Autumn is here, and the Valley’s cultural calendar has gone into overdrive. Art exhibits, craft fairs, concerts, plays, food festivals, you name it — our wide-ranging list of the biggest, best events will help keep you busy until the snow flies.
In September
Friday, September 5
The All Night Strut Step back into the 1940s via this musical medley, an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, and bebop. Classic songs include “Minnie the Moocher” and “Jukebox Saturday Night,” among other well-known favorites. Mac-Hadyn Theatre, Chatham. 518-392-9292 or www.machaydntheatre.org
Saturday, September 6
Joshua Bell Debuting at Carnegie Hall at age 17, classical violinist Joshua Bell is best known for his playing in the movie The Red Violin. He joins the Albany Symphony for a passionate performance of Bruch’s Violin Concerto, as well as other riveting compositions. Palace Theater, Albany. 518-694-3300 or www.albanysymphony.com
Sunday, September 7
The Charlie Daniels Band Daniels, a Grammy-winning southern rock icon, belts out “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and other hit songs. The concert serves as the perfect ending to the afternoon’s HITS Harvest Food Fest. HITS-on-the-Hudson, Saugerties. 845-246-8833 or www.hitsshows.com
Hudson River Valley Ramble Visit a historic site, attend a food festival, take a guided walk, or participate in dozens of other activities held throughout the Valley, all of which are designed to celebrate everything our region has to offer. 518-456-0655 or www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com
Friday, September 12
Crafts at Lyndhurst Now in its 30th year, this annual arts festival features handmade works by hundreds of artists and crafters. Special activities include pottery and wood craft demonstrations; visitors even having a chance to make their own scarves. Lyndhurst, Tarrytown. 845-331-7900 or www.artrider.com
Doubt, A Parable Set in a Bronx Catholic church and school in 1964, this drama concerns accusations of sexual misconduct made against a parish priest, and the doubts that surface when the school principal attempts to remove him from the church. County Players Falls Theatre, Wappingers Falls. 845-298-1419 or www.countyplayers.org
Saturday, September 13
Tom Chapin Grammy-winner Chapin performs his signature blend of story-songs, ballads, comedic, and political music — as well as old-time folk classics. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel. 866-781-2922 or www.bethelwoodscenter.org
Leaf Peeper Concerts A night of music by Mozart and Bach is on the bill as the Clarion Concerts chamber ensemble introduces its new music director, flute virtuoso Eugenia Zukerman. Hillsdale Grange, North Hillsdale. 518-329-5613 or www.leafpeeperconcerts.org
Travis Tritt Best-known for “It’s a Great Day to be Alive” and “Lord Have Mercy on the Working Man,” this superstar country crooner brings his current tour to Peekskill. Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill. 914-739-0039 or www.paramounthudsonvalley.com
Sunday, September 14
Renaissance Faire Wander around medieval England and learn what it fully means to have lived in the time of Queen Elizabeth I, with sword fights, artisan shops, comedy performances, food, and costumes galore! Sterling Forest, Tuxedo Park. 845-351-5171 or www.renfair.com
Friday, September 19
“1964”… The Tribute With more than 2,900 shows performed worldwide, this Beatles tribute band offers rousing renditions of classic songs like “Yellow Submarine” and “Yesterday.” Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy. 518-273-0038 or www.troymusichall.org
Worlds of Wonder This annual exhibit features local artists — 16 in all — who exhibit works that focus on how disparate elements come together in the creation of art. The show is curated by the director of Skidmore College’s Tang Museum. Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, New Paltz. 845-257-3844 or www.newpaltz.edu/museum
Saturday, September 20
LarkFest This huge one-day street fest (approximately 80,000 are expected to attend) has two entertainment stages, hundreds of food and craft vendors, and numerous family-friendly activities. Lark Street, Albany. 518-434-3861 or www.larkstreet.org
Paula Poundstone The first woman to perform stand-up comedy at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Poundstone specializes in wry, witty, and spontaneous humor. Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown. 914-631-3390 or www.tarrytownmusichall.org
Sunday, September 21
Falling Deanna Jent’s semiautobiographical play chronicles the ups and downs faced by the family of a severely autistic 18-year-old boy. Shadowland Theatre, Ellenville. 845-647-5511 or www.shadowlandtheatre.org
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Steely Dan The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, who got their start as undergrads at Bard College, have sold more than 40 million albums on the strength of hits like “Reelin’ in the Years.” Capitol Theatre, Port Chester. 914-937-4126 or www.thecapitoltheatre.com
Friday, September 26
Rhinebeck Arts Festival This three-day festival features 200-plus artists displaying crafts and fine arts — as well as musicians, dancers, and other live performers. A special showcase of works by Valley furniture makers is also on view. Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck. 845-331-7900 or www.artrider.com
A Couple of Blaguards Brothers Frank and Malachy McCourt present an autobiographic account of growing up in poverty in Ireland. Full of humor and colorful characters, their recollections have “a roguish appeal,” says the New York Times. Proctors Theatre, Schenectady. 518-346-6204 or www.proctors.org
Saturday, September 27
Garlic Festival This two-day festival is your one-stop shop for all things garlic. Attendees enjoy demonstrations from local chefs, food and crafts vendors, a garlic market, and a variety of performers and musicians. Cantine Field, Saugerties. http://hvgf.org
Sunday, September 28
Montgomery Gentry This superstar country-western duo sticks close to their blue-collar roots with top songs such as “Something To Be Proud Of.” Mid-Hudson Civic Center, Poughkeepsie. 845-454-5800 or www.midhudsonciviccenter.org
In October
Friday, October 3
George Lopez A TV veteran — his two eponymous shows ran for a total of eight seasons — Lopez’s stand-up routine revolves around Mexican-American culture. The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester. 914-937-4126 or www.thecapitoltheatre.com
Philharmonia Quartett Berlin This foursome has 20 years of classical music concert performances under their belts — including some at Carnegie Hall, where they will play before heading north to Dutchess County. All Saints’ Chapel, Pawling. 845-855-3100 or www.pawlingconcertseries.org
Saturday, October 4
South Pacific Based on a James Michener novel, this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical boasts songs like “Some Enchanted Evening” and “There Is Nothing Like A Dame.” Westchester Broadway Theatre, Elmsford. 914-592-2222 or www.broadwaytheatre.com
Wine Festival at Bethel Woods More than 20 wineries from the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes regions gather for this yearly fest. In addition to wine tasting, guests can enjoy cheeses and other specialty foods, and live musical performances by local artists Dan Brother and Liza Doolittle. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel. 866-781-2922 or www.bethelwoodscenter.org
Sunday, October 5
Applefest Orange County’s largest festival — it attracts upwards of 30,000 visitors each year — features hundreds of vendors, several stages of musical entertainment, a farmer’s market and children’s carnival, and a legendary apple pie baking contest. Warwick. www.warwickapplefest.com
Mahler’s Fifth The Hudson Valley Philharmonic opens its season by tackling this monumental work. Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and a trombone concerto featuring soloist Brad Ward are also on the bill. Bardavon Opera House, Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072 or www.bardavon.org
Friday, October 10
Into the Woods Based on several of Grimms’ fairy tales, this Steven Sondheim/James Lapine musical features well-known songs like “It Takes Two” and “No One is Alone.” Performing Arts Center at Taconic Hills School, Craryville. www.thetwoofusproductions.org
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo The duo behind “Love Is A Battlefield” and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” take the stage. Benatar is renowned for her vocal range, while husband Giraldo makes his mark as guitarist, producer, and songwriter. Capitol Theatre, Port Chester. 914-937-4126 or www.thecapitoltheatre.com
Saturday, October 11
David Sedaris The preeminent humor writer — five of his essay collections have been New York Times best-sellers — addresses the human condition in America today with wit and satire. Bardavon Opera House, Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072 or www.bardavon.org
Clint Black One of the top country musicians performing today, Black has had 30 singles on the U.S. Billboard country charts, 22 of which reached number one. Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill. 914-739-0039 or www.paramounthudsonvalley.com
Sunday, October 12
Newsies Direct from Broadway — where it won two Tonys in 2012 — this Disney musical is based on a true story about a group of newsboys who stand up against the newspaper barons at the turn of the 20th century. Proctors, Schenectady. 518-346-6204 or www.proctors.org
Kathleen Madigan Over her 25-year career, this comedienne has performed stand-up on most of the late-night TV shows; her hour-long special, Madigan Again, was one of iTunes’ Best Comedy Albums last year. Ulster Performing Arts Center, Kingston. 845-339-6088 or www.upac.org
Friday, October 17
Woodstock Film Festival “Fiercely independent” is the tagline for this film fest, which showcases independent flicks along with first-class concerts, celebrity-led panel discussions, and great parties full of A-list celebrities. 845-679-4265 or www.woodstockfilmfestival.com
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Bluegrass musicians Noam Pikelny (left) and Stuart Duncan |
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Noam Pikelny & Stuart Duncan A banjoist and fiddler respectively, these Grammy-winning bluegrass artists have impressive resumes. Pikelny has played with Béla Fleck and Steve Martin; Duncan has been named bluegrass Fiddle Player of the Year seven years running. Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, Sugar Loaf. 845-610-5900 or www.sugarloafpac.org
Saturday, October 18
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes A Jersey Shore buddy of Bruce Springsteen’s, Johnny Lyon and his band play a blend of classic R&B and street-level rock and roll. The Egg, Albany. 518-473-1845 or www.theegg.org
Fallen Angels In this comedy of manners, British upper-crusters Julia and Jane fret that their past secrets will be revealed when a former French lover shows up unexpectedly. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. 518-392-6264 or www.ghentplayhouse.org
Sunday, October 19
Side By Side by Sondheim This revue is filled with Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim’s best-known songs from his many hit musicals, including West Side Story, Follies, and A Little Night Music. Shadowland Theatre, Ellenville. 845-647-5511 or www.shadowlandtheatre.org
ZZ Top Southern rock, mixed with blues and boogie, make up this trio’s trademark sound. The group’s 45-year career includes a string of hits such as “La Grange” and “Legs.” Ulster Performing Arts Center, Kingston. 845-473-2072 or www.upac.org
Friday, October 24
Johnny Mathis With 58 years in the music industry, Mathis has recorded more than 80 albums. A short list of his popular hits including “Chances Are,” “It’s Not For Me To Say,” and “Misty.” Proctors, Schenectady. 518-346-6204 or www.proctors.org
The Marshall Tucker Band Besides hit singles like “Heard It In A Love Song” and “Can’t You See,” this southern rock combo has had its music featured on Smokey and the Bandit and other movie soundtracks. Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown. 914-631-3390 or www.tarrytownmusichall.org
Saturday, October 25
Amy Schumer Star of her own Comedy Central show, comedienne Schumer puts a humorous spin on sex, relationships, and life in general in her stand-up routine. Palace Theatre, Albany. 518-465-3334 or www.palacealbany.com
Film Columbia Features, documentaries, shorts, and animated films are all part of this festival, now in its 15th year. Don’t be surprised if one of the entries walks away with an Oscar next March. Crandall Theatre, Chatham. 518-392-3331 or www.filmcolumbia.com
Sunday, October 26
Wilderstein and the White House The historic house museum transports visitors back to the 1940s with an exhibit of decorative arts, costumes, textiles, photographs, and books dealing with the life of owner Elizabeth Suckley and her good friend, Franklin Roosevelt. Wilderstein, Rhinebeck. 845-876-4818 or www.wilderstein.org
Dance on Film This week-long series features a screening of the newly restored All That Jazz as well as a variety of other films focused on the art of movement. Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville. 914-773-7663 or www.burnsfilmcenter.org
Friday, October 31
The Turn of the Screw Get the goosebumps with a staged reading of Henry James’s chilling novella, which is performed by actors from the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. Boscobel House & Gardens, Garrison. 845-265-3638 or www.hvshakespeare.org
Rocky Horror Halloween Show A cult classic, the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a campy send-up of 20th century sci-fi movies. Celebrate All Hallow’s Eve by catching it on the big screen — and don’t forget to come in costume. Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill. 914-739-0039 or www.paramounthudsonvalley.com
In November
Saturday, November 1
Steve Forbert Band The Grammy-nominated American guitarist and folk singer, well-known for the 1980 hit “Romeo’s Tune,” performs newer tracks in addition to his classic repertoire. Towne Crier Cafe, Beacon. 845-855-1300 or www.townecrier.com
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Bizet’s Carmen A live performance of this French opera — the steamy story of a seductive but headstrong gypsy girl — is broadcast in high definition directly from the Met in Manhattan. Bardavon Opera House, Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072 or www.bardavon.org
Sunday, November 2
The Best of Jethro Tull Ian Anderson, lead singer and flutist of the ’70s prog-rock group, serenades the audience with selections from his new album, Homo Erraticus, as well as early favorites like “Aqualung.” Palace Theatre, Albany. 518-465-3334 or www.palacealbany.com
Carrie Haddad Gallery View paintings by featured artist Linda Cross. Her latest work is inspired by excavation sites, and illustrates the natural impact of time and erosion on the Earth. Carrie Haddad Gallery, Hudson. 518-828-1915 or www.carriehaddadgallery.com
Friday, November 7
Todd Rundgren Well-known as a record producer — as well as the classic rocker responsible for “Hello It’s Me” and “I Saw The Light” — Rundgren has frequently toured with Ringo Starr during his long career. Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill. 914-739-0039 or www.paramounthudsonvalley.com
Strut: The Peacock and Beauty in Art The first scholarly survey of the image of the peacock in art, this exhibit includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects dating from the 19th century to today. Hudson River Museum, Yonkers. 914-963-4550 or www.hrm.org
Saturday, November 8
Lincoln’s New World In this tribute to one of America’s most beloved presidents, the Hudson Valley Philharmonic presents Copland’s Lincoln Portrait with narration by actor David Strathairn. Folk favorites Jay Ungar and Molly Mason also perform Ungar’s Ashokan Farewell. Bardavon Opera House, Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072 or www.bardavon.org
Symphony of Westchester Concertmaster Alex Abayev opens the ensemble’s 18th annual concert season with an all-Beethoven program highlighted by the Egmont Overture. Iona College, New Rochelle. 914-654-4926 or www.thesymphonyofwestchester.org
Sunday, November 9
Imperial Augsburg Organized by D.C.’s National Gallery of Art, this touring exhibit features more than 100 prints and drawings that were produced in this German city, a major arts center during the Renaissance. Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Poughkeepsie. 845-437-5237 or www.fllac.vassar.edu
Friday, November 14
Empire Brass This fivesome has performed on popular TV shows ranging from Good Morning America to Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood; regarded as North America’s best brass quintet, the group performs music of all types. All Saints’ Chapel, Pawling.
845-855-3100 or www.pawlingconcertseries.org
Cesar Millan Live! Known for his hit TV show The Dog Whisperer, trainer Millan offers his secrets on how to tame unruly pets and develop a healthy relationship with your best friend. Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown. 914-631-3390 or www.tarrytownmusichall.org
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Saturday, November 15
Livingston Taylor The brother of James Taylor, this quintessential American singer-songwriter employs a range of genres in his music, including folk, pop, jazz, and gospel. Towne Crier Cafe, Beacon. 845-855-1300 or www.townecrier.com
Rent Based on Puccini’s opera La Boheme, this Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical chronicles a group of artists struggling to survive in NYC while dealing with the effects of HIV/AIDS. McKenna Theatre, New Paltz. 845-257-3880 or www.newpaltz.edu
Sunday, November 16
The Marvelous Wonderettes Showcasing classic ’50s and ’60s songs like “It’s My Party,” this off-Broadway hit musical follows four high school girls with dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. County Players Falls Theatre, Wappingers Falls. 845-298-1491 or www.countyplayers.com
Friday, November 21
Judy Collins Legendary folk singer Collins sings her hits — “Cat’s in the Cradle,” “Bird on a Wire” — as well as some Celtic tunes inspired by her new TV special filmed in Ireland. Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy. 518-273-0038 or www.troymusichall.org
This Leads to Fire Close to 100 works of contemporary Russian art, dating from the 1950s to the present, are on view. The exhibit explores how the artists challenge both Russian and Western cultural influences. Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase. 914-251-6100 or www.neuberger.org
Saturday, November 22
The Barber of Seville Broadcast live from the Met, Rossini’s comedic masterpiece features some of the most recognizable melodies in all of opera. Bardavon Opera House, Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072 or www.bardavon.org
Hudson River Portfolio Sketched in the 1820s, this series of 20 hand-colored prints depicts views of the river from north of Troy to Governor’s Island. The collection is credited with first awakening America’s pride in its natural beauty. Boscobel House & Gardens, Garrison. 845-265-3638 or www.boscobel.org
Sunday, November 23
Putnam Symphony Orchestra Classic holiday songs — such as “Sleigh Ride” and music from the film The Polar Express — are on the program when this local orchestra opens its 38th season. Brewster H.S. Performing Arts Center, Brewster. 914-924-8925 or www.putnamsymphony.homestead.com
Steve Hackett Former guitarist for ’70s Brit rockers Genesis, this singer/songwriter performs the band’s greatest hits like “Follow You Follow Me” and “Invisible Touch.” The Egg, Albany. 518-473-1845 or www.theegg.org
Friday, November 28
Ali Baba & the Four Tea Thieves Columbia County’s PantoLoons stage this comedic parody of 2001 Arabian Nights — complete with music, pratfalls, and cross-dressing characters. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. 518-392-6264 or www.ghentplayhouse.org
Saturday, November 29
Great Russian Nutcracker The Moscow Ballet performs Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic, which tells of the young Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Nutcracker Prince. Palace Theatre, Albany. 518-465-3334 or www.palacealbany.com
Sunday, November 30
Basilica Farm and Flea This annual Thanksgiving weekend farmstand and flea market showcases a diverse blend of local artists, farmers, and collectors of vintage items. An ideal place to start your holiday shopping. Basilica Hudson, Hudson. 518-822-1050 or www.basilicahudson.com/basilica-farm-flea
