Out & About in July 2010

Musical melange

Music lovers of every stripe can take their pick of top-shelf performers at Bethel Woods this month. The hugely popular Dave Matthews Band returns July 13 with their legendary live show. Looking for vintage rock? The Moody Blues, whose hits (“Nights in White Satin,” “Tuesday Afternoon”) have held up for more than 40 years, perform on July 10. The New York Philharmonic celebrates Independence Day with conductor Bramwell Tovey (and fireworks) on July 3, while the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra hosts Broadway diva Idina Menzel on July 31. British rocker Sting performs his best-known songs — arranged symphonically — with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra (July 30). Last but not least, guitarist extraordinaire Carlos Santana returns to the Woodstock site for the first time since his unforgettable set at the 1969 concert (July 17). Call or visit Web site for times and ticket information. 200 Hurd Rd., Bethel. 866-781-2922 or www.bethelwoodscenter.org

Double take: Paintings and drawings by Valley artist Richard Deon feature stereotypical figures in out-of-context settings

By the book

Inspired by the black-and-white illustrations common in 1950s school textbooks, artist (and Valley resident) Richard Deon arranges common images in a way that challenges the viewer’s assumptions. Figures that resemble teachers or scientists are placed in artificial settings and juxtaposed with incongruous forms and colors. While at first, these works may appear to be reassuringly familiar, upon closer examination, they are anything but. Richard Deon: Paradox and Conformity, an exhibit of more than 50 of the artist’s paintings and drawings, is on display at the Hudson River Museum from July 30-Sept. 6. Wed.-Sun. 12-5 p.m., Fri. to 7:30 p.m. $5, $3 seniors & children 5-16. 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914-963-4550 or www.hrm.org

Cutting-edge Catskills

“Homespun but sophisticated” is how the New York Times describes the Mount Tremper Arts Summer Festival. Experimental artists — dancers, musicians, photographers, spoken-word performers — offer provocative works in the site’s studio building, which is surrounded by 150 wooded acres. The fest’s third season begins July 10 with a free performance by members of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and the “postclassical” string quartet ETHEL. In an unusual twist, “Friday Night Food for the Arts Barbecues” combine informal performances and artist conversations with a community picnic dinner. July 10-Aug. 15. Visit Web site for complete details and ticket information. 647 S. Plank Rd., Mt. Tremper; www.mounttremperarts.org

Fabled females

Planning on catching the summer sales at the Palisades Center mall this month? Be sure to stop by the main atrium, where you can see Women of Rockland: Portraits of Sacred Myths, an installation by photographer Lisa Levart. Fabric banners of five local women — each from a different cultural background — are suspended between the three floors of the mall. Each of the women is dressed to represent a mythic character from her ancestral background. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. through July 31. 1000 Palisades Center Dr., W. Nyack. 845-358-7986 or www.womenofrockland.com

Trodding the boards

Heading into its 26th season, the Powerhouse Theater schedule is once again jam-packed with big-name playwrights (Doubt’s John Patrick Shanley), directors (Michael Mayer of Spring Awakening and American Idiot), and actors (Tony-winner Anika Noni Rose, who’ll star in Mayer’s reimagined version of Alan Jay Lerner’s classic On A Clear Day You Can See Forever). Shanley’s newest work, Pirate; We are Here, by Powerhouse newcomer Tracy Thorne; and Sam Beatrix at the Bon Soir — penned by Poughkeepsie native Keith Bunin — are all on tap. Through Aug. 1. Call or visit Web site for complete schedule and ticket information. Vassar College campus. 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie. 845-437-5907 or www.powerhouse.vassar.edu