Wanda Sykes | Photo courtesy of Wanda Sykes
From a Newburgh drag brunch to winter art weekends and seasonal shopping, there’s so much to do in the Valley this month.
New Year’s Day Drag Brunch at Mama Roux — Newburgh
January 1, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
What better way to ring in the New Year than partying all morning long? Spice up your holiday brunch with Cajun food and wildly fun performances by host Victoria Bohmore, along with Cheyenne and Trista Storm. All proceeds from tickets (which include a mimosa on the house) will benefit the city’s LGBTQ+ Center. More info at eventbrite.com
Winter Weekends at Storm King Art Center — New Windsor
Saturdays and Sundays starting January 8, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Traverse the snowy terrain to get a rare view of 500 acres of large-scale sculptures and commissions, like the nearly 30-foot-tall Three-Legged Buddha and the Storm King Wavefield embedded in an otherwise-flat meadow.
stormking.org
Lark Hall Winter Market — Albany
January 9, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Farmers, artists, crafters, you name it—the historical concert hall in the capital city will host over 20 vendors and food purveyors for this monthly winter market. It’s free, plus you can kick back to live music performances and sip brunch-y drinks at the bar.
larkhallalbany.com
Hand Knitting Chunky Blanket Sip and Craft at Magnanini Winery — Wallkill
January 13, 6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Move over paint and sip, now you can knit and sip. Art GaLore Studio will teach you how to stitch up a comfy, chunky-knit blanket while sharing vino and charcuterie with fellow crafters. More info at eventbrite.com
Met Live HD: Cinderella (Massenet) at The Bardavon — Poughkeepsie
January 15, 1 p.m.
See Cinderella on the operatic stage like never before with this 90-minute abridged version. Designed with families in mind, this English translation preserves the original storybook staging in a more manageable time frame for the little ones.
bardavon.org
The Weight Band at Levon Helm Studio — Woodstock
January 15, 8 p.m.
The alums of rock group The Band return to their roots to play classic favorites and new releases. John Smith, an Americana folk singer, will open for the main act.
levonhelm.com
Phillip Phillips and John Foreman at Tarrytown Music Hall — Tarrytown
January 20, 5:30 p.m.
With his five-time platinum single, “Home,” Phillip Phillips brings a distinct blend of earthy soft-rock to Westchester with a little help from Jon Foreman of SWITCHFOOT.
tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org
Paula Poundstone at Tarrytown Music Hall — Tarrytown
January 21, 8 p.m.
In the mood for a good laugh? Spend a night with Paula Poundstone, touring humorist and host of the comedic podcast Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone. Her clever quips, observations, and spontaneity are an instant mood boost.
tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org
Mid-Orange Correctional & Reformatory Ghost Hunt — Warwick
January 21 and 22, 8:30 p.m.–4 a.m.
At the base of the Ramapo Mountains, you’ll find one of the region’s most haunted locales, the now closed Mid-Orange Correctional Facility. Join Ghost Hunts USA for an eerie night of paranormal activity, psychic vigils, and an in-depth exploration of the spookiest nooks and crannies.
ghosthuntsusa.com/haunted-locations/mid-orange-reformatory-ghost-hunt/
ARRIVALS at Katonah Museum of Art — Katonah
Through January 23
Get a history lesson through art that illustrates the human experience. The display of nearly 50 works from the 16th century to modern day will examine concepts of arrival, belonging, storytelling, and more!
katonahmuseum.org
Wanda Sykes at The Egg — Albany
January 23, 7 p.m.
The veteran actress, writer, and comedian comes to Albany’s Egg as part of their Guest Comedy Presentation series. Fans of her most recent special, Wanda Sykes: Not Normal, and of her characters in Black-ish, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and The Upshaws won’t want to miss this one-night performance.
theegg.org
Porcelain Painting with Paola Bari at Wallkill River School — Wallkill
January 24, 26, 28, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Sign up for a special workshop with solo exhibitionist Paola Bari. Over the course of three lessons you’ll learn the delicate basics of painting porcelain and come away with a painted plate. Materials included in registration fee.
wallkillriverschool.com
Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Emelin Theatre — Mamaroneck
January 27, 8 p.m.
Bringing uplifting vocals, dance, and a message of peace and harmony to the Hudson Valley, this 5-time Grammy award-winning group is guaranteed to lift the winter blues.
emelin.org
David Dorfman Dance @ UAlbany — Albany
January 28, 7:30 p.m.
A(Way) Out of My Body explores the concept of where our minds take us when the weight of everyday life becomes too heavy. Experience a “radically humanistic” experience through innovative and inclusive dance at SUNY Albany’s theater.
theegg.org
Met Live HD: Rigoletto (Verdi) at The Bardavon — Poughkeepsie
January 29, 1 p.m.
Enjoy powerful falsettos set against 1920s art deco staging for this reimagined version of the classic opera. A bonus for opera lovers: Ticketholders will have access to an exclusive talk with Leslie Gerber, a music teacher at Marist, a half hour before the show begins.
bardavon.org
