Sure, it’s a little nippy outside, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up in your house! There is a ton to do this winter in the Hudson Valley, including quite the lineup of musical performances and winter concerts. That should come as no surprise given that our region is home to incredible venues like The Capitol Theatre down in Westchester and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel.
So, when you’re not hitting the slopes or hiking frost-laden trails, be sure to catch a few of the iconic performers at these winter concerts in our area.
Young Dubliners
Daryl’s House, Pawling
January 14, 7 p.m.
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What should you expect? The Young Dubliners, who have spent 30 years as one of the world’s leading Celtic rock bands, will play an unforgettable set that includes material from all nine of their albums, along with unreleased music from a 10th album that is currently in the works. Even though their sound is most often defined as Celtic rock, the band draws on influences from all types of music to create their hybrid riffs and melodies.
Did you know? Even though Young Dubliners frontman Keith Roberts is from Ireland, many of the band members have no Irish roots of any kind.
Ian Hendrickson-Smith
Uncle Cheef, Brewster
January 20, 7:30 p.m.
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What should you expect? Five-time Grammy Award winning saxophonist Ian Hendrickson-Smith is sure to put on an entertaining and high-energy jazz performance at Brewster’s Uncle Cheef this month. Hendrickson-Smith plays with The Roots band on The Tonight Show weekly and has recorded and toured with big names such as Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Al Green, and many more.
Did you know? Ian Hendrickson-Smith is actually the owner of and musical curator at Uncle Cheef, alongside his wife Jenny.
Lonnie Holley & Friends
The Local, Saugerties
January 21, 6 p.m.
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What should you expect? Alabama-born Lonnie Holley is a visual artist and musician whose music has developed out of a place of hardship and furious curiosity. Holley has devoted his life to the practice of improvisational creativity, the product of which is many sculptures and projects in museums around the world. When it comes to his music, there is no shortage of creativity as he develops sounds that are inspired by sci-fi movies, erecting beautifully weird and ethereal songs not unlike spoken-word poetry. This is one of those winter concerts that you’ll be thinking about for days afterward.
Did you know? Out of Holley’s six critically acclaimed albums, his 2018 project MITH was named one of the 10 best records of the decade by The New Yorker.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Living Water Church, Poughkeepsie
January 27, 6 p.m.
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What should you expect? New York City’s Highline String Quartet will bring the music of Taylor Swift to life at this one-of-a-kind event in Poughkeepsie. The quartet is popular for hosting concerts at non-traditional venues such as lofts, galleries, and studios, transforming the space each time to bring audiences a new experience. At Living Water Church, the gentle glow of candlelight will set the stage for string covers of Swift’s beloved songs, including “Love Story,” “Anti-Hero,” and “Wildest Dreams.”
Did you know? The Highline String Quartet’s name is inspired by Chelsea’s High Line Park in New York City, where the musicians are based.
The Sound of Spring
Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson
February 10, 3 p.m.
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What should you expect? Bard College’s talented pre-professional graduate orchestra will celebrate the year of the dragon at this authentic Chinese New Year concert. “The Sound of Spring” will feature dramatic orchestral works and world-class Chinese instrument soloists. Prior to the concert, there will be a 2 p.m. Chinese instrument demonstration along with Lunar New Year activities.
Did you know? The Orchestra Now was recently featured performing in the Netflix film Maestro with Bradley Cooper.
Portugal. The Man
The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester
February 18, 8 p.m.
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What should you expect? Over the past decade, Portland-based band Portugal. The Man has established itself as one of rock’s most prized possessions and a live phenomenon. The band has performed over 1,600 shows and is known as a festival favorite. Not only has Portugal. The Man set records on alternative radio with acclaimed single “Feel It Still,” but the band also won a Grammy Award for best pop group performance. In other words, it’s a can’t-miss show on the Hudson Valley’s lineup of winter concerts.
Did you know? Portugal. The Man has a long-standing passion for social justice and started a foundation in 2020 focused on universal issues related to human rights.
Jim Messina
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
March 2, 8 p.m.
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What should you expect? Jim Messina’s musical legacy spans five decades, three super groups, and a vibrant solo career. Messina was a bassist for Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Buffalo Springfield before forming country rock band Poco with fellow bandmate Richie Furay. Going on to return to his passion of producing music, Messina has now performed a series of celebrated solo acoustic tours with his band made of acclaimed musicians who have played with him at various points in his career.
Did you know? In 1971, an accidental duo was formed out of Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina that led to the two selling over 16 million albums.
Related: Beacon Performing Arts Center Is a Theater Education Destination
