Art in Hudson

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

It’s another packed spring/summer weekend in Hudson and Columbia County.  In fact, it’s a pretty big weekend all over the state.  It’s New York Heritage Weekend, with free admission and special programming at historic sites and public buildings all over New York State.  See www.heritageweekend.org . For a sampling of local programs look under Saturday-Sunday, May 19-20 below.

Monday, May 14

The F & G Band – “…hitting the road to support their debut CD Grease Up Yo Strutt – Visit www.fandgmusic.com – A Monday Showcase offering – No cover! – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Trixie Starr hosts Match Game, the Hudson version of the 60s/70s television show – Prizes and frivolity – Information at 301-4398 – 7 to 9 pm – (pm) Wine Bar, 119 Warren Street 

Wednesday, May 16

And every Wednesday – Trivia Night – Information at 828-0555 – 10 pm – Wunderbar, 744 Warren Street

Thursday, May 17

Briars of North America (find them on www.bandcamp.com), Andrea Tomasi (find her on www.myspace.com ), and MV/EE (find them on www.mvandee.blogspot.com ) – Information at www.TheSpottyDog.com or 671-6006 – 7 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Thursday-Saturday, May 17-19

Last performances of the Kaliyuga Arts production of The Mound Builders, Lanford Wilson’s Obie Award-winning play – Reservations at 822-9667 – Information at www.kaliyuga.com  – Thurs at 7 pm, Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 pm and 8 pm – Stageworks/Hudson, 41 Cross Street

Thursday-Sunday, May 17-20

Films at TSL:

> Wagner’s Dream – Documentary on the Metropolitan Opera’s Ring Cycle

>Marley – The story of Bob Marley, “a towering figure of musical history…”

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

Friday, May 18

Exhibition Opening – Journey Into Farming – The reception celebrates the unveiling of the New Farmer Narrative Project’s traveling photo- and story-based display featuring twenty Columbia County farmers who have started farms in the last ten years – The exhibition will travel to seven local libraries and will also be shown at the Greenhorns office, 624 Warren Street in July – For information and a full schedule of events go towww.hawthornevalleyfarm.org/fep/newfarmer - 4 to 7 pm – Chatham Real Food Market Co-op, 15 Church Street, Chatham

Sam Moss plus Owen And His Checkered Past – Moss is a Brattleboro VT based composer and string player, whose work has won praise from NPR, Pop Matters and Blurt Magazine – Information at 671-6006 orwww.TheSpottyDog.com  – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Friday-Sunday, May 18-20

The Ghent Playhouse presents The Madwoman of Chaillot by Jean Giraudoux – Directed by Barbara Leavell Smith – Countess Aurelia, an eccentric old woman, sets about to make sure the wonder and beauty of Paris is not destroyed for oil and profit – Runs weekends through June 3 – Information and reservations at 392-6264 orwww.ghentplayhouse.org – Fri/Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm – Ghent Playhouse, 1900 Route 66, Ghent (across from Ghent Firehouse)

Saturday, May 19

Hudson Farmers’ Market – Terri Roben performs – Kids Play Sing-Along from 10 to 11 am, Dangerous on Decaf Trio from 11:15 am to 12:30 pm – To find out what’s available at the market or to view the calendar of events, go towww.hudsonfarmersmarketny.com  – 9 am to 1 pm – Lot at corner of Sixth and Columbia Streets

The Garden Fest at Clermont – In Partnership with Table & Talent, Clermont joins the Farmers’ Market to feature a wide selection of native plants, locally grown food items and healthy food from local caterer, Julia and Isabelle – Also features local music – 9 am to 2 pm – Clermont State Historic Site, 400 Woods Road (off  Route 9G), Germantown

Auction of Modern and Contemporary Fine & Decorative Art including property from the collection of Jan Cowles, and from the collection of the late Samuel N. Friedman, founder of International Contract Furnishings, a pioneer in the modern furniture movement – Online catalogue at www.stairgalleries.com – Information at 751-1000 – Previews Mon through Thurs 10 am to 5 pm, Fri 11 am to 8 pm, Sat 9 am to 11 am, Auction begins Sat at 11 am – Stair Galleries, 549 Warren Street

All LIT Up! – Seventh Annual Hudson Valley Literary Festival & Literary Magazine and Small Press Book Fair – Produced by The Council of Literary Magazines and Presses, the Hudson Opera House and Hudson Wine Merchants to celebrate literature and literary publishing – Hundreds of books and magazines published by regional and national independent literary publishers will be on sale – Information at 212-741-9110, ext.12 or 822-1438 – 11 am to 4 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street – See separate listing for 5 pm reading at Hudson Wine Merchants

Art Kites in The Fields – Members of the community are invited to fly their kites in a kite parade in The Fields – Enjoy kite making and kite flying – Bring a picnic, or lunch at Café Omi – Fun for all ages – Information at 392-4747 or e-mail info@artomi.org – 12 noon – The Fields Sculpture Park, Omi International Arts Center, 1405 County Route 22, Ghent

HD screening of the Metropolitan Opera production of Wagner’s Siegfried - Reservations at 822-8100 orwww.timeandspace.org – 1 pm –Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Container Gardening for Backyard and Terrace – Instruction by Philippe Soule, landscaper and garden designer –The second in a series of flower-related events called Spring in Bloom – Information at 697-0909 – 3 pm – TK Home & Garden, 441 Warren Street

This is My Story, This is My Song – Diamond Opera Theater and the Hudson Opera House present a free performance by lyric coloratura soprano Michelle Trovato, in a celebration of shared Polish-Italian heritage expressed through song featuring Chopin, Scarlatti, Respighi and others – Information at 822-1438 orwww.hudsonoperahouse.org – 4 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Tasting:  Wine and Wedding Cake at Verdigris Tea – Taste one of award-winning baker Regina Simmon’s deluxe wedding cakes, paired with sparkling wine and champagne especially selected by experts from Fairview Wines & Spirits – Information at 828-3139 – 4 to 6 pm – Verdigris Tea, 135 Warren Street

Literary Reading, featuring E. Tracy Grinnell, author of ten books and chapbooks and founding director and editor of Litmus Press,Julian Talamantez Brolaski, editor at Litmus Press and author of several books and chapbooks, and Paul Legualt, co-founder of the translation press Telephone Books and author of three books of poetry – Part of the Hudson Valley Literary Festival – Followed by a reception – 5 pm – Second Floor, Hudson Wine Merchants, 341 ½ Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – On the Road: Photographs by Mark Haven and Remi Thornton plus portfolios by Bob Wagner and Knoll+Criss – Runs through June 24 – Information at www.DavisOrtonGallery.com or 697-0266 – 6 to 8 pm – Davis Orton Gallery, 114 Warren Street

Hudson River Classics presents a staged reading of Mango Dreams, a new play by Laura Edmondson – “A conflict between a white professor and a black student spirals out of control in this exploration of race, cultural identity and the meaning of love.” – Reading is free; suggested donation for reception afterward with playwright, director, and actors – Reservations at 851-2061 – Information at 851-3617 or www.hrc-showcasetheatre.com – 7:30 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Steve Hudson Chamber Ensemble – Pianist and composer Steve Hudson embraces the history of jazz, blues, folk, and modern classical music with a free spirited love of improvisation. The ensemble will perform pieces from their debut release Galactic Diamonds, featuring Hudson’s compositions for violin, cello, piano, and drums – Information at 822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org – 8 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

The Revelations – “Styled after a modern-day Otis Redding, [Tre] Williams has used his church-choir and R&B background—not to mention his four-octave range—in high profile contributions to records by the likes of Petey Pablo and Nas”  “This is R&B and Soul at its best” – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday-Sunday, May 19-20

Historic Hudson celebrates New York Heritage Weekend (www.heritageweekend.org) by opening the Dr. Oliver Bronson House for visitation – Peter Watson and Alan Neumann, members of the Dr. Oliver Bronson House Committee, will lead tours of the house and explain the stabilization program at 1 pm and 3 pm each day – Information and directions at www.historichudson.org  – 11 am to 5 pm – Dr. Oliver Bronson House, entrance to the Hudson Correctional Facility at the top of Worth Avenue

Olana State Historic Site has a full two-day program as part of New York Heritage Weekend – Special programming includes two exhibition openings: Life after LIFE: Preserving and Restoring Olana, in the Sharp Family Gallery (Olana was nearly destroyed until a LIFE Magazine article entitled “Must This Mansion Be Destroyed?” brought national attention to the campaign to save the property.) and Olana’s Dynamic Landscape, an exhibition of works by Hudson Valley photographer Peter Aaron.  An impressive list of presenters includes leaders in the fields of conservation, environmental preservation, archaeology, and architectural and landscape rehabilitation.  They will be available for walks, talks, and lectures related to Olana’s collection, landscape, and architecture.  All programs, as well as access to the site and house tours, are free and open to the public throughout the weekend beginning at 12 noon on both days. On Saturday only, tours of the rarely opened Studio Tower will be offered by advance reservation at 828-1872, ext. 103.  A restored second floor guest room with stunning replicated wallpaper will also be open to the public for the first time.  For a full schedule of Heritage Weekend events at Olana, go to www.olana.org or www.heritageweekend.org – Olana State Historic Site, Route 9G, Greenport

At Your Service: Behind the Scenes at Vanderbilt Mansion – The Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites celebrate New York Heritage Weekend with  a new program where guests are assigned the role of a family servant and learn about their place in the meticulous running of the Vanderbilt household as they tour the home from behind the scenes.  Not appropriate for children under 10 –Advance reservations at 845-229-7770 – Sat/Sun at 2 pm – Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, 4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park

Sunday, May 20

Cruise-In 2012 – A parade and show of classic and custom cars and trucks – Sponsored by BeLo3rd and Ca’Mea Restaurant – Information at 821-8865 or www.belo3rd.com – People’s Choice awards – Parade starts at 10 am at Seventh Street and moves down Warren Street to Third Street – Show is below Third Street in the 200 block and takes place from 10:30 am to 2 pm

HD screening of the Metropolitan Opera production of Wagner’s Gotterdammerung – Reservations at 822-8100 orwww.timeandspace.org – 1 pm –Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Kinderhook Reformed Church Three Hundredth Year Celebration – An organ recital by David Smith at 2 pm – A guided tour, a display of historic artifacts, and a book signing – At 3 pm 300 butterflies will be released symbolizing the 300 years of KRC’s ministry to its community – Kinderhook Reformed Church, Church Street, Kinderhook

Tango! – Third Sunday of every month – All ages welcome – Hosted by  instructors Ellen Chrystal and Maggie Griffin – Lesson in Milonga from 7 to 8 pm; Dancing from 8 to 11 pm  –Information at 828-4800 orwww.helsinkihudson.com – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Sunday-Monday, May 20-21

Free Columbia Art Dispersal – To quote Laura Summer, co-founder with Nathaniel Williams of the Free Columbia Art Course:  “As a society we have placed original art outside the financial means of the majority of people.  At the same time we have impoverished most of our artists.  This event is an effort to draw attention to this reality and to give people the opportunity to live with original art, while seeking alternative means to fund cultural life.”  One hundred pieces of art will be available for dispersal at the event – In addition, The Blue Maddies, a bluegrass quartet, will perform Sunday at 7 pm and The Monday Night Singers, an a cappella chorus, will sing on Monday at 7 pm, followed by an improvisational performance with David Anderson of Walking the dog Theater – Information atwww.freecolumbia.org or 672-7302 – 3 to 9 pm each day, Basilica Hudson, 110 South Front Street

Monday, May 21

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce 23^rd Annual Golf Tournament – Reservations required at 828-4417 – Registration and lunch at 11 am, Shot Gun Start at 12:30 pm – Columbia Golf & Country Club, 295 Route 217, Claverack

The Blue Maddies – KC Groves and Tierney Kathleen Jacobson with local favorites Seth Travins (The Wiyos) and Aldo Lavaggi (The Russet Trio) – A Monday Showcase offering – No cover! – Information atwww.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Tuesday, May 22

City of Hudson Grievance Day – The Board of Assessment Review will hear complaints regarding assessments of real property – (It is recommended that anyone who wishes to present a grievance, stop by Assessor Garth Slocum’s City Hall office on or before May 17 to deliver supporting documentation and schedule an appointment for the 22^nd. The Assessor can be reached at 828-3141) – 4 to 9 pm – Central Fire Station, 77 North Seventh Street

OPEN MICS

Tuesdays

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

Wednesdays

Open Mic Night – Broadcast live on WGXC 90.7 FM – Hosted by Rob Johanson – Information at 469-7489 orrcj837@gmail.com – Sign up at 8 pm – Performance from 8:30 pm to 11 pm – Red Dot, 319 Warren Street

Acoustic Open Mic with host and guitar expert Al Sire – Information at 822-1234 or www.americanglory.com – 8 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Thursdays

Thursday Night Performance Circle – Any performance style from comedy to music is welcome – Open to all ages – Hosted by Jackie and Marilyn – Information at 828-2210 or e-mail parloropenmic@gmail.com – 7 to 9 pm – Parlor Coffee & Tea House, 742 Warren Street

First Saturdays

The People’s Open Mic – Sign up by e-mail at flaminy@fairpoint.net – Information at 392-2337 – 7:30 pm on – Peint O Gwrw Pub, 36 Main Street, Chatham

All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.
All addresses are in Hudson, unless otherwise indicated.
For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

All content herein copyright c 2012

ELLEN’S PICKS (and special food news this week)

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

FOOD NEWS

Thursday, April 26

Dining Out for Life – Last year, participating restaurants in Hudson raised $6,664 to help people in our region who are living with HIV/AIDS.  Hudson was  the top fundraising city in our region, bringing in almost 36% of the total raised, and Hudson’s own Ca’Mea was the top fundraising restaurant in the region!

A list of this year’s participating restaurants can be found in the listing below.  To be part of this national “celebration of food, friendship and fundraising,” merely make a reservation, bring your appetite and your friends and help break last year’s record.  We have a reputation to maintain!

Hudson Pride Foundation and Mexican Radio team up to add a Pre-dinner Happy Hour to the festivities, with drink specials, kick-ass music by DJ Abel, and a few other surprises – 5 to 7 pm, second floor of MexRad at 537 Warren Street

Saturday, April 28

Theodore Roosevelt himself was the inspiration for this year’s Hudson Opera House Movable Feast – This is what The Boston Globe said about Teddy Roosevelt’s eating experience in Hudson in 1914:
ROOSEVELT UNWILLLING TO SPEAK IN HUDSON OPERA HOUSE  UNTIL FRIENDS GET FOOD FOR HIM.  HUDSON, N.Y., OCT-7
Col. Roosevelt likes the soup they make in Hudson.  He proved it yesterday when he called  for a second bowl of vegetable soup as he stood in the wings of the Opera House.  So the crowd waited 10 minutes while his nephew, Theodore Douglas Robinson and two local Progressives chased to a lunchroom across the street and returned with a big bowl of  vegetable soup.  One was not enough so the colonel had a second bowl.  “Now that’ll do til  dinner time.” He said as he climbed into the motor car to resume his tour, “I have to be fed.  I  want man-sized victuals from this time on or I’ll strike.”—The Boston Globe, October 8, 1914

 See details about this year’s Feast in the listing below.

Other Food News

At Da/Ba (225 Warren Street) Chef Timothy Meyers has taken over as Executive Chef from Proprietor Daniel Nilsson. Meyers is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park and the former sous-chef at Da/Ba.  He has been working in the kitchen at Eleven Madison Park in Manhattan for the past year.

LICK, the ice cream store at 253 Warren Street, is aiming for a Friday, May 4^th opening, but since the opening is somewhat weather-dependent, it could be sooner or later than the proposed date, but probably within the next two weeks.  Sumer is icumen in!

The Second Annual Ramp Festival will be at Basilica Hudson on May 5^th.   Mark your calendar.

ELLEN’S PICKS

Monday, April 23

George Kilby Jr. & the Road Dogs – A colleague of blues giant Pinetop Perkins – A Monday Showcase offering – No cover! – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Thursday, April 26

9th Annual Dining Out For Life, a benefit for the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York – Seven Hudson restaurants–Baba Louie’s Sourdough

Pizza Company, Ca’Mea Ristorante, Club Helsinki, Mexican Radio, MOD Restaurant, (pm) Wine Bar, and Red Dot Restaurant and Bar—wil 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. Information on participating restaurants at www.aidscouncil.org – Reservations 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 festive drink specials, kick-ass music by DJ Abel, and a few other surprises.  Stop by before going off to dinner at your chosen participating restaurant – Information at 828-7770 – 5 to 7 pm – Second floor, Mexican Radio, 537 Warren Street

 Nina Violet and the Black Swans – Nina Violet hails from Martha’s Vineyard where she was classically trained on viola.  She now performs on and arranges for the entire family of string instruments.  Her voice, melody and lyric writing now take center stage.  The touring band, The Black Swans, has been “winning  hearts with their highly unique and beautiful folk sound since the early 2000’s…” – Information at 671-6006 or www.TheSpottyDog.com – 7 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Roy Zimmerman delivers “stinging political humor” – Live from the Starving Ear – A  homage to San Francisco’s legendary nightclub, the hungry i – “In twelve albums over twenty years and on stages, screens and airwaves across America, Roy has brought the sting of satire to the struggle for Peace and Social Justice.”  Information atwww.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Thursday-Sunday, April 26-29

Films at TSL:

> The Battle of Algiers (1966) – “One of the most influential political films in history …re-creates a key year in the tumultuous Algerian struggle for independence from the occupying French in the 1950s….”

>Simone de Beauvoir – “Two interviews, recorded 16 years apart, illuminating the historic role, personality, and thoughts of the novelist, philosopher, and political activist who paved the way for Second Wave Feminism”

>The Fairy – In the industrial seaport of Le Havre, a fairy arrives, grants three wishes, and disappears before the third wish is fulfilled

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

Friday-Sunday, April 27-29

The Two of Us Productions presents the regional premier of Next to Normal, the award-winning Broadway musical by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey – Information at www.TheTwoOfUsProductions.org or 866-811-4111 or 758-1648 – Fri/Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 3 pm – Hudson High School auditorium, Harry Howard Avenue

Saturday, April 28

29^th Annual Fishing Derby – Sponsored by the Hudson Department of Youth for children ages 4 to 15  – Fish for brook and rainbow trout – Medals, t-shirts, hats, rod and reel combinations and other prizes awarded for the largest trout caught every half hour – Register at the Hudson 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 27 – Information at 828-0017  – 8 to 10 am – Oakdale Lake, 132 North Sixth Street

Chef Regina Simmons offers the last of a four-part series of small class discussions and demonstrations called “2 Bake or Not 2 Bake.” –  This Saturday’s session is “Dough-See-Dough” and will discuss basic bread dough and making enriched multi-grain variations, rolls, braids, and loaves, and innovative sandwich spreads – Class enrollment is limited – Information and enrollment at www.verdigristea@gmail.com or 828-3139 – 10 to 11 am – Verdigris Tea, 135 Warren Street

 Indoor Farmers’ Market – The indoor fresh food market continues at Christ Church on Saturdays through May 5 – Local fresh and prepared foods from your favorite vendors – 10 am to 1 pm – Fellowship Hall, Christ Church Episcopal, 413 Union Street, near the corner of Union & East Court Streets

 Inspection Day Parade – The Hudson Fire Department’s annual spit-and-polish display of fire apparatus – 2 pm – Starts at Front & Warren Streets and proceeds up Warren Street, turning north on Seventh Street to the Central Fire Station

 International Community Dinner – Potluck dinner with traditional cuisine, and music and dance from Haiti, Bangladesh, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and Mediterranean countries – Focus on Youth program with presentations by the Promise Neighborhood program, Operation Unite’s Uganda exchange program, the Badila family’s Congo trip, and improv theatre from the Hudson Opera House Teen Theatre group – Bring a dish to share – Information at 672-7901 – 4 to 8 pm – Fellowship Hall, First Presbyterian Church Hudson, Warren Street at Fourth Street

Exhibition Opening – Ben La Rocco: Autistic’s Card – Exhibition runs through May 20 – Information at 828-5907 orwww.johndavisgallery.com –6 to 8 pm – John Davis Gallery, 362 ½ Warren Street

 18^th Annual Movable Feast to benefit 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 12 gift certificates for meals at area restaurants – Information and reservations at 822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org – Raffle tickets available at the Feast or in advance at the Opera House – 6:30 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

 The Chandler Travis Three-0 and Lena Deluxe – The Travis Three-0 is known for “exploring the terrains of love and life’s absurdities with rowdiness, tenderness and a sardonic faith in humanity that never wavers….”—Nippertown – Lena Deluxe from Lille, France “loves to show her claws….” – Information at 828-1045 – 7 pm – Musica’s Patio, 17 North Fourth Street (in case of rain, performance takes place in the Musica loft, with limited seating/standing)

One Night Only! – Upstage Productions presents This is the Moment, the Performer’s Journey, a  musical revue featuring song and dance from popular Broadway musicals – Information and tickets at 821-3540 – Tickets may also be purchased at the Spotty Dog Books & Ale at 440 Warren Street –7:30 pm – Performing Arts Center, Columbia-Greene Community College, 4400 Route 23, Greenport

The Kirtaniyas – “…rocking the kirtan world!” – Information at 828-1034 – 7:30 to 9 pm – Sadhana Center for Yoga, 403 Warren Street

 Not the Wind Not the Flag and Al Margolis & Doug Van Nort – Not the Wind consists of Colin Fisher and Brandon Valdivia – For them “the experience of music is a transformative tool” – Margolis “has earned himself an international reputation as a vanguard of experimental music.”  He even finds ways to “distort unconventional distortions.”  Van Nort is an “experimental musician and researcher whose work is dedicated to the creation of immersive and visceral sonic experiences….”  – Information at 671-6006 or www.TheSpottyDog.com  – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 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 atwww.helsinkihudson.com  or 828-4800 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday-Sunday, April 28-29

Sheepdog Herding Competition – Seventy dogs compete on a 40-acre course – Information at 794-7733 – 9 am to 4 pm – Old Chatham Sheepherding Company, 239 Shaker Museum Road, Old Chatham , ¼ mile north of the main farm entrance on Shaker Museum Road – Directions at www.blacksheepcheese.com/contact.us.direction

 11^th Annual Sean’s Run – A multi-activity, run/walk event with Zumbathon, Super Saturday Run for Special Needs kids, Prevention Education Expo, Battle of the Belts, Meghan’s Mile, and 5K run – Schedule and entry form atwww.seansrun.com – 10 am – Chatham Elementary School and Chatham High School, Chatham

Hudson Valley Choral Society Spring Concerts – Both performances include Faure’s Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, and selections from Handel’s Messiah – Soloists are Amanda Boyd, soprano; Mary Deyerle Hack, mezzo-soprano;  John Davey, tenor; and Steve Dahlin, bass-baritone – Gretchen  Rueckheim conducts – Information at 794-9831 – Students 18 and under free – Saturday concert 7:30 pm at First Reformed Church on Green Street, Hudson; Sunday concert 3:30 pm at First Reformed Church, Kinderhook Street, Chatham

Sunday, April 29

HD screening of the Metropolitan Opera production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata - Reservations at 822-8100 orwww.timeandspace.org – 1 pm –Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Exhibition Opening – Worlds Between: Landscapes of Louis Remy Mignot – Katherine E. Manthorne, Professor of Art History at the Graduate Center of CUNY, gives a curator’s talk at 2 pm, Reception and Open House from 3 to 4 pm – Information at 943-7465 – Cedar Grove, Thomas Cole National Historic Site, 218 Spring Street, Catskill

Monday, April 30

Stephen Zarlenga, author of The Lost Science of Money, addresses current finance and how Martin Van Buren handled an economic crisis caused by the Central Bank of his time – Reservations required – Information and reservations at 758-9689 – 7 pm – Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, 1013 Old Post Road, Kinderhook

Charlie Smith Blues Band – “…a master of electric and acoustic guitar and a distinctive vocalist….” – A Monday Showcase offering – No cover! – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com  – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

 OPEN MICS

Tuesdays

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

Wednesdays

Open Mic Night – Broadcast live on WGXC 90.7 FM – Hosted by Rob Johanson – Information at 469-7489 orrcj837@gmail.com – Sign up at 8 pm – Performance from 8:30 pm to 11 pm – Red Dot, 319 Warren Street

Acoustic Open Mic with host and guitar expert Al Sire – Information at 822-1234 or www.americanglory.com – 8 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Thursdays

Thursday Night Performance Circle – Any performance style from comedy to music is welcome – Open to all ages – Hosted by Jackie and Marilyn – Information at 828-2210 or e-mail parloropenmic@gmail.com – 7 to 9 pm – Parlor Coffee & Tea House, 742 Warren Street

First Saturdays

The People’s Open Mic – Sign up by e-mail at flaminy@fairpoint.net – Information at 392-2337 – 7:30 pm on – Peint O Gwrw Pub, 36 Main Street, Chatham

All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.
All addresses are in Hudson, unless otherwise indicated.
For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

All content herein copyright c 2012, published with permission.

ELLEN’S (Hudson) PICKS

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

Monday, April 16

Harv’s Birthday “HIT” featuring Groovilation with Pete Levin on keyboards, Jimmy Eppard on guitars, Steve Rust on bass, and Harvey Sorgen on drums – A Monday Showcase offering – No cover! – Information at 828-4800 orwww.helsinkihudson.com  – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Tuesday, April 17

Trixie Starr hosts Match Game, the Hudson version of the 60s/70s television show – Prizes and frivolity – Information at 301-4398 – 7 to 9 pm – (pm) Wine Bar, 119 Warren Street

 Wednesday, April 18

A special performance of Hudson’s Finest: Rhyme Over Reason – Part of a Young Adults Community Outreach Project – with DaKid Rymxx, JB, Ifetayo Cobbins, DW Sleep, and others – Information at 822-8100 or www.timeandspace.org– 7 pm –Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Thursday, April 19

Why Solar Makes Sense – Learn about current solar and energy efficiency incentives in NYS with representatives of Lotus Energy, Trustco Bank, Mid-Hudson Energy $mart Communities, the Weatherization Program and the Hudson 10% Challenge Program – Information at 444-4679 – 5 to 7 pm – Lotus Energy, 703 Warren Street

Thursday-Sunday, April 19-22

Films at TSL:

>Simone de Beauvoir – “Two interviews, recorded 16 years apart, illuminating the historic role, personality, and thoughts of the novelist, philosopher, and political activist who paved the way for Second Wave Feminism”

>The Fairy – In the industrial seaport of Le Havre, a fairy arrives, grants three wishes, and disappears before the third wish is fulfilled

>Jiro Dreams of Sushi – The story of 85 year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef…and his eldest son…who is unable to live up to his full potential….”

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

 Walking the Dog Theater, in association with Anthropos, presents The Gospel of John – written by John the Evangelist, performed by David Anderson, Laurie Portocarrero, and Glen Williamson, and directed by Adrian Locher and Benedicta Bertau – Tickets at 822-9667 or www.stageworkshudson.org – Thurs/Fri/Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm – Stageworks, 41 Cross Street

Friday, April 20

>Exposition Auction of  English, Continental & American porcelain, silver, decorations, furniture, and art from various estates including from the Estate of Ruth Ford – Online catalogue at www.stairgalleries.com – Information at 751-1000 – Previews Mon through Thurs 10 am to 5 pm, Fri 10 am to 6 pm, Auction begins Fri at 6 pm – Stair Galleries, 549 Warren Street

>Concrete Rivals and Pocatello – Concrete Rivals is “driven by a love for the raw guitar melodies of instrumental surf hits of the 60s….”  Pocatello consists of local troubadours Liv Carrow, Sasha Pearl and Emily Willis, singing a catalog of original music…” – Information at 671-6006 or www.TheSpottyDog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

 >Mice Parade – A pared-down acoustic trio of this ever-evolving group kicks off a five-city tour – Information atwww.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Friday-Sunday, April 20-22

The Two of Us Productions presents the regional premier of Next to Normal, the award-winning Broadway musical by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey – Information at www.TheTwoOfUsProductions.org or 866-811-4111 or 758-1648 – Fri/Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 3 pm – Hudson High School auditorium, Harry Howard Avenue

Saturday, April 21

>ReNew – A Community Earth Day Celebration in partnership with Etsy Hudson – Food Fair featuring local global food, silent auction of ReStore items transformed by artists, baby animal petting zoo, kids’ activities, Cornell Extension soil sampling and water testing kits – Meet CSA’s, learn how to rewire a lamp or cane a chair, and more – Dan Gibson from Grazin’ speaks at 11 am – Information at 828-0892 – 9 am to 4 pm – ReStore, 829 Route 66 (at intersection with Route 9H, behind Village Dodge)

>Backyard Biodynamics Workshop:  Beekeeping – Learn how to raise and keep bees in a small-scale setting – Information at 672-7500, ext. 232 or email caroline@hawthornevalleyfarm.org – 9 am to 4 pm – Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center

>Chef Regina Simmons offers the third of a four-part series of small class discussions and demonstrations called “2 Bake or Not 2 Bake.” –  This Saturday’s session is “The Smart Cookie” and will discuss making seeded oat crackers, pecorina/romano wafers and wheat free cookies – Class enrollment is limited – Information and enrollment atwww.verdigristea@gmail.com or 828-3139 – 10 to 11 am – Verdigris Tea, 135 Warren Street

>Indoor Farmers’ Market – The indoor food market continues at Christ Church on Saturdays through May 5 – Local fresh and prepared foods from your favorite vendors – 10 am to 1 pm – Fellowship Hall, Christ Church Episcopal, 413 Union Street, near the corner of Union & East Court Streets

>The Chancellor’s Sheep & Wool Showcase – A family festival to celebrate historic fiber arts and fiber-bearing animals – Plenty of kids’ activities – Spinning, weaving, knitting and sheep-shearing demonstrations – Demonstration of Revolutionary firearms by the First Ulster County Militia at 11 am – Border collies display their ancient skills and human-animal partnerships required for herding – Music by Tamarack and Acoustic Medicine Show – Information at 537-4240 or www.friendsofclermont.org – 11 am to 4 pm – Clermont State Historic Site, County Route 6, off Route 9G, Germantown (Rain date is Sunday, April 22)

>Spring Revels – Celebrate the arrival of spring with art, games, and family fun – Information at 392-4747 orwww.artomi.org – 12 noon – Fields Sculpture Park, Omi International Arts Center, 1405 County Route 22, Ghent

>Hudson Berkshire Beverage Trail 2012 Kick Off – Purchase a Trail Passport  for the third annual Pasta & Sauce event for admission to five wineries with unique pasta dishes and beverage tastings at each location.  Passport may be purchased at any of the participating Trail members:  Brookview Station Winery in Castleton, Chatham Brewing in Chatham, Harvest Spirits in Valatie, Hudson-Chatham Winery in Ghent, and Furnace Brook Winery in Richmond, MA – Information at www.hudsonberkshireexperience.com or 732-7317 – 12 noon to 5 pm

>Grand Opening of Joyful Koi Tattoo and Body Art offering custom and traditional tattoos, body piercing, temporary henna tattoos, and body painting – Owners Karen Rosand, henna artist and yoga instructor, and her husband Dennis Seminara, who had a tattoo shop in Brooklyn, work with four other tattoo artists to offer their services in the studio and in clients’ homes or event venues for special occasions and parties – The artists will be present to discuss their experience and interests.  (A blessing ceremony offered by the Reverends from the Won Buddhist Dharma Center in Claverack, will take place on Monday at 7 pm.)  Information at 821-5165 or e-mail info@joyfulkoi.com – 12 noon to 7 pm – Joyful Koi Tattoo & Body Art, 721 Columbia Street

>HD screening of the Metropolitan Opera production of Massenet’s Manon, a comic opera in five acts – Reservations at 822-8100 or www.timeandspace.org – 1 pm –Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

>Equine Advocates Horse Sponsorship Drive – A cocktail party to raise funds for feed and medical expenses for 81 rescue horses housed at the 140-acre horse sanctuary in Chatham – Auction of Peter Max painting – Music by Cathy Grier, the “NYC Subway Girl” – Hosted by Albany broadcaster and radio personality Joe Condon – Information at 392-0175 or email Karen@equineadvocates.org – 4 to 7 pm – TK Home and Garden, 441 Warren Street

>The Music of Their Lives – A Musical Celebration in Memory of David Johnson and Rev. Leif Erickson –– SingersMary Hack and April Fisher will perform music from years when Erickson and Johnson were growing up as well as songs from Broadway musicals beloved by Johnson and music cherished by Erickson.  They will be accompanied by Lincoln Mayorga – Both Johnson, former president of the Friends of the First Presbyterian Church, and Erickson, who served as pastor when the Friends was organized in 1995, were instrumental in raising funds to restore the church – Donations at the concert will benefit the preservation of the church building – Information at 732-7896 – 5 pm – First Presbyterian Church, 369 Warren Street (corner of Fourth Street)

 Dine/Art – BeLo3rd’s Gallery Stroll featuring artist receptions, exhibition openings with special restaurant tastings at the galleries and special weekend dining deals, all below Third Street – Galleries include:

> Gallery at Tommy’s, 238 Warren Street – Works by Hai T. Ngo  http://galleryattommys.com

> BCB Art, 116 Warren Street – This Land – Group show with Patti Smith, John Foxx, and others  http://www.bcbart.com/

> Artist Reception, Davis Orton Gallery, 114 Warren Street  -Works of Richard Edelman & Keiko Hiromi, plus portfolios by Michael Darough and Moira Barrett http://davisortongallery.com/

> J. Damiani Gallery, 237 Warren Street – Buon Giorno Venezia – works by Joan Damiani  www.jdamianigallery.com

> Columbia County Council on the Arts, 209 Warren Street – Student Art Showcase www.artscolumbia.org

> Artist Reception, Limner Gallery, 123 Warren Street –  Emerging Artists 2012  www.slowart.com

> Artist Reception, Gallery at the Chamber of Commerce, 1 North Front Street – The Photography of Chad Weckler

Participating restaurants include:

(pm) Winebar, Café Le Perche, Tanzy’s, Bruno’s, West Indies, Verdigris Tea, Vico, The Chocolate Bar, DA/BA, and MOD

Information at www.belo3rd.com – 5 to 8 pm – Warren Street and Front Street below Third Street

>Exhibition Opening – Dawn Breeze: Enough—Paintings 2012 – Information at 822-9896 orwww.mcdarisfineart@gmail.com – 5:30 to 7:30 pm – McDaris Fine Art & Advisory, 623 Warren Street

>Exhibition Opening – Photography:  New Work – Featuring work by David Halliday, Birgit Blyth, Kim McLean, Anna Collette, Kahn & Selesnick, Lisa Frank, David Seiler, Lependorf & Shire, David Lebe, Melinda McDaniels, and Jeri Eisenberg – Runs through May 27 – Information at 828-1915 or www.carriehaddadgallery.com – 6 to 8 pm – Carrie Haddad Gallery, 622 Warren Street

>Builder of the Year Awards Gala – Honoring Christine Chale, from the law firm of Rapport Meyers, and Isadore Cassuto from the Sidney & Beatrice Albert Foundation – Silent Auction – Information at 828-0892 – 6:30 pm – Basilica Hudson, 110 South Front Street

>Alela Diane and Wild Divine – Portland-based girl with a Gold CD in France and a European following, is reconfigured by producer Scott Litt in Venice, CA – Michael Amari, frontman of Lovesick, opens – Information at 671-6006 orwww.TheSpottyDog.com  – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

>English Songs of Devotion and Nature:  Works by Benjamin Britten and Ralph Vaughn Williams – performed by Marc Deaton, tenor, and Lucas Wong, pianist – – Information and reservations at 822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org – 8 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

>The Underscore Orkestra and The Lucky Five – “a festive party of super-charged, crazy folk tunes and achingly sweet waltzes….” – Includes klezmer, Balkan, gypsy jazz, swing, and a belly dance extravaganza – The Lucky Five plays hard-swinging old jazz – Many members of the band have played for Helsinki Swing Dance nights – Information atwww.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday-Monday, April 21-23

VICO continues to explore the unique cuisines of Italy’s 20 regions – This weekend they celebrate the cuisine of the Veneto, the region including and surrounding Venice – The menu will also include regional wines, selected by Fairview Wines – The special menu coincides with BeLo3rd’s Dine/Art gallery stroll this Saturday – See the special menu atwww.vicorestaurant.com – Reservations and information at 828-6529 – VICO, 136 Warren Street

Sunday, April 22

>HD screening of the Metropolitan Opera production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, a comic opera is five acts – Reservations at 822-8100 or www.timeandspace.org – 1 pm –Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

>Local poet, Peter Kane Dufault, will read from his poetry – Born in 1923, Mr. Dufault has been writing poetry for almost sixty years – His work has appeared in many magazines and journals, including The New Yorker, London Magazine, andPoetry – Information at  325-4101 or  www.roejanlibrary.org/programs/poetry-month/  – 3 pm – Roeliff-Jansen Community Library, 9091 State Route 22, Hillsdale

>The Glory of Handel – Music for voices, orchestra and organ with soprano Amanda Boyd, flutist Sharon Levin, and organist David Smith – A concert and reception to celebrate the 300^th anniversary of the church – Information at 758-6401 or www.kinderhookreformedchurch.com – 3 pm – Kinderhook Reformed Church, Broad and Church Streets, Kinderhook

>Thula Sizwe – A ten-man song, dance and drum ensemble from South Africa who perform in the same style as Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Performed at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration celebration – Program features traditional and contemporary selections and costumes – See them on YouTube – To benefit Bridges of Peace & Hope – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Monday, April 23

George Kilby Jr. & the Road Dogs – A colleague of blues giant Pinetop Perkins – A Monday Showcase offering – No cover! – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

OPEN MICS

Tuesdays

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

Wednesdays

Open Mic Night – Broadcast live on WGXC 90.7 FM – Hosted by Rob Johanson – Information at 469-7489 orrcj837@gmail.com – Sign up at 8 pm – Performance from 8:30 pm to 11 pm – Red Dot, 319 Warren Street

Acoustic Open Mic with host and guitar expert Al Sire – Information at 822-1234 or www.americanglory.com – 8 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Thursdays

Thursday Night Performance Circle – Any performance style from comedy to music is welcome – Open to all ages – Hosted by Jackie and Marilyn – Information at 828-2210 or e-mail parloropenmic@gmail.com – 7 to 9 pm – Parlor Coffee & Tea House, 742 Warren Street

All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.
All addresses are in Hudson, unless otherwise indicated.
For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

All content herein copyright c 2012, published with permission.

ELLEN’S PICKS

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

Month of April

Incident No. 49: Jomar Statkun – Portable Viewing of the Chinese Painting – Information at www.incidentreport.info or by e-mail at officer@incidentreport.info  – On view any time at Incident Report International Headquarters, 348 Warren Street

Monday, April 9

Petey Hop’s CD Release Party – Petey on guitar and vocals, with The Jack Rabbits – A Monday Showcase offering – Free – Information at 828-4800 orwww.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Tuesday, April 10

Tommy Stinson’s Rock and Roll benefit for Tools for Timkatec, a trade school for abandoned youth in Haiti, with Hudson resident Tommy Stinson, bass player for Guns ‘n’ Roses and founding member of the seminal Minneapolis-based rock group, The Replacements; Elvis Perkins; and Trapper Schoepp opening; with special surprise guests and a silent auction – Visit www.timkatec.com or www.tommystinson.com – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Wednesday, April 11

Conference on broadband in rural communities – Hosted by Rep. Chris Gibson and moderated by Warren Hart, director of the Greene County Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Planning – Features speakers from industry; local, state and federal government; and grassroots organizations – Registration at 8:30 am, conference from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm – Catskill High School, 341 West Main Street

Thursday, April 12

Senior Open House – Breakfast served from 8:30 to 9:30 am and lunch from 12:00  to 12:30 pm – Senior Aerobics from 9:30 to 10:30 am, bingo from 10:30 to 11:45 am, yoga from 10:45 am to 12:25 pm – Music by Valinda Brandow for dancing and listening enjoyment – Hosted by the Hudson Department of Youth – Information at 828-0017 – 8:30 am to 12:30 pm – Hudson Youth Center, 18 South Third Street

Thursday-Sunday, April 12-15

Films at TSL:

>Simone de Beauvoir – “Two interviews, recorded 16 years apart, illuminating the historic role, personality, and thoughts of the novelist, philosopher, and political activist who paved the way for Second Wave Feminism”

>Putin’s Kiss – The leader of a popular political youth organization with direct ties to the Kremlin, loses her standing – In Russian with English subtitles

>Jiro Dreams of Sushi – The story of 85 year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef…and his eldest son…who is unable to live up to his full potential….”

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

Friday, April 13

Revitalizing Hudson Riverfronts: Opportunities in an Era of Global Climate Change – An afternoon of presentations and panel discussions presented by Scenic Hudson, and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program – Will examine how redeveloping waterfronts can stimulate the economy and create jobs, connect people to the Hudson River, protect the environment, and prepare for rising sea levels –For information and reservations contact Emilie Hauser at eehauser@gw.dec.state.ny.us or 845-889-4745 x 112 – 1 to 5 pm – Main Building, Room 206, Columbia-Greene Community College

Tandem Open House for two new studios – See Kahn/Selesnick’s newest work and works in progress and visit Sarah Falkner Healing Arts and (hi)story labor(atory) apothecary for refreshments and a game of chance – Information at 347-436-6725 – 5 to 7 pm – Kahn/Selesnick at 526 Warren Street, Sarah Falkner at 518 Warren Street

Shana Falana, It’s Not Night It’s Space, and Weird Owl – Falana says, about reverb, “It takes sound and puts a bubble around it.  It’s like saturating a wave form in color.  It’s a vibration out.  It’s almost instantly visual.”  Weird Owl is a five-piece band from Vermont – Information at 671-6006 or www.TheSpottyDog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

 MOD Hudson celebrates its First Year Anniversary with a new menu filled with old favorites and new creative dishes – The Phil Massaro Symphony performs – Dance Party planned for later in the month – Information at 828-1880 – 8 pm – MOD, 20 South Front Street

Swing Night at Helsinki – Dance lessons from 8 to 9 pm; dancing from 9 pm to midnight with live music by The Limb Shakers – Information atwww.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Rhett Miller – “…known as lead singer/guitarist for Dallas hard-charging rock ‘n’ roll quartet and alt-country band the Old 97’s – Primarily known for his songwriting and awe-inspiring live performances – Mike and Ruthy open – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800  – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday, April 14

Spring Gardening Day – Presented by The Master Gardener Program of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia & Greene Counties – 16 classes in three 90-minute sessions at 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm – Pre-paid registration required by Tuesday, April 3 – Walk-ins are welcome, but class availability may be limited – For a list of class descriptions go to www.ccecolumbiagreene.org or 828-3346 – 9 am to 2:30 pm – Columbia-Greene Community College

Chef Regina Simmons offers the second of a four-part series of small class discussions and demonstrations called “2 Bake or Not 2 Bake.” –  This Saturday’s session is “The Universal Mix” used in making scones, muffins, quickbreads, and buckwheat super scones and vegan gingerbread – Class enrollment is limited – Information and enrollment at www.verdigristea@gmail.com or 828-3139 – 10 to 11 am – Verdigris Tea, 135 Warren Street

Indoor Farmers’ Market – The indoor food market continues at Christ Church on Saturdays through May 5 – Local fresh and prepared foods from your favorite vendors – 10 am to 1 pm – Fellowship Hall, Christ Church Episcopal, 413 Union Street, near the corner of Union & East Court Streets

Annual Meeting of the Friends of the First Presbyterian Church – Presentation of the work accomplished in the past year as well as the work needed to  preserve and restore the large stained glass window overlooking Warren Street – Lunch follows the meeting (reservations necessary) – 11 am – First Presbyterian Church, corner of Fourth & Warren Streets

HD screening of the Metropolitan Opera production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, a comic opera is five acts – Reservations at 822-8100 orwww.timeandspace.org – 1 pm –Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Exhibition Opening – Photography by Peggy Reeves: Mostly Blues – A Great Barrington artist who works in alternative photographic processes and digital media – Information at 822-0510 – 3 to 6 pm – 510 Warren Street Gallery, 520 Warren Street

Ledig House International Writers’ Residency Spring Reading & Reception – Nine writers from the Omi International Arts Center’s  spring residency program will read from their work – Information at 828-6411 – 5:30 pm – Marianne Courville Gallery, Third Floor (over Hudson Wine Merchants), 341 ½ Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – New Drawings by David Dew Bruner – Inspired by Viennese artist Hundertwasser and by post-war master Graham Sutherland – Runs through April 29 – Information at 821-3158 – 6 to 8 pm – Hallam Antiques, 426 Warren Street

Halley’s Comet: Around the Piano with Mark Twain and John Davis – Pianist John Davis pays musical tribute to our country’s celebrated and influential author, Mark Twain – The program features works of the Georgia slave, Blind Tom Wiggins, an autistic savant piano player who toured the US extensively and appeared at the Hudson Opera House on four occasions from 1868 to 1871 – Information and reservations at 822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org – 8 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Citay, P.G. Six and Trummors in a concert to benefit community radio station WGXC – Information at 671-6006 or www.TheSpottyDog.com  – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Double Bill of Two Up and Coming Greats! – Lake Street Dive and Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade “Classic soul and R&B, jazz, and British invasion form the backdrop for the quirky and irreverent brand of pop for which Lake Street Dive has become known….”  Miss Tess draws comparisons to artists such as Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Peggy Lee, and Chuck Berry, but maintains a style all of her own….”– Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Wunderbar One Year Anniversary Dance Party with DJ T-Bone – Drink Specials – Information at 828-0555 – 10 pm to 2 am – Wunderbar, 744 Warren Street

Sunday, April 15

HD screening of the Metropolitan Opera production of Massenet’s Manon, a comic opera is five acts – Reservations at 822-8100 or www.timeandspace.org – 1 pm –Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Thomas Cole National Historic Site Sunday Salon – Julie Levin Caro, art history professor at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina, “offers a new perspective on Thomas Cole’s artistic identity by describing his design and siting of a rustic Italianate cottage…. ”– Information at www.thomascole.org or 943-7465 – Pay admission at the door – 2 pm – Thomas Cole National Historic Site, 218 Spring Street (Route 385)

Tango! – Third Sunday of every month – All ages welcome – Alternating instructors Ellen Chrystal and Chungin Goodstein – Lesson in Tango Fundamentals 7 to 8 pm; Milonga 8 to 11 pm – (Tango lessons also now on Monday nights. Call for details.) Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Monday, April 16

Harv’s Birthday “HIT” featuring Groovilation with Pete Levin on keyboards, Jimmy Eppard on guitars, Steve Rust on bass, and Harvey Sorgen on drums – A Monday Showcase offering – No cover! – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

OPEN MICS

Tuesdays

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

Wednesdays

Open Mic Night – Broadcast live on WGXC 90.7 FM – Hosted by Rob Johanson – Information at 469-7489 or rcj837@gmail.com – Sign up at 8 pm – Performance from 8:30 pm to 11 pm – Red Dot, 319 Warren Street

Acoustic Open Mic with host and guitar expert Al Sire – Information at 822-1234 or www.americanglory.com – 8 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Thursdays

Thursday Night Performance Circle – Any performance style from comedy to music is welcome – Open to all ages – Hosted by Jackie and Marilyn – Information at 828-2210 or e-mail parloropenmic@gmail.com – 7 to 9 pm – Parlor Coffee & Tea House, 742 Warren Street

All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.
All addresses are in Hudson, unless otherwise indicated.
For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

All content herein copyright c 2012, published with permission.

ELLEN’S PICKS

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

Monday-Saturday, March 26-31

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week continues – 185 restaurants offer three-course $20.95 lunches and $29.95 dinners – Participating restaurants in Columbia County are American Glory, Baba Louie’s Sourdough Pizza, and Café Le Perche, all in Hudson, and The Greens Restaurant at the Copake Country Club – For a complete list of participating restaurants, go to www.HudsonValleyRestaurantWeek.com

 Monday, March 26

Big Joe Fitz & The Lo-Fi’s – “For 25 years Big Joe Fitz has been one of the leading personalities on the Hudson Valley music scene.  His long running radio program “The Blues Break” broadcast over…radio station WDST in Woodstock…has become a Sunday night institution….”– A Monday Showcase offering – Free of charge! – Information at 828-4800 orwww.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Wednesday, March 28- Wednesday, April 4

Be Your Media/Fund Your Media – An on-air pledge drive to raise funds for WGXC, the community radio station for Greene & Columbia Counties – Tune in to hear special programming with local musicians such as Tommy Stinson, Peter Head and Chris Neumann performing in the studio, and  media people such as Michael Singer and Verlyn Klinkenborgdropping in to share thoughts about the significance of independent media – Listen at 90.7 FM – Information at 697-7400 – At the end of Pledge Week, WGXC celebrates with an expanded Open Mic broadcast – 9 to 11 pm – Red Dot, 319 Warren Street

 Thursday, March 29 (Also Sunday.  See below.)

Live simulcast of the National Theatre of London’s production of Oliver Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer – “One of the great, generous-hearted and ingenious comedies of the English language…” – Reservations at 822-8100 orwww.timeandspace.org – 7 pm –Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Zach Deputy – His most recent recording is best described as “soulful rhythm and blues, with flavors of Al Green, Taj Mahal and Stevie Wonder….” – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Friday, March 30

Chai Shop Opening Day – This new eatery offers authentic Indian tea with a wide ranging menu of Indian food and other international dishes – “…its menu will take you from lunch to tea and even early dinner – Open from 11 am to 6 pm Thursday through Sunday – The Chai Shop, 444 Warren Street

Nearly Lear, adapted from William Shakespeare’s King Lear by Susanna Hamnett and Edith Tankus – Hamnett is a one-woman tour de force, playing the Fool and every other character to tell a very personal story that borrows from Shakespeare – “…upends expectations of what a Shakespeare play should be….” – Information and reservations at 822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org – 1 pm & 8 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Exposition Auction – English and Continental furniture, porcelain, silver, decorations, and fine art from private estates – Information and on-line catalog at www.stairgalleries.com – 6 pm – Stair Galleries, 549 Warren Street

An Evening of Dreamy Music with Railbird (S.K.P./Sarah K. Pedinotti) and The Empty Trio (Gideon Crevoshay, vocals; Jeffrey Lependorf, Asian flutes; and Otto Hauser, percussion)  – The Brooklyn-based evocative pop and experimental song band project and Hudson’s newest avant-etherial improvising trio – Information at 671-6006 or www.TheSpottyDog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Enter the Haggis – “The Best of Celtic Rock” – This Toronto rock band …is at the center of a grassroots success story ever teetering on the brink of mainstream success….” – Information at 828-4800  or www.helsinkihudson.com – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Friday-Sunday, March 30-April 1

Films at TSL:

>Gerhard Richter Painting – A documentary “on the 79-year old’s creative process, juxtaposed with rare archival footage and intimate conversations with his critics and collaborators….”

>The Miners’ Hymns – A documentary depicting the ill-fated mining community in North East England, told entirely without words

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

BIG IDEAS/small spaces – A Designer ShowHouse to benefit Columbia County Habitat for Humanity – Nine local designers each take on the creative challenge of designing a room (and in one case a garden) for one of the newly constructed Habitat houses which is 20 feet wide by 30 feet long for a total of 1,250 square feet – The ShowHouse focuses on dealing with smaller, more efficient living spaces – There are a number of opportunities to view the ShowHouse for a small admission fee:

>Public Viewings – Fri/Sat/Sun – 10 am to 4 pm

>Realtors’ Coffee – Friday, March 30 – 10 to 11:30 am

>Meet the Designers Night – Friday, March 30 – 4 to 5:30 pm

Information at 828-0892 or e-mail badams@columbiacountyhabitat.org – All events at 240 Columbia Street

Saturday, March 31

Chef Regina Simmons offers a four-part series of small class discussions and demonstrations called “2 Bake or Not 2 Bake.”  – The series is offered on four consecutive Saturdays – This Saturday’s session is “Easy as Pie” about pie dough preparation and storage and recipes for lemon cheesecake fruit tart, and a savory kale pie – Class enrollment is limited – Information and enrollment at www.verdigristea@gmail.com or 828-3139 – 10 to 11 am – Verdigris Tea, 135 Warren Street

Super Saturday Kids’ Book Sale – Thousands of gently-used books and VCR tapes at discount prices – Includes picture books, read aloud books, early reader books, non-fiction and chapter books, plus a large selection of young adult books. Special guest, The Cat in the Hat, will be available for photos with children – Information at 828-1792 – 10 am to 1 pm – Book Sale Room, Hudson Area Library, 400 State Street

Indoor Farmers’ Market – The indoor food market continues at Christ Church on Saturdays through May 5 – The usual array of local fresh and prepared foods from your favorite vendors will be available – 10 am to 1 pm – Fellowship Hall, Christ Church Episcopal, 413 Union Street, near the corner of Union & East Court Streets

Songs Without Words – Claverack Landing’s chamber music series presents two renowned musicians, flutist Paula Robison & guitarist Fredric Hand playing Italian lullabies and love songs, Sephardic songs from the 13^th century, and American and Jewish  hymns – Both musicians have enjoyed long and distinguished careers – Performance is followed by a reception with the artists – Information and reservations at www.ClaverackLanding.org – 5 pm – Christ Church Episcopal, corner of East Court and Union Streets

Exhibition Opening – Paul Hamann Photography – “…exploring aspects of the natural landscape through various camera formats and printing techniques….” – Runs through April 22 – Information at www.johndavisgallery.com or 828-5907 – 6 to 8 pm – John Davis Gallery, 362 ½ Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – Unnatural Selections – Small-scale mixed media drawings by Gammy Miller – “part of an amateur naturalist’s exploration into one of the tenets of the evolutionary process: natural selection.” – Information at 822-1438 orwww.hudsonoperahouse.org – 6 to 8 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – Recent Pieces by Philip Sajet – Exhibition runs through September 24 – Information atwww.ornamentungallery.com or 671-6770 – 6 to 8 pm – Ornamentum Gallery, 506 ½ Warren Street

Hudson Pride Foundation Cocktail Reception – To announce Hudson Pride Weekend 2012 – Information atwww.HudsonPrideFoundation.org or 303-6122 – 6 to 8 pm – Stair Galleries, 549 Warren Street

Hudson River Classics presents a staged reading of Graven Image, a new play be Stephen Kilduff – “…a three-person drama about fathers and daughters, the history of western art, and the things that the young can teach the old.” – Reading is free; suggested donation for reception afterward with playwright and actors – Reservations at 799-3230 –  Information at 851-3617 or www.hrc-showcasetheatre.com – 7:30 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Peter Head  and Inflatable Sex Babies – Head is a self-proclaimed “redneck artist, poet, and musician” who will perform his “twangy acid-washed northern country ditties” – Inflatable Sex Babies “is the solo electronic project of sometimes bass-slinging Hudson Polymath, John Fay”  – Information at 671-6006 or  www.TheSpottyDog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Royal Khaoz – Dance all night to the sounds of this Helsinki favorite …one of the hottest young reggae bands to hit the Northeast…” – Information at 828-4800  or www.helsinkihudson.com  – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday-Sunday, March 31-April 1

Celebrity Visitor Pays Pre-Easter Visit to Hudson – The famous, world-renowned Easter Bunny will be meeting and greeting both children and adults in front of Vasilow’s Confectionery on Saturday and Sunday – Proprietor Jim Vasilow says, “Considering all of the places in the world that the Easter Bunny could spent next weekend, we’re pleased that he’s chosen Hudson as the place to be!” – Information at 828-2717 or www.vasilows.com – Sat from 10 am to 5 pm; Sun from 11 am to 4 pm – Vasilow’s Confectionery, 741 Columbia Street

Recording artist Regina Sayles performs live – Free admission – Usual menu available – Information atDan.Gibson@GrazinAngusAcres.com or 392-3620 – 8 to 10 pm – Grazin’, 717 Warren Street

Sunday, April 1 (Also Thursday.  See above.)

HD screening of the National Theatre of London’s production of Oliver Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer – “One of the great, generous-hearted and ingenious comedies of the English language…” – Reservations at 822-8100 orwww.timeandspace.org – 2 pm –Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Reading and Book Signing – Author Chloe Caldwell will read from her new collection of essays, Legs Get Led Astray – Poet Rebecca Wolff and writer Hallie Goodman will also read from recent works – Information at 671-6006 or  www.TheSpottyDog.com – 5 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Hudson Rotary Warren Street Mile Fool’s Race and Awards Celebration –  Race begins at 4:30 pm at 744 Warren Street – Awards Presentation and Celebration at 6:30 pm at Club Helsinki with Chris Neumann & Festina Lente playing “brawny country-folk,” and performance byCharmed & Dangerous,  a sexy blend of burlesque and cabaret – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 6:30 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Monday, April 2

Occupy Hudson – An open meeting to discuss the upcoming presidential election and to learn about Occupy Hudson activities.  Bring a chair and bug spray – 6 pm – Seventh Street Park (Parlor Tea & Coffee Shop, 742 Warren Street in case of rain)

The Kurt Henry Band – A Monday Showcase offering – Free of charge! – Information at 828-4800 orwww.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

 The Lunar Moss Show – Vinyl cowboy DJ Lunar Moss stars in a Live Lunar Broadcast as part of the WGXC fund drive – Information at 671-6006 or www.TheSpottyDog.com  – 8 pm to 12 midnight – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

OPEN MICS

Tuesdays

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

Wednesdays

Open Mic Night – Broadcast live on WGXC 90.7 FM – Hosted by Rob Johanson – Information at 469-7489 orrcj837@gmail.com – Sign up at 8 pm – Performance from 8:30 pm to 11 pm – Red Dot, 319 Warren Street

Acoustic Open Mic with host and guitar expert Al Sire – Information at 822-1234 or www.americanglory.com – 8 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Thursdays

Thursday Night Performance Circle – Any performance style from comedy to music is welcome – Open to all ages – Hosted by Jackie and Marilyn – Information at 828-2210 or e-mail parloropenmic@gmail.com – 7 to 9 pm – Parlor Coffee & Tea House, 742 Warren Street

All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.
All addresses are in Hudson, unless otherwise indicated.
For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

All content herein copyright Ellen Thurston c 2012
reproduced with permission 

ELLEN’S PICKS

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

 March 18-31

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week – 185 restaurants offering three-course $20.95 lunches and $29.95 dinners – Participating restaurants in Columbia County are American Glory, Baba Louie’s Sourdough Pizza, and Café Le Perche, all in Hudson, and The Greens Restaurant at the Copake Country Club – For a complete list of participating restaurants, go to www.HudsonValleyRestaurantWeek.com

 Monday, March 19

The Jonny Monster Band – “…a smoking hot new rock ‘n’ blues power trio from New Paltz, NY, featuring Jonny Monster on guitar and vocals, Rob Kissner on bass, and Roger LaRochelle on vocals and drum.” – A Monday Showcase offering – Free of charge! – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Tuesday, March 20

Trixie Starr MCs Match Game, the Hudson version of the 60s/70s television show – Prizes and frivolity – Information at 301-4398 – 7 to 9 pm – (pm) Wine Bar, 119 Warren Street

Thursday, March 22

Wine Dinner – Fairview Wines & Spirits joins hands with Swoon KitchenBar for a special dinner featuring Raimond de Villeneuve’s wines from the Provencal estate, Chateau de Roquefort – Raimond will be present to talk about the wines, biodynamic growing and winemaking techniques – Information and reservations at 822-8938 – Swoon KitchenBar, 340 Warren Street

Thursday-Sunday, March 22-25 

Films at TSL:

>Gerhard Richter Painting – A documentary “on the 79-year old’s creative process, juxtaposed with rare archival footage and intimate conversations with his critics and collaborators….”

>The Miners’ Hymns – A documentary depicting the ill-fated mining community in North East England, told entirely without words

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

Bread & Puppet Theater performs 4 Shows from the Republic of Cardboard – The Vermont theatre pays its annual visit with a new series of shows performed by a five-woman cast – Information at 822-8100 or www.timeandspace.org – Thurs/Fri/Sat at 8 pm; special performance and lunch on Sun at 12:30 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Friday, March 23

Nat Baldwin & Otto Hauser – Hudson’s go-to man for the drums, Otto Hauser, will open the evening when Spotty favorite Nat Baldwin returns to Hudson, double bass in hand – Information at 671-6006 or  www.TheSpottyDog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Imani Winds Quintet – “This Grammy nominated quintet…has established itself as one of the most successful chamber music ensembles in the United States.” – Presented by the Hudson Opera House – Information at 822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org – 8 pm – Montgomery C. Smith Intermediate School, Harry Howard Avenue

 Avondale Airforce with special guest Alexander Turnquist – “Upstate New York duo Avondale Airforce could be called a match made in heaven—or perhaps in space—deep space.  Sharing the bill for this special record release event is one of the Hudson Valley’s greatest musicians, guitarist and composer Alexander Turnquist.”  Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday, March 24

Sap to Syrup – Join Columbia Land Conservancy at a local sugar bush to learn about the modern and traditional techniques for tapping trees, collecting sap, and boiling the sap down to syrup – To register and receive directions contact Jenny Brinker at 392-5252, ext. 210 or e-mail jenny@clctrust.org – 10 am to 12 noon – Hand Hollow Sugar Shack

BIG IDEAS/small spaces – A Designer ShowHouse to benefit Columbia County Habitat for Humanity – Nine local designers each take on the creative challenge of designing a room (and in one case a garden) for one of the newly constructed Habitat houses which is 20 feet wide by 30 feet long for a total of 1,250 square feet – The ShowHouse focuses on dealing with smaller, more efficient living spaces – There are a number of opportunities to view the ShowHouse for a small admission fee:

>Public Viewings – Sat/Sun, March 24-25, Fri/Sat/Sun, March 30-31 and

April 1 – 10 am to 4 pm
Opening Cocktail Party – Saturday, March 24 – 5 pm
Realtors’ Coffee – Friday, March 30 – 10 to 11:30 am
Meet the Designers Night – Friday, March 30 – 4 to 5:30 pm
Information at 828-0892 or e-mail badams@columbiacountyhabitat.org – All events at 240 Columbia Street

Exhibition Opening – Student Art Showcase – Features the art of area high school students – Runs through May 11 – Information at 671-6213 or www.artscolumbia.org – 2 to 4 pm – Columbia County Council on the Arts, 209 Warren Street

Diamond Opera Theater, Hudson’s own opera company, is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a benefit party – Drinks, hors d’oeuvres and music – Performances by Mary Hack, mezzo-soprano; Keith Spencer, baritone;  Melora Creager, Rasputina Directress, cello; and Tim Doyle, piano – Information and reservations by e-mail to flgrn2@gmail.com – 6 to 8 pm – The Inn at Hudson, 317 Allen Street

String Band – Evan Levine (aka Randall) opens – The String Band duo, Jackson Emmer and Sam Moss, just released their debut album – Levine  is making his first area appearance since his relocation to Philadelphia – Information at 671-6006 or  www.TheSpottyDog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Spottiswoode & His Enemies – “….The group has an eclectic and hard to describe sound, with songs ranging from rock to folk to jazz and even gospel…. Although far from ‘mainstream,’ the band has become well known within the New York music scene during its ten years….” – Information at 828-4800  or www.helsinkihudson.com  – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday-Sunday, March 24-25

Hudson Valley Yarn Crawl – Visit independent yarn shops and farms to discover unique yarns and accessories – For information and list of participating businesses, visit www.hudsonvalleyyarns.com – Sat from 10 am to 6 pm; Sun from 12 noon to 4 pm

Sunday, March 25

BIG IDEAS/small spaces – See entry above, under Saturday

Monday, March 26

Big Joe Fitz & The Lo-Fi’s – “For 25 years Big Joe Fitz has been one of the leading personalities on the Hudson Valley music scene.  His long running radio program “The Blues Break” broadcast over…radio station WDST in Woodstock…has become a Sunday night institution….”– A Monday Showcase offering – Free of charge! – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

OPEN MICS

Tuesdays

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

Wednesdays

Open Mic Night – Broadcast live on WGXC 90.7 FM – Hosted by Rob Johanson – Information at 469-7489 or rcj837@gmail.com – Sign up at 8 pm – Performance from 8:30 pm to 11 pm – Red Dot, 319 Warren Street

Acoustic Open Mic with host and guitar expert Al Sire – Information at 822-1234 or www.americanglory.com – 8 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Thursdays

Thursday Night Performance Circle – Any performance style from comedy to music is welcome – Open to all ages – Hosted  by Jackie and Marilyn – Information at 828-2210 or e-mail parloropenmic@gmail.com – 7 to 9 pm – Parlor Coffee & Tea House, 742 Warren Street

First Saturdays

The People’s Open Mic – Sign up by e-mail at flaminy@fairpoint.net – Information at 392-2337 – 7:30 pm on – Peint O Gwrw Pub, 36 Main Street, Chatham

All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.
All addresses are in Hudson, unless otherwise indicated.
For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

All content herein copyright Ellen Thurston c 2012
reprinted with permission 

ELLEN’S PICKS IN HUDSON

Monday, March 12

The Trapps – “…an American band tapping the roots of Americana, Folk and Rock and Roll…” – A Monday Showcase offering – Free of charge! – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Tuesday, March 13

Young Farmer Mixer – Meet the Greenhorns, an organization that supports young farmers – Learn what they do and meet and mix with other young farmers – Silkscreening and refreshments – 12 noon to 6 pm – 624 Warren Street (corner of Seventh & Warren Streets)

LEAF Day! – LEAF (Local Economic Alliance for the Future) is a group of local business owners seeking through networking and shared knowledge to advance ideas about local business ownership, local economies, and small is beautiful principles.” – Sponsored by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce – For greater detail on the program call 828-4417 – Seminars from 1 to 4 pm at the Chamber offices, 1 North Front Street, followed by Green Drinks from 5 to 7 pm at Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

 Wednesday, March 14

Walk-In Wednesdays – A new collaborative, weekly, low-cost, community wellness clinic offering acupuncture, Western and Chinese massage, Chinese and Western herbs, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, aromatherapy, reiki and energy work – Drop in or call for an appointment  at 346-436-6725 – 10 am to 3 pm – Elliott Acupuncture, 876 Columbia Street

Thursday, March 15

Bridal Business Development Seminar – Sponsored by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce – Panel discussion on image, branding and hospitality, moderated by Lisa Light of Destination Bride – Reservations at 828-4417 or www.columbiachamber-ny.com – 5 to 7 pm – Space 360, 360 Warren Street

Thursday-Sunday, March 15-18 

Films at TSL:

>They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain – The story of Burma, told with clandestine footage that provides an “astonishing and intimate look inside at what has been one of the most isolated countries on the planet….”

>El Sicario, Room 164 – A Mexican hit man on the run explains his life

>The Miners’ Hymns – A documentary depicting the ill-fated mining community in North East England, told entirely without words

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

Friday, March 16

St. Patty’s Eve Shenanigans – An Irish Happy Hour at 5 pm, with bagpiper – Jonny Monster band from New Paltz at 9 pm – Information at 822-1234 – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Joseph Arthur  – “one of those rare writer-performers where you get the sense, whatever you believe, that something greater is being channeled through his music and voice.  It touches something very deep and universal.”—Michael Stipe, R.E.M. – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

 Friday-Sunday, March 16-18

LICK The Market – Continues on weekends through the month of March – Information at 828-7254 or www.lickhudson.blogspot.com – 253 Warren Street

Saturday, March 17

Indoor Farmers’ Market – The indoor food market continues at Christ Church on Saturdays through May 5 – The usual array of local fresh and prepared foods from your favorite vendors will be available – 10 am to 1 pm – Fellowship Hall, Christ Church Episcopal, 413 Union Street, near the corner of Union & East Court Streets

St. Patrick’s Day – Corned beef and cabbage being served in many places, including the Red Dot (321 Warren St), Christ Church Episcopal (Union and East Court St. – Take-out from 4 to 5 pm; table service from 5 to 7 pm) and at American Glory (342 Warren St – Green beer and Irish music – See also St. Patty’s Eve Shenanigans above under Friday)

Crystal Monee Hall – A release concert for her debut album River Train – “Hall’s music combines the sounds of folk, gospel, jazz and blues.”  Formerly a featured vocalist with the Broadway production of Rent – Listen at www.crystalmoneehall.com – Information at 822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org  – 8 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Blueberry – Gwen Snyder’s performances have won kudos from any number of critics, among them this from Time Out:  “Ambition and audacity….Blueberry is the illegitimate offspring of Prince and Kate Bush….her light, slightly eccentric coo sails out in memorable tunes wrapped in vintage soul arrangements. – Information at 671-6006 or  www.TheSpottyDog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

The Chris O’Leary Band – O’Leary’s “musical background includes duties as lead singer and front man for rock and roll hall of famer and Grammy award winner Levon Helm’s band the Barnburners” –  Information at 828-4800  or www.helsinkihudson.com – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Sunday, March 18

Exhibition Opening – My America: America the Way it Used to Be – A solo exhibition by former Marvel Comics illustrator, Herb Rogoff – Runs through May 21 – Sponsored by the Columbia County Council on the Arts – 1 to 4 pm – Upstairs Gallery, American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Monday, March 19

The Jonny Monster Band – “…a smoking hot new rock ‘n’blues power trio from New Paltz, NY, featuring Jonny Monster on guitar and vocals, Rob Kissner on bass, and Roger LaRochelle on vocals and drum.” – A Monday Showcase offering – Free of charge! – Information at 828-4800  or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

OPEN MICS

Tuesdays

Helsinki Open Mic – Try out new material on the big Helsinki stage – Hosted by Stephen Bluhm and guest MCs – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – Sign-up begins at 7 pm – Performance from 8-11 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Wednesdays

Open Mic Night – Broadcast live on WGXC 90.7 FM – Hosted by Rob Johanson – Information at 469-7489 or rcj837@gmail.com – Sign up at 8 pm – Performance from 8:30 pm to 11 pm – Red Dot, 319 Warren Street

Acoustic Open Mic with host and guitar expert Al Sire – Information at 822-1234 or www.americanglory.com – 8 pm – American Glory, 342 Warren Street

Thursdays

Thursday Night Performance Circle – Any performance style from comedy to music is welcome – Open to all ages – Hosted  by Jackie and Marilyn – Information at 828-2210 or e-mail parloropenmic@gmail.com – 7 to 9 pm – Parlor Coffee & Tea House, 742 Warren Street

All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.
All addresses are in Hudson, unless otherwise indicated.
For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

reprinted with permission. All content herein copyright Ellen Thurston c 2012

ELLEN’S PICKS

Monday, March 5

FOOD! – Chopsticks Optional – Dim Sum and Regional Chinese entrees prepared by guest chef Michael Chesloff – Come early! – Information at 828-3657 – 5 pm until it lasts – Red Dot, 321 Warren Street

Tango Hudson – Tango lessons with alternating instructors Maggie Griffin and Ellen Chrystal every Monday night – No partner necessary – Please wear leather or suede soled shoes – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com or call Ellen at 537-2589 or Maggie at 845-489-2048 – Beginner Class and Practica from 6 to 7 pm; Intermediate Class from 7 to 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Da Flash Band – A Monday Showcase offering – Free of charge! –– “…a group of some of the most sought after session players in the Hudson Valley, thrilling audiences wherever they appear….the show is always a top shelf, fun, funky,  professional performance.” – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com  – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Streey

Tuesday, March 6

Trixie Starr MCs Match Game, the Hudson version of the 60s/70s television show – Information at 301-4398 – 7 to 9 pm – (pm) Wine Bar, 119 Warren Street

SOLD OUT – The Magnetic Fields with Bachelorette Opening – Kicking   off their spring tour in Hudson – Information at 828-4800 orwww.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Wednesday, March 7

Conservation Advisory Council Roundtable – A forum for sharing information about members’ conservation activities and for interested citizens to learn about issues related to groundwater, wildlife habitat, open space recreation, scenic views, and to learn what a Conservation Advisory Council can do for their towns – To register contact Ellen Jouret-Epstein at 392-5252, ext. 208 or ellen@clctrust.org – 7 pm – Churchtown Firehouse, Churchtown

Thursday-Sunday, March 8-11 

Films at TSL:

>Over Your Cities Grass Will Grow – About Anselm Kiefer’s monumental body of work that occupies a fascinating place in the canon of late twentieth-century art.

>They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain – The story of Burma, told with clandestine footage that provides an “astonishing and intimate look inside at what has been one of the most isolated countries on the planet….”

>The Pruitt-Igoe Myth – “…the story of the wholesale changes that took place in the American city in the decades after WW II, through the lens of the infamous Pruitt-Igoe housing development in St. Louis…”

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

Friday, March 9

23^rd Annual Crystal Apple Award Gala – Sponsored by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce – Information at 828-4417 orwww.columbiachamber-ny.com  – 6 to 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Winter Cabaret caps off its winter residency with  a lineup of circus and variety arts stars including worldwide aerial phenomenon Tanya Gagne; burlesque diva BOB, known for her bombshell image and her ability to mix martinis in her cleavage; Harley Newman, professional lunatic; and Bindlestiff co-founders and Hudson residents, Mr. Pennygraff and Ringmistress Philomena, who bring their vaudevillanous variety to the mix. Live music by Sabrina Chap who has “classical piano skills, the lyrics of Tom Waits, the onstage antics of Phyllis Diller, and the voice of a whiskey angel.” – For grownups only – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

 Saturday, March 10

Indoor Farmers’ Market – The indoor food market continues at Christ Church on Saturdays through May 5 – The usual array of local fresh and prepared foods from your favorite vendors will be available – 10 am to 1 pm – Fellowship Hall, Christ Church Episcopal, 413 Union Street, near the corner of Union & East Court Streets

Closing Reception for Animal Art – 3-5 pm – Columbia County Council on the Arts, 209 Warren Street

Music from France: A Century Ends—Another Begins – Concert and buffet supper to benefit the Columbia County Historical Society –  Amanda Boyd and Vicki Smith, sopranos; Michael Clement and David Smith, pianos; and Sharon Levin, flute – Reservations and information at 758-9265 or www.cchsny.org – 5 pm – Home of David and Vicki Smith, Kinderhook

Exhibition Opening – Richard Merkin: Survey of 60 Paintings – Paintings by the late Richard Merkin touch on the subjects of literature and film – Runs through April 15 – Information at 828-1915 or www.carriehaddadgallery.verizon.net – 6 to 8 pm – Carrie Haddad Gallery, 622 Warren Street

Head Womb and Lindsay Clark – “Guitar, violin, cello and gorgeous melodies combine to create a lush landscape of longing.”  – Information atwww.TheSpottyDog.com or 671-6006 – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Royal Southern Brotherhood – Two rock ‘n’ roll bloodlines are represented in this group with Cyril Neville, one of the famed Neville Brothers, and Devon Allman, son of Gregg Allman – “…its all about making a good gumbo…”  – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday-Sunday, March 10-11

Auction of English, Continental & American furniture, folk art, paintings, drawings, decorations, and more – Includes property from the estate of George Gravert and Americana and folk art from the estate of Gerald Kornblau, featuring a collection of vernacular photography and an important pair of Ammi Phillips portraits of the Stoddards of Hudson, circa 1812 – Online catalogue at www.stairgalleries.com – Information at 751-1000 – Preview: Friday from 10 am to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 11 am – Auction: Saturday and Sunday, starts at 11 am – Stair Galleries, 549 Warren Street

HD screening of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Verdi’s Ernani, 4 hours long – Reservations at 822-8448 or www.timeandspace.org –12:55 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Sunday, March 11

HD screening of the National Theatre of London’s production of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors  – Reservations at 822-8448 orwww.timeandspace.org – 2 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Thomas Cole National Historic Site Sunday Salon – Thomas Cole Exhibition at the Louvre – Dr. Katherine Bourguignon, Associate Curator at the Terra Foundation for American Art Europe, travels here from Paris to speak about the Louvre exhibition, New Frontier: Thomas Cole and the Birth of Landscape Painting in America – Information at www.thomascole.org or 943-7465 – Pay admission at the door – 2 pm – Thomas Cole National Historic Site, 218 Spring Street (Route 385)

Buke & Gase – Jeremy Kelly – Sticklips – Performance to benefit Spotty Dog and community radio station WGXC – Help the Spotty become the first local space to stream its diverse programs live on the FM airwaves - Information at www.TheSpottyDog.com or 671-6006 – 7 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Monday, March 12

Tango Hudson – Tango lessons with alternating instructors Maggie Griffin and Ellen Chrystal every Monday night – No partner necessary – Please wear leather or suede soled shoes – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com or call Ellen at 537-2589 or Maggie at 845-489-2048 – Beginner Class and Practica from 6 to 7 pm; Intermediate Class from 7 to 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

The Trapps – “…an American band tapping the roots of Americana, Folk and Rock and Roll…” – A Monday Showcase offering – Free of charge! – Information at 828-4800  or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.
All addresses are in Hudson, unless otherwise indicated.
For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

ELLEN’S PICKS

Monday, February 27

FOOD! – Chopsticks Optional – Dim Sum and Regional Chinese entrees prepared by guest chef Michael Chesloff – Come early! – Information at 828-3657 – 5 pm until it lasts – Red Dot, 321 Warren Street

Sweet Clementines – A Monday Showcase offering – Free of charge! – Fronted by “two guitar-whiz English teachers from New Paltz” – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com  – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Thursday, March 1

HD screening of the National Theatre of London’s production of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors  – Reservations at 822-8448 orwww.timeandspace.org – 7 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

The New Business of New Music – Columbia Arts Team fundraising reception, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A about the music business – Free admission to musicians at 8 pm – Information at www.columbiaartsteam.org  – Reception at 7 pm; Music Showcase featuring singer-songwriter Darla Pietra at 8 pm; Panel discussion with music business insiders Paul Antonell (producer/engineer), Suzanne Hilleary (music licensing), and Chris Weink (radio) at 8:30 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Lower Dens – This four-piece Indie band is set to release its long-awaited second album, Nootropics, on May 1 – Information at 828-4800 orwww.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Friday, March 2

Robin Bacior and Nature Films – Bacior “crafts folk vignettes softly painted in waltz timing….” – Nature Films is the songwriting project of Pat Linnan and Louis Munroe.  “Twangy, grungy, mildly depressive and downright high-quality, earnest alt-country gems.”  – Information atwww.TheSpottyDog.com or 671-6006 – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Connor Kennedy – “Though still in his teens, Connor Kennedy is already performing with world-class musicians and making a name for himself as one of today’s most promising young guitarists….” – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Friday-Sunday, March 2-4

Films at TSL:

>The Pruitt-Igoe Myth – “…the story of the wholesale changes that took place in the American city in the decades after WW II, through the lens of the infamous Pruitt-Igoe housing development in St. Louis…”

>Fredrick Wiseman’s Crazy Horse – A documentary film about the legendary Parisian cabaret

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

Saturday, March 3

Indoor Farmers’ Market – The indoor food market returns to Christ Church on Saturdays through May 5 – The usual array of local fresh and prepared foods from your favorite vendors will be available – 10 am to 1 pm – Fellowship Hall, Christ Church Episcopal, 413 Union Street, near the corner of Union & East Court Streets

Organize and Occupy: A Conversation – In solidarity with the Occupy Movement, Occupy Hudson has invited union organizer Lige English for a conversation about organizing and outreach in Columbia and Greene Counties to build “a strong and sustainable grassroots movement for enduring change….” – For information send an e-mail to occupyhudson@hotmail.com – 3 pm – First Presbyterian Church, corner of Warren & Fourth Streets

Exhibition Opening – Botswana in Black and White: Images of African Wildlife – Black and white photographs by John Lipkowitz – Runs through April 2  – Information at 822-0510 or www.510warrenstgallery.com – 3 to 7 pm – 510 Warren Street Gallery, 510 Warren Street

Hudson River Historic Boat Restoration & Sailing Society is starting restoration of the Hudson River sloop, The Eleanor and invites the public to observe and learn how to “take the lines” off a boat.  Observe and learn from 10 am to 3:30 pm; conversations and questions with Casson Kennedy beginning at 3:30 pm – Information at 828-7884 or e-mail unionpartition@yahoo.com  – LB Building, Door 19 (LB is the long  white building behind the Basilica at 110 South Front Street)

The Intimate Voices Quartet in concert – Sheila Reinhold and Renee Jolles (violins), Danielle Farina (viola), and James Wilson (cello) perform Beethoven, Yanovsky, and Mendelssohn as part of the Claverack Landing series of intimate chamber music concerts in historic spaces – The concert is followed by a reception with the artists – Reservations and information at  www.ClaverackLanding.org – Reception is priced separately – 6 pm – First Presbyterian Church, corner of Warren & Fourth Streets, followed by the reception at the Tin Ballroom, upstairs at Vincent Mulford Antiques, 419 Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – Joyce Robins: Sculpture – Runs through March 25 – Information at www.johndavisgallery.com or 828-5907 – 6 to 8 pm – John Davis Gallery, 362 ½ Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – This Land – A group show featuring work by Lynn Dreese Breslin, Frank Cressotti, John Foxx, Erik Hanson, Julian Opie, Eric Rhein, Ed Ruscha, Peter Seward, Patti Smith, and others – A landscape show which uses Woody Guthrie’s song as a “springboard,” but with “atypical views of our surroundings” – Information at brucebergmann@hotmail.com or 828-4539 – 6 to 8 pm – BCB Art, 116 Warren Street

Sofie Krog Theater –POSTPONED due to the puppeteer’s broken arm! – Read about the company in this week’s New Yorker – Information at 822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org

 Saturday-Sunday, March 3-4

HD screening of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Verdi’s Ernani, 4 hours long – Reservations at 822-8448 or www.timeandspace.org –12:55 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

An Evening of Comedy with David Brenner – Brenner debuted on The Tonight Show and went on to make the most appearances of any guest on the show—158—and  continues to be the most frequent talk show guest of any entertainer – Information at www.helsinkihudson.com or 828-4800 – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday-Monday, March 3-5

VICO will be exploring the unique cuisines of Italy’s 20 regions, beginning this weekend with a menu offering specialties from the Valle d’Aosta, Italy’s Alpine region bordering on France – View the menu at www.vico-restaurant.com – Reservations and information at 828-6529 – VICO, 136 Warren Street

Sunday, March 4

Love Poetry:  From the Ancient Egyptians to Cole Porter presented by Wendy Power Spielmann and James Kraft – Sponsored by the Claverack Free Library – Followed by reception – Information at 851-7120 or 851-7953 – 3 pm – Claverack Reformed Church Library, Route 9H, just North of the Route 23/9H intersection, Claverack

Cellist Kenneth Law and pianist Stephen Buck perform Faure, Schumann and Franck – Part of the Adventures in Music series – Information at 325-4101 or www.roejanlibrary.org – 3 pm – Roeliff-Jansen Community Library, 9091 Route 22, 1 mile south of the intersection of Routes 22 and 23, Hillsdale

Exhibition Opening – Photography in the Landscape – Runs through March 28 – 3 to 5 pm – Old Chatham Country Store, 639 Albany Turnpike Road, Old Chatham

Monday, March 5

Tango Hudson – Tango lessons with alternating instructors Maggie Griffin and Ellen Chrystal every Monday night – No partner necessary – Please wear leather or suede soled shoes – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com or call Ellen at 537-2589 or Maggie at 845-489-2048 – Beginner Class and Practica from 6 to 7 pm; Intermediate Class from 7 to 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

DA Flash Band – A Monday Showcase offering – Free of charge! – Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Tuesday, March 6

SOLD OUT – The Magnetic Fields – Kicking off their Spring tour in Hudson -– Information at 828-4800 or www.helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

• All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.
• All addresses are in Hudson, unless otherwise indicated.
• For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

Printed with permission.All content herein copyright c 2012 Ellen Thurston