Scopes was charged with breaking the new law that banned the teaching of evolution in public schools.  His trial became an international sensation, with brilliant and famous personalities – one, a former presidential candidate – representing the opposing sides during the so-called Roaring Twenties.  Keeping the Faith brings to life this trial, its combatants, and the way it exposed profound divisions in America that still resonate today, over the meaning of freedom, religion, education, and civil liberties in a democracy.

Trivia Night returns to the Bedford Playhouse Cafe, hosted by Rachel from Rock Paper Scissors Custom Events. Play solo or as a team and test your knowledge on a wide range of topics, including movies, music, history, geography and more. Food and drink available for sale from the bar.

The past four decades have been the hottest in recorded history. Author and journalist Bob Reiss first sounded the alarm on climate change 25 years ago in The Coming Storm: Extreme Weather and Our Terrifying Future—recently re-released and praised by Bill McKibben as “the most readable and intelligent summary of global warming science and politics I have read.” He later explored the rapidly melting Arctic in The Eskimo and The Oil Man. Reiss will share insights from his work, reflect on where we are now, and take questions from the audience.

Join us for a presentation with Dr. Hibbs and Dr. Rostain, national experts and co-authors of The Stressed Years of Their Lives and You're Not Done Yet. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and research, they’ll explore the challenges facing youth, young adults, and parents today — from navigating development to recognizing treatable mental health issues. They'll also offer insight on how parents can better support themselves and their kids amidst conflicting advice. A Q&A will follow.

Live standup comedy featuring performers from Last Comic Standing, The Tonight Show, America's Got Talent and Comedy Central. Starring Hanna Dickinson, John Fisch, Judy Gold, and Nathan Macintosh. Hosted by Ray Ellin.

John Trumbull saw the American Revolution firsthand, including being shot at and jailed as a spy.  He was seen by his contemporaries as a painter, but he thought of himself as a historian, wanting “to preserve and diffuse the memory of the noblest series of actions which have ever presented themselves in the history of man.”  He knew John Jay well, having served as his secretary during the negotiations of the Jay Treaty, and he painted the only portrait in the Homestead’s collection that Jay actually sat for (the rest are copies).

Don't miss our Annual Spring Benefit on Friday, May 9, 2025 – Featuring an intimate acoustic performance by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Rob Thomas (of Matchbox Twenty), with comedian Lynne Koplitz kicking off the night.

Lauren Leader is a thought leader, writer, activist and advisor who has devoted her career to advancing equality and American democracy. She is founder and CEO of All In Together, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization committed to advancing women’s civic and political participation. Since its founding in 2014, All In Together has reached millions of women across the United States and equipped them with tools of civic participation and leadership. Moderated by Nancy Steiner.

James Frey, the literary force hailed as “America’s Most Notorious Author” (TIME) and the “Bad Boy of American Literature” (The New York Times), returns with his latest tour de force: Next to Heaven, a darkly funny, razor-sharp thriller that peels back the gilded surface of America’s wealthiest enclaves. This incendiary novel delivers an addictive and voyeuristic plunge into a world where privilege, scandal, and moral decay intertwine, culminating in betrayal, chaos, and murder. Moderated by Fran Hauser. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing.