Which of these January happenings will you check out? Adobe Stock | luckybusiness
A New Year’s Day brunch and concert, a taste of France, music events, cooking, a winter weekend, and more are musts this month.
New Year’s Day Drag Brunch — Mama Roux, Newburgh
January 1, 11 a.m.
Spice up the first day of 2023 with Cajun food and fun performances by host Victoria Bohmore, along with Belle Pepper and Cookie Doe. All proceeds from tickets (which includes a mimosa!) will benefit the city’s LGBTQ+ Center. More info at eventbrite.com
New Year’s Day Concert for Peace — Brewster
January 1, 2–3:30 p.m.
Ring in the new year with a peaceful celebration of music, poetry readings, and more at this annual event. Admission is free at The Studio Around the Corner on Main. Donations suggested. culturalartsco.com
If you’re flying out of Albany International over the next few months, get there a bit early to take in an art exhibit—yes, there’s a gallery at the airport. The current show (through February 27), “Lumen,” features unusual sculptures and prints that are activated by light, such as painted acrylic, gem-shaped expired film, and more. “Visitors will experience shifts in the dimension and character of the artwork as the sunlight and weather change over the course of a day or throughout a season,” says Kathy Greenwood, director of the airport’s art and culture program. Learn more at albanyairportartandcultureprogram.com. – Francesca Furey
Bach at New Year’s — Troy
January 1, 3 p.m.
Presented by the Berkshire Baroque Society, this nearly 30-year-old tradition starts the year on a high note with string, woodwind, and brass ensemble performances of concertos by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, and Telemann. troymusichall.org
A Taste of France with Kevin Zraly — New Paltz
January 6–8
Join renowned wine expert Kevin Zraly for a weekend of vino education. You’ll learn about decades of wine history, taste local blends from wineries on the Shawangunk Wine Trail, and try some of Zraly’s French favorites. mohonk.com
Deni Bonet & Chris Flynn — Suffern
January 8, 1:30 p.m.
Famed violinist and singer-songwriter Deni Bonet brings her unique style of pop-rock-meets-folk music to the Suffern Library to a show for all ages. Rock guitarist and singer Chris Flynn, who has previously accompanied Rock & Roll Hall of Famers like Ronnie Spector, will also perform. suffernfreelibrary.org
Greensky Bluegrass — Port Chester
January 13–14, 8 p.m.
Leaders of the bluegrass genre, the Greensky Bluegrass quintet (who sold out three Red Rocks Amphitheatre shows) takes over The Capitol for two nights. Expect songs from their 2022 release “Stress Dreams” on the set list. thecapitoltheatre.com
Mediterranean Cooking — Hyde Park
January 21, 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
In this five-hour intensive class, foodies will learn the ins and outs of cooking up healthful Mediterranean cuisine, from Spanish tapas to Italian flatbreads. ciafoodies.com
At the World Dairy Expo in September 2022, Stewart’s Shops walked away with a handful of awards. Their Peanut Butter Pandemonium won best PB ice cream in the nation. They also earned second place in mint flavors for their Mint Cookie Crumble and third place for both their Mango Dragon Fruit sherbet and Salty Caramel gelato. Stewart’s ice cream is fresh and local—their dairy is sourced from 20 family-owned farms in Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington counties—which is nice to know the next time you’re craving a homemade scoop and your local ice cream shop is closed for the winter.
Related: This Converted Dairy Barn Is a Dream Countryside Retreat
Wassail Celebration — Red Hook
January 21, 4–5 p.m.
An old English tradition, the practice of Wassailing celebrates the 2022 harvest and toasts the next one by anointing apple trees with cider. Join Rose Hill Farm for a bonfire and a late afternoon guided orchard walk filled with readings, poetry, and songs. pickrosehillfarm.com
A Sense of Community: Celebrating Jerry Pinkney’s Legacy — Katonah
Through January 22
Author-illustrator Jerry Pinkney impacted children’s literature by making it more diverse and inclusive. Learn about this Caldecott Medal winner’s work at the Katonah Museum. katonahmuseum.org
Lunar New Year Celebration — Albany
January 22, 3 p.m.
Celebrate the beginning of the Lunar Year (it’s the Year of the Rabbit, FYI) with traditional Chinese melodies performed by violist Hsin-Yun Wang and renowned pipa player Wu Man of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble. capitalregionclassical.org
Adam Ezra Group — Pawling
January 27, 8 p.m.
A folk quartet from Boston, the Adam Ezra Group comes to Daryl’s House to perform original songs from their extensive catalogue. Albany-based rock duo SIRSY will be joining them. darylshouseclub.com
Winter Family Weekend at East Valley Ranch — Claryville
January 27–29
The Frost Valley YMCA opens their grounds for the annual Winter Family Weekend, packed with fun including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, cookie decorating, and interacting with farm animals. Reservations can be made online. frostvalley.org
Art Show: Bedford — Bedford
Opens January 28
Head to St. Matthew’s Church to support local artists and charities at for this 50th annual art show. Paintings, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, and more will be for sale. All proceeds benefit community organizations. artshowbedford.org
The Dolly Disco — Woodstock
January 28, 8 p.m.
A fun night of dancing and music, this Dolly Parton-inspired country-western disco party takes over The Colony’s ballroom for an 18+ hoedown. colonywoodstock.com
Lurrie Bell — Albany
January 28, 8 p.m.
The son of famous harmonica player Carey Bell, musician Lurrie Bell carries on the family craft with soulful Chicago-style blues. Catch him performing covers and original compositions at WAMC radio’s The Linda, a performing arts studio. thelinda.org
Related: Bedford Post Inn Is a Delight for Weekend Escapes in Westchester
