Events: Polly’s Picks in July 2011

Mill Street Loft Arts hosts Our Towns, a juried exhibit of Hudson Valley street scenes and landscapes. Nineteen of the 29 artists participating in the show are local denizens (including Rhinebeck’s own James Gurney, of Dinotopia fame); all of them work “en plein air” (i.e., outdoors) to create their paintings, photo images, or mixed media pieces — which run the gamut from traditional to contemporary in treatment. Daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through July 15. Gallery 45. 45 Pershing Ave., Poughkeepsie. 845-471-7477 or www.millstreetloft.org

Enjoying an outdoor concert is a “must-do” event on our July calendar. And no ensemble does a better job of entertaining the whole family than the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra. Principal trombonist Rick Regan (right) leads the ensemble for Summer Pops at Downing, the group’s annual summer lawn party. And as always, the ever-popular “kiddie conductors” — in which the youngest members of the audience take a star turn with the baton — steal the show. July 23 at 4 p.m. Rain location: Aquinas Hall, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh. Downing Park, Newburgh. 845-913-7157 or www.newburghsymphony.org

Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival offers a trio of plays in repertoire on the grounds of Boscobel. This season, HVSF presents Hamlet, the Bard’s famous tale of murder and revenge. Two sets of identical twins — and many instances of mistaken identity — are the hallmarks of The Comedy of Errors. And — for the first time in its history — the company performs a non-Shakespearean work, the whirlwind comedy/adventure Around the World in 80 Days. Got kids? Bring them to Family Night (July 5, 12, & 13) for a pre-show workshop with theater games and improv sessions (6 p.m., $80 for family of four). Through Sept. 3. Call for exact schedule and ticket information. Boscobel House & Gardens. Rte. 9D, Garrison. 845-265-7858 or www.hvshakespeare.org

Art and outdoor fun join forces in Beacon this month, when environmental watchdog Scenic Hudson and arts group Mill Street Loft Arts celebrate the improvements made at the city’s Long Dock Park. Family-friendly activities include a chance to paddle a kayak, bike along the nature trail, or take a tour of the park’s new River Center — a restored red barn, which houses a Hudson-themed art show organized by MSL. Music by three bands and a performance by Arm-of-the-Sea Theater are all part of the festivities. July 9 from 1-6 p.m. Long Dock Rd., Beacon. www.scenichudson.org/events or www.millstreetloft.org

The 96th year of the Maverick Concert Series is underway (and no, that number is not a misprint — they’ve been holding chamber music concerts in Woodstock every summer since 1916). This year’s theme centers around three virtuoso composers: Liszt, Mahler, and Leonard Bernstein. The latter gets the spotlight this month, with three concerts devoted to his music (and that of “friends” like Aaron Copland). Trio Solisti plays piano trios on the 17th; Perry Beekman, Bar Scott, and Terry Blaine sing selections from the Bernstein songbook on the 23rd; and Andrew Russo and Frederic Chiu perform works for two pianos (including the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story) on the 31st. Visit Web site for complete schedule information. $40 reserved seating, $25 general admission, $5 students for all performances. 120 Maverick Rd., Woodstock. 845-679-8217 or www.maverickconcerts.org