Located in Hudson, the Carrie Haddad Gallery ends 2014 with two distinctly different exhibits. “Landscapes and Bodyscapes” (through Dec. 14) features works by a trio of local painters — Jane Bloodgood-Abrams, Dan Rupe, and Mark Beard (working as his alter ego, Bruce Sargeant). The first two specialize in landscapes, both traditional (Bloodgood-Abrams) and abstract (Rupe); Beard/Sargeant focuses on depictions of athletic male figures. Later in the month, a dozen artists utilizing a wide variety of techniques display their images in a show entitled simply “Photography” (Dec. 18-Jan. 25; opening reception Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m.). Gallery hours Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. • 22 Warren St., Hudson, 518-828-1915; www.carriehaddadgallery.com
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It’s truly a Valley-centric performance when the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company takes the stage at Kaatsbaan. The evening’s program includes Texture of a Whole, a piece created with the help of University at Albany physics professor Dr. Keith Earle; and Speaking Duchamp, choreographed by Sinopoli in 2013 to music by noted composer (and local resident) Joan Tower. Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. $30, $10 children. • Kaatsbaan International Dance Center. 120 Broadway, Tivoli, 845-757-5106, ext. 2 or 10; www.kaatsbaan.org
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A diverse lineup of movies is currently on tap at the Jacob Burns Film Center. First up: “Making Waves” (Dec. 5-10), a survey of half a dozen new films from Romania, which tackle subjects ranging from Soviet censorship to soccer (visit Web site for exact schedule and ticket information). On Dec. 9, the National Theatre Live production of John, a real-life story of a man whose years of drug use and criminal activity eventually lead to his transformation, is screened as part of the center’s “World Stage on Screen” series (3 p.m. $20). And on the 11th, follow a wannabe musician who joins a pop band whose leader wears, and never removes, an enormous fake head in the offbeat comedy, Frank (7:45 p.m. $12). • 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville, 914-747-5555; www.burnsfilmcenter.org
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If you like your political satire delivered in a British accent, catch John Oliver this month at the Palace Theatre. Best-known for his long-running stint on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (he even took over Stewart’s chair for eight weeks last year), this English comedian has a laundry list of TV credits both here (Community, The Simpsons, Comedy Central specials) and across the pond. His latest venture, HBO’s Last Week Tonight, debuted in April. Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. $39.75. • 19 Clinton Ave., Albany, 518-465-3334; www.palacealbany.com
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Looking for something completely different? Kitka, a female vocal ensemble based in California, performs traditional music from the countries of Eastern Europe. Without the aid of instruments or amplifiers, and using lyrics that most of its audience cannot understand, this octet has mastered the difficult stylings these folk songs demand, and produces a sound that is distinctive, expressive — and somehow very contemporary. Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. $15-$25. • Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. 30 Second St., Troy, 518-273-8945; www.troymusichall.org
