Events: Out & About in January 2014

Dynamic duo

A pair of veteran singer/songwriters team up at Tarrytown Music Hall for an evening of acoustic music. Texas-born Lyle Lovett is a multi-Grammy winner best known as a country singer, although — as his 14 albums and 22 singles attest — he incorporates jazz, gospel, swing, and blues elements into his unique musical style. John Hiatt’s sound has its roots in rock, new wave, and blues; a member of Nashville’s Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, his compositions have been recorded by a lengthy list of musical royalty, from Dylan to B.B. King, Eric Clapton to Iggy Pop. The twosome appear together in an intimate concert setting. Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. $58-$128. 13 Main St., Tarrytown. 877-840-0457 or www.tarrytownmusichall.org

Dance fever

Since 1991, the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company has been performing original contemporary dance works — choreographed by Sinopoli herself — at venues ranging from Lincoln Center and Tanglewood to Capital Region colleges. In celebration of its 23rd anniversary, the troupe has commissioned violinist and composer Cornelius Dufallo to create music to accompany a new dance work, which has its world premiere in Albany this month. Local painter Willie Marlowe’s fanciful images serve as the backdrop to the January 18 performance. 8 p.m. $26, $13 seniors & students. The Egg. Empire State Plaza, Albany. 518-473-1845 or www.theegg.org

Thoroughly modern

Art of the 20th and 21st centuries is the focus of Modfest, Vassar College’s two-week exploration of music, dance, film, drama, and other artistic pursuits. Students and faculty — joined by guest artists — offer a parade of programs. Highlights include “Chemises,” an exhibit of works by Mali-born photographer Malick SidibeÌ that document his country’s social and cultural transformation; Dolce Vita Africana, a documentary film about the lensman’s life and work, screens in conjunction with the show. Composers Susan Botti and Richard Wilson — with the help of cellist Sophie Shao and mezzo-soprano Mary Nessinger — present a concert of their music that was inspired by poetry. And various performances by college ensembles spotlight the Great American Songbook, choral music, and a new work by film composer (and Vassar alum) Jamie Christopherson. Jan. 23-Feb. 7. Call or visit Web site for exact schedule. 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie. 845-437-5370 or http://arts.vassar.edu

It’s in the bag

Skeletons, an exhibit of conceptual works by artist Charles McGill, examines the supercharged subjects of race and social differences via the rarefied game of golf. McGill incorporates golf bags and links-related found objects with graphics, photography, collage, digital arts, and other media to create pieces that, in his words, comment on “America’s very bumpy history with racism.” A Peekskill resident, McGill is an adjunct professor of art at Westchester Community College, which hosts this show. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Thurs. 4-6 p.m. from Jan. 27-March 8. Fine Arts Gallery, Academic Arts Building. 75 Grasslands Ave., Valhalla. 914-606-7867 or www.sunywcc.edu/gallery

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