Polly's Picks

Love to travel (and who doesn’t)? If the economy is forcing you to stick closer to home than you would like this summer, you can still escape at Far Away Places, the current exhibit at the Tivoli Artists Co-op. This group show of works by contemporary painters takes you around the world through an artist’s eyes. Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 1-9 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. through Aug. 16. 60 Broadway, Tivoli. 845-757-2667

More than 30 artists and crafters — painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, ceramicists, and others — are part of this year’s Saugerties Artists Studio Tour. Visit the work spaces of these creative folks, learn about what they do, and how they do it. And keep your eye out for items in the “Explore Saugerties Treasure Hunt”: See if you can hunt down the Quadricentennial-themed art works which are “hidden in plain view” around the village. Aug. 8-9. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Now in its second year, the fledgling Mt. Tremper Arts Festival offers top-flight visual arts performances in the heart of the Catskills. Their lineup this month includes contemporary dance by four acclaimed New York City troupes; a commissioned chamber opera, Scarlet Fever, by the Collective Opera Company; and The Noble Savage and the Little Tramp, a group art show whose theme is the search for the basic and primal in life (and art). Weekends through Aug. 29; call for exact schedule. All performances begin at 8 p.m. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 647 S. Plank Rd., Mt. Tremper. 877-238-5596

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Regardless of what type of tunes are on your iPod, the folks at Bethel Woods have something for you this month. From the Original New York Doo Wopp Show (Aug. 1) to the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with Arlo Guthrie (Aug. 22); country star Brad Paisley (Aug. 29) to blues master B.B. King with Buddy Guy (Aug. 27); current chart-toppers O.A.R. (Aug. 12) and the Dave Matthews Band (Aug. 5) to ’70s favorites Loggins & Messina with Poco (Aug. 21), it’s hard to find a musical genre they don’t have covered. And don’t forget Heroes of Woodstock (Aug. 15), which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the original festival (yes, it’s been that long). Call for times and ticket information. Hurd Rd. (off Rte. 17B), Bethel. 800-745-3000

It may be the hazy, lazy days of summer, but you’d never know it from the schedule at the Jacob Burns Film Center. This month’s series, titled “International Noir,” features 20 hard-boiled crime classics — everything from Double Indemnity (above) and The Third Man to Chinatown (Aug. 6-Sept. 3). Not to be left out, kids and their families can catch the Marx Brothers in A Night at the Opera (Aug. 1-2) or the musical Oliver! (Aug. 22-23 & 29-30). Call for complete schedule and ticket information. 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville. 914-747-5555

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