Lady sings the blues
Bonnie Raitt — a singer, songwriter, and slide guitar specialist — takes to the stage at the Palace Theatre this month. Early in her career, Raitt drew raves from the critics for her bluesy style, but it took nearly 20 years for the public to catch on; her multi-platinum selling 1989 LP Nick of Time finally won her widespread acclaim — and helped her nab a whopping four Grammys. Raitt is touring in support of Slipstream, her just released, self-produced album, which features covers of songs by Bob Dylan, Loudon Wainwright III, and a reggae-style version of the Gerry Rafferty hit “Right Down the Line.” June 2 at 8 p.m. $52-$62. 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. 518-465-3334 or www.palacealbany.com
Ladies and liberty
Ten years ago, the Putnam County Historical Society mounted an exhibit featuring artworks depicting women with our nation’s flag. Since that time, the show has traveled around the country and been updated with additional works; it has now returned to Putnam just in time for the county’s 200th birthday. America the Beautiful: Women and the Flag showcases framed items — prints, posters, magazine illustrations — as well as unusual objects like a can of shellac, all of which feature a female figure that personifies America. From seductive beauties to fierce warrior maidens, these vibrant images celebrated heroism and democratic values in the years between 1860 and 1945. Wed.-Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through June 15. $5, $2 seniors & children. The Foundry School Museum. 63 Chestnut St., Cold Spring. 845-265-4010 or www.pchs-fsm.org
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Stress relief
Surface Tension, the spring exhibit at the Center for Photography at Woodstock, features images created by 11 artists that challenge our idea of what it means to be “photographic.” Matthew Brandt submerges his images of lakes and reservoirs — sometimes for weeks or even months at a time — in the very waters he is picturing; Christopher Colville’s works are created by igniting gunpowder on the surface of silver gelatin paper; New City’s Megan Flaherty documents the creative process by photographing work surfaces used by university art students. As a whole, the artists undermine the viewers’ preconceived expectations of what art should be. Through June 24. Wed.-Sun. 12-5 p.m. and by appt. 59 Tinker St., Woodstock. 845-679-9957 or www.cpw.org
Scene stealers
An acerbic comedy and a musical revue are the headliners for SummerStar Theatre’s 13th season. Written by Douglas Carter Beane, The Little Dog Laughed concerns a gay Hollywood actor whose star is on the rise, and the efforts of his agent to keep his lifestyle from derailing his fame (June 1-3, 8-10). A Grand Night for Singing, a musical potpourri of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs, includes singable classics (“Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’ ” from Oklahoma!) as well as lesser-known tunes like “I Know It Can Happen Again” and “All At Once You Love Her” (June 22-24, 29-30, July 1). Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Call or visit Web site for ticket information. Orange Hall Theatre, SUNY Orange campus. 115 South St., Middletown. 845-341-4790 or www.summerstartheatre.com
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Variety show
In Columbia County, PS21: Performance Spaces for the 21st Century kicks off its seventh season. This summer festival presents a wide-ranging program of music, dance, theater, and film. Highlights include “String Theory,” a series of performances by musical duos featuring string instruments, and a production of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard by Walking the dog Theatre. This month, dance to jazz standards and old favorites at Friday night big-band dances (June 15, 22, 29); catch a rib-tickling performance by OffLeash, Walking the dog Theater’s improv group (June 23); and hear Alicia Svigals (left) play klezmer fiddle (June 24). Call for exact schedule and ticket information. 2980 Rte. 66, Chatham. 518-392-6121 or http://ps21chatham.org
