Political pranksters
Has the bluster surrounding the presidential election left your head spinning? Take a humorous look at the carnage of the campaign trail with Chicago City Limits. The touring company of this New York City-based comedy improv troupe takes issue with the issues in “One State, Two State, Red State, Blue State.” This revue uses comedy sketches, musical numbers, and audience-inspired improvisation to pillory the faces, places, and events that have shaped this year’s political melee. No matter which side will get your vote, this timely show provides a welcome break from bitter debates, negative sound bites, and all those ads. Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. $27, $24 seniors, $15 students. 30 Second St., Troy. 518-273-0038 or www.troymusichall.org
Mirroring Monet
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Giverny is famous for being the home of Impressionist Claude Monet, whose oil paintings of the French village’s haystacks and water lilies grace the walls of museums the world over. Less well-known is the fact that Monet’s presence in the area attracted other artists, many of whom were American. Impressionist Giverny: American Painters in France 1885-1915, currently on view at the Albany Institute of History and Art, features more than 50 oil paintings by members of this diverse group. Monet’s direct influence on these artists is apparent in their earliest works, which often depict landscape views. In later years, however, their focus shifted to creating portraits of the villagers — a subject their mentor largely ignored. Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. through Jan. 4. $10, $8 seniors & students, $6 children 6-12. 125 Washington Ave., Albany. 518-462-1522 or www.albanyinstitute.org
All like it hot
Budding chefs — and those who just like to eat — are eager to test the competition at the third annual Columbia-Greene Chili Cook-Off and Riverfront Fair. This contest pits chili preparers in both counties against one another to see whose concoction can set the most mouths ablaze. Join the fun at either of two outdoor venues, the Waterfront Park in Hudson or Historic Catskill Point. Whether you’re there to participate or support those vying for the title of Best Chili, there will be more than enough food and fun to go around. Along with activities for the kiddies and live entertainment, a cross-county farmers’ market will offer an assortment of produce and mouthwatering treats for those who can’t take the (chili’s) heat. Free ferry service is available, so you can check out the opposing county’s contest entries. May the best chili win! Oct. 4. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $7, under 12 free. Water St., Hudson and Main St., Catskill. 518-828-4417 or www.columbiacountybounty.com
Busy at the Bardavon
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The fall season moves into high gear this month at the Bardavon Opera House. To start things off, pianist Olga Kern joins the Hudson Valley Philharmonic for a concert featuring Rachmaninoff’s ever-popular Piano Concerto no. 2 (Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. $24-$44). Singer Susan Tedeschi — whose vocal style combines elements of blues, rock, R&B, folk, and gospel — plays selections from her latest release, Hope and Desire, on Oct. 10 (8 p.m. Call for ticket prices). Next up is Chris Botti, the contemporary jazz trumpeter and composer who has performed with a laundry list of musical megastars from Andrea Bocelli to Frank Sinatra (Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. $55). End the month with a double bill of chills: Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World are recreated by LA Theatre Works, a radio-theater company (Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. Call for ticket prices). 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072 or www.bardavon.org
