Joust for Joy
Hast thou ever wondered what life was like in Europe during the 1500s and 1600s? Through the end of the month, Valley residents (and visitors) can experience things that are found usually only in history books at the Renaissance Faire. Wander around medieval England and learn what it means to have lived in the time of Shakespeare, knights, and court jesters. With sword fights, live jousting, artisan shops, comedy performances, period-appropriate food, and costumes galore, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Through September 27. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $24, $11 ages 5-12, 4 and under free. Sterling Forest. 600 Rte. 17A, Tuxedo. 845-351-5171; www.renfair.com
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Mad for Madigan
For 25 years, comedienne Kathleen Madigan has had audiences in stitches. She’s appeared on Leno’s, Letterman’s, Conan’s, and Ferguson’s shows, not to mention specials on HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime, and Salute the Troops CMT. Madigan Again, her third hour-long special, was named one of the Best Comedy Albums by iTunes in 2013. Her five CDs and three DVDs have also garnered high praise. September 17. 8 p.m. $35-$45. Tarrytown Music Hall. 13 Main St, Tarrytown. 914-631-3390; www.tarrytownmusichall.org
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Fantastic Films
For 16 years, the Woodstock Film Festival has lived up to its “fiercely independent” tagline, showcasing independent flicks along with first-class concerts, celebrity-led panel discussions, and great parties full of A-list celebrities. This year’s kickoff event is a screening of The Poet of Havana, Ron Chapman’s documentary about the life of Cuban singer and songwriter Carlos Varela. Following the film, Varela himself performs with Jackson Browne. The next day’s screening features another documentary, 1 Giant Leap II: What About Me? that follows the British electronic African music duo of the same name. A Q&A with Stewart Copeland and Krishna Das follows. September 30-October 4. Call or visit website for exact schedule and ticket information. 845-679-4265; www.woodstockfilmfestival.com
Music to Our Ears
Catch the last month of performances of the centennial season of The Maverick Concert Series, Woodstock’s longstanding tradition of summer outdoor classical concerts. The celebratory lineup includes guitarist Happy Traum with John Sebastian, Byron Isaacs, and Cindy Cashdollar (September 5); the Dover Quartet, making their Maverick debut (September 6); Woodstock legends Marc Black and Warren Bernhardt (September 12); and the American String Quartet (September 13) to wrap up the season. Call or visit website for times and ticket information. 120 Maverick Rd., Woodstock. 845-679-8217; www.maverickconcerts.org
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No Sound Barrier
The creators of Mountain Jam have done it again. In celebration of 35 years of local and independent broadcasting from Radio Woodstock, the masterminds behind the mega jam session at Hunter Mountain present the first Speed of Sound Festival. In addition to many local food vendors, the day’s festivities include performances by the Avett Brothers (their final show in the Northeast this year), Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Hot Tuna (Electric), Amy Helm and the Handsome Strangers, homegrown talent Connor Kennedy and Minstrel, and Elijah Wolf. September 26. 11 a.m. $55-$200. Dutchess County Airport. 263 New Hackensack Rd., Wappingers Falls. www.speedofsoundfest.com
