Out & About: Featured Events in January 2016

Art exhibits, a comedy extravaganza, and classical music roll into town this month

Mad for Madigan

Nothing beats the winter blues like a good, hearty laugh — and famed comedienne Kathleen Madigan knows how to deliver them. Her latest hour-long special, Madigan Again, was named one of the best comedy albums in 2013 by iTunes. The veteran performer has appeared on the likes of Leno, Conan, and Letterman, as well as HBO specials like Last Comic Standing, and two USO tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. She has also won the “Best Female Comedian Award” from both the American Comedy Award and Phyllis Diller institutions. Jan. 8. 8 p.m. $40-$47. Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center. 1351 Kings Hwy. Sugar Loaf. 845-610-5900; www.sugarloafpac.org

Pull Out All the Stops

In an era of rock bands and electronic dance music, it’s refreshing to hear the sounds of classic instruments like the organ. Proctors hosts the Fidelis Care Organ Concert Series, where various local musicians take to the stage and tickle the ivories of “Goldie.” The 18-voice Wurlitzer Organ includes a full set of percussion instruments and a grand piano that can be played from the organ console. Each organist plays a selection of his or her own choosing, demonstrating the powerful instrument’s range of abilities. Jan. 12. 12 p.m. Free admission. Proctors Mainstage. 432 State St., Schenectady. 518-346-6204; www.proctors.org

Les Pêcheurs de Perles
Les Pêcheurs de Perles tells the story of two pearl fishermen in love with the same woman

- Advertisement -

Opera House

Continuing with the tradition of screening performances of the Metropolitan Opera in The Met: Live in HD series, the Bardavon presents Les Pêcheurs de Perles. Translated as The Pearl Fishers, The Met has not performed Georges Bizet’s opera since 1916 when Enrico Caruso took on one of the leading roles. The story follows two pearl fishers, Nadir and Zurga, who have more than just their livelihoods in common: Both are head over heels in love with the beautiful Leila. As they battle for her affections, they also put their friendship to the test. Jan. 16. 1 p.m. $27, $25 members, $20 children 12 and under. Bardavon Opera House. 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072; www.bardavon.org

susan brown art american stories

At left: Susan Brown’s work on display at the Rockland Center for the Arts; at right, Louis Remy Mignot’s A Winter View From Newburgh is showcased as part of the American Stories exhibit

A Different Viewpoint

Valleyites have one last chance to catch the Beautiful Minds art exhibit before it closes on January 24. Dedicated to expanding the viewers’ perception of what makes an artist an artist, each work is done by one of 12 creators from Pure Vision Arts — a studio in New York City solely dedicated to supporting artists who struggle with neuro-developmental challenges like Asperger’s, autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. Each piece shows an inner part of the artist’s beautiful mind. Gallery hours Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m-4 p.m, Sat. and Sun. 1-4 p.m. Rockland Center for the Arts. 27 S. Greenbush Rd., West Nyack. 845-358-0877; www.rocklandartcenter.org

Local Treasures

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center owns a vast collection of American paintings, but does not often display them. This month, however, the curtain is lifted off many of the treasured works in a new exhibit called American Stories 1800-1950. On display are works by Benjamin West, John Singleton Copley, and Georgia O’Keeffe, as well as several of the lesser-known Hudson River School painters, like Samuel W. Griggs. The exhibit as a whole displays portraits, landscapes, and narrative paintings that explore how American art evolved over a century-and-a-half. Jan. 29- Apr. 17. Tues.-Weds., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. Free admission. Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College. 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie. 845-437-5632; www.fllac.vassar.edu

Our Digital Partners

Learn how to become a digital partner ...

Our Best of Hudson Valley ballot is open through March 31!

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 25!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.