Out & About
November
Cultures come together in Albany, candlelight beckons in Cold Spring
By Polly Sparling
Body of evidence
Always on the cutting edge with their arts programming, the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College has embarked on a yearlong look at the cultural heritage of Africa and the African Diaspora. From lectures and symposia to art exhibits, concerts, music and theater, the lineup of events aims to enhance public understanding of this oft-overlooked part of the world. This month, audiences can catch two performances by Ronald K. Brown/Evidence. This modern dance company interweaves African, modern, ballet and hip-hop dance styles; choreographer Brown is known for using the African-American experience as the basis for many of his dynamic pieces. Nov. 16-17 at 8 p.m. $25-$45. 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. 914-251-6200 or www.artscenter.org
Getting in the spirit
Before we know it, the festive holiday season will be upon us. Start spreading good cheer at Cold Spring by Candlelight. This annual daylong event combines tours of a dozen of the Putnam County village’s unique and historic homes (all decked out in holiday splendor, of course) with special offers from many of the area’s shops and restaurants. Visitors will be treated to music by sidewalk carolers, storytelling by well-known fabulist Jonathan Kruk, and (if you’ve been good) a visit from Old St. Nick. The best part: all proceeds benefit Putnam ARC, an agency which helps the county’s developmentally disabled. Nov. 24 from 3-8 p.m. $20, $18 seniors, $12 children under 12. 845-278-PARC, ext. 287 or www.putnamarc.org
A cavalcade of cultures
A celebration of cultural diversity, the November lineup at the Egg in Albany has something to satisfy every taste. The Iceland Dance Company starts things off with a performance of contemporary works by Icelandic, Scandanavian, and European choreographers (Nov. 2 at 8 p.m.). Next, perennial favorite David Bromberg hooks up with his big band for a concert that blends bluegrass, blues, folk and jazz (Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.). A veteran of Broadway musicals like Les Mis and Phantom of the Opera, Dublin’s Ciaran Sheehan is also making a name for himself as an Irish tenor; he joins soprano Gay Willis for an evening of show tunes and standard Irish favorites (Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.). Native American musician Robert Mirabal and his band play traditional and contemporary music on the 17th (8 p.m.), while the Golden Dragon Chinese Acrobats entertain with amazing acts of strength, agility and beauty on the 24th (2 p.m.). Call for ticket information. Empire State Plaza, Albany. 518-473-1845 or www.theegg.org
Two crooners, two continents
Country music fans, your wait is almost over: Clint Black, one of the genre’s most popular and influential artists, brings his Up Close and Personal Tour to Ulster
Performing Arts Center (Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.). With a stellar career that includes 20 number-one hit singles, the native Texan is credited with reinvigorating traditional country music. Also appearing at UPAC this month is Senegalese superstar Youssou N’Dour. Lauded by Time magazine as one of the world’s most influential people, the singer fuses a variety of musical influences — from African praise-singing and percussion to American soul — into a world-music sound that is simultaneously traditional and uniquely modern (Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.). Call for ticket information. 601 Broadway, Kingston. 845-339-6088 or www.upac.org
(Not) For women only
If you like your melodies dished up with a heavy helping of humor, the Four Bitchin’ Babes have just the recipe you’re looking for. Dubbed “Hormonal Imbalance,” their musical revue mixes equal dollops of serious songwriting, four-part harmony, and sophisticated (and funny) social commentary. Taking on everything from married life and raising kids to chocolate obsessions, PMS, and Botox, the Babes’ original songs and stories document the balancing act that is modern life for many of today’s women; along the way, they’ll touch your heart as well as your funny bone. Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. $22, $20 seniors & students. Academic Arts Theater, Westchester Community College. 75 Grasslands Rd., Valhalla. 914-606-6262.
