Pop parade
Can’t find a must-see show at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts this month? You must not be looking hard enough. Classic rock fans have Joe Cocker and Huey Lewis and the News on Aug. 5. Country/Southern rock superstar Brad Paisley appears on the 10th, followed by Kelly Clarkson — one of American Idol’s most successful alumni — and the Fray (Aug. 19). Grunge rock’s Stone Temple Pilots (Aug. 22) and country music hitmaker Jason Aldean (Aug. 26) finish up the month. Call or visit Web site for complete schedule and ticket information. 200 Hurd Rd., Bethel. 866-781-2922 or www.bethelwoodscenter.org
Twilight shadows
A production of A Song at Twilight, one of Noël Coward’s last stage works, is the highlight of the Shadowland Theatre’s summer season. This bittersweet comedy concerns an aging writer with a long-held secret, who receives a surprise visit from a former mistress intent on clearing the air. Coward’s sparkling dialogue is brought to life by three veteran screen actors: Orson Bean (at right; best remembered for appearances on TV’s To Tell the Truth), Paula Prentiss (The Stepford Wives), and Alley Mills (The Wonder Years). Through Aug. 5. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $30 evening performances, $25 matinees, $2 discount for seniors & students. 157 Canal St., Ellenville. 845-647-5511 or www.shadowlandtheatre.org
Wide-open spaces
For more than 200 years, American artists have drawn inspiration from our country’s landscape. But the way our topography is depicted in art has changed dramatically since the Hudson River School painters first put brush to canvas. Nature in America: Taming the Landscape, now on view at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, spotlights 44 paintings, drawings, photographs, and prints from the 18th through the mid-20th century. Works by Thomas Cole, George Inness, Milton Avery, Edward Steichen, Ansel Adams, Grant Wood (as well 30-some other artists) are featured; a number of them have rarely — or never before — been exhibited. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. through Aug. 26. Vassar College campus. 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie. 845-437-5632 or http://fllac.vassar.edu
Carrying the torch
Question: Where can you see Olympic athletes perform in person, close to home, and for free? Answer: At the Millbrook Horse Trials. Fresh off the plane from the London games, members of the U.S. Olympic Eventing team are expected to be among the 500 equestrians taking part in this annual benefit event for the Dutchess Land Conservancy. The sport of Eventing is roughly equivalent to an equine triathlon: Horse and rider compete in dressage, cross-country, and stadium jumping events. All levels, from beginners to experts, take part in the trials; those competing at the advanced level guide their mounts over four-foot obstacles and 12-foot ditches at full gallop. And spectators can watch all the action at no charge. Aug. 2-5; visit Web site for times. Coole Park Farm. 1031 Bangall Amenia Rd., Millbrook or www.millbrookhorsetrials.com
On the sauce
Barbecue lovers, your yearlong wait is over: The Hudson Valley RibFest returns this month! A combination food festival and barbecue contest, this popular event pits 50 teams of grilling gurus against each other to determine who can cook up the finest finger-licking fare. Other food vendors offer a variety of summertime favorites, from burgers and dogs to sweet corn, jerk shrimp, and fried pickles. Cooking demos, live music, and a kid’s play area round out the fun. Aug. 18-19. Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $5, under 12 free. Ulster County Fairgrounds. 249 Libertyville Rd., New Paltz. 845-306-4381 or www.hudsonvalleyribfest.org