Art in Hudson

ELLEN’S PICKS

Wednesday, May 15

Music on the Musica Patio – Anastasia Serdsev and the Bard Klezmer Ensemble – Melodia, trombone, banjo, cello, balalaika, etc. – Information atwww.goodmusica.com or 828-1045 – 6 pm – Musica, 17 North Fourth Street (corner of Columbia Street)

Chelsea Light Moving with Sonic Youth Founder, Thurston Moore – Moore is described as the songwriter who “plays over-amped hyper electric guitar and sings with raw-glam-destructive vocals.” – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Thursday, May 16

Spring Migratory Bird Walk – Audubon NY education coordinator Larry Federman leads a walk during one of the most exciting times of the year to see birds – Mid-May is the height of migration and there is the possibility to observe many neotropical migrants as they return or pass through for the breeding season – Suitable for all ages – Bring binoculars and sturdy walking shoes – Pre-registration and information at 828-1872, ext. 109 or e-mail shasbrook@olana.org – 7:30 am – Wagon House Education Center, Olana State Historic Site, 5720 Route 9G, Greenport

City of Hudson Public Hearing related to the NYS Office of Community Renewal Community Development Block Grant Program opportunities – An opportunity for Hudson citizens to identify and discuss the community’s overall needs and priorities, including the needs of low and moderate income people, and to propose possible community improvement projects the City may wish to submit to the CDBG Program – Application ideas must fit under one of four categories: Economic Development, Small Business Assistance, Public Infrastructure, or Public Facilities – Information at 751-1045 (HDC) – 5:30 pm – City Hall

Live simulcast of the National Theatre of London’s production of This House, a new play by James Graham – “Its 1974 and the corridors of Westminster ring with the sound of infighting and backbiting as Britain’s political parties battle to change the future of the nation, whatever it takes.” – Reservations at www.timeandspace.org or 828-8448 – 7 pm – Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street (Also on Sunday.  See below.)

Top Shelf Thursdays! – The Chris O’Leary Band – “…O’Leary cut his teeth on six years as singer, harp player and front man for Levon Helm’s Barnburners and seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps…” – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Pocatello, Passerine, and Mail the Horse all perform – Information at 828-1562 or www.TheHalfmoonHudson.com – 9 pm – The Half Moon, 44-48 South Front Street

Thursday-Sunday, May 16-19

Films at TSL:

> Andre Gregory: Before & After Dinner – “A witty and often hilariously funny raconteur, Gregory looks back on a career that spanned decades, shattered boundaries and established him as a cultural icon.”   

> Violeta Went to Heaven – A biography of Violeta Parra, “a deeply influential figure in world music and complex cultural icon of Chile’s history.”

> Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries & Mentors of Ricky Jay – A documentary film about “one of the world’s greatest living magicians…”

> Schedule at 822-8100 or www.timeandspace.org – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Stageworks/Hudson presents the Kaliyuga Arts production of True Love Lies by Canadian playwright Brad Fraser – A regional premiere directed by John Sowle – Eight performances only – “The Sawatsky family has what looks like a happy, comfortable and stable life…that is until David MacMillan comes back to town and the kids find out that he and their dad were once a couple.” – Information and tickets at 822-9667 or www.stageworkshudson.org – Thurs at 7 pm, Fri/Sat at 8 pm; Sun at 2 pm – Stageworks/Hudson, 41-A Cross Street

Friday, May 17

Friday Night Tastings ––Eminence Road Farm Winery, a new winery in Long Eddy, NY in the Catskills, sources organic grapes from the Finger Lakes, and makes wine in a natural style, using only indigenous yeasts and low intervention – Jennifer and Andrew, the owners/winemakers, will be on hand to introduce the wine – Information at 828-6411 – 5 to 7 pm, Hudson Wine Merchants, 341 Warren Street

Friday Fish Fry – Striped bass (or cod) and conversation about boats, the river, and the future of the Hudson Sloop Club, a program of Kite’s Nest – Bring a dish if you’d like – Information at www.kitesnest.org – 5 to 7 pm – Kite’s Nest, 108 South Front Street (annex to Basilica Industria)

Questar III Annual Scholarship Cruise-in – All classic cars and specialty vehicles welcome – Buffet prepared by Culinary Arts students – Music by Oldies 93.5 – Information at 828-4157 or email lseftner@questar.org – 5 to 8 pm – Questar III Columbia-Greene  Educational Center, 131 Union Turnpike/Route 66, Greenport

Opening – Shana Lee will be debuting her Summer 2013 Collection and new work by renowned punk rock metalsmith Barbara Klar – Information at 828-1686 – 6 to 8 pm – Shana Lee Gallery, 315 Warren Street

The Feelies – “A garage band reimagined by mathematicians, a psychedelic band with no illusions, a folk-rock band hypnotized by repetition, a punk band for introverts.”—Jon Pareles, The New York Times  – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Friday-Saturday, May 17-18

Durable Living in the 21^st Century – Dr. Guy McPherson discusses climate change, energy decline, and designing community resilience – Friday, Dr. McPherson will show clips from the new documentary, Somewhere in New Mexico at the End of Time, followed by a wide-ranging discussion – Saturday, Dr. McPherson will present a workshop for all ages focusing on ways to protect and preserve the natural environment, followed by a walk along the waterfront and explorations of South Bay – Information at www.basilicahudson.com – Friday lecture and film at 7 pm – Basilica Hudson, 110 South Front Street; Saturday workshop at 12 noon at Kite’s Nest, (annex to the Basilica building), 108 South Front Street

Joint Chiefs – These local musical heroe “ have won an enthusiastic following with their close harmonies and wide-ranging repertoire.  Playing guitar, bass, mandolin, button box accordion, and percussion, they bring their considerable talents to a list of great songs.” – Information and tickets at www.ancramoperahouse.com/events2013 or 329-7393 – 8 pm – Ancram Opera House, 1330 County Route 7, Ancram

Friday-Sunday, May 17-19

The Ghent Playhouse opens its final production of the season – The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – Music and lyrics by William Finn, book by Rachel Sheinkin – Directed by Rachel Sheffer – Runs on weekends through June 2 – Information and reservations at 1-800-838-3006 or www.ghentplayhouse.org – Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm – Ghent Playhouse, 6 Town Hall Road, Ghent

Saturday, May 18

Germantown Town-wide Yard Sale – Households all over Germantown will participate – Coincides with Germantown Garden Club’s “giant” plant sale and the Germantown Library Book Sale, both on Palatine Park Road – Map available at Germantown Library, and Otto’s, on Route 8, Germantown – Information by calling Town Hall, 537-6687

Hudson Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday through November 23 – To find out what’s available at the market, to view the calendar of events (including cookbook author appearances), or to sign up for a weekly e-newsletter, go to www.hudsonfarmersmarket@yahoo.com – 9 am to 1 pm – Lot at the corner of Sixth and Columbia Streets

Open Public Day at Equine Advocates – An opportunity to meet 83 rescued animals including horses, ponies, donkeys and mules – Picnicing at the pond encouraged – No pets allowed – Information at 392-0175 or www.equineadvocates.org – 11 am to 4 pm – Equine Advocates Rescue & Sanctuary, 3212 Route 66 ( 2 miles north of the Village of Chatham), Chatham

Ninth Annual Hudson Valley Literary Festival – Produced by the Council of Literary Magazines & Presses, the Hudson Opera House, and Hudson Wine Merchants – Information at www.clmp.org –A Literary Magazine & Small Press Fair with hundreds of bargain books and literary magazines published by regional and national independent publishers for sale – Many editors and publishers will be on hand to meet and greet – Most magazines $2 and most books $4 – Reading and Receptionfeaturing Chris Hosea (Put Your Hands In), Anna Moschovakis (You and Three Others are Approaching a Lake), and Nelly Reifler (Elect H. Mouse State Judge) – Information at www.clmp.org – Fair from 11 am to 4 pm at the Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street;  Reading & Reception at 5 pm at Hudson Wine Merchants, 341 ½ Warren Street

Unreserved Catalogued Estate Auction – 675 unreserved lots plus selected additions including the contents of several Tri-State estates – On-line catalogue atwww.copakeauction.com/auctions/2013-05-18.html – Information at 329-1142 – Preview Thursday 11 am to 5 pm and Friday, 11 am to 7 pm – Auction Saturday from 12 noon to 4:30 pm – Copake Auction, Inc., 266 Route 7A, Copake

Poetry Reading  featuring poets Irene Mitchell and Paul Genega – Mitchell is the former poerty editor of Hudson River Art Journal and serves as poetry contest juror and facilitator of poetry workshops – She will read from her collection, A Study of Extremes in Six Suites, and recently composed poems which will be forthcoming in literary magazines this Spring – Paul Genega will read from his poetry collection, All I Can Recall – He is the author of four previous full-length volumes and six chapbooks, and has won numerous awards and an individual fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts – This is the first program in the Claverack Library’s Celebrate Local Authors Series – Books will be available for purchase and signing – Reservations required at 851-7120 – 3 pm – Claverack Free Library, 629 Route 23B (corner of 23B & 9H), Claverack

Writers Omi Authors Reading and Barbeque – A group of ten writers and translators currently in residence at Writers Omi at Ledig House, will read from their works – This group’s many literary accomplishments include an author short-listed for the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize, a Stegner Fellow, and a winner of the German Buchpreis – Their work spans the genres of fiction, nonfiction, translation and theatre – The reading will be followed by a barbeque and reception for the artists – Information at 392-4747 or www.omiartscenter.org – 5 pm – Gallery, Visitors Center, Omi International Arts Center, 1405 County Route 22, Ghent

Exhibition Opening – Art Biologic – Twenty-seven contemporary artists interpret the biological world – Exhibition features traditional and eclectic works in all media by regional, national, and international artists – Information and preview at www.slowart.com or 828-2343 – 5 to 7 pm – Limner Gallery, 123 Warren Stree

Exhibition Opening – Primitive Florida: Photographs by Benjamin Dimmitt – First Light, Last Light: Photographs by Debi Milligan, and 110 Days of Winter, Video by Keiko Sono – Portfolio Showcase by Kent Krugh and Anna Beeke – On display through June 23 – Information at www.davisortongallery.com or 697-0266 –  6 to 8 pm – 114 Warren Street

HRC Showcase Theatre presents a staged reading of Mike Bencivenga’s play, Billy and Ray  – Directed by Barbara Waldinger – “…the incredible true story of how Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler wrote the screenplay for Double Indemnity, invented film noir and nearly killed each other in the process..” – Winner of the 2012-2013 W. Keith Hedrick Playwriting Contest – Followed by a reception and discussion – Reservations at 851-2061 – Information at www.hrc-showcasetheatre.com – 7:30 pm – Auditorium, First Reformed Church of Hudson, 52 Green Street

What I Thought I Knew – Alice Eve Cohen plays 40 roles in a play that grapples with complex issues…A riveting odyssey through doubt, a broken medical system, and the complex terrain of motherhood and parenting – Adapted from Cohen’s published memoir, one of Oprah Magazine’s “25 Best Books of Summer.” – Directed by Elizabeth Margid – Information at 822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org – 8 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

David Jacobs-Strain – with special guests, The Faux Meek – “…Jacobs-Strain is a virtuosic slide guitar player and a storyteller with a passionate one-man show that is both humorous and deeply lyrical…” The Faux Meek consists of four local musicians—Josh Meisner, Damara Rose, Rob Williams, and Gabe Schaftlein—well-known through their performances in Mother Fletcher, Two Gun Man, Citizen Band and Luxury Flats – This is their debut – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Linda Draper and Kath Bloom perform – Listener beware – It is said of Linda Draper: “she sings like a siren, luring some would-be lover to his grisly doom” – Kath Bloom is called “a cult singer-songwriter…who gnaws into the listener’s hide from the very start…” – Information at 671-6006 or www.thespottydog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Live Music at the Wunderbar – Funk Merchant performs – Information at 828-0555 – 10 pm – Wunderbar & Bistro, 744 Warren Street

Late Night Dancing with DJ Gio – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 11 pm to 2 am – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19

Battle of Austerlitz & Napolean Encampment – A living history event – “Imagine this:  The year is 1805.  You’re in the small town of Austerlitz.  Suddenly, a troop of French cavalry ride into the Village square surprising the Russian and Austrian soldiers.  Skirmishes break out…”  “The Napolean Brigade, with the most flamboyant military uniforms you’ll ever see, will recreate the battles of this period with skirmishes, demonstrations and open encampments on the historic grounds of Old Austerlitz…” – Live music – Picnicing encouraged – Rain or shine – Please leave pets at home – Saturday evening: English Country Dance in the newly-raised Morey-Devereaux Barn –  Schedule and information at www.oldausterlitz.org or 392-0062 – Saturday 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday 9 am to 2 pm – Old Austerlitz, 11550 State Route 22, Austerlitz

Sunday, May 19

HD screening of the National Theatre of London’s production of This House, a new play by James Graham – “Its 1974 and the corridors of Westminster ring with the sound of infighting and backbiting as Britain’s political parties battle to change the future of the nation, whatever it takes.” – Reservations at www.timeandspace.org or 828-8448 – 1 pm – Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street (Also on Thursday.  See above.)

Uel Wade Scholarship Concert – The eighteenth annual Music Scholarship competition performance in which local high school musicians compete for up to $10,000 in scholarship Prizes to further their musical training – Information at www.spencertownacademy.org or 392-3693 – 3 pm – Spencertown Academy Arts Center, 790 Route 203, Spencertown

James McCartney, with Jon Sandler opening – McCartney is preparing to release what will be his first full-length album in 2013, accompanied by major US and European tours – “The young McCartney’s promising pop-rock tunes make clear he’s learned a few lessons about melody, phrasing, and charm.”—The Boston Globe – Go towww.jamesmccartney.com – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Monday, May 20

Song Circle Jam – All welcome – Information at 828-2210 or contact Marilyn at liveoriginalmusic@hotmail.com  Every Monday night – 7 to 9 pm – Red Dot, 319 Warren Street

WKZE 98.1 presents The Monday Showcase – Black Mountain Symphony – “…showcases an eclectic range of influences, blended together to create their own special sound.  From baroque classical violin and haunting folk-tinged ballads to funk-rock drums and hard-hitting dance numbers, the five-piece band sprinkles their live sets with hints of everything from classical music to bits of Motown, blues and jazz.” – No cover! – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

ELLEN’S PICKS

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PICK OF THE WEEK

Last summer, curiosity led me to what turned out to be the ultimate local recycling event–The Hudson Valley Old Time Power Association Auction.  At this annual event, available items are laid out in neat rows over twenty acres of land, and a mobile auctioneer’s stand, pulled by a tractor,  traverses the fields conducting business until every object is sold. Last year it all ended at 11:30 pm, which, since the auction starts at 8 am, makes for a very long day!

You may think that old machine parts and broken down tractors are not of interest, but I’ve seen a few artists, photographers and antique dealers at this event, which has got to mean something.  If you too find beauty and elegance in rusted machine parts, this is the place for you, and the kids will love it. Wear comfortable shoes.  Food available.  Breakfast served at 7 am.  Details below under Saturday, May 11.

ELLEN’S PICKS

Tuesday, May

Helsinki Open Mic – Try out new material on the big Helsinki stage – Hosted by Cameron Melville and Ryder Cooley – Information at 828-4800 orwww.helsinkihudson.comm – Sign-up begins at 7 pm – Performance from 8 to11 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Wednesday, May 8

Folk artist Rod MacDonald, accompanied by bassist Mark Dann – to benefit Stageworks/ Hudson – Concert followed by a Meet the Artist reception – Information and tickets at 822-9667 or www.stageworkshudson.org – 7:30 pm – Stageworks/Hudson, 41-A Cross Street

Thursday, May 9

Diabetic Support Group Meeting – To share experiences, strategies and fellowship – Meetings generally last one hour – Questions by e-mail topeter.pehrson@yahoo.com or call 478-3660 – 6 pm – Hudson Chautauqua, 49A Eighth Street (between Columbia & Warren Streets)

Top Shelf Thursdays! – Two Bands and a Jam – The Myles Mancuso Band and Separated at Birth with Jared Alpern – Now at the age of 17, Mancuso is a nationally recognized prodigy who fronts his own band, singing and playing guitar and keyboards – Separated at Birth is a new rock band that has grown out of the musical partnership between veteran Hammond B-3 organ player Tony Perrino and 16-year old musical phenom Jared Alpern – Information atwww.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Stree

Thursday-Sunday, May 9-12

Films at TSL:

> Andre Gregory: Before & After Dinner – “A witty and often hilariously funny raconteur, Gregory looks back on a career that spanned decades, shattered boundaries and established him as a cultural icon.”   

> In Bed with Ulysses – A documentary that “tells the provocative story of how the novel that is widely considered the greatest work of modern fiction was created.”

> The Forgotten Space – “…explores the sea: that ‘forgotten space’ of our modern times where globalization and the present financial crisis become visible in the most pressing way.”

> Schedule at 822-8100 or www.timeandspace.org – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Stageworks/Hudson presents the Kaliyuga Arts production of True Love Lies by Canadian playwright Brad Fraser – A regional premiere directed by John Sowle – Eight performances only – “The Sawatsky family has what looks like a happy, comfortable and stable life…that is until David MacMillan comes back to town and the kids find out that he and their dad were once a couple.” – Information and tickets at 822-9667 or www.stageworkshudson.org – Thurs (pay-what-you-will-preview) at 7 pm, Fri/Sat at 8 pm; Sun at 2 pm – Stageworks/Hudson, 41-A Cross Street

Friday, May 10

Farm, Food and Music Festival – A hand-picked selection of local vendors selling fresh vegetables, honey, fruit, and ostrich eggs! – Live music – Locally-grown hot food available – 4 to 7:30 pm – Information at 537-6622 or www.friendsofclermont.org - Clermont State Historic Site, 400 Woods Road, Germantown

Questar III Annual Scholarship Cruise-in – All classic cars and specialty vehicles welcome – Buffet prepared by Culinary Arts students – Music by Oldies 93.5 (Rain date May 17) – Information at 828-4157 or email lseftner@questar.org – 5 to 8 pm – Questar III Columbia-Greene  Educational Center, 131 Union Turnpike/Route 66, Greenport

Talking Tea 101 – Kim Bach, founder of Verdigris Tea, will be sharing her knowledge about tea during this lecture series – This second lecture will concentrate on black teas; green teas were covered in the first session and blended teas will be discussed at the subsequent and last session.  Classes will include hands-on activities: assessing tea leaves, both wet and dry; using the senses to analyze the tea; and finally, brewing the leaves properly, then tasting and grading the result. Since the last session was sold out, reservations are suggested – In lieu of an entry fee, participants are asked to purchase 4 oz. of  the tea of their choice on the evening of the lecture – Information and reservations at 828-3139 – 6 to 7:30 pm – Verdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar, 135 Warren Street

Potluck and Discussion on Juvenile Justice – Moderated by Andre Harris, Director of Re-entry Services for the Trinity Alliance in Albany with special guests City Judge Jack Connor Jr., Columbia County Family Court Judge Richard Koweek, and Lee Wynn, former Director of the Office of Children & Family Services, Tyron Facility for Boys – In conjunction with the Staley B. Keith Social Justice Center – Information at 822-8448 – 6:30 pm – Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

A Helsinki Swing Event –Live music with The Solomon Douglas Quartet featuring Alison Dreyfuss – “a mixture of old-school swing, blues, and groovy swinging jazz.” – Alison Dreyfuss is “a young vocalist from Vermont who has been making a big splash in the Lindy Hop world…” – Information atwww.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – Workshop at 7:30 pm, free lesson from 8:30 to 9 pm, live music from 9 pm to midnight – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Sondra Sun-Odeon – A New York-based singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist who is the voice and half the songwriting force behind doom-world-psych band Silver Summit – Information at 671-6006 or www.thespottydog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Singer/songwriter Abby Lappen—Infusion with Steve Collins and Stuart Quimby – Information at 672-7346 – 8:30 pm – Main Street Public House, 12 Main Street, Philmont

Shannon McNally & Smoke Signals – “…a terrific blend of soul, roots and Americana…” – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday, May 11

Hudson Valley Old Time Power Association Annual Auction – Twenty acres of antique tools and equipment – Great for kids – Food available –Breakfast available starting at 7 am – Information at 822-1511 – 8 am until everything is sold – Rain or shine – 390 Fingar Road, off Routes 9/23, Hudson (Three miles south of Hudson)

Hudson Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday through November 23 – This week the Shoestring Band will be playing – To find out what’s available at the market, to view the calendar of events (including cookbook author appearances), or to sign up for a weekly e-newsletter, go to www.hudsonfarmersmarket@yahoo.com – 9 am to 1 pm – Lot at the corner of Sixth and Columbia Streets

Spring Flower Walk – Sponsored by Columbia Land Conservancy and led by Claudia and Conrad Vispo from the Hawthorne Valley Farmscape Ecology Program – Spring flowers of the floodplain forest will be compared with those on the bluffs – Participants will visit the ruins of an ice house and explore a mud flat – Registration at 672-7994 or by e-mail at claudia@hawthornevallyfarm.org – 2 to 4 pm – Nutten Hook, Ferry Road, Stuyvesant

Author’s Reading and Book Signing – American Phoenix: The Remarkable Story of William Skinner, A Man Who Turned Disaster Into Destiny – “In this gripping narrative history, William Skinner’s great-great-granddaughter, Sarah S. Kilborne, tells an inspiring American story of a nineteenth-century millionaire and founder of the American silk industry who lost everything in a devastating flood—and his comeback to the pinnacle of the business world” – Information atwww.hudsonoperahouse.org or 822-1438 – 4 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Author’s Reading and Book Signing – A.T. Mann, architect, author and astrologer, will read from his book, The Sacred Language of Trees – The book “explains how our primal relationship with trees—a central theme in religion, myth, and culture—continues to evolve in an age of environmental fragility.”  – The book contains arboreal art and photographs as well as quotes from poetry, literature, and spiritual texts – Information at 671-6006 or www.thespottydog.com – 4 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – Columbia County Council on the Arts presents Hudson After Dark – A solo exhibition of works by Cecelia Sinclair – Go towww.ceceliasart.com – On view through June 16 – Information at 671-6213 or www.artscolumbia.org – 4 to 6 pm – Upstairs Gallery, American Glory BBQ & Restaurant, 342 Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – Visionaries: outsider portraits by Fred Scruton – Scruton “travels extensively throughout the country to document self-taught artists and their colorful artworks.  His photographs celebrate the vitality of visions formed outside of the artistic ‘mainstream.’  This exhibition focuses on environmental portraiture within the personal worlds each artist has created.” – On view through June 9 – Information at 828-4539 or www.bcbart.com – 6 to 8 pm – BCB Art, 116 Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – Les Demoiselles d’Asheville – Works by Alice Sebrell, Linda Larsen, Porge Buck, Bridget Elmer, Amanda Wiles, and Nicole McConville – Connie Bostic, Guest Curator – Information at 537-6029 or www.curatoriumhudson.org – 6 to 8 pm – Curatorium, 60 South Front Street

Columbia County Habitat for Humanity’s Twentieth Anniversary Celebration & Awards Ceremony – Honoring Dennis Wedlick, architect; Diana Coughlin, builder; and James Manion and Ron Tanner, volunteers – Dinner and live and silent auctions – Information and reservations at 828-0892 – 6:30 pm – Basilica Hudson, 110 South Front Street

Plays in Progress – An evening of short plays be Jesse Waldinger, Byron Nilsson, Steven Somkin, Mary Foskett, Kim Sykes, Andrew Joffe, Kate McLeod, and Lucile Lichtblau – Plays in Progress is a collaborative of more than 25 professional playwrights, actors, directors and designers that meets regularly at HOH to provide an early stage forum to read, discuss and develop new work – Information at www.hudsonoperahouse.org or 822-1438 – 7 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

From 0 to 75 in 60 Minutes – A 75^th Birthday Musical Celebration with Arnold Steinhardt and Lincoln Mayorga – Part of the Claverack Landing series – “What do a Guarneri Quartet violinist and a Disney pianist have in common?” – Mayorga was staff pianist for Walt Disney Studios and contributed to the soundtracks of such motion pictures as Chinatown and Ragtime – Steinhardt was a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Guarneri String Quartet, recipients of dozens of awards – Together they have tales to tell about growing up in Hollywood, and of their individual musical journeys, and their coming back together in Columbia County.  Along the way they will make music—Brahms, Grieg, and even a rumba Lincoln wrote for Arnold – Followed by a celebration of Gwen Gould and the Columbia Festival Orchestra’s twenty-five years of presenting concerts in Columbia County  – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Live Music at the Wunderbar – Big Dan and The Blind Sasquatch perform – Information at 828-0555 – 10 pm – Wunderbar & Bistro, 744 Warren Street

The Berkshire Bateria and Troy Samba with Bossa Triba – Back by popular demand – Dinner from the Half Moon kitchen, with Brazilian food by Ponto Brasil – The deck is open! –Information at 828-1562 or www.TheHalfmoonHudson.com – Music from 10 pm to 1 am – The Half Moon, 44-48 South Front Street

Saturday-Sunday, May 11-12

Spring Book & Plant Sale  - Sponsored by Friends of the Claverack Free Library – Gently-used adult and children’s books (hard cover $1, paperbacks 50 cents); flower, herb and vegetable plants; fresh baked goods; fun for kids – Lunch served on Saturday – Take a tour and see the plans for the future home of the library at the former AB Shaw Firehouse right next door – Sat: 9 am to 3 pm; Sun: 10 am to 2 pm – Claverack Free Library, Intersection of Routes 9H and 23B, Claverack

Sunday, May 12

Mothers’ Day

Mother’s Day Garden Party & Tea – A family-themed tour of the museum’s historic gardens and piles of Russian tea balls, cucumber sandwiches and other dainty delights, overlooking the Hudson River – Reservations at 537-4240 – 1 pm – Clermont State Historic Site, 400 Woods Road, Germantown

Mothers’ Day Dinner Cruise – Dinner and music aboard The Spirit of Hudson – Information and reservations at 822-1014 – Board at 2 pm, cruise from 2:30 to 5:30 pm – City dock (behind the gazebo), Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, Water Street (over the bridge at Front and Allen Streets)

Mothers’ Day Concert – Ken Law, cellist, and Stephen Buck, pianist perform Beethoven, Faure, and Grieg – Part of the Adventures in Music series – Information at 325-4101 or www.roejanlibrary.org – 5 pm – Roeliff-Jansen Community Library, 9091 Route 22, Copake (1 mile south of intersection of Routes 22 and 23)

Monday, May 13

Song Circle Jam – All welcome – Information at 828-2210 or contact Marilyn at liveoriginalmusic@hotmail.com  Every Monday night – 7 to 9 pm – Red Dot, 319 Warren Street

WKZE 98.1 presents The Monday Showcase – Jules Shear and Pal Shazar – No cover! – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Tuesday, May 14

Trixie Starr hosts Match Game, the Hudson version of the 60s/70s television show – Trixie says: “…the most fun you are going to have in Hudson, below 3^rd, legally, on a Tuesday night.”  – Information at 301-4398 – 8 to 10 pm – (pm) Wine Bar, 119 Warren Street

 For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

All content herein copyright © 2013

 ELLEN’S PICKS

Tuesday, April 23

Helsinki Open Mic – Try out new material on the big Helsinki stage – Hosted by Cameron Melville and Ryder Cooley – Information at 828-4800 orwww.helsinkihudson.comm – Sign-up begins at 7 pm – Performance from 8 to11 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Trixie Starr hosts Match Game, the Hudson version of the 60s/70s television show – Trixie says: “…the most fun you are going to have in Hudson, below 3^rd, legally, on a Tuesday night.”  – Information at 301-4398 – 8 to 10 pm – (pm) Wine Bar, 119 Warren Street

Wednesday, April 24

Administrative Professionals’ Day

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey clowns Sir Arthur Adventure and Dragon Seeker will preview the show Dragons, playing at the Times Union Center in May – The show is centered on the themes of heart, wisdom, courage, and strength – Information at  828-0017 or 828-3015 – 4:30 pm – Hudson Youth Center, 18 South Third Street

Eric Krasno – Super Funk – with world-wide touring, notable recordings, and “…a resume that includes opening spots for the Rolling Stones and the Dave Matthews Band, its little wonder that KRAZ has developed a reputation as one of the most celebrated soul-funk artists in the world.” – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Thursday, April 25

Tenth Annual Dining Out For Life, a benefit for the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York – Eight Hudson restaurants–Baba Louie’s Sourdough Pizza Company, Ca’Mea Ristorante, Club Helsinki, Mexican Radio, (pm) Wine Bar, Red Dot Restaurant and Bar, and Relish Hudson, plus Crossroads Brewing Company in Athens–will donate a percentage of the price of your meal to the AIDS Council to help people in the region who are living with HIV/AIDS – The donation applies to both lunch and dinner, for those restaurants that are open for lunch – Local ambassadors will  greet you at the restaurant and give you a chance to enter a drawing for a trip to the Bahamas – Information on participating restaurants at www.aidscouncil.org  – Reservations are necessary

Hudson Pride Foundation and Mexican Radio team up to add a Pre-dinner Happy Hour to the Dining Out for Life fundraising event, with rainbow margaritas and bocas at the bar, and music by DJ Lisa – Information at 828-7770 – 5 to 7 pm – Mexican Radio, 537 Warren Street

Diabetic Support Group Meeting – To discuss diabetic strategies and issues, and to share fellowship – Meetings generally last one hour – Questions by e-mail topeter.pehrson@yahoo.com or call 478-3660 – 6 pm – Hudson Chautauqua, 49A Eighth Street (between Columbia & Warren Streets)

Professor Louie & The Crowmatix – This Woodstock quintet originally was formed by…Professor Louie for his co-productions for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame group, The Band.”   “Enjoy a night of rompin’ stompin’ roots rock, sweet ballads and roadhouse blues…” – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or  828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Cardboard and Schmear – Cardboard is “an energetic, melodic garage-rock band based in Brooklyn.” – For information on Schmear, go tohttp://schmear.bandcamp.com/  – Information at 671-6006 or www.thespottydog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Caprice Rouge – Yes, there is room for dancing! – Information at 828-1562 or  www.TheHalfmoonHudson.com – 9 pm  – The Half Moon, 44-48 South Front Street

Thursday-Sunday, April 25-28

Films at TSL:

> A Place at the Table – This documentary “shows us how hunger poses serious economic, social and cultural implications for our nation, and that it could be solved once and for all…”

>  Herman’s House – “What kind of house does a man who has lived in a six-foot-by-nine-foot cell for over 30 years dream of?”

> Bert Stern: Original Mad Man – “…a revealing look at the career of original ‘bad-boy’ photographer and cultural icon Bert Stern”

> Schedule at 822-8100 or www.timeandspace.org – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Friday, April 26

Exposition Auction – English, Continental, and American furniture, decorations and art – On line catalogue at www.stairgalleries.com – Information at 751-1000 – Previews Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday from 10 am, Auction starts at 6 pm – Stair Galleries, 549 Warren Street

Friday Night Tastings ––Eminence Road Farm Winery, a new winery in Long Eddy, NY in the Catskills, sources organic grapes from the Finger Lakes, and makes wine in a natural style, using only indigenous yeasts and low intervention – Jennifer and Andrew, the owners/winemakers, will be on hand to introduce the wine – Information at 828-6411 – 5 to 7 pm, Hudson Wine Merchants, 341 Warren Street

Spencer Day’s CD Release Party for The Mystery of You – “Filled with stylistic nuances that range from smoky noir to Latin jazz to surf guitar to Middle Eastern and Asian melodies.” This singer-songwriter’s long line of credits includes appearances at the San Francisco Jazz Festival, Town Hall and Joe’s Pub in NYC, the Kennedy Center in DC, the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Tanglewood Jazz Festival – Visit www.spencerday.com – Information atwww.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Friday-Saturday, April 26-27

Colossal Cookbook Sale – sponsored by the Friends of the Hudson Area Library – A large, eclectic collection of vintage, new and used cookbooks will be offered at discounted prices – Special guest Susan Simon, cookbook author, columnist, blogger, and professional caterer, will be on hand to answer questions about cooking, recipes and ingredients – The Book Room’s usual assortment of used books for sale will also be available – Information at 828-1792 or www.hudsonarealibrary – Friday from 1 to 4 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm – Side door, Hudson Area Library, 400 State Street

Friday-Sunday, April 26-28

Upstage Productions takes the musical comedy Nunsense on the road for the weekend – Call for reservations and times – Friday at The Vanderbilt Restaurant at 7 pm (672-9993), Saturday at Blue Store Restaurant at 6:30 pm (537-6658), and a 1:30 pm matinee on Sunday at Pegasus Restaurant (731-9200)

Saturday, April 27

Recruit NY – The City of Hudson Fire Department, along with many other fire companies in the region, holds an open house and recruitment drive as part of National Volunteer Week – Visitors can take a tour of the central station and apparatus, try on firefighter gear, see demonstrations of equipment. and learn the requirements and obligations of being a volunteer – Information at www.hudsonfire.com – 8 am to 12 noon – Central Fire Station, 77 North Seventh Street

HD screening of the Metropolitan Opera production of George Frederic Handel’s Giulio Cesare – Reservations at 822-8448 or www.timeandspace.org – 12 noon  –Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Slow Art Day – Part of a global effort to focus on art and the art of seeing by looking at art slowly and sharing your experience with others – Participants will visit five sculptures in The Fields and enjoy a special Slow Food menu at Café Omi – Information at www.artomi.org – 12 noon – Visitors Center, Omi International Arts Center, 1405 Route 22, Ghent

In observance of National Poetry Month, Peter Bergman, Executive Director of the Edna St. Vincent Millay Society in Austerlitz, will read Edna St. Vincent Millay’s poetry in the library’s History Room, which houses a number of her books in its collection – To learn more about Millay’s life, her poems and plays, visitwww.millaysociety.org – Information at 828-1792 or www.hudsonarealibrary.org – 1 pm – History Room, Hudson Area Library, 400 State Street

Poetry Reading/Book Signing – John Fitzpatrick, author of Moving to Completion, will speak on communing with animals and “an energy of oneness between nature’s spirit and the creative human spirit.”  Fitzpatrick lives in the Hudson Valley.  His work has been published in many journals in the U.S. – Information  at 697-0909 – 3 pm – TK Home and Garden, 441 Warren Street

Author’s Lecture – Margaret Roach, first gardening editor of Martha Stewart Living magazine, and author of the blog, A Way to Garden, blends personal stories with nuts-and-bolts gardening smarts that make her Hudson Valley garden a visual treat all year round. – Ms. Roach will discuss her new book, The Backyard Parables, focusing on “Non-stop Plants: A Garden for 365 Days.”  Part of the Distinguished Authors’ Lecture Series presented by the Columbia County Historical Society – Information and reservations at  758-9265 or by e-mail to cchs@cchsny.org – 3 pm Lecture at Kinderhook Reformed Church, 21 Broad Street, Kinderhook, followed by a reception at the Nathan Wild House, Valatie

Community Conversation – Neighbor to Neighbor: Victor Navasky in conversation with Peter Biskind about Navasky’s new book, The Art of Controversy: Political Cartoons and their Enduring Power – Reception and book signing to follow – Information and reservations at 392-3693 – 4 pm – Spencertown Academy Arts Center, 790 Route 203, Spencertown

Brownie Bake-off – If you have a favorite brownie recipe or start with a mix, join one of two contests—“From Scratch” or “Mix with Mojo”—to compete for city-wide bragging rights – Contestants must bring two pans (9 x 13) of un-cut brownies to the church by 4 pm – The public then tastes and chooses the winners – “Brownies” may be chocolate, butterscotch or blondies – Ice cream, coffee, milk, and water will also be available for the tasters – Proceeds will benefit Christ Church outreach programs – Information at 828-1329 – 4 to 6 pm – Christ Church Episcopal, Parish Hall, 431 Union Street (corner of East Court Street)

Wine & Chocolate Tasting – Award-winning artisanal chocolate maker, Chocolate Moderne, will offer three flavors for tasting—Blood Orange Bergamot, Chipotle Chocolate, and Tangy Tomate – These will be paired with wines chosen by Fairview Wines and Spirits – Information at 828-3139  or www.VerdigrisTea.com – 5 to 7 pm – Verdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar, 135 Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – Jake Berthot: Works on Paper and The Enamel Drawings  – Berthot says: “With a spackling knife I laid down a sheet of enamel on paper.  Then, like a blind man, the painter could by touch feel his way through a familiar yet unknown terrain.  In feeling I gain sight, marking and scraping into the surface until the work arrives at a found phenomenological oneness that is a wholeness, an expressive merger of mark and material….” – On display through May 19 – Information at 828-5907 or www.johndavisgallery.com – 6 to 8 pm – John Davis Gallery, 362 ½ Warren Street

19^th Annual Movable Feast to benefit the ongoing programs and restoration of the Hudson Opera House – Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Opera House, dinner at private homes, dessert back at the Opera House – Raffle:  one winner gets 15 gift certificates for meals at area restaurants – Raffle tickets available at the Feast or in advance at the Opera House – Information and reservations at 822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org –6:30 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Pony in the Pancake, Christina Abbott, and Bear Grass – Pony is a “five-piece psychedelic surf rock band from Albany”– Abbott “has been making music under various monikers and projects over the years, but her roots and strengths remain steeped in songwriting and unique vocals.” Bear Grass, also from Albany, is “an amalgam of awesome” and “has been rocking faces and soothing wounds since mid 2012.” – Information at 671-6006 or www.thespottydog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Winter Cabaret – The Bindlestiffs provide a  stage for the world’s best circus, sideshow, vaudeville, burlesque and boyesque, and physical comedy performers  –  The lineup includes Ringmistress Philomena, your skillful guide to the entertainment journey; Mr. Pennygraff, gentleman, prop manipulator, and swallower of dangerous objects; Amy G, international Variete star and physical comedienne; Jan Damm, world traveling acrobalance artist and clown; Rose Bonjo, contortionist and aerialist; and Robert Cowie, musical maestro who provides live original musical accompaniment – Attendees  in costume or circus makeup get a discount at the door –This show is for mature audiences only! – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Live Music at the Wunderbar – Acoustic Rye performs – Information at 828-0555 – 10 pm – Wunderbar & Bistro, 744 Warren Street

Saturday-Sunday, April 27-28

Sean’s Run Weekend – This annual event is in its twelfth year and has expanded to two days – Saturday:  Zumbathon, Super Saturday Run for Special Needs Kids, and Sean’s Run Bike Rides – Sunday: Prevention Education Expo, Battle of the Belts, Meghan’s Mile Youth Race/ Community Walk, and the 5K run – Schedule, locations and entry form at www.seansrun.com – Information at 672-4757 – Chatham Elementary School and Chatham High School, and other locations, Chatham

Sunday, April 28

Hudson Wedding Showcase – Presented by Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and Destination Bride – Engagement photos, hair and makeup trials, virtual venue tour of Columbia County sites, wedding planning seminar, demonstrations on fashion, hair and makeup styling; stationery design, and floral design; fashion show produced by Angela’s Bridal – Information at 828-4417 – 9 am to 4 pm – Basilica Industria, 110 South Front Street

Exhibition Preview of Albert Bierstadt in New York & New England – Exhibition on view from May 1 to November 3 – Information at www.thomascole.org or 943-7465 – Curator’s talk by Annette Blaugrund at 2 pm, reception and open house from 3 to 4 pm – Thomas Cole National Historic Site, 218 Spring Street, Catskill

Film Screening – Filmmaker John Feldman will screen his film, The Little Plant that Could IS BACK – Screening will be followed by a discussion – The 25-minute long documentary is the story of the Stuyvesant Falls hydro-electric plant, a renewable energy resource built in 1900 which was brought back on line thanks to the efforts of the community and engineer Jim Besha – Information at 766-3211 – 3 pm – North Chatham Library, 4287 Route 203, North Chatham

Troy Children’s Chorus performs – Part of the Adventures in Music series – Information at 325-4101 or www.roejanlibrary.org – 3 pm – Roeliff-Jansen Community Library, 9091 Route 22, Copake (1 mile south of intersection of Routes 22 and 23)

The Persephone Project – Director Carol Rusoff will hold an Orientation Session for an improvised performance based on the Greek myth, to be produced by http: hudson teen theatre project – Teens and young adults interested in all aspects of theatre production are invited to learn about preparation for this production –Will include discussion about auditioning, casting, rehearsal schedule, contracts, rehearsal methods, and family volunteerism – The Project will start rehearsals in May for June performances – No previous theatre experience required – Information at 822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org –4 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Monday, April 29

Song Circle Jam – All welcome – Information at 828-2210 or contact Marilyn at liveoriginalmusic@hotmail.com  Every Monday night – 7 to 9 pm – Red Dot, 319 Warren Street

WKZE 98.1 presents The Monday Showcase – Blue Food with special guest Neil Alexander – The band started in 1989 to focus on the music of Pee Wee Ellis, musical director for James Brown and Van Morrison – No cover! – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

All content herein copyright © 2013

ELLEN’S PICKS

To receive the complete Ellen’s Picks by e-mail, contact thurston@mhonline.net

Monday, April 15

Song Circle Jam – All welcome – Information at 828-2210 or contact Marilyn at liveoriginalmusic@hotmail.com – Every Monday night – 7 to 9 pm – Red Dot, 319 Warren Street

WKZE 98.1 presents The Monday Showcase with The Jonny Monster Band – “a power trio from New Paltz, NY who are known for their fast rock ‘n’ roll driven blues sound.” – No cover! – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Tuesday, April 16

Singer-songwriter Albert Carey – Information at 822-1234 or www.americanglory.com – 6 to 9 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Helsinki Open Mic – Try out new material on the big Helsinki stage – Hosted by Cameron Melville and Ryder Cooley – Information at 828-4800 orwww.helsinkihudson.comm – Sign-up begins at 7 pm – Performance from 8 to11 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Otto Hauser – “on the one’s and two’s” – Information at  www.TheHalfmoonHudson.com – no time announced – The Half Moon, 44-48 South Front Street

Wednesday, April 17

Singer-songwriter Marty McDermott – Information at 822-1234 or www.americanglory.com – 6 to 9 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Thursday, April 18

Friends of the Hudson Area Library Annual Meeting – Guest Speaker Lisa Dolan will discuss children’s literacy and creation of a culture of literacy in the community – Information at 828-1792 – 6 pm – Hudson Area Library, 400 State Street

Aimee Mann – Ted Leo opening – “…as fine a chronicler of the human comedy as popular music has produced.  Mann has the presence of mind to write songs about narcissists, which is a little different from the 90 percent of rock songs that are about being a narcissist.”  Mann is also known for acting in the films The Big Lebowski, Magnolia (for which she won a Best Song Oscar and a Grammy Award nomination), and for playing herself in an episode of IFC’s Portlandia – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or  828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Live Music at the Wunderbar – Rik Z and Karl Freezel perform – Information at 828-0555 – 10 pm – Wunderbar & Bistro, 744 Warren Street

Thursday-Sunday, April 18-21

Films at TSL:

> Bert Stern: Original Mad Man – “…a revealing look at the career of original ‘bad-boy’ photographer and cultural icon Bert Stern”

> Leviathan – An “immersive portrait of the contemporary commercial fishing industry, filmed off the coast of New Bedford, MA which is today the country’s largest fishing port”

> Schedule at 822-8100 or www.timeandspace.org – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Friday, April 19

Grand Opening of the Camphill Gift Shop – The shop features Camphill-made, hand-crafted items from the practical to the whimsical including rugs and totes made from recycled materials, handwoven placemats and napkins, cookies from The Camphill Bakery in Copake,  herbs, teas, and maple syrup from the Camphill Healing Plant Garden, as well as wooden toys and an array of notebooks, note cards and pottery – Information atwww.giftshop@camphillhudson.org or 697-3361 – 5 to 8 pm – Camphill Gift Shop, 360 Warren Street

Talking Tea 101 – Kim Bach, founder of Verdigris Tea, will be sharing her knowledge about tea during this lecture series – This first lecture will concentrate on green teas;  black teas and blended teas will be discussed at subsequent lectures.  Ms. Bach, a second generation tea expert, will discuss the variations that soils, air quality, temperature, and humidity can have on the taste of the final product – She will also discuss the professional method for sampling teas, and brewing methods –Tea purchase is requested – Information and reservations at 828-3139  or www.VerdigrisTea.com – 6pm – Verdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar, 135 Warren Street

Yard Sale and Last Good Truth – Yard Sale’s songs “deal with  topics of country-fried angst like drinkin’ and cheatin’ and going for broke while going broke…They also invoke the soulful beauty of R&B, the uplifting anthems of gospel, the lonesome melancholy of bluegrass, and the steamrolling syncopation of early 20^th-century riverboat minstrels and hobo jug bands.”  – Last Good Tooth returns to Hudson after touring to celebrate its new release.  Welcome home! – Information at 671-6006 or www.thespottydog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Indie Rock with Murali Coryel  – Information at 822-1234 or www.americanglory.com – 8 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

WGXC 90.7 FM Dance Party with DJ Effie of “In the Cut” – To benefit the radio station – Information at 697-7400 – Doors open at 9 pm – Panel Judged Dance-off at 11 pm – Pork Shop (PSTBD), First Floor, 704 Columbia Street

Friday-Saturday, April 19-20

22^nd Annual Antique & Classic Bicycle Auction – Featuring the Pedaling History Bicycle Museum Collection – Preview on Thursday/Friday from 11 am to 5 pm – Friday Swap Meet from dawn until dusk – Saturday Auction beginning at 10 am – Information at www.copakeauction.com or 329-1142 – Copake Auction, 266 Route 7A, Copake

Saturday, April 20

30th Annual Fishing Derby – Sponsored by the Hudson Department of Youth for boys and girls ages 4 through 15 – Oakdale Lake has been stocked with $1,000 worth of brook trout and rainbow trout – Medals, t-shirts, rod and reel combinations and other prizes are awarded for the largest trout caught every half hour in three different age groups. Participants are invited to bring their own fishing equipment and bait – To learn the rules of the contest and/or to register, go to the Hudson Department of Youth Office at the Youth Center, 18 South Third Street, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm – Registration fee is $2 and registration deadline is 5 pm, Friday, April 19 – Information at 828-0017 – 8 to 10 am – Oakdale Lake, 132 North Sixth Street

Columbia County Spring Gardening Day – The host this annual event, Master Gardener Volunteers at Cornell Co-operative Extension offering 12 ninety-minute classes in two sessions.  Class offerings include such topics as Ecological Lawn Care, Introduction to Invasive Species, No Dig Organic Gardening, and Chickens in the Back Yard – Limited space – Registration required – For a complete list of class descriptions and to register call 828-3346, ext. 0 or go to www.ccecolumbiagreene.org – 8:30 am to 12:30 pm – Columbia-Greene Community College, Route 9, Greenport

18^th Annual Meeting of the Friends of the First Presbyterian Church – Presentation of the restoration projects completed in the past year and an inside perspective on plans and challenges for restoring the Rose Window – Special guest speaker Hudson Mayor William Hallenbeck will proclaim the 100^thAnniversary of the city clock located in the church tower – Lunch follows the meeting (Lunch reservations required)  – Information at 828-4275 – 11 am – First Presbyterian Church, corner of Fourth & Warren Streets

Second in a series of Free Rabies Clinics – The Columbia County Department of Health reminds us that animals in the county have recently tested positive for rabies – Limit your exposure to this threat by having your pets inoculated – A full schedule of free clinics held throughout the county is available on the Columbia County website or call 828-3358 – 10 to 11 am for cats and ferrets (must be in a sturdy carrier), 11 am to 12 noon for dogs (must be on a leash) – Germantown Community Building, Palatine Park Road, Germantown

The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico – “The hauntingly beautiful story of love and courage set in Essex, England during World War II.” – Suitable for children ages 8 and up – Performed by actor John McManus and pianist Gili Melamed-Lev, with paintings by Martina Muller – Reservations and information at 392-2760 – 3 pm – Camphill Ghent, 2542 Route 66, Chatham

Reading – Nancy Kricorian, author of All the Light There Was, will read from her new novel about an Armenian family’s struggle to survive the Nazi occupation of Paris in the 1940s – Kricorian is a widely-published essayist and activist.  She is a graduate of Dartmouth and holds an MFA from Columbia University – Information at www.thespottydog.com or 671-6006 – 4 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

The Edna Project Concert – Liz Queler & Seth Farber in a project that sets the poems of Edna St. Vincent Millay to music, with an introduction by Peter Bergman – Information at www.roejanlibrary.org or 325-4101 – 4 pm – Roeliff Jansen Community Library, 9091 Route 22, Copake (one mile south of the intersection of Routes 22 and 23)

Friends of Beattie-Powers presents pianist Sebastien Cornut, a graduate of the Paris Conservatory who has excelled in numerous international piano competitions – Mr. Cornut now teaches at New Jersey City University and privately in New York City – This performance includes works by Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Liszt, and Poulenc – Reservations at rhoveninc@gmail.com – 5 pm – Beattie-Powers Place, Prospect Avenue & Bridge Street, Catskill

Exhibition Opening – Works by Marina Adams – Information at 646-207-9506 – 6 to 8 pm – Galerie Gris, 621 Warren Street

Two Exhibition Openings – Color Theory – Color panel paintings by Paul Schuchman, a former Frick Art Reference Library cataloger and self-taught artist living in Hudson – Second exhibition is Urban – A group  show of work by seven photographers offering distinctly different urban views – The thread running through the exhibition is “the transformative sense of light in all its forms—diffused, direct or fractured—as it moves through the  urban landscape.” – Information at 828-1915 or www.carriehaddadgallery@verizon.net – 6 to 8 pm – Carrie Haddad Gallery, 622 Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – Blank Planet – Jewelry by German artist Alexander Blank – On view through May 20 – Information at 671-6770 orwww.ornamentumgallery.com  – 6 to 8 pm – Ornamentum Gallery, 506 Warren Street

TSL: The First 40 Years – TSL’s Fortieth Anniversary Benefit – Reservations and information at 822-8448 or www.timeandspace.org – 6:30 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

The Music of Laura Kaminsky – A CD release concert of composer Laura Kaminsky’s new double CD on Albany Records – This performance features the Colorado Quartet and pianist Idith Meshulam – Kaminsky “is a composer with an ear for the new and interesting… and whose works are colorful and harmonically sharp-edged.”—The New York Times – She has received many commissions, fellowships, and awards as both composer and presenter and is currently Artistic Director of Symphony Space in NYC, as well as a professor of music at SUNY Purchase – Information at 822-1438 orwww.hudsonoperahouse.org – 8 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Michael Louis plays acoustic blues – Information at 822-1234 or www.americanglory.com –8 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Iris DeMent – “Iris possesses one of the great voices in contemporary popular music: powerfully, ringingly clear, capable of both heartbreaking fragility and blow-your-ears-back power.”—Ken Tucker, NPR – Sixteen years after her last album, DeMent’s “Sing the Delta presents twelve self-penned compositions from an artist whose first three albums established her as one of the most beloved and respected writers and singers in American music.” – Visit www.irisdement.com – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Live Music at the Wunderbar – Jukebox Junkies perform – Information at 828-0555 – 10 pm – Wunderbar & Bistro, 744 Warren Street

Sunday, April 21

Held Over!  Live simulcast of the National Theatre of London’s production of People, a new play by Alan Bennett – Reservations atwww.timeandspace.org or 828-8448 – 2 pm – Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Beautiful Girls – An afternoon of Babes, Sondheim, and Bubbly to benefit the Friends of Beattie-Powers Place – Performances by Kathleen Devine, Florence Hayle, and Lynne Kerr from Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway Songbook – Reservations by e-mail to rhoveninc@gmail.com – Information atwww.beattiepowersplace.blogspot.com – 2 pm – Beattie-Powers Place, Prospect Avenue & Bridge Street, Catskill

Sunday Afternoon Chill Zone – James Keneally plays from 1:30 to 4:30 pm; Charka is on from 5 to 8 pm  – Information at 822-1234 orwww.americanglory.com  – 8 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Monday, April 22

WKZE 98.1 presents The Monday Showcase – Jordan Weller and the Feathers – “With a voice that sounds like it has done a lot more living  than his years allow, Jordan’s lyrics will break your heart in one song and have you laughing and dancing along to the next.” – No cover! – Information atwww.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

All content herein copyright © 2013

ELLEN’S PICKS

To receive the complete Ellen’s Picks by e-mail, contact thurston@mhonline.net

All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.
All addresses are in Hudson unless otherwise indicated.

Monday, April 8

WKZE 98.1 presents The Monday Showcase – Brazil on the Hudson, featuring the wonderful talents of percussionist Emilio Martins of Sao Paolo, Brazil in the US for a rare visit – He will join forces with his old friend drummer Jeff “Siege” Siegel and new friends Pete Levin (piano, organ), Ben Sher (guitar), and Rich Syracuse – Choros, samba, bossa nova, baiao, jazz, and originals – No cover! – Information

www.helsinkihudson.com

 or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Monday-Sunday, April 8-14

Films at TSL:

> Leviathan – An “immersive portrait of the contemporary commercial fishing industry, filmed off the coast of New Bedford, MA which is today the country’s largest fishing port”

> Chasing Ice – Last Chance! — “In 2005, acclaimed environmental photographer James Balog headed to the Arctic…to capture images to help tell the story of the earth’s changing climate”

> Schedule at 822-8100 or

www.timeandspace.org

 – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street
Tuesday, April 9

The School to Prison Pipeline – Potluck and discussion with guests Judge Jonathan Nichols, Michelle Clark from the Probation Department, and educator Richard Smith – Information at

www.timeandspace.org

 or 828-8448 – 6:30 pm – Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Helsinki Open Mic – Try out new material on the big Helsinki stage – Hosted by Cameron Melville and Ryder Cooley – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.comm – Sign-up begins at 7 pm – Performance from 8 to11 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street
Trixie Starr hosts Match Game, the Hudson version of the 60s/70s television show – Play for cookies – Information at 301-4398 – 8 to 10 pm – (pm) Wine Bar, 119 Warren Street
Wednesday, April 10

Women’s Networking Luncheon – An opportunity for area business women to promote their businesses to other professionals – Hosted by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce – Information and reservations at 828-4417 – 12 noon to 1:30 pm – Mexican Radio, 537 Warren Street

Thursday, April 11

Diabetic Support Group Meeting – To share strength in numbers, experiences, and fellowship – Special presentation on the latest diabetic technology by Roche Healthcare Systems – Meetings generally last one hour – Information by e-mail to

peter.pehrson@yahoo.com

 or call 478-3660 – 6 pm – Hudson Chautauqua, 49A Eighth Street (between Columbia & Warren Streets)
Liv Carrow and Paper Castles – Carrow is a singer/songwriter living in Livingston, NY. Her melodies, often dark and witty, are enhanced by the haunting quality of her vocals. A local favorite. Somewhere between Bill Callahan and Bill Frisell lies Paper Castles – Visit

www.papercastlesmusic.com/

 – Information at 671-6006 or

www.thespottydog.com

 – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street
Live Music at the Wunderbar – Dirty River performs – Information at 828-0555 – 10 pm – Wunderbar & Bistro, 744 Warren Street

Friday, April 12

My Anne, a sensitive, lively and inspiring original solo performance, taken from the diary entries of a young Jewish girl growing up in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam – Anne Frank’s story is brought to life, adapted and performed by http: hudson teen theatre ensemble alumnus Sarah Schaeffer and developed and directed by Carol Rosoff –Information at 822-1438 or

www.hudsonoperahouse.org

 – 7 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street
A Helsinki Swing Event – Featuring Professor Cunningham and His Old School – “Adrian Cunningham, long time reed player of both Baby Soda and Gordon Webster’s band, is now leading an exciting group focusing on New Orleans swing and groove repertoire.” – Paul Rix teaches balboa from 7:30 to 8:30 pm and a beginner lesson from 8:30 to 9 pm – Live music from 9 pm to midnight – Information at 828-4800 or

www.helsinkihudson.com

 – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street
Tim O’Brien – “In Tim O’Brien’s music, things come together. The uncanny intersection of traditional and contemporary elements in his songwriting, his tireless dedication to a vast and still-expanding array of instruments, and his ongoing commitment to place himself in as many unique and challenging musical scenarios as possible, has made him a key figure in today’s thriving roots music scene—and well beyond it.” Visit

www.timobrien.net

 – Information at

www.helsinkihudson.com

 or 828-4800 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street
Saturday, April 13

Columbia County Spring Gardening Day – The Master Gardener Volunteers at Cornell Co-operative Extension host this annual event, offering 12 ninety-minute classes in two sessions. Class offerings include such topics as Ecological Lawn Care, Introduction to Invasive Species, No Dig Organic Gardening, and Chickens in the Back Yard – For a complete list of class descriptions and to register (by April 12, please) call 828-3346, ext. 0 or go to

www.ccecolumbiagreene.org

 – 8:30 am to 12:30 pm – Columbia-Greene Community College, Route 9, Greenport
United Community Recycling Day – Donate your electronic waste and it will be converted into funds for the United Way of Columbia and Greene Counties – All contributions are tax deductible – For a list of recyclables go to

www.uwcg.org

 – 10 am to 3 pm – Mr. e-Waste, Loading Dock I, 99 South Third Street (old LB building behind Basilica Industria)

Reading – Art Omi’s Spring 2013 Writers and Translators in Residence read and share their works with the public – Refreshments will be served – Information at 828-6411 – 5:30 pm – Marianne Courville Gallery, 431 Warren Street
Bard at the Landing – Einstein’s Mozart: Two Geniuses – Albert Einstein is half of the brilliant combination that inspired poet, librettist and lyricist Kate Light to create this music and poetry compilation involving Einstein and Mozart. Light will read her poetry and act as narrator – Bard College Conservatory of Music students will play Mozart string quartets – Information at

www.ClaverackLanding.org

 or 828-7513 – 6 pm – First Presbyterian Church, corner of Fourth & Warren Streets
Exhibition Opening – The Mystic Line – Works by Danielle Ezzo, Laetitia Hussain and Logan Visscher – On view through May 19 – Information at www.mcdarisfineart or

212-518-7551

 – 6 to 8 pm – McDaris Fine Art, 623 Warren Street
HRC Showcase Theatre presents a staged reading of Hal Corley’s Married North – Directed by Barbara Waldinger – “Set in a sleepy Washington, DC suburb, over a period of three stifling summer days in 1959, the play chronicles a final chapter in the gnarly relationship of estranged siblings… as they struggle against government repression and each other.” – Followed by a reception and discussion – Reservations at 851-2061 – Information at

www.hrc-showcasetheatre.com

 – 7:30 pm – Auditorium, First Reformed Church of Hudson, 52 Green Street

Donald Rubinstein – Composer, songwriter, performer and visual artist – A unique concert performance rooted in original, lyric-oriented folk pop songs, with excursions into modern jazz improvisation and performance art – Performed with Steve Gorn on bamboo flute and clarinet – Information at 822-1438 or

www.hudsonoperahouse.org

 – 8 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street
Madonnas in a Field – A 6-piece band “with a real knack for country-pluckin’ twang and beautiful harmonies…putting an unusual twist on folk music.” – Information at 671-6006 or

www.thespottydog.com

 – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street
DJs T-Bone & Body Counsel/Life & Limb – Information at 822-1913 or

www.TheHalfmoonHudson.com

 – 9 pm – The Half Moon, 44-48 South Front Street
Reggae Dance Party with The Big Takeover – The Big T “has a refreshingly upbeat, party-making approach to interpreting the Jamaican tradition of rocksteady, ska and reggae music.” Formed in New Paltz in 2007, the group has “acquired a habit of making audiences look, listen and dance.” – Visit

www.bigtakeoverband.com

 – Information at 828-4800 or

www.helsinkihudson.com

 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street
Live Music at the Wunderbar – Brown Paper Bag performs – Information at 828-0555 – 10 pm – Wunderbar & Bistro, 744 Warren Street
Comedy Night at the Red Dot – Three stand-out, Stand-Up Comics bring their skills to Hudson with credits ranging from the Gotham Comedy Club and Sirius/XM Radio, to Caroline’s Comedy Club, the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival and the Broadway Comedy Club – Go ahead, Marc Maietta, Frank Liotti, and Neil Thornton—make me laugh! – Information at 828-3657 – 10:30 pm – Red Dot Restaurant & Bar, 321 Warren Street

Sunday, April 14

Kids’ Movie – White Mane – A French film about a boy and a wild horse – In a new English translation – Information at

www.timeandspace.org

 or 822-8100 – 12 noon – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street
Thomas Cole National Historic Site Sunday Salon – “Breaking into the world of American art history in the 1950s, when few professors taught the topic, Dr. Barbara Novak, Helen Goodhart Atschul Professor of Art History Emerita at Barnard College and Columbia University, spent the next 40 years creating a foundation for the study of American art history through her seminal books and teaching, inspiring generations of students to pursue remarkable careers in academic and museum life.” Six speakers from a range of fields reveal through their personal stories, the wide sweep of Dr. Novak’s influence as a scholar and mentor. Dr. Novak will offer her remarks at the end of the Salon – Information at 943-7465 or

www.thomascole.org

– Pay admission at the door – 2 pm – Thomas Cole National Historic Site, 218 Spring Street (Route 385)
Held Over! Live simulcast of the National Theatre of London’s production of People, a new play by Alan Bennett – Reservations at

www.timeandspace.org

 or 828-8448 – 2 pm – Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street
The Flatlanders Acoustic – Three of Texas’s most revered songwriters– Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore & Butch Hancock—come together again for a rare performance – With special guest Joe Pug – Visit

www.theflatlanders.com

– Information at 828-4800 or

www.helsinkihudson.com

 –8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street
Monday, April 15

WKZE 98.1 presents The Monday Showcase with The Jonny Monster Band – “a power trio from New Paltz, NY who are known for their fast rock ‘n’ roll driven blues sound.” – No cover! – Information at

www.helsinkihudson.com

  or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

For more information on Columbia County events, visit

www.columbiacountytourism.org

ELLEN’S PICKS

To receive the complete Ellen’s Picks by e-mail, contact thurston@mhonline.net

March 10-20

WGXC Spring Forward Pledge Drive – You can make a donation any time to the WGXC community radio station, but it’s more fun to listen in during the pledge week and make a donation to help keep the music and talk of the hardworking volunteer crew wafting over the airwaves – Listen in at 90.7 FM, call in at 828-0290, or drop in at 704 Columbia Street, across from Seventh Street Park, and make a donation. Also see a WGXC benefit event on March 16 listed below.

March 11-24

Hudson Valley Restaurant Weeks – “To promote the Hudson Valley as one of the premier culinary destinations in the nation” – Prix-Fixe lunches and dinners at a wide variety of eateries (but, alas, only two in Columbia County) – Information at www.hudsonvalleyrestaurantweek.com or 845-561-6979

Monday, March 11

WKZE 98.1 presents The Monday Showcase with the Luba Dvorak Band – Dvorak “has been called a Dylan-Springsteen-Cash combo with his earthy vocal style and enticing storytelling.” – No cover! – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Tuesday, March 12

Diabetic Support Group Meeting – Special presentation of the Dexter G4 Platinum Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) – Information at www.about.me/hudson_chautauqua or e-mail athudsonchautauqua@hotmail.com – 6 pm – Hudson Chautauqua, 49A Eighth Street (between Columbia & Warren Streets)

Helsinki Open Mic – Try out new material on the big Helsinki stage – Hosted by Cameron Melville and Ryder Cooley – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – Sign-up begins at 7 pm – Performance from 8 to11 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Wednesday, March 13

Chamber Business Forum – Hudson City School District Superintendent Maria Suttmeier will discuss the school budget with members of the business community – Sponsored by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, the Hudson Development Corporation, and the Hudson Business Coalition – Reservations and information at 828-4417 – 5:30 pm – Chamber Offices, 1 North Front Street

Adela and Jude – A unique Americana duo from Boston – “An amazing combo of enthusiastic performance and superbly crafted songs…” – Information at 822-1234 or www.americanglory.com – 6 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Thursday, March 14

Song Circle Jam – All welcome – Information at 828-2210 or contact Marilyn at liveoriginalmusic@hotmail.com – Every Thursday night – 7 to 9 pm – REV Coffee House (formerly The Parlor), 742 Warren Street

Thursday-Sunday, March 14-17

Films at TSL:

> Chasing Ice – Back again by popular demand –In 2005, acclaimed environmental photographer James Balog headed to the Arctic…to capture images to help tell the story of the earth’s changing climate

> Happy People: A Year in the Taiga – Werner Herzog, the acclaimed filmmaker, presents this “visually stunning documentary about indigenous people living in the heart of the Siberian Taiga.”

> Schedule at 822-8100 or www.timeandspace.org – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Friday, March 15

 MoonRyder: An Evening of Songs & Enchantments – Featuring singer/songwriter/autoharpist Lady Moon (Ngonda Badila), inter-disciplinary artist/musician C. Ryder Cooley & Hazel, a taxidermy sheep, and Pocatello featuring Liv Carrow, Sasha Pearl and Baby Willis as an old timey foot stomping rag tag lady farm band – See MoonRyder at www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWDtdlx2K2s – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Friday-Sunday, March 15-17

The Ghent Playhouse presents Peter Shaffer’s play, Lettice and Lovage –This British comedy originally starred Maggie Smith as Lettice Douffet, a docent at Fustian Hall, “the dullest house in England.” Lettice uses her larger than life personality to spice up an otherwise boring tale. The Preservation Trust is not amused and is forced to take action – Runs through March 28 – Information and reservations at 1-800-838-3006 orwww.ghentplayhouse.org – Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm – Ghent Playhouse, 6 Town Hall Road, Ghent

Saturday, March 16

First in a series of Free Rabies Clinics – The Columbia County Department of Health reminds us that animals in the county have recently tested positive for rabies – Limit your exposure to this threat by having your pets inoculated – A full schedule of free clinics held throughout the county is available on the Columbia County website or call 828-3358 – 10 to 11 am for cats (must be in a sturdy carrier), 11 am to 12 noon for dogs (must be on a leash) – Ancram Town Highway Garage, Maple Lane, Ancramdale

Yes, Virginia, there is an Easter Bunny. He’ll be passing out goodies and having his picture taken this Saturday, just to prove it. – Information at 828-2717 or www.vasilows.com – 11 am to 5 pm – Vasilow’s Confectionery, 741 Columbia Street

Live simulcast of The Metropolitan Opera production of Zandonai’s Francesca Da Rimini – Inspired by an episode from Dante’s Inferno – Information and reservations at 822-8448 – 12 noon – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

The Concrete Temple Theatre production of Geppetto, in preview prior to its performance at HERE in NYC – Meshing together two favorite stories, Pinocchio and The Old Man and the Sea, Geppetto and his puppet companions Omino and Donica tell a tale of resilience in the face of change and loss – Designed, built, and performed by Carlo Adinolfi, with accompaniment by cellist Alisa Horn – Text and direction by Renee Philippi – Music by Lewis Flinn – Information at 822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org – Performances at 2 pm and 8 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

International Dancing – Enjoy a tradition of community dancing and music handed down for generations. Each culture has its own unique dances, but also shares common characteristics with cultures around the world. Paul Rosenberg, founder of the Dance Flurry Festival in Saratoga Springs, will guide easy-to-learn barn dances – All ages welcome – Pre-registration at 828-1872 x 109 or e-mail shasbrook@olana.org – Space is limited – 2 to 3:30 pm – Wagon House Education Center, Olana State Historic Site, 5720 State Route 9G, Greenport

Formally Invited: An Early Nineteenth-Century Tea – “Not Your Grandmother’s Tea Party” – A recreation of a nineteenth-century tradition, “straight out of a Jane Austen novel” with special tea blends, elegantly-displayed foods, live music, and dancing instruction – A collaborative effort combining Clermont State Historic Site’s collection of historic Regency-era reproduction costumes with the Columbia County Historical Society’s spacious Vanderpoel House of History – Guests are encouraged to wear period costume – Live music by the historic Salmagundi band – A dance caller will instruct the audience in English country dancing – Information at 758-9265 or www.cchsny.org – 2 to 4 pm – Vanderpoel House of History, 16 Broad Street, Kinderhook

An Octopus’ Garden in Antebellum New York: William Niblo and the Rise of Genteel Pleasure – An illustrated talk by historian and raconteur Benjamin Feldman, focused on NYC’s mid-nineteenth-century pre-eminent tavernkeeper and pleasure-garden operator – Information at www.about.me/Hudson_chautauqua or e-mail hudsonchautauqua@hotmail.com – 3 pm – Limited seating – Doors open at 2:30 pm – Hudson Chautauqua, 49A Eighth Street (between Columbia & Warren Streets)

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – There are many ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Columbia County – One of the traditional places is at Christ Church which is so popular that advance tickets are required by calling 828-1329 Monday through Friday from 9 am to 1 pm – Take-out (ticket also required) from 4 to 5 pm, sit-down dinner from 5 to 7 pm – Fellowship Hall, Christ Church Episcopal, 431 Union Street

 Closing Reception for two Joan Damiani exhibitions – Timeless Winter and Furgary – Information at www.jdamianigallery.com – 4 to 7 pm – J. Damiani Gallery, 237 Warren Street

Party at The Red Barn in support of the Hudson Children’s Book Festival – Drinks, snacks and music, and an opportunity to help a child participate and purchase books at the Festival – RSVP and information at 646-256-4797 or e-mail cjonesfam@yahoo.com – 5 to 7 pm – The Red Barn Roadside Market, 47 Old Post Road, ( Route 9H), Ghent

Spring Benefit & Celebration in support of the Hawthorne Valley Association – Local food and entertainment – Live and silent auction – Dancing – Prize for the best dress in 1920s style – Information at 672-4465 or www.hawthornevalleyassociation.org – 6 pm – Vanderbilt House, 161 Main Street, Philmont

Exhibition Opening – My Four Guardian Angels – Jewelry by Dana Hakim – Information at www.ornamentumgallery.com or 671-6770 – 6 to 8 pm – Ornamentum Gallery, 506 Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – Making Tracks: New Work by Dan Welden – Abstract paintings, prints, and drawings utilizing observances from his world travels – On view through April 21 – Information at 828-4539 or www.bcbart.com – 6 to 8 pm., BCB ART, 116 Warren Street

The State of Our Community – Presented by the Staley B. Keith Social Justice Center – Community members will speak on education, human services, criminal justice, employment and business opportunities, and how their systems and issues effect African-Americans in Hudson and Columbia County – Information at www.staleybkeith.org – 6 to 8 pm – Shiloh Baptist Church, 14 Warren Street

Tommy Sharp, Quiet in the Head (Jonathan Talbott, Seamus Maynard, Otto Hauser), and DJ Gio lend their talents to benefit community radio station WGXC 90.7FM – Information at 697-7400 or www.wgxc.org – 9 pm (doors open at 8 pm) – Hangrr 18, 99 South Third Street

The Paul Thorn Band with special guest Sarah Borges – Thorn is “one of the best Americana songwriters and touring performers. He is a walking personification of what is American music.” – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Live Music at the Wunderbar – Every Saturday through the month of March – Chimps in Tuxedos performs this week – Information at 828-0555 – 10 pm – Wunderbar & Bistro, 744 Warren Street

Sunday, March 17

 Kids’ Movie – Charlie Chaplin’s Circus – Information at 822-8100 or www.timeandspace.org – 12 noon – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Farm Film Festival 5 – Presented by the Chatham Agricultural Partnership, the Chatham Film Club, and the Columbia Land Conservancy – Features films made by both professional and amateur filmmakers focused on farms, farming, and farming issues, especially those with a local connection – Bring a non-perishable food for the Silent Food Pantry – Followed by a reception to meet the filmmakers at Peint O Gwrw – 1 to 4 pm – Crandell Theatre, 48 Main Street, Chatham

Kite’s Nest Winter Quarter Exposition – The public is invited to view the Museum of Language, designed and run by children, to hear about the past season’s program and program plans for the spring – Information at www.kitesnest.org or 620-6378 – 2 to 4 pm – Kite’s Nest, 108 South Front Street or 620-6378 – 2 to 4 pm – Kite’s Nest, 108 South Front Street Hudson

St. Patty’s Day Hoedown to benefit Equine Advocates – Hosted by Time in the Saddle Club – Corn beef & cabbage buffet, door prize, raffles, silent auction, DJ – Information at 821-7849 – From 3 to 8 pm – Kozel’s Restaurant, Route 9-H, Ghent

John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey, known in these parts as the smart and sassy couple on Radio Deluxe aired weekly on WAMC, return to Hudson as part of the Helsinki on Broadway series, presented in association with Showstoppers New York – May be sold out by now, but you can always try! – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 7 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Milonga Punto Rojo! – Join Ellen Chrystal and Maggie to create a new milonga in Hudson – DJ Viva is preparing her Irish Cortinas! – Information at 537-2589 – 7 pm until closing – The Red Dot, 321 Warren Street

Wednesday, March 20

The Second Show presents Struttin’ with the Stars – A fashion show with a twist plus musical performances – Hosted by Trixie Starr and featuring local luminaries as celebrity look-alikes – To benefit Columbia Memorial Hospital’s Child Advocacy Center – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 7 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street